Always and Forever

Girl in New Orleans

'My siblings and I are the first vampires in all of history, the Originals. Three hundred years ago, we helped build New Orleans. Now, we have returned to find the city has a new king, who rules with the aid of a powerful girl. They've taken possession of my brother, Elijah. A coven of witches want this girl for themselves; they seek to enlist my help, using my unborn child and mate as leverage, though I suspect they have ulterior motives. So, I've made a plan of my own: I will free my brother, and reclaim the city for my family. Then, I will be king.'

Marcel walks through the pews of the church, while Davina kneels over Elijah's body in her room, she removes the dagger and just stares at it. 'Over the course of my life, I've encountered no shortage of those who would presume to speak of good and evil. Such terms mean nothing. People do what is in their best interest, regardless of who gets hurt. Is it evil to take what one wants?'

Klaus stares at a large painting in his mansion as he talks to Cami. "To satisfy hunger, even if doing so will cause another suffering? What some would call evil, I believe to be an appropriate response to a harsh and unfair world."

"No offense, but I'm not sure I follow why you've invited me here." Crossing her arms, she leans against the door frame.

"Because I enjoy your company. And I sense that you have the capacity for understanding someone of my... complexity. You see, I returned to New Orleans to investigate a threat posed against me. What I found instead, was a young woman, pregnant, my mate, and in need of protection. My brother, always the do-gooder, tried to manipulate me into helping her -he thought it might redeem me. Trouble is, I've since learned of another young woman - a girl, really, one with vast potential- held in captivity by a tyrant. I want to help both of these women - protect one and free the other. So, tell me, Cami, - does that sound evil to you?"

"I don't believe in evil as a diagnosis. I think you have unstable personal relationships, stress-related paranoia, chronic anger issues, fear of abandonment. I think you could benefit from talking to someone. Professionally."

Klaus smiles and looks down. "I think I prefer to talk to you. So, I'm going to offer you a job, as my stenographer."

"Okay, what are we writing?"

"My memoirs, of course. Someone should know my story. And it will give us time to discuss other riveting subjects, like your handsome suitor, Marcel."

She stares at him in shock. "Excuse me? My private life is-"

"Your private life is, as it turns out, essential to my plans. You see, Marcel wants you. And, because of that, he will trust you, which serves me. The thing is, the French Quarter is on the verge of war. On one side there's me, and on the other, Marcel. Along with a very powerful witch and an army of vampires."

Her eyes widen in fear as she backs away. "What?!"

He speeds over, and pushes her against the wall, staringing into her eyes. "You're frightened. Don't be."

She stares at him with a puzzled look. I'm not scared anymore. That's... amazing. How did you...?"

"It's called mind compulsion. It's a neat bit of vampire trickery. I'll tell you all about it. But first, let's talk a little more about Marcel."

She stares at him in disbelief.

Marcel leans over Elijah's body in his coffin. "This sucker's resilient. He's like a cockroach in a suit." He sighs and stands up. "Doesn't matter. Time to give ol' Elijah back to Klaus, anyway."

Davina turns around from looking outside her window. "You asked me to figure out a way to kill the Originals. I'm not done! The silver dagger hurts them, but that's it."