Damon sits in a plush leather chair, his fingers tapping rhythmically on the armrest. He glances around the room, taking in the imposing bookshelves and the certificates on the wall. Attorney, Mr. Mikaelson sits behind a large mahogany desk, shuffling through a stack of papers.
Klaus Mikaelson looks up with a reassuring smile. "Thank you for coming in today, Mr. Salvatore. I have some important news regarding your grandfather's estate."
Damon leans forward. "Significant? What do you mean?"
Klaus clears his throat. "Your grandfather, Mr. Joseph Salvatore, was a very wise investor. Over the years, he made several astute financial decisions that have resulted in a substantial estate."
"I vaguely remember, I was just a kid at the time, Grandpa mentioning something about land being mine...that must have been before he built a home," Damon remarks.
"Indeed." Klaus nods. "One of his most notable investments was in real estate. Many years ago, he purchased several acres of beautiful oceanfront property near Astoria, Oregon."
Damon's eyes widen. "Oceanfront property?"
"Yes, it's quite a remarkable place. The mansion he built there sits on a cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean. It's secluded, offering both privacy and breathtaking views."
"I had no idea he owned something like that. The last time I visited him, he had a small house in Astoria... He and Dad had a falling out and..." Damon's voice trails off.
"Your grandfather valued his solitude. He rarely spoke of his personal life. But he made it clear in his will that he wanted you to have the estate." Klaus smiles warmly. "Joseph believed you would appreciate the beauty and tranquility of the place, just as he did."
Still processing the unexpected information, Damon shakes his head subtly. "What am I supposed to do with it? I mean, I have a life in Mystic Falls. I have a job...I'm a travel writer so I'm not tied there."
Klaus looks at him seriously. "That's entirely up to you, Mr. Salvatore. You could keep it as a vacation home, sell it, or even move there. The estate is quite valuable, both financially and sentimentally."
Damon nods slowly. "I guess I need to see it first. It's… a lot to take in."
"Here are the keys and all the necessary documents." Klaus extends them to Damon. "Take your time to decide. If you have any questions or need assistance, please don't hesitate to contact me."
Damon rises to take them from him. "Thank you, Mr. Mikaelson. I appreciate your help."
Klaus stands as well, offering a firm handshake. "You're welcome, Mr. Salvatore. Best of luck with your new inheritance."
Damon leaves the office, his mind swirling with thoughts of the mysterious estate and the grandfather he hasn't seen in years.
Damon clutches his boarding pass tightly, his heart pounding with excitement and a touch of anxiety. The news of inheriting his grandfather's estate had come as a surprise. He rarely saw him after he and Damon's father had a falling out.
He steps onto the plane, finding his seat by the window. As the plane takes off, he gazes at the shrinking city below, his thoughts drifting to memories of his grandfather. Damon is lulled into a deep sleep by the engine's hum and the plane's gentle sway. In his dream, he is a child again, running around his grandfather's seaside estate.
The sun is shining brightly, and the air is filled with a rich tapestry of scents. The salty tang of the ocean is the most prominent, mingling with the fresh, crisp breeze that carries hints of seaweed and driftwood.
There's a subtle earthiness from the damp sand and rocks, mixed with the faint aroma from the pine trees lining the estate. Occasionally, a whiff of blooming wildflowers adds a sweet, delicate note to the air, creating a nostalgic and serene atmosphere.
"Grandpa, look!" young Damon shouts, holding up a starfish he found on the rocks.
His grandfather, a tall man with a kind smile and twinkling eyes, laughs heartily. "That's a fine catch, Damon! Remember, always be gentle with the little creatures."
They spend the afternoon exploring the woods. His grandfather teaches him about the different plants and animals. Damon feels a deep sense of joy and safety, knowing his grandfather is there to guide him.
As the dream continues, they sit in his private cove, dipping their feet in the water, sharing stories and laughter. His grandfather's voice is warm and comforting, a sound Damon has missed dearly.
"One day, Damon," his grandfather says, "this will be yours. Take care of it, and it will take care of you."
The plane jolts slightly as it touches down at Portland International Airport. Damon wakes up, blinking away the remnants of his dream. He feels a bittersweet warmth in his chest, remembering his grandfather's words.
"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Portland," the flight attendant announces. "Please remain seated until the seatbelt sign is turned off."
Damon gathers his belongings and disembarks, making his way through the terminal. He rents a car to drive to the coastal town of Astoria where his grandfather's estate awaits.
The dream lingers as he drives, a comforting reminder of the bond he shared with Grandpa Joe.
The car's engine hums to a stop as Damon pulls up to the gravel driveway of his grandfather's magnificent secluded estate. The salty breeze from the Pacific Ocean greets him as he steps out, the waves crashing against the rocky shore provide a soothing backdrop.
Damon takes a moment to survey the property. The estate is a grand, yet charmingly rustic, two-story house with weathered wooden shingles and large, arched windows that reflect the afternoon sun. The wraparound porch, adorned with white railings, a chair swing, and a rocking chair, offers a perfect ocean view. Surrounding the house, a lush garden blooms with vibrant flowers and towering trees, their leaves rustling gently in the wind.
Damon walks up the stone pathway, his footsteps crunching on the gravel, and pauses at the front door. The brass knocker, shaped like a ship's anchor, gleams in the sunlight. With a deep breath, he unlocks the door and steps inside.
The interior of the estate is just as breathtaking. The foyer opens into a spacious living room with high ceilings and exposed wooden beams. A grand fireplace, its mantel adorned with nautical trinkets, dominates one wall. Natural light floods the room through the large floor-to-ceiling windows, casting a warm glow on the polished hardwood floors.
To his left, a cozy library beckons with its floor-to-ceiling bookshelves filled with leather-bound volumes. A plush armchair and a reading lamp create an inviting nook by the window, perfect for losing himself in a good book while listening to the distant call of seagulls.
Damon wanders further into the house, passing through the dining room with its long, mahogany table and antique chandelier, and into the kitchen. The kitchen blends modern convenience and old-world charm, with stainless steel appliances and a large farmhouse sink.
He finally makes his way to the back of the house, where French doors open onto a spacious deck. From there, the view is nothing short of spectacular. The ocean stretches to the horizon, its surface shimmering under the sun's golden rays.
The salty tang of the ocean fills his nostrils, mingling with the faint scent of seaweed and the occasional whiff of blooming coastal flowers. The air is crisp and invigorating. The breeze carries the distant cries of seagulls and the rhythmic sound of waves crashing against the rocky shore.
The sight of the endless water fills Damon with nostalgia for happier times spent here and remorse for the distance his father put between himself and his grandfather.
After walking through the house, Damon pulls out his phone and clicks Bonnie's icon. The phone rings twice before she picks up.
"Bon-Bon!" Damon greets her. "I promised to let you know I arrived safely."
"I can almost hear the smirk in your voice... How's the place?" Bonnie asks, her voice filled with excitement and curiosity.
"It's even more beautiful than I could have imagined. The house is indescribable." Damon's voice trails briefly. "The sea is calm, and the air is so fresh. I can't wait for you to see it." Damon replies, glancing out the window at the waves gently lapping against the shore. "How soon can you come?"
"I do have a couple of weeks of vacation time built up. I'll talk to Grams about taking some time off."
"Let me know so I can drive to Portland to pick you up."
"Of course."
After a few more minutes of catching up, Damon ends the call and begins to unpack his things. He carries his suitcases to the master bedroom, a spacious room with large windows offering a stunning ocean view. He carefully puts away his clothes, placing them neatly in the antique dresser and hanging a few shirts in the closet.
Once everything is in place, Damon decides to walk around the property. He steps outside, breathing in the salty sea air. The property is vast and secluded, with a winding path that leads to a private beach.
As he walks, he can hear the distant calls of seabirds and the gentle rustling of the wind through the trees. It is peaceful, a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of his everyday life in the city.
Damon feels a sense of calm wash over him as he explores, knowing this place is his. He has decisions to make. He can work from home but does he want to pack up his belongings and make this his home?
He makes a mental note to call Bonnie again later...
Damon continues his walk, savoring the salty sea breeze. The path winds through a grove of ancient trees, their leaves whispering secrets in the wind. As he emerges from the grove, the sight of the private cove takes his breath away. The turquoise waters sparkle in the afternoon light, and the gentle waves lap at the pristine sand.
He pauses at the edge of the small cliff overlooking the cove, a smile tugging at his lips as he remembers the countless hours spent swimming and exploring here as a child. The cove is a sanctuary, a place where time stands still.
Suddenly, a blur of fur and energy bounds toward him. A spirited golden retriever leaps up in excitement.
Damon laughs, reaching out to steady himself, but the dog's enthusiasm is too much. With a playful nudge, the dog knocks Damon off balance, and he tumbles over the edge of the cliff.
The fall seems to last an eternity, the world spinning around him. Damon hits the sand below with a thud, the impact knocking the wind out of him. As he lies dazed and struggling to catch his breath, he catches a glimpse of something extraordinary.
A figure emerges from the water, her long chestnut hair shimmering like a cascade of liquid gold under the sun's soft glow. Her eyes, a deep, mesmerizing brown, lock onto his.
The last thing he sees before darkness claims him is the ethereal beauty of a mermaid, her tail glistening in the sunlight as she swims closer.
Thank you, everyone! You're the best.
Blue Diamond 12 will come next.
Have a great weekend.