A/N I hope you like it!

His Solace

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I used to rule the world; seas would rise when I gave the word

Now in the morning I sleep alone, sweep the streets I used to own

I used to roll the dice, feel the fear in my enemy's eyes

Listened as the crowd would sing,"Now the old king is dead! Long live the king!"

One minute I held the key, next the walls, were closed on me

And I discovered that my castles stand, upon pillars of salt and pillars of sand

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"All suffering originates from craving, from attachment, from desire."

― Edgar Allan Poe

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THE ABATTOIR

"Bloody hell!"

Klaus growled furiously to himself has he attempted to stretch a canvas over a wooden frame for a painting, streaks of the colors he had been using smeared on his skin. He fought with it for a few moments, trying to control his temper. But, when he tore through the canvas, he violently threw it across the room just as Elijah decided to make his entrance. Klaus, conquered by frustration, yelled at the top of his lungs as he kicked tossed another few paintings against the walls.

"ARRRGHHHHHH!"

While Klaus looked like he was about to toss more than a painting, his eyes zeroing on different objects in the room, Elijah cleared his throat to gain his brother's attention. The hybrid's hands shook at his sides with agitation, and he screwed his eyes shut, trying to drown out his brother.

"Not the right time, Elijah!"

"It hasn't been the right time for a week, Niklaus. You can't lock yourself in here forever."Elijah calmly replied, unflappable as ever as he strolled into the room, reaching down and picking up the canvas his brother had thrown."I suppose we shall have to call this your 'white period.'"

"I'm missing a crucial color in my palette—"Klaus bitterly drawled as he turned to face his brother, eyes stormy as he looked at his elder brother."that of my enemies' blood."

Head tilted as he observed the blank canvas with sardonic interest, Elijah looked over to his brother with a hint of amusement.

"Well, I recommend a Venetian red, with a dash of rust... "

Elijah's attempt at humor—Elijah's seemingly nonchalance concerning his brother's pain—prompted Klaus to become even more enraged than he had before.

"It's been months! I've adhered to our plan—sit and do nothing, sell our grief."Klaus began to rant, swallowing thickly to control his emotions as he thought about his little girl while trying to force himself to not think about her."And now, my child is safely away, and another full moon is upon us, another night of pathetic weakness as the moonlight rings steal my strength!"

The amusement fell from Elijah's face, and he gave Klaus a pointed look, eyes telling his brother that he did understand and Klaus began to calm down a little.

"The inertia is killing me,"Klaus whispered, looking away from his brother as he quietly—almost desperately—added."I need to act. I-I need—I need to spill blood."

He needed to control something; he needed to tear something apart. He couldn't control his daughter being away from him; he couldn't control those who wanted to harm her.

Klaus had no control.

He had to let out his anger, his longing to hold his little girl, his longing for the mother of his child to be a mother.

He had to make someone to feel the pain he felt.

"Well, then, you'll be pleased to know that I've located the last of the twelve rings forged with your blood."

Klaus perked up like a child on Christmas at the thought of vengeance."Then, it's time!"

"And none too soon."Elijah firmly replied with a shake of his head, his rejection of vengeance making Klaus frown again."I am concerned about Hayley, and I need your support."

Klaus slowly blinked, stepping away from his brother, defensively crossing his arms over his chest. He couldn't face Hayley; it was too soon.

"Elijah-"

"I cannot—i will not—have you spilling blood while the mother of your child remains as she is. Now, I recognize, and I sympathize with your pain—"Elijah paused, pausing to watch his tormented brother, pursing his lips when Klaus' eyes darkened and, when his brother showed no sign of running away, he reached out and clasped a hand on Klaus' shoulder."So I will give you time."

Holding up a hand, Elijah sharply wagged a finger at his brother before he pointed at him.

"If you cannot bring yourself to support the mother of your child—who is just as heavy-hearted than you are—face to face than perhaps you can do it by not lashing out at those who have the power to prolong the pain you both feel or worse."

The hybrid's face hardened, and a glower was directed at the elder Original. Turning from his brother, Klaus' fingers defensively curled into fists his fists, but Elijah remained unfazed.

"If you act rashly, Niklaus, then you are the one prolonging your loss, and you have already lost so much. You and the mother of your child have lost too much. I implore you, brother. Find another way to find release your sorrow."

The bitterness in Klaus' eyes slowly subsided and, as his brother's words made their impact, the hybrid reluctantly and curtly nodded in agreement.

"As you wish, brother."

FRENCH QUARTER

"I love to laugh, loud and long and clear. I love to laugh; it's getting worse every year..."

Mercina Tala bounced from foot to foot as she made her way down the sidewalk, singing underneath her breath, pleased that she had it to herself. Her dirty blonde hair bounced with each jump, making her simper when it tickled her cheek each time. Mercina hummed during each verse as she spun around on her heels, cold hands inside of the pockets of her coat.

She had just exited Rousseau's after a drink with a friend—a newfound friend—who had told her that she'd gotten engaged to her boyfriend of over three years. She was happy for them, she was, but they had only known each-other for a few months. But, nevertheless, she truly wished them the best and had bought the last round.

"The more I laugh, the more I fill with glee and the more the glee."Mercina quietly sang, trying to decide if she would watch late television or go straight to bed.

Her new move to New Orleans had taken up most of her time. Her father had taken over an antique store after a family member had decided to move to the big apple with their partner. Mercina helped out when she could during online classes, but she mostly wondered around, fascinated with the big easy.

"The more I'm a merrier me, it's embarrassing, the more I'm a merrier me..."

Mercina crooned before the sidewalk, that had been illuminated by the lights above her, showing an outline of a tall figure blocking her from taking any more steps.

She abruptly stopped her humming, smile faltering as she slowly raised her head, eyes scanning the other person.

Dark shoes.

Dark jeans.

A henley followed by casual, leather necklaces and a leather jacket.

The person was well dressed.

At least i'm going to be robbed by a well-dressed thief. Mercina inwardly said to herself, quietly simpering to herself despite the feeling of nervousness crawling up her spine. Why would a well-dressed thief steal?...Idiot!

Mercina's blue eyes finally found themselves gazing into another pair of blue eyes.

The eyes were stormy. Troubled.

"You'll do."The stranger suddenly murmured, voice void of anything related to emotion.

Mercina barely had time to process his vague statement before, all of a sudden, an inhuman growl filled the night air, and she found herself yanked forward. She attempted to stop herself from tripping over her own feet but found it impossible to do so because of the large hands gripping her forearms. She could only make out flashes of bared teeth, stormy blue and the bright lights of the French Quarter as he pulled her with him into an alleyway.

"Mister, mister, you're hurting me!"Mercina called out, choking on air as she tried to control her heavy breathing before she sharply cried out in pain when her back was roughly met with the brick wall as he pushed her up against it."Ouchie!"

Another snarl came from the man, grip tightening on her, fingers pressing into her skin and Mercina tried her hardest to resist a whimper as she slowly raised her head to look at him.

And found him staring straight back at her.

She gaped at him for a long while, momentarily distracted by him before collecting herself and, although resigned and meek; she offered him her sweetest smile. Her father had always told Mercina that her smile could melt the coldest of hearts.

"Hi."

Apparently, the one worded greeting had somehow offended him because, after a quick scan of her, is brows furrowed as he glared glowered at her.

But she must have done something right, Mercina told herself because he made no move to attack her. Instead, he looked a mix between puzzled and slightly annoyed.

Then, as soon as hope built up inside of her, she saw his face chance. His stormy blue eyes flashed amber before it took over, a flicker of gold and black. Then, as shock instilled itself in her, veins appeared underneath his eyes and, as he parted his lips, double fangs extracted.

And, when he bared his fangs at her then snarled, Mercina didn't bother to resist the gasp that spilled from her lips. It was like an electric shot that tingled her from skin to toe, but the startle he gave her was enough for curiosity to brim as she tried to understand and take in his new features.

Wow.

"Oh, my..."Mercina whispered in intrigue, smile faltering a little as she winced when his fingers continued to dig into her shoulders. But, in spite of the pain Mercina was unable to hold back a persistent question she'd had in mind."Can I touch?"

Frozen in surprise, Klaus found himself unable to react as the human's hand slowly raised despite his tight grip, extending her index finger. She gently poked his cheek at first in a hesitant manner, pausing to gauge his reaction and when Klaus didn't offer up one, she got braver.

Lips parting in fascination, Mercina's fingertip moved over the veins underneath his eye then down his cheek, attention shifting to his fangs. Caught in a daze while staring at the double fangs, she failed to realize her fingertip neared too close to the sharp fangs.

Until she felt a sharp prick on her skin.

"Ah!"Mercina squeaked, the sound snapping Klaus out of his own daze.

The human's eyes widened in shock as she pulled back her finger, eyes shining when she saw the blood. And, despite the wobble of her lower lip, Mercina still couldn't bring herself even to try and escape. She wanted to know more.

She heard him chuckle and, when she looked up, Mercina was once again enthralled when his fangs bared as a dark smile played at his lips. He tilted his head and finally allowed himself to meet Mercina's gaze tongue running over his fangs.

Elijah hadn't said he couldn't play.

"Ouchie, love?"

Thank you for reading.

I don't know where this came from but here is what happens when I can't sleep. It's short and kinda bad, I know, but if someone does like it, please tell me. Adding more depends on the feedback, I guess. So if you do want more, please leave a review.