Chapter Text
2010, February 9th
—
‘Please join the Mikaelson family this evening at seven o’clock for dancing, cocktails and celebrations.’
Once the Salvatore’s finally left, after throwing around threats about what they would do if she were to leave the house and go to ball - like they owned her or something - Elena made her way up to her bedroom and sat on the edge of her bed, placing her palm over brows.
When she had read the invitation, her head started aching. Sharp pains shot through her, sending an aggressive shiver down her spine.
Memories full of faceless people, suspiciously Viking-liking scenery, and vibrant emotions filled her to quickly. So much so that it took everything in her to not outright snap at the bickering brothers and make them leave, no, that wouldn’t be very Elena like and would cause concern - which isn’t what she needed if she was going to sneak to the ball.
Before the feelings could overwhelm her to much, she picked up her phone and dialed Caroline’s number.
“Elena? What’s up?” Her tone was sweet but obviously tensed.
“Did you by any chance get an invitation? to a certain vampire family’s banquet?” She couldn’t help but blurt out, Elena had a feeling that Caroline had gotten one from Klaus. They’d been close lately, to close to not mean anything.
“Yes! Did you get one too? Wait, no, silly question. Of course you did if your asking me.” They both burst out in giggles. Elena loved these innocent moments, especially now with everything that has happened in the last year.
“Do you wanna come over? Get dressed up like we used to?”
“Yes! I’ll be on my way, have you asked Bonnie yet?” Caroline squealed.
“Not yet,” Elena held back a chuckle. “Im sure she’ll come.”
“Ok, see you in a bit!” Caroline made a kiss sound before hanging up, causing Elena to finally let out the laugh she was already failing to hold in.
She quickly called Bonnie and asked her the same thing, thankfully the witch agreed quickly even though she hadn’t got an invitation - but who cares? Like anyone would stop Bonnie from coming, especially not if she was coming in with Elena and Caroline. They wouldn’t let anyone touch their best friend. And the witch was powerful enough to ignore any that did dare - idiotically - to question her presences’.
—
The three of them were sprawled out in Elena’s room with makeup and dresses everywhere. Bonnie sat on the bed, matching hats to gloves and jewelry. Elena sat on her window sail seat, watching Caroline pick up different dresses and hold them in front of her.
“So~ Klaus gave you a dress?” Elena lifted her brows knowingly while nudging Caroline playfully. It was hard to accept the blatant romantic tension between her best friend and killer, but Elena couldn’t dictate Carolines feelings - after all she herself had nearly given in to Damon’s advances when she was feeling down despite every awful thing he has done to her and the ones around her. Yeah, Klaus is an arrogant, selfish, angry bastard. But Elena could admit he was hot, and hey! Who doesn’t want an all powerful man at their beck and call?
He would suit her control-freak best friend perfectly.
Caroline’s faced quickly flushed a soft pink colour, causing Elena to chuckle. Though Bonnie didn’t seem too impressed. Which was to be expected, hopefully the witch would move past who he is and focus how he makes their best friend feel’s.
“Shut up! He’s just being nice. And you know i would never do that to you, Elena.” The blonde’s face darkened slightly, it’s obvious that shes been thinking about this a lot - even without Elena bringing it up.
She hated this. Hated how skewered the trios tight-knit friendship has gotten in the past year. While the topic is obviously a difficult one, Caroline shouldn’t have to be nervous about discussing it with Elena. They were best friends! No matter how Caroline felt, Elena would stick by her. Indiscriminately - well maybe she might add a few comments here and there, but as is her right!
“Caroline, it’s fine. Really.” She held her hand and gently rubbed circles along her knuckles. Elena closed her eyes, sighing softly before looking at the blonde firmly. “I wont tell you how to feel, or who to date. Yea, Klaus is a dick, and I’ll probably never forgive him. But that doesn’t mean you have to stop yourself because of me.” Elena gives a reassuring smile before smirking. “And i mean, hey, who wouldn’t want an all powerful hybrid courting them?” She chuckles.
Caroline playfully hits Elena’s arm with a pillow, taking a major sigh of relief. But she still seemed a little reluctant to disclose her feelings openly - maybe she wasn’t even sure of them just yet? - Bonnie huffs in disapproval, staring at Caroline directly as the blonde tenses once again, giving the witch a pleading look.
“I hate vampires. Full stop.” Bonnie faltered at the expression on her best friend’s face, resolving to avoiding eye contact and sighing heavily. “-Not you, Caroline. You know what i mean.” Thankfully the blonde nodded, Bonnie’s dislike for vampire’s was well known to any vampire in the vicinity of Virginia. But everyone knew that Caroline was exempt from her dutiful hatred. “But, i guess, like Elena said. Do what you want? I wont like i - like at all - but, it’s your choice really.” She shrugged.
Caroline ran over and practically jumped on the witch, smothering her in a massive hug. “Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!” She directed towards the both of them. “I’ve felt horrible about it this whole time. I mean, i don’t even know if i like him that much? But he’s been sweet, kind and- and its been killing me inside… knowing i might be hurting you two because of some stupid, crush?” She sat next to Bonnie, squeezing her hand tighter.
“You don’t have to, we promise. Do whatever makes you happy, thats what’s important.” Elena scooted over the bed and held both their hands. They were now in a circle on the bed.
Bonnie tightened her grip on both girls hand, squeezing in agreement. Caroline sniffed a tear back and smiled brightly. Though she wasn’t sure how to advance on these confusing feelings, she was grateful she no longer had to hide them from the people she loved most in the world. It sucked not being able to gossip about boys and crushes like they used to.
—
Elena laid on the bed blankly, going through all the broken memories that had entered her head a few hours ago.
She pictured a massive forest filled to the brim with wildlife and covered in exotic flowers. It was beautiful. And familiar. Each memory tugged at her heart, begging her to remember it clearly. But how could she? She didn’t even know what she was meant to remember. And everything looked so blurry, like it was raining - obscuring her sight.
Bonnie laid next to her, sprawling out and plopping up and her side with her arm rested on her hand. “What’s got you spaced out?” She asked.
Elena glanced over to her friend. “Nothing. You look stunning.” They smiled together. Bonnie was dressed sophistically in a burgundy, floor-length, A-line silhouette - perfected with a sweetheart neckline, delicate spaghetti straps, and a lace-up corset back. Her hair was tied back in a messy bun with dark, lacy flowers embedded within it. She looked breathtaking.
“You’re not slick, Elena. Tell me what’s wrong.” Elena rolled her eyes playfully at her friend’s stubbornness. Why could she read her so well? It didn’t help that Elena was a horrible liar. An ‘open book’ was how most described her, usually as a compliment, but if anything it was an extreme fault of hers - always having her thoughts and emotions visible on her face, for all to see.
Elena chuckled softly, turning to face Bonnie “Ok, ok, you caught me. Im just a bit nervous.” Of course Elena was nervous. I mean, who wouldn’t be? She was on her way to meet with a very powerful, thousand year old witch-mother without a clue as to why! But Elena has faced worse - died because of worse - and would not let something as tame as this falter her into hiding at home in fear.
Bonnie picked up on Elena’s attempt to weasel around the truth, but much to Elena’s relief, she took the hint (or decided to compromise because of how much she knew the girl and her stubbornness) “It’ll be fine, Elena, I’ll make sure of it. Promise.” They smiled at each other again. Giggling at the witche’s confidence.
Caroline comes out of the bathroom, obviously having been listening in - That’s something Elena is always jealous of - dressed stunningly in a striking blue and silver beaded halterneck dress, with its back in view because of the v-shaped slit down to just above the girls hip. “And me! Though i assume you want me on Salvatore duty?” She winced, pouting at the thought.
Elena managed a chuckle at her friend’s blatant displeasure towards the brothers. “I thought you liked Stefan?”
“I mean, he’s cool, but.. with his humanity turned off and everything.” She huffed. “He’s been, i don’t know. Controlling?” Caroline tilted her head. Bonnie nodded in agreement.
“Yea, he is. Which is why i need you both to help me out since they’re pretty adamant about me not being there.” Elena scoffed at her own statement. Why were they always so difficult? So hell-bent on deciding things for her??
“Of course we will, I’ll knock them out if i have to.” This time, Bonnie winked, causing all of the girls to laugh.
“Let’s go kick ass! In our gorgeous dresses and heels, of course. Deadly but beautiful!” Caroline sat on the edge of the bed. Each girl agreed with a soft chuckle.
Elena stepped into the Mikaelson mansion, dressed exquisitely in a glittering black, v-neck dress with matching, half pinned up, curls, and was immediately bearded by non-other than a pair of Salvatore’s - shocker - she managed a small huff before Stefan walked up to her.
Giving a quick glance to Bonnie and Caroline behind her, they both left to scout out the place. Leaving her alone to deal with the brothers despite being on edge about doing so. Each girl would step in when necessary, but Elena was adamant that they were fine until she was ready to meet with Esther.
“What are you doing here?” Elena asked, squinting slightly to stop herself from rolling her eyes.
“I could ask you the same thing.” Stefan crossed his arms, smugly, like she was a child caught in an act.
Damon approached from behind, smirk as cocky and snarky as usual. “Surprise, surprise. Nice tux. But you’re not supposed to be here.” Both men wore tight-fitted suits.
Elena turned to meet his gaze “Well, I am. And I’m not leaving until I find out what Esther wants.” She turns to move but was grabbed, rather roughly, before she could. “Let go. Damon.” Elena glared up at the elder Salvatore.
“Not so fast, Elena.” Her name rolled off his tongue in the same revolting way it always does. Why does everyone seem to think she needs to be told what to do - constantly?
Stefan steps closer, testing his boundaries while staying silent like he was considering if he should intervene or not. He decides against it. “He’s right, Elena. It’s dangerous.” His tone was sweet, despite the claim of having no emotions. Her resolve faltered momentarily at the familiarity of his sweet, sweet eyes. She managed to harden said resolve once he hid his worry behind a mask of indifference.
She shuddered, sighing deeply - to heavy for her age, but not heavy enough considering the life shes had this past year - and gritting her teeth. They were always like this. Both brothers, separately or together. They acted like they knew what was best for her, what was right and would keep her safe. But Elena was smart, she was a A+ student for good sake!, and knew her mind better than anybody. Even if she was walking into a dangerous situation, filled with deadly theoretical’s and scary what-if’s, it was her choice to make! And screw both brothers if they thought she would back down from this like always. No, this she couldn’t cower away from. This either threatened not only herself but all those she loved - equally - or could help her protect them all. While the former would be more appreciated, the latter would allow Elena to establish Esther as a threat and potentially do something about it!
Anyways, Esther being here and being an anomaly was Stefan’s fault - partially Damons, though she guessed he had no problem with helping - and once again, she would have to clean up after them. Help them, even while they cry and whined about her being a ‘martyr’. Or demanded she listen to them - exclusively - like an obedient little puppy. No, Elena had to do what she could to solve this problem - or welcome a new ally.
“You don’t get to decide that.” She snapped, cutting him off. “Neither of you do.” Elena try’s to pull herself out of Damons grip but, unsurprisingly, he tightens it instead. “For the last time. Let. Go.” She glared.
He smirks, full of mirth, sass, and ‘what are you going to do about it?’ swimming in those large, piercing-blue eyes. “You’re being reckless. Leave.” His grip loosens, she takes it as a chance to shove out of it.
“I’ll leave, when I’m done. Don’t wait up.” With a final glare, before either brother could argue, Elena walks towards the centre of the ballroom. Leaving both Salvatores behind. Subtly ignoring the gaze she felt on her.
“If all of you could find yourselves a partner, please join us in the ballroom.” With the end of Elijah’s speech, Elena is left standing alone. Hoping to evade the eyes of Damon and Stefan and sneak away to meet with Esther.
“Well now, why might such a gorgeous beauty be standing all alone?”
Elena turns, slightly surprised to see a young brunette who looks identical to Elijah offering his hand in a theatrical display of etiquette. Though his movements carry a hint of mischief. “Kol Mikaelson, I presume?”
“The one and only.” His smirk widened with a klaus-like, boyish charm smoothing out all of his features. “Allow me the honor to escort you, darling. It’s tradition.” He winks.
Elena raises a brow, tilting to look at his outstretched hand. Then casting a glance behind her towards the quickly approaching Salvatores - oh god - She turns back, gracefully smiling in the way shes’ adapted to from the many - and I mean many - founders parties shes endured, and takes his hand. “Of course, wouldn’t want to break tradition.”
Kol grinned, clearly delighted, and casts a smug glance towards the brothers before leading Elena further into the ballroom. Swiftly sliding a hand around her waist to the small of her back and lifting her other hand. “Might i have a name, darling?”
Elena placed a hand on his shoulder, smirking despite herself. “Elena Gilbert, though i suppose you already knew that?” He hummed with a loose smile in response.
The music loudened, starting the dance. Kol lazily led her through the waltz, leaning into the sensitive spot between her shoulder and neck. “Should I worry about your little protectors over there, love.” She shivered slightly at the feel of his breath grazing her neck.
Glancing back, she frowns. “I’m sure they wont cause a scene.” Bonnie and Caroline were thankfully already on their way over to halt them in their tracks. He moves closer to her, his breath softly grazing her cheek in an almost intimate gesture. “And I’m positive you’ll be perfectly safe.” She turned back to face him and his soft, brown eyes. Nose’s now inches away from each others.
“Will I, now?” He charmingly grins, pressing their body’s together to match the rhythm of the dance. Elena hums back in response, mirroring his own previous answer. There was still an important, and urgent, matter at hand. Meeting Esther.
“You’re a good dancer, darling.” Kol smirked, snapping her back to reality.
“I’ve had practice. You’re not so bad yourself.” He brought her closer, tugging her waist to his own as their chest connected with a light touch.
“I’m afraid I’m out of practice.” Elena brows burrowed slightly at his teasing tone. He was referring to being daggered, which wasn’t funny in Elena’s eyes.
Kol looked puzzled as he studied her expression. Before he could voice his confusion at her obvious dislike of his joke - which he though hilarious - she spoke up. “It’s not funny, what he’s done to you. Has done to you, to you all.” Her tone oozed understanding and softness, such feelings he’s never been offered before. That he couldn’t ever afford himself.
“You know of my family’s time under Nik’s daggers love?” He tilts his head, trying to understand the subtle increase in thumping his heart seems to be producing. Such a useless, dead, organ.
Elena’s brows lifted as she nodded. “Not the whole extent, but parts. Only what Elijah has told me. He said you’ve been daggered the most.”
“Yes, my most recent one lasted over a hundred years.” Kol couldn’t understand his want to tell her this. Was it the look in her eyes? It was so pure and kind, a look no one has given him.. ever? Or at least not in a couple of century’s. He vaguely remembers such kindness being offered before, though the amount was so small and distant that he could count it on one hand.
“That’s horrible,” Her hand squeezed his. “You didn’t deserve that, no one does.” She was firm. Resolute in her opinion.
He bites back the argument - questions - bubbling up quickly, instead swallowing the massive lump forming in his throat. Hiding his initial shock behind a cocky smirk. “You sound like you care, darling. Should i take this as a sign?” He teases.
“Don’t do that.” She cuts him off, stepping closer. “Don’t hide behind cockiness. Im not judging you, or saying this out of sympathy. Im simply stating facts.”
Kol’s smirk faltered, which was rare considering how good he had gotten at pretending over the years. Something deep in his soul told him - demand him to realize - that he didnt have to.. to pretend in front of her. He shuts his eyes, sighing softly before furthering his grip on her waist and leaning down to graze the tip of her ear.
“Shall I do you a favor, sweetheart?” He decided changing the subject would be the only way to save himself from this situation, she flickered her gaze upwards to meet his own, tilting her own head slightly.
“What do you mean?” Elena hesitated, wanting to push on with their conversation but understanding some topics have to be left behind, especially since she was a stranger to him and had no right to demand he pour his heart - and soul - out to her. And anyways, should she really be entertaining someone whose own siblings refer to as a maniac? No, probably not. But doesn’t everyone always tell her that ‘Elena Gilbert lacks self preservation skills’?
He leans closer, breath tickling her ear, smirk upturned into a devilish grin. All signs of sadness or hurt gone from his face. “You wish to get away from those pesky brothers, I’ll help, darling.” As he leaned out, Elena tilts her head to catch a glimpse of Caroline with Klaus and Bonnie with Elijah. Leaving the Salvatores unoccupied and free to track her every movement. Shit.
“Why would you help me?” And how, but she has a feeling she wouldn’t want to know the answer.
“This has been an enjoyable time, darling-” His thumb swirls in circles on her waist. “-And I’d quite like to ensure myself another meeting?” In turn, he tilted his head. Heart still obnoxiously thumping, now even more with the contemplation on her face that meant he might get to see her again.
Elena thought for a moment before smiling in amusement. “That would be much appreciated.” She batts her big, doe eyes and steals a glance up through her eyelashes. He hummed in response, lifting her hand and kissing the back as the song came to an end.
“I’ll be looking forward to our next meeting, sweetheart.” Kol winked before walking past her towards the brothers. Sparing her a singular, intrigued, glance.
Elena couldn’t help but roll her eyes before shifting towards the staircase, only to be intercepted by Elijah.
—
“Elena,” He called from behind, dressed handsomely in a finer suit than usual. Has she ever seen him in anything but? “I understand my mother requested to see you.”
They walked side by side slowly. “Yeah. Why? Is something wrong?” She arches a brow in confusion.
Elijah slows his pace, tone low. And perhaps hinted with hurt? “Well, her ability to forgive my brother after everything he’s done to destroy this family strikes me as a little strange, to say the least.”
“Do you think that it’s an act?”
“It has me asking questions i never thought id ask.” He pauses briefly. “Can i depend on you to tell me what she says?” His eyes glossed momentarily with that look, the same look he had given her when she had undaggered him. Pure, unadulterated trust. But it was quickly covered by a mask of calmness. Elena only caught the look because of the vast history of deal’s and betrayals between the two, she had promised herself to never break his trust again if given the chance. They made a pretty good duo when working towards the same goal.
“Of course” He studies her for any sign of a lie. Elena places a hand on the side of his arm, squeezing it reassuringly. “You know i wouldn’t go behind your back, Elijah. I never have.” Which was true, yea she has betrayed him before. But she was always up front about it. Honest. Never deceitful - not to him, or anyone.
The sweetness in her tone made him blink back a surprised look before he took her hand and nodded. Though they both had betrayed one another once before, they understood each other to a familiar extent.
”I’ll find you later, okay?” Elena let go of his hand and walked off towards where Finn had informed her to go.
Elena knocks on the rooms door she knows Esther is in. Slightly taken aback when Finn answered the door “You’re alone. Wise choice.” His gruff tone reminded her of story’s shes heard of him. The years spent in a coffin. The years lost. She pushes the information out of her mind if only to not sympathize with the enemy.
“It’s only sage.” Esther speaks up, pulling Elena’s attention from Finn. “I’ve spelled it so we can speak freely without fear of being overheard.” She turned to Finn. “That’ll be all, Finn. Thank you.”
Elena spared him a quick glance, unsure of if she wanted to be alone with Esther or have Finn in the room at all.
“You must have a million questions for me, Elena. Please,” Esther gestures to the couch in front of her. Elena obliges hesitantly.
—
“You’ve been on the other side for a thousand years?” Elena squints, leaning forward in disbelief. Yea, the Original’s have been alive - well dead, but who cares for the correct terms? - for a thousand years. But being dead-dead for that long? Surly that was borderline-impossible.
“Nature’s way of punishing me for turning my family into vampires.” Her eyes iced over. “But there is a way for me to undo the evil i created.” Something about how the mother spoke reminded Elena of another, Elijah, and his ability to find loopholes through his extended use of specific wording. That same something was telling Elena that Esther wasn’t just referring the siblings when mention ‘the evil she’s created’.
“You’re going to help us kill Klaus, aren’t you?” Shock whisked upon her face despite herself. Didn’t Elijah say their mother forgave him? That she declared whole-heartedly - tears in her eyes! - that she’d forget Klaus’s past tragedy’s. The family’s misgivings?
“One thing at a time Elena, for now i simply need your help.”
—
“I understand Rebekah shared the story of my family.” Esther lit a few candles. “How i upset the balance of nature by turning my children into vampires.”
“She said you did it to protect them from werewolves.” Elena shivered slightly, unnerved by the tone of Esther - their supposed mothers - voice.
“It’s true.” She began pouring something into a glass. “But in no time at all they began to feed on human blood, they ravaged the town with no remorse. Eventually, Niklaus turned against me.”
“How are you going to kill him? He’s immortal.” Elena steps forward, unsure of herself.
This whole conversation seemed wrong. Why did she lie about forgiving Klaus to her other children? It was wrong, hearing a mother speak so freely about killing their own child. Despite the common supernatural occurrences in Elena’s life, like the surprise ‘hey, actually, I’m your real mother! Oh- and a vampire’, she still believed whole heartedly in family. Her adopted parents - no, her real parents - and brother, and friends allowed her to trust family completely.
“It will take time, magic, and your assistance.” Esther turns towards her, gaze hardened and void of any love.
“What do i have to do?” She arches a brow.
“My children believe Im holding this ball to celebrate our reunion. But in truth, I’ve gathered them together to preform a ritual.” She takes a breath before continuing. “The first step requires blood from the doppelgänger- only a drop.” She adds quickly as i visibly tense. “Its essence will be in the champagne toast later on this evening.”
“Will you do it?” Would she do it. Do what? Assist in murdering her own child? Elena frowned at the thought. “Or shall I?” She stepped back slowly at the threat, though not quick enough.
Esther manages to grab Elena’s hand, pricking her finger tip and dropping the blood in the cup she was preparing before. Elena winces at the sudden movement, pulling her hand back afterwards. She felt the magic imbued in the glass, the magic from her blood, swirling freely despite itself. It called to her, like it was telling her to reclaim it. That this, working with Esther, was wrong. It took everything in Elena to lower her hands and face Esther’s gaze head on without physically - and mentally - throwing up.
“Elijah is more suspicious than the others, so he may need more persuasion.” Esther carries on, disregarding the glare Elena shot her way. “But they must all drink at the toast in order to be linked as one.”
“What do you mean linked as one?” Elena frowns.
“You said it yourself Klaus can’t be killed.” - “But tonight’s spell links all my children together so that if one goes, they all go.” A breathless gasp escapes Elena before she could stop herself. Kill them all? But she didn’t want that, how could their mother want that?
“What? You cant do this!” She shrieks. Though, no-thanks to the sage, no one will hear her.
“I love my family, Elena, but they are an abomination. I betrayed nature when i created them.” Esther steps closer. “It’s my duty to kill them.” Elena shivered from the sheer lack of love in Esther’s voice, instead filled with determination and coldness.
Elena steps back, unsure if Finn was still waiting outside by the door but ready to run if needed. “I will not help you with this.”
Esther seemed less than pleased with her retort. “Is it that you don’t want my son killed? I had in mind that you loathed him.” She turned to set down the cup now filled with blood.
“I do, hate him, but not the rest. The others do not deserve this!” Elena yells, surprising herself with her bold statement. Elijah was righteous and a friend. Rebekah, though undoubtedly very mad with her, didn’t deserve this ending - inflicted by her own mother. Kol and Finn were new to her, but her brief encounters with them led her to believe they were nothing like Klaus.
Even klaus didn’t deserve this! To be ended by his mother without a second thought. It was cruel. Elena Gilbert, though many things, always tried not to be cruel.
“Yes, it is regretful what must be done. But do not expect to be able to foil my plans, Elena.” Her tone hardened. “Perhaps it’d be best if you didn’t join us for the toast.”
Elena’s heart plummeted. For a witch as powerful as Esther to say such was definitely threatening. “They will look for me!” Her voice grew quiet.
“After the toast, yes, but by then it will matter not.”
She was locked in the room. Great. Typical. It’s not her usual kidnapping - but shes still being held again her will! - maybe it wasn’t so bad, i mean, Esther could have spelled her? But still, this situation was a far cry from ideal.
Elena takes to looking around Esthers study. Pulling out random, old, ancient, whatever, books off the shelf to pass the time. What time was it anyways? God, she has to remind herself to write about how much this sucks in her diary. Being trapped that is, the books were perfectly entertaining.
There were random, creepy objects around the room. They felt witchy, but nothing like what Bonnie had shown her. No. These were more dangerous, dark. Unfathomable.
Relaxing on the couch - as best as she could that is - for what feels like hours, Elena finally hears the door click. She jumps up and rushes for the door handle. Locked. Huh?
Click. There was clicking everywhere. It sounded more like a clock than a door. But there wasn’t a clock in this room, if there was then Elena would have checked the time already!
She felt sick, like her mind was crumbling under pressure. Her heart thumped erratically, beating harshly against her ribs. Screaming, begging to be free from the restraints that is her body. It was mortifying.
Panic over took her mind, shattered her will, as she scurried back to the couch to catch her breath. What was happening? Why did she feel like she was dying?
Her vision blurred, black spots appearing everywhere she looked. She laid down on the couch, resting her head on a pillow for comfort. She felt her blood rush through herself. Was this because of Esther’s spell? It sure felt like magic! And Elena was - not - enjoying it.
Elena’s throat dried out despite the tugging feeling of liquid rolling down her it. Everything quickly went black, silent, as magic consumed her existences until she was no more.
The spell had worked. She felt them being linked. Felt her blood rushing through theirs. But something else had to be occurring.
Her consciousness faded into nothingness for what felt like forever.
With a jolt, Elena burst upright. Now sitting on a stone, cold-rock floor in the dark. She pressed her palm to her head, trying to relieve the pounding headache that prevented her from being able to think. Where was she? What had Esther done?
It wasn’t cold despite it being winter-time.
Elena glanced around at the caves interior, finding a wax candle tucked away in a hole. She took the candle and uses a few twigs from the pile of wood to crate a spark full enough to light it. After ages of trying, she managed she start fire and used it to get a better look at her surroundings. There were names on the wall, in a language she couldn’t speak, and materials everywhere. Was this some type of sanctuary?
Something tugged in Elena’s brain, calling her towards the exit of the cave. Despite the danger of venturing out of this safe space, she decided to follow the demands. Each twist and turn almost familiar, helping her lead herself out of the cave systems quickly - only to find herself in a massive, lushes forest. Not a Mikaelson manner in sight - great! though she had already guessed she would be no where close to such after waking up in a cave - or anywhere that could signal her as to where she was. There were definitely no forest like this in Mystic Falls.
Elena shimmed down a tree, sitting with her back laid against it as she tried to sort out the familiarity of this place. It was like she had seen it before, felt it even. And it was definetly not winter anymore. Instead a warm, vibrant spring like the ones she dreamed of.
Finally relaxed, Elena allowed herself to let her mind wonder - threatening tears to form in her eyes - as she went through every explanation as to where she was and why in her head. She tucked her head into her knees, sleep seeping into her body because of the already exhausting situation.
“Tætia, Er þat þú?” Elena’s eye’s shot open at the sound. Quickly turning her head to face the man.
“What?” Her brows furrowed. What did he just say?
“Heil ert þú?, Ek þóttumk þú værir með bræðrum mínum, Hugðir þú at ek myndi vilja félagskap þinn í stað?” Elena, still confused as ever, gasped under her breath at his scoff.
“Excuse me, i don’t know who you are - or where i am - but that doesn’t give you a right to act so rudely!” She pointed a finger weakly, cringing at herself for her own cluelessness - and the fact that he obviously didn’t understand her, so she was yelling for nothing. She dropped her finger, huffing as she stood. As she finally got a good look at the rude man in front of her, her eyes widened with shock. “Kol?”
They both stared at each other in confusion as they looked one another up and down. He seemed younger, only by a bit - which hello? - Was impossible. Vampires don’t age, and the Kol Mikaelson she briefly met seemed like a much more stylish guy.
“Tætia?” He mumbled with a lifted brow. Elena quickly shook her head and pointed at herself.
“Elena, I’m Elena. Not Tatia.” She grimaced as she remembered Elijah mentioning the first doppelgänger, Tatia. But why was Kol calling her that while wearing an outfit that dated back - well, i don’t know? - at least thousand years!
Elena stared curiously as he suddenly opened his pouch and pulled out a book. He flipped to a page which was, of course, covered in symbols she couldn’t understand, and started reading it. A few moments later, he closed the book and bit his thumb. Causing it to bleed where it was nipped. Elena instinctively grasped his hand away from his mouth, lifting a confused brow. Which got her an even more confused look back from him.
She slowly looked down to where he was staring and then let go of his hand, blushing slightly. She hadn’t meant to do that - it was instinctive because of the amount of times Jeremy had gotten hurt when he was younger.
Kol put his thumb to her lips wearily, blushing and avoiding her gaze. Though she had no reason to trust this - version? - of Kol, she moved closer and placed her lips on him thumb. It was cute watching the soft, pink hue spread down his neck and ears. He quickly removed his thumb from her bottom lip and started chanting. She felt tingly and shivered as an electric shock jolted throughout her body. Bonnie had done magic her many times before, but it didn’t feel like this. His magic swirled around Elena’s skin, softly kissing at her checks and twirling her hair. It was a delightful feeling. Not forced.
She nearly got lost in the sensation before the boy - no, Kol - spoke up. “Can you understand me now?” Elena nearly jumped back at the sudden switch in language.
“You can speak English now?” She tilted her head. Was that what the spell was for? she didn’t bother to ask knowing he wouldn’t understand her but perhaps she should have been more cautious in case the spell was intended to be harmful. But seeing Kol made her body relax - her mind relax - and he was really cute when he blushed like a teenage boy.
“No, you now speak my language.” Her eyebrows lifted in surprise. “The spell lets you learn the language of the person whose blood you swallow.” He seemed to be studying her.
She hummed as an answer, she should get Bonnie to try the same spell when she gets back. Gets back? Wait. Young Kol. Him not knowing English. Massive - and i mean massive - forest. Where was i? No, when was i?????
“Though i dont know how you knew. As you said before, my name is Kol.” She nearly shrieked as he took her hand as kissed the back of it.
“Elena.” She nodded in reply, taking her hand back.
“Elena, would you mind telling me who you are and possibly where you are from?” He smirked.
Kol walked peacefully through the forest he had grown accustomed to over the years. He was going to his favorite spot next to his family’s caves to practice magic after a session with Ayanna. He heard sharp breaths as he was approaching his family’s cave systems and saw a familiar brunette sitting with her head rested on her knees. Carefully, he sneaked closer to find the woman was Tatia. Kol scowled at the sight, he never cared for her and her selfish acts directed towards his foolish brother. But she seemed, upset? So despite every instinct telling him to leave her there as this was probably another trick, he calls out to her.
“Tatia, are you alright?” He glared at the girl as her brows furrowed, offended by the confused look in her eye. She mumbled out a response that he couldn’t understand with a slightly exasperated expression.
“I thought you were with my brothers, did you think i would want your company instead?” He scoffed, rolling his eyes childishly.
This seemed to baffle her, good. But he was even more annoyed at the finger pointed his way as she growled in a language he’s never heard. Kol finally glanced at her attire and was stunned. What was she wearing? He’s never seen anything like it. And her hair - she couldn’t have cut it and straightened it in the span of a mere hour. He tilted his head at her own confusion as she said his name. They stood silently for a long moment. “Tatia?” He decided to finally ask.
The girl pointed at herself while shaking her head. “Elena” was the name she refereed to herself as. She wasn’t Tatia, that much was clear. She was wearing unusual clothing and was speaking a language he does not know. A growing suspicion bubbled in his chest. Curiosity leading his hands towards his pouch and urging him to figure out who this girl was that wore the face of his brothers suitor.
He flipped the pages, skimming through each one and landed on a language spell. After reading the instructions, he bit his thumb. Kol tensed as the girl took his hand, laying it gently in hers above her chest as she frowned at him. He could feel warmth spreading through his body at the protectiveness in her stare, although there was no reason to look at him in such a way. He watched silently, blush creeping up his cheeks, as she gazed down at their interlinked hands and flushed pink while letting go, adorably avoiding his eyes.
Hesitantly, he brought his thumb close to her lips. Hovering it above them. He blushed harder as she moved her lips closer. He hadn’t been this intimate - especially in a situation where he wasn’t trying to arrogantly woo a girl and instead when he was performing magic - with a girl in a while, or at all. He quickly removed his thumb from her mouth and started chanting, distracting himself from the growing heat swirling around his stomach.
Kol looked up to see her watching patiently, with a hint of awe in her eye’s. “Can you understand me now?” He had to stifle back a smirk as she cutely tilted her head and questioned his spell. Now that he was looking at her more throughly, she seemed to have softer features and bigger eyes than Tatia. It made her inexcusable adorable. Though he wouldn’t never say so out loud.
“No, you now speak my language.” He chuckled at her surprised expression. “The spell lets you learn the language of the person whose blood you swallow.” She hummed as an answer and looked lost in thought. “Though i dont know how you knew. As you said before, my name is Kol.” He took her hand as kissed the back of it.
“Elena, like I said before.” She nodded before slowly taking her hand back. He looked up with an amused smirk.
“Elena,” He hummed. “Would you mind telling me who you are and possibly-“ His eyes wondered over her body. “-where you are from?”
“Um.” Elena shuffled on the spot. Where was she from? Where was she currently was the only question she wanted to bother thinking about at the moment. Ok. Elena Gilbert isn’t an idiot, obviously she wasn’t in her time anymore. She would have betted on being teleported to a different location - or knocked out, or compelled, into a deep sleep before being transported into the caves. But this, seeing a younger looking Kol in an outfit that showed up briefly in the history books shes skimmed through made that argument completely void. So, time travel? Yea? Just her luck.
She silently debated on telling him the truth, staying silent for a long moment. Thankfully the boy didn’t seem in a rush to find out so he kept quiet, resorting to studying the girl instead.
Rule number one of time travel, never - and every book ever as always repeated the word ‘never’ with a bunch of explanation points after it, sometimes even putting it in bold or underlining it or both - mess up the past by interfering with history, or at least major history. And why should no one ever know of the future? Because that could risk the future Elena has experienced to never happen! Yay! So fun!
She couldn’t risk that - not being able to get back to a future she remembered, or not being able to go back at all - but… he’s already caught her, and who else is going to help her? Kol patiently waited for her answer, his eyes shifting across her body. Probably at her attire, but it still made her sweat. The most logical solution was actually really easy, and helped eased Elena’s nerves a bit - which is a bonus!
Tell the truth, but not the whole truth. Easy, right? Tell him shes from the future but refrain from spilling too much.
Elena took a deep breath, sighing slightly before meeting the curious boys honey-brown eyes. “I don’t.. i don’t really know how to explain it.”