[ the not-quite smile and small nod she gives in response is thanks. elena knows little of his relationship with stefan, but she's never been so oblivious not to note and consider the tension. this is more important than that though, and she's glad if ric has any questions, needs... clarity. stefan will be there for him.
and because in the resulting silence all elena can think about is her conversation with caroline from yesterday... ] I was wondering... after the festival - if we could talk.