Originals: Blood In The Water (Kalijah)

Ch.10: An Unblinking Death

Klaus was in the study searching for Esther's grimoire, when Elijah entered.

"Can I help you find something?"

"Yes. In fact, I believe you can. I'm looking for a book, about ye big, filled with our mother's most powerful spells. It appears to have been misplaced."

Elijah sat down at a desk.

"How very mysterious."

"Indeed. At first, I feared the witches had obtained it, but then I began to wonder if the thief wasn't a bit closer to home."

Elijah was scribbling in a notebook, as Klaus told him that.

"Don't make this harder than it needs to be, brother," Klaus added.

"Well, admittedly, I did have a theory that your sudden interest in mother's grimoire was in some way related to whatever foolishness you've been conducting with the Crescent wolves. Therefore, I took it upon myself to carefully place it where naughty little fingers could not pry," Elijah informed him.

"And here I thought you, of all people, would understand. I am simply trying to help those wolves! Play Samaritan to the abused. Champion of the underdog, so to speak."

"How splendidly noble of you," Elijah commented.

"Have you ever considered that I'm using our mother's magic to empower Katerina's friends so they're more capable of protecting her? You're the one that made her a promise to protect her. I'm just helping you keep that promise."

Elijah got up from the desk and walked over to him.

"Yes, unless of course, they decide to seek retribution for decades held in exile, and Katerina will find herself in the middle of an uprising. One that will only provoke further violence. You see, you risk turning New Orleans into a war zone, brother. I won't let that happen. And I won't let Katerina get in the middle of it."

"The drums of war were beating long before we returned. I suggest you use a little less of this." He made a talking gesture with his hand. "And a little more of these." He pointed to his ears, before smiling and sitting on the couch. 

Kat leaned against a wooden pillar that held up a shack of some kind in the Bayou, which wasn't far from where Oliver stood on the right side of Jackson, Elijah a small distance in front of the wolves. She didn't need to be present, but since she'd been out here anyway, she might as well be there to know what was going on.

"You're making a grave mistake," Elijah told them.

"So, you're just worried about us. Is that it?" Oliver asked.

"Look, Elijah. We know all about your brother's reputation, but if there's is even a chance that these rings can help us take control of our curse," Jackson began.

"Our gift," Oliver corrected him.

"Then, honestly, we don't care what he's really after. Won't have to," Jackson finished.

"I see. There are those in the Quarter who will consider this a great provocation," Elijah told them.

"Apparently, most of them see us breathing the same way," Oliver replied.

"They don't want a fight, Elijah. They just want a better life," Kat intervened.

"Allegiance with my brother will guarantee them anything but that. You should know that better than anyone, Katerina."