regency au } { of new arrivals and new threats

[braveandstupid]

Derek: [and about a week after the wedding, he will be arriving to Beacon Hills with Erica and Boyd at his side. Since Peter had taken the carriage, they ended up doing the ride with their belongings in saddle bags and coin for Erica and Boyd to buy other supplies when they arrive. Derek wasn't really sure what to expect when he arrive to the town, and he's taking his time observing what this place is all about]

Elena: [Mystic Falls is a small, quaint little town of small homes and surrounded by forest. There are several large manor homes for the founding families, but the rest are small, beautiful houses full of happy, welcoming people]

Boyd: You know, this place seems too happy. It creeps me out.

Derek: [looking back at him] Shush, they may hear you.

Erica: I think it's ... quaint.

Boyd: Things just smell off.

Derek: It's just a different city. You'll get used to it. [and he bends down to ask a young woman where Lockwood manor is, and they head for it]

Elena: [she and Carol are waiting at the front of the Lockwood manor for them, chatting quietly as they wait]

Derek: [sees Elena and the weary traveler is gone and he smiles as he rides up to them and dismounts] Good afternoon, m'lady. And Lady Lockwood, I presume? [he bows to them both]

Elena: [grins when she sees him] Lady Lockwood, I'd like to present Sir Derek Hale.

Carol: [smiles softly] A pleasure Sir Hale. We're so glad you could join us.

Derek: I am grateful for the invitation. These is my knight, Sir Vernon Boyd, and my sister's companion, Lady Erica Reyes.

Carol: Welcome, all of you. Let me go find Tyler and the boys to see if they can help you with your things.

Derek: Thank you. [and he moves a bit closer to Elena, grinning] And you look as beautiful as ever, M'lady.

Elena: [grins back at him as Carol leaves] You are certainly a sight for sore eyes.

Derek: Well, I'm here for a month, so you can enjoy the view for a while. [takes her hand and kisses it]

Elena: I am looking forward to it.

Derek: The town is exactly as you described it. Very small, and very quaint.

Elena: It is. We could go for a walk once you're all settled.

Derek: I would like that. [sees Tyler approaching] And perhaps Sir Tyler can show Sir Boyd and Lady Erica where they can go and purchase us a few things. Since my uncle took the carriage, we had to travel light.

Elena: Of course. There's a market not far from here.

Derek: [greets Tyler as he arrives quickly, and Tyler goes off to greet and talk with Boyd and Erica, offering to help carry some of Erica's things] Care to show me to where I will be staying?

Elena: [grins and nods] Yes. Follow me.

Derek: [goes to follow, hiking his bag over his shoulder as the servants come to take the horses. Boyd and Erica will disappear with Tyler in the direction where they will be staying]

Elena: [and she will lead the way over to the Gilbert side of the manor, heading to one of the guest rooms near Jeremy's room. It's a simple but comfortable and sure to be good for him while he's here]

Derek: [he will put down his bag and look around before nodding] This is very nice. I should probably at least bathe before you show me around. I've been on the road a few days and probably look like it.

Elena: [she nods] The kitchen was preparing lunch. I will meet you there?

Derek: Yes. I will be there shortly. [and he will go off to find a place to quickly bathe and shave since he grows a beard in a day. He will come find her and the dining room as the servants are announcing that lunch is ready]

Elena: [is sitting on the far side of the table and she smiles before gesturing for him to sit next to her]

Derek: [goes to sit next to her, smiling at Elena]

Richard: [looks over at Derek as he enters, then leans to Carol] He's a lot smaller than what I pictured.

Carol: [swats at him] Be nice, Richard.

Derek: [hears that and smirks a bit] Lord Lockwood, I thank you again for allowing me to come and visit so that I may be able to see Mystic Falls more than just through Lady Elena's stories.

Richard: Well, I am sure there will be a lot for you to see and learn about. The town may be small, but there is a lot of history here.

Elena: There is. The families here go back one hundred fifty years.

Derek: Is there a library in town that keeps historical documents about the birth and growth of the town? [if so... well you may lose him for a day or two, Elena]

Carol: [ooooh a handsome young man who likes history? Sign her up] No, not exactly, but I do maintain most of the town's historical records here at the manor.

Derek: [his eyes bright up] I would love to see them. My uncle does the same for our family and lands, and he's given me a healthy appreciation for it.

Carol: [she nods] If Lady Elena doesn't mind my stealing you away, I can show you after lunch.

Derek: [looks at Elena] We already did make plans to tour the town after lunch. But I have an entire month. Perhaps we can find time when she wants a break from me?

Carol: Just let me know. I'm usually around the manor doing something or other.

Derek: I will. Thank you, Lady Lockwood.

Carol: Of course. I'm sure Elena will be able to share a lot with you as well. Her mother, the late Lady Gilbert, helped me with a lot of these records.

Derek: She's already shared a lot, but I did want to come here to learn about her home. She's spent time in mine, and knows how I tend to have a bit of a thirst for knowledge.

Carol: Well, anything you want to know, any of us would be happy to share.

Derek: Wonderful. Thank you. [and he takes Elena's hand under the table]

Richard: Enough talk. The food will grow cold if we let it sit much longer.

Carol: Oh, yes of course. Eat. [and she will gesture for everyone to do the same]

Elena: [squeezes his hand back, before reaching for her fork to eat]

Derek: [and so they eat, and then he is all hers]

Elena: [and she knows just where she's going to take him. They head out the back door of the Lockwood property and she pulls him towards the woods]

Derek: [grins and follows her] The woods first, m'lady?

Elena: There is something in the woods that is very important.

Derek: Beyond yourself, now that you are too in the woods.

Elena: [she smirks a bit, keeping her hand in his as she leads him over the paths and through the trees until they reach the falls, a lovely waterfall that flows down over the rocks and into a small lagoon] And this is why they call it Mystic Falls.

Derek: [he looks at it, and then smiles] This is beautiful.

Elena: It's my favorite place in all of Mystic Falls.

Derek: I can see why. I would come here often if I were here. On a hot summer day, sit in the shade with a book and let the mist brush along your face.

Elena: [she nods, pulling him closer as she does] Sometimes I come out here to just ... think. Clear my head.

Derek: [steps closer, pulling her into his arms gently] I can see that too.

Elena: [sighs softly as she slides her arms around his neck, leaning closer] I'm glad you're finally here.

Derek: Me too. I have missed you in just the few weeks we've been apart. [and he tips his head down to kiss her gently]

Elena: [sighs softly as she kisses him back, letting herself just sink into the kiss for a moment]

Derek: [and he will keep kissing her until she needs to breathe, and then nuzzle against her cheek affectionately]

Damon: [and a voice, from over their shoulders, in his usual snide tone] Well. Isn't this precious. [funny how Derek didn't hear him coming at all]

Elena: [pulls back and rolls her eyes] Go away Damon.

Derek: [and he's going to turn, stiffening his shoulders a bit] And you would be?

Damon: [he turns and glances to her] Lady Gilbert. Where are your manners?

Elena: [makes a face] How rude of me. Sir Hale, this is Lord Damon Salvatore. Another one of the members of the founding families.

Damon: [bows with a flourish, then looks up curiously] Of the Hales?

Derek: [doesn't move more than a small head nod] That would be me, yes. Pity, I don't think word of the Salvatore family have ever reached my lands.

Damon: Oh, no I knew a Hale. A long time ago. [there's a small smile as he makes his way closer] She was feisty.

Elena: [sighs] What do you want, Damon?

Damon: Just saying hello. I was out for a walk.

Derek: [which would describe most of his family before they died, but this man was close to his age so he's just watching silently, sizing the man up]

Damon: [peers closer at Derek as he stops] Not much of a conversationalist, is he?

Elena: [just glares at him, before crossing her arms in front of her chest] Where's Stefan?

Damon: [and turns his attention to Elena] Do I look like my brother's keeper?

Elena: Maybe you should find him.

Derek: I am when there is a topic that interests me. You, sir, do not hold my interest.

Damon: [there's a look at that. An "I know what you are, pup." look. But beyond that, his focus is on Elena] And why would I do that. I'm sure he doesn't want his big brother intruding on his day.

Elena: Funny. I don't want it either.

Damon: [at that his lips purse, before he steps back with another bow] Very well. I will leave you to your suitor.

Derek: [and his eyes narrow at that, getting a good scent in the air to be able to know what Damon smells like so that he can't get the drop on him again]

Damon: [and he'll saunter off into the trees, as he does, and Elena will wait until Damon is gone completely before turning back to Derek]

Elena: What is it?

Derek: Has Tyler told you what he smells like?

Elena: [shakes her head] No.

Derek: Blood. Blood and alcohol and death.

Elena: [her eyes narrow as she turns to follow Damon's path] He said he was in a war.

Derek: What war did he say he was in?

Elena: He didn't. I assumed it was the recent one that Lord Argent came back from.

Derek: I didn't hear him approach. I don't like being caught off guard like that.

Elena: [she shakes her head] He's a little ... unnerving sometimes, but so far he seems harmless. He's been courting Lady Forbes.

Derek: Lady Caroline?

Elena: [she nods] She seems very charmed by him.

Derek: I'm not sure I like him very much.

Elena: I would agree with you. But his brother is sweet, so I try to tolerate him for Stefan's sake.

Derek: Too bad I didn't meet his brother first.

Elena: Mmmm. [she takes a deep breath, before turning to face him again] We should continue the tour.

Derek: [goes to take her hand] Yes, let's.

Elena: [And off they go to wander through Mystic Falls while Damon is off compelling Caroline to get super nosy about the Hale werewolf in town and maybe have a snack. because he's gross.]

Tyler: [bad Damon. He's going to bite you one day when he finds out and you aren't going to like that]

Elena: [no but everyone else will enjoy it]

Derek: [and he will slip back out of his sour mood and listen to her]

Elena: [and eventually they will wind up back at the Lockwood Manor in time for dinner]

Derek: [and they will have supper, and then Derek will probably retire to his room with a book, since it has been a long day]

Elena: [and Elena will do the same but be a good girl and not sneak into his room to see him]

Derek: [and here he left a window open for her]

Elena: [sorry Derek. You'll just have to wait until breakfast]

Derek: [breakfast in bed?]

Elena: [nope. Not yet. Down boy.]

Derek: [fine, then he will go off to sleep and back to breakfast where he will get to enjoy her face over a plate of bacon and eggs]

Elena: [yes he will.]

Derek: [and then after breakfast] So where are we going to explore today, m'lady?

Elena: I thought I would let you choose. Or see if you wanted to look through Lady Lockwood's records.

Derek: Well, I do, but I want to be with you. Unless you have something else you wish to do without me?

Elena: Not wish to do but I do have some matters to attend to with Bonnie and Caroline for the upcoming Founder's Day ball.

Derek: Then I will let you go and do that, and I will let Lady Lockwood fill my head with facts so that I will know this town even better than you do.

Elena: I accept that challenge. [she smiles at him] It sounds like you two will have fun.

Derek: Oh, I'm sure you will have to dig me out of there and remind me to eat. [kisses her cheek] I will see you later.

Elena: [grins and goes off to find her ladies while Carol drags Derek off to ramble about Mystic Falls some more]

Derek: [and he will listen to the ramble for a while and then:] So I met a Damon Salvatore yesterday. What part did his family play in this town?

Carol: Oh, the Salvatores are one of the founding families.

Derek: What was their roles?

Carol: Well, the Salvatore, Fell, Gilbert, Lockwood and Forbes families settled this area first, and it was their money that contributed to the first businesses and infrastructure. The Salvatores are mostly a loggers so they run the mills.

Derek: [nods] I see. Elena said that Lord Damon returned from war recently.

Carol: Yes! He and his brother Stefan, though I don't think Stefan was at war, he was just at court elsewhere.

Derek: [he thinks for a moment] Should I be worried about any intentions he has for Lady Elena?

Carol: Damon? Oh no. Damon has only really shown interest in Lady Caroline.

Derek: I see. [unsure] And has he always been the way he is?

Carol: I'm not sure what you mean.

Derek: [he licks his lips] You are familiar of the lineage of the Hales, yes?

Carol: How they share something similar with Lord Lockwood's family? Yes, I've been made aware.

Derek: Well, I have a better sense of smell than most of my family. I've never smelt a human like that man.

Carol: [frowns] Tyler and Richard have never said anything.

Derek: Perhaps it's nothing, but I don't get a good feeling off him.

Carol: [she shakes her head] Tyler doesn't like him either. But I feel that has more to do with his interest in Lady Forbes than Damon himself.

Derek: I would not doubt it. I have seen your son with Lady Caroline together. They seem close.

Carol: They all grew up together. He's just protective. Wolf instincts, or so I've been told.

Derek: That tends to be one of the main instincts, yes. [small smile]

Carol: [small smile in return] I'm sure once we all get used to the Salvatores being back in town things will ... settle.

Derek: [he just nods, but he's concerned all the same] So if the Salvatores were the loggers, what were the other families?

Carol: Well, the Lockwoods always acted as leaders - there has been a Lockwood as mayor since the town was founded. The Gilberts are doctors and healers, the Forbes family works as law enforcement, and the Fells run the local newspaper.

Derek: [nods] That sounds about everything you need to be able to run a town, minus farmers.

Carol: There were other, less well known families that picked up the slack there, fortunately.

Derek: That's good, otherwise that first winter would have been very hard on you. [smiles]

Carol: [she laughs] Indeed it would have.

Derek: So it there anything else I must know about Mystic Falls?

Carol: No, I think that just about covers all the important things. The ball is coming up, which I believe you will be here for?

Derek: Yes. I'm told that I my presence was all but required. [smiles]

Carol: Good.

Derek: I wasn't sure what the style of dress was to be, so I'm going to see a tailor in town about getting a proper outfit.

Carol: Of course. Let them know that you are a guest of the Lockwoods and they'll take care of you.

Derek: I will do that, thank you.

Carol: My pleasure.

Derek: [and they can get lost back in a bit of the history before] ... so, Elena was telling me about these animal attacks. Has that been a problem since the town was founded?

Carol: Oh. Well, we don't like to talk about such grizzly business, but yes, when the town was first founded we had trouble with the woods. It's what happens when you cut out a town in the middle of their homes. But it settled down after that first year or so.

Derek: Oh, that's good. I was worried that it was a continuing problem.

Carol: No, not at all. We've had a few ... incidents here and there, but it's nothing more than the hazard of living in the woods.

Derek: [he's listening, and it's barely there. Enough to make him doubt her truth to finding another source] Well, you should have found a less active part of the woods to cut down. [teasing]

Carol: [she laughs] Perhaps we should have. But nothing we can do about it now.

Derek: No, it would be very hard to move all the buildings.

Carol: [she nods] We have our hunters on the lookout. I'm sure Sheriff Forbes will have things settled in no time.

Derek: Good. [and he is going to let it go for now. Perhaps talk with Caroline a bit since her mother is involved, and Damon is fancying her]

Carol: [she nods before turning back to him] I have to go check on some things for the ball. Is there anything else you'd like to know?

Derek: No, I think I'm good. I should probably take a walk and readjust my eyes to the world before finding where Lady Caroline has stolen Lady Elena.

Carol: [she nods with a small smile] Enjoy your walk.

Derek: [and he's going to go out on his own, taking a nice walk along the edges of the woods, taking in the scents to figure out what animals were lingering along the edges]

Sheila: You're not going to find the animals you're looking for in the woods.

Derek: [turns his head a bit, regarding her] M'Lady. I was just walking.

Shelia: You were scenting. I've spent enough time around werewolves to know it when I see it.

Derek: [there is a small smile, and he turns to face her fully] You must be friends with the Lockwoods then. It's a pleasure. I'm Sir Derek Hale.

Sheila: I know who you are. Sheila Bennett. My family has been the Lockwood pack's emissaries for as long as there's been a pack.

Derek: [thinks] Lady Bonnie's mother?

Sheila: Grandmother. But my pride thanks you for the compliment.

Derek: [nods] So then you are to them as Doctor Deaton is to my family.

Sheila: [she nods] I worked with Richard's father, and my daughter was supposed to take over when Richard became alpha, but she ... well, she decided to pursue other options. I'm merely holding down the fort until Bonnie is ready to take over with Tyler.

Derek: Well, you are also probably aware that I am currently courting Lady Gilbert. I want to make sure that she doesn't lose her ties to her home here, but I worry for her safety with this animal that is out there.

Sheila: You should. But as I said - you're not going to find the animal you're looking for in those woods. It's a bit of a different breed.

Derek: Do you know what it is?

Sheila: [nods] I don't suppose they have vampires out at Hale Manor, do they?

Derek: ...... Vampires? They don't exist.

Sheila: [oh so dry] Neither do werewolves.

Derek: [chuckles] I will give you that. But then no, we have never seen them in our lands. At least, there no record in our histories.

Sheila: That doesn't surprise me. They aren't much for the cold, or for werewolves.

Derek: [he thinks about all his fiction that talks about vampires, and his eyes flick up at Shelia] Salvatore.

Sheila: [her eyebrows raise] You've met Damon, have you?

Derek: Yesterday. He snuck up on Lady Gilbert and I as we were taking a walk in the woods.

Sheila: Well, I can neither confirm nor deny that. He's smart enough not to let me anywhere near him.

Derek: The mythology would match his scent.

Sheila: If it is true, I wouldn't go picking trouble with him. It's likely that he's very, very old.

Derek: I will take that under advisement. [he won't go looking for trouble, but...] Tell me what I would need to know to be able to protect those who he may catch interest in.

Sheila: They say a werewolf's bite can kill a vampire, though I've never seen it in action for myself.

Derek: Well, maybe then he better learn that fact and he will know to stay clear of me.

Sheila: Tempting fate has never stopped Damon Salvatore before, I doubt it's about to stop him now.

Derek: [nods] Does he have any powers beyond being silent in his movements?

Sheila: Strength and speed. There are fairy tales of mind control and compulsion, but no actual proof of how much is true or how to counteract it.

Derek: Lady Elena spoke of a brother... a Stefan. Is he one as well?

Sheila: You'll have to figure that out for yourself. As I said, I've got no evidence that either of them are one, and it would be hard to prove. They are both charming and members of the Founding Families, as well as quite present out in the daylight - the old stories say that vampires cannot walk in the sun.

Derek: If I discover anything, I will pass the information along to you for your records.

Sheila: I would appreciate that.

Derek: And thank you for the warning. [he's not sure he knows what to do with it, but it's enough to know]

Sheila: [she nods] I'm willing to bet the Lady Gilbert is unaware. Her parents knew, of course, as members of the Founding Families, but Lord and Lady Gilbert might not have gotten around to telling their children, especially since things were quiet until recently.

Derek: Does the Sheriff know? I have heard that he fancies her daughter.

Sheila: She knows about vampires, but she may not know about Damon specifically - as I said, we have no proof.

Derek: She may want to watch her daughter, just in case I am not wrong. [and his nose never is]

Sheila: The Salvatores have a lot of influence. I'll need more than the gut instinct of a werewolf who's never met one before.

Derek: I understand. [and he's not going to out Damon, because that risks outing himself.]

Sheila: Just be careful. If he sees you as a threat, I'm fairly certain he won't hesitate to do something about it.

Derek: I will, m'lady. I know better than to poke a bear.

Sheila: Good.

Derek: I should probably be heading back. It was nice to meet you, m'lady.

Sheila: You as well, Sir Hale.

Derek: [and he's going to head back, but stops a moment to pick some wildflowers to give to Elena when he finds her]

Elena: [and she will probably find him eventually, slipping her arm through his as soon as she's close enough] Did you have fun with Lady Lockwood?

Derek: I did. I learned about the founding families, which is probably a good thing for the event that is coming up. [he held out the flowers to you] I then took a short walk, and thought you would enjoy these.

Elena: [her face lights up when she sees them and she nods] I do. Thank you.

Derek: You are most welcome. [and he's going to enjoy having her close] So Lady Lockwood said that the tailor will help take care of my outfit for the ball. Should I make mention of anything for him or her to know? Colors or such?

Elena: [she can't help but smile at that, even though it's something so simple] My dress is blue, with gold trim.

Derek: Well, that is good, since I have been told that blue is my best color.

Elena: Mine as well.

Derek: At least we will always match then. [grins]

Elena: At least there is that.

Derek: So will there be any expectations for me during this since you are a founding family daughter?

Elena: Not this event, beyond being expected to talk to a lot of people.

Derek: I think I can do that. [or he can try. He does it well enough at tourney]

Elena: You'll be fine. We're mostly friendly here.

Derek: Anyone I should be warned away from, beyond Lord Salvatore?

Elena: [makes a small face] The Fells can be ... self-obsessed.

Derek: I am used to playing nice with that type of person.

Elena: Then you should manage just fine.

Derek: [nods, continuing to walk with her.]