Sinners and Saints

Chapter 7


Elijah

I returned to the house after a stroll around the quarter. I noticed a white envelope sitting next to the bourbon on bar. I walked towards it in curiosity. My name was on the front, embossed in gold lettering. Carefully, I opened the letter. It was an invitation to a gala being thrown by our foes, the Triad...tonight. Aurora, Tristan, and Lucien knew that this tight of a timeline gave us little time to prepare.

"I see you've got one too," Hayley called out as she and Jackson walked towards me. She held an identical invitation in her hand.

"Indeed. Looks like the game is on..."

"Should we be worried?" Jackson asked me seriously he asked with his arms crossed over his chest.

"I told you it would be fine," his wife said with sigh.

"You always say it'll be fine. You think it's protecting me and it's not. Elijah knows these people, he truly knows what they are capable of."

"I'm going to be honest with you, they are very old and very strong. They are also very conniving...we made them after all. We are up against a great force with the Triad...and this very well could her dangerous for all of us," I replied honestly.

"Thank you for your honesty," he said taking a deep breath.

"Oh good, you're here," Niklaus declared as he walked down the stairs.

"I take it you've already seen the invitation, Brother," I observed. He had that look he gets when he has been scheming.

"I have. We're all going to attend that little gala, we have to," he replied seriously. Hurried footsteps approached. We all turned to see Giselle fly into the courtyard, in a full sprint. She was clearly in the middle of exercising, her body was clad in a tiny sports bra and spandex shorts. Her blonde hair pulled into a high ponytail. Her abs and chest glistened with a hint of sweat.

"Nik, what happened?! Is everybody alright?" She asked out of breath. She looked incredibly panicked.

"Nothing's happened. We're all fine and well. Thanks for coming so promptly, love," he responded with a pleased expression on his face. She furrowed her brow.

"God dammit, Nik! You told me this was an emergency! I thought something was wrong!" she growled. "I'm like half naked!"

"Don't worry. Nobody here minds the attire. It suits you," he said with an amused grin. She tried to stay mad but was failing miserably. Her lips broke into a partial smile.

"You'll quickly grow accustomed to Niklaus' whims," I assured her.

"Adorable!" She cooed. "Alright, so you dragged me...and I'm assuming all of them here for something, Nik. You better spill!"

"Alright, we'll get down to business then!" he declared.

"Finally," Hayley sighed rather impatiently.

"Our enemies, Tristan, Lucien, and Aurora are throwing some sort of gala tonight. We've all received invitations so we are in for an interesting evening. Obviously they have something they want to accomplish by inviting us. We need to be on edge. Tonight's objective? To find out what the hell their plans are here in New Orleans."

"Sounds simple enough, Brother. I better have my tux pressed," I decided.

"Already done," he replied.

"So you guys are going to a party. Parties are great. What I don't get is why you wanted me here exactly?" Giselle asked with a confused look on her face. "I wasn't invited to some ball."

"Gala!" he corrected.

"Gala, whatever!"

"Well, love, you are coming with us of course! It is a proper gala, we all get a plus one!"

"Is that right?" she asked with her hands on her hips. He nodded. "And why would I want to go exactly?"

"Because you're one of us now. We do this stuff together," he said simply. Her face lit up a little. "So you're coming."

"Fine, I'll go."

"Fantastic, you'll be Elijah's date for the evening!" Klaus determined.

"And why isn't she your date?" I questioned. I was curious why he wouldn't take her as his own date. They were incredibly chummy after all.

"First, Elijah, you are a much more attentive date and secondly, Aurora will be there. If she sees me walk in with a hot date, she'll try to kill her! You know how jealous she gets."

"I admit that you're probably right in this instance," I said with a laugh. Aurora was incredibly unstable mentally which made her almost as dangerous as she was reckless. I looked over to Giselle. "I'd be honored if you'd accompany me to the Gala."

"I'd love to go with you, Elijah," she said with a smile. I couldn't help but smile back at her. "So what am I supposed to wear to this thing?"

"Don't worry, I've taken care of it. Your dress will be here this afternoon. Come over whenever to change," Niklaus said simply.

"Okay...well, see you guys later then?"

"Yes. Bye, Giselle." She put her I-pod headphones back in her ears and ran out into the Quarter.


That night...

I came down the stairs to the courtyard. Niklaus was sitting in a chair, having a glass of bourbon.

"Nice tux," he remarked.

"Well thank you, Brother, I appreciate you sending it out for me."

"No problem. Wanted to make sure that we were ready for tonight."

"Guys, you look so handsome!" Freya cooed as she emerged from her room. She was wearing a purple gown for the gala. She was accompanying Niklaus.

"You look incredibly beautiful, Sister!" I said sweetly.

"Thank you. I'm just happy to be in on the hi-jinx this time. I never get to go on your adventures!" she joked.

"Well... I needed a date!" Niklaus replied cheekily. She whacked his arm playfully.

"Hey!" she exclaimed.

"You know I'm kidding!"

"You're always so mean, Niklaus!" I said with a laugh.

"Someone has to be. Besides aren't little brothers supposed to give their older siblings hell?" he said simply.

"That's what I hear!" He looked up towards the balcony.

"Giselle, love, are you nearly done?" Nik yelled.

"Give me a damn minute!" She yelled back. Niklaus and I looked at each other and laughed. She had a mouth on her and she didn't seem to fear Nik one bit. An anomaly of some sort. I wasn't sure if that was good or bad quite yet.

"Need any help?" Freya called out to her.

"Uh, nope. I'm finished!" She announced as she emerged from Rebekah's room. It was cliche to say but she looked absolutely breathtaking. Her long, black gown contrasted beautifully with her sun kissed skin and platinum blonde hair. A high slit showed a little of her toned legs as she descended down the staircase. I walked over to the bottom and extended my hand to her. Her hand grabbed mine and I helped her down the last few stairs.

"Hello handsome," she said softly.

"Hello. You look stunning." A smile crossed her glossy lips.

"Thank you. I have to admit, your brother is oddly good at picking out formal wear."

"Yes, he's a jack of all trades."

"Are you sure he didn't take my measurements while I slept or something?" She joked. "This thing fits me like a glove."

"I wish I could tell you without a doubt that he didn't," I quipped. A laugh escaped her lips.

"Shall we be going then?" Niklaus asked.

"After you, Brother."


We arrived at the Gala that was already in full swing. The Mikaelson's liked to make an entrance. An orchestra was playing music and people danced about happily. If I didn't know this room was packed with vampires, witches, and werewolves, I'd say this was going to be a fun evening.

"Would you care for a drink?" I offered my lovely date.

"I would. Thank you, Elijah." I went to fetch us a couple of drinks. On my way back to her, I noticed all of the attention she was getting from onlookers. She seemed oblivious to all of it as she watched the musicians intently. Suddenly, as if she knew I was watching her, her head turned and her blue eyes met mine. Her lips parted into a smile.

"Here you go."

"My hero! I don't know how to navigate these things without alcohol," she admitted.

"You're very charming, I'm sure you'd do fine without. Luckily, you don't have to find out tonight."

"Very true. So who are most of these people anyways?"

"Well there are some of the bigwigs from New Orleans you know, the rich and powerful. The rest of these people are a part of the group, the Strix. They are an ancient society of vampires. Very powerful. Tristan is a part of the group."

"Where do they come from?"

"They mostly descended from me and my sire line, actually. I founded the group many years ago."

"Awww so you're like their Dad," she said with a giggle.

"Absolutely not! I'm too young and dashing to be their father!" I protested.

"Fair enough," she winked. "So you founded the group but obviously aren't involved anymore. Who runs the group now?" She asked before chugging a large portion of her drink.

"Tristan de Martel. I believe you've met him," I said with a cheeky grin.

"That I have."

"He was the first vampire I ever sired. Rebekah sired his sister, Aurora, and Niklaus sired their friend Lucien. Lucien was the first..it was on accident really. We didn't know that our blood could heal others or that people dying with vampire blood in their systems would turn them. With that, the Triad was born."

"Wow...and now they have reemerged to try to do who knows what!"

"Yeah, the world is a funny place...so another drink?" I asked.

"Yes please! I'm parched!"

"I'll go grab us another round."


Giselle

I looked out at the crowd with a sense of wonder as I waited for Elijah to return. It was a bizarre scene to be apart of. The room was buzzing with activity.

"Hello stranger," a familiar voice greeted. I turned to see Tristan de Martel standing before me.

"Hi, Tristan! How funny to see you here!"

"I was thinking the same thing about you! You know, I'm one of the hosts of this little event. I don't remember your name being on the list, " he teased.

"Well I am very popular, Mr. de Martel. All kinds of people wanted me to be their date to this thing," I joked.

"I can see why!"

"Well you did an amazing job with the gala. It looks amazing in here. I'm having a great time," I assured him.

"Glad to hear it. You look stunning in that gown," he complimented.

"In that case, I might just have to trade all of my dresses in for formal gowns!" I quipped.

"You'd make quite a statement, that's for sure. Although you do that without the eccentric attire as well."

"I'd like to think so. That's very kind of you to say."

"It's well deserved. So... Who is your date this evening?" He asked curiously.

"Elijah Mikaelson. You know him?" I asked cheekily knowing full well he knew his sire.

"That I do. Uh...how did you meet exactly?"

"Oh just around town. It's amazing the people you meet here just going about your business. Everybody is so friendly."

"How very true it is!" he exclaimed. Elijah emerged from the crowd with our drinks.

"Tristan," he said politely.

"Elijah," he replied. "Well...I'll leave you two to your date then. Save me a dance!"

"Sure thing, Tristan!" I answered back politely.

"Sorry it took so long. I guess everybody was parched today," He joked.

"It's alright. Tristan was playing nice. He seemed surprised to see me here with you."

"Well i'm not known for having a lot of female company in the last couple hundred years. People are surprised when I bring a date these days," he said with a shrug.

"Well that is a shame. You seem like quite a catch!" I said squeezing his arm. He smiled.

"Relationships are hard to maintain in a life like mine where the drama is plentiful and I spend my life mainly keeping my siblings at bay!"

"That's understandable. But...you need to take care of yourself sometimes too. You always seem so busy trying to make sure everybody else is happy. Don't forget to put yourself on the list, Elijah. If you don't, you'll have spent an eternity where you've never really lived." He sighed sadly.

"There is no way you are 25!"

"You better believe it!"

"You are wise beyond your years, Giselle."

"Tell me about it. I'm 25 going on 80!" I laughed heartily as did he. Suddenly, his focus seemed fuzzy. I followed his line of vision and found my eyes wandering the crowd on the dance floor. Jackson and Hayley were wrapped in each others arms with smiles on their faces. "Don't do that to yourself," I told him softly.

"I'm not doing anything," he insisted, straightening his tie.

"Bullshit. You love her. That doesn't mean you have to torture yourself by watching her happy with her new husband."

"I'm happy that she's happy," he tried to assure me. I wasn't buying it.

"It's okay to be a little upset about this. She made a choice. She chose him, she chose her pack. It's okay to have some damn feelings, Elijah. I know its not very vampirish but it's okay to feel."

"I don't want to be ruled by her any longer and I refuse to be."

"That's great."

"Now, I'd be honored if you'd join me for a dance," he asked offering me his arm.

"I'd love too," I said gleefully before slamming back the rest of my drink. I grabbed his arm and he led me onto the dance floor.


Once again Elijah proved what an apt dancer he really was. Although, he had been around 1000 years to perfect it. I found it quite enjoyable to be dancing about in his arms. Time began to fly by. The pairings of Freya and Nik and Jackson and Hayley joined as as well. It was just a wonderful evening. I was wondering why the Mikaelson's were so concerned.

"Want to grab some drinks?" He asked me, learning close to my ear. It was music to my ears. We'd been dancing for quite awhile and I could use a few moments break from standing in these heels.

"Sure, let's grab that table!" I suggested. The other four followed our lead and we all sat down at the table with us. A server approached the table.

"Can a get you guys some drinks?" She asked politely.

"A round of champagne for the table, please," Nik declared joyously. She nodded and hurried off to procure the order.

"You are in quite a jubilant mood," I remarked.

"I'm enjoying myself quite a bit. Drinks, friends, family, music...It's nice."

"Enjoying yourself without scheming and murder involved, I guess there is a first time for everything," Elijah joked. We all laughed, even Nik.

"Oh come on!" he whined.

"Oh you know we're teasing," I said squeezing his arm playfully.

"Ah, the drinks have arrived!" he announced. The server distributed the drinks carefully, ending with Freya.

"Bottoms up!" I declared, taking a generous sip.

"So, has anyone seen Marcel?" Elijah asked concerned.

"I saw him earlier but he kind of vanished. Do you think he went home?" Hayley asked.

"Its not like him but I suppose it's possible," Elijah replied dryly.

"Something could have happened to him? I know he's in the Strix now but that doesn't mean somebody doesn't have their own agenda," I pointed out.

"I'll call him," Hayley volunteered. "I'll go see if I can find somewhere quiet so I can hear him."

"Thank you," Nik said dryly. Suddenly he seemed very concerned. Freya began to cough profusely.

"Are you okay?" I asked quickly.

"I'm fine, just a tickle in my throat," she insisted.

"Drink some more champagne. Maybe the bubbles will help," I joked. She smirked and threw back the rest of her glass. "Better?"

"A little," she lied. Hayley walked back to the table.

"Did he answer?' Elijah asked her urgently. Freya coughed again.

"He did. He's fine. Still here actually. Seems as though he is being talked up by some red head!" The hybrid said with a laugh.

"Atta boy," Nik praised. The coughing persisted. I looked at her critically. She began to stand.

"If you'll excuse me, I'm going to go to the ladies room," Freya said softly as she sped off. The Mikaelson brothers looked uneasy.

"I'm going to go check on her," I said standing up.

"Thank you," Nik said seriously. I hurried off to the bathroom. I flung the door open frantically.

"Freya! Freya!" I called out.

"Right here," she said weakly as she emerged from a stall.

"Did you throw up?" I asked.

"Yep. Great night this turned out to be," she mused.

"We can get out of here. I have no problem heading out a little early with you."

"Oh no, that's not necessary. I'm going to stick it out a little longer."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes. I insist we stay. It's been a great night up until now. Even my brothers are getting along! I don't want to ruin it."

"You're a good sister."

"When you are deprived of 1000 years of being their big sister, you have to get in those moments when you can," she said with a grin.

"Fair enough."

"We should get back out there." I nodded and walked with her through the door, leaving the bathroom.

"Everything alright?" Elijah asked curiously as we reached the table.

"It's fine," Freya assured him. He looked to me, unconvinced. I shrugged.

"Good!" Nik exclaimed before grabbing my hand. "Come on, love."

"Where are we going?"

"To dance. Surely you've saved one for me, right?" he asked. I couldn't help but smile.

"For you? Of course."

"Fantastic." We headed out onto the dance floor. He pulled me close, our faces only inches apart. "Are you having a nice time?"

"I really am. Honestly, I'm glad I came."

"I'm glad you did too."

"I have to admit, I was a little nervous about coming here tonight."

"And why is that?"

"Well...it's like my public coming out as being a part of the Mikaelson entourage!" I joked. "People who are a part of that category often wind up in danger!"

"That is often true but you have to know that we wouldn't let anything happen to you. We protect those close to us, Giselle."

"I know that it's silly to worry. Being with your family, I'm probably one of the safest people in town! I mean, original vampires, hybrids, and a powerful witch sister!" He laughed heartily.

"It is a strong group. Once you are honest about your gifts, we'll be even stronger," he teased, whispering lightly in my ear.

"I'll get to it, I promise!"

"Right," he murmured. It was oddly intimate, holding each other like this, even in a room full of people. Suddenly, Hayley rushed over to us.

"Guys, its' Freya..." she said panicked. We looked over to see Freya pale and sitting in a chair. She was clutching her stomach , Nik looked at me with slight fear in his eyes.

"Come on," I said grabbing his hands and rushing over to her side. "Freya, what's going on?!"

"I have this pain in my stomach and my heart is like skipping a beat. I don't know what's happening..."

"What do we do?" Jackson asked seriously.

"Alright, so... It's obvious somebody is trying to hurt her or all of us. You guys need to stay here and figure out who the hell did this," I snapped.

"What? You are insane. We need to help Freya," Elijah disagreed.

"Jackson and I can get her home. You hybrids and Original vamps can handle the situation here. Those of us who aren't immortal should probably head out of here," I insisted.

"She's right. Hayley, Elijah, you stay here with me," Nik decided.

"Fine. Be safe, Jack," Hayley said giving her husband a kiss. She seemed reluctant to send her husband off with me but she knew it was safer than him staying in a building with old vamps!

"Alright, come on. We've got to get Freya out of here and get her home," I said helping the eldest Mikaelson to her feet. Jackson moved to the other side of her.

"Okay, let's go. I'll follow your lead..."

To be continued...


Thank you all for take the time to read Sinners and Saints! I hope you'll stick with me and keep reading to see what shenanigans Giselle brings forth to The Originals! Comments and feedback are appreciated! This is my first Originals Fanfic so take it easy on me :)