𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐑𝐓𝐘-𝐓𝐖𝐎 — the vindictive

━━━━━━━

𝐀𝐅𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐁𝐄𝐄𝐏 that signaled the ending of the call between Ophelia and Rebekah, the siphon huffed and fell back into her chair, the legs squeaking in protest as she did. The conversation was truly a riveting one; from clothes to Ophelia and Elijah's... friendship? No, it wasn't quite as plain and menial as friendship... but it couldn't quite be considered more.

It had left the siphon feeling rather confused.

Feelings left her confused. After all, nineteen years with nothing but anger, betrayal, and sadness brewing within her gut made it impeccably hard to decipher what other feelings felt like.

Love.

That wasn't something she ever felt; platonic love yes, but only for Malachai and Davina, that was the extent of it. As she had discussed with Rebekah; she certainly knew that she felt something for the noble brother, but what she felt... Now that was a riddle that she doubted even Sherlock Holmes could decipher.

Rebekah's parting words had been simple, Just do what makes you happy, Lia, but was it really that easy? She was used to not being happy, used to denying herself that feeling in the fear of it being ripped from her magical grasp.

And so, Ophelia decided to just... Continue with whatever she had already been doing. If an opportunity presented itself, perhaps she would take it, perhaps not.

Before she could dwell on the swirling and conflicting words inside of her ever-whirring mind; a polite knock sounded out against the wooden door of her bedroom; three light taps. Her eyes flickered to the ticking clock.

Party time. Wonderful.

With a light sigh, she grabbed a handful of her dress and pushed herself to her feet; heels clicking against the creaky wooden floor beneath them as she slowly made her way towards the door, fabric swirling around her ankles, brushing up on her skin in a delicate manner.

Her hand grasped at the cool handle of the door before she slowly pulled it open, wide enough to see Elijah standing tall with a suit that seemed even more extravagant than those he would normally wear day-to-day.

And, as ever, he looked impeccable. His chiseled jaw, and dark eyes complimenting the dark and sharp suit better than Ophelia could have imagined.

She watched him closely. She could see his captivating gaze sweeping across her, from the bottom of her heeled feet to the beautiful flowing dress that danced lightly with the small breeze that rifled through the compound before they finally settled on her own umber eyes.

His lips tugged upwards, tongue darting out to wet his suddenly dry mouth, "You look wonderful."

"Thank you." She practically whispered before clearing her throat, a sly smile upon her glossed lips, "I had help from Rebekah."

"Ah!" He chuckled, "Of course, it would be unlike Rebekah to turn away such a demanding chore. You both chose brilliantly; you look absolutely captivating."

His breath had almost gotten caught in his throat when her smile had grown; her flushed cheeks rose and caused her eyes to crinkle, a delicate and barely there sparkle grew inside her deep brown eyes and Elijah could hardly bring himself to look away.

He had seen the siphon almost every day for the past three or four months and each day she never ceased to amaze with her choice of clothing; she was always dressed in either pastel summer dresses that swayed with every move, jumpers, and shirts that reached her knees, or sometimes she would overdress, if such a thing existed for her. But she always managed to draw forth the appreciative gaze of the noble stag; though she hardly ever noticed which was something he was thankful for.

Though, as she stood with the sheer dress covering her body, he couldn't help but reach a hand forward to grasp hers, and without a word of warning, he spun her. Sheer and elegant fabric danced around her and the shocked, but bubbly laugh that spewed from her upturned lips seemed to captivate him even further.

The sound that left her mouth left Ophelia stuttering. She squealed.

Her wide eyes met his amused ones as her heart calmed from the slight shock, "I wasn't expecting that."

"I'm glad." upon seeing her eyes narrow without a single trace of malice, Elijah held out an arm, "Shall we, Miss Parker?"

"We shall."

⋆⋆⋆

The air was chilled, not cold enough for a jacket, but cold enough that small goosebumps littered Ophelia's skin as she stood by Elijah's side, greeting the guests as they made their way to the venue Elijah had picked to host the feast of blessing for the witches of New Orleans.

The music filled the air, laughter and chatter echoing throughout the area as the guests mingled; Elijah had suggested that the siphon make her way inside, but Ophelia had declined, after all, neither Hayley nor Davina had yet arrived, she knew nobody and she was certain that despite the declaration of peace, neither wolf, vampire, witch nor human would want to strike up a conversation... not that Ophelia wanted them too, no, she simply wished for a dance and some alcohol.

She had gravitated closer to the original vampire, stealing his warmth; far too stubborn to ask for his jacket. Elijah didn't mind at all, he had simply looked down at the siphon with a quirked brow and a teasing smile before he questioned if she was cold, to which she had obviously said no and refused any offers of his suit jacket. He obliged and left her be, rather enjoying their arms brushing against one another's.

Finally, after around forty-five minutes of waiting, one of the guests both Ophelia and Elijah were actually looking forward to seeing came strolling through the gates in a vibrant ruby-red dress.

Davina.

The little witch grinned immediately, a flurry of red and orange darting forward and crashing into the siphon she considered a sister. "Lia!"

A warm smile appeared on Ophelia's face as she clutched at Davina just as tightly. Finally, after months of not being able to see each other, they were able to be seen together, "Hey, D. I missed you."

"I missed you too!" The young witch said as she stepped back, her eyes dancing over the golden leaves that wrapped around Ophelia's dress, "You look beautiful!"

"Me? Look at you!"

The rosiness that Ophelia had come to love sprouted on Davina's cheeks, a shy smile lighting up her face as she tugged on a stray piece of red fabric on her dress. It was an extravagant dress indeed, made to look like billowing flames; the element she, as a harvest girl, represented.

"You look wonderful Davina. It's lovely to see you." Elijah spoke, gaining the attention of both girls. His words, rather than simply being polite, were truthful; he knew how much Davina meant to Ophelia, and the trouble his family had put the poor girl through... Well, he couldn't deny the guilt that tugged at his heart.

Davina stayed silent for a moment; all traces of emotion wiped from her face. But the second she saw the small and fond smile upon Ophelia's face, Davina allowed a small one to overcome her features, "Thank you... for the party, and for letting me see Lia the other night."

"It's entirely my pleasure." Elijah sighed, his brows cinching just slightly, "I do hope you can accept my apology Davina, for the part I played in deceiving you, I can assure you that it will not happen again, you have my word."

The young witch nodded slowly; she could tell that Elijah's apology was genuine, but he was a Mikaelson... How could she ever expect him to keep his word? Her sea-green eyes darted to Ophelia who gave a small nod of encouragement, telling the harvest girl that she had nothing to fear.

Davina finally settled to muttering a small thank you to the original vampire before offering Ophelia one last dazzling smile as she disappeared into the building.

"She'll never truly forgive me," Elijah spoke.

Ophelia shrugged. It was a possibility but he had offered her the apology and just that gesture alone was somewhat of a reassurance to the girl. "She's stubborn."

"I do wonder where she picked up said trait."

"I have no idea what you're implying."

"Of course not."

⋆⋆⋆

Hayley had appeared at the entrance of the estate shortly after Davina had left the original and the siphon; she had been selected as the representative for the werewolves, something that hadn't surprised Ophelia at all. The she-wolf had a natural gift for leading; she was brave, strong and she looked after her own.

Now, Hayley being Hayley had offered some sarcastic and sassy words of mild wisdom to Elijah when he had questioned her appearance and had promptly stolen Ophelia away from him, though not before offering the man a sly grin as she slowly dragged his date away.

The wolf and the siphon had gravitated towards the bar; Ophelia sipped on her mimosa whilst Hayley scowled at her glass of orange juice, wishing it had even a hint of vodka inside.

"Glaring at your juice won't make it alcoholic, you know." Ophelia laughed as she slid her now empty glass onto the bar, nodding as the bartender asked if she wanted another.

Hayley grumbled to herself as she swirled the citrus drink in the glass, "No harm in trying."

"Well, by the looks of things, if you glare any harder, I think baby Mikaelson might pop out."

"Oh God." Hayley spoke, almost mortified, and quickly placed the juice on the counter, "I'm not ready for that just yet."

Ophelia rolled her eyes, delicate fingers nursing her new glass, "Oh hush, you'll be brilliant."

The she-wolf smiled, she looked... Relieved. Any time the wolf would make an offhanded comment about her lack of knowledge when it came to motherhood, or how she didn't believe she'd be a good parent, Ophelia would spout a comment about how she'd be fantastic, and it was true.

Ophelia could see the kindness and love that glistened in Hayley's hazel eyes whenever she looked down at the ever-growing bump. She noticed the way the wolf would oh so delicately rest a hand on her swollen belly, fingers dancing across it as if she were soothing the little one.

"Thanks. Oh, by the way, we're all having a bonfire tonight; marshmallows, alcohol, you name it, Jackson said to invite you, not that I wasn't going to... They all seem to like you." Hayley paused, her face contorting just slightly, "Except Oliver... But I don't think he likes anyone."

"True. True." Ophelia nodded. Oliver had been the only one to still hand out scowls like party favors to the siphon. It had taken the rest of the pack a short while to warm up to her, but she was Hayley's family now, as were they, and Ophelia herself had been the first to make the effort to get along with them, for Hayley and the baby's sake. "I'll be there."

"Great! I'm guessing your date will be picking you up after, huh?" The wolf grinned, her sharp brows almost dancing on her forehead as she glanced at Elijah.

The wolf wasn't stupid. Far from it actually, and aside from Rebekah, she had been quick to catch the prolonged looks the original vampire gave the siphon... It was weird to her, seeing the uptight walking suit show such... Softness to someone. He had always been kind to the wolf, and still made sure that she was settled with the wolves and that they had everything they needed; after all, she was family now.

Ophelia rolled her eyes, but before she could speak, the date that Hayley had oh so discreetly mentioned, cut in, "Apologies for the intrusion Hayley, I was hoping that I might steal Ophelia from you."

Hayley's smile morphed into a smug grin, "Sure! Steal away."

Elijah's gaze turned to Ophelia who rose a brow at the hand he extended towards her before letting out an amused huff and placing her own hand atop of his, letting herself be led towards the dance floor by the noble original.

A slow song was playing and the floor was crowded by couples slowly swaying to the music. It seemed as if people moved aside for the two of them; perhaps not, but there was a clear path for them that led to the very center of the floor.

"I recall you saying that you wished for alcoholic beverages, and a dance," Elijah spoke with a smile as watched the woman settle both of her hands around his neck before he followed her movements and places his own on her hips.

"That's all I ever wish for..." she paused, mock thought lighting up her features, "And some peace and quiet."

"Odd. You never strike me as a woman who enjoys silence."

"I enjoy silence, I thrive in chaos."

"I see." He hummed in amusement; his eyes narrowed with mirth as he stared down at the siphon, "That sounds much more like yourself."

"Are you implying something, Mr. Mikaelson?"

"Never, Miss Parker."

Ophelia scoffed, though a smile that she failed to hide grew on her lips as they continued to sway.

They were silent for a moment; the chatter around them, as well as the soothing tones of the slow song caressing their ears as they both looked to one another, umber meeting oak with a spark of electricity.

Elijah broke their small stare off, his voice sounding both nonchalant and yet, teasing at the same time, "I've noticed you've been spending more time with my brother, should I be worried?"

"Hm." Ophelia rose a brow, her lips twisting into a wolfish grin as she stepped closer, her chest brushing his as she moved to the tips of her toes to whisper in his ear, "We're conspiring against you."

Elijah's chest rumbled with a deep chuckle before he sobered and with a single and fast movement, he spun the woman and promptly pulled her back with a twirl, her back against his chest as he repeated her actions, words laced with amusement muttered into her ear; "I would advise against it."

Her teeth sunk into her bottom lip as she tried to keep her laughter contained, promptly ignoring the burning feeling that settled on her neck as his breath tickled her skin.

Once she was certain that her laughter wouldn't slip free, she tilted her head towards the man; noses just mere inches apart, "I'll take that into consideration."

With that, a breath of a laugh finally left her as she shook her head and broke from the hands that held her to Elijah's chest, she spun, a halo of brunette hair circling her as she faced him. Her hand patted his chest, "Thank you for the dance though."

⋆⋆⋆

It seemed as though the evening was to flow as smoothly as it had begun; people danced, they laughed, they drank, and finally, they stood in line to offer gifts to the young harvest witches that sat upon small thrones; each of them looking like the royalty the witches perceived them to be.

Though, as ever, the witches... Genevieve, had a nasty little ploy hidden within the sleeve of the dark gown that encased her pale skin. Each and every person who wished to lay a gift at Davina's feet was ushered forward... Forced to place it before one of the other girls, and by the time the gifting ceremony was over Davina had nothing.

Ophelia could see the hurt and hatred that crashed within the little witches sea-green eyes, and with a withering glare that could make the worst of monsters cower, she chased after the young girl.

"Davina!" She called, hands grasping at the flowing fabric of her dress and ensuring it wouldn't tangle around her heels.

The teenager stopped, her shoulders slumping as she turned to face the siphon. Tears were bundled within her eyes, threatening to overflow and cascade down her flushed cheeks.

"Oh Davina..." Ophelia sighed as she pulled the witch into a bone-crushing hug, her hand rubbing soothing circles on her back. "You're the best of them, people fear and try to belittle those who are better than them."

"You're wrong. I'm — I don't deserve to be a Harvest girl. I'm just —"

"— Incorrect." A new voice called, promptly splitting the girls apart. Elijah stepped forward, a small package clasped in his hands; white tissue paper covered its contents and a sliver of gold string held it together, "You do deserve to be a Harvest girl. You have suffered, you have grown, and you have faced tribulations they could never imagine."

A fond smile pulled at Ophelia's glossed lips as she listened to Elijah describe the little witch perfectly. The original vampire spoke his words clearly, and Davina hung onto each and every one of them as he moved closer, until finally, he held out the package to the witch, "I procured this for you, I do hope you enjoy its contents, Davina."

Small and hesitant fingers reached out, brushing the delicate paper that would rip with just the slightest bit of pressure before Davina carefully pulled it from his hand. The paper was shredded and twinkling eyes widened as she observed the old, leather-bound book.

Elijah glanced at Ophelia whose eyes had fallen to the object in Davina's hands, "Ophelia's told me of your interest in nature; that book contains spells that are bound to the elements; I'm certain a harvest girl of your caliber will make good use of them."

"It's a good job that you didn't give this to her," Davina laughed, her eyes alight as she beamed towards Ophelia, "She'd have Peony's covering the streets."

"Yes, well, she has already taken to covering the abattoir with them. I'm certain it won't be long until she spreads them further."

Ophelia's eyes bounced between the two, her heart thumping happily as she watched Davina giggle at Elijah's words, and he smiled in response. Her hands landed upon her hips as she turned to tease, "Are you going to go back to hating him, or do I have to deal with the pair of you ganging up on me?"

She was joking, of course. Ophelia, despite how hard she tried to sober the gleam in her eyes that sparked upon her favorite little witch giggling and laughing with a man she had grown fond of, it was perfectly visible.

A warmth ghosted her skin as she watched the pair exchange a look before each of their eyes fell back to her.

Davina pondered in mock thought, her rose-colored cheeks raising as she beamed, "You'll have to deal with us ganging up on you." she grinned as she watched Ophelia laugh; she seemed so... Happy and carefree. A stark difference to the attitude and personality Davina had gotten used to.

The little witch turned to Elijah, a genuine smile gracing her lips, "Thank you, Elijah."

⋆⋆⋆

Chaos followed the sweet moment between the three supernatural beings. Klaus being... Well, Klaus, had interrupted the gathering, his booming voice causing everyone to gather as he held up a small box, insisting that Davina accept his gift.

As Ophelia had predicted, the harvest girl was adamant in rejecting the hybrid, rejecting the man who forced her first love to leave and never come back... But, with some skillfully spoken words from Klaus, she finally accepted.

All seemed to simmer, if only for a moment.

It was just moments after that the pounding of drums sounded out, and men dressed in white descended the stairs. It seemed as if they were there for the celebration; their music buzzing in the air and the guests cheered heartily whilst both Ophelia and Elijah stood side by side, knowing that the original had not requested their talents.

And of course  — as they should have expected from their uninvited guests — after the cheering silenced and people waited for the men to continue with their spectacle, the man in front stepped forward.

"We have a message for all of you from Marcel Gerard."

Whispers erupted amongst the crowd and Ophelia shifted; there was no way Marcel would have taken his 'banishment' from the city well. There was no way he was going to watch as Elijah achieved everything that he himself wanted.

That was not Marcel. He was not a man to sit idle and watch the city bow at another's feet.

Ophelia slowly clasped her hand around Elijah's and he looked down, seeing the woman's hand begin to glow and take some magic for herself to use, each of them knowing Marcel far too well.

The moment Ophelia could feel the welcomed buzz of magic flowing through her veins, she let go of the hand in her grip, sliding away and towards where Hayley was stood.

Everyone watched intently, eyes widening with worry and fear as the men dressed in white lifted razors to their wrists. With a single and brutal movement, their flesh parted and blood gushed to the ground, tickling the noses of the oh so hungry vampires.

Veins crawled beneath their eyes; sclera's deepened into a dark, wine-red, and fangs poked at their lips as hisses and grows rumbled from them.

Elijah did his best to settle the ravenous vampires, but nothing could be done, their hunger was far stronger than their control, and chaos ensued as the lights went out.

Fangs sunk into necks, blood spilled, people fell to the ground, and screams filled the air as Ophelia did her best to push away any and all vampires that came towards herself and the she-wolf.

When the lights flickered on, dead bodies, injured people and puddles of blood were strewn across the floor, but Ophelia and Elijah's eyes bypassed it all, landing upon the wall where a note had been written. Crimson blood stained the walls,

THERE WILL BE NO PEACE

Ophelia could hear the deep growl that ripped from Elijah's lips from across the room and hastily tugged Hayley towards him.

"You're both alright?" He questioned, worry shining in his eyes as he scanned the pair only to see that neither of them any sort of wounds marring their skin; not even a drop of blood. He honestly shouldn't have suspected different; Ophelia was a force to be reckoned with even without magic, let alone when she had taken some from an original to protect somebody she cared for.

Ophelia nodded, her eyes drifting from the man and towards the sea of bodies. "This was Marcel." Ophelia pulled her eyes back to him, glancing momentarily at Hayley as the woman moved towards a chair; the night clearly having hit the pregnant wolf hard. "What will you do?"

"I cannot allow this to go unanswered."

"Obviously." Ophelia rolled her eyes, though as she stared at him, she could see a flash of hesitance... Marcel was family. She had learned of their story in detail over the past months, and she knew that Marcel had been a son to Klaus... A younger brother to Elijah.

Her brows furrowed before all emotion dropped from her face, "Thierry."

"I beg your pardon?" he responded, confusion littering his eyes as he placed a hand inside his pocket, wondering why on earth the woman spoke of the little beast.

"You need to punish Marcel... But you won't kill him because, well, quite frankly I don't think you'd be able to —" Elijah parted his lips, ready to cut the woman off but before he could, she simply placed a finger upon them, "— Nik would be furious, Rebekah would turn absolutely monstrous, and he was once your family. You wouldn't be able to do it."

A deep sigh escaped him at her valid points; Niklaus would be distraught and angry... A dangerous combination for his little brother. Rebekah would probably dagger him herself, and... Marcellus was family, distant now and more a nuisance than anything. But he had been family.

"What do you suggest I do?"

"Kill Thierry." Ophelia shrugged as if it were obvious, "He left Rebekah to Papa Tunde, and I have no doubt he played some part in this... Plus, it would punish Marcel; Thierry has been with him the longest."

"You, my dear, can be rather vindictive when you want to be."

Ophelia, of course, grinned at that. Her pearly white teeth on display, "Thank you."

Her eyes once again drifted to Hayley who looked half-asleep, though she still held a small smirk as she watched the two converse with one another, both standing far too close to be considered normal.

"Before you commit murder —" She paused as Elijah chuckled at her blunt words, "— Would you mind taking me and Hayley out to the bayou?"

"Ophelia Parker asking to be taken to a swamp... Are you certain you can handle the dirt?"

"Are you calling me high-Maintenace?"

"I'd do no such thing."

"...Good," she spoke with her eyes narrowed in amusement as they once again balanced on the line of banter and flirting. It seemed to be a common occurrence for the two. "I can handle the mud and bugs... For a while anyway."

"Ah, you'll want me to rescue you later then?"

"Elijah. I never need rescuing."

⋆⋆⋆

The bugs were an absolute menace.

Ophelia had sat beside Hayley, both herself and Jackson shouting insults at one another whilst the pregnant werewolf tried her best to rein in the children, hoping to everything good in the world that the little girl growing inside of her would act better than the two surrounding her.

The wolves would holler and laugh boisterously every time Ophelia would duck, slouch in her chair or slap whichever bug decided to rest upon her skin.

They had no care, simply brushing them away with more grace than Ophelia deemed necessary, whilst she was ready to put on some gloves and go fourteen rounds with a single mosquito.

Give her a ravenous vampire, an angry wolf, or a bitchy witch and she was just fine. A bug? Whilst she was surrounded by mud that threatened to cake her skin? No. She'd rather not.

Now that, Oliver had laughed at. Voicing that the woman would happily parade around covered head to toe in blood, but would turn into miss prim and proper when out in the bayou.

The wolves were a group that Ophelia was actually glad to have been introduced to. They were blunt, sarcastic and could be rude at times; but so was she, and being able to insult someone without them having a fit was fantastic.

They drank and they laughed for quite some time, and eventually, Hayley had demanded that Ophelia swap seats with her; entirely unwilling to put up with Ophelia and Jackson any longer.

This, however, resulted in a tipsy siphon and wolf having an arm wrestle.

Jackson had won. Obviously. Werewolf strength and all. But Ophelia pouted nonetheless, demanding a rematch that she ultimately lost.

"You're a dick." She spoke. Her arms crossed to give herself warmth as she slumped in her chair.

Jackson barked a laugh, "You're a bitch!"

"Dog!"

"Witch!"

Silence followed, Ophelia's face void of emotion as she slowly sat straight, her head turning towards the alpha. She pointed a finger, "Now that, that was uncalled for."

Unbeknownst to any of them, Elijah was stood beside Eve, a smile on his face as he watched the siphon who had, just months prior, been so closed off, joke and chatter with a group of wolves.

Twigs snapped lightly, and leaves crunched as Eve shifted, "She and Jackson are a troublesome pair; I think Hayley already feels like a mother with those two around."

"I can certainly see why." he chuckled, his eyes positively glued to the beaming smile on Ophelia's face as Jackson relented and handed over his drink as an apology. "She's different now, happier."

"I remember the stories people told of her. How she was emotionless and cold, appeared out of thin air in a cemetery. Looking at her now? Well..." Eve smiled, "I suppose people can't believe your family to be all bad if you managed to get her to open up."

"She —" he paused in thought. Recent memories of seeing both Ophelia and Niklaus laughing and poking fun at one another inside of Nik's art studio, flashes of moments where he had the fortune of witnessing the siphon make his little sister smile so widely and genuinely. Even thoughts of just himself sat beside her reading; moments of comfort. "— Ophelia doesn't fear us, she accepts us, all of us."

Before much more could be spoken between the two, his ears caught Hayley's words to the buzzed siphon, telling the young woman how her 'chauffeur' was waiting to take her home. Her eyes flew around the dark and wooded area that flickered a shade lighter with every dancing flame of the bonfire until she met his own, a small grin taking over her features as she pushed herself to her feet and made her way over.

"How are you feeling?" the suited original questioned the woman as she stumbled lightly, moving to grip onto the sleeves of his jacket to ground herself.

"I'm just a little bit tipsy." Ophelia responded, her voice raising an octave on the 'little'.

"I best get you home then."

With an absentminded nod, Ophelia moved forward, ready for his arms to wrap around her before finally whooshing off. But it seemed that her date for the evening had a different plan in mind; in a swift and elegant movement, she was in his arms, her dress billowing in the breeze as her eyes widened and looked to his that were swimming with mirth.

He didn't bother to explain his actions and instead took off into the night just as Ophelia had parted her lips in question; silencing her.

━━━━━━━

01-07-2021

So, the last update has been tallied and it seems as though the majority wish for quicker chapters, and a longer hiatus.

This chapter was LONG, but I had so many pieces I wanted to integrate into the party, and I wanted to finish the episode in one chapter; I think it turned out rather well. Let me know what you think!