UNFORESEEN

Disclaimer:I don't own The Vampire Diaries or any of its characters. (Although I do wish I owned the Salvatore brothers).

Hello everyone! This is a Vampire Diaries Fan-fictionset in the medieval era. I would like to clear a few things before we begin:

Everyone is human. Don't get me wrong, I love vampires and all very much but the characters beinghuman seemed more fitting for this story and the setting.

If you are looking for a story which has historical accuracy, you won't find it here. This is a fan-fiction written for fun and although I try my best to stick to the customs and traditions of that time, I am no historian and there may be some mistakes and/orinaccuracies.

A real time or a place doesn't exist for this story (although if you really want to imagine a concrete setting, imagine the14th-15th century, I guess). As for the different kingdoms, I have used the placesshown in the TV series, the book and created a few of my own.

Lastly, I hope you enjoy! I don't mind constructive criticism and I would love to have some feedback on this story!

Chapter 1

If I lay here

If I just lay here

Would you lie with me and

Just forget the world

Chasing Cars-Snow Patrol

Elena Gilbert glanced over her shoulder for the third time as she slipped into the woods that spread out behind the castle. With the long skirt of her fine silk gown gathered up in her hands so that she wouldn't step over the hem, Elena kept her head down and hurried away along a familiar narrow dirt path on which she had walked a thousand times over the span of a decade and a half. She glanced above her nervously as an owl hooted nearby. It was a moonless night and even the stars were hidden from view by the canopy of trees but she managed to maintain a steady pace through the forest trail even as her eyesight failed her in the smothering darkness. Depending entirely on her sense of direction, she trudged on, hoping that her dress wouldn't get caught in the thorny bushes. She gave a small sigh of relief as the clearing she was seeking finally came into view and she sped up her already fast pace and stepped over dry leaves and twigs to make her way over from between the circle of trees.

"Stefan?" Elena whispered and turned around in a circle. There was no sign of him anywhere.

"Stefan!" she called out a bit more loudly as her heart hammered in her chest due to a combination of exertion and fear of discovery.

Suddenly, someone grabbed Elena from behind by her waist and she let out a muffled scream as she tried to escape the iron grip of her captor. Her mind worked frantically to devise a way to attack the person who was now struggling to hold her and she opened her mouth to bite down on his hand-

"Elena, it's me!"

Elena clamped her mouth shut as her body instantly melted in the arms of the man holding her. She could recognise that voice anywhere. Putting a hand over her heart which was beating so loudly that she could almost hear it in my own ears, she shoved him away and crossed her arms over her chest, huffing in displeasure.

"Is this any way to greet a lady, Sir Stefan? You scared me half to death!" She said, putting on an expression of mock disapproval. He grinned sheepishly and bent down on one knee in front of her, taking her hand into his own, kissing each finger with a feather light touch.

"My apologies, my Lady." Stefan whispered against her knuckles. "I am yours to punish as you deem fit."

Elena couldn't contain herself any longer and a smile broke through her facade as she closed the distance between herself and the Prince.

"Oh, you will be punished." She replied, putting her arms around his neck and pulled him closer as she breathed in his intoxicating fragrance. Stefan placed a finger beneath Elena's chin and pulled her face up as he rested his forehead against hers and closed his eyes in contentment. Elena drew in a shaky breath as she marvelled over his perfection. Even after all this time, she couldn't help but have butterflies in her stomach every time he touched her.

"Let this punishment go on forever, then, for it is the sweetest in the world." He whispered, his stunning sea-green eyes gazing into Elena's warm, brown ones. That was the first thing Elena had noticed about him when they had first met each other over a decade ago. His eyes. She had almost envied him for his pale skin and his beautiful eyes. She was well aware of the fact that she was deemed as unrealistically beautiful by the people who knew her and had hundreds of admirers from many kingdoms, both near and far. She was famed for her rich. golden-hued skin and her long, flowing black hair. Even her eyes were of a dark colour, which was uncommon for people of her kingdom, who were usually fair haired and fair skinned. She always felt that she somehow stood out among her people, that she was the odd one out.

Elena's handmaiden and childhood friend, Bonnie, had told her that singers even sang of her beauty in far off kingdoms, calling her 'The Raven' due to her dark appearance, which Elena found utterly ridiculous and slightly embarrassing. Elena was only content by the fact that she didn't possess a shred of vanity like many other princes and princesses she knew.

"I missed you, Lena." Stefan brushed his thumb softly against her lower lip and waves of pleasure flowed down her spine, making her shiver. She didn't let anyone shorten her name like that but she didn't mind it when Stefan did so.

"We saw each other no more than two days ago." Elena whispered into his ear in his ear teasingly.

"Really, only two?" Stefan questioned, smiling down at her. "I can't wait for the day you're mine and mine forever."

In response, reached up by standing on her tiptoes and pressed her lips softly against his once. Then again. And again. She couldn't make herself stop kissing him for a long time and by the time they did; they were both out of breath and panting.

"Until then," Stefan said as he attempted to catch his breath. "we will have to resort to some very immoral things."

Elena looked away and burst into giggles even as her face heated up at his suggestive tone. Stefan always had a knack for making her laugh.

Stefan Salvatore was the Prince of Mystic Falls and the youngest son of King Giuseppe Salvatore. He had an older step-sister, Caroline Salvatore, who was also Elena's best companion. Apart from her, Stefan also had an older brother. His name escaped Elena but he was a Knight and had left Mystic Falls when he had barely been past manhood to fight in tournaments and bring honour to his house. Elena's father, King Grayson Gilbert was in close alliance with the Salvatores and that is how she knew both Stefan and Caroline. She had been to Mystic Falls many times and even then, the sheer size and strength of the well-fortified castle never failed to impress her. Mystic Falls itself was a beautiful place and was surrounded by lush, green woods and numerous lakes and waterfalls.

There, the noble men and women of the court always wore the most beautiful dresses and ornaments and as a child, Elena had always been fascinated by the customs and traditions of Mystic Falls. Her own castle in Fell's Church was about a week's journey from Mystic Falls by the Noble Road created especially for the travel of Kings, Queens and other noble people.

"We haven't even asked our Fathers for permission yet." Elena replied a bit fearfully as she forced her attention back on Stefan. "Will they allow it?"

"Of course they will." He replied, leaning down to kiss her forehead. "Father is dying to marry me off as it is. He wouldn't mind even if I marry a pig instead of a princess. All he cares about are heirs and his legacy, anyway." He said, chuckling. Elena rolled her eyes and shook her head as she internally marvelled over his laugh, which she found to be particularly fascinating. Everything about him was so unique...so different. Tonight, Elena noticed, he was dressed in a very charming manner, his midnight blue satin over-coat and black trousers with ankle length hunting boots suiting him quite well.

"You're still a Prince. You have a say over your life decisions. I, on the other hand, don't have that luxury." She fretted as she wrung her hands together. " And it's getting very difficult to restrain Father from marrying me off to some rich, spoilt Prince who doesn't even know how to hold a sword, let alone converse with a lady." She grumbled, recalling one of her numerous suitors who she had turned down just the previous week. The age of engagement between a man and woman was decided by the church and it was fourteen and twelve for boys and girls respectively but usually, proper marriage was held off till the betrothed couple was a bit older. They acknowledged this fact wistfully that both she and Stefan had turned seventeen this summer and naturally, their fathers were getting concerned.

"I will talk to Father soon, Elena, I promise." He said as he intertwined their fingers together. Elena nodded and smiled up at him, not wanting to push him more. She knew that he and his Father were going through a difficult phase at the moment although the details of it were not very clear to her. From what Caroline had told her, it concerned their older brother.

Stefan let go of Elena's hand and sat down on the soft grass, patting a spot beside him. She sat down beside him, taking extra care not to ruin her dress as it was a gift from Stefan. It was a richly embroidered, forest green dress with golden lace trimmings, easily one of the most beautiful dresses in her wardrobe.

Stefan noticed and smiled at her, "You're wearing the dress I gave you last winter."

Elena rolled her eyes and snorted in a very unladylike manner as Stefan looked at her with an amused expression. "Good of you to notice so quickly." She said as she ran a hand over the finely embroidered outer skirt of her gown.

"It's dark. Moreover, I was more preoccupied with something else." As if to prove his point, he leaned forward to kiss her again.

Just as their lips were about to touch, a faint, birdlike cacophony alerted them and Elena pulled back with a frown as Stefan chuckled humorlessly. It was a signal that their time together was over and that her presence was required at the castle. Elena's handmaid Bonnie was standing just outside the woods, acting as a watch out for her. She had been instructed to let out two short birdlike whistles in case they were in the danger of discovery. Elena hastily rose and pulled Stefan up along with her as she brushed the dirt and grass blades off her dress while he adjusted his coat around himself. Elena noticed that a look of melancholy had seeped into Stefan's eyes as he realized that their time together had come to an end.

"I don't know when I will be able to see you again." He said, trailing his fingers along her cheekbone. He was leaving for Mystic Falls on the morrow as his stay had come to an end and his Father required his presence back at Mystic Falls. He had come to Fell's Church along with his sister and a hundred highly skilled members of their guard to take part in the annual jousting tournament to represent House Salvatore. Today had been the last day of his visit and he had managed to unhorse three men, coming second just behind a veteran fighter of her kingdom. Elena had a hard time containing herself and she had tried not to cheer too loudly for Stefan in case anyone got suspicious.

She leaned her face into his palm and pressed her lips against it. "Take me away with you. Let's elope." She joked half-heartedly. Stefan's steed, a beautiful white stallion named Silver, was at the royal stables just a bit farther from where they stood.

"I wish we could." He replied, his beautiful eyes growing dark with desire. Elena sighed when Bonnie whistled again. They was running out of time.

"I have to leave, Stefan." She replied dejectedly, not wanting to leave at all. "You know, I've actually changed my mind. Let's just stay here forever and never leave this clearing."

All of a sudden, an idea struck her and she quickly unfastened her silver pendant from around her neck and handed it to him. He looked at Elena enquiringly as she explained.

"I gave it to you years ago."

"Yes, I know. I want you to keep this with yourself and just…just look at it and remember me whenever you miss my company." She said, feeling a bit embarrassed all of a sudden.

Stefan surprised her by sliding the locket into his coat pocket and as Elena watched with wide eyes, he slipped off a beautiful, lapis lazuli ring from his finger. He took her left hand and slid it onto her third finger. Although it was a bit big for her, it didn't slip off. "And you do the same." He said, kissing Elena's hand. A warm feeling coursed through Elena's veins and she threw herself into Stefan's arms and pressed her face against his chest.

After kissing him one last time as a silent goodbye, she committed the moment to her memory and then without another word, abruptly turned away and started walking towards the castle. She didn't want him to see her tear-glazed eyes.

We will see each other soon. Elena reassured herself silently. After roughly ten minutes of walking, she reached the edge of the woods. Bonnie gave a sigh of relief when she saw Elena and rushed over to her and handed her a black cloak.

"Thank god, you are here, Elena." She said, referring to Elena by her name. She had been her handmaiden since childhood and Elena had forbidden her to call her by anything else but her own name whenever they were alone. She was probably one of her closest friends apart from Caroline. Bonnie stayed in the castle provided quarters as she was an orphan. The pox had taken her parents when she had been no more than a child and had no other family to turn to.

"I am so sorry, Bonnie." Elena said, quickly pulling the cloak over herself. "Did anyone see you here?"

"No, I don't think so. I hid behind a tree when the guards came for their patrol. I swear I will get thrown into a cell if you keep going off for your nightly visits with Prince Stefan." She said, sounding frightened as she ushered Elena back to the castle.

"You are myhandmaid and friend, Bonnie. No one will dare to lay even a finger on you." She replied confidently. "And moreover, Stefan is leaving tomorrow." she added, a note of melancholy creeping into her voice.

"What's this on your hand?" Bonnie said, pointing at the ring with a sly look in her eyes.

"Let's get to my chambers first, even the castle walls have ears." Elena whispered as she peered into the darkness for the sign of a presence. The halls were empty apart from a few night guards who patrolled every half an hour or so. Having grown up in the castle, she knew all their schedules by heart and they were able to make it to Elena's bedchambers safely and without detection. She shut the thick, oak double doors behind them and heaved a sigh of relief as she grinned at Bonnie.

"Out meeting my brother in the middle of the night, were we?" Elena jumped and turned around only to find that it was Caroline. What is with all these Salvatores surprising me today? She thought to herself as she took in Caroline's mischievous smile.

"Lady Caroline, you startled us." Bonnie gasped.

"Bonnie, how many times will I have to tell you to just address me as Caroline?" She said, waving a hand in her direction in a dismissive manner. Like Elena, Caroline was also friendly with Bonnie.

"Apologies, My…er...Caroline." Bonnie stuttered and all of them shared a laugh. Elena told them both to follow her to the bedchambers from the main room. Her bedroom was huge with an enormous bed in the middle. It had a carved wooden changing screen to the left side and behind that were her private bath chambers, complete with a stone tub for bathing. On the right side, it had a stone fireplace and right now, a fire was crackling merrily, chasing away any remnants of the cold.

"Bonnie, please prepare some tea for us." Elena said to her and she nodded as she walked up to the fireplace and filled the pot that was kept on the mantelpiece with water. They talked while they waited for the tea to come to boil.

"So, what did my brother have to say to you that he couldn't say here?" Caroline inquired, nudging her with an elbow. "Or did you even talk at all, hmm?" She wriggled her eyebrows suggestively and Elena blushed and looked down as she swatted her arm away.

"I can't possibly tell you what we conversed about, Caroline." Elena said, feeling uncharacteristically shy all of a sudden. "It's your brother, for god's sake. Get your mind out of the gutter!"

"Step-brother." Caroline corrected her. "At least tell me if that arse asked you to marry him yet?" She asked Elena impatiently as her protuberant, blue eyes sought out an answer.

Instead of saying anything, Elena simply held out her hand, showing her the ring Stefan had given her not half an hour ago. Caroline started squealing when she saw it and covered her mouth with her hands as Bonnie made a shushing gesture.

"This means that you are engaged to Stefan!" She remarked, looking at the ring in awe. "Oh my God, we are going to be sisters soon. I can hardly wait! The marriage preparations-"

"Caroline, Caroline! Calm down! He still hasn't asked father for my hand, yet." Elena reminded as she shook her head. Bonnie joined them with three cups of steaming hot tea and no matter how much they insisted, she wouldn't sit with them. She chose a stool beside the bed and sat down, cradling her tea mug in her hands to keep them warm against the chilly weather.

"Bonnie, I don't understand you sometimes." Elena said, exasperated. "Why can't you sit with us?"

Bonnie shrugged. "Because I am not a princess, like you two. I am not even a noblewoman, Elena. I am just a commoner." She replied, refusing to meet their eyes.

"You are our friend and that's all that matters." Caroline said, beaming at Bonnie who beamed back at them. Caroline finally managed to coax Bonnie into sitting on a level with them and she effectively changed the topic back to Stefan.

"So, what did Prince Stefan say after he gave you the ring?" Bonnie asked her as she ran her thumb over the glittering jewel, staring at it with fascination.

"It's not like that, you two." Elena told them, laughing, but inside, she really hoped that it was like that. "He just gave it to me as a…souvenir. Whenever I will look at it, I'll remember him."

"Certainly, a ring wasn't needed for that." Caroline replied airily and both the girls burst out laughing even as Elena crossed her arms and huffed. Caroline had the same fair eyes like Stefan but her hair colour was different. She had beautiful, golden hair that fell to her mid-back in soft curls. Even in a simple white nightgown, she looked stunningly beautiful.

Suddenly a thought crossed Elena's mind and before she could control herself, she blurted it out.

"Caroline…You never told me properly…" She began, feeling like she was intruding on a private matter.

"Yes?" Caroline asked her, blinking. "Go on."

"You never told me about the source of your trouble these past few days...you just said it had something to do with your older brother." Elena asked her carefully, all the while judging her reaction. Caroline looked away as a frown appeared on her face.

"I apologise in case my question offended you. You don't have to answer." Elena added immediately, sensing her discomfort. She mentally chided herself for prying but she desperately needed an answer as to why Stefan was delaying a talk with his father regarding their marriage. She couldn't help but feel a little selfish in doing so.

"Don't be foolish, Elena." Caroline waved her apology away. "It's just…we had a raven a few weeks back. It carried a message that..." She trailed off. Ravens and pigeons were a common mode of delivering letters and notices across the Realm.

"What did it say?" Bonnie egged her on even as Elena shot her a warning look.

"It said that there were rumours that my older brother was probably...dead." She managed to choke out melancholy washed over her face. Elena couldn't help but gasp at the news.

"Dead?" She whispered. "How?"

"Well, you already know how he had left home to fight in some idiotic wars to gain fame and honour and all those stupid things that men care about." Caroline said, still not meeting their eyes. "The last I heard of him, he had taken part in this large war and since then, we have received no letters from him. Imagine my shock when father got a message from a source telling us that he was most likely...dead."

Elena exchanged a worried glance with Bonnie as she subconsciously shifted closer to Caroline and placed her hand over hers on the bed.

"I just…I just don't know what to believe, Elena." Caroline said, finishing her sentence with a light sob. Elena placed her arms around Caroline's shaking body and rested her head against her shoulder.

"I am sure that's not the case. The messenger must have been mistaken, it happens all the time." She said in an attempt to console her friend. Bonnie nodded frantically from her seat, not quite knowing what to say at the moment.

"I hope I'll see him again, someday." Caroline replied in a small voice as she sought comfort from Elena's words.

"I hope so too. I have never truly met your older brother, have I?" Elena wracked her mind for a memory but all she could remember was a tall boy with jet black hair. When she had been a child, she had only seen Caroline and Stefan's brother from a distance. He had never played with them or even talked to them since he was older and had companions of his own age.

"What's his name?" Elena asked, surprised that she couldn't recall a name for this blurry figure from her past.

"Damon." Caroline replied, smiling slightly.

"Damon Salvatore." Elena repeated, tasting the name in her mouth. It certainly sounded very pleasing to the ears. "Well, I hope we see you soon, Damon Salvatore."