Written In Blood

Chapter Twenty Four.

The year: 1912
Location: Mystic Falls, VA

Stefan found himself back in Mystic Falls for the first time in almost fifty years.
He discovered that his father had slept with the maid and got her pregnant, producing his and Damon's half-brother, who had also had a son.
What brought Stefan back to his hometown was said son's funeral.
He stood outside the Salvatore crypt before the funeral had started and noticed two women walking towards him.
"I'm sorry for your loss, Mr Salvatore. I'm told you're a distant cousin of Zachariah." One of them said.
"His nephew, actually. Miss..?" Stefan trailed off.
"Lockwood. Marianna Lockwood." She smiled, spiking Stefan's attention. "And this is my friend, Samantha Gilbert." She gestured to the woman at her side.
"As in Jonathan Gilbert?" Stefan raised an eyebrow, remembering it had been him who was mostly responsible for the Vampire slaughter forty-eight years previous.
"My late grandfather. Did you know him?" Samantha asked.
"Crossed paths. I'm sorry, I didn't mean to be inappropriate, but no one seems to be willing to discuss the details of Zachariah's death." Stefan raised an eyebrow.
Samantha and Marianna shared a quick glance.
"He was murdered. And he wasn't the first." Samantha said.
"Samantha, don't be a gossip." Marianna scolded.
"Why not? He should know. He's a founding family like us." Samantha pressed before turning back to Stefan. "Be careful, Mr Salvatore. It's not a good time to be a Founder in this town."
Stefan gave a small smile to the women as they left.
Just as they did, Damon walked up to Stefan.
"Have you been eating the relatives again?" Damon asked.
"Damon." Stefan sighed his greeting.
"It's been a long time brother." The older sibling gave his signature half smile.
"It's been almost fifty years. I'm surprised you came." Stefan replied.
Damon scoffed. "And miss the funeral of... What do you call him? Uncle Zachariah?"
Stefan sighed again. "I see you're still mad at me."
"Why would I be mad at you, Stefan?" Damon frained hurt. "You made me become a Vampire and now I walk the world alone, drinking other people's blood."
Stefan observed his brother for a moment.
"Any chance you took it all out on our nephew Zachariah?" He asked.
"If I'm not mistaken, you were the one who killed our family, remember? May father rest in peace." Damon shook his head.
"I'm not like that anymore, Damon." Stefan sighed.
"Well congratulations, Stefan." The brother replied sarcastically. "But if you'll excuse me, I'd like to live out my eternal existence as far away from you as possible."
Damon began to walk away, but Stefan clearly wasn't done.
"Damon, wait. Let's grab a drink, catch up." He said, making Damon stop in his tracks and turn around.
"I've missed you, brother." Stefan finished.
"Sure. Why not?" Damon half smiled.