*Disclaimer. I'm a shameless hack and own nothing.*
A big thank you to everyone who continues to follow my story, leaving reviews and alerts along the way. I get a kick out of hearing what the readers think. But enough of that. We all want to know what happened to our Glow Sookie so here we go….
Chapter 7
Faint voices drifted in from the living room and awakened me. I guessed I'd been out only a short time and Eric and Pam had resumed their pow-wow. However, when a groggy eye caught the clock's 9am time and I became aware my viking's body lay next to mine, alarm bells went off. Quietly, I sat up, listened intently and searched for a potential weapon.
"Good morning Las Vegas and welcome to another addition of Java talk on the Caffeine Couch. I'm Holly Highball."
"And I'm Chip Stonewell. Coming up on today's show, we uncover the wildest and weirdest stories of the week. But first, a word from our sponsor."
I let out a sigh of relief once I realized my mystery voices were nothing more than the TV. Since I was now fully awake, I kissed my viking good morning, took care of my human needs then went to fix my coffee. Although I was still glowing, I noticed it had dimmed and made a mental note to relay the information to The Oracle. That is, if she ever showed up.
"Welcome back. Today's top story. Vampires in the coffin. Werewolves in the woods. Aliens in the Canyon?"
My head snapped to attention and my eyes focused.
"That's right Chip. Here's footage of last night's unusual light show taken by hikers. There you see it. A bright flash shooting strait out of the canyon basin seems to linger a few moments and vanish. NASA confirms no storms or atmospheric disturbances and local officials are working with Hopi tribe elders in a joint investigation."
The TV clicked off and I whirled around to find The Oracle. She smiled ethereally as her translucent body floated towards mine.
"You've had quite an eventful time haven't you Child," she said serenely.
"That's an understatement Ms. Oracle Ma'am," I muttered still annoyed she'd kept me waiting so long.
Soft bursts of light sprang from her even brighter smile and my mood instantly lifted. Whatever it was about Claudine that always made those around her feel just plain good, The Oracle had in spades. She stepped forward and to my astonishment, solidified. She was even more gorgeous than her ghostly form yet still surrounded by an aura of otherworldliness. Her hair was pulled into a tight ponytail with silvery strands shimmering over her porcelain skin and her eyes were like looking into the heart of a rainbow.
"You may call me Teacher and it is time for your first lesson."
I choked on the coffee I'd been sipping. "You're…my teacher?" I asked in disbelief.
"Yes Child. I was going to wait until you reached your viking's mountain but it's apparent you need help now." She pointed to my glowing body and smiled again. "Who better to teach you than I?"
"But I'm nobody. Isn't there someone lower on the fairy totem pole qualified for the job? Not that I'm not grateful, but this is beneath you."
The Oracle laughed and it sounded like a flock of birds on a spring morning and fluttered over me. "Everyone is somebody Sookie and teaching you to wield the power I gave you is far from beneath me. Now let's begin." She took my hands in hers and it felt like I was being caressed by fine silk linen. I was guided to the couch and gently urged to sit.
"The sun is the most powerful force in nature," she began as she pulled a small flower pot from oblivion. "Just enough provides life," she continued, holding her hand over the pot as light sprang from her finger tips and a small, green stem sprouted and bloomed into a delicate daisy. "But to much brings death," she added as the light blazed and the flower burst into flames and vanished. She placed the pot on the coffee table and grasped my hands again. "The trick is to find the balance within yourself. You must understand, the light is now a part of you. You cannot think of it as a foreign body that doesn't belong or you will never have control. Based on your publicly documented experience last night, it is imperative that you do."
I wasn't going to protest as I too knew how important control was but I was apprehensive nonetheless. The Oracle must have noticed because her grip tightened and my whole body relaxed. "Close your eyes, clear your mind and begin breathing in through your nose, out through your mouth and each for a count of five," she prompted.
Obediently, I did as she instructed and before I knew it, I was aware of nothing but my heart beating in an infinite void. It was as if I were an empty shell waiting to be filled and then Teacher spoke.
"Sink inside yourself and see the blood."
I concentrated hard, trying to peer through the vast black space. I don't know how long it took but gradually, the darkness faded and I saw my blood as if I were floating just above the roaring red stream. Faintly, I again heard Teacher's voice.
"See the light and it's need to blend with your blood."
That proved even more difficult but after awhile, there it was. Golden strands dangled over the crimson river like millions of microscopic strings trying to knit themselves into the blood. I'd officially entered The Twilight Zone and it scared me to pieces. My body began to tremble as silent tears fell from eyes that refused to open.
"Shhhh," The Oracle soothed from a distance though I felt her hands cradle my head. "Don't fight Sookie. Embrace it. You and the light are one."
Slowly, the fear faded and a sense of overwhelming power replaced it. With renewed strength, I tentatively reached out and grasped the light. Immediately my whole body warmed as if it was recognizing an old friend and I felt it in the depths of my being. I stayed that way for I don't know how long engulfed in a peace and tranquility I never wanted to end.
"Now grip the light, pull it into you and bury it in the blood."
I followed her instructions and found no resistance as I wrapped several strands like one of Gran's yarn balls and began. As I pulled, I was not afraid like before. It was a part of me and my body welcomed it. Soon I was floating again. The light had anchored itself deep inside my blood with only faint sparks here and there to betray its location. Not that anyone was going to go rooting around inside my body anytime soon. At least I hoped not.
"Wake."
My eyes opened and I found myself lying down though I had no recollection of doing so. I was relieved to see my skin had returned to normal though my body was physically weak.
"Drink," The Oracle ordered, sitting me up and placing a glass of florescent green sludge into my shaky hands. I glanced between her and the glass, pinched my nose and downed the thick liquid in one long gulp. It tasted as nasty as it looked.
"What was that?" I asked, fighting the gag reflex.
The Oracle smiled. "it is a blend of this and that designed to give your body the nutrients it needed to recover from your session. You've been under quite a while." I checked the clock and was utterly flabbergasted when I realized seven hours had passed even though it felt like only seven minutes. "Our future lessons won't be as long but you needed to embrace this new part of yourself. How do you feel?"
"Surprisingly good," I answered, doing a little jig and I noticed the power and confidence I'd experienced in that altered state lingered. "May I ask a question?"
"Our time is short but I will answer if I can," The Oracle replied sweetly and I wasted no time.
"Why was I glowing in the first place? I mean, I understand the power was initially unleashed to protect me but this?" I scratched my head and shrugged my shoulders. "I'm stumped."
"You were with your viking when it happened, yes?" she clarified.
"Yes."
"And neither of you were in any danger."
"No."
"What happened just before your light emerged?"
Memories of our moonlight tryst flooded my brain and my face turned beet red. "Don't be ashamed Sookie," she gently prompted. "Help me help you."
"I had an orgasm," I replied quietly, averting her eyes. "But I've had many of them since you gave me the gift and this never happened before."
"What were you thinking and feeling just before your orgasm?"
This was as awkward as the first time Gran talked to me about sex but I had to give answers to get them so I forced myself to press on. "It was as if Eric touched my soul and I was thinking how lucky I am and how much I love him and I wished that moment would last forever."
"Love is a powerful force Sookie, the purest energy and it manifests itself inside your light. It came to your aid and saved your vampire, then returned as a symbol of your true feelings."
"So," I giggled, thinking I'd just stepped into a Lifetime movie of the week, "I was literally glowing with love?"
"When you lost control," she added and I heard Eric's words, "let go Lover," echo in my head. It made sense although the situation posed a serious threat to our sex life.
"How will I ever relax now?" I asked. "And what happens to other vampires around me? Eric's child Pam came in close contact with me but was unaffected. Will it be the same for all of them unless they try to hurt me?"
"Pam is a part of Eric just as he is a part of you and the light recognized that. As for the others, you know their fate." She must have noticed my shudder and gently touched my cheek. "Fear not. Eventually, you'll be able to call and dismiss the light at will. But for now," she added with a sly wink, "I suggest you keep your lovemaking confined to private places." She stood and began drifting towards the door. "My sister is expecting me and your vampire will rise soon. Pack your things and assemble them here. We will come for you at midnight." She smiled once more and dematerialized.
"Bizarre," I said, shaking my head to the now empty room.
"What is My Lover?" a hunger fueled voice replied.
Caught off guard, I spun around and met Eric's heated gaze. "You're up early," I remarked, sauntering over to him.
"Do you wish me to leave?" he asked and his eyebrow lifted playfully.
"Not at all," I sighed, throwing myself into his arms. "I just wasn't expecting you. This is a nice surprise though."
"I'm surprised as well, Dear one. My body felt you call and was compelled to rise."
"Eric, I've been with The Oracle all day and I don't remember calling anyone."
"Not your voice Lover," he seared, leaning down and kissing my neck, "your blood." My body quivered as his cool lips claimed mine. Quicker than a fangbanger can say "bite me," our bodies were tangled together in a jumbled frenzy of pleasure and when his fangs pierced my skin, we both enjoyed the exquisite release.
"Do I taste different?" I asked dreamily, snuggling into my viking's cool embrace.
"Not different," he replied, lightly stroking my arm, "more potent. I feel stronger than usual. Care to elaborate Lover?"
I smiled, flipped myself to face him and proceeded to relay everything I'd experienced. "It's funny you feel stronger," I mused while playing with the soft patch of gold on his chest. "I feel empowered, like I could kick ass and take names. Guess having a goddess in my corner helps," I giggled.
"I'm happy you are beginning to see yourself as I do Lover," Eric replied, softly touching my hair. "And it is good The Oracle has taken a personal interest in your training. You'll be that much more powerful when she's finished." He paused and the bond tickled. "I told you there was nothing to fear," he said with a satisfied smirk, "but I'll miss my little firefly."
"Don't worry," I snorted. "I'm bound to have a few more oopsie moments you can rag on me about."
"I didn't rag Dear One," Eric corrected lightly. "Pam did."
"Speaking of Pam, was she really angry with me?"
"No Lover," Eric assured. "She was just being Pam."
"Even so, maybe I should buy her another gift. A real one," I clarified. "Any suggestions Dad?"
Eric smiled. "That is unnecessary Min Älskling Fru, but very kind. You can't go wrong with shoes. She's partial to Jimmy Choo, wears a six and…Where are you going?"
"I'm starving!" I replied as I climbed off the bed. "The only thing I had all day was a glass of glorified algae so you're taking me to dinner. But first I need a shower." I wiggled my eyebrows in my best "come hither" look then spun around and moved into the bathroom while swinging my hips with extra oomph. "Oh, and invite Pam too," I called. Open mouth, insert foot. I knew I'd left the door wide open the moment I said it but Eric still found my "blonde moment" amusing.
"I'm sure she'd love to join us Lover but I prefer to keep you to myself." He zipped over and playfully patted my bottom. We enjoyed a quick but satisfying shower and by the time I dressed and put myself together, Pam was knocking. However, when the door opened, she was preceded by a large pink suitcase.
"As you commanded Master," she said, bowing. "Everything Sookie will need for a Northern winter."
"You've done well My Child," Eric praised and he opened the case revealing everything I could possibly need to keep warm from thermal underwear and wool socks to a beautiful, heavy winter coat and fur lined boots.
"Wow!" I said while enthusiastically picking through my wardrobe. "I'd love to shop with you sometime Pam. You have excellent taste."
"I know," Pam agreed. I wondered if she'd always been vain or if it was a trait she'd acquired from her maker. "Your happiness is my master's top priority and it…pleases me to please you." I noticed she choked on the last few words and figured Eric must have said something. Still, there was no denying her fashionista sense and even though I knew the clothes had ultimately come from Eric, I was even more determined to reciprocate Pam's gifts.
I had my opportunity faster than I'd anticipated. Eric took us to the high end part of the hotel for dinner and there were numerous shops along the way. When we passed a wall of shoes, I nonchalantly peeked and saw the store carried Pam's favorite footwear. Once seated, I ordered then gave a "you-need-some-privacy-to-talk-vampire-business-I'll-just-go-to-the-ladies' room" lame excuse. I don't think either bought it but based on our earlier conversation, Eric let me go without an argument.
Quickly, I scampered off to the boutique and scored a pair of white, silk satin, crystal studded, strappy platforms though I blanched at the price. Thank goodness for my newfound wealth or I'd have had to work over a month to afford them and that's not including living expenses. As a bonus, the clerk gift wrapped my purchase in pretty, pale green paper and included a small card. I thanked her for her help before dashing back to the restaurant. By the time I arrived, my face was flushed and I was breathing erratically. Both vampires looked at me like I had a few screws loose but really, who doesn't?
"Training for a marathon Sookie?" Pam asked as I sat down to my waiting meal.
"Nope," I replied, wiping my brow and gulping my tea. "I didn't have much time and wanted to get you this." I placed the box in front of her and she visibly recoiled.
"Thanks but no thanks. Your gifts suck."
"PAMELA!" Eric reprimanded sharply.
"Sorry Master," she said though it sounded anything but sincere. She turned and managed a forced smile. "Your gifts are too human. No offence."
"None taken," I retorted, "but I think you'll like this. I wanted to make up for the gag gift and I had a little help." I glanced at my viking and smiled. "If you think it's horrible, you have my permission to date my brother."
"I don't date," Pam said flatly. "And bedding your brother is a mistake I'll not repeat but since you insist." She opened the package faster than I could follow and when she pulled the pumps from their protective felt pouch, I knew I'd made the right choice. I didn't get a thank you. Instead, she repacked the gift and advised I had her permission to buy her shoes whenever the mood struck. I took it as the highest of compliments and from the pride I felt vibrating off Eric, I could tell he was pleased as well.
"Why did you not buy yourself a pair Lover?" Eric asked and I had to laugh.
"At that price? Those shoes better walk themselves onto my feet while singing Zipidee doo da. Just because I have money doesn't mean I should frivolously spend it."
"While I respect your position Min Älskling Fru, it only makes me want to spoil you more." I felt an inner caress and shot him a sly look.
"Don't you two ever stop?" Pam said feigning disgust.
"Never," Eric leered hungrily.
"If we're finished here Master," Pam huffed. "I must check in with Indira and Felicia but I'll be in my room should you need anything else."
"Of course Pam. You may go." Pam rose, bowed her head and zipped away.
A short time later as my viking tenderly healed me, I wondered what I could ever give him that he didn't already have. It bothered me to receive so much but have nothing to give. As I listened to Eric's beautiful language, a light bulb went off but unfortunately, I realized I'd need Pam's help. How was I going to slip out unnoticed? Eric always knew where I was. Our bond was like Lo-Jack but luckily, fate stepped in.
"I have some business to attend to before we leave," Eric said as he rose and began dressing. "Vampire business."
"Oh. Sure. Not for my ears," I stuttered trying to contain my excitement. "I'll just be out here. Take your time." I gave him a quick kiss, grabbed my clothes and went into the living room, closing the door behind me. Quickly I dressed, turned on the tv and tip toed out the door. My adrenaline racing, I stepped across the hall and lightly tapped. No one answered but I heard voices inside so I tapped again.
"WHAT!" Pam hissed as she yanked the door open practically off its hinges. I couldn't help but notice she was wearing her new shoes and entertaining twins, red heads and they were about three seconds from causing a scene.
"I'm so sorry to disturb you Pam," I whispered meekly. "But this is important. Could you step outside a moment. Please? It's about Eric."
I knew that would get her. She rolled her eyes and turned her attention to her companions. "Keep the fire warm girls," she mewed. "I'll be right back."
"As you wish Mistress," they said in unison, clearly glamoured.
"Alright Sookie, what's the emergency and where is my master?" Pam asked pointedly.
"Oh, he's fine. He had some vampire business to do and.."
"Get on with it!"
I almost bolted but steeled myself and blurted. "Can you tell me how to say I love you my bonded husband in Eric's language?"
Pam stood stock still for a moment and I wished I could hear her thoughts. Without warning, she stepped into my personal space and her fangs dropped. Angrily, she rasped. "This is what I left my meal for? Do you even know how hard it is to find red headed twins? I love my new Jimmy Choos Sookie, but I'm dangerously close to shoving them up your ass."
"I know and I'm so sorry," I pleaded and began crying. "It's just I wanted to give Eric something truly special and I don't know anyone else who speaks ancient viking."
Pam pulled back and reverted to her standard bored stance. "If I tell you, will you stop blubbering?" I nodded, wiping away my tears. "Fine. But I can't say it aloud. It's to nauseating."
"Well I don't have a pen and paper handy," I whimpered. "Can't you whisper?"
Pam made a face of sheer disgust but leaned in and spoke in a barely audible voice. I reiterated the phrase quietly to make sure I'd heard correctly and she confirmed I had it right. "Don't even think about disturbing me again," Pam snarled as she stepped back inside and I slunk against the wall nodding her warning was received loud and clear. However, when the door closed, I straitened and smiled triumphantly. I'd gotten what I came for and all it took was a few carefully shed tears. Feeling extra proud of myself, I slipped back into our room, happy to see my absence had gone unnoticed and finished packing.
At the stroke of midnight, The Pythoness and The Oracle appeared before us. "Mistress," Eric said reverently bowing before the A.P. "We are ready to leave as commanded. When is our flight?"
"You will not be traveling through conventional ways tonight Viking," the A.P. said. "It is decided."
We stared between ourselves and then at the two deities. As though she could read our minds, The Oracle floated forward. "I am taking you."
I know I said we'd be at the mountain by now but because of the glow incident, I felt it was important for Sookie to have her first lesson. I always have the general idea in my head but I let the characters take me where they want to go.
I'm anxious to hear what you all think of The Oracle training Sookie. It was between The Oracle and Claudine but ultimately, I felt since the gift came from her, she would best be able to hone Sookie's skills. Plus, the Sook is bound to have more questions regarding her future and particularly her life span and Claudine just wouldn't have those answers.
Once again I thank everyone who takes the time to leave a review. Y'all are awesome! Until next chapter.
Peace!
Hippychik
