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Elena brought her elbow up to rest on the door as fingers absently played with the thin silver chain worn around her neck. Thoughts of what the future might hold filled her head, something there was a time she'd had all figured out, but with everything seemingly in shambles with so much loss all around. “Leaving town?” Her words sounded uncertain and a bit distracted as her focus shifted.?
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“Why would we need to do that?” The questions had a way of piling up with answers being short supply, which made her anxious since it left everything up to her imagination and that could go to some pretty dark places with all she'd been through since meeting the Salvatore brothers almost a decade ago.
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“So, what do I call you…’batboy’?” She drew a breath deciding to make another attempt at finding out who her ‘road trip companion’ was since he seemed to be avoiding that question as well. It was easier to focus on that then trying to imagine who might have been feeding him information about her.
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(ooc: yeah I started doing ‘copy and paste’ years ago because of yahoo’s tendency to eat things because I could never reconstruct the post I had done though every so often I got something I was actually happier with.)
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"You may call me by my name, Mihnea cel Rau," he replied shortly.
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He'd chosen to opt for? the name fearful folk had given him rather than the one that the movies had made too popular. Sometimes it was cute but at others it was annoying and he wasn't in the mood to prove himself today.
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"The reason we are leaving town is a matter of safety. For your friend, for my father's pets. I need to teach Damon a lesson and we're doing it with as little bloodshed as possible."
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He flashed her an annoyed glance, patients weakening.
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"Try and help me keep it that way. I am not accustom to answering so many questions. I have tried to allow you a nice trip. Even to decide where we go, but if you don't choose, I'm likely to get homesick and Transilvania is a bit of a dull place for pretty young women," he drawled.
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Homesick hardly, but the threat could likely motivate her or at least subdue her. If she didn't pick somewhere, perhaps he'd call his parents and see what they were doing. His father would complain but mom would likely help him babysit. At present he was in the mood to tear out Damon's throat and have done with hit, but he's promised Rebecca + if he started another shit storm due to being careless his father would bitch for centuries sure as shit. At that thought, he struggled to hold back a resigned sigh as they drove.
I'm friends with the monster that's under my bed.
I get along with the voices inside of my head.
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“Sorry. It's just…” Elena paused uncertain whether she should even bother making the attempt at explaining. Turning her head slightly to look back behind them as thoughts of what all this would put those closest to her through. “Small talk isn't really my thing and…asking questions…” With some reluctance she faced forward in her seat again.
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She let out a somewhat frustrated sigh. “Well, asking questions is just my way of starting a conversation with someone…” The words ‘who kidnapped me’ were on the tip of her tongue but she finished the thought with. “who I know next to nothing about. I need the distraction because right now…I am somewhere between falling apart and freaking out.”
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She didn't expect him to care there were just things she needed to get off her chest. “I was asleep for fives years. I wake up to find that the man I love killed one of my oldest friends for no reason at all other than he was just there. His brother…Stefan killed the love of my best friend's life then after becoming human married my other best friend only to sacrifice himself on their wedding day leaving her widow. It's all a bit overwhelming and I am not exactly handling it as well as everyone thinks.”
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Staring out at the road ahead she thought about his introduction and the choice she'd been given. She supposed it was better than thinking about what she expected to learn from the so-called lesson he meant to teach Damon. “I went on a road trip to New York though the focus was more on places vampires could feed without being noticed…it was during the brief time I was a vampire…I flipped my switch.”
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The added explanation might not be wanted but she was attempting to make conversation. “But then again I suppose New Orleans could be fun too.” With that said she turned to look out the passenger side window falling silent as she did.?
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"Your vampiric connections seem far too soap operish," Mihnea said dryly, not looking at her as he drove.
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"And none of them appear to have much control. I am frankly surprised they are still alive and that no one hasn't put them down yet. Usually those that out of control have the grace to be more reclusive," he observed, tone mildly uncarring and mildly distracted as in truth his mind was elsewhere.
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"Well New Orleans seems fun. We could do that. I was considering finding my parents, but they've not been fun these days," he said with a slight frown that momentarily bordered on sulky before the expression smoothed itself over once again at thought of the partying to be had in New Orleans.
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"I have found it a fun place after those silly vampire Chronicles books came out in the 80s," he noted.
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"Makes all the chicks hot for a spot of fangs and it's far easier to feed."
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Rarely was he so matter of fact with mortals but this one seemed to have been around the vampiric block.
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Then more of what she had said filtered in and he gave her a brief startled look before returning his green steady gaze back to the road.
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"Wait. How were you a vampire before and not now and this switch flipping still baffles me. Seems psychological if you ask me."This conclusion was said in a dubious tone.
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I'm friends with the monster that's under my bed.
I get along with the voices inside of my head.
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?“From what I understand it all started with opening some kind of vault where a siren was trapped. She got into Damon's head…made him do things. Eventually her boss got out of this hell dimension he’d created thousands of years ago. She along with her ‘sister’ tried making a deal to gain their freedom. They had some kind of deal where they killed people sending their souls to…Cade.” Elena was surprised just how close she had come to forgetting such a relatively simple name but then with everything going on she supposed it wasn't all that unusual.?
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“Her sister offered two little girls belonging to friends…so both Salvatore brothers offered themselves as replacements…the deal was accepted and collecting souls for Cade became their responsibility. I think shortly thereafter Stefan turned his humanity off. At some point he told them they could either deliver a hundred souls to him or kill the love of the other brother’s life. Damon couldn't kill Caroline. ?But Stefan was headed straight for where I was being kept.” She honestly wished it was all some story from a soap opera but knew it wasn't.?
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“When he got there…Bonnie was inside while Enzo standing outside in the doorway…Stefan came up behind him and…ripped his heart out right in front of her.” It never once crossed her mind this was something he’d care anything about hearing as she honestly figured he couldn't care less but talking about it was all part of the process. One she would have happily done with her ancestor if not for the kidnapping.?
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“Stefan and Caroline got married sooner than they planned after receiving news of my doppelg?nger being back and out for revenge. Everyone thought it would draw her out because Katherine was always a little obsessed with Stefan but she was a no show. Sent someone else instead.” Maybe the story would help in more ways than one.?
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She chewed on her lip a moment when the subject of control or lack there of was brought up. It's where things always got a bit more complicated. “Damon…does. It's just…when something happens that sends him on this self destructive tailspin that it's hard to tell. His brother…Stefan only ever had any control issues where human blood was concerned.”
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There was this moment when she felt almost guilty then quickly reminded herself this wasn't her decision to make with circumstances being what they were. Maybe it would be better to focus on having fun or trying to as things could certainly be worse. Besides in a day or two this would all be behind her.
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“According to Damon those books were better than the Twilight series.” She dimly recalled his mentioning having read a copy he found laying around Caroline’s room years ago. Keeping any comments to herself about vampires turning women on instead she merely glanced over in his direction wondering whether most of this little trip would be spent watching as he killed a bunch of women with there being nothing she could do about it.?
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Seeing a startled look on his face was hardly what she’d expected when looking over at him. It hadn't lasted more than a few seconds but it was there. “We heard this story about a cure…one buried with an immortal named Silas. In the end I wound up shoving it down Katherine's throat to keep her from killing me. But, like, a year or so later after having been trapped in some 1993 prison world Bonnie brought it back with her…she gave it to Damon who eventually gave it to me. I drank it and I was human again.”
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Looking back out the window. “It's essentially making it so that you can't feel anything. Not love, pain, anger or even hatred. You just don't care. Nothing matters. And it's easier that way. But it strips away everything that makes you who you are.”
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Mihnea shook his head,Definitely soap opera material. The look of amusement faded and he frowned as he processed it all. Soap Opera material or not it was still true.
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"People are always saying they're surprised that vampires are real. I am saying the same of sirens now," he said with a light chuckle.
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"Though considering I didn't believe in werewolves or vampires as a mortal, why should I be surprised."
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The question expected no answer and he shrugged it away.
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"The mistake was not allowing the children to be sacrificed. A vampire is far more dangerous when controlled. stupid stupid."
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He had no friends with children, but if he did he'd sure as hell not be offering himself up to save them. Only for his parents.
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"If turning these emotions off make one feel nothing, why be so violent. If I"m not even angry I think I"d just lie in my coffin all day just not giving a shit to bother even getting up except perhaps to eat," he said skeptically.
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The cure was also baffling to him.
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"Why want a cure. The old ones I knew of just took a morning stroll into the sun when they wanted to die. And who else would give up immortality? My father would not have wished to become mortal to be with Mom. Not when they could spend eternity together instead, for example. Just makes no sense."
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He arched brows in mild exasperation at mention of Twilight but made no comment, Humans and their silly vampire books but it was truly safer for their kind to remain hidden that way so let them write.
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I'm friends with the monster that's under my bed.
I get along with the voices inside of my head.
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“When I first met Stefan, he was the mysterious ‘new guy’ at school, but as we got closer…it was frustrating. I just, I just couldn't shake the feeling he was hiding something from me and it only got worse after someone’s grandfather mentioned having known him…fifty years or so before that day.” Elena felt odd revisiting that part of her past with a stranger as she'd grown so used to be limited as to who she could be completely honest with. ?“So, I dug through all of the old archived news footage until I found what the old man was referring to.”
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She cast a glancing look in his direction before staring ahead once more. “After seeing his face in that old footage…I started piecing things together and went to confront him. I knew what he was but…needed to hear the words from him. For a time I was afraid…I didn't know if I could even be with him.” Drawing a breath as she looked to him again. “That's the way I learned about vampires.”
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It had been a lot to process in the beginning, not that it had gotten all that much easier, but she had managed to find ways of coping when things got a bit overwhelming. “I am still wrapping my head around the idea of Sirens. All I know is what I read in the journals my friends kept for me while all that was happening. None of them seem all that eager to talk about it.” Not like she blamed them.
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Her gaze returned to him when he expressed his disagreement with the choice made by the Salvatore brothers. “Those little girls are all that's left of Ric’s wife. She was kinda killed by her psychotic twin brother. Anyway his daughters would have died the same day if not for the coven of witches bent on protecting them. They used some spell transferring them from their mother to Caroline and still wrapping my head around that cause she's a vampire so kids not supposed to be possible.”
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Sighing as she looked away, sorting things out for herself. “It's complicated, more so than you would think, and unfortunately it's one of those things you almost have to experience for yourself. But I guess you'll see for yourself.” Given there was a nearly absolute certainty that Damon had flipped his switch.
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“In my case, I wanted the chance to have children some day and…” She stopped herself from continuing as she doubted her reasons were anything he’d care about.?
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"You see that's where your friends are stupid.? Never return to the same place people knew you in 50 years. Wait a good 200," Mihnea said with a frown.
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"Stupid vampires usually get put down if they don't end up getting themselves killed," he grumbled.
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"How'd your friends last so long?"
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Pulling into the airport he paused to send Felix a text concerning where the car was.
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"Don't attempt running or it gets ugly and trust me you don't want to see that," Mihnea warned Elena casually.
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He spoke almly, not with the bluster of a bully issuing a threat. No, rather a man who meant business and had done far worse without blinking merely stating a fact.
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The girl hadn't crossed him so he was trying to play nice.
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"Yeah all I know of sirens is Greek myths," he replied to the comment with a nod as he opened the car door and in a flash of vampiric speed wa thre to politely open hers as well. It? served to keep her close.
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"As for the children being all that was left of a dead woman all lines must end eventually and perhaps children are better off with their mother. Losing one's mother is something some never really get over."
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Did he wish someone had killed him back then? Had he wanted Ilona to hold him in her arms when she jumped from the castle ramparts? No. Of course not. Mostly because his father was still alive and he'd not be left to the Turks after all. But had he killed children out of necessity? Yes. Of course he had. Would he have shrugged off sentiment and done so without blinking to avoid the bullshit Elena had just spoken of? Of course he would've. He'd been raised as a ruler. Though these brothers were not kings, they were vampires and thhat held a great amount of responsibility. He had a mindd to find the king of their race and have a word. (Klaus? LOL)
BIC
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As he led her toward an aircraft he added,"We'll elt you get whatever you need in NewOrleans."
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His expression turned thoughtful as he considered children.
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"I had children. It waas nice...It would've been nicer had Smaranda lived."
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He looked away unwilling to share the emotion he briefly felt before ushing the past away with an effort. After losing his mother he'd learned to move on like it or not and waas fortunate to have had her returned to him. He nearly called to check up o on her at that? thought, rediculus though it was, but realizing she was with his father, didn't bother. He would always keep her safe, even if not the way either liked.
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"My parents would love it if I could reproduce but I'm good. I don't know if it's ever worth immortality."
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He slid her a glance, briefly amused.
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"In otherwords when you're old you may likely regret that choice."
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I'm friends with the monster that's under my bed.
I get along with the voices inside of my head.
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“Stefan told me once his visits were usually just to see his living relatives and his home. But that particular time he'd been out in the woods when he heard a car accident…by the time he reached Wickery Bridge the car was fully submerged.” Elena spoke with a flicker of sadness in her brown eyes, slowly looking away, not a hundred percent certain what she hoped to gain from reliving such a painful memory outside of the hope it’d help him to understand why the brothers stayed in town.
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“When he dove into the water…he found my parents and I trapped inside the car…the only one still conscious was my father. He insisted on Stefan saving me first.” Exhaling slowly as she paused feeling a bit emotional in general because of everything else going on in her life. “When he first saw me…he thought I was her…Katherine. So, he stayed to be sure then said he had to know me once he realized I wasn't her.”
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Given her kidnapper already mentioned some issue with Damon she didn't know whether going into his reasons for being in town back then would help or hurt matters. “Family and friends, I suppose.” She did feel at least mildly annoyed at hearing the way he referred to the Salvatore brothers but was wise enough to hold her tongue.
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She sighed a little at seeing the airport come into view. The thought of leaving left her feeling conflicted as a small part of her wanted the time away while another felt guilt over leaving her friends behind. ?Turning she looked to him following the warning he’d given. Saying nothing despite a temptation to.
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Of course, the thought crossed her mind but the claim this would somehow save Damon's life was easily enough to prevent that. One hand reached for the door though met with air instead, climbing out of the car as there was little doubt things could take a much less pleasant turn had she chose not to.
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“Alaric thought he lost everything on his wedding day…his wife AND their unborn children then he finds out her coven saved his daughters. Caroline had lost her mother to cancer. They both needed those little girls. It may have been stupid or reckless but they made that call for their friends.” She tried not to say too much as when it came to someone she didn't know there was no predicting what reaction it would get.?
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“I have lost two sets of parents…first the ones who adopted me to a car accident then not too long after finding out my birth mother was turned into a vampire by Damon sometime before she removed her daylight ring and went up in flames right in front of me. Then there was my biological father who I grew up thinking was my uncle…I hated him…and he gave his life to bring me back to life after I was sacrificed.” She told him this only to show she understood what that loss was like. Moving with him albeit at a slower pace toward the aircraft unable to shake the guilt over not being there for her friends.
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“I never had a choice in becoming a vampire…so when I was given the cure a second time it was like someone gave that choice back to me. I wanted to be able to grow up…not to be stuck as a teenager forever. Will I regret it? Maybe. I can't say.”
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"I didn't have a choice in becoming a vampire either but I was still glad of it, preferring it to weak humanity where I could be murdered by traitors who appreciated nothing and falsely believed they could do better or use my power."
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Mihnea gave his head a derisive hake as they boarded the air craft.
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He greeted the pilot politely, speaking in rapid Russian before leading Elena to a window seat.
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"You'll want to strap in," he said, taking seat beside her.
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"The craft belongs to a friend.He lets me borrow it," he explained.
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"As for your friends, I didn't say they didn't have reasons for what they did. Just not good ones as what they chose to do for a few puts the vampiric masses at risk and were they under my father's rule, they'd be dead for it. IT may seem harsh but it really is for the good of all that they keep some self control."
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Again he thought of speaking to the leader of this lot when he can. Having a serious sit down as for some reason it was apparently necessary.
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His eyes had widened in momentary shock when she spoke of her birth mother killing herself via sunlight right in front of her.
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"That's sick and heartless! What the hell was wrong with her, " he asked with no apology in his tone for his reaction.
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He was sympathetic for the way her adopted parents had died, how she was right there. that would've been...very difficult.
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"I am sorry for the loss of your parents and the way it happened. I truly am. IT was no excuse for this vampire to act as he did, but that is a separate issue as I see it."
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Wood he have risked anything for strangers? Of course not. Most vampires were too removed from humanity for that. He would've said ll vampires had he not just heard the story Elena had told.
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I'm friends with the monster that's under my bed.
I get along with the voices inside of my head.
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“It wasn't all bad. It was just that I hated having to keep so many secrets and living in fear of being discovered. Plus, killing was never something that I was comfortable with.” Elena didn't know if she was saying it right and could only hope he'd understand what she meant. As they boarded the plane she hesitated for about half a second looking back over her shoulder as thoughts kept going back to her friends. “I do miss being able to use my blood to heal people.”
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Having had that ability then living with only being able to rely on what she'd learned in college which was less of a sure thing was difficult. Seeing others in pain had never been easy for her to do. She gave the pilot a passing glance as she moved to take a seat all the while trying to convince herself this wasn't a disaster waiting to happen.
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She suppressed the desire to ask whether this friend of his had made the trip with him to Mystic Falls then thought better of it. Buckling her seatbelt before making the effort to relax in spite of the circumstances. “I’m guessing there was just a higher number of missing persons cases or ‘animal attacks’ because knowing Damon he would have covered his tracks.” Noticeably leaving out any mention of his brother.
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The brunette hadn't quite expected such a strong reaction to her mention of Isobel and was a little caught off guard but managed to shake it off. “I think she was compelled by one of the Originals.” There was a short pause as it occurred to her that if he knew anything at all of that family he might be more familiar with their name. “The Mikaelsons. But then she was sort of a disappointment as a mother. Kind of made me even more thankful for my adoptive mother.”
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But it was obvious from the way she spoke the woman's death had still hurt even though she hated her for all the horrible things she'd done. “I felt responsible for so long. Like if I hadn't bailed on family night or gotten into this stupid fight with my boyfriend at the time then they would still be alive.”
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Mihnea slumped into the nearest seat with a sigh. When the girl had hesitated momentarily glancing back, he was fully prepared to literally help her into a seat but she had come along willingly in the end. That was good. Less effort on his part.
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"Healing people," he said with a shake of the head.
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"I never understood taking up with humans. It's annoying. Father has his friends and servants and even though they are stronger, and a little more than ordinary with their abilities I still don't completely understand it," he complained.
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"Like right now is? pain in both of our asses as a result of that, see," he happily pointed out? as the?craft readied for take off.
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At times Vlad seemed to play with the franceska girl like a pull string toy, but? in ne nearly shocking moment he compared her to his old friend Bogdin...a childhood connection he had lost long ago. Mihnea couldn't claim to get it, but it was something about the girl's frank attitude and lack of emotion for most people that Vlad seemed to relate to. And the fact the few people both of them loved they loved with a near madness. though the former servant of his father engendering that in ANYONE made Mihnea think the girl had to be at least a little mad herself. Mad scientists and all that as she did have that lab obsession. the idea was nearly comical. Her father, though, was interesting. Full of power and dignity and something other.
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"I think the refrigerator has water and snacks in it. My friend has girls with him all the time and sometimes they're mortal," he explained with a shrug and eye roll.
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"I had a step mother and she treated me well. She did the job my father required but we both always knew who she wasn't. I mean that's just how it is. Blaming yourself isn't? productive...The mind does it, I think because of a need to do something...anything."
I'm friends with the monster that's under my bed.
I get along with the voices inside of my head.
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“Maybe for some it helps them to feel a connection to the world.” Elena could easily see that being the motive for some based on a few of the vampires she had met as most seemed to even miss being one themselves even if it was fleeting thought. She almost smiled at his use of this particular occasion as proof of his opinion regarding involvement with humans.
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“As kidnappings go…” She trailed off, pausing ever so briefly before finishing the thought. “I have had worse.” Which didn't make her any less concerned about how this was all going to play out. Especially if he didn't get the desired reaction in response to the kidnapping.
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“Besides if I were to be completely honest…I am almost glad for the chance to get away…even for a little while.” As she sat there she heard her cellphone buzzing but didn't reach for the small device. “I think it will be everyone but him that is bothered by this whole thing. So heads up…you may have one seriously pissed off witch to deal with if she's left to worry.” She added as an afterthought.?
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“Thanks but we just had some ice cream before…” Well there was no point in saying as he already knew where she was going with that one. Glancing over at him with a small nod when he spoke of the difference between his mother and stepmother. “I didn't even know I was adopted until Stefan told me. He'd done some digging when he was busy trying to prove that I wasn't Katherine. Of course, I didn't find out any of this until after we slept together and he was forced to explain a picture from 1864 of a woman who looked exactly like me.”
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Mihnea smiled slightly when she admitted to having had worse kidnappings.
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"And I have given worse...many did not survive, but those situations were different...The one I killed either posed a danger or needed to be ended to cow masses who posed a danger. I needed to use the death to demonstrate my power. But this situation is small and you will not be required to die. Just to pretend to be afraid and perhaps hurt. If anyone needs to die it would be him, thus vampire, if he refuses to settle himself," he explained casually.
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Glancing at her phone, Mihnea considered her words regarding witches.
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"I have my own magical back up but I respect him enough not to have him whooping your witch's ass over something stupid. Lets just say, though, he's a vampire, he has magic, and if she's in your infantile age group, he is older. He brought on the downfall of old Russia. No more kings."
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He chuckled, not sure how Rasputin would feel about his bragging over a thing he did not wish to happen even if he inadvertently contributed, but hell. It sounded impressive didn't it?
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He looked thoughtful. "What do you think we can tell her that will put her mind at ease?"
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"Nothing until the craft lands," the pilot called in his thick Russian accent as they began ascending.
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"Please turn off all devices and put on seat belt until sign come? on that? allows you to walk about cabin."
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"You heard the man," Mihnea told her cheerfully.
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"It gives us time to think something up."
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I'm friends with the monster that's under my bed.
I get along with the voices inside of my head.
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Elena could only hope this plan of his would be successful as the last thing she needed was another grave to mourn. It was difficult enough to losing him back then, a thing made harder by heightened emotions. Could this man be persuaded to spare Damon's life? For now she could hope as to consider the alternative would be too much.
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She looked over at him when he spoke of his friend. “Heretic?” It was a term she remembers hearing in the months leading up to the sleeping curse. But another possibility couldn't be ruled out as up until tonight she would have said a vampire capable of the things he claimed to be was only in the movies.
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“Bonnie might surprise you.”
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She reached into her pocket withdrawing the small device as it began to buzz once more and almost immediately opening the first of two texts.?
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//Nobody died.//
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It was a relief to know the conversation hadn't ended in bloodshed because honestly she figured things might take a turn for the worse with the two of them alone together for any length of time. She moved on to the next message without responding to the first.?
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//Where are you?//
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She sat quietly staring at the screen with thumbs poised to type out a response but instead laid it down on her lap. Temporarily distracted by the question asked of her. “I…” Her words cut off as the phone began to ring forcing her to look down once more to see the name of her best friend shown on the screen.
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There was a moment of hesitation before she followed the pilot’s instructions and carefully slipped the phone back into her pocket. “IF your plan works and Damon gets worried about where I am or what may happen to me…he’ll go to her for a locator spell.” She paused thinking about what she was saying.?
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“So, I think she should be told what's going on or at the very least that this is all to knock some sense into Damon. Because right now…that's a plan she could get behind. Maybe even be willing to pretend her locator spell failed.”
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"All in time,"Mihnea told her, unconcerned.
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"From what you said about Damon's emotions or current lack there of, nothing will happen until we've landed and it's alright to turn the phone on again."
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He looked out of the window, expression blank.
"So...your witch. Does she have a demon? Cause mine does. Not really in thee mood for a pissing contest considering as this isn't his particular thing I'd have to pay up big. But if I have to pay up big he'll earn it. Does your with know the damage a demon can do?"
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The questions were put calmly, almost blankly. He truly did not wish to fuck with Rasputin on this one but the little girl needed to appreciate the kindness she was being shown while he practiced playing nice as he had promised Rebecca he would.
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Not? truly concerned he watched the earth grow smaller as the craft rose. He allowed his mind to rest and think of nothing.
I'm friends with the monster that's under my bed.
I get along with the voices inside of my head.
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Elena fought to keep her thoughts from lingering on Damon because that was one road that if she went down it would require either lots of ice cream or a stiff drink. It was all very complicated and something she couldn't quite sort out. “If anything at all happens.” She was becoming less and less confident that it would. But there was a part of her that thought if she could just get through to him…to get him to flip his switch then maybe…
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Her fingers lightly touched the phone tempted to turn it back on while at the same time reluctant because it would mean ignoring calls from a concerned friend until she knew what it was she should tell her about all this. “Maybe it's best I don't until we get this sorted out.” Her tone mildly resolved as she'd almost convinced herself it was.
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“I didn't…mean for it to sound that way. I only meant that she shouldn't be counted out simply because of being so young.” She wanted to keep her friend from thinking she needed to come to the rescue. “Maybe she does know those things and maybe she doesn't. I don't know. I am still playing catch up. But what I do know is that I don't want her putting herself in danger for me, again.”
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"Oh I'm not counting her out," Mihnea told Elena of her young witch friend.
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"I'm counting her dead if she causes a? problem. It isn't particularly personal," he told her with a brief and not unfriendly smile.
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"It is merely how the Tepes men roll. Out of necessity we do what we must to protect our own and teach others who believe themselves to be players to remain in their place...at our boots or our knee at best."
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The next brief smile he gave Elena as they left the small town behind and winged their way toward New Orleans was nearly sad and definitely a bit tired around the edges.
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"It is the world and the bastards in it that made this necessary, not us. My father's little friends, for example, were harming no one...so you see."
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I'm friends with the monster that's under my bed.
I get along with the voices inside of my head.
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Elena was staring down at her phone once more as her thumb idly brushed against its screen still leaving it off for the time being as she felt a need to sort things out first. “Bonnie would sacrifice it all to save a friend. When we were younger she died resurrecting my brother.” It was her hope he realized none of what was being said was intended as a challenge of any kind.
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As her next words were spoken she let her eyes move to his face. “I don't want to see?anyone?from either side getting hurt. That's why I want her included.” He didn't strike her as being a horrible person, of course, she was aware that this impression could be dead wrong though she doubted it.
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Her thoughts turned to Damon as all too often they tended to do these days. She sighed casting a brief look out the window not really knowing what?(if anything)?she could do. “It feels like I spend so much time defending him. Sometimes it's exhausting. But I love him.” She kind of hoped this time away would provide her with some clarity.?
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"Well. To be honest my father's witches nor my friend have been known to raise the dead, so that's pretty impressive even if it did cost her her life," Mihnea admitted.
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"She's an ally I wouldn't mind having. However the way I kill there is no coming back if my friend's demon does it. Not only that she couldn't die to save her friend because..."
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He gave a wolfish smile full of grim humor and teeth. "The friend would die the same way just to keep loose ends down to a nonexistent minimum. We don't play. I am not trying to brag or frighten. I am speaking the facts to you as it stands. Many consider my family to be evil because of this but we are safe, alive and in power so I consider it to be a workable method. Again keep in mind I prefer allies to dead bodies if they are that. We take good care? of our allies if they need a little help. Those people I am dealing with this Damon over are allies of my father."
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"So," he continued after a pause. "You consider all that and decide if you wish to...include her when we land. If she can handle it and play nice or if she will get her soul eaten by my friend's ever ravenous demon. It's a simple choice really."
I'm friends with the monster that's under my bed.
I get along with the voices inside of my head.
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Kat