9 Strix

A temporary peace had settled over New Orleans, a direct result of Klaus's uncharacteristic discretion, offered a momentary respite from the storm that typically accompanied his presence. His pursuit of knowledge from Marcel hinted at a newfound focus, one that kept the fire of his destructive tendencies at bay. While I couldn't fully fathom his obsession with reclaiming the throne of New Orleans, since he could have any city he so pleased, I welcomed the reprieve it provided anyway.

As Klaus delved into the intricacies of leadership under Marcel's watchful eye, my attention turned to the future threat of the Strix. Founded in the early days of my immortal existence, the Strix had once been my answer to my legacy but they had since been twisted with the leadership of Tristan De Martel. But to be fair to the Strix I did abandon them once Mikael come knocking, so it wasn't fair for me to judge them for going astray.

Anyway the Strix, were an exclusive group of extraordinary individuals. Tristan's influence had molded them into a force that strayed far from the ideals I had instilled. The journey I embarked upon took me out of the country, a mixed quest that intertwined the distribution of the remaining white Oak with an investigation into the Strix organization.

Embarking on my quest to safeguard the last remnants of white oak, I first set foot in Copenhagen. Here, I had previously shipped the precious wood to a business that would keep ahold of it for me for the time I would need to arrive, laying the foundation for my mission to distribute it strategically. Drawing upon Elijah's memories, I identified strongholds in countries with a shared past, locations known only to me.

Continuing this journey, I traversed through the world each step calculated to secure the white oak from any potential threats that might pose harm to my family. The endeavor was a testament to the seriousness that I took against adversaries that would covert the white oak.

Simultaneously, my investigation into the Strix led me through the labyrinthine corridors of supernatural politics. The Strix, once an organization built on exclusivity, had devolved into a shadow of its former self under Tristan's reign. My travels took me to cities where the Strix held influence, clandestine gatherings where I observed their machinations and gathered intel on their current activities.

The Strix, lacking in numbers but formidable in influence, proved to be a complex puzzle. To unravel their secrets, I enlisted the help of contacts from my extensive network, gathering information on the recruitment process, their current leadership structure, and the alliances they maintained.

In the dimly lit confines of an abandoned warehouse, I, Elijah Mikaelson, stood amidst the echoes of silence. The cool air carried an undertone of tension as I confronted a Strix member, their identity concealed by the shadows dancing across their face. The decision to abduct a member of the Strix had not been made lightly, but the pressing need for information outweighed any reservations.

The captive Strix member, bound and seemingly unfazed, met my gaze with a defiance that hinted at the resilience within. However, as I attempted compel him an unexpected but also kind of expected revelation unfolded. Vervain coursed through the Strix member's veins, rendering them immune to my compelling influence.

Since I couldn't take the clean and less painful root, I shifted my approach. Instead of attempting to breach mental defenses, I focused on the physical. The Strix member's blood held the key to unlocking the vervain's grip on their mind. So I opted for a more direct route.

A silver dagger gleamed in the subdued light I started to slash through his vampiric skin, allowing the vervain-laden blood to flow. It was a troublesome process, one that required both time and patience. But as the crimson liquid continued to leak, the Strix member's resilience began to waver.

Once the vervain had been successfully extracted, a newfound vulnerability enveloped the captive vampire. Now unhindered by the vervain's influence, I compelled the Strix member to divulge the information I wanted. The warehouse echoed with whispered confessions as the vampire reluctantly shared insights into the Strix's inner workings.

Having secured the information I sought, I seized the opportunity for an undercover agent. Compelling the Strix member to be my eyes and ears within the organization, I planted the seeds of loyalty in his mind, compulsion making him believe that this was his true purpose, to serve my cause. 

As I left the warehouse, all that was left was to wait and the Strix would soon be no threat at all, once their head was cut off and I would make sure Tristan De Martel and his sister were soon no more. The secrets that Aurora knew would need to go to the grave alongside her, less Klaus find out about my earlier betrayal.