Long chapter this time around so it will be a little bit before the next update.

Chapter title comes from the song Wicked Ones by Dorothy.

...

"You want me to kill the Queen for you," Eric said. His voice didn't hold any disbelief though he certainly felt some.

Though could it really be so unimaginable?

Like with the vampire monarchs in the Americas the Authority were a mostly hands off bunch unless a major fuck up boiled over. While most lazy monarchs left everything to their Sheriffs, the Authority didn't rear its petty ugly little head until blood was spilt and a bad PR nightmare had already happened. The Magister was put in position to try to avoid such things but no one wanted to share shit with that vampire. That wasn't to say the Authority didn't meddle in some things. They just did it discreetly. Most of the time.

They tended not to interfere with the vampire monarchies though. The last time they'd tried, at least out in the open, had been a disaster. They'd tried to remove an unruly (in the Council's eyes at least) monarch and expected the vampire community at large to go along, especially with their choice of Cat's Paw as a replacement. That had backfired spectacularly for them.

There'd been a minor blood bath in which a member of the Council had ended up meeting the True Death. A valuable lesson had been learned by all that day. The vampire community at large saw how much power the Authority really had when pushed and the Authority learned they weren't infallible. They needed to play nice with the rabble or they could all end up as bloodstains.

It had been close enough to the Great Revelation and bloody enough that Eric was surprised the humans hadn't noticed. That might explain the Guardian's behavior.

Some higher ups in the human government knew about the vampire monarchies and even a smaller few knew about the Authority, but Roman Zimojic wasn't about to let everything out into the light of day. Sophie-Anne's beef with the I.R.S. while petty and annoying could also be a Pandora's box of shit if it wasn't resolved in the proper manner. Knowing the Queen, she might not have much else but she still had her pride. She wasn't just going to bow to a human agency's jurisdiction. It would be a PR nightmare for the AVL and the Guardian could probably kiss his little amendment goodbye.

Getting Sophie-Anne to pipe down wasn't the only business of the day it seemed. Godric's anger was so swift and sudden that Eric knew there was something else at play here. His Maker's fangs weren't down and he still appeared deathly calm but Godric was obviously done playing nice.

"This is a catastrophe of your own making," Godric said. The cold look he gave the Guardian would have had a lesser vampire quaking and a human pissing themselves. "You must have had reports of Her Majesty's short comings long before this." That was putting it nicely. "I'm sure She's committed any number of crimes that you could have lawfully brought her to trial for."

Especially if Bill Compton really had been the Authority's spy, but then maybe Nan Flanagan had kept all that information to herself.

"I don't have much of a choice now do I?" Zimojic replied.

"It's your own cowardice and avarice that keeps your hands tied."

The Magister's fangs clicked down and his grip on his cane tightened.

"It is not for you to question Us!"

He pulled the sword a few inches from its sheath and Eric's own fangs clicked down. The only reason he remained seated was that Godric had yanked so hard at their Bond it was almost painful.

The Guardian waved the Magister off and ordered him to put his sword and fangs away.

"You think blackmail is the best way to go about this?" Godric's voice finally had a deadly ring to it.

The Guardian realized he must have overplayed his hand. All pretense went away. He still didn't look frightened though.

"The best? No," the Guardian replied. He almost sounded broken up about it. "I actually prefer to work above board. Less chance of someone trying to go for my head that way. But you wouldn't hear me out. You wouldn't even take my goddamn calls."

This was starting to sound more like a lover's tiff than a matter of life and death and kingdoms.

Eric decided to break the tension.

"What do we get?"

Off the Guardian's confused look Eric just smiled wide.

"Excuse me?"

"You want Sophie-Anne gone but you don't want the blood spattered all over your nice suit. What do I get if I take care of the problem discreetly?"

The Guardian chuckled like Eric was crazy.

"You mean besides your life and we forget you were dealing in vampire blood?"

"You said yourself you don't have enough proof and if you kill me you won't get what you really want." Eric shot a quick glance at his Maker before focusing back on the Guardian. "I could've told you blackmail wasn't the way to go."

Eric didn't doubt that Godric would put himself in the Guardian's hands and take a seat on the Council if it meant Eric walked free. He didn't want that for his Maker though, not if it wasn't really his choice.

Godric did not like how this conversation was going, but Eric willed his Maker to let him take the lead now.

The Guardian finally decided to dispense with all his bullshit.

"You want me to believe She wasn't about to sell you out and that you weren't gonna kill her for that?"

"I'd enjoy ripping her head off but you seem to want it more." Eric smirked. "And I never do anything for free if I can get paid for it."

Godric could feel Eric thinking. Eric was annoyed which wasn't surprising, but he was also amused by a thought. Before Godric could decide if he should say something the Guardian spoke.

"How do you figure I want it more? She's just a queen."

His gaze was now laser focused on Eric. He'd only really feigned being so impressed by Eric's reputation before. His interest was definitely piqued now though.

"You obviously don't want any sort of trial involved. You might not have Her on the blood dealing, but I've worked for Sophie-Anne for a long time. You can't have nothing. This seems like it's personal. Which would again be another good reason for her death to look like just a plain old coup."

The Guardian looked like he might interrupt but Eric plowed on. If the vampire wanted to be impressed Eric could oblige. Especially if it kept his head off the proverbial chopping block.

"If you just wanted her off the board you could just throw her to the wolves at the I.R.S. She won't go quietly though. There'd be a mess. The PR for the AVL will be bad but it should be good news for all those conservatives who are against the VRA. Not to mention the Fellowship of the Sun. They could use some good news what with the hit they've recently taken."

Rumors about what had happened in Dallas were circulating in the human world and the FBI had recently opened up an investigation into the church.

"It would look bad for all of us," The Guardian said.

The Viking vampire might think he was a breed apart but he would be just another fanger to the mob. Eric shrugged still unworried.

"You're the one who's staked everything on mainstreaming. Working so hard to convince the humans we're not a threat."

This was all so personal for the Guardian. He'd probably been working toward this longer than any of them could have imagined. He'd kill anyone to get what he wanted. Roman Zimojic was like any other vampire in that respect. Was Sophie-Anne that stupid that she couldn't see that?

"She wouldn't ask you for money?" Eric was more thinking out loud than expecting an answer. "She's not that delusional."

The Guardian wasn't giving anything away.

"You have any vampire with an ounce of clout or charm working to get the VRA passed." The Magister tensed for a half a second and the Guardian's eyes became sharper. Eric knew he had struck the right chord. "She threatened to hold it up. Or destroy it completely."

Sophie-Anne might be delusional enough to think she had that hand to play with the Guardian. Threatening if not his life's work, at least the work of the last several centuries. Throwing a stronger underling under the bus was one thing. Thinking she had the Guardian by the balls was beyond ego. It was a death sentence.

The Guardian looked hard at Eric for several seconds then broke out in laughter before looking to Godric.

"Fucking Lilith, where'd you find him?" He sounded envious. "Did you know he would be like this when you turned him?"

Godric felt some pride at the Guardian's words but that wasn't all.

"He didn't exactly start like this."

Eric ignored the pang in their Bond. He'd always been a bit more ruthless than Godric would have liked.

"That solves the problem of the power vacuum," the Guardian said.

Fuck!

Eric hadn't even been thinking of that. Becoming King because Sophie-Anne was being a conniving bitch was one thing...

The Magister seemed to like this idea about as much as Eric.

"Your Excellency..." he started.

The Guardian cut him off.

"This state is the vampire capital of the Americas and Sophie-Anne ran it into the fucking ground. If it's ever going to start turning a profit again we need someone with a head on his shoulders who can play the game. Not one of Rosalyn's deranged pups."

"He's hasn't taken the offer yet," Godric said stating the obvious.

His anger had tapered down a bit, but Godric was far from letting this whole matter drop. Like Eric he wasn't about to let someone he loved make a choice that wasn't really theirs.

"He's a big boy who can make his own decisions." The Guardian looked at Eric. "Unless you want to work for a vampire who's barely half your age and is still very much attached to his Maker's apron strings? I mean there's always retirement, but then you'd probably have to move."

No self-respecting monarch (or even a stupid one) would want a former Sheriff of Eric's age hanging around. Any other state he went to wouldn't be much better. They'd either want to press him into service for the Crown or fear he was after the throne and act accordingly. The Guardian was likely thinking of all this as well.

"Hell, I could just leave it. Let Arkansas and Nevada fight over it." This was an empty threat but he went on. "Oklahoma might throw her hat in the ring." As if she was preferable to any of the others. "Honestly Edgington will probably just wait until the dust settles and take all of it. I hear he likes to collect unusual things. He'd probably get a kick out of whatever your human is."

Eric's fangs clicked down and he blurred to stand but before he could do anything else Godric had his arm in a punishing grip and made him stay still.

Godric's own fangs were down and his fiery look was for no one but the Guardian.

"That's enough, Roman."

Godric waited for the anger to bleed out of his voice until all that was left was an icy disappointment. To his credit the Guardian didn't look scared though he did look penitent. The Magister had taken a step back but he looked thrilled. Probably imagining the bloodletting he'd get to do after all.

"Your quarrel is with me. You cannot think I would agree to anything with the way you are going about this."

The Guardian looked fearful but Eric doubted it was because he thought Godric would physically hurt him.

"Quarrel? Jesus..." He stopped himself from saying something in anger. "I'm not trying..." he stopped again and ran his hands over his coat lapels.

Godric did not make it easier on him by speaking. He forced Eric back into his chair and wouldn't let up on their Bond until Eric put his fangs up. He ignored his Child's growl of displeasure and stayed standing by Eric's chair. The Guardian had composed himself enough back into his normal eloquence.

"I apologize, alright? You know me. I've never been good at asking for help."

The Guardian looked at Godric like he wished they were in a more private setting for this conversation. Eric imagined it wasn't easy or often that the head of the Authority apologized. He wasn't about to feel sorry for the prick and honestly wanted to see the other vampire squirm more. Preferably on literal hooks.

"I'm not an idiot, alright?" The Guardian continued. Godric cocked an eyebrow at him and the Guardian raised his hands.

"Yeah, I know I should of gone a different way. But you were more than resistant. And I needed to keep this off the books so to speak. You've forgiven me for worse and I'm surrounded by enough yes men and women. I don't need another one who just sucks my dick. Especially when it's all a smokescreen."

This statement piqued Godric's interest and Eric couldn't say he wasn't curious.

"You've gotten far without my help," Godric said. "You've actively ignored the council I've tried to give you in the past."

The Guardian just shrugged this off.

"I'm nowhere near the finish line," he said. Getting the VRA passed was just a small step for what Zimojic had in mind. "I might have to burn down my own house to see real progress. And for that I need backing."

So the GuardIan wasn't an idiot. He was big enough to admit that if he did indeed have traitors in his midsts he would need someone else to help him. Or at least clean up some of the carnage of the aftermath, which was all Godric would be comfortable with really.

"I'm not an executioner, Roman."

"I already have an executioner." The Guardian waved toward the Magister, who probably didn't like being talked about in such terms, but who kept his thoughts to himself. "I need someone I can trust. Really trust."

"You have underlings," Godric stated the obvious. Though past experience with the likes of Stan Davis showed how precarious relying on such help was.

"Yeah..." The Guardian sighed. "Most of them are more than useful. But we both know how easy it is appear loyal. You've met most of the Council. Would you trust them? Not you in my place... You specifically."

Godric's mood darkened further, but he wasn't about to voice concerns that might get another killed, even if they were guilty of something. Eric never had any such qualms and he was past the point of impatience. His head might have cooled but he still wanted to break every bone in the Guardian's body.

"The only vampire one can trust is one they've made," Eric said ignoring the warning look Godric shot him.

Now that he was sure they weren't going to be killed, Eric wanted this wrapped the fuck up. He might not like the outcome but he was willing to pay the price of being King. Godric could make his own decisions.

The Guardian didn't spare Eric a look. That laser focus of his was all on Godric.

"Being a Maker wasn't really in the cards for me. But I trust you." He tilted his head toward Godric and then shot a quick glance at Eric. "And he trusts you and I really don't have time to come up with better options."

The way he emphasized it, the Guardian meant more than just this single night relative to his time. The way the Council was set up it was a miracle if none of the rest of them found out about this meeting or knew something was up ahead of time. All the guards outside were probably going to meet the True Death in a matter of hours just as a precaution.

"I don't have time for anymore discussion. I've got to be in Malibu by tomorrow night. Those Silicon Valley jackoffs want you to shake their hands before they give you money but half of them won't even look me in the eye for fear they'll pee their pants."

He buttoned his jacket. This meeting was coming to a close apparently.

"I was sincere about making some changes." He said this to Godric before turning his gaze on Eric.

"You've got brains and balls. You have a problem with authority but you know not to piss off anyone who could take your head. You kill Llerq, your past transgressions are forgiven. Your reward will be a bigger patch... and your life. If you don't fuck up you won't have to see me anytime soon."

At least he was honest about what an asshole he was to deal with. Eric looked over at the Magister.

"I'd prefer not to have him underfoot either."

Once Eric cleaned up the Sophie-Anne mess, he'd need to formulate a real plan about taking on Mississippi. That would be much easier to do with the Magister occupied elsewhere. Eric wasn't about to ask for help from the Authority. With them there would at best be a bloodbath and Eric probably wouldn't be able to get near enough for a pound of flesh.

The Magister dropped his fangs but was ignored. The Guardian didn't seem surprised nor adverse to the request.

"Clean up your own mess..." He meant any Sophie-Anne had left behind as well. "...discreetly and we shouldn't have a problem. You want to pretend you don't care about anything that's fine. I don't need you to be a mainstreaming poster boy. Just don't fuck anything up for the rest of our kind."

The Guardian gave a fleeting look to Godric before fixing his eyes back on Eric.

"Your Maker gets it." The politicians' smile was back. "This isn't the Dark Ages anymore. I'm trying to build something. A future for our kind where we don't have to skulk in the fucking shadows like vermin. The only way to do that is with the humans. Moving foreword with them as our allies. Humans outnumber us almost a hundred to one. They're weaker then us sure, but they walk in the sun. They own this modern world. They build things that last after they are dust..."

His words were so close to what Godric himself had always said.

"That includes weapons. The Sanguinistas are deluding themselves if they think they can win dominion over the humans. Make them just cattle in a slaughterhouse. We didn't even have a chance at that before coming out of the coffin."

"Some saw that as a mistake," Eric reminded him, though he didn't really hold to that thought himself.

"Well it's tough shit for all those ones now," Roman said. "I was being nice about it before and others took that for weakness. If the Sanguinistas want blood, they can have their own."

Their Bond had gone murky so Eric couldn't really get a bead on Godric's feelings. He could imagine his Maker's mindset though. The Guardian was on the warpath. Even though the Sanguinistas were the ilk that Godric abhorred (thriving on cruelty and bloodshed to excess) he wouldn't want to see any of their kind put down like dogs. If the Guardian knew Godric so well, he knew that his offer would be accepted by saying this. Godric would wish to be the voice of reason and sue for what little peace there was to be had.

"You want to stay and help him with the Sophie-Anne thing fine, but I expect to hear from you by the end of the week. Then I want you to plan to come back East for a few days at least."

This was presumptuous but Godric didn't speak up. It made Eric want to growl again but he kept his demeanor calm. Godric could more than speak for himself and he wasn't close to taking this lying down so to speak. He was feeding off his Child's impatience though and knew the Guardian well enough to know bringing up more arguments would only lead to a waste of time. To get anywhere with Roman Zimojic he'd have to wait for a longer more private meeting.

"We're getting right back on the plane," the Guardian said. He was apparently done with Eric as well. It wasn't as though Eric needed hand holding or instructions on how to kill. The Guardian looked over at Molly who was packing up her laptop. "Did you eat?"

It almost sounded like he cared.

"I...I had a True Blood earlier," the little vampire replied trying not to let go of her laptop bag. She didn't mention that half of it had ended up on the floor. The Guardian starred hard at her for a second like he knew what had happened.

"The plane should be restocked."

This seemed all that was going to be said on the matter. The Magister looked a bit constipated which probably meant he didn't agree with what was going on. Eric had to smile at that. He doubted the Magister could complain to his boss without getting his tongue ripped out.

"You want to hitch a ride to the West Coast," Roman asked his underling. He was apparently going to keep his promise of getting the Magister out of the state.

The Magister grimaced.

"I'd rather not spend more time with humans than absolutely necessary."

Which was probably one of many reasons he enjoyed his position so much. The only time the Magister ever had to interact with a human outside meal breaks was to watch them be killed or turned.

"Fine you can drop us off at the airfield and take the car. I'd prefer it if you'd get out of Louisiana so we don't look like complete fucking schmucks and we can have some deniability for what's about to transpire."

The Guardian was being nice about it, making it easier for the Magister to swallow, but there was an edge to his voice.

The Magister nodded in agreement but he shot a deadly look he no doubt thought was threatening at Godric and Eric. Eric was less than impressed.

The Guardian looked back at Godric before they left. He thought better of saying anything else what with the venue not being ideal. Likely he knew anything he said would hardly make up for the piss poor judgement of his little power play and machinations. Time and distance was the best way to smooth over that sting right now.

Eric waited another minute after he heard the cars leave before he spoke. He doubted the Guardian had left any listening devices in the bar but he'd be a fool not to check before they reopened for business. Right now he didn't care if that vampire heard what Eric really thought of him.

"He was pussyfooting around it but the word he was looking for is war," Eric said with some disdain. The Guardian should have just come out and said it. The small amount of respect Eric would have felt for the vampire probably wouldn't have made up for completely alienating his Maker though.

"The Guardian will try for a peaceful resolution," Godric said. He seemed to be ignoring the fire and blood tone the Guardian had taken at the end. Eric was coming around to the thinking that he would rather been seen as an ally by that particular vampire.

"You and I have both lived long enough to know peace doesn't happen without blood being spilt."

Eric was just out to make sure it wasn't his.

"I don't think he knows anything about the situation in Mississippi," Godric said once they were outside and completely alone. Eric was fine with changing the subject if it gave his Maker such a pang, but he wished Godric had brought up anything else right now.

Godric apparently didn't want Eric to think the absolute worst of the Guardian. There was obviously something there. Maybe his Maker was just trying to convince himself.

"He could just be a coward. Edgington is older and stronger," Eric said.

Anything Sophie-Anne wanted to do to detract the VRA vote would probably look like a wet dream compared to what could happen if someone tried to take Russell Edgington out. Something Eric was still determined to do himself.

"Somebody knows something," Eric said.

He wasn't surprised at Godric's lack of emotion at the comment. His Maker had most likely had the same thought. One only reached Russell Edgington's age by being more than a little smart. Not to mention lucky. But all the brains and luck in the world only got you so far, especially where the Authority was concerned. Somebody was covering Edgington's tracks and unless the Guardian was the best actor in the world, it wasn't him. Somebody in his own house possibly?

"Eric..."

Eric knew what the other vampire was about to propose. That they tell the Guardian everything.

"Even if he knew I doubt Zimojic would make a move anytime soon," Eric said. "Too afraid of an incident."

Godric narrowed his eyes at his Child. They both knew Eric was really afraid the Authority would act and cock it up. Or worse, somehow succeed and deny Eric his vengeance.

"You say 'making a move' as if it's feasibly possible, even for you."

Eric smiled even though he knew it wouldn't fool Godric. Eric wasn't afraid of the task before him, but he was wary.

"In a thousand years have you ever known me not to get my way?"

Eric stepped away from his Maker not wanting to continue down this route. He was anxious to get back and let Godric feel every twitch of that. Godric himself was tired, of all of it, so he didn't push.

"Come," he said. "I'm sure the others have been sick with worry this whole time. We should relieve them."

...

Sookie jumped when she finally felt a light touch on her shoulder. She turned to see Claudine standing behind her, cool and composed wearing just as sparkling a dress as her own. The mischievous smile that graced the fairy's lips said she had probably given Sookie the jump-scare on purpose.

Before Claudine could even properly greet her, Sookie took over.

"Look Claudine, I'm sure you're happy to see me but I'm actually not. I got enough stress right now... I don't need any more of your mind games."

When Claudine seemed about to argue about this point Sookie didn't let her get a word in.

"Unless you're going to stop treating me like a child and actually answer my questions, I'd rather you stop with these visit. Or I'll just stop taking Eric's blood for awhile."

Though it would probably take awhile for the blood in her system to dissipate with how much Eric had made her take earlier in the evening. She hoped Claudine could respect her wishes though she hadn't shown an inclination so far.

The jovial manner quickly slipped and was replaced by worry at the first part of Sookie's words. When Sookie mentioned she was taking Eric's blood, the fairy looked downright horror struck.

Sookie didn't think it should have been such a surprise. Claudine must have known that Sookie was giving Eric her blood, so why would it be out of the realm of possibility that Sookie was taking any of Eric's?

She must have had to give him much of hers in exchange.

The thought was fearful.

"Eric doesn't take that much. He's old enough he doesn't need to."

Though it hadn't been that long since he'd drunken from her, Sookie wished she had made him have some of her blood before he left tonight. He'd need his full strength perhaps for whatever came.

"Can you not tell?" Sookie asked. Every other supernatural creature she'd met seemed to notice. Of course she still smelled like spun sugar and sunshine under that apparently.

"All this..." Claudine waved a hand at their surroundings, "...Is but a pale shade."

Claudine's reaction made Sookie glad she wasn't really in the fairy's realm. If this was her Fairy Godmother's reaction, Sookie couldn't imagine she'd be much welcome smelling a bit like a vampire.

Claudine read Sookie's thoughts and rushed to reassure her.

"It wasn't your fault, dear heart. No one would blame you." Claudine reach out and smoothed back Sookie's hair.

As if Eric had somehow force fed her all his blood. Sookie also didn't like the familiarity Claudine was showing. Sure maybe they were related in some way but their relationship was still fairly murky and new. Not to mention a bit antagonistic on Sookie's side. Claudine had obviously known about Sookie's existence for some time but hadn't felt the need to help the human in anyway. Now though, for some reason, the fairy didn't seem to mind interfering except she wasn't being anything but a nuisance in Sookie's eyes.

Sookie took a few steps away, out of touching distance. Claudine got a hurt look on her face and Sookie remembered how Eric had told her not to unnecessarily provoke the fairy. Still Sookie was more than fed up with all this shit and she wasn't about to be diplomatic about it.

"Can you not do that?" she said. "Going into my head, I mean."

"It is natural," Claudine said. "Like breathing for the fae."

"Well I'm not a full fairy," Sookie responded. "And in the human realm, where I was raised, it's kind of rude."

Sure Sookie sometimes used her telepathy for her own gain but she at least felt some guilt about it when it happened. She just really didn't want Claudine in her head even on a superficial level. Especially since Sookie was sure Claudine's telepathy was stronger. If she tried digging in the fairy's mind for the answers she wanted Sookie doubted she'd get very far.

"Yours would be much stronger too, if you came to my home. I could teach you," Claudine said.

Sookie didn't care if she antagonized the fairy now. Claudine obviously didn't care about Sookie's feelings in the slightest and what really got her anger up was that Claudine seemed to think she was entitled to Sookie's time and even patience.

Sookie let anger lace her words.

"My telepathy has gotten pretty strong of late... Cause of all the vampire blood." Claudine looked like she'd been slapped but Sookie didn't let her get a retort in "What I could really use is lessons on how to use my Light."

And get some answers about that stuff Sookie and Jason had found in Gran's room.

"If you would let go and agree to come-"

"I've already told you I don't want to do that. I've got enough to worry about here."

The fact that Claudine was pushing her so much to come to the fae realm made the hybrid even more resistant to it.

"Is that the only way?" Sookie asked.

Her knowing that fairies couldn't lie almost made up for how useless Sookie's telepathy would be against Claudine. Especially since Claudine didn't know Sookie knew his.

Claudine's eyes became sharp but she wisely stayed out of Sookie's head, feeling that the human was nearing the end of her patience.

"It is the safest way," Claudine said. "And the fastest."

"Safer for whom?" Sookie asked.

That sharp look came back to Claudine's face. She wasn't a complete dullard either and must've guessed that Sookie knew to press her. The fact that she tried to change the subject only confirmed to Sookie that the fairy was trying some shady business.

"You don't trust me." The fairy had the gall to sound hurt.

"Wow, what gave it away?" Sookie said sarcastically.

Claudine could give her all the hurt and catty looks she wanted. Sookie was done playing nice. "You say you want to help me. Keep me safe? Where were you the first twenty-five years of my life? Do you know how horrible my childhood was because of my telepathy?"

Now that she'd let it out, Sookie was finding it hard to keep her anger in check. Her hands were glowing with her Light. This place might just be 'a pale shade' but Sookie found she could control her powers better at least. If only she could find a way to do so in the waking hours.

"Fairies are not supposed to interfere in human lives," Claudine said.

Seeing Sookie emitting and so angry made the fairy wary.

"You seem to be okay interfering now... Or is it that you only cared once I started lighting up. Maybe I wasn't a dud like Jason but just mind reading wasn't enough to spark anyone's interests."

Sookie knew she must have hit close to the mark from the guilt wafting off of Claudine.

"There are things I can't tell you," Claudine said, her voice pleading and petulant.

Fairies seemed as big control freaks as most Supes Sookie had met. Claudine losing so much ground so quickly was definitely unnerving the fairy and Sookie wasn't above using that to her advantage. Eric would be proud.

"Then I'll go ahead and wake myself up and the next time you pull me into this place..." Sookie lifted her hand, brilliant with fairy luminescence, "...I'm gonna go ahead and light you up like it's the Fourth of July."

Until the fairy learned some manners or wanted to start cooperating.

Claudine shot Sookie a disgruntled look.

"You should not use your Light on other Fae," Claudine hissed. "It is sacrilege."

Sookie laughed.

"Aren't y'all in the middle of a civil war? I'm betting you've been zapping each other from here to kingdom come since longer than I've been alive. Hell, since longer than my boyfriend's been alive."

Claudine's look just got darker and Sookie thought better of laughing at her again. She didn't want to push it. Even if her fairy powers worked better here, Claudine's did too and she was most likely stronger than the barmaid.

"You want trust? That needs to be earned, Claudine," Sookie said letting her Light fade. "I think I've been a good sport so far, but don't take my good manners and niceness as stupidity."

Claudine eyed her wearily for a long second before answering. Her voice and manner were no longer the overly plastic congeniality they had been before, but she wasn't exactly threatening.

"There are things I cannot tell you," The fairy repeated, almost apologetic. "I have made oaths to others and I cannot break them. Even if I wish to."

These others were probably stronger than her if the thread of fear in Claudine's voice meant anything. Sookie decided to be compassionate, since it was usually her default.

"I don't want State secrets or anything," she said. "I just don't want to be in the dark about things that obviously affect me. Plus If you're so concerned with my safety, especially with all the vampires I hang around with, I think you would want me to be able to defend myself."

Not to mention those she cared about, but since most of those others were vampires Sookie was going to keep mum about that.

"You could at least tell me what that stuff was me and Jason found under my Gran's bed," Sookie said.

Claudine looked legitimately perplexed.

"I honestly don't know what you mean," she said.

So Claudine didn't know or at least couldn't see everything that happened to Sookie. That made Sookie feel a bit more comfortable.

"There was a piece of paper. Parchment. Really old and it had writing on it that 2,000 year old couldn't decipher."

As soon as Sookie mentioned a paper Claudine got a startled look in her face. Sookie thought there was maybe even a little fear there but she covered herself quickly. Sookie pushed at the fairy's mind

I didn't know the Stackhouses had a contract. Grandfather should have told me. I should've checked the house!

"A contract for what?" Sookie asked.

Claudine really had no cause to glare with the way she had been bumping around Sookie's head before.

"Now is a really good time not to lie to me, Claudine."

As far as Sookie was concerned being evasive right now was as good as lying to her.

"It doesn't matter," Claudine said. "It's void. No ones coming to collect on it."

Since the fairy had said it it must be true, or at least Claudine believed it, so Sookie had no choice but to take her at her word.

"What about the other thing? It looked like an heirloom makeup compact but it's like catnip or something to everything."

Sookie was a little embarrassed remembering how she'd acted over the shiny, obviously magical object.

"Picture it in your mind," Claudine said.

As soon as Claudine looked her stance became rigid and she even let out what Sookie could only describe as an angry squeak.

Where did they get that?! ...Uncle Fintan!

Before Sookie could ask about anything she heard, Claudine grabbed her by the wrist and pulled her through the copse of trees. This all might not be real but Claudine's grip sure seemed tight enough. The fairy was looking around in agitation at their surroundings as if the trees were listening.

"Claudine, Slow down." Claudine was practically dragging Sookie behind her now and Sookie was finding it hard to keep up and not fall down. She finally managed to yank her arm free of the fairy's grip. "You obviously know what it is and if it makes you so afraid I need to know what it is!"

Claudine looked around intently once more before she spoke in a hushed tone.

"I'm not afraid."

Though she was hardly joyful about it.

"What is it?" Sookie asked again. She was starting to get spooked now. She hoped she hadn't buried some magic fairy time-bomb in her Gran's garden.

Instead of speaking Claudine's voice popped into her head.

We shouldn't speak of it. Not here. Not anywhere really.

Sookie resisted the urge she had to let out a frustrated huff.

Well what is it? If it's dangerous I don't want it.

Claudine didn't seem as skittish talking in each other's heads.

It is a Cluviel Dor. It's not dangerous. At least not in the right hands.

Sookie got a feeling from Claudine's thoughts that the human wasn't exactly the right hands. The fairy sounded jealous. Sookie became so impatient with Claudine when she didn't start to explain further that she spoke out loud.

"Well that's great but what does that mean? What's it for?"

Claudine was back to trying to dodge Sookie's questions. Sookie let her hands flicker for a moment and Claudine decided to answer. She wasn't happy about it though if the look on her face and the mood in her mind were any indication.

"It's very old," Claudine said. "There aren't many around because of the war and..."

Claudine looked around once again and Sookie did the same sharing the fairy's paranoia.

It takes a very long time to make one. And a lot of magic. With the falling birth rates of the fae...

"Okay," Sookie said out loud. She didn't really want to hear any of that. "It's some sort of weapon then?"

She definitely had to get it out of the garden then.

"No," Claudine said.

It's a love token.

"My Grandpa Earl gave it to my Gran on their wedding day. It was his mother's I think."

Sookie smiled but this information seemed to only make Claudine more cagey.

You shouldn't tell anyone else about it. Not your vampire especially. He could take it.

Sookie wasn't about to share that Eric already knew about the Cloviel Dor and that though he'd had much the same reaction to it as Sookie, he'd also been a bit repulsed by it. Sookie doubted he'd be interested in it at all. Eric only seemed to care about this fairy stuff when it pertained exclusively to Sookie and her wellbeing.

Claudine was still being evasive though.

"If it's a love token, why shouldn't he have it?" Sookie said a bit snidely. "I do love him after all."

Claudine looked like she was going to be ill at this and it had the desired affect in her spilling more beans.

"You can't do that!" After a moment she spoke to Sookie in thoughts.

It's not a weapon but it could be used like one. It grants a wish. Given to a vampire...

Claudine trailed off, apparently too terrified to fathom what might happen at this outcome.

So it's like Aladdin's lamp? Sookie asked. It grants wishes.

Too bad Gran hadn't know that otherwise they might have been able to find Grandpa Earl.

Claudine shook her head.

Just the one. It should not be used frivolously. And it cannot take away your telepathy.

Claudine added the last part quickly and Sookie gave her a disgusted look. That had been the last thing on her mind. She wasn't going to mention that her telepathy, and thereby her shields were much stronger now thanks to Eric's blood and possibly their Bond too.

Sookie wasn't sure she wanted a magical wish trinket. Three months ago maybe when her life had been boring and just a little miserable maybe, but now she felt like she was coming into her own. She had a handle on her telepathy and she didn't feel so alone.

The Cluviel Dor just seemed like a temptation she didn't need. The idea of using something magical outside her own fairy powers seemed dangerous. The threats that were circling from Eric's world were enough for her. She didn't need further complications from her fairy side.

Claudine seemed to be taking peaks in her head again.

"If you're uncomfortable with having it so near I could take it and keep it safe," Claudine said.

The fairy's voice was light and her face seemed neutral. Sookie thought that Claudine was having to work at making it appear so. It was like a wild cat trying not to show the canary how interested it was in ripping it apart until it got closer.

"Can I get rid of it?" Sookie asked aloud. Since she still didn't trust Claudine fully she wasn't about to hand something like that over to the fairy. "If it's so volatile I don't think anyone should have it."

Claudine couldn't hide the hurt and than angry look that came across her features fast enough. She knew Sookie still didn't trust her completely. She was keeping her thoughts about the Cluviel Dor well guarded.

Claudine didn't wish to further alienate Sookie. Who knew what she might do when pushed too far? The fairy bonds of blood seemed to mean nothing to the little hybrid. That vampire had his fangs too far into Sookie for the fairy's tastes. Sookie was disregarding almost everything Claudine tried to say against that species.

Claudine gave a radiant smile and figured a peace offering was in order. It wouldn't hurt for Sookie to be able to protect herself better. It could really only be a matter of time until that vampire showed his true colors.

"Come. Who knows how much time we have left."

Claudine turned and stalked further into the overgrowth of the forest, obviously expecting Sookie to follow and keep up. It seemed to Sookie that they were getting closer to that music she'd been hearing. She was almost about to ask Claudine to slow down again when they broke through the trees into a clearing.

"Holy cow," Sookie whispered.

There was a large pond that seemed to sparkle in the sunlight and people (more fairies obviously) were dancing and doing what Sookie could only describe as frolicking around. What little of them were clothed were wearing pure white. Sookie looked around but couldn't for the life of her tell where that music was coming from.

"Come along," Claudine said. She took Sookie's hand in hers and this time her grip wasn't as strong or possessive.

They walked toward the edge of the pond. Sookie had to blink and squint when she looked directly at the water. It was so bright. Claudine sat on the grassy bank by the pond and gently pulled Sookie down to do the same.

This really wasn't all some crazy dream it seemed. The dancing fairies were glowing and they moved faster and faster until it was hard to distinguish them from blurred shapes. Sookie noticed that they seemed to be dancing in between gravestones and a tomb. And those lampposts looked familiar.

"Wait... Are we in the cemetery by my house?"

She couldn't have been asleep that long could she? It would still be night there.

Claudine put a steady hand on her shoulder to calm her.

"The veil between worlds is thinner here. That part of your realm is bleeding into this one. Theres a doorway in the cemetery to here."

Sookie jolted at that news.

"Are you kidding me? There's been a fairy portal in the neighboring cemetery the whole time? What if someone goes through it accidentally?"

Teenagers would sometimes hang out there during summer to get drunk and make out.

Claudine just laughed.

"It is not so easy to get to this side," she said. "You need fae blood. A lot of it."

Sookie felt dazed. She watched the fairy dancers who were now all glowing brightly. It was hypnotic. Any other time she might have wanted to join in on the dancing but this whole thing including the conversation she'd had early with Claudine seemed to be taking its toll. Sookie hoped she'd actually be well rested when she woke up.

Claudine seemed to pluck a crystal goblet out of thin air and she bent to dip it in the pond they sat beside. The cup came out more than half full but the liquid inside didn't look like ordinary water. It was a glass full of sunlight, brilliant and beautiful. A sense of calm washed over her and Sookie couldn't help but reach for the glass.

"You'll feel better once you have some," Claudine said giving the glass to Sookie.

"What is it?" She asked amazed.

"It's what we drink all the time in my home. It's replenishing and should allow you to meet some of your potential. You're not a full fairy or even a half so I don't know how well it will help you."

Sookie lifted the crystal glass to her lips and only meant to take the tiniest sip to see how it would taste. As soon as a few drops of the cool liquid made it past her mouth though she couldn't help drain the glass. Though the water was cool and didn't seem to have any smell it tasted like warmth and love. Like a bright summer morning with no breeze and a cloudless blue sky.

It was the most amazing thing Sookie had ever tasted!

As soon as Sookie finished the glass she started glowing. Her blood felt like it was sparkling in her veins, in a good way.

Sookie turned her smile to Claudine but before she could say anything the light started to dim. It was like a large shadow was blocking out the sun. Claudine looked afraid and the other fairies had stopped their carousing.

Sookie...

That wasn't Claudine's voice. At the sound of it Claudine grabbed for Sookie and her grip was tight, almost painful. The other fairies were dispersing and most of them dove into the pond and disappeared.

"Don't go back!" Claudine pleaded.

Sookie!

They had already talked about this.

"I have to go home sometime."

Sookie patted at Claudine's grip and then yanked hard to get out of it when that didn't work.

"Sookie, they will steal your light!"

"Sookie, Jesus wake up!"

Sookie jolted awake on the couch where she had fallen asleep. Pam was standing over her looking as close to agitated as Sookie had ever seen the vampire. It had been Pam's voice.

"What's wrong?" Sookie asked.

Jessica was nowhere in sight.

"Don't come out of the kitchen," Pam snapped. Sookie realized she was talking to the younger vampire. This was also when Sookie realized she was still glowing.

"Woah." She looked down at herself and the glowing immediately stopped. She raised her hands up closer to her face and willed something to happen. Light danced across fingertips. Pam hissed.

"Quit that!" She blurred around the room and opened the rest of the windows that were closed tight. Sookie immediately stopped.

"I'm sorry." Though she didn't know what she was apologizing for. She was excited about this and wanted to test herself but she didn't want to worry Pam further. "Are you okay? What's wrong with Jessica?"

"I don't know what happened but your scent got weird while you were sleeping." It didn't sound like such a bad thing the way Pam said it though.

"Weird?"

"Stronger," Jessica called from the direction of the kitchen. "More... Sweet."

Pam got more disgruntled at Jessica's description. Sookie blushed first in embarassemenr then in shame. She couldn't really control it she supposed but that didn't make her feel better about causing the two vampire's any distress.

"It seems to be tapering off at least," Pam said giving a sniff. She took another one just for herself and Sookie blushed deeper. "It still fucking smells like you're boiling sugar and sunlight in here though. I think I need to throw Jessica outside until the room airs out and you're back to normal."

"Oh God," Sookie said. "Don't do that. I can-."

Sookie didn't finish the sentence or even her thought. There was a tugging sensation through her whole body and then she wasn't there. She wasn't anywhere for a second and then she was falling. She opened her mouth to yelp as she landed but muddy water started to fill her mouth so she clamped it shut.

Sookie thrashed wildly realizing she had somehow ended up in a body of water. She had never been the best swimmer, being too afraid to go in any deep water. At best she could only do a semi-competent dog paddle. Sookie felt like an idiot a minute later when she realized the water wasn't that deep. Laid out it covered her pretty well but she stood up and it only came up to her waist.

She stood for a few more moments trying to calm her rabid heart and nerves and get her bearings. If Sookie hadn't had so much of Eric's blood and their Bond that allowed her to see in the dark she would have been in trouble. As she could see better than the average human it only took her a few seconds to realize she was in the creek that ran along the back of the Stackhouse property.

A new jolt of fear went through her as she realized that if she had landed further out she might have drowned. Not to mention all he thrashing around had probably woken some gators. Sookie half-swam-ran to the the bank a few feet away and dragged herself a few inches along the shore.

The water had been cool but there was no chance of taking a chill since the surrounding night was swampy. Sookie didn't care that she was soaking in tot he ground just getting more covered in mud. She laid on the rabidly dampening earth trying to suss out what exactly had happened.

She'd traveled. That's the only way she could think of it right now without breaking her brain. Sookie hadn't wanted Jessica to be displaced. She was going to offer to go out, just as far as the porch really. Well she'd gotten out of the house.

Shit!

Sookie was outside the ward. So she wasnt exactly outside of the realm of trouble.

As if the universe agreed with her Sookie heard something moving behind the trees. Her hands lit up with her will just as a big dog broke from the underbrush a few in he's away.

How'd she get all the way out here without me noticing? That vamp was ready to shit herself if we couldn't find her.

"Alcide?" Her hands stopped glowing.

It wasn't a dog as Sookie could now see. It was a wolf. A werewolf to be more specific. Jet black all over with glowing yellow eyes. Alcide was even bigger than that werewolf Eric had killed a few nights ago in the yard.

You can hear me?

Sookie nodded. It was a little harder to do than when Alcide was in human form but not impossible. Sookie barely had to push and Alcide was obviously agitated. He sniffed at Sookie to make sure she wasn't injured and Sookie had to ball up her hands into fists to keep herself from petting Alcide's dark and soft looking coat. When he was sure she was unharmed, Alcide let out a series of loud barks. A few seconds later Pam blurred up right next to Sookie.

"Oh thank God!"

Pam's unflappable cool was completely replaced by a frazzled energy. Her hair was a windswept mess and she'd left the house barefoot. Her feet were caked in mud and there were deep and shallow cuts all over them that were already starting to heal. It looked like there was a matching scratch on her neck and cheek that was already disappearing in the darkness.

"What the fuck, Sookie?"

"I'm okay," Sookie said and Pam unclenched a bit at that. Sookie was sure that if pressed the vampire would simply say she was worrie about what Eric might do to her if something happened to Sookie.

Pam didn't take Sookie's word that she was alright. She stepped closer to the smaller blonde and ran her eyes over the human. Pam knew she wasn't bleeding or she would be able to smell it. As it was Sookie's scent seemed to be back to normal. It was still something Pam wished she could bottle and spray over her bedsheets.

"What the fuck was that?" Pam asked. Her voice had more ice in it now that she saw Sookie was relatively unharmed for herself.

Sookie still didn't know how to answer. She'd have to figure it out soon because Eric was definitely on the move. That wasn't as reassuring a thing as it would have been earlier in the evening. His irate feelings were no doubt a response to the confusion and fear he was feeling from the three females he was bonded to.

"I'm fine," Sookie reiterated. "We should get back to the house."

She really didn't want to talk about it, at least not with her present company. The adrenaline was starting to tapper off but even though Sookie was starting to ache with some exhaustion she still felt wired.

There was a sound like the cracking of bones and Alcide was suddenly his human self. Also naked, though technically he'd been naked before but with fur everywhere. Pam didn't seem fazed at all so Sookie decided to just keep her eyes averted and say nothing.

"You're gonna cut your feet up," Alcide said like that was the most concerning thing about tonight. "I can carry you back to the house."

This was an unacceptable arrangement that both Sookie and Pam protested.

"You're not getting her stink all over her," Pam said.

Pam ignored Alcide's angry look and Sookie didn't really feel up to smoothing things out between the two right now.

"No thank you," Sookie said instead. She'd looked in Alcide's direction when she spoke to him and even though she didn't really see anything, she couldn't help the embarrassed blush.

"I carry you back if you want," Pam offered. Though she sounded as enthused about this as she had about Alcide carrying Sookie.

Sookie shook her head.

"I'm not a baby thanks. I get you're both worried..." Pam was definitely going to want to kill her after this. "But I kind of want to try something."

Before the other two could say anything Sookie popped away.

"Motherfucker!" Pam cursed and ran back into the night.

...

Sookie had much better aim this time around or maybe it just helped that she knew what she could do. All she had to do was think of the house and she ended up on the front porch. Eric would not be pleased to know she could get through the ward this way, but Sookie doubted any vampires or werewolves could do the same. Maybe she could find a magic fairy bug zapper in case any waylaid fairies came calling at the house?

Jessica had been sitting on the porch railing looking and listening and unfortunately Sookie's surprise appearance scared the metaphorical daylights out of the baby vampire, who jumped about a foot and fell off the railing into the grass.

"Ahh! What the hell? Sookie?!

"Oh gosh, Jessica, I'm sorry."

Sookie peered over to make sure her friend was all right which she was. Jessica was more concerned with how Sookie had managed to seek up with her.

The redhead sat up but stayed on the ground and looked at Sookie. She didn't really know what to say. It was like magic. Sookie wasn't there and suddenly she was.

"What was that?"

Sookie came down to help her friend up off the grass though Jessica seemed wary of letting the blonde touch her.

"I'm sorry," Sookie said again putting her proffered hand back at her side. Seeing the hurt look on the telepath's face Jessica shook off her mood.

"No, it's okay." she got up and dusted herself off then hugged the other woman for a moment. "You're scents back to normal at least. The house still kind of reeks."

Jessica said that as though it was the best thing in the world though. Luckily all the water and mud helped to dampen Sookie's sweetness a bit.

"What happened though?" Jessica asked when she pulled back from the hug. Sookie stayed close to her and almost felt like keeping a hand on the other woman.

"I fell in the creek."

As if that answered the question. Before either of them could say anything else Eric landed on the lawn. Jessica was smart enough to take a quick and large step back because the first thing Eric did after making sure they were both relatively unharmed was snatch Sookie up.

Sookie let out a breathless laugh and hugged Eric's neck as he did a more in depth hands on assessment of her person. Normally she might object tot his manhandling but she was just so happy to see him she didn't care. And he was obviously freaked out.

"You're okay," Sookie giggled. Eric's ministrations were tickling more than worrisome. Eric pulled her back enough to see her face and Sookie's laughter died in her throat. His look was devastating.

"What happened? I couldn't feel you for a second. I thought..."

He didn't want to finish his sentence. Sookie's eyes glazed over from the feelings she was getting from him. She buried her face in his neck and hugged him tighter.

"I'm okay," she mumbled. "I'm sorry I worried you."

"It happened twice."

He could see there was no real threat around and she was fine now but for some reason covered in dirt and soggy.

"That must've been when she fell in the creek... and then after," Jessica said if that made any fucking sense.

Eric was already out of his mind when he felt the disturbance the second time and he'd flew off faster breaking his own record and leaving Godric behind who was only now just alighting in front of the house.

Sookie lifted her head and gave the little vampire a wave and reassuring smile. Godric was obviously worried too from what he could feel from Eric. Sookie decided she might as well move things along since Eric's brain was still broken for a few more seconds.

"Everything's alright?" Sookie asked Godric. "We're or going to have to make a run for it?"

Before Godric could answer Pam made her appearance. She was even more windblown and dirty than she was by the creek but she was trying not to show her agitation. She wasn't succeeding very well.

"I have no fucking clue what is going on or what happened so you can't punish me for this?" She said in her usual bitchy tone to Eric.

Eric still hadn't put Sookie down and she was starting to grumble about it.

"That's supposed to be reassuring and protect you?" He growled.

Even with his pissy attitude toward her it was a struggle for Pam not to throw herself at her Maker in joy at seeing him alive and well. She didn't have to show it and she wished she could block their Bond so the asshole didn't know how relieved and happy she was.

"Nobodies getting punished," Sookie's mumbled against Eric. "Put me down. I'm not a rag doll."

Sookie couldn't get a good position to lightly punch his side like she wanted so instead she bit at his neck and chest. Eric let her feet touch the earth but kept a loose grip on her.

"It's not her fault," Sookie said, indicating Pam. She looked over to Godric. "What happened with you guys?"

"Are you fucking kidding me?" Eric cut his Maker off. "Sookie, what the hell happened?!"

"I am rather curious myself," Godric said trying to defuse Eric's temper.

Sookie rolled her eyes and turned to Eric.

"My thing is kinda big... and weird. I want to know what happened with y'all before we get into my thing."

"We're in no immediate danger," Godric said. Though he didn't sound pleased with whatever had ending up happening to them tonight.

Sookie knew Eric's patience was razor thin now. Eric looked like he wanted to growl at Sookie but thought better of it. Sookie wanted to take a shower soon and knew Eric wasn't going to let it her out of his sight and she wanted him to calm down. His concern and fear were painful for Sookie to feel, just as she was sure hers had been for him earlier in the night.

Sookie took a step away from Eric and his feelings spiked at that but she waved him off. She didn't want to cause him any pain and that included physically.

"I fell asleep," Sookie said.

She didn't really know how to explain the next part without opening the door to about a thousand more questions and honestly she didn't want to give Claudine any more of her headspace then she already had. So Sookie just raised her hands and lit them up.

Pam hissed and Jessica went ramrod straight for a second before Eric used their Bonds to calm them down. Godric just took a small step back and quirked an eyebrow.

"Eric, get her to cut that out!" Pam hissed. She was actually whining. Sookie stopped immediately and apologized. Neither Pam or Jessica had been present any of the other times Sookie's fairyness had manifested, but she hadn't expected this response. Godric and Eric had been concerned and even curious, but neither of them had seemed frightened by it.

"They're fine," Eric said feeling Sookie's worry. Though Jessica wanted to blot but wisely stayed put with a cutting look from Eric. He rubbed a reassuring hand on Sookie's back not caring about the slick wetness and mud. "They're not used to it."

Hell Sookie wasn't even used to it but she didn't react like that.

"And you guys are?" She looked over at Godric.

"We're older," Godric said as if that explained everything. "Fairies and vampires are natural enemies. We've seen more and have better control of our fear response."

Sookie jolted at that. She shot a look at Eric.

"You're afraid of me?"

He gave her a 'stop talking bullshit' look.

"Are you serious?" As if to prove his point Eric pulled her closer and even forced her to stay put when she tried to break away.

"I don't want to hurt you," Sookie said. She didn't like the fear in her voice but she couldn't do anything to stop it. The buyer's remorse was hitting her full force.

Godric spoke up.

"You had no concerns about this before. Your light only manifested when you felt yourself in danger. Are you afraid of us now?"

Eric knew what Godric was doing so he tried not to show his annoyance but he didn't like the wave of irritation from Sookie. She made an angry grunt and finally stopped trying to pull away from him.

"Of course not. But what if something happens...?"

All the wonder at finally being able to control herself was leeched out of her.

"You can control it now, it seems," Godric said. "If anything you should have been more worried before. If you don't see us as a threat it's doubtful you would harm us."

The fact that a fairy (even a hybrid one) was afraid of hurting a vampire was amusing to Godric. He had only met one other fairy with that concern in his long life and that had been a special circumstance.

"We're fine," Pam growled. She wanted to move this along and didn't want to admit she had been a little afraid of that light coming out of Sookie's hands. Jessica gave a reassuring smile.

"I fell asleep," Sookie blurted. She leaned in to Eric suddenly very tired of it all.

"You had another one of those dreams?" Eric guessed. Sookie just nodded.

"She was only asleep for a little bit," Pam said. "Not even half an hour."

It had seemed like a long time to Sookie.

"Claudine was full of shit," Sookie said. Eric cracked a smile at her cussing. "She knew a lot more than she was letting on before. I practically had to threaten her to get her to tell me anything."

Now that she had some distance from it Sookie could think clearer about that dream. She'd wait until they were alone to talk to Eric about the Cluviel Do

.

"That might not have been the wisest decision," Godric said.

Eric had said as much before but honestly he was proud that Sookie hadn't been cowed by the fae. Sookie just shrugged off their concern.

"Claudine said she doesn't want to hurt me. She's the reason I can do this..." Sookie looked at her hands but didn't illuminate them. "She gave me something to drink."

Sookie licked her lips and felt that she could almost still taste that amazing water. She wished she had more. Godric gave her a concerned looked.

"You didn't eat anything did you?"

"No." Sookie shook her head.

"That's good," Godric said though he still looked a bit concerned. "I have heard fairy food is dangerous to humans. It can drive you mad."

That knocked Sookie out of her stupor over the fairy drink. She was glad Pam had woken her up when she did now.

"I'm pretty sure Claudine thinks I'm crazy enough as it is." Sookie's voice turned dark and bitter. "She basically only helped with my fairy powers cause she thought you guys would do something to me."

Really the fairy had been worried about all vampires but Sookie wasn't going to be charitable in her thoughts to Claudine with the way the woman had acted.

Eric was angered by Sookie's words.

"That fairy better stop fucking with you." And never set foot anywhere in Louisiana. "She basically gave you the equivalent ofa loaded gun without any training... Hell thats what happened before hand."

Sookie nodded.

"She was really scared-." Eric cut her off.

"That makes it worse. You're still very human, Sookie." He was seething. "Not to mention you don't want to hurt anybody."

That fairy probably needed to spend very little time with Sookie to figure out how caring and compassionate the telepath was. It had only taken Eric a few minutes himself.

"We're apex predators," Eric said. "Even with your newfound control, if any of us really wanted to do you harm we could. If anything you trying to defend yourself would probably just end up with you dead. That fairy is either an idiot or she really doesn't give a shit."

Eric's growling voice was deep and his anger even more so. Mentioning that Claudine had tried to press Sookie to come back to her realm more than once was probably not going to endure Eric to the fairy any. It definitely wouldn't calm him.

"I still don't trust her," Sookie stated. Eric was glad to hear that at least. "I'm hoping she'll back off but if she doesn't and she keeps talking in circles next time I see her, I'll just test my new defenses on her."

Eric smiled but they both knew she was mostly joke.

"Look, I know this is probably the most fascinating thing that's happened to you in awhile..." Sookie said. "But I want to know what happened at Fangtasia."

Sookie wasn't the only one. Pam was relieved to see Eric and Godric alive and free, and while she was curious about all the fairy bullshit, she wanted to know what was happening next. She knew from Eric's emotions in the evening that things were not all tied up with a fancy bow. The Authority didn't work like that. Even Godric was visibly perturbed.

"Since we've had time to dawdle, I'm guessing we don't have to worry about running?" Pam spoke. "If you were going to make us go to that shit-hole farm on Öland, I was going to stab you in the kidneys."

Eric smiled. It was good to know this hadn't effected Pam too much.

"We don't have to hide," Godric said.

"Though with the alternative I might want to go to the farm." Eric was joking. Mostly. He put a hand on Sookie's shoulder and started to guide her back toward the house. "You need to clean up. And tell me how you got like this." He already guessed it had to do with Sookie's fairyness, "And Jessica needs to feed again."

He shot a look at his younger progeny who just nodded and followed him and Sookie into the house.

Pam looked over at Godric.

"How come he's so amused and pissed at the same time?"

"I'll let him tell you," Godric said. He was sorry for Pam's frustration but he didn't know how to begin himself and Eric and Sookie needed a minute alone.

...

Now for a nap. Make sure to like and review!