A/N: Hello Everyone! It's been a while since I wrote anything; this chapter is a bit short since I'm still experimenting. Hopefully you will like it and agree to enable my newfound addiction to True Blood and Vikings. I do have to warn you that this story diverts a bit from the original plot (hihi). I don't hate Sookie, I just don't think she's right for someone other than Bill so if you are an Eric/Sookie fan I'm truly sorry to disappoint, but either way wish that you give this fic a chance.
Disclaimer: I don't own any of the characters in TB/The Southern Vampire Mysteries.
Chapter 1: Ten Long Years.
Port-Au-Prince, Haiti
Chaos.
That was the only word that could be used to describe the situation at the devastated island. Piles of bodies left on the side of what used to be a road and unending lines of people waiting to be tended to on the other. Some of them kept glancing at the aid station, their expressions varying from desperation and annoyance to fear and nervousness.
"Dr. Bennet? You have a phone call in Lou's tent!"
The entire line tensed as the name was called; furiously spoken French quickly filling the air surrounding the small space.
"Demon!"
"Blood!"
"Curse!"
"Help!"
The man who had called the doctor was a young Red Cross volunteer, and even he seemed to be a bit nervous as the slim figure quickly approached him. Cheerful green eyes looked at him with a hint of amusement.
"Thank you Nate! You better head towards the station, Harry and Winston can barely keep up! I didn't think so many people would show up at night, especially with all the rumors circulating around…"
"Rumors all right…" Nathaniel Thorne thought with a bit of sarcasm as he appraised his superior.
Dr. Ella Bennet had first arrived at the camp on a humid night of March, three months ago, surprising pretty much everyone. Well, surprising was a bit of a weak word. She had caused such uproar that many of the volunteers and some of the workers had immediately requested a transfer. Others, like him, had decided to stay against their better judgment and maybe a lot more because of their curiosity at the singular "woman" who now occupied the post of head medic at the small aid camp.
"I'll be seeing you in a minute then!" Humming, the doctor walked towards the tent he had indicated earlier on. The red headed young doctor watched her walk away with that grace that seemed to be inherent of her kind, as if she was gliding through the rubble and mud covering every surface of the island.
"Or at least what's left of it… I guess we could have done a lot worse with our chief of staff…what am I saying…I've been here for too long"
With one last look at the unusual doctor, he decided to head towards his frantic teammates.
Inside the tent
"Lou? Nate told me I had a call…" The dark skinned woman looked at the newly arrived doctor through her spectacles. Lourdes Martinez mumbled with impatience as she waved distractedly at the high tech device, its headset lying on the table.
"Yes and the person has been waiting for over 10 minutes now Dr. Bennet, that Thorne kid is slow as they come! It's a call from Texas… Seriously!"
Grinning at the moody office lady, Dr. Bennet decided her caller had waited long enough. Picking up the headset, she finally announced her presence. "Dr. Eleanor Bennet speaking…oh…hello Stan, it's been a long time…".
Lourdes was by no means one to intrude upon the others' personal lives; God knew they had enough with those giggling gossips that called themselves volunteers ("Bunch of overeager teenagers I tell you!"). But there was certainly something about the blond medic that made her curious, especially when that eternally present grin of hers disappeared as the conversation went by. Such a look of concentration she had only seen on the pale woman as she worked on the most desperate cases that arrived to their small makeshift hospital. Her tones had become hushed as she carried on, her voice volume so low that the Mexican woman could only catch small bits of their talk…Godric…Fellowship of the Sun… What the hell was up with the doctor tonight? Could this be related to her life back in America? To her kind?
"I understand, no I will be there as soon as possible, you need to understand that the situation in here is pretty bad…no I don't care more about them than…will you just listen for a minute? I have to be here until the new team arrives from Genève…3 days…I'll be there, I promise…very well, take care and say hi to the others for me, bye."
Lourdes watched silently as the doctor sat down on one of the cots in the room, a look of worry on her beautiful features. As she sat there pensively, the light that entered through the window made her face glow in an ethereal way. Blond hair done neatly in a bun that could have been fashionable in the fifties was a complete contrast to her youthful appearance. The Latin woman or anyone at the camp for that matter had never had the guts to ask her how old she was, but if someone did not know better, she could have easily passed as a 28 year old woman. The aristocratic accent, the music she sometimes hummed as she worked and the cultural references she used whenever she was in a good mood betrayed her British origins, but other than that, they did not shed light upon the mystery. She would not tell Dr. Bennet that a betting pool on her real age actually existed. She had her money on 100 years, give or take a few.
Shaking those useless thoughts away, Lourdes straightened up and frowned as she saw the doctor exit the tent absentmindedly, not even saying goodbye to her, contrary to her usual impeccable manners.
All Lourdes knew was that what worried a vampire would certainly be worrisome for them.
Dallas, Texas
As he hung up, Stan made a face at the phone, wishing the princess was there in person so he could tell her what he thought about her so called mission.
"Did you talk to her?" The heavily accented voice that belonged to Isabel asked him. Huffing in annoyance, the cowboy quickly relayed the conversation he just had.
"I see, let's hope she gets here in time…Fortunately I was able to track Eric, he will be here with some vampire from his area and his human companion tonight…" The underling thought about the information she had just received. "Ella needs to be here soon, I'm not sure we can hold Eric for three days…" Or you for that matter…
Isabel's musings her rudely interrupted by her partner. "We don't need Godric's brats in here in order to get the job done, if only you stopped with the mushy sentimental crap about respecting those vermin's lives, our sheriff would be sitting here this very night and those puny little humans from the Fellowship would serve as an example to the other fools who dare defy us".
Rolling her eyes, the voluptuous Spaniard said nothing back to the stubborn vampire, for she knew if she let him have his way, Dallas would end up bathed in Christian blood and Godric would be home just in time to receive the irate Nan Flannagan as well as the King's most ruthless men. There was also the matter of Godric's children, Ella would be a big help if they were to have the Viking progeny know his maker had been snatched from right under their noses. Then again, both vampires had not parted on the best on terms the last time they had seen each other, when Eleanor had announced her plans to become a doctor and travel all around the world in order to help those "in need".
"I'll have their rooms prepared; we'll meet again as soon as Eric arrives".
Fangtasia. Shreveport, Louisiana.
Eric Northman was not a happy vampire. Murderous would be a more accurate description for his mood in this particular evening.
The news about his maker's disappearance had hit him hard, causing ideas to revolve around his head constantly, and none of them good. Why would a two thousand year old vampire end up in the hands of some little hateful worms? Those incompetents he called lieutenants would not be any help if they were still the bickering fools he remembered, which in turn worried him more. There was something definitely shady about this whole business; he just hoped he could stop it in time and that it was within his capacity to do so. He could not, would not lose someone as important ever again.
Finally, Bill Compton and Sookie Stackhouse appeared at the bar. It was no secret the so called star crossed lovers were a source of endless entertainment to the thousand old vampire, but this Sookie business was beginning to be an annoyance to him. The human was getting cockier every day, and that was something no self respecting vampire would ever stand for. There were also some rumors that suggested he had an attachment to the human, which was of course ridiculous. Nevertheless, if people felt comfortable enough to gossip about him like that, this could only mean his level of respect was falling and THAT was unacceptable.
He would make sure to deal with that particular bump as soon as Godric was back to his post and the responsible party had been given proper punishment. "Attachment to a human they say, who do they take me for? Bill Compton? Pathetic…" His smirk disappeared for a moment as he stared at one of his desk's drawers. Reaching into it, he took out a red velvet box and opened it. His blue eyes darkened as he stared at a magnificent golden ring, adorned by Nordic symbols. He did not lie. He absolutely had no interest in humans other than feeding. Alas, he had no time to waste in such menial thoughts; right now the vampire sheriff of Louisiana had a call to make.
Eleanor nodded for what seemed to be the millionth time as she listened to the high pitched voice that belonged to her replacement. Dr. Dimitri Krasinski was a nervous short Estonian man who had made his disagreement to the vampires' presence in the camp perfectly clear from day one. As he criticized yet another aspect of the camp, (something to do with the color of the robes the patients were wearing?) Ella smiled at the round faced doctor and responded with as much courtesy as she could muster.
"Dr. Krasinski, I am impressed by the attention you pay to every single detail, but I'm thinking we should probably head to the hospital or we'll get caught by dawn!" The small medic cleared his throat uncomfortably as he had been reminded of something disagreeable.
"Right you are…err…Dr. Bennet…certainly…Thackery please lead the way…" Ella tried to suppress a smile as Nathaniel sent her a desperate look before grudgingly directing his new boss to the largest tent in the area. The vampire felt a bit of sympathy for her staff, as they had finally gotten used to her presence. Some of them had even started to like her to her great surprise. All in all, these last six months had been great for her, her team had needed some time to get used to her but after the uncomfortable 'I'm afraid you'll eat me in my sleep' feeling had passed, they had managed to become a very effective medical team.
"All things come to an end…"
Still grinning, she followed the unlikely couple into the medical tent. Inside were many cots, all arranged in order to ensure the maximum efficiency for the caretakers to work. Most of the infirm waved or nodded at the doctor, some of the kids giggling as she walked by them and showed them her fangs. It just never got old. Disturbed by the sound, Dr. Krasinski turned to look back just as Ella had retracted her protruding canines.
"The cots are…the arrangement seems familiar…" Ella smiled proudly as she explained.
"It was the same used by the English medical corps in World War II, like this we can help the doctors and nurses get to the patients according to their needs and the urgency of the cases". Dr. Krasinski's prominent black eyebrows rose as he showed he was impressed, much against his will.
"What about the blood bank?" His accent seemed to punctuate on the word blood, as if he expected Ella to reveal her true dark nature. Far from offending her, it only made her feel some sort of endearment for the Eastern European doctor, half expecting him to brandish a silver crucifix against her. To her surprise, it was Nate who responded to the Estonian medic, voicing his displeasure at the newcomer's rudeness through his affronted tone.
"The blood bank is in the tent on the back of the camp, heavily protected at Dr. Bennet's recommendation. There have been some cases of rogue Haitian vampires trying to attack us, but it was thanks to our head medic that there were no greater consequences". Dr. Krasinski's face almost reached a shade of purple as he heard the young doctor's heated defense of his superior. He abstained himself from commenting any further, as the nurses and some of the volunteers nodded, some of them sending him decidedly dirty looks. Fortunately for him, the awkward moment was soon broken by a new voice.
"Incoming! This one was assaulted by a band of thieves on his way to the UN's food bank!" The medical team quickly dispersed, making way for the gurney to enter the critical patients section. Dr. Krasinski turned to ask something of Dr. Bennet, only to face thin air, as the aforementioned was already examining the blood covered man. This was the moment he had been waiting for, where the evidence he needed to convince the Red Cross that admitting vampires into their medical corps was nothing short of insanity would appear.
It would not be long before she slipped, of that he was sure.
5 hours later.
"Make sure to monitor his blood pressure constantly, we're still in an unstable zone Madge…" The Haitian nurse nodded gravely as she helped Ella clean herself. The doctor looked absolutely exhausted, as the sun had already risen many hours ago. As she bid everyone a good day, Eleanor nodded at Dr. Krasinski, directing herself to a section of the tent marked Access forbidden from 6 am to 7 pm. The latter watched her go with a disgruntled expression; his hands stained by the blood of the patient whose life he had saved in cooperation with the now departed doctor.
Finally inside her coffin, Ella exhaled shakily as she stared at her trembling hands. She had not tasted any fresh blood since she had arrived to the island in hopes that it would reassure her crew and ease her into the role she had been assigned to as their boss. The blond vampire was grateful she had been able to hide her increasing hunger from her replacement until she was out of sight. The little man had tremendous prejudice issues, but he was an astoundingly skilled doctor whose professionalism had allowed them to work together in order to save Jean Jacques Aristide. She was now convinced she was leaving her team in capable hands.
On the other side of the tent, Dr. Krasinski instructed one of the younger nurses on the correct use of the emergency kit, his undead colleague on his mind. He was not nearly ready to sit at a table and start chatting over a cup of coffee…or blood…with them…but Dr. Bennet had proven to be fairly competent in her practice of medicine. The staff seemed to be quite protective of their leader, and even the patients held certain affection for the mysterious creature.
"I would have thought I had seen it all at my 60 years of age…"
Even the good doctor had to snort silently at his own naiveté, knowing all too well that the pretty young woman slumbering on the other side of the tent could easily be ten times as old as he was. This last movement did not go unnoticed by his young apprentice, who was now staring at him curiously. Clearing his throat, he motioned for her to continue with the task at hand.
Nine hours.
He had been in Dallas for nine hours and he already had a good idea of why Godric would want to run away from this band of clowns. He did not know which one was worse, the brute cowboy or the glorified secretary his maker kept as his trusted seconds. In addition, he had to put up with the completely unjustified jealousy of his constituent pain in the ass and his little telepath. Fun as it was, an incensed Bill Compton could reach the levels of bitchiness of a female werewolf in heat, and Eric had made his sentiments clear about the mangy mutts in general several times. He was snapped out of his reverie by the intervention of one Sookie Stackhouse.
"Look, if you all argue anymore I'm either gonna fall asleep or start screaming. This is what we're gonna do. I'll infiltrate the Fellowship of the Sun" The usually grating southern accent sounded heavenly to his ears. It was of course, a shame that the only good idea in a group with four vampires in it had to come from their pretty blond human entrée.
"If it leads us to Godric we'll do it. The decision is made". He dared any of the occupants in the room to defy his verdict. To his pleasure, not even the obviously angry Compton had been stupid enough to open his mouth other than to release a growl of compliance. It was almost a shame he didn't struggle any more than that, really.
As she waved at the team she had worked along with for the last six months, Ella thought about the numerous partings she had experienced in her relatively short life as a vampire. There was always a feeling of detachment as she watched the teary faces of some, the poorly hidden relief on others and the smiling faces of the children running after her vehicle. She had insisted many times she did not need it, all in vain, as Lourdes and Nate had absolutely refused to let her leave them like some shameful secret, silently and in the dark. Surprisingly enough, Dr. Krasinski was amongst the farewell party, his serious eyes fixed on her as she got further and further away.
Once she was out of sight, she decided to travel in a faster manner. She gave instructions to her driver, and after thanking him and wishing him a safe trip back, she took off. Flying was another activity she had not performed in a while, and it was only after she felt the wind on her cheeks that she realized just how much she had missed it. The doctor had to remind herself she was being expected at the airport, so she quickly repressed the desire to fly all the way back to Dallas.
"Dr. Bennet!" After a rather discreet landing, Eleanor turned to look at the stocky figure of Ned O'Callaghan, the man who had recruited her for this particular mission. "We weren't expecting you for another three hours! That must have been some driver!"
O'Callaghan was a rather curious character, always making jokes on subjects most people would find uncomfortable or even scary. Ella could not help but laugh, her smile illuminating her features at the familiarity of the Irish Red Cross employee. "What can I say Ned? I told him I was just dying to go home!" Another thing she liked about her recruiter was the thunderous laugh only he seemed to be able to produce.
"I hear you poppet, whenever I ended one of my missions I felt I could not get home fast enough. I am sorry to say that old coot Barry will need one hour to get his bearings in order; we had one hell of a party last night! The sneaky bastard is getting married did you know?" A white wrinkled hand peeked from the open hatch to wave at her. Grinning, she greeted back.
"Congratulations Barry! Is she someone I know?" Another bark like laugh came from the now red faced Ned. "Of course not! What kind of respectable lady would you be if you knew the likes of Miriam?"
Swatting his arm with controlled force, she playfully reprimanded him. "Come now, I'm sure she's just lovely. Don't let his jealousy get you down Barry!" Another wave from the ancient looking pilot was all the answer she got. Shaking her head, she asked for the nearest phone and prepared herself to make the phone call she had definitely been avoiding for nearly a decade. To her relief, it was her favorite lieutenant who answered the call.
"Isa? It's so good to hear your voice!" The excited voice of her old friend soothed her frazzled nerves, but only for a moment, as it did not take long for the mandatory guilt trip to begin. "I know, it's been a long time…yes, I'm at the airport, we just need the pilot to finish up the preparations…" She had to laugh softly at Isabel's antics, but only for a minute before regaining her seriousness.
Taking a fortifying breath, she prepared herself to sign her death warrant. "Don't worry I'm in one piece, I could use a bit of fresh AB positive, but other than that there's really nothing to fret about…anyway, I take it Eric is already there? Could you please tell him…" Ella stopped talking at the sound of an angry Isabel, berating whoever had just interrupted her conversation. A pang in her chest gave her an idea of who the culprit was. The doctor knew this moment had to happen sooner or later, she had just hoped it would be later.
The deceptively cheerful masculine voice on the other side of the line shattered her hopes of a calm trip home.
"Hello wifey" The icy undertones in his voice would have caused her shivers, had she been a human or even a younger vampire. "You don't need to trouble Isabel, you can just tell me directly. I deserve that consideration after ten long years don't I? Aren't I your husband dearest?"
Ella hoped her tone came out as gracious as the one her husband had perfected after a thousand years.
"Eric".
Be nice and review ok? Constructive criticism is an author's best friend! (I also promise lots of Eric nude scenes and a pony for the first 10 reviewers, not necessarily together or in that order *wink wink*) :)
Finally, I apologize for any crimes against grammar and vocabulary, English is my second language and I'm a bit rusty since I haven't been able to practice it lately. This is also an invitation for a brave and patient Beta-Reader to come and rescue me from a painful torture at the hands of the language magister (scary scary).