Author's Warning: There is strong language, sexual situations and adult content in this story. Be aware of what you read.
Listening Suggestion: Daddy Cool by Placebo (This song inspired the character of Lennie)
The Morning After by Timerland
Lovisa: (old Swedish word)-(pronounced: Lo-vee-sa) Translates roughly to beloved warrior
The Princess and the Sheriff Chapter 1: Such Sweet Sorrow
I'm glad you're my maker
My Loyalty lies in your hands, you're my breath taker
Your body, your kiss is in unknown demand
So take command, go
The way you came at me, boo
Dont care, not afraid I'm like Wild
My moon belong to your sun
Maybe we can start over yet
Maybe we can run this town
Maybe I'll be your vampire
We can figure it out
In the morning after
The dawn is here, be gone be on your way
In the morning after
-The Morning After by Timberland
Dallas, Texas
Smoke curled up from the cigarette; floating away out the open window beside her. The smoker took a drag, taking a moment to study the glowing tip. Music rocked through the limousine as it drove through the city of Dallas Texas. No one would have guessed they were all vampires. One of the guys in the limo reached over and changed the song. The next song that came on made the smoker grin. Daddy Cool by Placebo was her personal anthem. She let her head bob in rhythm to the hard sounds. Her head filled with the song; chasing all thoughts from her mind. She didn't want to think about the upcoming publicity event. Nor did she want to think about her own troubles. Perhaps that's why she had agreed to appear tonight. Not only would it make her a ridiculous amount of money; for only a couple hours of posing with people. But, she could take her mind off her personal life and how it was in deep shit.
"OMG!" One of the girls shouted, "We're here!"
The doors opened to a flurry of camera flashes. The teens climbed out; they paired up, boy-girl-boy-girl, holding the hands of the respective date. The couples paused, waving and posing for the photographers. Finally it was her turn. Tossing her cigarette out the window; she sighed to herself. Sliding her sunglasses over her eyes, she stepped out with a smile for the world to caputre.
"Lennie! Over here! Over here!" The photographers yelled, lights snapped on and off. It was enough to send one into a seizure. She simply waved and forced a smile.
"Lennie, baby, look over here!" One of them called
She turned and gave him what he wanted; a pose. The cameras went wild. She counted silently in her head to five; before moving on.
This is what she did now; this is how she made her money. Show up at popular places; snap a few photos and make lots of money. She had started out this millennium as a model in Paris. She had moved onto films, making a fortune in a string of incredibly successful action movies. Now, she made money by stepping out and smiling at cameras. Sometimes being famous was great; except for when it wasn't, then it really sucked.
Out of the corner of her eye she saw someone move. They didn't move like a photographer. She turned her head. The man came rushing through the crowd; stake raised over his head. He shouted something; she didn't quite hear. The humans around her were starting to panic, screaming as they rushed around. The man lunged at her. Lennie stepped back; brining her left foot upward. The kick caught him mid-section and doubled him over. She caught him in mid-air; throwing him over her shoulder; she slammed him into the sidewalk. Lennie felt bones break through out the human's body.
Security was converging on the scene. Excitement was pumping through her now; she didn't hesitate to snatch the stake from the ground. Kicking the man over; she took off the sunglasses; her fangs snapped down. He gasped, screaming for help.
Lennie put her hand over his mouth; muffling the screams. "Why don't you call on your God, human?!" She raised the stake, "Let's see how you like it!" She drove it downward.
The strike missed his heart. Instead it buried itself in his shoulder; which had been her target. He screamed louder then ever. Blood gushed over her hands; it was warm, almost hot. She forced herself to step back; and not give into that huger that was always present.
She stepped back further as security converged on them. Men in yellow jackets with SECURITY written on back, swarmed the man. She was left standing on her own. Bright lights flashed as cameras went off. She heard one man say that these pictures would sell for thousands. Lennie looked at the club; her group had already gone inside. She looked down at her hand; there was blood on it. Turning away from the cameras, away from the club, she opened the limo door.
"Take me to the Sheriff," She ordered as she climbed in, slamming the door shut.
The Sheriff of Texas lived in a large mansion; he had to, a lot of people lived with him. If it had been just him self, it would have been garish and stupidly expensive. But as it was, his house was full and he needed the space. Lennie herself stayed here occasionally. She really wasn't the 'nest' type of vampire. Normally she had her own apartment across town. Her Maker rarely called her home; so she was staying here until he said she could leave.
Stepping out of the limo she crossed the stone driveway to the stairs. Gathering her gown in her hands she went up the steps. The doors opened and she saw Stan Davies waiting for her. Inwardly she sighed; he had to pick tonight, of all nights, to mark his territory? She certainly hoped not. Stan always wore his cowboy hat and vest; he thought it made him look cool. She kept her opinion of what it readlly did for him, to herself.
"He's not taking visitors, Lennox." Stan told her.
Stan thought of him as being hot shit; and he was stupid enough to try and impose himself on her. Some people just never learned until you hurt them. He was one those people and until now she'd been able to avoid it. As she stepped around him; he grabbed her arm. In a blur, she grabbed his wrist and shoved him backward out the door. He was airborne for a few seconds before slamming into the limousine. A deep dent showed his impact. The entire limousine rocked to one side, hung for a moment before crashing back on four wheels. Stan slid to the ground; not moving. He would be fine in a minute. Lennie turned and continued in to the house. No one approached her as she walked down the hallway. They all knew where she was headed and no one wanted to get in her path.
Lennie paused outside the door; taking a moment to smooth her dress. She knocked once; opening the office door. She found him sitting behind his desk. The chair was almost too big for him; yet his presence filled every corner of the room. He turned dark eyes to her and she bowed from the neck.
"Lennie," Godric spoke carefully, softly. "Must you stake humans?"
She looked up at him, "He attacked me, Sheriff."
Godric gave her 'that' look. The one she knew all too well; she hung her head in shame.
"Never mind," Godric waved her forward, "Sit with me."
Lennie shut the door. There was a fire raging in the hearth; the windows to the outside were uncovered to show the view. Fur rugs softened her high heels on the marble floor. She crossed to the chair in front of the desk. Sitting down made her satin evening gown spill around her. Silence filled the room; Godric wasn't one for words these days; most of his time was spent by himself in here. It worried her to see him so withdrawn; so quiet.
"Are you going to tell him?" She asked gently.
Godric looked at her, "Tell who what?"
"You know," She said, "When you go through with it; he will come here, thinking you are in danger. He will destroy the humans as revenge for it."
"That is why you will be here." Godric told her softly.
Lennie frowned, "You expect me to handle the fall out?"
He looked at her and a sense of tremendous weight fell on her body. It was as if each year of his life had taken on physical weight; and was no pressing down on her. He wasn't doing it intentionally, at his age, things just happened. But it still bothered her. She squirmed in her chair and finally stood up. Her gown swirled around her as she moved to the windows.
She stared at her reflection; in appearance she was an eighteen year old girl. Her black hair was lustrous, wavy, and thick. She had it loose around her pale shoulders tonight. Diamond combs held the mane back from her face. Her diamond earrings sparkled from the glow of the fire. There were more diamonds at her neck and around on both wrists. She did love her diamonds; and tonight had been no exception.
She stared into her own eyes; dark, forest green. The black lashes that framed them were even darker tonight because of make-up. She was beautiful; stunning really. Her body was forever young; frozen in a permanent state of perfection.
In her human days she had been a fierce warrior queen. She still had the muscles from those days; but they suited her figure. Giving her slim, voluptuous body much needed definition. Without the curve of muscles she would have been ridiculously sexy. She would have rivaled the sex appeal of Marylyn Monroe. Instead; she was simply gorgeous and not devastatingly so. It was a pleasant balance and one that she enjoyed.
Looking outward, to the exterior, she watched the back of the house. From here she could see the pool; it was lit up from under the water. People were frolicking about; some vampire, others human. She watched them for a long time; hands folded behind her back. It was an oddly male stance; one she had adopted in her humans days. When she used to command an army of over 5,000 strong. There was a time when armor was her constant apparel. Even now she could feel the weight of her sword on her left hip. The familiar fit of her leather chest guard. Absently she touched a hand to her chest; excepting to feel her armor; instead she touched satin and diamonds. She blinked and had to shake herself. Old age seemed to be catching up to her too.
Godric's familiar, soothing voice broke through her thoughts. "You are my only choice. He will listen to your words."
"No, he won't, I am not the one to send for this." She stared out the window, "How can I make him see reason, when I still don't understand!" She asked, glancing over her shoulder. She sighed, looking back to the pool. She couldn't face the idea of loosing her Maker. It was just ridiculous. Let alone being tasking her with picking up the pieces afterwards…she rejected the whole idea. Yet, she knew she would do exactly as he asked. No matter how much pain or suffering she had to bare, she would do it and do it well.
He watched her, she could feel it. "Lovisa, I am not asking you to understand my decision. I am asking you to care for your brother."
He was the only vampire who ever called her Lovisa. It was an old Swedish word that roughly translated to: "beloved warrior." That was the pet name Godric had given her when she woke that first night. All those hundreds, and hundreds of years ago. When she had decided to remake her identity; she'd taken the name of Lennox Worth; which was shortened just to Lennie. But only her Maker used that special name for her, Lovisa, and it humbled her.
She turned to face him. From under the dark shirt he wore; his tattoos peeked out. His young body, permanently frozen somewhere between a man and a boy, had lived longer then she had. His face was one she had memorized a thousand years ago. But each time she saw it; she was struck by the beauty in him. He was beautiful to her; he had always been so. Indeed, she loved him; as deeply and completely as a person could. She would have died for him had he asked it. She had stood at his side for so long; is the only place she knew. She and her brother had both stood beside him for centuries; walking through the ages, through their shared darkness.
Eventually they had gone separate ways. Her brother was focused on politics and securing his hold on life since the Great Revelation. She had always returned to Godric every few decades, she would come home to him. In recent years though she had seen changes come over him. Changes that she recognized from her human days; perhaps time had finally caught up to her Maker. And just as it had destroyed her father in his final days; perhaps it would do the same to her new father. His eyes had not always been so shadowed; that was another recent change.
He watched her for a long moment; before looking away, staring into the fireplace. Flames leapt and jumped inside the stone hearth. He watched them silentely for the longest time. When he spoke it was gentle and with love.
"You will be there for him; and you will let me go." Godric said quietly.
"No!" She didn't care if he was older then her. In that moment she knew she could not obey him. "I am not letting you go, Godric."
He looked up at her; she didn't flinch this time as the weight fell on her. She made herself walk toward him. Made her self kneel at his feet and take his hands. His hands were cold, like hers. She gripped them as tight as possible; knowing she would not hurt him in th least.
Godric spoke gently, "You are not cruel enough to force me to stay." He told her simply, "For all that you are, you are not cruel. You never have been nor will you ever be. But you are fierce. You are the lioness that guards our home."
She smiled at the picture he painted; he had often called her that, a lioness. The way a loving human father will call his daughter a princess. Though they did not look frightening; the lioness was more deadly then any male lion could hope to be. And just as Lennie did not appear to be frightening or powerful; she was a force to be reckoned with. When it came to her Maker and his well-being; she was feared through out their world. That was something she and her brother shared; an all consuming loyalty to their beloved Maker. And that is what made her kneel before him; her love, and her loyalty.
She kissed his hands. These were familiar hands; the hands of her father, her Maker. These were the hands what had held her when she was dying and lifted her from the clutches of Death. She kissed them again; as she had done countless times. Something was different this time. Was it because she knew this was one of the last times? Or was it because she knew he was willingly leaving her? Either way, she made her self remember this moment. She burned this into her memory and made herself remember every nuance of it. He gently withdrew one hand, smoothing her dark hair from her cheek. He took the diamond combs from her hair. Using both hands, he gently ran his fingers through her mane. Lennie closed her eyes; enjoying the tender touch.
"I remember when we found you on the field." Godric smiled softly, continuing to comb out her hair. "You still fought, even though you were dying. I was amazed by you."
Lennie remembered that night. She could once again feel the weight of her armor on her back. The weight of her sword in her hand. That had been her last night as a human and only the beginning of her life.
She opened her eyes, then; studying the blue eyes before her. "Big brother argued with you about saving me."
Godric smiled, she loved his smile. His eyes softened for a moment; giving him a youthful expression. It had been a long time since she'd seen that look. Her heart warmed with emotion and she fought not to cry.
"I am glad I did save you." He whispered, kissing her cheek with gentle lips. "You've been my warrior princess for long enough."
She stared at him and pulled in a deep breath, "I will stand for you, against those humans."
He nodded, "I know. Both of you would cut this world apart for my sake. That is why I love you both. Neither of you know how to stop."
"Godric, let me take you away from here. Perhaps a change of scenery would help?" She pleaded with him.
He shook his head, "I have seen all there is to see; there is no where to go from here. At least no place that I need eyes to see."
She hated it when he talked like this and he knew it. But she forced herself to listen to him. "Why? Just tell me, why now?"
Godric let his hand drop from her face; settling in his lap. "I am tired of explaining myself. The humans have a right to this place, this is their world."
"It was ours long before it was theirs!" She said sharply, coming to her feet in a blur. She turned away from him; anger made her fists clench. She stared at the flames that lit the room and gave it warmth.
"Lovisa," Godric's tone made her face him, "You will not harm the humans after I am gone."
"I will not and cannot promise any such thing." She shook her head, "You might as well order the sun never to set. Such is the impossible task you ask."
Godric sighed, "I am asking you to bury your sword for this fight."
"Bury my sword!?" She balked at that; her eyes widened. "No!"
"You will not cut the humans down," He stated very firmly.
His voice never raised above a gentle tone. He was the only man she knew who never yelled. But then, this was Godric, he didn't need to yell.
She opened her mouth to argue; to fight, to change his mind. But she saw the look in his eyes. It was a look that had come on recently; it reminded her vaguely of the look her mother used to have. It was what the humans called, tenderness. It was a look that said she could do nothing to change his mind. Lennie couldn't recall what that emotion felt like; or what her response should be. So she stared at him; not sure what to do with what was before her. This wasn't something she could slice away with a sword or cut out like a bullet in flesh. This was something more and she was lost in it.
"As your Maker," Godric said quietly, "I am ordering you not to bring death to the humans."
She bit her lip and closed her eyes; he was asking for something she could not promise. But he had invoked his role as her Maker; she had no choice. It went against her entire being; her innate nature, but she bowed her head.
"As you command, so shall it be." She lifted her head; trying not to glare at him. He was doing what was best for and for everyone. It didn't matter that she thought it to be crazy. She would as he ordered.
" I want you to leave and do not return to Dallas until I send for you. Remember, you are to care for you brother. He will be here. I am trusting you to obey my every word. We shall not see each other again."
She pulled in a deep breath; it was out of habit, vampires didn't breathe. "I will do as my Maker asks."
Lennie wanted to run to him; hug him, pull him into her arms and never release him. But she made herself stand firm. Her fists clenched at her sides. Her body trembled as she fought herself. But she held firm to the spot where she stood.
"It would be best if you left tonight , Lovisa."
She turned her head slightly, staring out at the pool. The people still frolicked, still splashed, and laughed. They cared not for the world they lived. It was this world that had destroyed her Maker. She felt rage unfold in her being; a large, black dragon of rage. It was the same feeling she had before battle. The cold darkness within is what allowed to her fight to the last breath and beyond it. She knew not how to fail or quit; she had never done such a thing in her existence and yet, the one man she could not refuse, was ordering her to do just that. And she loved him too much to refuse any request he made of her.
"You will control yourself, Lovisa." Godric's voice broke through the darkness. Scattering it from her grasp. "You are and always will be my warrior princess."
She looked at him then; staring into his blue eyes for the last time. She forced herself to turn away from him. Her thoughts too angry and confused; she had nothing to say to him. It seemed wrong. She wanted to beg, to plead and to reason with him. But her Maker was set on this course. It was a course she was ordered not to follow. And it destroyed her to know that this final night was their last together and she had no words for him. Had she not already died; this surely would have killed her.
"Take care of him for me." Godric whispered.
Lennie paused at the door; her hand on knob. After a moment, she pushed the door open and stepped out. She closed the door, walking mindlessly through the halls. She passed several of Godric's followers; they moved clear of her path. Her mind was clouded with emotions and she didn't care where she ended up.
Lennie found herself in her room; leaning on the door; staring at her toes. The shoes she'd put on earlier, glittered in the darkness and seemed too much. She kicked them off and stood on bare feet. Without the shoes to give her those extra inches she was lost in the gown. The skirt pooled around her like an ocean of champagne colored silk. Anger made her tear at the dress; ripping the smooth, cool fabric. She threw it wildly, not caring where it landed. Emotions ate up her logic and left her mindless and numb. She sat on the floor; pulling her knees to her chest.
Her mind swept back to when she was alive; when she used to feel emotions like this. It had been close to a thousand years ago. To be exact it had been nine-hundred-and- ninety-six years ago. But she often rounded up; it was only four years and far easier then repeating that number should anyone ask.
In her human days; she had been wild, carefree and with complete abandon. Despite being the only daughter of a dying King; she had not married nor had any children. Her spirit was too wild for any man to master; and she was a very skilled fighter; not many men stood before her and lived. Had she been a man, she could have ruled in place of her vain and weak brothers. They each had all fallen within days of their coronations. Not one of them lasted a full week as King. But she had, she had thrived as Queen despite her young age. She'd led a vast and powerful army; commander of a force numbering over five thousand men. She had set out to reclaim her father's kingdom, now hers, from the invaders that had settled years before.
And she did it; by blood, by sword and by sheer force. Lennie had led her farmies across the land and back for years; she had warred with those invaders. She had spent the better part of her life on the battlefield. It was where she was most comfortable; her skills were unmatched in any area. She was a singular force and those who followed her; believed her to be truly divine. It went so far as that they belived she had been sent directly from the heavens to rule in name of their gods, here on earth.
She had died at eighteen; her final human days were spent on the battlefield. That was the best death she could have imagined for herself. Raging a war for her people's freedom; keeping her sword in hand until the very last breath left her lungs. She had been soaked in blood; covered in mud and exhausted beyond feeling. Still she swung, cut, sliced, and fought with all her strength. Those enemies around her had finally run off, thinking her possessed. She had fallen to her knees, feeling her life draining from her as she stared at the dark sky. That was the moment she saw the face of an angel. He had been a boy, not much older then she was. With him had stood a great, blonde warrior man; he had stood protectively over the young angel; like his companion. She knew the man as a warrior; for she reconized the expression he wore. Her own eyes held the same look.
"I have watched you these last several nights." The boy told her, his voice a whisper, but she could still hear him. He went to one knee; catching her as she fell forward. He lay her on the bloody-mud; facing upwards.
"You are not going to die this night." He told her.
And he had kept his word. The next night she woke and he called her Lovisa for the first time. And that was how she became what she was today.
Lennie opened her eyes; focusing on the present. She stood up; removing the remains of her shredded dress. Sitting naked before the vanity mirror; she carefully removed her diamonds. There was an open jeweler's box in front of her. She placed them all inside and closed the lid. Standing up she crossed to the walk-in-closet. There was a built in safe here; she placed the jewelry box inside. Lennie shut the door to the wall-mounted-built-in-safe. Now came the really hard decision, what to wear? She still had to make her appearance tonight.
In the distance she heard someone knock and frowned. No one would bother her; they knew better. Still, it would be an insult if she sent them away. She sighed, focusing her attention on her clothes. And not on the conflict with in her own heart.
"Enter," She called.
The door to her room opened, "Lennie?" It was Isabelle.
"In here," She called.
Lennie took down a grey sweater, studying it absently. It was a sweater from Texas A & M University. She had attended a few night classes there a while back. Those had been fun nights. All those college boys….she smiled at the memories. Yeah, that had been a wonderful time.
Isabelle paused at the entry of the closet, looking at the clothes with interest. "Going somewhere again?"
Lennie ignored her, "What do you want?"
"I heard what you did to Stan."
As if she could forget, Lennie glared at the vampire next to her, "And?"
Isabelle shrugged her thin shoulders, "It would be a good idea if you didn't get on his bad side, that's all."
"Are you giving me orders, Isabelle?"
Lennie stared at her, letting all those centuries of experience fill her being. It wasn't anywhere as powerful as Godric's stare; but it did the trick. Isabella backed up a step, holding up her hands.
"I didn't mean anything by it."
"If there is nothing else?" Lennie kept her tone cold; her attention away from Isabelle. '
The woman was perceptive and clever. It would be bad if Lennie gave her anything to work with. No one could know what Godric had planned. There would be chaos in the city; in his nest. Her Maker had charged her with keeping the peace. She was the to stand against the flood when he was gone. She had to keep her calm and seem unaffected, as always.
"I am late for a public appearance, Isabelle." She selected a random dress; holding it up. She smiled at her reflection.
Isabelle continued, not noticing anything. "I just wanted to talk about Stan." She paused a moment, eyeing the sweater Lennie had tossed away. "And I wouldn't wear that if I was you."
Lennie looked down at the sweater. "Good thing you're not me. Now, get out."
Isabelle did as Lennie asked. For all that Isabelle was powerful; Lennie was just that much more powerful. She was also ruthless, cold and too old to back down from anything. The door to her room shut; she was alone again.
Lennie leaned backward against the oak shelving around her. She was also a mess tonight. Her thoughts just couldn't stay focused on anything. Absently she drew in a breath she didn't need. Her gaze landing on the clothes around her; the dress in her hands would do for tonight. She tried to make herself think of the future; but her mind rejected it. Nothing in her wanted to face what Godric had asked of her. She would do it though; she would return when he called for her. She would care for her brother, no matter the cost to her. She would do as her Maker, her father, had ordered. She would protect Eric. But she wondered if she could let Godric go. Did she have the strength for that? She honestly didn't know.
**