Previously on The Vampire Diaries:
Does Elena enjoy having both of you worship at her altar?
You can be in love with Elena all you want if it means you'll protect her.
He's flipped a switch. Stefan is gone and he's not coming back.
- Destroying Klaus is all I have left. - You had me!
- I lost you when I left with him. - If I thought for a second...
- ...I wouldn't have to feel guilty. - For what?
For wanting what I want. - I didn't plan on kissing him.
Three sleeping Originals, four coffins. Who is in the locked box?
- Now I reunite my family. - The people...
you cart around in caskets.
You're doing this on my terms now.
Rebekah. Kol. Finn, don't.
Aah!
- Coffin's open. - Mother.
- Do you know why I'm here? - To kill me.
To forgive you. I want us to be a family again.
How's Mr. Saltzman?
Resigned to spending the night in Observation.
So long as I promise to change the lock on the house.
So I talked to Bonnie earlier. She and her mom are fine.
Have you talked to Caroline?
Yeah. She's holding it together...
considering how close she and her dad used to be.
Any word on who's behind all these attacks?
No. Sheriff Forbes said that there's no real suspects at all.
How are you dealing with everything? I mean...
You keep getting dragged into all this.
Honestly? I'm kind of lucky.
The only thing that I have to worry about for tomorrow...
is showing up for my shift at the Grill.
Thank you for everything today.
Really.
Get home safe.
Thanks.
What?
- Drive much? - Rebekah.
Surprised? You drove a dagger through my back, Elena. It hurt.
- Elijah. - Leave.
Are you challenging me?
You're pathetic.
Both of you.
Well...
I believe we have a little catching up to do.
It was their mother Esther who was sealed in that coffin.
- As in the Original Witch? - What? How is she even alive?
Thought her freak of a son ripped her heart out 1000 years ago.
I don't know. I guess she has connections in the witching community.
Elijah said she wants to live in peace with her family.
- Including Klaus. - She was to be the weapon...
- ...to help us kill him. - Not anymore.
At least, not according to Elijah.
That coffin was stopping Klaus from tearing us to shreds.
Anyone else feeling a little used right now?
Look, Elijah promised me that his family wouldn't hurt any of us.
I believe him.
What is it?
It's an invitation.
II ' Please join the Mukaelson family this evening at 7:00...
- ...for dancing, cocktails and celebration." - Who the hell are the Mikaelsons?
The Original family.
Not bad enough they're moving in, now they want a housewarming gift?
Wait, there's a note on the back.
"Elena, I think it's time that we finally meet.
Esther."
This ain't no place for no hero
This ain't no place for no better man
Rebekah, tell me how handsome I am.
Oh, Kol, you know I can't be compelled.
You went after Elena?
- What is wrong with you? - Here we go.
- Want another dagger in your heart? - Again with the dagger threats?
- Don't you have other tricks? - Go back to staring at yourself.
- And who are you, my father? - No, Kol. But you are in my house.
Then perhaps we should go outside.
Enough.
Niklaus.
Come.
This ain't no place for no better man
This ain't no place for no hero
Rebekah wasn't out of her box a day before she tried to ruin my life.
What happened to peace? Acceptance?
Family?
You put daggers in their hearts.
You want them to go on their knees and kiss your feet for reuniting them?
It's a crime to want us to be as we were?
You need to give it time, Niklaus.
I've had a thousand years on the other side to be angry and to heal.
I'm here to make sure this family does the same.
I just don't understand.
I killed you and still you forgive me.
It's been my dream for a thousand years that this family could be as one.
Forgiveness is not a chore. It's a gift.
Now, who are you bringing to the ball this evening?
Don't be ridiculous.
- You're lucky I'm even going. - Well, I wish you would reconsider.
It's going to be a magical evening.
If Esther wants to talk to me, I should find out why.
That's a dumb idea. She already tried to kill you once.
No, Elena's right. Bonnie was led to open that coffin for a reason.
I think there's more to this than some family reunion.
Can we go back to the Stefan who cared if Elena lived or died?
What for? That's your job now.
Stefan has a point, Damon. I should find out what she wants.
- You can't protect yourself. - Okay, fine, then I'll go.
You pissed off enough Originals to last a lifetime. I'll go.
- Hey... - End of story.
Caroline, it's Tyler.
I know I should have called sooner. I just kind of freaked out and left.
But I heard about your dad and I'm sorry.
I'm really sorry, Caroline.
I'm out doing what he said. I'm gonna fix myself and come home to you.
I love you
Seriously?
It's all so weird.
The Originals are throwing a ball. Like, an actual ball.
It's some twisted Cinderella fetish is what it is.
Why does the witch want an audience with you?
I have no idea. But there's only one way to find out.
I thought you told Damon and Stefan you weren't going.
I did. Which is all the more reason I need a drama-free bodyguard.
Well, I think a Salvatore would look a lot better in a tux. And by that I mean Stefan.
Ugh. I can't deal with either of the Salvatores right now.
Whatever Stefan feels, he's channeling it all against Klaus. And Damon...
- It's just not a good idea. - Why? Because you two made out?
Bonnie spilled the beans.
I was gonna tell you.
- After everything with your dad... - Elena...
when you and Matt kissed for the first time...
you called me the second it happened.
And I don't hear about this until now? From somebody else?
I'm sorry.
It's just, I don't even know how I feel about it yet.
All I do know is that it just used to be so much easier.
Careful, Caroline. It's all well and good till she stabs you in the back.
What are you doing here? I know your mom's rules. No murdering the locals.
Get over yourself, Elena. It's not all about you.
Oh, my God.
She's inviting him to the ball.
- Why is she inviting him? - Probably to get this reaction from us.
What time is this stupid dance?
- Hello, Carol. - Hello.
Hanging out with your new besties?
I'm the mayor, Damon. When the oldest, deadliest family of vampires...
moves into your town, you welcome them with a smile.
Hmm. Well, at least you know who you're borrowing that cup of sugar from.
I'm trying to protect this town. They assure me they want peace...
- ...I've assured them that I'd enforce it. - Mayor Lockwood.
We haven't formally met. Kol Mikaelson.
We hope your lovely town embraces us just as much as we plan to embrace it.
Damon Salvatore.
Have we met?
I've met a lot of people, and you don't particularly stand out.
Excuse me, Carol.
- What are you doing here? - I could ask you the same.
Surprise, surprise. Nice tux.
You're not supposed to be here.
Well, I am.
And I'm not leaving until I find out what Esther wants.
So shall we?
Ugh!
Good evening.
I need a drink.
Elena Gilbert, I presume. I'm Finn Mikaelson.
You're here to see my mother.
- Is she here? - Her request did not include your friends.
They're protecting me.
You may not know, but your mother tried to kill me once.
If you want to see my mother, you'll need to be alone.
If everyone could gather please.
Excuse me. - Excuse me.
Welcome. Thank you for joining us.
You know, whenever my mother brings our family together like this...
it's tradition for us to commence the evening with a dance.
- Do you see who I see? - Oh, yeah.
Tonight's pick is a centuries-old waltz.
So if all of you could find yourselves a partner, please join us in the ballroom.
- Don't even think about it. - She wants to see me alone, Damon.
Sucks to be her, then. Was I not clear this morning?
- I was invited. - You have to tell me...
- ...before you go into a lion's den. - So you can stop me?
Yes.
It would be rude not to dance, you know.
It is tradition.
You look stunning, if it isn't obvious.
Thank you.
I'm glad you came.
Well, it was either caviar or sympathy casseroles.
- I heard about your father. - Don't.
- Seriously. - Very well.
Onto more mannered subjects then, like how ravishing you look in that dress.
I didn't really have time to shop.
The bracelet I gave you? What's your excuse for wearing that?
You know, you're quite the dancer.
Well, I've had training.
I happen to be Miss Mystic Falls.
I know.
Ooh. He dances. And I didn't even have to beg.
Well, Mayor Lockwood dragged me out here. I couldn't exactly say no.
What are you doing? Why are you here with the she-devil?
What was I supposed to say? No?
Why the hell are you here with Klaus?
Don't even get me started.
Took you about 30 seconds to put Damon in a mood.
He's just looking out for me.
I think he needs to figure out that you can look out for yourself.
- I need to talk to you. - Okay, so talk.
Not here.
Stop staring. It's creepy.
Of course she looks beautiful. Nik gave her everything she's wearing.
You're no dog yourself.
- That supposed to be a compliment? - Hmm.
You tried to kill Elena last night.
You don't get compliments.
Caveman.
Where is Elena?
If Esther is secretly on our side, we need to know.
But I can't get to her with two bodyguards.
Why you telling me?
Because Damon won't let me anywhere near her without protection...
and you care about killing Klaus more than you care about anything, so...
What? Am I wrong?
No, you're not wrong.
What do you need me to do?
Make sure I get into that room with Esther.
Alone.
Are you sure you can do this?
I can do this.
When we were together, you used to let me make my own decisions.
You trusted me.
After all of this, at least that hasn't changed.
Where's your date?
Flirting with his ex.
You've changed, Bekah. Settling for mortals is the first sign of weakness.
I'm not settling. I brought him here to kill him.
He's Elena's friend. If he dies, she suffers.
But I've already been scolded once...
so I was hoping you'd help your baby sister out?
And spit right in the face of Mother's rules?
I'm in.
I got your text. What are we doing in here?
Better hurry up, won't be down for long.
Elena.
I understand my mother requested to see you.
Yeah. Why? ls something wrong?
Well, her ability to forgive my brother...
after everything he's done to destroy this family...
strikes me as a little strange, to say the least.
Do you think that it's an act?
It has me asking questions I never thought I'd ask.
Can I depend on you to tell me what she says?
Of course.
I'll find you later. Okay?
That'll be the girl.
You're alone.
Wise choice.
It's only sage.
I've spelled it so we can speak freely without fear of being overheard.
That'll be all, Finn. Thank you.
You must have a million questions for me, Elena. Please.
How are you alive?
- Are you a ghost, or...? - Not exactly.
When I died, the witch Ayana preserved my body with a spell.
She was a close friend of mine, an ancestor of your friend Bonnie.
So that's why only Bonnie and her mother could open up the casket?
They complete the Bennett bloodline.
I drew power from them...
and their ancestors with me on the other side.
You've been on the other side for a thousand years?
Nature's way of punishing me for turning my family into vampires.
But there is a way for me to undo the evil I created.
You're gonna help us kill Klaus, aren't you?
One thing at a time, Elena.
For now, I simply need your help.
You like horses.
I'm not talking to you until you tell me why you invited me here.
I fancy you.
Is that hard to believe?
- Yes. - Why?
You're beautiful. You're strong. You're full of light.
I enjoy you.
Well, I'm spoken for. By Tyler.
And I thought you two ended things.
Because of your freaky sire bond with him.
So you aren't spoken for.
You know, horses are the opposite of people.
They're loyal.
My father hunted me for a thousand years...
and the closest he came was the day he killed my favorite horse.
He severed its neck with a sword as a warning.
Did you ever consider sitting down with your father and talking it out?
I'm afraid my relationship with my father was a little bit more complex than yours.
Maybe so. But I let my father go with no regrets.
And to answer your question, yes, I like horses.
But I also like people. And they actually like me, so I'll be inside.
I understand Rebekah shared the story of my family.
How I upset the balance of nature by turning my children into vampires.
She said you did it to protect them from werewolves.
It's true.
But in no time at all they began to feed on human blood.
They ravaged the town with no remorse.
Eventually, Niklaus turned against me.
How are you gonna kill him? He's immortal.
It will take time, magic, and your assistance.
What do I have to do then?
My children believe I'm holding this ball to celebrate our reunion.
But in truth, I've gathered them together to perform a ritual.
The first step requires blood from the doppelgänger.
Only a drop.
Its essence will be in the champagne toast later on this evening.
Will you do it?
Or shall I?
Elijah is more suspicious than the others, so he may need more persuasion.
But they must all drink at the toast in order to be linked as one.
- What do you mean linked as one? - You said yourself Klaus can't be killed.
But tonight's spell links all my children together so that if one goes, they all go.
- What? - I love my family, Elena...
but they are an abomination.
I betrayed nature when I created them.
It's my duty to kill them.
I'm itching to kill. What are we waiting for?
The mayor cornered me. Give me 15 minutes to lure Matt outside.
Outside? What's wrong with here on the stairs? Make a spectacle of it.
You sound like an idiot, Kol. Mother would kill you if you ruined her party.
See you outside.
Easy, buddy. I don't want you doing anything stupid.
- Where's Elena? - Where she belongs. Talking with Esther.
- What did you do? - Don't blame me. This was all her.
Right down to the broken neck.
Maybe you shouldn't be such a controlling dick, Damon.
- Hang on. I'm the problem, here? - You're a liability.
I'm trying to keep her alive.
Your emotions are getting in the way of our plan.
My emotions? How is this even happening right now?
Maybe because you care too damn much.
So, what are we doing out here?
Just taking a break from the polite chitchat.
It's freezing. Let me get my coat.
- This is your car? - Yep.
If I could compel myself a Maserati, I would. But I can't.
Oh, I'm a vampire. We don't...
Thanks.
Let's go back inside. I've got all the fresh air I need.
So how was my mother?
Intense.
And for what reason did she need to speak with you in private?
Elena.
Should I be concerned about my mother's intentions?
She just wanted to apologize for trying to have me killed.
So it's true, then?
She's forgiven Klaus?
It's true.
Good evening, ladies and gentleman.
Waiters are coming around with champagne.
I invite you all to join me in raising a glass.
It provides me with no greater joy...
than to see my family back together as one.
I'd like to thank you all for being part of this spectacular evening.
Cheers.
- Cheers. - Cheers.
Cheers.
So, what did you want to show me?
- One of my passions. - Oh.
Impressive. I take it the curators at the Louvre aren't on Vervain?
Yeah, well, that's their mistake.
And what about these? Where did you steal this from'?
That's a long story.
But rest assured it was worn by a princess almost as beautiful as you.
Wait a second. Did...? Did you do these?
Yeah. Um...
Actually, one of my landscapes is hanging at the Hermitage...
not that anyone would notice.
- Have you been? - I've never really been anywhere.
I'll take you.
Wherever you want. Rome, Paris...
- ...Tokyo? - Oh, wow.
Must be really nice to just snap your fingers and get whatever you want.
Is that why you collect hybrids?
A little servant army to take you places and bring you things?
You're making assumptions.
Then why do you need Tyler?
Stop controlling him. Give him his life back.
You know...
this has been a fun evening...
but I think it's time for you to leave.
I get it.
Your father didn't love you so you assume no one else will either.
That's why you compel people...
or you sire them or you try to buy them off...
but that's not how it works.
You don't connect with people because you don't even try to understand them.
There you are.
I was waiting outside for you. Where's Matt?
About that. I, uh...
I changed my mind. I don't want to ruin Mother's night.
Don't tell me you like this boy.
And what did he do, he gave you five seconds of his attention?
Don't be so predictable, Rebekah.
You don't have to be rude about it.
Just leave him be, okay?
As you wish, sister.
Elena.
- Did you get what you want? - Actually, yes.
Good. Tell me on the ride home. We're leaving.
No, Damon, let go of me.
Look, I'm sorry that I had to cut you out of the plan.
There shouldn't have been a plan. You shouldn't be here.
Do you think I like going behind your back? I don't.
You would have tried to be the hero and you would have ruined everything.
Sorry for trying to keep you alive. Stefan doesn't give a crap.
- You're mad at me for including Stefan? - I'm mad at you because I love you.
Well, maybe that's the problem.
No...
- ...that's not what I meant... - No, I got it, Elena.
I care too much. I'm a liability.
How ironic is that?
Have you guys seen Matt?
Matt.
Good evening. You're Rebekah's friend.
We haven't met.
Matt Donovan.
Kol Mikaelson.
- Aah! - Hey, hey, hey. Easy on the hand.
The guy's a quarterback.
Damon!
What are you, crazy?
Maybe a little.
Far be it from me to cause a problem.
Tyler, it's me.
Look, I'm grateful for what you're doing but...
I miss you.
And I really wish you were here.
Seriously?
Just give up already.
Oh.
No violence. That was all I asked.
Rebekah and Kol disgraced our family tonight.
It won't happen again, Mother.
I'll deal with them.
Thank you, Elijah.
I wish the others were more like you.
Are we all right to speak freely?
Yes. The sage still burns.
Not having second thoughts, are you?
Of course not. It's just Elijah.
- He's so moral. - You're doing the right thing, Mother.
You understand what this means, don't you?
This spell I'm casting tonight...
will bind you all together as one.
I understand.
When it is time, I will be ready to die.
Then we must complete the link.
The link is complete.
You are one.
So, uh...
Esther wants to kill her whole family.
How's that for Mother of the Year?
Yeah. And I got to look Elijah right in the eye and lie to him about it.
Well, good. Can't say I'll be sorry to see any of them go.
I just signed their death sentences.
No, you signed Klaus' death sentence, Elena.
Everyone else is just collateral damage.
It's not that simple.
The family's brought you nothing but darkness, Elena.
It is that simple.
So, uh...
where's Damon?
I would think that he'd wanna make sure you got home safely.
I'll call him and let him know.
What was with him going after Kol?
Damon being self-destructive.
I said something I didn't mean.
So did I.
Anyway, uh...
Goodnight.
Stefan.
Did you really not feel anything?
- When? - How do you do that?
Act like you don't care. Like you don't feel anything.
Because I can't do that. I...
I feel. I feel everything.
Elena, stop.
I'm not going to stop, Stefan.
Because I don't believe that you feel nothing.
You think I wanna be this person?
I hurt you, Elena. I bit you.
I hate myself for what I did to you.
Then show it. Do something.
Stefan, anything is better than trying to convince me that you don't care.
I can't.
Stefan.
If I let myself care, all I feel is pain.
Hi.
What are you doing?
Well, let's see, I went to a dance and got my hand crushed.
Found out I don't have health insurance, so I just needed a minute to myself.
Well, I thought maybe I'd buy you an apology drink.
Maybe you could just leave me alone.
Look, I'm really sorry about Kol. He's a lunatic.
Look, Rebekah, you're really fun and pretty and all...
but I really need you to leave me alone.
Burn. Rejected by the captain of the football team.
- Welcome to adolescence. - Shut up, Damon.
I knew I should have killed him. Mother wouldn't let me.
Well...
never let people tell you what to do.
The canyons scream And the alleys bleed at night
Then the freeways fold And the Santa Ana winds blow cold
Besides, you would have broken him in a second.
Are you suggesting I can't be gentle?
No. I'm just saying you should find someone a little more durable, that's all.
Together
And who would that be?