Thank you everyone who continues to review and flag my story. I love hearing what intrigues and appeals to you. So now, I give you Sookie's first training day.

*I don't own anything*

Chapter 11

The sound of my stomach savagely roaring and the weight of being half buried under a big, dead viking roused me from my slumber and my eyes creaked open. Carefully, I extricated myself from my hubby's clutches, kissed him gently and shimmied out of bed. Not knowing what kind of weather I'd be treated to, I dressed in my yoga pants, Louisiana State t-shirt and sneakers but took my thermal undies, jeans and a thick sweater too. My mouth was practically foaming as I bee lined to the alcove while making mental notes to question The Oracle about my voracious appetite as well as the extreme fatigue I'd experienced when we'd arrived. A smile spread across my face when I reached the Food-O-Matic and found one of Eric's beautifully written notes. I picked it up as I retrieved an enormous morning feast then settled in the living room and began reading.

My Lover,

Thank you for our naked night. You were exquisite! Perhaps one day, you'll find me worthy enough to share your light again. I can only hope to repeat such a pleasurable experience. Your willingness to embrace this life and your determination to master your gift astounds me. Don't worry about rushing to be with me when I rise tonight. Your training is far more important. Take all the time you need. I'll always be waiting.

Your Devoted Viking,

E

I finished my meal, rereading my note at least ten times and sending Eric a little bonded love even though I knew he wouldn't feel it. When my dishes were sent away and the rest of my human needs were met, I went to the cottage door, hesitating a moment then opened it. Once again, a perfect sunny day was waiting for me so I stepped outside, right into something resembling a cross between a Disney movie and a Summer's Eve commercial.

The Oracle sat peacefully by the pond, her back to me while butterflies softly landed on her shimmering, silver hair and the sleeves of her golden gown. It appeared she was talking to the trees and the scene was so over the top, I braced myself for little woodland creatures to scamper over and burst into song.

"Teacher," I called, alerting her of my presence though I got the feeling she was already aware. "What's with the weather?"

"You are Southern and I thought you'd be more comfortable training in the familiar warmth," she said, smiling as she stood and glided towards me. "But I can only change nature for so long. It is tiring, even for me. I see you've taken advantage of it already." She responded to my questioning look by pointing towards the sky. "It is invisible to you but there is the place your light repeatedly hit."

"Oh," I replied, casting my eyes to the ground. "I'm sorry. At first I didn't even know whatever that is was even there and then I sorta used it for practice. I hope I didn't hurt anything."

"Not at all. I placed the shield to give you that freedom and prevent another unexplained light show. You have excellent aim," she praised.

"Thank you," I blushed. "My body has been doing some pretty weird things too."

The Oracle's rainbow tinted eyes sparkled. "Extreme exhaustion the night you arrived and an increased appetite I suspect."

"How did you know?" I asked warily, wondering if hidden cameras were involved.

Much to my surprise, The Oracle laughed. "You needn't worry. There is no surveillance in your sanctuary."

"Wait a minute," I said a little sharply. "Did you just…"

"Read your mind?" she finished. "Of course I did. You are a loud broadcaster."

Well this was a switch and I stood there, my jaw hanging open as if it were catching flies. "Why didn't you tell me?" I finally thought and she smiled and patted my cheek.

"How do others react when you reveal your ability?"

"At first, they don't believe it but when I give them proof, they usually find any excuse to get as far away from me as possible. It makes them uncomfortable."

"And how do you feel now that you know I can hear your most intimate thoughts?"

"I get it," I said aloud. "But I still wish you woulda told me sooner."

"Woulda, coulda, shoulda," she replied, shaking her head. "You can dwell on this or we can begin your training. Your call."

"Train me," I answered firmly then added a heartfelt "please."

"Very well," she replied, nodding her approval. "Your exhaustion was the result not only of the intense mediation I led you through but also the journey here. You haven't experienced it again yes?"

"No Ma'am."

"I doubt you will. Your body is adapting rather well."

"How can you be so sure?" The Oracle's brow raised much like Eric's does when he's about to say something along the lines of, "you're serious?"

"You have called the light several times, without my help."

"And my appetite? I'm worried I won't fit into my clothing much longer if I continue eating this way."

"You needn't fret about that," she replied, grinning. "Each time you release the light, it burns a copious amount of calories. In fact, you'll need to eat two to three times your normal consumption just to maintain yourself." Her eyes narrowed and she became very serious. "If you don't comply, it will become physically impossible for you to continue feeding your viking."

Well sign me up for a lifetime supply of Big Mac value meals cause there was no way anyone else was going to feed Eric. "I understand Teacher," I replied. "Is that also why my light gradually faded last night?" I didn't want to get into the naughty details, figuring she'd see it all inside my head anyway.

"Partially," she said and turned away. "Let us walk Sookie."

I followed her into the woods and for awhile, she said nothing. My body responded to her soothing presence although I began to get antsy and finally broke the silence.

"Teacher, would you care to elaborate?" I asked timidly. "I'd really like to know."

"The energy you expel must be regenerated," she said matter-of-factly, stopping at one particularly giant pine and placing her hand on it. "Your body must learn to adjust and compensate based on the frequency the light is released. The process burns fuel much like an automobile. Hence, the increased caloric need." She paused a moment, closing her eyes. "The forest is beautiful isn't it," she said more as a statement rather than a question. "One of Mother's greatest achievements." With that, she wrapped her arms around the great trunk and squeezed. It was official. The Oracle was a tree hugging hippie in disguise.

"Actually, some of those tree hugging hippies are faeries in disguise," she said with a wry smile and I blushed, embarrassed she'd caught that fleeting thought.

"You think humans were a mistake don't you?" I asked cautiously.

"Mother doesn't make mistakes," Teacher replied as she left the tree and began walking again. "Humanity has such potential. It saddens her that they often waste it in the pursuit of wealth and immortality or worse, in the absence of hope. Ironic so many humans hate vampires isn't it when they are the embodiment of what humans covet most."

"Do the vampires anger your mother? I mean their existence essentially thumbs its nose at her circle of life theme she's got going here."

"No. Mother forgives and it is not the vampires' fault my sister created them that way."

I almost asked if the Pythoness had been damned because of her children but ultimately decided that would be rude. "But don't faeries hate vampires too?"

"Faeries do not hate but have had to master the art of war in order to survive. My sister placed them on that path when she gave vampires a craving for their blood. Most faeries refuse to leave The Great Void for fear they will be hunted to extinction."

I didn't know what to think about that. I could see the self defense reasoning but hadn't forgotten the cryptic things Eric had told me about Faeries. My best guess was somewhere between the two extremes, lay the truth.

"This will do just fine," The Oracle pronounced. We'd circled back, returning to the clearing in front of the cottage and I was relieved she'd shelved our impromptu theological discussion. She left my side and put about twenty feet between us before prompting. "I want you to repeat what you did yesterday but try to hit me."

"Oh. I don't know," I said timidly, remembering the near crippling pain I'd experienced. The last thing I wanted to do was cause my teacher bodily harm especially on the first day.

"Thank you for your concern Sookie," The Oracle replied. "But there is no need to fear for me. I am beyond this physical world and will feel no pain. Go on. Hit me."

I stood there, trying to conjure the anger and hurt but in the end, I lobbed her the equivalent of a light softball filled with my happier emotions. However, instead of praise, The Oracle became irate.

"Is that the best you can do?" she shouted, immediately invading my personal space. "I told you to hit me. Now do it!"

"But.."

"NO! There is no hesitation!" Her eyes had taken on a fiery glow, much like The A.P.'s had the night we'd found the remnants of Felipe at her feet. She was just as terrifying as her sister, perhaps more. "For your defiance, I'm going to remove the spells and drag your viking into the sun," she seethed, turning and lifting her arms as if to do so.

All those stories Eric told me were making much more sense now. My love for my viking and the need to protect him far outweighed the fear of hurting The Oracle, particularly this vicious side she'd revealed. I was going to stop this, no matter the consequences and I slammed the deity with every ounce of fury I had. It smacked her square in the back and knocked her forward. As she stood, I recharged, prepared to strike again. However, when she turned, she was smiling.

"That's more like it," Teacher praised, reverting back to her usual cheery demeanor. "You pack quite a punch. If I were human, I'd need a hospital and if I were vampire, there'd be nothing left but ash. Well done!"

I was flabbergasted and kept my hands up in a defensive posture. "So you weren't really going to hurt Eric?" I asked guardedly.

"Absolutely not," she replied. "But I had to do something drastic that would trigger your protective instincts. Now that you see I will be unharmed, we can get down to business."

The rest of the day, we did just that. The Oracle had me firing light bombs as if I were a pitcher in a major league game and I was amazed by how well I did. My body was definitely learning to regenerate the light quickly and my aim was spot on. I couldn't wait to show Eric though I was beginning to feel the physical effects.

"I will return in a week," The Oracle advised as the sun set in the horizon. "Practice what you have learned. You may use your viking if he is willing for he is as immune to the light as I am." She leaned over and kissed my forehead. "I am sorry you had to see the darker side of me but it was the only way."

"I understand Teacher," I said. "And I won't let you down."

"I know you won't," she smiled. "Now go to your husband." With that, she turned and vanished.

I shook my head, still coming to grips with all of this as I stepped towards the cottage and the first few snowflakes began to fall. The bond hummed the usual soothing calm I felt whenever Eric was awake when I reached the cavern, I found him waiting with a traditional fried chicken dinner in hand.

"Lover," he smiled. "I thought you might be hungry. Come, eat. I wish to hear about your day."

Engulfed in his love and pride, I sauntered over to my viking and kissed him deeply. "You really are the most amazing man."

I know we didn't have much Eric in this one but he will definately figure prominantly in the next. We'll also get a little citrus fix too but after last chapter, I thought it would be ok to take a break. Even part faery va-j-js need time to rest and recouperate. LOL!

Please don't forget to leave a review. They are a lifeline for me and I appreciate them more than words could ever express.

Peace!

Hippy