A/N So this is my first foray into not only The Originals but also Vampire Diaries, so please be honest about what you think.

For the purpose of this, none of season 4 of TVD happened and I'm removing the Originals involvement in TO for now, this is a Marcel/Elena story for now at least, most things are the same, except Kol didn't die and Jeremy never came back from Denver so its kind of AU but worry not it'll be explained, so give it a go and let me know.

Chapter 1

Elena walks down the streets of New Orleans, enjoying the sense of freedom that came with it, as much as she loved her friends after breaking up with both Damon and Stefan she'd needed to get out, Mystic Falls romantic relationships were toxic for her.

She was so lost in her admiration for the city that she wasn't looking where she was going and she crashed into someone.

"Oh god I'm sorry" she says stepping back but almost stumbling and a pair of strong arms steadied her.

"Its alright, I should've been looking where I was going" assures a deep voice.

Elena looks up and sees a really hot African-American guy.

"Um thank you" she smiles then she focuses in on him, she can hear his heartbeat, and it sounded just like hers.

He looks down at the gorgeous girl in his arms, and then he focuses, her heartbeat, she wasn't human.

"I'm Marcel Gerard" he smiles.

"Elena Gilbert" she replies.

"So Elena what brings you to New Orleans, because I turned most of the vampires in this city, and I would definitely remember you?" he smiles.

"Um no I'm not from here actually, I was looking for a clean break I guess, so what about you?" she asks.

"I was born here, 1810, and I've been like this 1835, I guess you could say I'm the king of the city, at least where those of us who aren't human are concerned" smiles Marcel.

"The king huh? Should I be curtseying?" she asks.

"No I think that went out of style" he replies.

Elena suddenly becomes aware he's still holding her and she steps back a little.

"So can I buy you a drink, it's been awhile since I had a vampire visitor?" he offers.

"Is that a question or a royal decree?" asks Elena.

"A question, I'm still a gentleman, but if you do refuse I may need to call on my power and make you" he smiles.

"Well I've never had a drink with a king, so by all means Marcel" nods Elena.