It Was Epic (SI-FemDamon)

The Dinner Party

Lexi had orchestrated this outing, insisting it would do me good to spend time with her and Jenna while showing Elijah around Mystic Falls. I didn't have much of a say in the matter and found myself reluctantly tagging along.

We strolled through the old Fell property, Jenna leading the way and pointing out various historical landmarks.

"The old Fell property starts just beyond that fence," Jenna remarked, her voice carrying a hint of pride.

Elijah nodded in acknowledgment. "Ah, the Fells. One of the Founding Families," he observed.

"Why do you say it like that?" Jenna questioned, her curiosity piqued.

I couldn't help but interject, my own knowledge of the town's history bubbling to the surface. "This area was actually settled almost two full centuries earlier. It was a migration of townsfolk from the northeast, um, it was Salem, to be precise."

"Salem, Massachusetts? As in the witch trials?" Jenna's eyes widened with intrigue.

"Which means the ever-lauded founding families... didn't actually find anything," I added, a tinge of irony coloring my words.

Lexi chimed in, reminding me of my own lineage. "Daniella, you are a founding family member," she said gently.

I sighed, feeling the weight of my heritage pressing down on me. "Right, and I wanna go home," I muttered under my breath.

"You can't and you know why," Lexi reminded me firmly.

Jenna, oblivious to the tension, continued the conversation. "Well, I bet it was the men who made a big deal about being founders back in 1860. Men are very territorial," she remarked.

Elijah concurred with a subtle nod. "Yes, they are."

As we conversed, Alaric Saltzman, Jenna's friend and a fellow history enthusiast, approached us.

"Elijah, this is my friend, Alaric Saltzman," Jenna introduced him.

"Yeah, I got your message about walking Elijah here through the old property lines. I thought I would tag along. You know, being a history buff and all. Where to next?" Alaric inquired, his interest evident.

I seized the opportunity to delve deeper into the town's complex history. "I'm pretty curious about the freed slave property owners. Some say, you know, the descendants of the slaves are the true keepers of American history."

Jenna, ever prepared, excused herself momentarily to retrieve the relevant documents from her car, leaving the rest of us to engage in conversation.

As we waited, the air hummed with anticipation, each of us eager to uncover the secrets buried within Mystic Falls' storied past.

"Elijah Mikaelson," Alaric Saltzman acknowledged, extending a hand in greeting. "So, you're one of those people on Elena's list of loved ones to protect. Daniella, who is this?"

I glanced at Lexi, introducing her to Elijah. "Lexi, meet Elijah Mikaelson. Elijah Mikaelson, Alexia 'Lexi' Branson."

Lexi smiled politely. "It's a pleasure to meet you."

Elijah returned the gesture. "The pleasure is all mine, Alexia. If you don't mind me asking, what purpose do you serve here?"

"RoseMarie passed away, and Daniella was close to her. I'm here to make sure she doesn't shut it off," Lexi explained, her tone solemn.

I nodded in agreement. "Because Daniella could be like Damon."

Elijah's interest was piqued. "Interesting. How close were you two?"