Hey, so there are a couple things I wanted to clear up. Yes, Sookie is a telepath in my story. I know I don't really address it directly, but I do mention it several times. I figure, we all know Sookie's a telepath, we all know how it works, so I'm not going to bore you with a recount of it. Also, fanfiction has been... not nice…to authors recently so I'm hoping this is showing up in the right fandom. It's SVM. For the same reasons, this story has no character's listed in the summary but it is an Eric/Sookie story.

Now: THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU! For everyone who has read and/or reviewed my story…you guys are awesome! So sweet!

I was frozen in my place for what could have been only a moment before my door burst open and Amelia rushed for the window.

"It is him! It is him! My love has come for me!" Her frantic whispers startled me from my position and I reached out to try and calm her down, but she was already past me. She stood at the window, holding back the curtain completely with her face pressed as closely to the glass as she dared. Her breath fogged it over and she frantically wiped away the obstruction. She was silent for a few moments and I could hear Gran's voice carry up the stairs. It was impossible to make out the words, but she spoke for only a few moments before I heard the door close softly.

"It is not him." I had never thought I would hear Amelia speak with such pain in her voice. I rushed over to the window to hold her as a few tears fell from her eyes. As she cried, I looked back down at the courtyard to see the mysterious rider lead his horse into the stable, emerging a few minutes later with his pack slung across his shoulder. I noticed he limped a bit as he made his way across the cobblestones, favoring his right side.

Again, the door to the inn opened and closed and I could hear Gran speaking again. This time her voice was louder and I heard the stairs creak under her footfalls. They protested even louder under the weight of the man that followed her. I watched the light of her lamp become brighter in the gap between my door and the floor. It slowly reached its zenith as they passed and dulled again as they made their way to the last door on the opposite side of the hallway, only a few feet past my own. He must not be paying much. That room was the smallest of the house and you could hear the stables beneath it.

"If you need anything, dear, just let me know." Gran offered. I hear the deep cadence of the man's voice as he dismissed her, but the words were too quiet to hear. His door shut and again the phantom light made its way down the hallway and disappeared down the stairs.

Amelia had finally calmed in my arms and was again looking down to the courtyard, no doubt hoping that another visitor would appear.

"Amelia, he will come for you, I'm sure. Until then, you need your rest. You would not want to look pale and sickly when he arrives." I softly smiled at her, knowing she would accept my words. She nodded gently and rose to walk to the door, but stopped with her hand on the knob.

"Thank you, Sookie. We may be newly acquainted, but your friendship is already dear to me." We shared another smile and she quietly left the room. I listened closely for her own door to shut and let out a sigh when I did.

The house was once again occupied. There would be cooking and cleaning and perhaps trips to the village tomorrow. I curled back in bed and hugged the covers tight to me. At least I would be busy, and therefore would have no time to be caught into conversation with Mr. Compton. That peaceful thought lulled me to sleep. I did not wake again until the dull light of a dreary morning peaked out from under the curtains.

"Good morning, Gran." I smiled as I entered the kitchen. Gran was sitting at the table cleaning her eyeglasses on her apron, her bible open in front of her.

"Good morning, dear. Did you sleep well?" She closed her book and set her glasses on top of it, setting in to chat with me for a few moments.

"Yes Gran, though I wish you had woken me sooner, I did not mean to sleep in." I usually arose much earlier to help prepare and serve breakfast.

"Don't trouble yourself dear, Anne was helping me. Besides, it was only Mrs. Fant and Miss Broadway that came down for breakfast. Everyone else slept in as well." She patted my arm as I got myself a cup of tea and piece of last night's bread for breakfast. I sat across from her and chewed at the crust, enjoy the quiet company. Unfortunately, it was not to last.

"Oh! I haven't told you. We had another guest late in the night." She was positively giddy at having a piece of news for me.

"Yes, Gran. I heard him arrive. He wasn't very quiet about it." I was still a bit bitter about not being able to sleep until so late.

"It's odd that you should say that. The man seemed to have a very quiet disposition; didn't speak a word that wasn't needed." She looked pensive for a moment before giggling a bit and adding, "I don't think Mr. Norris will be too fond of Mr. Northman."

I giggled too at the thought. Mr. Norris was a kind man but did not like to take 'no' for an answer, and even less liked to have no answer at all. The thought wore off and I was struck by another bit of Gran's comment.

"His name is Mr. Northman?" Gran nodded. "Did you learn anything else about him? Did he say why he came so late?"

"No dear. He didn't volunteer any information." She seemed to hesitate for a moment before continuing. "But if you ask me, he's not from around here. His accent was a bit off. And he seemed a bit worse for wear, like he'd been traveling for quite a while."

"Hm…It just seems a bit odd that he wouldn't stop sooner when it was so cold and dark." I kept my eyes on my tea, warming my fingers around the cup as I spoke.

"It's not our place to be determining his motives dear. But I am a bit worried for him. I don't know if he stopped for dinner last night and he didn't come down for breakfast. Would you mind taking a tray up to him, dear?" I froze at the suggestion. I had no desire to be met, yet again, with his cold stare. It suited me fine to let him stay alone in his room, but I knew Gran would question me if I did not agree.

"Of course, Gran." She smiled and instantly went about preparing a tray while I plastered a fake smile on my lips.

I went slow carrying the tray up the narrow stairway and down the hallway. The dishes clattered a bit with each step…and perhaps a bit from shaking. I was not looking forward to seeing the man at the end of the hall. I did not know him, but there was something about the look in his eye that had scared me the night before. It was not hostile or angry, but perhaps painful; though I could not tell you if the pain was mine or his. All I knew was that if his stare was so unsettling, I did not want to hear his thoughts. It was for this reason that I gave myself a moment outside his door, making sure that my mental barriers were cleanly and strongly erected. When this was done, I could no longer delay, and knocked quickly and soundly at the door.

For several moments there was no sound behind the door. I was about to happily make my retreat when the creaking of wood and a frustrated groan sounded from behind the door. I held my breath, hoping I had not awoken, and therefore angered, the rider.

"Who is it?" The voice was deep and a distance away, he had not approached the door.

"Miss Stackhouse. I've brought you a breakfast tray." I was proud that my voice held firm.

"Leave it. I'll retrieve it in a bit." I stared at the door in shock. Was he too busy to be bothered with opening the door? I did not like this man, but I would not embarrass my Gran by making a scene.

"Yes, sir," I spat as the door as I set the tray down, with less care than I should have. There was no other sound from the room and I went back down the stairs in a huff.

I could hear laughter from the parlor and headed in that direction, standing in the doorway for a moment gauging the events unfolding within. Mrs. Fant was asleep on the sofa with her embroidery forgotten in her lap. Her head lulled forward and pushed into her chest creating a constant frown. The noise was obviously not coming from her.

On the other side of the room, Amelia sat across from Mr. Norris at the chess table, though it looked as if cards were the current game. Mr. Felton stood leaning against the back of Amelia's chair with a rare grin on his face. Amelia was laughing and Mr. Norris looked rather aghast at whatever had happened.

"Miss Broadway," Mr. Norris pronounced with admiration in his voice. "It has been quite some time since I have been bested at any game of cards. Where did you ever learn such skill?"

He looked quite taken aback at the whole ordeal and Amelia continued to giggle as she responded.

"Well Mr. Norris, I assure you that I was quite unfamiliar with cards until my recent stay at Versailles. It was a great learning experience. Though I must confess, I did not acquire much skill at all." She looked mischievously at Mr. Norris who only seemed confused by her words. She continued. "I did, however, learn quite well how to cheat."

As she spoke, Amelia reached up into the lace of her sleeve and withdrew a card from the hiding spot. As soon as she revealed it, she immediately began to laugh and was soon joined by Mr. Felton, who seemed to be in on the plot. Mr. Norris could not hide the look of betrayal on his face and Amelia quickly apologized, and was just as quickly forgiven. When she saw me standing at the door, she relinquished her seat to Mr. Felton and came over to hug me.

"Good morning, Sookie."

"Good morning, Amelia." I hugged her back. I was becoming infinitely more grateful to have such a warm personality in the house; especially with such a cold personality looming upstairs. She looped her arm in mine and led me through the dining room and out into the courtyard.

"You seem in a much better mood this morning. Are you feeling better?" I asked, knowing that she had been upset when she had left my room the night before.

"Yes, much. Thank you for consoling me last night." She squeezed my arm tighter as she led me to the stables. I wanted to protest but did not want to draw attention to the fact that I was avoiding Mr. Compton.

"It was nothing Amelia, I was actually glad for your company. It was a strange evening," I confided.

"It was, wasn't it? Have you met the midnight horseman yet?" She raised her eyebrows in hope of good gossip.

"Not really. I've just delivered a tray to his door, but he did not answer. Gran says he might be a foreigner though. She thinks his accent is strange." We had made our way to one of the horses that had drawn Amelia's carriage and stroked him gently while we spoke.

"A foreigner? Well this is certainly shaping into a fine mystery. Did your Gran say if he was handsome?" Her last question had obviously just come to her and the excitement of it was clear on her features.

"She did not." I shook my head and silently laughed at her disappointment.

"Were you lookin' to take him out, Miss?" Amelia and I were both startled by the question and turned to see Mr. Compton standing at the door. I was not sure of the answer and looked to Amelia to respond.

"No, I was just checking on him. He's a sweet boy." She smiled and scratched at the animal in front of us.

"Aye. He's well trained that one. It's the beast at the end that's all the trouble." He pointed to the last stall and I followed his gesture. I began to make my way down there to see for myself when he spoke again. "Leave him be, Sookie. I can't be sure what riles him up, and I don't want you gettin' hurt. "

I smiled at Mr. Compton's concern, but was also worried by it. He was a good man but I did not want to lead him on. I choose not to push the subject of the horse and went back to Amelia who indicated that she was ready to leave. She hooked her arm in mine once more and led me out of the stables, Mr. Compton took of his hat and patted at his dark hair as we passed .

Amelia informed me that Mrs. Fant would be waking soon and that she intended to keep her company for the afternoon, she claimed that keeping Mrs. Fant happy was key to her plan. I smiled at how optimistic she was and left her at the doorway to the parlor. As I passed the foot of the stairs I distinctively heard a small ruckus of china clanking together followed by the shutting of a door. It appeared Mr. Northman was done with his breakfast. Knowing I would eventually have to collect it, I resigned to be finished with the chore and went directly upstairs to retrieve it. I kept my steps as quiet as possible and knelt down to collect the tray. Just as I was about to rise, the door burst open to reveal a pair of dark leather boots.

I paused for a moment before slowly rising from my position. I kept my eyes ahead of me. As they rose, so did the leather of the boots, stretching upwards and only stopping at the thigh, replaced by doeskin breeches and a haphazardly tucked shirt. When I had finally stood to my full height, I had still only reached the sight of his chest, left visible by his untied neckline. I was determined to not show the fear that had most certainly been evident in my face last night, and glanced up at the man's face.

His eyes were not the wild and icy mirrors I had glanced at last night. Today they held only the fatigue of the rest of his appearance. His blond hair, similar to the shade of mine, was tied back, but many strands had escaped the knot. If it were not for the boots, I would have assumed he'd just gotten out of bed. He leaned against the doorway with one arm and looked at me with expectation, as if wishing me to speak. I was not about to endure an uncomfortable silence.

"Sir?" I asked, with the slightest bit of hostility in my voice. His face seemed to change only minutely, suggesting the possibility of a grin, but it was quickly smoothed away.

"I need this delivered. Do you think you can handle that?" He held out his hand to me, a sealed letter resting between his fingers. A solitary eyebrow raised, he looked down at me with amusement evident in his gaze. Why should he be so entertained by me? Had I made such a fool of myself in that single look last night when he had arrived? Well I was not a fool. I was not a silly country girl.

"It is difficult for my poor country mind to grasp the great complexities of the post, sir, but I shall try." I snatched the letter from his hand and turned my back on him as I quickly made my way to the stairs and descended. Though little, everything I knew about the man angered me. He seemed determined to inconvenience everyone, belittling them as he did. He was trouble, and I would be glad when he left.

Returning the tray to the kitchen, I sat with a huff at the table, the letter in front of me. Gran was cleaning a chicken and spared a quick glance for me.

"Something wrong, love?" She smiled, already knowing that something was, in fact, wrong.

"No. Mr. Northman just has a letter for the post." I picked at my nails, determined not to let Gran see the fire in my eyes. She chuckled a little at my obvious temper.

"Best leave it for tomorrow. I don't want you getting suck out at dark on your way to town." I smiled at the thought. I would send his letter, but I would take my time doing it. I tucked it into my apron and stood to help Gran finish dinner, determined to have a better evening.

Dinner was a slightly brighter event than it had been the night before. Amelia had pouted and convinced Mrs. Fant to allow Mr. Norris and Mr. Felton to join them for dinner. While their party conversed and enjoyed their dinner, I could not help but notice something missing; a certain very tall and very infuriating man.

When plates were finally cleared, the noise of the house quieted as each guest retired. Gran said her goodnight and I listened as she made her way to her room and closed the door behind her. When there was finally silence, I reveled in it. I realized just how much effort I had been putting into my metal barriers, trying to keep out thoughts, especially Amelia's. Finally, I had been left to my own.

A new wave of energy rushed through me. I could not possibly go to bed. For the first time in several weeks I felt as if I truly had the house to myself, and I would take advantage of it. Lamp in hand, I made my way into the parlor and traced my fingers along the books on the shelf. They were all familiar to me. I could picture each book in Gran's hands and all the characters had some variation of her voice as she'd read them aloud to me. I made my selection, taking the book back to the dining room. I must have sat there for an hour reading and picking at a piece of bread, my lamp perched on the table for light. It was a privilege to have such quiet in a house that was built to be filled with people. And people, especially for me, meant noise.

The quiet was not to last. The stairs creaked heavily as someone descended. I looked up, expecting Amelia to be sneaking around for a nightcap or perhaps seeking me for company. I was wrong again.

"Miss Stackhouse." Mr. Northman was surprised to see me, or most likely anyone at this time of night. He wore the same outfit as this morning, the only difference was that he had removed the band from his hair, letting it brush across his shoulders.

"Mr. Northman. I trust there's nothing wrong with your room?" I had not intended it, but my voice was tight and higher than usual, a false and overly bright smile on my face. I closed my book, ready to dismiss myself at the first opportunity.

"My room? No…it's adequate." His eyes squinted infinitesimally, a clear question in his voice.

"Oh, I'm glad to hear it. I assumed it must be on fire for you to leave it." Sookie Stackhouse! Gran's voice mentally scolded me. I did not mean to be so hostile, but a part of me repelled against this man. I knew from the moment I had seen him that he was the manifestation of trouble. Though he had not yet, I knew he would prove this with time. And besides…he had interrupted my reading.

I had glanced down in contrition for my temper, but his movement caught my attention. He did not seem angry by my words; in fact, he seemed to smile as he slowly stepped towards the table. I noticed that his continued to favor his right side, his hand resting just above his left hip. He stopped next to the table and picked up a piece of my bread. For the quickest of moments he grinned down at me and popped the bread into his mouth. The grin unnerved me, as did the mirth in his eyes. I wrapped my shawl around me, covering what parts of my chest that my dress left exposed.

"It's 'Sookie', yes?" I nodded quickly at the question, wishing desperately that I had just gone to bed with the rest of the house. "You know, Sookie, I've spent a great deal of time in the country. But I have a feeling this trip is going to be especially interesting."

This man's ego was unmatched. I was trying to decided if I should just stand up and walk away when he reached to pull out a chair at the table. As his hand left his side, I gasped. He noticed my shock and looked down to where my eyes were burning into his side. There was blood on his shirt. He sighed and answered without having to be asked a question.

"It's a few days old, not bad at all, but I think I've pulled a stitch." He sat down and leaned back in the chair, taking another piece of bread. He chewed for a moments before continuing. "I was actually coming down to look for a needle. I figure someone would have left an embroidery kit lying around."

I sat there for a moment and watched him. He seemed content to sit there in silence and pick at the bread, but my mind was reeling. I did not like him. He made me nervous, and I believe that was his desired effect. But he was also bleeding. If it was really just a stitch, I knew I could help. The stable boys were often befalling minor misfortunes that Gran or I would tend to. With a huff, I stood from the table and left the room, returning a few minutes later. Mr. Northman cast a curious glance at the table as I sat down a mug of ale, two more slices of bread and cheese, and Mrs. Fant's embroidery kit that had indeed been left in the parlor.

"May I?" I gestured to the wound on Mr. Northman's side. He sighed and sat up in his chair. His reached his right arm over his shoulder and grabbed at the fabric on his back, pulling his shirt over his head and off completely.

I could not look at his face. I could not move at all. I was fairly certain that my mouth was slightly open, but I could not seem to remind myself to close it. For several moments I sat immobile trying to decide my next move. I was sitting in an empty room with a half naked man that I barely knew. While certainly jarring, it was also quite inappropriate. I could only imagine the look on Gran's face if she were to walk in. I had been walking a thin line by simply speaking to him in a room alone. I finally exhaled. I had offered my help, and would follow through…though I would do so quickly.

"You've torn several stitches." I chastised Mr. Northman as he ate the snack I'd brought him.

"It was a long ride," was all he offered. I worked quickly, but carefully to restitch the wound. It was not too deep and did not look infected, so I did not doubt he would heal. But as I worked, my curiosity was becoming too much to bare…along with the silence.

"How did it happen?" I asked, daring a peek up to his face. He was watching me with a curious look on his face. He remained silent, and I assumed that I had overstepped my bounds.

"I had a run-in with an old friend." His voice had hardened. I did not respond and kept my eyes on my work. As my hand touched his side, I realized how careless I was being. The simple touch was enough to drop me unceremoniously into the slithering and bottomless pit of his thoughts. Twisting and squeezing me with his anger and hate and cold resolve. With all my strength, I pulled myself out of the darkness and shut up my shields, blocking his mind from my own.

"Are you alright, Sookie?" Mr. Northman had noticed my hesitation. Once again my overly bright smile graced my features to reassure him.

"I'm fine, Mr. Northman."

"Sookie," A playful, and therefore terrifying, expression appeared on the face above me. "You've gotten me nearly naked. You can at least call me Eric."

I swallowed hard and finished the last stitch.

"Finished." I tried not to look at him as I cleaned up. "I think you'll survive. Good night, Eric."

I stood and left the room quickly, not stopping until I was in my room with the door closed soundly. I removed my clothing quickly and rushed to the bed, curling tightly in the covers. I stayed awake for quite some time, relaxing only after the sound of footsteps had passed in the hallway and a nearby door was shut.

Well well well. Chapter two is done and out there….and very long. I feel like it's 50 pages, even though I know it's only 7. Go easy on me for any errors you may find, I don't have a beta and I've just edited it at 2am. I just wanted to get it out there for you all to enjoy! Also, I promise there is going to be some good action in this story, but the next couple chapters will mostly be setting up the story, please just bare with me (and I won't deny you some Ericness). I promise I have a plan!

Again, THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU for reading and PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE drop me a review with any thoughts or ideas ("you're awesome" reviews are also welcome =D )!