2 days until the wedding.

The next morning, Elena found herself sitting at the kitchen table and nursing a cup of coffee in her hands; she hadn't slept much, her sleep had been plagued by nightmares and restlessness and her constant tossing and turning frustrated her to no end.

She had Stephanie's grimoire open on the table in front of her and she had tried to read it but she was struggling to focus her mind, there where a lot of powerful spells within it and she knew she was going to need all the help she could get but she couldn't take it in, not now.

She slammed the pages shut and brought her knees to her chest and resting her feet on the chair beneath her; she placed the coffee onto her knees and stared at the swirling liquid within it, trying to force herself to beat her fatigue and troubled mind.

She heard a blast of wind by the doorway and it broke her train of thought, she looked up to see Klaus standing in the threshold and leaning against the frame, "good morning, sweetheart."

"Good morning," she said with a weak smile as she watched him walk to the coffee machine and grab the pot, he poured himself a mug and topped up hers.

"You're up early, trouble sleeping?" He asked as he sat beside her at the table and gazed intently upon her.

"Sleep was non-existent, how about you?" She asked before bringing the mug to her lips and sipping at her coffee.

"Not a wink," he wished he could take her troubles away from her and bring her the same peace she had brought for everyone else in their lives, she didn't deserve to know pain, not her, "I am sorry about last night."

"The rehearsal dinner from hell," she shook her head lightly, fighting the urge to scream or cry, "how did the happiest time of my life turn into this? Constant attacks, violence and bloodshed, what did I do to deserve this?"

"You're the last person that deserves this, little warrior," he reached for her hand and took it in his own, stroking his thumb along her skin and gazing into her eyes, "if I could take away your troubles, I would in a heartbeat."

She smiled, her first genuine smile since the rehearsal dinner and she rested her head on his shoulder, "I wouldn't wish my troubles upon anyone."

"There have been many enemies over the course of our lifetime that have tried to break our family and they have failed, we pull ourselves through even the most darkest times and we will get you through this," he was softly spoken and his compassion was apparent, Elena was proud of the man he had become.

"So you think we should still get married? I have lost friends because of this wedding and prophecy and now that Katie is dead, it feels selfish to go through with it and dangerous for our family if we create this power," she revealed her deepest thoughts, a question that had been lingering in the back of her mind since the first attack.

"If we let our enemies rule our lives then we'd be miserable, never living for ourselves and never finding true happiness," he was attempting to bring her as much comfort as he could, it wasn't like her to be so beaten down, and when her mood was faltered, the entire family felt it, "so, yes, you should still get married, Elena, you and Elijah are destined to be together, no matter what."

She let his advice sink in, taking every word in and allowing them to ponder in her mind; she knew how much she loved Elijah and she wanted to marry him with all of her heart but not at the expense of others.

"Thank you, Nik," she smiled and looked down at their hands, finding an insane amount of comfort from his touch and she softened, "I know I haven't really said this before but I appreciate everything you do for this family and me, I value our relationship more than you think."

He felt her whole body relax and he turned to look at her resting head on his shoulder, he was taken aback by her confession and he felt vulnerable with her once again, "as do I, although I do find it quite perplexing how close I feel to you considering who and what I am."

She could feel his smile on her head and his breath brushed slowly across her hair, he brought her comfort, maybe even a touch of happiness in her dampened mood, "So did I, I used to wonder how we could be so close considering everything we've been through but not anymore."

"What changed?" He asked, his curiosity overcoming him.

"He doesn't know I heard this but I once heard Elijah refer to us as the two sides of the same coin, two completely different people but the same, bound as one," she lifted her head from his shoulder and turned to face him, a small smile gracing her lips, "since then, it's made sense to me, even though we have opposite views and ways of dealing with things, you help me through my darkest times and I'm apparently the light to yours."

"Insightful," as he looked into her eyes, he felt this unwavering need to touch her and keep her close, even if only to protect her from the harshness of the world.

"I thought so too," she grinned before placing a quick and soft kiss on his cheek, she stood from her chair and headed for the coffee machine, refilling hers and Klaus' cup.

A silence filled the room for a few minutes whilst she pottered around, she put a few dishes away and cleaned around, mostly to distract herself from her heartache; Nik had started with the newspaper, he tried to hide his sudden vulnerability towards her by keeping himself distracted.

Elijah suddenly appeared in the doorway and he smiled, seeing her pottering around the kitchen meant she was coming out of her melancholic state, "good morning."

She spun on her heel and grinned, her heart fluttered at the mere sight of him and he was the last comfort she needed, the only one that could bring out of her darkened mind, "good morning."

He walked into the kitchen and wrapped his arm around her, "how are you feeling?"

"Better," she turned to face Klaus and smiled, he responded with a nod of his head before turning his attention back onto the newspaper.

"Ah, another one of your profound talks, brother," he smirked slightly, before pressing a soft kiss on Elena's forehead and heading for the coffee machine; he used to feel intimidated by their relationship, they did reach parts of each other that he had never been able to, especially with Klaus but he had come to learn that they needed that.

"I do have quite the philosophical mind, brother, especially when it comes to our most darkest inner workings," he flashed an amused smirk and Elena chuckled on the rim of her mug before taking a sip.

"Why do I get the feeling I'm missing something here?" He leaned back onto the kitchen counter and raised his eyebrow, an air of amusement surrounding him.

"It's nothing," she stood beside him, placing her hands on his shoulder and trailing a few soft kisses along his cheek, "I have to get going soon, will you meet me for lunch later?"

"Happy too."

"Where are you going?" Klaus asked, his paranoia and need to protect her overcame him.

"The cemetery, I have to check on the coven and say a blessing for Katie's consecration, hopefully she found peace," she looked down to the ground for a long moment, a wave of sadness washing over.

"Would you like me to come with? You shouldn't be alone for this," Elijah offered kindly.

"It's okay, I won't be alone," she separated herself from him and walked around the kitchen island to reach her purse on the table.

"I think what this family needs is a day at home, once you have finished with your morning duties and lunch with my brother, return home, we should spend what little time we have before the wedding and your impending departure from the plantation together," Klaus suggested before closing his newspaper and laying it flat on the table, "I'll arrange for your family from Mystic Falls to spend the day in the city, I'll plan a tour and make reservations for dinner for them."

She turned to look at Elijah and he shrugged his shoulders lightly, it was odd for Klaus to suggest something so mundane and she was taken aback by it, "that actually sounds pretty perfect."

"It's settled then," the hybrid said with a smile before he walked towards the exit of the kitchen, "I shall make some arrangements."

"I look forward to it," Elena said with a wide smile.

"As do I," Elijah watched as his brother exited the kitchen to make whatever plans he had conjured up in his mind and he walked to Elena's side.

"I'll see you later?" She wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him in, he brought his lips onto hers and they indulged for a few long moments.

"Be careful," he spoke on her lips, smoothing his hands along the curve in her waist and keeping her as close to him as he could.

"I will," she took a step back and within seconds of focusing her magic and channelling her power, she teleported away from him, landing herself at the cemetery and joining with the coven.

Elena had been nervous to see them, she would never forgive herself for losing Katie and she expected the same from the coven; she was surprised how comforting they had all been for each other and they mourned her together.

They stood around the grave that belonged to her family, her bones had been consecrated the night before by Stephanie and they all came together today to say a prayer, offering her a light to guide her in her journey to the ancestral well.

They blessed her power and it returned to the earth, making it accessible by the witches of the French Quarter; this was the first blessing she had lead for a fallen witch and it was emotionally hard for her, it was a sacred gathering and it was personal.

"She was a sweet girl," she spoke, all the witches of the coven nodded their heads in agreement; she placed her hand over the plaque that read her name and she dipped her head, "loyal to us all."

"Until the end," Stephanie continued, offering her words and feeling the pain of a departed sister, "she had no family."

"Maybe not a biological family but she had us," Elena brought the coven together by hand and they all lowered their heads for a minute in honour of her.

"It'a been nearly a year since we've lost one of our own by the hand of a vampire and it will not be forgotten," Stephanie declared, her need for justice apparent and encouraging the witches to not stand down.

"We will have our vengeance, even if I have to kill every member of that coven myself," Elena hovered her hand over the plaque and moved it slowly in a sweeping motion, causing an array of roses to grow between the gaps in the bricks, "I swear it."

With time to spare before lunch, Elena headed to the compound to see Marcel and Davina.

Once she arrived, she saw the usual bustling vampires from the inner circle and the pair sitting at the table having breakfast; they greeted each other and she joined with them, choosing against something to eat considering she had a lunch date.

"How's it going?" She poured herself a mug of coffee and turned her attention onto Marcel.

"No sightings of any strange vampires or witches in the Quarter, if Klara was telling the truth then the attacks on the wedding have been stopped," he responded, a smile spread on his lips at the city being returned to peace once again.

"We're so excited for the wedding, Rebekah will be here soon to take me and Cami for the bridesmaids dress fitting," Davina spoke with a wide grin and she clapped her hands several times giddily.

"I can't wait to see you in it," Elena responded cheerfully, before taking a sip of her coffee and turning her attention back onto Marcel, "so, we're all good? No attacks, no need for magic or a discussion of any kind?"

"Not today, you're fine to continue with whatever you have planned, sweetheart."

"You'll keep me updated though, right? If you need anything I'm only a phone call away," she stood from her chair and grabbed her purse from the table.

"Likewise," he followed her to the exit and saw her out, he offered her a friendly hug and she welcomed the comfort, "try and take it easy today, 'Lena, it's been a trying few weeks and you need a break."

"I will," he released her from his hold and she left the compound.

Just as she was about to take her phone out of her pocket to call Elijah, he appeared beside her and startled her, "how did you know I was here?"

"I knew you wouldn't be able to resist coming here, you have this unwavering need to ensure everyone is safe before you take a day off," his smirk was filled with amusement but he admired her dedication and loyalty to those around her.

"I'm bad, right? I should just welcome the peace," she grinned nervously and placed her hand on her forehead, they started on a walk down the street to their local eatery, holding hands and enjoying the normality.

"As a matter of fact, yes, you are," she nudged him playfully at his response and laughed quietly, "but that is who you are, Elena, your compassion is endless and your loyalty is unmatched."

"Even after all this time of us being together, you still think so highly of me," she looked straight ahead, watching the tourists and locals go about their day as normal, bustling around the streets and taking in the New Orleans culture and all she could think about was how they where clueless, "even after you've seen the things I've done, the people I've hurt and even killed, do you still think I'm the same person that deserves your praise? The innocent and compassionate girl you wrote that beautiful letter too, once upon a time?"

"Elena," he stopped walking and turned her face to him, his eyes scanning over her facial features and detecting the sadness and guilt within them; he brought his hand to her face and entangled his fingers in her hair, "you may not be the same person you where in Mystic Falls but you have only grown since then, your compassion and light lead you and even in dire times, when you have been attacked, threatened with your life and those of your family, poisoned and almost killed, even in your retaliation, you do it for love and the guilt you feel still proves that you're lead by your heart, not your need for blood."

"It's challenging keeping the rage at bay and I worry that it drives me, whenever I think of someone hurting you or anyone I care about, I used to feel the urge to protect and save and now, I just want to see our enemies dead, that can't be my heart leading me."

"You're moral compass has been tested repeatedly, Elena and I've never met anyone come out the other side of bloodshed and violence like you do, perhaps it's just finally taking it's toll on you and bringing out the anger within you," he rested his forehead onto hers for a long moment, placing a soft kiss on her lips and sending out a wave of emotion to flow through her, "you need to feel all of your emotions, my love, even the harder ones, the guilt, the pain, the rage and the suffering, suppressing them will only cause you further hurt."

"If I let all that in then I don't know what will become of me, there are so many people that rely on me and I can't be weak, not even for a second or everything we've built could fall around us, I won't risk it," she brought her hands to his cheeks, caressing his skin and taking him all in, every pure emotion of love and devotion and it calmed her, even if only temporarily, "we should go, I'm starving."

His concern for her ran deep, he knew she was grieving the loss of Katie and still trying to process the attack last night and maybe even further back than that but it wasn't like her to suppress her emotions and isolate herself, deep down she knew it was unhealthy and with their wedding approaching, he feared for her happiness.

They had found a quiet bistro in Jackson Square and had lunch, Elena pushed away her darker thoughts and tried to be in the moment with him; they had indulged in an exquisite meal, shared a dessert and had several glasses of wine.

They had talked, laughed and spent an emotional couple of hours together, when she saw past all of her negativity, the only light at the end of her tunnel was him, she had a lot of emotional turmoil to get through but she would do it all for him and their future together.

When their phones vibrated in their pockets simultaneously, they knew it was Klaus and it was time to leave; she had been looking forward to a day of bonding with the siblings and she could only imagine what he had in store for a day at home.

Once they arrived back at the Plantation, they stood on the porch for a few long minutes of heated kissing and passionate indulgence, they knew their affections would be limited today and they took what they could get whenever possible.

The door suddenly swung open and their kiss broke, small smirks appearing on their lips like they were teenagers who had been caught making out; Klaus was stood in the doorway and he had a disapproving look etched onto his facial features, "must you both be so nauseating, we knew you where out here the entire time and yet, you refuse to enter. Now I unfortunately know why."

"Spare me, Niklaus," Elijah rolled his eyes slightly before separating himself reluctantly but keeping their hands entwined whilst they walked around him.

"We're getting married in two days, this is only going to get worse," Elena said amusingly, bringing nothing but nausea and torment to the vampires in the room.

"I suddenly relish in the thought of you two leaving in a few days," he quipped in response, a small smirk appearing on his lips.

"If we're to spend an entire day together then I forbid any shows of nauseating inducing affection," Kol quipped, as he walked towards the liquor cabinet and started on preparing drinks, "unless they're aimed at me."

"Kol," Elijah warned, narrowing his eyes slightly towards him, "I will not hear any more of this, must we discuss this in a more uncivilised manner?"

"Then it really would feel like a day of family bonding," he smirked, remembering a time before New Orleans when a family gathering always started and ended with violence.

"Must you both argue so incessantly?" Rebekah said as she walked into the living room from the kitchen with several bottles of liquor in one arm and snacks in the other, "As much as it pains me to admit, Niklaus was right about a day of bonding, we don't know when we'll be able to do it next, so we shouldn't fight, even if only for the sake of our brother and his bride-to-be, we've had a trying time lately and we should do something about it."

"Rebekah's right," Elena smiled, slipping out of her jacket and kicking off her shoes before walking towards Kol and taking one of the drinks from the cabinet, "we don't know what the future holds, so let's just be together and make the most of it."

Kol approached his brother with a glass in hand and offered it to him, they both nodded their heads in agreement to put their differences aside and be a family; Rebekah grabbed the final two glasses of scotch and handed one to Klaus, each of them coming together in the living room and clinking their glasses.

"So, Nik, what do you have planned?" Elena asked finally, her curiosity piqued.

"Well, I couldn't think of any one thing we would all agree upon to spend the day doing, so I came up with a plan of each of us choosing two activities that we must all partake in, no objections and the only rule is no violence," they all looked amongst each other, contemplating his plan and they all shared in an amused grin.

"I'm not entirely sure how I feel about this but I'm definitely interested," Kol was the first to break the silence and he shrugged his shoulders lightly.

"I think I love this idea," Elena said with a grin, the idea of them each doing something that they loved and doing it together was a genius idea to her.

"I can hardly wait," Rebekah had a smirk and a look that screamed torment and they all dreaded what activities she would choose.

"Fascinating," Elijah muttered, his voice was low and filled with an amused surprise at his plan, his brother never ceased to surprise him, "considering this is your idea, Niklaus, you must have had time to ponder your choice of activities, so please, enlighten us."

"I actually took the liberty of devising a way of choosing the order in which we partake in our activities," he walked towards the fireplace and removed a small ceramic bowl from its surface and returned to the group, "inside this bowl is 5 folded slips of paper, each with a number between 1 - 5, whoever gets the one, goes first."

They all seemed impressed by the thought Klaus had put into this and one-by-one, they all removed a slip of paper from the bowl and held it in their hands; Klaus nodded his head and they all opened them, Kol instantly scoffed and threw his slip back into the bowl.

"Anyone want to swap?" Amusement filled the air as they each shook their head at Kol.

"So, tell us, brother, what are we doing first?" Klaus asked with an amused smirk and they all watched him with an eager excitement.

"I've got a deck of cards and shots, let's start there."