Prongs
I am tired. I want a break, desperately. I'm leaving for a while. Don't look for me, I'm fine. Wherever that is. I just needed to space myself from everything. I hope you understand. I'll be in touch with you soon, as soon as I find my peace and collect myself together.

Fleur Delacour

Hey! I know you have been going through so much recently and I'm sorry I couldn't be there for you. I am leaving town for a while...don't expect me to be back soon. If anything happens, or you need me, don't hesitate to call me. I love you! take care of yourself. 

Ps: I am going with Elijah :)

▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬

That last month had not been welcoming or pleasant in any way for Maeve. Every night she found herself plagued by nightmares and night terrors. Every single one of them began in the woods in Mystic Falls, her vision clouding by the agonizing memories of that night when she had run into death. Her eyes would be flooded with tears, and she would wake up screaming. The memories of that night were just too much to handle. 

Maeve felt her heart racing seeing the scene unfolding before her. Her hair danced in the wind, but she never broke her gaze with Esther. Her hand remained rigid, still under the influence of the spell. Maeve could feel the overwhelming power coursing through her, yet she had no control over it. It was all happening but it seemed like an outerbody experience. She watched it all happen to herself. The Maeve she stared at had her hands emitting a radiant glow, and fire that slowly began its formation of a ring around the pentagram Esther had created to end Maeve's life. The flames intensified, illuminating the pitch-black night. The torches blared their flames into the sky as the fire grew. The ring of fire spread into a massive fireball that began to swallow the darkness. Maeve felt her body burn, she was getting consumed by the fire. She saw her reflection in the flames. She felt her soul being consumed by the inferno. 

Maeve's mouth opened in a silent scream as the fire consumed her, yet left her unscathed. Instead, it flickered and twirled on her skin, scorching her hair. Raising her gaze, she discovered shadows encircling her. Their eyes were abyssal, and their faces ashen, making it almost impossible to discern their identities. Gradually, the fire on the ground reignited, casting its radiant golden embers onto the shadows, unveiling their haunting forms. Klaus Mikaelson, Elijah, Ezekiel and herself stared at her with a cold look. Dark and lifeless, their eyes seemed to stare at her like ghosts.Their cold stares didn't hide their disgust, however.

"Is this what you are?" Elijah's voice inquired flatly. Maeve shook her head but found herself being tongue-tied. Next was Klaus's turn to critic her---call her a disgrace and that he hated that 

"Look at what you have done." A voice rang out, echoing in her ears. That voice was her own showing her the alarming acts of hers when she faced her death. "You did this. The fire, the exhibition of true danger...it all is you."

With a short lived scream disguised as a gasp she woke up, her face damp with sweat and tears. The memory of the dream faded away, but the fear remained. Her eyes felt heavy, but she couldn't go back to sleep. She feared the nightmares would come back, if she tried going to sleep. She pulled her knees closer to her and sat on the bed, staring into the darkness that consumed the room. Maeve sat there for a long while. She contemplated the idea of skipping out of her room and going into the kitchen to help herself to some ice cream or perhaps a cup of coffee but she also knew it would result in Elijah waking up. Elijah who stayed in the room across from hers.

Many nights in the past month, Maeve found herself awake throughout the night in Elijah's company, too afraid to try to sleep. Every shut eye forced her to relive every moment in the worst forty eight hours of her life. She had no idea how long it had been since she had last slept soundly, but she knew it was long enough to affect her greatly. Her eyes, once bright and full of life, now appear dull and haunted. The deep bags under her eyes give her a perpetually fatigued look, as if she hasn't had a good night's sleep in months. The fear and distress that she experiences during her nightmares seem to linger in her gaze, leaving her eyes devoid of the sparkle that once defined them. Maeve barely carried herself evidenced by the gauntness of her frame and the lack of energy. 

Elijah dotted after her as much as he possible could. The cabin in the woods was a place he rented for the two of them. His sole intention was to give her some time to herself, away from everything. It made him feel helpless to a certain point when he could hear her sobbing in her sleep. The scream she let out when her nightmare forced her awake. The first week in the cabin, he spent it awake for most of the night with her, trying to get her to sleep or just sitting next to her in silence. Maeve relied heavily on him for comfort, for feeling safe. Her hands would be wound around his, head resting on his shoulder in the silence of the night. 

"Talk to me." he told her one night. Elijah purposefully pushed Maeve in an upright position on the leather couch. Maeve's eyes trembled as they turned to him unsettling and unfocused.  "Tell me what happens in those nightmares."

"What will it do?"

"Help you sleep." Maeve poured out every detail of the nightmares. Perhaps telling him all of it could help her forget it all. 

Maeve laid back down on the bed, her head resting on the soft pillow. She sighed deeply as her eyes drifted to the window. Her eyes began to drift to the window and she saw the moon shining brightly in the sky. Suddenly it clicked to her. Perhaps a way to clear her mind was to shut it out for a while. It was what Vampires could do, not feel anything. Maeve pushed aside the covers and softly placed her feet on the wooden floor. She felt a shiver run down her spine at the coldness of the floorboard. Maeve tip toed down the small flight of stairs. She grimaced when the floor creaked under her weight at the bottom of the stairs. Maeve glanced up at the top of the stairs and waited for a whole minute to catch the slightest moment coming from Elijah's room. None came making her let out a relieved sigh. 

Maeve walked out of the front door, feeling goosebumps rise up on her skin from the gentle cold of midnight. 

As the sun began to rise, Elijah found himself standing beside the elegant French door that opened up to the picturesque backyard of the cozy cabin in the woods. His gaze was fixated on her, as she sat against the door. The morning light slowly illuminated the horizon, emerging from the depths of the surrounding forest. The wooden porch was barely touched by the faint light, casting her figure as a captivating silhouette. Elijah confidently strode forward, stepping onto the chilly wooden floor, moist with the morning dew. He looked at the scene built around the cabin, before his eyes wandered toward her. He sat down like her. His legs folded at his knees and arms laid on top of them. 

A gentle smile formed on her lips as Maeve leaned back, resting her head on the glass door behind her, her eyes still closed. "It's not very gentlemanly to stare, you know," she playfully teased, feeling his gaze upon her.

"I apologise." he said without meaning the apology. "How did you sleep?"

"Not well but I feel relatively better." Maeve confessed. "I went into the woods in the night and shifted into my wolf. Just ran around and nothing else."

"How are you feeling now?" Maeve glanced his way. Elijah peered into her eyes. The brown was still pale with shadows under them but no longer dull like before. Some colour was back on her face and Elijah couldn't have been more happy to see it.

"I feel...better. Not great but I think I'm getting there." Maeve leaned in and placed a chaste kiss to his lips. "I don't know how to thank you for everything." Elijah scooted closer to her, his shoulder touching hers. He lifted up his hand and wrapped it around her. His thumb rubbed her arm, pulling her even closer to him. Maeve hummed with a smile and rested her head on his shoulder.

"If you are really feeling alright, go on a date with me." Maeve lifted up her head and gave a heartfelt glance to Elijah.

"Really? A date. But where?"

"Right here."

"Fine." said Maeve, "but I am cooking."

Elijah grinned foolishly, "I asked you on the date."

"Welcome to the twenty-first century Mikaelson, Chivalry goes both ways." She grinned and sat up resting her head on the glass door once again. Maeve let out an audible breathy sigh and closed her eyes again. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm trying to listen." She smiled and continued to close her eyes. 

Elijah's eyes roved around the back porch and the trees that stood guard around to find nothing. Neither did his ears catch onto any sound. "To what?" he asked curiously.

Maeve grinned proudly, "exactly!" she exclaimed in a calming tone. "When was the last time I or for that matter you listened to silence?"

A perfect entire moment passed before Maeve opened one eye and threw a glare his way, "the pantry is absolutely empty, isn't it?"

Elijah licked his bottom lip and looked at her through his brows, "yes." Maeve rolled her eyes.

"Fine. You can go shopping then," She said. "that will be you helping in preparing the date."

As the sun set behind the tall, towering pines, the sky was a beautiful shade of oranges and reds, Maeve sighed having finally set the table perfectly for the dinner date. The crackling fire in the hearth cast a warm glow across the room, creating an intimate ambiance for their first date. Maeve had spent hours preparing an easy but delicious dinner, hoping to impress Elijah with her culinary skills. The table was set with flickering candles and a bouquet of wildflowers. As the aroma of her culinary creation filled the air, she couldn't help but feel a surge of anticipation mixed with nerves.

"Alright then," she spoke to herself out loud. "Forest...dinner date...jeans and a crop top." She shrugged her shoulders, rolling her eyes. "Not too bad for a first date." she paused for a moment. Maeve couldn't help but laugh at herself awkwardly. She felt like she was a teenager, trying to impress a boy for the first time. "He's going to not like my dress choice." she sighed.

"Well if you ask me, I think you look beautiful today." Maeve jumped up startled by his voice. Elijah stood right behind her, at the bottom of the stairs, his hand resting on the banister. He smiled at her and she felt a smile form on her face in return. He looked handsome in a blue shirt and black blazer with blue jeans. Maeve could not help but stare at him, and her cheeks began to blush. 

"Are you fucking kidding me?" Maeve cried. "You just had a suit in your bag?" She shook her head. "You know what? At this point, I shouldn't even be surprised. You basically don't have a fashion sense at all. It's fine." 

Elijah hung his head low, a lopsided smile appearing on his face before he glanced back up at her. He made his way to the dinner table to set the bottle of red wine down. "I do have other pairs of clothes." he said once again looking at her.

"Oh really?" Maeve sassed crossing her arms. "You don't have to fool me Elijah...I get it, you have a specific choice in things. It's cool." She dismissively shut off and pointed at the table. "Well dinner's ready and the recipes are foolproof."

Elijah smirked, playfully raising an eyebrow. "Foolproof, huh? I suppose we'll find out soon enough."

"Ouch." she giggled as the two made their way back to the table. Elijah pulled out the chair for Maeve to settle in before he took his seat. "I'll have you know..." Maeve said adjusting her chair and gazing at Elijah. "My culinary skills have been known to have made people feel like dying."

A mischievous smile danced on his lips before he decided to reply, "like how I felt when you drove my car."

Maeve's jaw dropped open before he narrowed her eyes at him and pursued her lips. The pursued lips were a failed attempt to hide her flustered look and awkward smile.

"That again, is not very gentlemanly." Elijah only grinned back. Maeve couldn't help but notice the bottle of wine Elijah had chosen.

"I hope that is a good choice."

"It's what I could find at a short notice." Elijah said acting aloof. Maeve rolled her eyes and clicked her tongue,

"Short notice? You do know the villa up the road, a couple of miles is actually a vineyard right?"

"That's a Vineyard?" Elijah reiterated shocked to hear her. Maeve rolled up a napkin and threw it at his face,

"Enough sass. You have a reputation to upheld."

They clinked their glasses together, the sound echoing in the cozy cabin. Maeve took a sip of the wine, relishing its velvety texture and fruity notes.

As they indulged in the delectable feast Maeve had prepared, their conversation became a dance of words, each reply laced with flirty undertones. The flickering candlelight cast shadows on their faces, heightening the intimacy of the moment. Their conversation that ranged from memories to literature and everything else shifted soon on the couch that sat right in front of the fireplace.

Both were on their fifth glass of wine, neither feeling even slightly under the influence. Elijah had discarded the blazer long back, now finding himself settled on the couch, under the beige blanket with Maeve right next to him nursing a half empty wine glass.

"This was a beautiful dinner." complimented Elijah with a smile. He glanced her way quickly. Maeve found herself staring at him once again. Under the effervescent glow of the amber flames, his looks were incomparable. The sharpness of his jaw, the light stubble seemed much different and more beautiful in that golden flickering light.

"Well, the company is to be given some credit too, right?" said Maeve raising a single brow and clearing her throat. "I mean I am an entertainment to have around." Elijah chuckled lightly nodding his head. A comforting blanket of silence fell over them. The only sound inside the cabin was of the crackles of fire.

"Maeve..." he began again. As much as he hated it, he needed to silence the voice inside his head that screamed out constantly. "Are you really okay?"

Maeve looked at him suddenly growing nervous. Her heart began to pound against her ribs, the sound reaching Elijah's ears making him grow even more worried.

She set the glass of wine on the floor and sat back up straight on the couch. "Sort of. Today was the break I needed──actually needed. But the dreams..." she halted shuddering at the memory. "Last night's dream was different." Elijah waited for her to continue. "I saw the moment Esther killed me...but I wasn't reliving it──I was watching it happen...to me."

"Like an outer body experience?" Maeve nodded her head wryly.

"Then you all came into view. Disgusted looks, frightened eyes...it was like you didn't want me around because of what I can do."

Elijah set his own glass of wine down and sat up on the couch, his eyes watching the fire for a quick moment before they turned to study Maeve's distressed face. "It was just a dream, Maeve. I assure you." A moment of soft pause passed before he said, "Ezekiel said that evening that you had given up. I understand why but---"

"Yeah. I wanted to." Maeve cut him short, "I am just so tired of all of it you know. Putting everyone in a state of constant fear and worry and wondering when I'm going to die. Being constantly hunted down for something I didn't ask for but was given."

"You are a Serene Witch." Elijah said, his voice declarative and assertive. "Nobody stands a chance in front of you." Maeve pulled away from him, her eyes meeting his brown ones affectionately staring back at her. "Whatever you are, the darkness, the kindness, the love and care all of it makes you who you are. Unique and interesting than anyone else."

"he loves you." a mischievous voice echoed. Maeve jumped up suddenly and whirled around to see who had said it. She saw no one, but the voice was so familiar to her that she could not deny that it was her own. 

"What is it?" he asked her seeing her anguished expression. 

"Nothing...just cold." she dismissed Elijah sitting up, at the edge of the couch herself. "You find me interesting?" Maeve grinned foolishly feeling heat reach up to her cheeks. 

"I always found you as the most fascinating woman I ever saw" He said quietly. "You didn't shy from standing up to me...despite knowing me so well, you had the courage to challenge me." She stared at him, not sure how to respond. He continued, "Your strength, the passion, it was intriguing. That is why I offered to help you."

Maeve sighed, reaching out to touch Elijah's hand. "One thing you and I have in common." she said, looking up into his eyes. "We both would do anything to save the ones we love. It's a strange power, but it's one that we share."

Elijah smiled. "Yes, although I do it for my family, you used to do it---back when we first met, you did it for an idiot." Maeve snorted a laugh and nodded. 'I remember. But now, I'd do it for people who deserve it."

"I hope one of those people is me." said Elijah, a smirk on his face. Maeve giggled at his comment, shaking her head. Both stared at each other, eyes locked in a silent exchange. The burning fire casted a mesmerising glow upon their faces, illuminating it in delicate blend of golden light and shadowing.

Suddenly, Elijah leaned closer to Maeve, his lips touching hers softly. The gentle kiss was a mixture of sweet and salty, causing Maeve's heart to race in her chest. She pressed her lips against his, and Elijah's tongue slipped into her mouth, causing her to moan. Elijah's fingers caressed her cheek and ran through her hair. Both pulled away, their faces flushed. They stared into each other's eyes for a moment, then Elijah smiled and leaned in to kiss her again. This time, his lips were harder and his kiss was more forceful. His hands moved from her hair, down her back and slid around her waist. His lips trailed over her jaw and down her neck. His fingers were against her shoulders and hips. Maeve's hands moved up to his face, and her fingers intertwined in his hair. She moaned as his lips moved from her neck, back to her lips. He took her hands and placed them on his chest, causing her to gasp in surprise. 

Both stared at each other with anticipation and affection. A smile curling on their lips, their foreheads touched, as Maeve's eyes fluttered close savouring the moment. a breathy sigh of each other's names left their lips.

The air felt heavy, suffocating, as if a sinister presence lurked in the shadows. She couldn't shake the feeling that something was terribly wrong. a chilling whisper suddenly filled her ears. It was a voice, hauntingly familiar, yet twisted and distorted. It echoed through her mind, resonating with a darkness that sent shivers down her spine. The voice sounded like her own, but somehow different, tainted by malevolence.

"Maeve," the voice whispered, its words dripping with malice. "You cannot escape me. I am a part of you, a darkness that you cannot deny."

Maeve's breath caught in her throat as she realized the truth. The voice belonged to her, or rather, a dark version of herself. "No. You are not real. The Prophecy was not fulfilled then, sweetheart. If anything I have a stronger hold on you now." the doppelganger Maeve stretched her hands up in the air and shook them wildly.

"It is good to be here, you know. For so long I had to resort to being your anger...Man I was bored."

"This is impossible." Maeve shook her head refusing to accept that it was anything but her imagination.

"As a matter of fact, it is not. Tell me, have you been feeling safe these days? Found yourself in control of your magic?" asked the darker version of herself. "The second you accepted that this is you...these are your powers, you are powerful and---what was it?" she pretended to think before yet again grinning maliciously, "the Abomination. So, with the help of Elijah...his support and love, you got distracted. You got so caught up in what he was offering that you didn't notice me seeping in through the cracks of your mind."

Maeve recalled three moments in particular; the day of the sacrifice, of the ritual and the way she found herself fascinated by the scene of Stefan growling as he consumed the blood bags. "That was you." she cried out, "the darkness in me that was attracted to violence...it was"

"All me!" the doppelganger said sounding excited for sharing the news, "From what I can recollect, the psychology classes from college, I was born because you refused to accept me, then came the time you tapped into the supernatural side of yours and now...you have accepted this now so here I am! Sooner or later you are going to find me in your consciousness. You are weak, Maeve," the doppelganger hissed. "You will never be free of me. Embrace the darkness within, for it is your true nature." 

"No!" Maeve bawled out. "You will never get what you want."

The doppelganger prowled closer to her. There was not much distance left between the two and in a low cold tone she said to the real Maeve,"You say that now."

Maeve startled awake. For a moment lost within the darkness around, it took her a few seconds to realise where she was. She found herself on the couch, laying on top of Elijah, both covered in the blanket. His hand was draped around her protectively, his eyes closed while he softly snored. Maeve sighed, her resolve relaxing, "it was just a dream." she said under her breath. Maeve laid her head back on his chest, fingers fisting around his shirt, bunching it for comfort. She stared at the crackling fire that was slowly dying down before she drifted off to sleep again.

**************************************
Hey guys! That was shitty, cringy chapter...lol

Guys I need your votes, as I am changing a bunch of things I want your votes on the next 2-3 chapters. What do you guys want?

a) Elijah accompanying Maeve to her Pack in Georgia for a Gala of some sort (like the last version but much much better)

or 

b) Directly jumping into the Mystic Falls Pageant and carrying forward with the Hunter storyline

Please vote and let me know :))

until the next update, take care everyone!

Raven :))