Kindred Spirits

9 - He's still alive

Book: Kindred Spirits
Chapter 9 (2x15)
Word Count: 2745

"Jenna!" Cassidy squealed happily, running forward to embrace her best friend in a tight hug as Elijah trailed behind, chuckling quietly in amusement. "I've missed you!"

"I missed you, too!" Jenna replied loudly, even though the two only saw eachother the previous day at the tea party. "I didn't know you were tagging along, but I am so glad that you are!"

"Elijah suggested it. I was reluctant, but when he mentioned that it was with you, I was the first out of the door." Cassidy joked. Jenna smiled and laughed, and then her eyes focused on Elijah.

"It is good to see you again, Elijah."

"You, as well, Jenna."

"So, shall we begin?" Jenna asked, and Cassidy couldn't help but let out a quiet laugh.

"You sound so formal."

Jenna playfully rolled her eyes and giggled at her best friend's statement, and they then began the tour of some of the historical sights in Mystic Falls.

"The old Fell property actually starts just beyond that fence."

"Ah, the Fells. One of the Founding Families." Elijah muttered. Jenna glanced at him.

"Why do you say it like that?"

"My research showed me that this area was actually settled almost two full centuries earlier. It was a migration of townsfolk from the northeast, um, it was Salem, to be precise." Elijah stated. "Which means the ever-lauded founding families... didn't actually found anything."

"You picked a good one, Cass. Beauty and brains." Jenna whispered quietly to Cassidy, who giggled and nodded, but Elijah still heard and smirked. And then, Alaric walked up to the three of them. "Elijah, this is mine and Cass' friend, Alaric Saltzman."

"Also known as, my history teacher. But since we're not in school... hey, Ric." Cassidy greeted him with a wave.

"Hello, Cassidy." Alaric waved back, before looking back at Jenna. "Yeah, I got your message about walking Elijah here through the old property lines. I thought I would tag along. You know, being a history buff and all. Where to next?"

"I'm pretty curious about the freed slave property owners. Some say, you know, the descendents of the slaves are the true keepers of American history." Elijah said.

"Well, I only brought the surveys. I got that list in the car. Just give me a sec." Jenna walked back to her car, leaving the Elijah, Cassidy, and Alaric alone together.

"Alaric Saltzman." Elijah nodded in greeting, placing one hand in the pocket of his trousers as the other was too busy holding Cassidy's. "So you're one of those people on Elena's list of loved ones to protect."

"And you're number one on Cassidy's long list of soulmates." Alaric shot back rather rudely. "Well, in that case, I know how the whole mate thing works. I've got all the research in the world. So, if you care about Cassidy as much as I think you do, you'd leave her best friend out of this."

"You believe I am using Jenna for the sacrifice?" Elijah chuckled in amusement. "Cassidy has already explained to me her list of people she wants me to leave alone, and I will do just that. I won't hurt Jenna, for Cassidy, so I think you ought to lighten up just a bit, Ric." Elijah then patted Alaric on the shoulder, smiled down at Cassidy, and the two soulmates walked away, hand in hand.

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Elijah, Cassidy, and Jenna entered the Grill after their tour, chatting, and Cassidy started heading towards the bar.