The Heavenly Appeal {A Vampire Diaries Fan Fiction}

{17} Thin Links In Between

A quick reminder that this story - and a few more extra chapters - are also in Fanfiction.net. I usually update there first since I find it easier to manage . . . but that's my opinion. Anyways, enjoy and let me know what you think! -Her Lady

Chapter Seventeen

Thin Links In Between

=-The New World-=

1024

A chiming laugh left her redden lips as her slender fingers ran through my loose hair. The blonde found my amazement of her things entertaining for I had never attempted such preparations before. I sat before her, facing the mirror as she twisted my blond locks into a pretty braid that ran down the curve of my neck and to my waist. Rebekah tucked in colorful flowers of vivid reds and gentle pinks, bringing out the shade of forest green from my fitting dress. The mysterious choker was the only jewelry that she allowed me to wear and left my fingers and wrists bare. She had brought cosmetics from the countries she had visited from before, using them on my skin - especially the black foreign substance called kohl that she lightly drew over my eyelids.

At one last glance in the mirror, the frequent look of innocence on my average features had disappeared, only to be replaced by a mask that owned distinction. For once I looked as my age called for me to be, twenty-one. I was not just a girl in the crowd who needn't be named - I was Heidi, a free maiden. "Does it win your favor?" Rebekah asked me, her clear blue eyes shining with mirth.

"Certainly, thank you." I turned to her, a little nervously at the sudden change of my face, "It is far more than I could ever repay-"

"It was not with difficulty, Heidi," she replied easily. Rebekah combed through her hair that was left down with a small twisted braid, curling behind her left ear. The ring that protected her from the sun was on her forefinger, as well as beautiful necklace that rested on her chest. "I do not want any payment of any kind but to watch as their faces express such awe in your presence. It shall be after my eyes capture such a sight alone that I will be satisfied with my work today."

Glancing at her angelic face, I asked curiously, "What is your reason to show the graciousness you have offered to me? I am but a stranger yet you showed me more kindness than one could throughout my life here in this village. Tatia has been my only companion."

"Must there be a reason?" She asked back as she pulled away, running her hand down her sleek midnight blue gown. Rebekah seemed a little irritated at hearing Tatia's name, but when she caught my stare, she forced a smile. Did she not like Tatia?

"To show my gratitude."

Rebekah shook her head, nostalgia flashing across her face. "As I said before, there is no need. We are friends, are we not?"

"O-Of course."

We shared smiles before she took my wrist and led me to the front hall. Rebekah glanced at the choker with skepticism but noticed something else with a smirk. "Calm your heart," she suggested softly. "I wish to surprise them, not tempt them with a new meal. I can suspect that it shall be difficult to keep their hands away from you."

Alarmed, I stopped in the middle of the hallway, grasping her arm with new strength. "Then I must change," I whispered frantically.

Raising an eyebrow, she questioned, "Why must you?"

"I do not need to say for you already know."

My eyes flickered forward to the end of the empty hall and to the wooden oak doors that led to the entrance. A chuckle escaped from her. "They have gone ahead with Lilly and Haldor. No one shall hear but I have some comprehension to what you speak of. It is not your fault, Heidi, and you yourself cannot control one's emotions other than your own. Do you not feel something for Elijah alone?" When I nodded silently, she looked a little relieved. "Then Henrik will be the one to blame for his own misconduct."