Written In Blood

Chapter Ten.

The year: 1492
Location: York, England. 

Niklaus, Elijah and Rebekah were living just outside of York.
Rayna just so happened to be back in Portsmouth, visiting the property her guardians used to own.
But Niklaus had a mission. He still hadn't found a Doppelganger to complete the spell to break the curse and he was more determined than ever.
"We're back in England, so I want to uphold the Mikaelson tradition and host a ball." Niklaus said over breakfast, matter-of-factly.
"I'm not really in a ball-hosting mood, Nik." Rebekah sighed.
Elijah took a moment to think. "I think it would be good for us. We need something to distract us from our thoughts, plus, it's Niklaus' birthday. We need to celebrate."
"Thank you, brother!" Niklaus clapped his hands, an almost mischievous look decorating his face. 

A week later, the ball was in place.
Niklaus was planning his bold, birthday entrance, so it was up to the older brother and Original sister to greet the guests and entertain.
Elijah was about to greet some friends before he was interrupted by a young man.
"Ah, good evening Trevor. I'm pleased you could join us." He smiled to the boy.
"I couldn't miss this birthday celebration." Trevor returned the smile.
Elijah nodded. "No, considering the gift you claim to bear. Where is this mystery girl of which you speak?"
"Right this way." Trevor smirked, pleased with his work.
Elijah followed the boy through the tight crowd of people, until a stunningly beautiful girl came into his view.
"My dear." Trevor greeted her.
"Hello." She smiled.
Elijah couldn't believe his eyes. She looked exactly like Tatia; the first girl to get between he and Niklaus.
He snapped out of his trance and smiled.
"Forgive me," He said. "You remind me of someone."
"Katerina, may I introduce the Lord Elijah." Trevor gestured to the Original.
Elijah held out his hand, which the girl took as she curtsied.
"Pleasure, my lord." She smiled.
"The pleasure's mine. Katerina." He replied, kissing her hand, gently. "So, where are you from, my dear?"
"Bulgaria, originally. I'm here for a fresh start." She replied.
Elijah chuckled, his Heretic former-love popping into his thoughts.
"So where is this mysterious host I've heard so much about?" The Doppelganger asked as Trevor joined in the festivities.
"Fashionably late." Elijah chuckled. "He likes to make an entrance."
Just as he finished his sentence, he saw someone coming down the stairs on the opposite side of the ball room.
"Here he is." He said.
Katerina attempted to catch sight of the younger Original brother, the curiosity almost overcoming her. As the crowd parted for him, she finally saw him walking over to them.
"Katerina, may I introduce you to the Lord Niklaus." Elijah introduced.
Just as she had with Elijah, Katerina took Niklaus' hand and curtsied as he kissed her knuckles.
"Niklaus is the name my father gave me. Please. Call me Klaus." The younger Original gave his signature smirk, not seeming phased by her likeness to his former love. "From where have you come, Katerina?"
"I'm new to town, my Lord." She replied.
Elijah looked at Niklaus with a small smile.
"Katerina is from Bulgaria." He said.
Niklaus smirked yet again. "Zdravei, Katerina."
Katerina laughed with delight. "Very good!"
Niklaus smiled and turned to his older sibling.
"Do you mind, brother? I would like to have a moment alone with her." Elijah gave a small smile in return and bowed his head a little.
"No, not at all. Happy birthday, brother." 

Weeks had passed and the moon was almost full, meaning the ritual to release Niklaus from his curse was almost upon them.
The younger Original was stood by his fireplace, watching the flames as they danced before he was interrupted by Elijah.
"The moon is full tomorrow, brother. After all these centuries, it's finally time." Niklaus spoke, taking a sip of his wine.
"I have been to see the witches. They believe they may have found a way to spare the doppelganger." Elijah replied.
Niklaus scoffed. "What does it matter if she lives or not? She's a means to an end; that is all."
Elijah couldn't believe what he was hearing. He knew his brother could be ruthless, but not like this...
"What? She should die for your gain?"
"She's human. Her life means nothing." Niklaus countered.
"I beg you to consider this..." The older brother pleaded.
Niklaus raised an eyebrow. "Are you so foolish as to care for her?"
"Of course not." Elijah frowned.
Niklaus gave a humourless chuckle, moving closer to his brother.
"Love is a Vampire's greatest weakness, and we are not weak, Elijah. We do not feel and we do not care." He spat.
"We did once." Elijah sighed, obvious to Niklaus that he was referring to Rayna.
"Too many lifetimes ago to matter. Tell the witches not to bother. The sacrifice will happen as planned." Niklaus glared. 

The next day arrived. Niklaus searched for Katerina all over the town, with no luck.
He stormed into Elijah's chambers.
"What have you done?" He growled.
Elijah looked up at him from his armchair, confused.
"I don't understand..." He said.
"Katerina's gone. She's fled." Niklaus replied, pacing the room.
"No..." Elijah gasped.
"What did you tell her?" The younger brother snarled.
"I told her nothing." Elijah shrugged.
In a rage, Niklaus grabbed him, throwing him against the nearest wall, his expression looking ready to kill.
"Do not lie to me!" He boomed.
"I will find her. You have my word." Elijah panted.
"If you don't, you have my word that you will be dead." Niklaus replied.