What Lies Beneath
A/N: As I sit here writing this note, it has been a month since I last updated my other story Pretty Little Vampire. The next installment to that story is almost finished. However, in the process of writing that chapter I found myself getting a bit stuck. Any time I write an original character, my intention is to make them fit into whatever universe I'm writing for so well that you, my dear readers, can't imagine the universe without that person. With that intension comes a lot of thinking about how to justify their existence and what kind of history they have with other characters. So as I was writing the latest update to Pretty Little Vampire, I began to ask myself what Aria's history is with Eric. Her history with Pam is much easier to explain because they are sisters and you'll learn exactly how Pam feels about her baby sister soon in the other story.
But exactly why is Eric's relationship with Aria so tumultuous? I have attempted to answer this question in the following story. It started out as a simple exercise for me to address how Eric and Aria got to the final scene in the last chapter of Pretty Little Vampire. A vignette really. It incorporates the season 2 search for Godric as well as a play on the Eric/Bill rivalry. Now, I am four chapters in and it's turning into more of a short story piece. I don't know how good it is. But that is for all of you determine. I consider this a prequel to Pretty Little Vampire. However it can stand on its own as well. That said I will not post the next chapter of Pretty Little Vampire until I post chapter 4 of this story because there will be a spoiler for this story in there.
So please enjoy and Happy Thanksgiving to those who celebrate it!
Chapter 1: Crackle and Pop
"Welcome to the Hotel Camilla," The receptionist said with a cool smile toward the vampire in front of her.
"Thank you," Bill Compton replied with a polite smile in return. "My party and I are checking in. The reservation is under Compton."
She consulted the computer, "Yes Mr. Compton I see you right here. The reservation is for two rooms and it has been specified that all charges will be made to Eric Northman. Is that correct?"
"Yes it is," said another voice answering for Bill. Bill turned to see none other than Eric approaching the desk. "I'm checking in as well."
"Mr. Northman, welcome," The girl replied. "Your room will be across the hall from Mr. Compton and his party's rooms. Has the other part of your party arrived yet?"
"No. But I expect her shortly," He said as the receptionist handed both men papers to sign confirming their stay. "I'm glad to see that you decided to bring your progeny after all," Eric said to Bill with a slight smirk.
"I thought it would benefit Jessica to learn how to behave in public," He replied.
Eric nodded, "Teaching your progeny our way of life can be very rewarding," He said knowing how uncomfortable Bill still was with the entire arrangement. Which made it all the more fun to rib him about. "And it can be particularly useful if done well."
"Did you invite Pam along for the search?" Bill asked, not willing to endure Eric's implied ribs at his predicament with Jessica any longer and anxious to change the subject.
"No," Eric said as he signed and handed the paper back. "Pam has agreed to assume my duties as Sheriff while I am away."
The receptionist put two keys on the desk. But before Bill could inquire who would need the second key, he felt the atmosphere in the lobby change slightly and turned around to locate the source.
A blonde female vampire entered the hotel and as she walked across the lobby everyone turned to stare at her. She was quite the vision to behold. The sleeveless dress she wore was like moving art depicting a tree with pink flowers. As she moved the flower petals appeared as if they were falling from the tree onto the dark forest floor below. The feminine dress was tied together by a pale pink ribbon on the left side and it was made of silk.
The outfit was pulled together with a pair of simple black sling back pumps, a black leather satchel bag, and a teardrop diamond necklace. The blonde was impeccably groomed with her hair in a low chignon, her make-up done to perfection, emphasizing her pale blue eyes and high cheek bones.
And yet there was something about her, something that drew everyone's attention to her. But it was more than just her beauty or the way she carried herself. The aura she exuded could almost be described as electric. Eric and Bill tracked her progress across the lobby before she came to a stop in front of them. Bill had to shake himself a little to break whatever trance he had fallen into. Eric on the other hand seemed quite pleased with himself and the ghost of a smile played on his face.
"Aria. I wasn't expecting you to join us," Bill said politely. "I didn't think you were allowed out of Sweden these days," He said, the last comment a clear barb. But no one outside of Eric and Aria seemed to understand the meaning. A muscle in Eric's jaw twitched in response.
Aria responded with a charming smile, "Isn't it amazing how quickly things can change?" She asked. "You look well Bill. Mainstreaming seems to agree with you," She finished. Emily Post would be proud.
"It does," He replied.
"Welcome to the Hotel Camilla Ms. De Beaufort," The receptionist chimed in. "Barry our bell hop will take your luggage to Mr. Northman's and your room directly," She finished also seeming to be infatuated with the new arrival.
"Thank you," She said with a slight nod as Eric handed her the second key.
"Bill decided to bring his progeny Jessica," Eric said to Aria. "Perhaps it would be good if you introduced yourself," He suggested pointing in the direction of where Jessica and Sookie sat with the limo driver. "The redhead is Jessica and the blonde is Sookie Stackhouse. She'll be assisting with the search to find Godric."
"Perhaps I will. If you'll excuse me," She said to the two men and headed in the direction Eric had pointed in.
"I wasn't aware that this search was going to be a competition as well," Bill said to Eric, signing his own paper when Aria was gone.
"And what competition would that be?" Eric inquired looking at him.
"The Better Progeny contest."
Eric smirked again, "Bill there is no contest. Aria is almost 100 years old while your fledgling is only a few weeks old. But perhaps Aria will be able to teach Jessica by example. Wouldn't that be nice?"
"Would she teach Jessica how to embarrass me to the point where I would be forced to send her away?" Bill fired back.
"I promoted Aria to European regional manger due to her skills," Eric replied calmly. "Yours couldn't get out of her traveling coffin at the airport I hear."
"Would Aria's skills have anything to do with why you are sharing a room with her?" He inquired. Bill was of the majority in the community who believed Eric shared a bed with his progeny. This wasn't an unusual practice among vampires. But the rumor had been circulating around the couple for a very long time.
"Perhaps you should try that with Jessica," Eric suggested. "Maybe it would keep her in line."
"I see that the practice has worked out for you so well," Bill returned sarcastically. "That dress is quite beautiful by the way. It must have been quite the expensive bribe," He added.
The corners of Eric's mouth twitched, "It was a gift," He said patiently. "Not that you would know anything about modern fashion given that Sookie is most likely responsible for your progeny's state of dress."
"Sookie was being kind," He retorted. "Not that you would know anything about that. You may think Aria is some kind of perfect reflection on you. But underneath that well groomed exterior is a spoiled, self centered little creature that doesn't care who she might hurt as long as she gets what she wants."
Eric's fangs popped out and he hissed softly, "You're treading in dangerous waters Compton."
Sookie Stackhouse sized up the vampire coming toward her. From the interaction at the desk, it appeared that Bill had barely disguised disgust toward the vampire even though he was staring at her when she came in. Eric on the other hand seemed quite pleased with himself.
"Hello," the female vampire said to Sookie quite politely. "I apologize if I'm interrupting but Eric suggested I make my introductions. "You must be Ms. Stackhouse."
"I am. And you are?" Sookie asked, already noticing how pretty and poised the vampire was. Almost like a china doll.
"Aria De Beaufort, it is a pleasure to meet you," Aria replied offering her hand. Vampires usually did not shake hands. But Aria had learned the custom made humans feel more comfortable when she had to engage in business practices with them. So she had made it part of her habit.
"It's good to meet you too," Sookie replied taking her hand and shaking it, only to be confronted with something very unexpected.
Aria De Beaufort stood facing a wall of floor to ceiling windows in a lavish apartment decorated in a modern style. She stared out at the city, which unfolded before her from the high vantage point. She was dressed this time in what one could describe as sophisticated casual. Aria wore a pair of faded denim leggings, high heeled black boots and a plum colored motorcycle jacket. Her blonde hair had been swept into a long ponytail that went down her back.
"That's all of the news from home," A voice said from behind Aria.
Aria turned and Pam was sitting on the sofa adjacent to the window watching her sister closely, "It sounds like Fangtasia is keeping quite busy in spite of the economy."
"Yes well vampires are recession proof," Pam replied, the corners of her mouth turning up.
"Among other things," Aria added. "So have you and Eric discussed a replacement for me?" She asked tentatively.
Pam looked at her, "We both feel the same as we always have. You are the best manager Eric has ever had. You know that."
Aria nodded, "Pam? Was it really a mutual discussion or was it his decision?"
"You know your maker's name Aria. Use it please. It's rude to use pronouns." She reprimanded.
Aria flinched slightly at the reprimand, "Eric isn't planning to allow me to come home any time soon is he?"
"No," She said simply.
"I had to ask," Aria said softly with a shrug.
"It will happen eventually Aria Rose," Pam replied with a sigh invoking her middle name. "You just have to be patient. Now come feed please," She said firmly. "I would like those nasty rumors about you having an eating disorder to go away. And the last thing I want is to be accused of not feeding you while I'm here."
Reluctantly, Aria crossed to the couch and her fangs came out. Then without warning, she bit Pam like any true vampire would given the opportunity.
"Ms. Stackhouse, are you alright?" Aria asked with a frown.
Sookie looked at the vampire, "I'm so sorry I was just admiring your dress. It's beautiful. And please call me Sookie." She said covering for herself quickly.
Aria smiled a little, "Thank you Sookie."
"This is Jessica," She said turning her attention to the redhead.
"Hi," Jessica said warily still keeping contact with the limo driver. She was unsure of how to feel about the vampire partly because she could feel how angry Bill was right now.
"You've learned to glamour," Aria said. "It took me some time to get it right, but you look like you've got it down.
Jessica looked pleased, "Thanks." Then she looked weary again. "You're not here to babysit me while Bill and Sookie are working with Eric are you?"
"No. I will be assisting Eric with a few things. But perhaps we will have the chance to get to know each other?"
"That would be nice," She admitted a little surprised at how nice the vampire was being.
"Good. I look forward to it," Aria replied and turned to Sookie. "If Eric and Bill do not occupy your time too much Sookie perhaps you'll join us?"
"I'd love to," Sookie said.
"Wonderful. Perhaps we could-" She began to say but then she sensed that the anger between the two makers behind them was about to hit a boiling point. "Please excuse me," She said to Sookie and Jessica.
Before either woman or vampire could say another word, Aria was already across the room.
"Gentlemen, do we have a problem?" Aria inquired. Her tone was sweet with just a touch of deadly.
"We were just talking about you Aria," Bill replied, his tone not friendly.
"Really? I do hope it was positive considering I just met your progeny. She's quite sweet and eager to learn. It would be poor form given that I just invited her to spend time with me," She replied.
"I will not allow that to happen," Bill replied bristling.
"Why is that Bill? Are you afraid Jessica will see your maker issues?"
"I was wondering when that sweet façade would break. Stay away from Jessica Aria."
Aria rolled her eyes, "You are not my maker Bill Compton. So I suggest you limit your commands to your own progeny. I was simply trying to be nice but then you had to be a drama queen. I hope you'll be more help in finding Godric than on the social scene." She turned to Eric, "Shall we retire upstairs?"
Eric had been watching the entire exchange with a satisfied smirk playing on his lips. Aria could manage herself just fine, "I think that would be wise," He said looping an arm around Aria's waist to annoy Bill even further." "Bill, as always I enjoyed our chat."
With that, maker and child headed toward the elevator leaving a very angry Bill and curious Jessica and Sookie in their wake.