Well the snow is finally done falling and I'm done writing the chapter. So without further ado, here comes the Viking… :)

I do not own the characters; they are the property of Charlaine Harris.

A Fairy Tale - Chapter 6

As exhausted as I am, I don't sleep soundly Sunday night at all. I keep waking up screaming and crying from nightmares about Dermot. In the most recent one I was battling Dermot with Nauda's sword but I kept dropping it. It was incredibly frustrating! My hands were useless, they felt like giant Mickey Mouse hands that wouldn't flex and bend the way they were supposed to and I just couldn't seem to keep a grip on the sword. Its power is only effective when someone in Nauda's bloodline wields the sword, not when they drop it! Aiden was there too and he was trying to help me by throwing flames at Dermot, but Dermot picked up my sword and in one swift move decapitated Aiden. My own sobs woke me up, and now I can't get the image of Aiden's lifeless eyes or the sound of Dermot's sadistic laugh out of my mind. I toss and turn the rest of the night, finally getting a bit of sleep after the sun comes up. This day is off to a wonderful start.

I get myself ready for work in a daze. I try to conceal the bags under my eyes as best I can, and I drink almost an entire pot of coffee, but both have little impact. I attempt to practice my air magic for a while with the candle Aiden left behind. I can't summon enough energy to do much more than make the flame flicker though. Eventually I give up and head to Merlotte's for my shift.

Sam pulls me aside a few hours into the afternoon. "Sookie, are you ok? You seem really out of it today."

"I'm fine, Sam, I just didn't get a very good night's sleep."

Sam gives me a sympathetic look and asks, "The nightmares aren't getting any better, are they?"

I shake my head and stifle a yawn. He was pretty used to seeing me like this over the past few months, but last night was worse then it had been in a weeks. "They were getting better for a little while, but after Niall's letter and everything in New Orleans, I guess it's just stirred things up again."

"How did things go in New Orleans? You never did say."

I tell Sam about what Niall left me. He's quiet while I recap, and I notice he's not acting surprised over Niall's gifts, instead he just looks very concerned. Finally he speaks saying, "Sookie, this doesn't sound good. Niall set you up with a weapon and someone to train you in magic; he must really expect Dermot to make a move. I think you should concentrate on learning everything you can so you can protect yourself. How did it go with Aiden yesterday?"

"Pretty good, he mostly explained some fairy history and about the sword. We didn't have much time to work on the magic since we were interrupted by Pam."

"What did Pam want?" Sam looks annoyed now.

I fill him in on Felipe's plans for the summit and my encounter with Victor in New Orleans. "So, Pam came by to see if I could come to Fangtasia tonight to talk about the summit."

"You have to drive out to Shreveport tonight? You'll fall asleep at the wheel!" Sam runs a hand through his shaggy hair and glances around the bar. "Can't you cancel and go another night?"

"You know how Eric is. He'll probably end up knocking on my door in the middle of the night if I don't show up. I'll be fine, don't worry."

Sam gives me a scathing look, then sighs and says, "Listen, it's pretty quiet in here, why don't you head home early and try to get some rest."

I'm not one to ignore my responsibilities, but I have to admit, I'm really not in any shape for a long drive. There's not that much time left in my shift anyway, but it would give me enough time to take a quick nap, so I give in. "Ok, Sam. You're sure?"

"Yeah, go on Sookie get some sleep. I'll take care of your tables till Maddie gets here."

I give Sam a hug and my thanks and turn to go back to the office. At the last second I remember I need to ask about his rental property for Aiden. "Oh Sam, I almost forgot. Is that duplex of yours I stayed in still empty?"

"Yeah, why? Did something happen to your house?" Sam looks alarmed, so I quickly reassure him.

"No, no there's nothing wrong with my place. Its just that Aiden's staying in a hotel and he's probably going to be around for a little while so I told him I'd ask about the house. Would you rent it to him?"

"Yeah, sure. Tell him to stop in sometime and I'll get him all set up. It's still furnished too, so he can move right in."

"Thanks, Sam!" I give him another quick squeeze and head home. I really am exhausted. I figure I can sleep for a good 2 hours before I need to leave, and that's exactly what I do.

Thank God for a dreamless sleep! I actually feel pretty good when I get up. I want to look somewhat professional for this meeting, so I throw on a pair of nice grey pants and a sleeveless, white button down shirt. I play with the number of buttons left open at the top so as not to reveal too much cleavage, and I pull my hair back with a clip. Once satisfied I go to the kitchen to have a quick dinner before I leave. Amelia's there so we chat while we make dinner. She agrees with Sam that I need to put some serious effort into learning my magic and even suggests I cut back my hours at Merlottes in order to train. As she points out, I don't really need the paycheck anymore anyway. I'll have to think about that though. I like my job and I don't want to leave Sam when he's already trying to recover from the loss of Arlene. Before I leave I want to practice my magic a little, I'm hoping after my nap I'll be able to do a better job. I light the candle and give it a go, and sure enough I get the flame to go out. I relight the candle a few times, and now that I know what I'm doing, it takes surprisingly little effort.

"Sookie that's great!" Amelia congratulates. "I wonder what else you'll be able to do."

"I don't know? I haven't really given it much thought. I'm meeting Aiden again tomorrow to try some other stuff, so we'll see what happens." I glance at the clock and sigh, "I should hit the road though. I'll see you later."

The drive to Shreveport takes about 40 minutes, and I spend that time recapping my most recent times with Eric. One of my fondest memories with him over the past year (besides of course the time I woke up to find him in my bed after Quinn's visit) was the night I went to see him at Fangtasia and we just sat and talked. He was so open with me that night, telling me about his human wife and children, and it seemed for a moment like we might actually be able to have a relationship; a real relationship, not just one centered on sex and saving me all the time. But everything seemed to fall apart after the fairy war. Eric came around a lot at first and treated me really well. We watched movies and he gave me his blood to help me heal, but he never opened up to me like that again, and I was still in too bad of shape mentally and physically to do much more than cuddle with him. When I did start feeling better, he became more and more distant and then stopped coming over altogether about three months ago. It really hurt that he just abandoned me like that and I've done my best over the past few months to just avoid thinking about him. But now here I am, on my way to go see him. I have such mixed feelings about it and I just don't know what to expect from our meeting.

Pretty soon I'm pulling around to the employee lot of Fangtasia. It's been a long time since I've been here, and I feel a little awkward using the back door. I hesitate as I reach for it, steeling myself and summoning some courage, when the door swings open apparently of its own accord.

Pam appears in the doorway but looks past me seeming to search for something. "Oh darn, I was hoping you would have that tasty tutor of yours with you. I wanted Eric to meet him."

I give Pam my best cold stare, but the ice-queen is not phased. "Come in Sookie, Eric's in his office." She holds the door open and follows me down the hall.

Eric's office door is slightly open, but I hesitate, unsure whether I should just walk in or knock. Before I make up my mind though, I hear Eric's smooth voice call out from inside, "Come in, my lover."

I haven't heard his voice in months, and the effect that just hearing him has on my body is embarrassing. I'm know Pam can hear my heart beat speed up from behind me, but it's the twinge of lust I'm sure Eric can feel that has me the most self-conscious. I take a calming breath and walk in. Oh, Eric is really laying it on thick. The beautiful Viking is wearing a very fitted, black t-shirt and jeans. His sculpted biceps are on full display as he is stretched out with his booted feet on his desk, hands intertwined behind his blond mane. I take a moment to gaze over him from head to toe, inch by glorious inch, but I'm broken out of my reverie when Pam uses a cool finger to push my jaw back up into place. With a snicker she says, "I think I'll give the two of you a moment to catch up. I'll be in the bar."

Mortified at my obvious oogling, I shake myself and make my way toward Eric's desk. I should have known he wasn't going to let me get away that easy; he's in front of me pulling me into his chest as soon as Pam closes the door. I can't help myself. I completely melt into his embrace. He buries his head in my neck and inhales. "Lover, I have missed you."

"Mmmm, me too," I breath into his chest. He begins running his strong hands up and down my back and moves his mouth up my neck and along my jaw line. It takes all my will power to regain my wits and push away from him. "Eric, please, you wanted to talk?" I question breathlessly.

"We have plenty of time for talking," he murmurs pulling me into a tighter embrace, successfully closing the little space I had created. "Come now, I have not seen you for months." He punctuates his statement with a toe-curling kiss, but I'm stuck on the not seeing him for months reminder. All of my anger and hurt feelings from these past months comes barreling back into me and Eric stiffens from the sensations I'm sure he's feeling through the bond. I use his momentary lapse to unwrap myself from his arms and take a big step back, poking him in the chest for good measure.

"You're right, Eric, its has been months! You think you can ignore me for all this time and just say 'I miss you, Lover' and everything will be fine? I don't think so, buddy. I'm hear to talk and that's it." While he may have looked momentarily apologetic, as soon as the word buddy is out of my mouth his eyes quickly glow with anger.

"I have not been ignoring you," he growls through clenched teeth. "I have been trying to keep you safe. You have no idea what's been going on around here."

I cut him off saying, "I haven't had the slightest idea what's been going on because I haven't heard a thing from any of you!" I take a breath and try to clam myself down, remembering what Mr. Catalaides said, and I continue, "until I spoke to Mr. Catalaides and Pam, I didn't know what to think at all. You stopped coming by, then stopped returning my calls. I haven't heard from Pam or Bill even." I cast my eyes downward, remembering how alone I've felt, and Eric seems to soften a little.

"I know it has been hard for you, but I assure you my coming by would not have helped. Sit, lover, and I will explain."

I sit down in the chair in front of Eric's desk, the couch just looks a little to cozy for me to keep my wits about me. Eric eyes said couch and then proceeds to sit on the other side of his desk. Letting out a sigh as he goes. "What did Catalaides tell you so far?"

I recap Mr. Catalaides comments about the King's apparent fear of Eric and his thoughts on Felipe trying to catch him somehow breaking the law in order to get rid of him. Eric seems pleased with the demon's assessment and says, "I have been thinking the same thing. Victor has been around constantly for the past few months, interrogating everyone in the area and watching my every move. This is why I have been keeping my distance from you. I told him you were recovered physically but that you needed time away from all supes for a while to get over such a traumatic ordeal. I've even had to keep Alcide away and put off his requests to see you and ask about some jobs."

"Alcide? What does he want?" I question.

"The were is having a hard time since their revelation and he thought you might be able to help him with some staffing issues at his company." Eric waves a dismissive hand at the idea.

"But I don't understand why you couldn't come see me in all this time? You're right, I wouldn't have wanted to take any jobs, but it would have been comforting to have… friends come visit at least." I trail off at the end, completely unsure what to classify Eric as, and opt instead to make it a general statement.

"I told Victor you were healed. In his and Felipe's opinions there would be no other reason for me to see you once you no longer needed my blood, especially since I said you were not up to using your gift. You have to understand, to them you are but an asset and if I had continued going to your house they would have been suspicious. I did not wish to attract any attention to you."

I mull that over but find I'm not entirely satisfied with his answer. "And you couldn't call and explain this to me or anything?"

"Victor has our phones tapped. The bar was bugged as well, but we finally got that all removed once Victor returned to New Orleans."

Well, that sort of made sense I guess, but I still had questions. "But I am supposed to be under Felipe's protection, right? I mean, Dermot is still out there you know, and Amelia and I have been alone in that house for months."

"Yes, I know. Niall told me he could not find Dermot before he sealed the portals off. You have not been left without protection though. Bill patrols your home at night but has been told to keep a good distance. Sam has been watching over you at work and a bit around your house. And Calvin assigned some of his panthers to patrol during the days, they too have been told to keep their distance."

Wow, I had no idea so many people were wandering around my home. How could I not have sensed them? I guess I was in worse mental shape then I had thought. Although I do spend most of my time at home keeping my shields locked in place to keep Amelia out. I'd have to make sure to check when I got home to see if I could sense Bill out there.

"Well it still would have been nice to know all of this was going on, Eric," I say with a bit of a whine.

Eric seems to realize that I'm pretty much out of arguments, and with a satisfied look says, "So if you are content with the goings on of the past few months, may we move on to some of my questions?"

"I just have one more," I say, and Eric nods for me to continue. I'm not exactly sure how to broach the subject, so I just go for the direct route. "Are you planning a takeover?"

Eric raises a questioning eyebrow, "A takeover, lover? You mean in all of my spare time between arranging your protection, entertaining Victor, and running my area and bar, you think I am plotting to overthrow the King?"

I know it sounds unlikely, but I also know that Eric did not answer my question. I stay silent and just wait for him to continue.

After a long moment, Eric says, "No, I am not planning to overthrow Felipe. I have no desire to be King."

"But why, Eric? Why haven't you ever tried to move up in vamp politics at all?" Eric's eyebrows knit together and he frowns at me, so I amend, "Don't get me wrong, I am the last person to care about political titles and I hadn't even thought about it until Mr. Catalaides said something. But it got me wondering, and I just want to know why."

Eric draws his hands together into a steeple and ponders my question for a while with a far away look. I just wait while I absorb the emotions coming across the bond: a mixture of apprehension and sorrow finally turns to resignation.

Eric lets out a sigh and begins, "I have been on this Earth for a very long time. I have spent a millennium fighting to better my situation; even in my human life we were constantly raiding and battling. I had to fight at my maker's every whim, and then eventually to finally remove myself from his control and earn my own place in the vampire world. I have fought with my kind against other supernatural races time and again, and against other vampires when needed. When I moved to Louisiana to work for Sophie-Anne, I was tired of fighting. The queen was a fair leader and that is why I decided to settle here. I know you probably do not see her that way because of your experience with her, but with me she was always fair. She mostly left me to do as I pleased. Of course there were the obligatory duties, but she was never unreasonable and understood my desire to just be left alone. Since we revealed ourselves to the humans that had actually seemed possible."

Eric paused and I tried to wrap my mind around everything he's lived through. It's hard to imagine such a long life, and to spend most of it constantly struggling must have taken its toll. Eric's long existence was rarely apparent, but looking into his eyes at this moment, I could almost see the impact of those 1,000 years.

Eric takes another unnecessary breath and the corners of his mouth turn up into a smile, but it doesn't touch his cerulean eyes. The long history I thought I could sense in those eyes is quickly replaced with a look of determination and fire. "This, Lover, is why I am not planning any takeover. I truly do not have the desire to fight for more power. Of course I still enjoy a good battle, and I will always be more than ready to fight when I am threatened. But to engage in such a thing unnecessarily? No, I am not power hungry. However if Felipe does threaten my life, or those I hold dear," here he gives me a significant look, "then I will fight to protect what is mine."

I absorb what Eric is telling me. So he's not planning a takeover per se, but he made it pretty clear that if pressed he will have some tricks up his sleeve. I'm sure what he is planning, though, are counter measures for any move Felipe might make, but I decide to tuck that away for further contemplation later.

I look up to take in Eric's changed expression. The odd smirk on his face lets me know he is done discussing this and ready to move on to his questions now. And sure enough, the next word out of his mouth are, "My turn, Lover."

I straighten in my chair and prepare to deal with whatever it is he wants to ask me. "Ok, Eric, what do you want to know?"

"Tell me about this fairy tutor Niall sent you," he demands with narrow eyes, it's really not a question. But before I have a chance to respond, Pam walks in the room.

"I got caught up with some unruly fang-bangers out there. I didn't miss you telling him about Aiden, did I?" Pam pouts.

Eric raises an eyebrow and I get a surge of… jealousy? through the bond. "Who is Aiden?" he growls.

Pam is practically giddy as a schoolgirl, of course for her that translates to a slight quirk of her lips, "Oh good, I haven't missed anything," she drawls and plops herself on the couch to enjoy the show.

I was sure Pam would have taken the opportunity to tell Eric all about Aiden before I got here, but she obviously thought it would be more fun to watch us both squirm and kept the details to herself.

I realize they are both waiting for me to say something, so I summon my resolve and begin. "Aiden is a part-fae telepath that Niall sent to me. He's much more skilled with his telepathy than I am and has also learned to harness his fae magic, so he's going to teach me. Niall said I have the 'spark' and can do fae magic too."

When they realize that's all I'm saying on the matter, Pam interjects, "but your leaving out the best part, Sookie. When I walked in last night…"

I quickly cut her off, "Oh of course! You have to see what I can already do! It's really cool. Do you have a candle?"

Pam sulks back down into the couch with a grimace, but Eric nods his head toward a candle on his bookshelf. I jump up to retrieve the candle, hoping I can distract them enough with my new ability to keep out of any conversation regarding the 'best parts' of Aiden. I light the candle with the matches that were sitting next to it and place it on Eric's desk.

"Ok, now watch the candle," I tell them and try to clear my mind and focus my energy. I'm a little worked up though and can only seem to make it flicker.

"What are we supposed to be seeing, Sookie?" Pam questions, staring intently at the flame.

Frustrated, I say, "just watch," and try to really push the air at the candle with all my energy. It's seems I give it a bit too much kick though. Sure the candle goes out, but everything on Eric's desk also goes flying at him and he's currently covered in a pile of probably important forms and various other office paraphernalia.

Removing a post-it from his head, Eric asks, "What the hell was that?"

I can't contain the giggle that bursts out when I look at Eric. I'm reminded of Trash Heap from my favorite childhood show, Fraggle Rock. He just needs the banana peal hat to top off the look, I think to myself. That really gets me going, and despite the scathing look he's currently shooting me, I continue laughing while I try to put him to rights. Gathering up his papers I try to explain. "I have some tie to the air because of my fae-bloodline. So Aiden is teaching me to manipulate the air with my mind. So far I've only been able to muster enough energy to blow out a candle, but apparently I can put a bit more force behind it then just that."

"Yes, apparently," Eric grumbles sarcastically.

I get all the papers cleaned up, pulling a few paperclips out of his hair, and return everything to his desk. "I'm sorry, I really didn't mean to do all that," I say waving my hand around him and his desk to illustrate the point.

"So you did that with just your mind?" Pam questions. I have to stop and revel in the moment before I answer, because Pam actually looks impressed.

"Well, yeah I guess. I don't know how to describe it any other way. I'm not really sure what else I'll be able to do with it either."

"Very impressive, Lover." Eric compliments as I resume my seat.

I beam with pride at their recognition. And I have to admit, for the first time in a long time I feel pretty darn good about myself. Before I can get too carried away though, I snap back to the present and remember the whole purpose for coming here tonight. I ask, "So what's the deal with this summit? Victor said it was sometime next month?"

Eric fills me in on the specifics of the summit. It seems Felipe wants to meet with the sheriffs of all the areas to handle any issues that have arrived since the takeover. This means there will be trials like in Rhodes as well as the normal ostentatious parties the vampire kings and queens love to throw. A few representatives from surrounding states will also be present for business dealings. My work will likely be to sit in on trials and business meetings whenever humans are present, and of course to eavesdrop during the socializing for any zealot plots against the kingdom. It's amazing to me that this sounds almost routine at this point. I question Eric about the logistics, like when and for how long and travel accommodations.

"You, Bill, and I will fly out from Shreveport in the evening and will be staying together in a suite. I will likely have to attend some meetings without you, and will feel better if you have Bill close by. I've put a request in with Alcide to send one of his were's over for you to meet, and he will accompany us as well and stay with you during the days." Eric looks at me questioningly, I assume to see if I'm going to throw a fit over being babysat. I'm not going to though. After the fairy war I have completely forgiven Bill for his past indiscretions and have a newfound respect for sticking with my "guards."

When I simply nod without argument, Eric continues. "We'll leave on Thursday but the events don't start until Friday night so we'll have that evening to get situated. The final reception will be on Sunday night and we'll fly back Monday morning."

"Ok, sounds like a plan. And Pam's not coming because…?" I prompt.

Pam interjects sulkily, "All of the sheriffs were told to leave their seconds behind to run the areas. So I'll be stuck here with the fang-bangers and paperwork while you're off enjoying Vegas."

I snort, "Oh, so sorry, Pam. I'm sure I'll be having so much fun listening in on the fascinating business meetings and charming trial rulings all weekend."

Pam just shrugs and Eric continues, "Now, you will need to pick up some new clothing for this trip: some business attire as well as some evening gowns. I believe you lost everything from before in Rhodes?" I nod and he goes on, "I have set up a line of credit again at your friend's shop but you will also need to pick up new luggage as well."

I cut him off before he can get too carried away. "Eric that's really not necessary, I can buy my own clothes. Especially now that I have me inheritance."

"Inheritance?" Eric questions.

"Yeah, Niall left me a good bit of money. That's why I was in New Orleans last weekend; I was meeting with Mr. Catalaides to finalize everything. So really, I'm fine." I try to be polite but stern about this point. I really would not feel right about Eric buying me clothes especially now that I have plenty of money of my own.

Eric seems to be debating whether or not to let it go and finally sighs and moves on. "Very well. While we're on the topic of money, I need to know how much Sophie-Anne paid you for Rhodes. Felipe agreed to pay the same fee."

"Oh wonderful," I snort. "So I guess I'm doing this pro bono then, huh?"

Eric looks confused at my outburst. "What do you mean, pro bono? I just told you he would pay you what Sophie-Anne paid."

"Well that's the thing, Eric. Sophie-Anne never did pay me. Between the bombing and her recovering from her injuries, I guess paying me got put on the back burner. Then Felipe took over…" I trailed off figuring he could fill in the blanks himself.

"I was not aware you were never paid. When Felipe took over Sophie-Anne's kingdom he also took over her debts. I will see to it that you are paid for both summits."

I just shrug in response. Of course I want to be paid, but I had resigned myself to the fact that I would never see any money from Rhodes. "Ok, let me know what happens with that." Glancing at the clock I realize its almost 2 am. "It's getting really late though and I need to be up to meet Aiden tomorrow, so I really should get going."

I stand to head for the door and Eric rises as well. Turning to say goodbye to Pam, I notice she's gone into downtime during our conversation. I give her a little wave but of course she's not paying attention.

"You never did tell me much about this tutor of yours," Eric probes as he guides me to the door. I notice Pam turns her attention back to us eagerly. It's late, I'm tired, and I would like nothing more than to get out of this office without any discussion on this topic. I know the only way out of this is for some serious distraction, so I dive in.

I turn back and place a hand on Eric's chest and look up at him through my lashes. In my most demure tone I whisper, "You know, I could use a tutor in another matter."

Eric raises an eyebrow and questions, "Oh really?"

"Mmm hmm," I nod and continue suggestively, "and I can't think of anyone who's more skilled at it than you are, Eric."

He straightens up and I can feel the lust swelling through the bond. "Go on."

"Do you think that you could teach me," I hesitate and drop my eyes timidly.

Eric preens and lifts my chin back up to meet his smoldering gaze, "What do you want me to teach you, lover?"

I can barely keep my focus between the intensity of the feelings he's throwing at me and the burning look in his eyes. I steel my resolve and finally say, "Could you teach me how to, um, how to fight with a sword?"

I know I'll pay for this later, but it's totally worth it for the dumbstruck look on his face. Eric can't seem to come up with a reply, so I take my opportunity saying, "Think it over and let me know." I plant a quick, chaste kiss on his slack-jawed mouth and get the heck out of there. The last thing I hear on my way out the employee exit is the sound of Pam's genuine laughter cut off sharply by Eric's growl.

I hope you all are enjoying reading this as much as I am enjoying writing it! Thanks so much to everyone who's reviewed! I was pretty unsure about publishing a story but you all have given me the courage to continue, so thank you! Please keep the feedback coming! It's great to hear what you're thinking and wondering about so I don't leave any holes.