A/N : I'm slowly remembering to update here...Thank you all for the lovely reviews. They really do encourage my creative juices!

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Hope is the feeling we have that the feeling we have is not permanent ~ Mignon McLaughlin The Neurotic's Notebook

The doors shut with a bang behind us, making me flinch.

"Don't just stand there; come here child and let me look at you."

Despite my fear, or maybe because of it, I barely managed to bite back a nasty comment about her seeing anything. Whatever Bill thought, I certainly wasn't uneducated; I knew the Oracle at Delphi had reportedly been blind, the better to see her gods-given visions. I figured snarking at someone with her power and ability to ruin my life was probably a bad idea, even if my internal dialogue kept running. I was the only mind reader in the room, anyway. I hoped.

Eric pulled me gently toward the back of the room. I studied the woman, vamp, in the chair at the head of the mahogany conference table. She was far older than I'd expected, well in appearance anyway. I obviously knew she was ancient, but I could practically feel the weight of her age settling over the room. Eric seemed like a little boy in comparison, which only further freaked me out. Just how powerful was she? And what did she want with me? Did a psychic really need a telepath when she could already see how things were going to turn out?

"So this is the child in question? Yes, there are unexpected depths to you, aren't there?"

I assumed those were rhetorical questions and simply stood there. I was so confused about why we were even there and the unknown only made me more frightened. I was grateful Eric was letting me keep a hold of his arm; if he had circulation, it would definitely have been cut off as tight as I was squeezing.

She abruptly turned her attention to my escort, who seemed almost amused by the firm establishment of rank. Then again, Eric was seldom not amused. His default setting seemed to be one that gleaned every ounce of enjoyment out of whatever circumstances came his way. I envied that and couldn't help but compare his intense verve with Bill's typically sour approach to life.

I was not unaware of the currents roiling through the room, but had no idea what they meant. More super-secret Supe shit, no doubt. I couldn't have cared less at that moment as long as it didn't bode ill for Eric and me.

Just as the tension was becoming unbearable for the human in the room, Eric inclined his head, saying, "Your Grace."

Great, Eric, smooth move to almost insult the person in charge of our fate. I was relieved when the Ancient Pythoness almost smiled at his impudence, but not by much. What did he think he was doing, for crying out loud?

"I understand you are a telepath with no known Supernatural ancestry, is this correct?

Eric stiffened slightly and spoke up, "That is correct, Your Grace." If I wasn't freaking out inside, I would have kicked him for talking for me.

Again I got a sense of amusement from the ancient vampire. "And you recently aided Dallas' Sheriff with a conflict with a human hate group?"

I nodded like an idiot, allowing Eric to agree again. His presence seemed to dim at my side at the reference to Godric and I squeezed where I was still clutching his arm. I really hoped this wasn't about Godric and the disaster that was Dallas. Eric couldn't possibly be in trouble for allowing a human to get involved in such sensitive matters could he? Hadn't he already suffered enough that day?

"You are definitely a valuable asset. Viking, you have not formally attached her to your office? Securing her agreement is imperative. A matter of blood, I should think."

Eric's face darkened slightly, but he kept his tone respectful. "No, Your Grace. Miss Stackhouse is associated with one of my subordinates, but graciously shares her gift in times of need."

"And you did not simply take control? Surely, girl, you find the Viking an attractive prospect? Few human females would refuse being his."

I didn't like where this was headed, but allowed Eric to jump in again. "Forgive me, Your Grace, but Miss Stackhouse has made her opinion clear on that matter."

"Well, come now, girl. From what I have heard, you are hardly the shrinking violet. Are you going to let the Viking speak for you?" The AP had a mocking edge to her voice I took exception to, but forced back my instinctive response. I still wasn't sure where this was going. Why did vamps have to be so darn cryptic?

"Not at all, ma'am, but it seems like y'all know what's going on and as my Gran always said, no point in going off half-cocked when you can sit a spell and get the whole picture. I'm really not sure exactly why you called me here tonight, but I trust Eric to look out for me." Ok, so maybe a bit more over the top Southern belle than Eric told me to be, but my nerves definitely had the run of my mouth just then.

Eric was practically trembling with the effort of holding in his obvious amusement. Yes, I realized that coming from me, that statement was pretty funny from his perspective. I'd never once let him tell me the whole story before reacting. I still glared at him and subtly dug my nails into his arm, for all the good it did. Damn vamps. I'm so glad I could amuse him at what may still turn out to be my final night of freedom. I really wasn't liking Her Grace's implications about force and blood. At least no one was bleeding, yet, unlike pretty near all my previous encounters with vampire authorities.

"A wise sentiment. An informed action is always more powerful than an instinctive response." Ok, was it just me or did that seemed pointed at Eric? "You say you trust the Viking and voluntarily put yourself at risk for this one's Maker, yet you belong to one William Compton, of Bon Temps?"

Now that I couldn't ignore. "Excuse me ma'am, but I don't see what you're getting at. Just because I'm in a relationship with Bill doesn't mean I wouldn't help Eric or anybody else that needed my disability. Bill doesn't control me or my actions. I'm fully capable of making decisions for myself."

"Ah, I was beginning to believe the reports of your fey spirits had been exaggerated. In that, you are similar to the Viking. You are this Compton's willingly and knowingly?"

I involuntarily glanced over at Eric, only to see a swiftly hidden expression of alarmed understanding sweep across his features. Great, I was suddenly twice as worried. At least one of us knew what was going on.

"Yes, of course."

"Hmm. Pity. That makes this situation all the more difficult." She was silent for a moment, obviously considering something. I was shuffling between fuming at her prying questions and anxious over what she could possibly be driving at that I was apparently missing. She seemed almost contemplative as she murmured, "The blood will out. One measure can stem the tide of another."

Eric grew even paler, if that was possible and I desperately wished I could hear his thoughts. What the hell was going on?

The Ancient Pythoness gathered herself as she addressed Eric, leaving the dumb human out of the loop.

"Well, Viking, it is obvious what you must do."

I looked over at Eric, seriously creeped out by the old bat and hoping for some reassurance. Instead, my worries increased ten-fold to see Eric, proud Viking vampire Sheriff, hunch in on himself, his face taut with pain. Concern flittered through me before my thoughts focused on the fact that anything that caused Eric pain was likely to be worse for me.

Apparently sensing my rising terror, Eric slowly straightened to his full imposing height, squaring his shoulders to regally face the AP. His bearing and demeanour struck me in that moment. That surely was how he had looked upon the battlefield, commanding his men a millennium ago. Never once glancing at me, he stared straight at the head of the Authority.

"No."

There was silence after his voice, quiet but powerful and determined nonetheless, rang out.

"No? What do you mean by 'no'?" The Ancient Pythoness made a remarkably human sound of disgust. Blind or not, she seemed to be peering into him as he stood tall and still. "Viking, I had not expected one of your years and reputation to be quite so...human, especially considering the circumstances. And yes, I am fully informed on the matter."

She glared at Eric. "Hmph, then again, none of us had ever expected your Maker to become so frail and pathetic as to commit suicide. There may be something wrong in your bloodline."

I winced in empathy for Eric at her crass mention of Godric, knowing it must pain him, but his stoic and determined expression never faltered.

"Your Grace, I cannot and will not do what you ask, no matter how you provoke me. She...it would be forced and that is not an acceptable solution." I had to give him credit; I would have been shrieking in outrage but he stayed calm and respectful, although the steel under his velvet tones was unmistakable.

"You accept the consequences, then? Knowingly and fully?" I really disliked the arch tone in her ancient voice.

I was so confused about what was happening. What was going on? And what was Eric doing? Was he in trouble again because of me? Why didn't anyone ever tell me anything? Opening my mouth to let these irritating and high-handed vampires have it, I shut it with a click as Eric's strong voice cut in.

"I do."

"Then you are a fool. So be it." The AP seemed resigned, slightly sad and entirely dismissive.

There was no way I was letting this stand. "Eric, what the hell is going on?"

I watched closely as he seemed to steel himself before slowly turning to face me. His eyes softened with that something I was too scared to name as he looked at me, taking note of my obvious fright. He smiled, softly, that real smile that reached his eyes and that I was growing to love.

"It's nothing to worry about, Sookie. You'll be fine, I promise." I was almost too preoccupied by the rich way my name rolled off his tongue to catch what he didn't say. A shudder of pure dread racked my body.

"Eric? What's really goin' on? Are you ok?" I asked tentatively.

He closed his eyes briefly, which did nothing to reassure me, then opened them to stare directly into mine. There were far too many emotions swirling around those darkened cobalt orbs for me to even begin to guess what was going on. We simply stared at each other for a moment that seemed to stretch into eternity. He seemed to be ready to speak when the doors to the chamber burst open, allowing a brunette, followed by a blond, to streak in, breaking the tension that had been created.

I was instantly enveloped by strong, imprisoning arms as Bill shouted in my ear. "Are you alright? I felt your fear and had to find you! What's he done to you?"

I was about to respond, annoyed at the possessive grasp as well as his automatic assumption that Eric had tried to hurt me when Bill'd been doing that fine on his own lately, when I caught sight of something that drove the anxiety right back into my heart.

The blond streak had apparently been Pam, as she was now standing directly in front of her Maker, tears of blood rolling slowly down her face. She must have felt something major from her bond with Eric as I couldn't see her breaking protocol by crashing a meeting for anything less than dire circumstances. Now more uneasy than ever, I ignored Bill's increasingly strident demands for my attention in favour of listening to their conversation.

"Eric, you can't be serious! Please, just do what needs to be done. Don't leave me!" Pam's voice wavered at the end and I instantly flashed back to a similar scene on a Dallas rooftop. The alarm in my heart crystallized as I finally grasped that whatever Eric had refused to do because of me was somehow, someway going to bring about his end.

"Shh, Pam." He delicately drew his child to his chest, cradling her as she began to sob. "You'll be fine. You haven't needed me for a long time, now. You can get through this." He held her close as she clutched his shirt in her agony, gently stroking her hair. The tenderness of the scene left me gasping for breath.

"Sookie, ignore them. Look at me and tell me you're fine!" Bill forcibly turned me around to face him and shook me as he demanded my answer.

"Bill, I'm fine. Let me go!" I was increasingly annoyed at his behaviour. And I had thought Eric high-handed?

"Tell me you didn't exchange blood! Answer me, dammit!" That was his concern? Eric was obviously going off to face his final death for reasons yet unknown but having to do with me and Bill was concerned about his claim on me? I was abruptly furious, not only at Bill's caveman antics but at the entire keeping-me-in-the-dark situation.

"For God's sake, Bill! Can't you see there's something more serious goin' on right now? NO, I did not have any of Eric's blood and no, he did not have any of mine. Let go of me! You're hurting me and I'm angry with you!" His grip tightened briefly, but he seemed to register where he was and let me go.

"I'm sorry, Sookie, but you know how conniving Eric is and I was worried about what he'd been doing to you."

I just ignored his whining in favour of turning back to the heart-rending scene and trying to make sense of the situation.

Pam seemed to be slowly calming down under Eric's gentle caresses and soothing murmurs. They seemed oblivious to the rest of us as Eric carefully pulled back to look down at her.

"Pam, you are my greatest creation and I have never once regretted making you. I need you to stay strong and continue to be the best child I could have asked for by carrying on without me. You will do this." It was so typically Eric, yet still heart-breaking. He was comforting her but ordering her to go on.

"There is only one last thing I would have you do. Watch over her, in my stead."

I was abruptly met with a furious, snarling Pam, who if she hadn't still been in Eric's suddenly iron grasp would surely have been in my face.

"No! Eric, you know I would do anything for you, but you cannot ask me to care for your murderer, however unknowing!"

I felt all the breath leave my body at her final words. I was killing Eric? Oh God, what was going on? I started to hyperventilate, panicked beyond belief. Bill finally picked up on my distress and shook me again, yelling in my face, which unsurprisingly helped not at all.

"Sookie." The sound of my name in Eric's rich voice pulled me back to myself. I took in several deep breaths before looking up to see him kneeling before me, his face etched with concern. Bill of course, didn't like that one bit and immediately began ordering Eric to back off and for me to look at him. Eric responded to his underling's threats by snarling and showing fang, but was careful enough of me and my fragile emotional state to not advance or shout back.

The hullabaloo was broken by the Ancient Pythoness' single word. "Silence!"

Bill abruptly shut up but didn't relinquish his hold on me, much to my annoyance.

"This is unacceptable behaviour! You, youngling, will cease your impotent and insubordinate actions toward your superior. It is disgraceful and more of what I would expect of her." She pointed behind us at Jessica, who, along with Sam and Jason, had appeared at some point during my panic attack, no doubt anxious about whatever had made Pam and Bill run in. All three of them were looking at me in concern, recognizing both my distress and Bill's odd behaviour. "Release your hold on the girl."

"She is mine; I am entitled to comfort her." Was Bill really that stupid? Even Eric, Mr. High and Mighty of the healthy ego, showed this ancient the respect due her. His actions the past few weeks made me wonder if I had ever really met the true William Compton.

"I will not tell you again," she said, menace apparent.

"Bill, let me go, you idiot," I muttered, as quietly as I could, but not quietly enough as Jessica's snicker proved. He rapidly let me go and I rubbed my arms, trying to get rid of the tingling as my blood resumed its circulation. I caught Eric's concerned side-long glance before the AP demanded my full attention.

"It is apparent to me that the girl knows nothing of what is going on, a situation that is hardly fair, considering how many things lie hinged on her decisions. Viking, the time has come to tell her everything."

"No!" Eric erupted furiously. "No. She is not to know!"

"You do not think she has a right to make an informed decision?" The AP's voice was laden with hidden traps that suggested he answer carefully.

"Forgive me, Your Grace, but in this case no. Sookie is a tender-hearted creature and hates to see any being hurt if she can help it. I will not have her consent out of pity. She would grow to resent me and that would bring about the same situation, only with additional suffering on her part, as well." He grimaced, obviously finding such a situation untenable. "It is out of the question. Sookie is in love and happy with Compton, freely and willingly. No one has the right to interfere in that." He was apparently conveniently ignoring all the times he had tried to do exactly that. I had a nagging feeling that I was still missing something significant. I was really starting to hate that feeling.

He glanced down at me, that same gentle look in his eye. He slowly extended a hand toward my face and I closed my eyes in anticipation of his touch. I abruptly opened them as Bill yanked me backward, snarling, "You do not touch what is mine!"

Aghast at his possessive, obsessive action, I struggled to get free as I looked wildly at Eric. I immediately wished I hadn't. No one, especially not one as self-possessed as the Viking, should ever look so shattered, so utterly forlorn. My struggles stilled as I began to shudder, my gaze never leaving Eric as he slowly backed away.

"You would leave her, then, to her seducer?"