the salvatore mansion } { my heart's far, far away; home is too

[enjoythe_ride]

[She doesn't want to do this. She doesn't want to be here, without her family, and on her own with someone who she's fairly sure is a monster, but she also knows that it's her fault her father was put in this position in the first place. She was the one who had asked for the flower. It was on her behalf that her father angered this man, whoever he is, which means it's only fair that she serve the punishment, as requested.

She doesn't know why he wants her, but there's nothing she can do about that. She's already here.

The door's open when she arrives, and she quietly steps inside, glancing around looking for signs of servants or this man, Damon -- or anyone for that matter.]

Hello?

[there's a pause as she lets the silence sink in, and she pushes her hood off her head.]

Is anyone home?

Comments

[arrogantandglib]

[Damon stands just out of sight and watches. He assumes this is the daughter the old man told him about, the youngest who asked only for flowers from his journey, and probably the only chance he has of being human again.

The few women left under his roof were compelled years ago when he was first cursed and lost himself in his new nature. At this point he doesn't deserve to have his humanity and tries to convince himself he doesn't want it, but the truth is he misses his freedom (and his brother) far too much not to try.

It's been so long he doesn't know how to approach her. What does one say to a woman who comes only to save her father?]

[enjoythe_ride]

[The silence only intimidates her more, but she squares her shoulders and keeps moving inside. She peers into the rooms, searching for any sign of life as she starts to undo her cape]

I hope I don't have the wrong place.

[because it's so easy to find abandoned mansions in the middle of the woods]

[arrogantandglib]

[Oh well, if he's going to royally screw this up--which he's in the habit of doing and he knows it--might as well get it over with.

He moves quickly, seeming to just appear in front of her.]

You don't.

[enjoythe_ride]

[she stumbles back when he appears so suddenly in front of her, holding her cape up in front of her chest and watching him with wary eyes.]

The door was open. I hope I wasn't disturbing you, though ... considering that you're the one who wanted me to come here in the first place, I assume that the discomfort on your part is minimal.

[arrogantandglib]

You assume correctly.

[His lips pull upward into a bit of a smirk.]

You must be Bela.

[The way in which he says her name implies he thinks it suits her very well.]

[enjoythe_ride]

[nods slowly, and tries to ignore the implication, though that doesn't stop a slight flush from crossing her cheek. she glances away, and then gestures to the bag in her hand]

Is there somewhere where I can put my things?

[arrogantandglib]

[He sees that flush and it only makes him more smug.

Damon steps to the side and extends his arm.]

You're welcome to any room you like. Especially if it's mine.

[enjoythe_ride]

[she honestly does not know what to make of him, but she moves past him, intending on searching out a room]

I will settle for my own for now.

[arrogantandglib]

Suit yourself.

[He follows Bela as she explores. He wants to see which one she picks.]

[enjoythe_ride]

[almost manages to forget he's there for a moment, just wandering and glancing into each of the rooms, before stopping just outside one of the upstairs bedrooms.

She just looks in for a moment, before slowly taking a step inside. She walks over to one of the desks, brushing her fingers against the binding of one of the books, before glancing back to Damon]

This one.

[arrogantandglib]

[His face softens a moment at her choice.

This used to be Stefan's.]

What makes you choose this one?

[enjoythe_ride]

[there's something in that that makes her want to question, but for right now, she knows that she doesn't have enough control to start asking them. She reaches over and picks up one of the books.]

I like to read.

[then tips her head back to the windows]

And I like the view.

[arrogantandglib]

[He nods.]

Good.

[His voice is quiet that time, almost thoughtful, but he recovers quickly.]

You'll have plenty of time to read here. No one comes out this way anymore, and I doubt you'll want to spend every waking moment with me. [He steps forward a bit and smirks.] Though who could blame you if you did.

[enjoythe_ride]

How fortunate.

[levels him with a bit of a look]

I'll be caught up with my reading list in no time.

[arrogantandglib]

[Ouch. Though...kind of sexy. Somehow it makes that smirk a little wider.]

The books are yours, along with anything else you might want. All you have to do is ask.

[enjoythe_ride]

Thank you. But right now, if you don't mind, I would like some privacy.

[arrogantandglib]

[Privacy. Not something he's good with, but he'll grin and let her have it.]

Diner's at seven. Be there if you don't want to starve.

[He starts to walk away, but turns back for a moment.]

One more thing: if you find a door that's shut? Don't open it.

[With his last sentence his face drains of all the charm he's been projecting. Instead his face is cold and hard, and his eyes wide and stern.]

[enjoythe_ride]

[she takes the warning for what it is and nods]

I'll keep to myself.

[arrogantandglib]

Good.

[And with that, he leaves her, closing the door behind him.]

[enjoythe_ride]

[takes a breath, before turning back to move the curtains and let some light in. This ... was going to take some adjusting]