Care & Conversation

Hayley growled at herself inside angrily. This is no time to panic. She told herself harshly her gaze locked onto unconscious Elijah.

After a few seconds Hayley's instincts then began to take over, her eyes flashing towards the rocky ceiling above them, the uncontrollable beat in her heart was driving her on. She reached out feeling the chain shaking it, then tugging it. One thought swiftly leading to another.

"Okay, so I'm hybrid now." She spoke to herself breathing more heavily as she wrapped part of the chain around her four fingers and then grasped the metal hard forming a firm grip. The pain in her side had miraculously disappeared now and she felt herself open to the power of her new form.

This vault is ancient the ceiling can't be that strong. she calculated forming the angle where the cracks from Elijah's previous attempts were most distinct. From his position Elijah was right, breaking the chain was impossible. But Hayley considered her own angle and the hybrid strength and then ground her teeth and narrowed her eyes resolute that she could do this.

After a short countdown to herself she then wrenched the horrid contraption with all her might her eyes glowing a golden yellow as her supernatural side flooded her with the strength she was in need of. At first there was little sign of success but as Hayley loosened her grip her accentuated hearing caught sound of one little crack spreading and speeding through the surface.

Hayley then gripped the chain tight and pulled once again until the bolt hold sprung free releasing Elijah's let arm. Now that she knew it was possible freeing the second hold was not as difficult and she accomplished the task speeding over to Elijah before he hit the ground.

"Hey.." she called to him positioning him again the wall and stroking the side of his oh so perfect cheek. She observed his face now and it hit her how much she missed him.

Hayley looked around the room while crouching near him and recalled the jug of water she had seen during her search. She then rushed over to retrieve it vamp speed before returning to his side. She placed the jug next to them sliding her hand over his bare chest to feel his heart beat, that provided her with some peace. She then observed him closely refusing to remove her hand. He was a mess but still flawless. How can anyone be so striking after being battered and tortured. She thought.

As these thoughts crossed her mind, Elijah grumbled and Hayley hastily removed her hand reaching for the jug. As soon as his eyes opened he jolted by the change of scene, Hayley grasped his arm to reassure him and on feeling her touch all felt right.

"Hayley." He murmured shuffling to pull himself.

"Drink this." Hayley replied to him firmly bringing the jug to his slips. He did so without questioning and then grasping the jug with both hands from her and gulped every drop dry.

"Forgive me." He then replied and Hayley couldn't help but internally eye role.

As he wiped his lips with the back of his hand, Hayley took a seat next to him leaning her head against the wall and closing her eyes.

Elijah took a look at the trailing chains and then turned towards her.

"Yep. Hybrid, werewolf temper." She replied nodding with her eyes still closed.

Elijah smiled while Hayley's eyes were shut. It was a genuine smile and he couldn't recall the last time they'd had light hearted conversation. It was always so tense, he'd even chosen to leave the compound to prevent such painful encounters.

Elijah then recalled the last time Hayley had spoke those words and his eyes lowered. Hayley's position remained unchanged but she wondered if he was thinking about her bath antic too.

"What was that?" Hayley then asked turning towards him, a confused look upon her face.

Elijah looked at her confused his drifting mind returning to here and now.

"You were totally knocked out." She replied.

Elijah leaned his head back against the wall as she had.

"My mother wishes to purify me." He announced.

Hayley's eyebrows furrowed.

"She's been in my head." He then hissed stroking his forehead.

Hayley did not speak in the hope that he would continue.

"When our family first settled here, there was a girl named Tatia, she was an exquisite beauty. Every boy of age desired to be her suitor, even though she'd had a child by another man. And none loved her more than Niklaus." He spoke and Hayley's interest heightened. How had she not heard of this before?

"My mother wishes to use this girl in her attempts to cleanse me." He spoke and then stopped abrupt.

"So you loved her too..." Hayley asked picking up on the signs.

Elijah turned to looked at her surprised by her interest and perception.

"It was complicated and I dare say a long time ago." Elijah replied coolly.

"It was Tatia's blood which my mother used to change us into the cursed being that I now am."

"The monster." He spoke and Hayley's stomach clenched, her eyes lowering.

The tension between them began to grow.

"Elijah why did you leave the compound?" The words were out of Hayley's mouth before she could prevent them from escaping and in a snappish tone too.

Elijah's eyes narrowed at her behaviour but he answered nonetheless.

"I believed I would be of better use elsewhere. The vampire community needed assistance and as a duty to my kind like your duty to your pack drove me to make the decision." He answered rather diplomatically.

Hayley pursed her lips at this answer recalling how he had spoken of her "beasts" being "a little much."

"Elijah I brought the werewolves back because they are my people. They needed me." She explained not seeing why he refused to understand.

Of course Elijah understood all too well, for he was the one who had suggested Klaus take her to her people. He was currently just testing her state.

He internally admired the strength of her answer, he was glad being with her people had had a positive effect.

Elijah then made an attempt to rise, remembering his decision about Hayley about giving her the space she required, keeping a distance not encouraging affection. However, being in no condition to successfully do so, caused Hayley to grasp his arm. He could barely sit up, let alone walk about the place.

Yet as Hayley grasped him her urge to speak was swatted away and met by an image. Elijah's realised what was about to occur but it was too late. The mind link was open.