as we pass through arrangements of shadows

[shreds]

Comments

[likeaweapon]

But she hasn't. And she won't be forced into making the same decisions we were.

[Giving up her mortal life before she's ready, doing terrible thing to cope with the trauma.]

She'll have better choices.

[uniquelyvulnerable]

And whatever choices she'll have, they will be hers. It's not as if I don't see her making mistakes. I just want those mistakes to be hers and hers alone.

( But Hayley is not Esther. )

[likeaweapon]

Me too.

[She takes a deep breath.]

Same for Henry. Though his part in things will be much less complicated.

[He'll only be a witch, if that, not a Tribrid the way Hope is.]

Henry has more complications on his father's side, if I'm honest. But it's much more normal, human complications. He has an older sister.

[uniquelyvulnerable]

Does he? Are they close?

( Or as close as a toddler and an older sister can be. )

How much older?

[likeaweapon]

Not as close as we'd like. Alice lives on the other side of the country. But we'd like to try and arrange for them to spend more time together.

[A pause.]

Alice is ... eighteen now, I think? Hope's age.

[uniquelyvulnerable]

And Henry has two parents and extended family that love him.

( As for Alice. )

Have you met Alice?

[likeaweapon]

Once, at the wedding.

[A pause.]

Her mother is ... a character, to say the least. But I can see why John Henry liked her.

[uniquelyvulnerable]

A character. Do go on.

( This is what he misses. Just this simplicity between them. )

[likeaweapon]

She's forthright and maybe a little antagonistic, but she's loyal and clever. And she has a crass sort of charm that is oddly endearing.

[Definitely would stick out like a sore thumb in the refined insults of the Mikaelsons, but sometimes you need someone who can get a little vulgar in your life.]

[uniquelyvulnerable]

Well, then we must meet this endearingly crass charmer. Because, as long as I've known you I have never heard you call someone crass endearing.

( Perhaps it's the cowboy they have in common. )

[likeaweapon]

If you stay a while, you might. Alice is going to be going to college in the city, and I think Wynonna is coming to drop her off.

[This will be wildly entertaining if that's the case.]

[uniquelyvulnerable]

I believe that is our plan. We're high profile now. Sticking together is in our best interests.

( Together and local. It's not unlike their time in New Orleans, except there is no bayou or graveyard to escape to. )

What better city to get lost in a crowd.

[likeaweapon]

Indeed.

[She smiles.]

But good. It'll be good to have some family around.

[uniquelyvulnerable]

I am sorry it's been as long as it has. The years bleed together.

( And, he was still recovering psychologically, if he's being honest. Bela was a large part in that. )

[likeaweapon]

You got here in time. That's all that matters.

[She squeezes his arm.]

And Bela kept me appraised on things. The benefits of being her sire, I suppose.

[uniquelyvulnerable]

Yes, I did luck out that our paths crossed after Marcel erased my memory.

( A coincidence he doesn't carry lightly, for someone who doesn't believe in "meant to be." )

[likeaweapon]

Lucky indeed.

[She takes a breath, before finishing her drink.]

I should go see what Klaus is up to. Are you going to be alright out here for a little while?

[uniquelyvulnerable]

Attend to our brother, I'll join Bela in for the night.

( He gives a quick, fierce, side hug. Toasting to her, he lets her go before returning to his master bedroom. )

[enjoythe_ride]

[Bela has finished cleaning up for the evening, and smiles when she sees him come in.]

It seemed like you and Rebekah were having a good conversation.

[uniquelyvulnerable]

One that was long overdue. And how has Henry fared this evening? Not too much doting?

( He's Rebekah's child, Elijah assumes he loves the attention. )

[enjoythe_ride]

Not too much, no.

[Bela smiles as she goes to sit on the edge of the bed.]

But he is delightful.

[Not that Bela has ever been one for children of her own, but she does have a soft spot for them. Especially when they're stuck in a world like this one.]

[interminably]

( Klaus is on the balcony, having not joined Camille for the evening just yet. Doc has brought Henry back upstairs to the guest bedroom to get him ready for bed.

He overlooks the city from so high up. )

You couldn't get such a view in New Orleans. But, is there a city more rich in history.

[likeaweapon]

[She smirks as she makes her way closer, standing next to him as she links her arm through his.]

I think that depends on the kind of history you're looking for. I'm certainly fonder of New Orleans, if I'm honest.

[interminably]

As am I, it was home once and was made our home again. Despite this hiccup, it will always be.

( He smiles at the city below. )

Your son is remarkable.

[likeaweapon]

Of course he is.

[Her tone is teasing as she looks out over the city.]

He's got two remarkable parents.