Always & Forever A Mikaelson {Sequel to Klaus' Daughter Is A Lockwood}

Marcel's Grief, Thierry Returns, Rebekah's Plan, Trouble In The Quarter

THE MIKAELSON COMPOUND

Nicole is talking to Diego. Marcel comes down the stairs into the courtyard with a bottle of bourbon in his hand. "Hey, Marcel!" Nicole yells to him from across the room. Diego sees him enter the room and they both approach him when Marcel walks over to sit down at a table. "You know what's going on? Klaus ordered us to meet here, and now he's a no-show." Diego pressed. "What do you want from me? It's a new regime. Get used to it." Marcel said frustrated and upset. Nicole pulled him aside. "Marcel, what's going on?" He just shook his head. "Look, you don't have to talk to me right now but I know you're grieving as am I. Davina was my friend, ok? Just know when you're ready to talk; I'll be here to talk." Nicole said. Marcel gave a small smiled and nodded.

Klaus enters the room with Thierry and makes an announcement. "Dearest brethren, your attention, please. No doubt, you're all surprised to see Thierry Vanchure, who's supposed to be rotting in the Garden for the crime of killing one of our own, and I personally decided to issue him with a pardon. I hope you'll all welcome home Thierry." Marcel and Nicole exchange glances both looking angry and suspicious. Thierry smiles and gives Diego a hug. "Welcome home, man." Diego says. Klaus approaches Nicole and Marcel. "You're in a good mood. You should visit Mystic Falls more often." Marcel says non challant. Nicole stifles a chuckle. "Well, as much as I might like to, I have pressing responsibilities here." He turns to address the crowd of vampires. "Now, as you all know, the witch Davina is no longer with us." Nicole rubs Marcel's arm comfortingly. "Without Davina, we can no longer monitor the activity of our witch neighbors. However, since their Harvest failed, their magic will soon be gone forever. Until then, I say we keep them on their toes. Diego, I wonder if you might lead a rousting in the cauldron." Diego smiles and starts to plan with the other vampires. Marcel kisses Nicole on he head, grabs his bottle and goes to storm away but Klaus stops him in the doorway. "Marcel, I'd hoped you would join Diego." Klaus says hopefully. "Nah. I'm gonna take a personal day." Marcel says. He pushes past Klaus and leaves. Klaus scowls and turns to Nicole; visibly annoyed at his attitude. Nicole just shrugs and walks out the front door.

THE FRENCH QUARTER

While exiting the compound Nicole spots Rebekah and Elijah walking and runs to catch up with them. "Good Morning family. What are we discussing?" Nicole asks. Elijah kisses her forehead and wraps his arm around her and continued walking. "Well good morning Nicole. I was saying that today, I saw Niklaus demonstrate mercy towards an enemy. Tell me that's not progress." He replies turning to Rebekah. "Please, Elijah. Who do you think convinced Klaus to let Thierry out?" Rebekah responds with a smirk. "Why would you do such a thing?" Elijah asks. "Yeah Thierry was a huge issue and hated us." Nicole says with disdain. "Because, despite Klaus' reprieve, Thierry despises him. I like that about Thierry. I also like that he used to date a witch, so he knows about French Quarter covens. Maybe he can lead me to whoever stole off with the Harvest magic." Rebekah says with conviction. "Yeah that's not likely." Nicole says dripping with doubt. "Rebekah, we are all devastated by the outcome of this ritual." Elijah says trying to reason with her. "That's just it. There was no outcome. We both know that power like that doesn't just vanish. I say someone stole it. I'd like to know who, and then I'd like to make an ally out of them." Rebekah says frustrated. "Ok you have a valid point that I have already stressed several times!" Nicole raises her voice out of aggravation. "Understood. But to what end, exactly?" Elijah asks. "I'm tired of being threatened and controlled by our tyrant brother. If you want to stop a bully, you need the power to stand up to them." Rebekah says stopping in her tracks. "Oh come on Rebekah not this again!" Nicole says exasperated. "I expect such behavior from Niklaus. It's so very disappointing when it comes from you, Rebekah. Do you not see that, in his way, he's making an effort here? He's invited us back into our family home. He yearns for our family to be reunited." Elijah presses to change her mind. "Yes. He's in a brilliant mood now, but for how long? It's his trick, Elijah. He lulls you into a false sense of camaraderie and kinship, and then he turns on you like a snake. I fall for it every time and wind up with a dagger in my chest for my trouble. No more." Rebekah starts to walk away but Elijah steps in front of her. "I believe that he is approaching some semblance of peace here. Leadership may, in fact, be a good thing for him. Now, sister, please, I ask you, if you cannot support him, then at least do nothing to provoke him." Elijah says trying to make her listen to reason. "You know what I'm not gonna stand here and watch you destroy my father. I'm going back home. See you later Uncle Elijah." Nicole says as she storms away.

THE MIKAELSON COMPOUND

Klaus enters one of the rooms of the compound and finds Marcel, still drinking alone as he sits on a couch. "Ugh, is this what's it's come to? I bear the full weight of our kingdom while you pout like a child." Klaus says annoyed. "You wanted to be king. Besides, you look like you got it covered." Marcel says with hate. "If the men see you shirk your duties, they're likely to do the same." Klaus says trying to talk some sense into him. "I told you, I am not in the mood for vampire hijinks." Marcel says; also annoyed. "No. You'd rather sit wallowing in sorrow for your lost little friend." Marcel stands up and points a finger at Klaus. "Don't push me right now." Marcel yells at Klaus. "I am sorry Davina is gone, okay? I'm sorry. But this mournful attitude is unworthy of you, and it's boring to me." Klaus responds unremorseful. Nicole runs in and steps between them facing her father. "Enough! Dad! Leave Marcel alone! He has every right to mourn however he wants." She says glaring at her father. His expression softens. Diego enters the room to join them, looking worried. "Hey, guys, we got a problem." He says looking frightened.