Just as she thought, Cella spent the next few days visiting the compound to help the Mikaelsons. The prophecy had been chilling, to say the least, and everyone was on edge around everyone else. It seemed no one could be trusted, except perhaps Cella herself, though the Mikaelsons mostly kept their distance. A faction called The Strix had arrived, and Cella had watched as Elijah left to their party, Hayley wearing one of Rebekah's gowns and holding his arm. It didn't take her long to realize the rampant jealousy she felt wasn't just her; Hayley's husband, Jackson, clearly felt threatened as well. Cella had set a workshop up in her old room for easy access, though she kept her apartment. She was surprised when Cami entered and shut the door, a worried look on her face.

"Cella, can you help me with something?" At the witch's nod, Cami took a seat across the table from her. "There are new people in town. Dangerous people."

"Tristan, Lucien, and Aurora." Cami looked surprised as Cella shrugged. "I met Tristan in the park before...Well…" She cleared her throat. "And the others have been all the Mikaelsons have talked about."

"Right, so that's where my concern comes in. I dig some digging on those three." A folder was pulled from her bag and flicked open. Cella scooted her chair around to get a better look. "They're big names these days, but the farther back it goes, the weirder it gets."

"Weird, how?" Cella noted how seemingly thin the folder was.

"They didn't exist before. These people are supposedly the first vampires turned by the Originals and yet, there's nothing about them for nearly a thousand years." Cami was biting her lip now, and something about this rang a bell with Cella. Pulling out her phone, she sent a quick text to her brother, knowing he would be willing to help more than their mother.

"That is weird. I may have an answer for that, but I won't know for a few days at least." Cami nodded and Cella was suddenly hit with a wave of relief.

"Thanks. And, um… I wanted to ask about something else, a bit more personal." It was clear Cami was hesitant and Cella gave her most reassuring smile.

"Of course."

"Can you keep an eye on Klaus for me? When you can, that is." The request was certainly surprising, but feeling the affection coming off of Cami, Cella knew she'd do her best to fulfill it. Mistaking Cella's silence for hesitation, Cami began to ramble. "I know I'm not a Mikaelson and you don't have to do what I ask, but I just thought-"

"I'll do my best." More relief from her friend before she was pulled into a hug, chuckling quietly.

"Thank you so much. You have no idea what that means." With a nod, Cella released the woman.

"Anytime, Cami. You may not think so, but you're as much a part of that family as any of them." Cami nodded, tucking her folder away and standing. "And once I have any information regarding those three, I'll let you and the others know."

"Thanks again." With that, Cami left, leaving Cella to her thoughts. A glance to her left confirmed she had a full stock of herbs, but she realized she should get another crucial one. Grabbing her jacket and satchel, she headed for the shops in the Quarter, knowing a witch there should have what she needed. It took a few shops, but she finally found one with a friendly enough ancestral witch. The woman had seemed concerned when Cella had asked for vervain, but more than willing to sell her a large bundle at bulk. As she held the flowers, Cella made a mental note to wash her hands thoroughly at her return, not wanting to hurt one of her charges. The night was as quiet as could be expected in the Quarter and she took her time going home, letting the wind play with her hair.

"My, aren't you an ethereal beauty." The voice gave her pause, and she turned slowly to see a man smirking down at her. He was closer than she would have liked, and she took an automatic step back. "Oh, no need to fear."

"You'll forgive me if I'm not inclined to believe every vampire who says that." His smile froze and his eyes darkened a bit, raking over her form.

"Well, aren't we knowledgeable? I trust you know who I am, then?" Cella shook her head, adjusting her bag so that the vervain would be more accessible. He didn't seem any happier with her answer, but she wasn't surprised. Vampires often thought higher of themselves than they really were. "The name is Lucien Castle." Her eyes widened a bit and his smirk grew. "So you have heard of me."

"Only in passing. One of the first children of the Originals." She wasn't sure why she had worded it like that, but it was familiar. She hoped Jun would get back to her regarding that information soon. Lucien's face twisted a bit, and it was clear she had unknowingly hit a nerve.

"Yes, well, not exactly how we prefer to be known." He stepped closer again, nearly in her personal space, and she could feel curiosity from him. "I was hoping to run into someone who may be able to help me find my old friends." Given how worried the Mikaelsons had been about these people, she thought it best to decline.

"I'm sorry, I'm not going to be able to help you." Cella turned to go, less than surprised when Lucien appeared in front of her, blocking her path. She knew she couldn't go to the compound now; even if she managed to slip away from him, he'd only follow. The idea of him following her home was also less than appealing; that left Marcel's place, where there were plenty of vampires to keep her safe. Keeping calm, she pulled her phone out and held it between Lucien and herself, sending a quick text to MArcel. "Please, step aside. I really have to get going."

"Now, now, there's no need to rush." Lucien was in her face now, enough for her to see his pupils contract as he tried to compel her. A part of her was grateful she'd been taking vervain again; once it was determined vampires were likely the threat the prophecy mentioned, she had began to take it again, worried someone might try to use her against the Mikaelsons. Pushing past the vampire, she knew she was walking a thin line, blowing him off. She hoped he would find too much use in her to kill her on the spot. He moved to catch up with her, walking alongside this time rather than outright stopping her.

"If you aren't going to help me, perhaps you can direct me to someone who will." It was more of a statement than a request, and she racked her brain trying to think of who he could speak to. Cella didn't want to put anyone into unnecessary danger.

"I hear The strix would be the ones to talk to. They just came to town, looking for the same people." She could feel his discomfort at the information, but not necessarily surprise. "Now, if you'll excuse me."

"Actually, perhaps I can walk you home. It can be dangerous at night for a lone woman." Her phone buzzed and she peeked to confirm Marcel had given her free reign of his couch for the night. Giving a tight smile, she turned to Lucien, noting the calculating look she was giving him.

"Thanks, but no thanks. Have a nice night, Mr. Castle." He left her to walk on her own then, but she could feel him the entire way to Marcel's place. The last she felt of him was his disappointment, as this was obviously not the place to find the Mikaelsons, before she was left to the loft with a few vampires guarding the entrances. Breathing her first sigh of relief, she found her way into Marcel's liquor stash, pouring herself a drink and settling on the couch. It was likely going to be a long night, and she wasn't entirely sure how she'd make it back to the compound in the morning without leading Lucien there.