Author's note: Same warnings are in effect here. Be responsible for what you read.

Recommended play list: Same as previous chapters with two additions: Bitches and Bring the Pain by Mindless Self Indulgence

The Princess and the Sheriff

For thou hast delivered my soul from death: wilt not thou deliver my feet from falling...(PS 56:13)

My soul followeth hard after thee: thy right hand upholdeth me." (Ps 63:7-8)

Chapter 3: The Hand that Guides Thee

Dallas, Texas

Hotel Carmilla was the best place to read the file in her hands. Lennie was seated in the lounge; the music in the background suited her just fine. She had spent a little time studying the people here. Quickly losing interest in them; they were all so…bland. She had spent the last few hours compiling research on Bill Compton and Sookie Stackhouse. Her sources had once again done a great job. The file was full of information that she knew wasn't open to the public. There were blood smears across the paper cover; she traced the dry stain with her fingertips. Her people had done as she asked and knew she would not mind bodies left behind. To their credit, those she had sent had burned the bodies in a car. The human police wouldn't make heads or tales of anything

Lennie opened the file; studying the color photos inside of the file.

Turns out Sookie Stackhouse had a brother who was a V addict and had recently enlisted as a Solider of the Sun. Two very strong reasons to eradicate both Stackhouse siblings. If not for Godric's orders; she would have already executed the blonde woman. She would be on her way to the training camp for the Soldiers. Instead she sat here; studying pictures and data.

Sookie was a telepathic human; and it was suddenly clear why Eric was paying for her. He wanted her services to be available to him. So he was bending to her conditions. None of that sat well with Lennie. No one ordered her brother around; except their Maker. She knew for a fact the Queen of Louisiana had tried to put her foot down. And that only got her so she was the queen; he had conceded to her demands. But it was not as much control as the queen wanted over him; and she was still bitter. Eric had agreed to sell vampire blood for her in his lands. He had agreed to allow Bill Compton into his lands at the Queen's specific request. Turns out Compton was creating more problems for Eric then he was supposed to.

And all because of a blonde human woman.

Lennie shut the file and slid it between her leg and the seat; she was tired of reading. Her instinct was to kill both Stackhouse humans; stake Bill and rip the queen a new one. It would have settled a lot of problems. Eric would be safe; his position secure and she could sit back and relax. Instead; she sat here, tense and frustrated. Godric's orders were causing her no end of problems. Still, she adhered to his instructions and would continue to do so.

She rubbed her temple with her right hand; resting her head in her palm. There were a lot of reasons she had stayed out of politics. The strongest one for her; she didn't agree with the democratic way most Sheriff's handled their lands. This wasn't a voting system. It wasn't a system that worked by discussion. They were not human; and attempting to play by human rules was a mistake. On the other end of things was her stance; clearly define your lands, defend them against all invaders and make no exceptions. The humans that lived on your land were there to serve you; they had a purpose, to provide for their liege.

This idea of letting humans run free and not swar allegiance, just didn't suit her. Those who didn't give their sword to their liege could not be trusted. And it seems she was right. Jason Stackhouse; who, in her mind, was suppsed to be loyal to Eric, had signed on as a Solider of the Sun. Sookie Stackhouse, who was a valuable asset, had aligned her self with a weaker vampire instead of her Sheriff. Mistakes, both of them had make terrible mistakes.

Lennie sighed, perhaps she was too old, that could be the problem. Her mindset was far too outdated for harmony in this world. And yet, that could not be entirely true. She had thrived in her vampire existence and was enjoying her existence. She knew what it was; what was throwing her into her old habits and ingrained patterns. It was fear.

After leaving here earlier; she had gone to see Godric. She had found him alright. But she hadn't been expecting his reaction to her presence. He had told her to leave; to walk away from him. She had been ordered her to leave his side and neigh return.

Flashback

Dallas, Texas, later the same night

A warm breeze had come into the State at some point in the evening. The position of the stars told her it was late evening. She had a few hours before dawn; plenty of time. She sat astride her bike; feet on the ground. She was on a hill; over looking the compound that the Fellowship used. She knew Godric was in there; she could feel him. She didn't need night-vision goggles to tell her anything. Her own eyes were perfectly equipped to see every man, woman and security camera on the property. It didn't take her long to get the full lay-out of the compound. Her first strike had to count; she didn't have many options here. For all that they were human; they were die hard believers. They would kill her even if it meant their own lives were sacrificed.

Before coming here she had stopped at Godric's place. Thankfully she had used the back entrance; very few people lingered in that area of the house. She had been able to get in, gather her things, and get out; without being stopped. She didn't want Stan or Isabelle to know she was here. It was bad enough Eric was here. Obviously here, she thought, he had not disguised his presence in the least. Seconly, he had come to watch over a human psychic no less. Lennie shivered again as she thought of the blonde. Something was just totally off her about that bitch. The first chance she got, she was going to spend some alone time with her; perhaps take her a part limb by limb.

Lennie shook her head; focusing on her task. Swinging off her bike; she double checked the sheath across her back. The sword was razor sharp; it could cut through bone in a single motion. On either hip; she had a knife. That made three in total; and that would be enough. In her human days she had taken a town with less then that. Granted, she'd had an army with her at the time; but it didn't matter. She was no longer human and she didn't need an army to back her on this. Though, she hesitated, it might have been a really good idea.

She made her way down the hill; keeping to the darkest places possible. Thankfully the moon was waning tonight; so the light was weak. The late hour meant the humans were tired; their minds more susceptible to her influence. She would not hesitate to kill them; but it wasn't her first choice right now. She only wanted to talk to Godric; not set off the alarms and throw the place into lock-down.

She watched from the darkness; familiarizing her self with the patrol patterns of those outside. She saw a predictable gap in their motions. Just a few seconds but it was enough. Her super-speed kept her invisible, save for the whoosh of air in her wake; the breeze erased all traces of sound. Lennie pressed herself to the outside wall. The wall was rough under hands; man-made materials. She closed her eyes; tuning her focus into that bond with Godric. He was in the lower area of the building; the basement. She could feel him inside the structure. He looked up and was aware of her presence.

Lovisa, what are you doing?

I need to talk to you, now. She had to pull her focus again; it was a lot of work to talk mind-to-mind.

She could feel him move around the room; it was a small space. I told you to not come after me.

Godric, please, something is wrong in the city.

He frowned; she could feel it in her mind. Stay outside, I will meet you.

They will just you walk out? She'd never heard of such a thing.

Do not kill anyone Godric ordered.

Curiosity held her focus for a split second longer then normal. He could just walk out? What the hell was going on? She ducked on instinct as wood bullets bit into the plaster near her head. She hit the ground and looked up; her fangs snapped down. She moved in a blur and the man screamed as his arm was snapped in half. He fell to the ground; his buddies opened fire without looking first. Their bullets made thick sounds as they burrowed into his chest. Lennie blurred herself behind the first shooter; grabbing the gun in one hand, she used the other to punch him. He flopped to the ground still alive, but unconscious. She turned the gun around and threw it in an arc; like a boomer-rang. The gun wasn't a boomer-rang, but it did hit one of the three targets. He fell again alive, but out of it. She ran at full tilt away from the guards. She couldn't keep herself from killing the rest of them.

She reached her bike and it was far enough from the humans; they had lost her. Their eyes were not sensitive enough to navigate pure darkness. She pulled in a deep breath; absently she opened her small saddle bag. Drawing out her cigarettes she lit up and inhaled deeply. The smoke did nothing for her; her lungs healed instantly. But it was all in her mind; and right now that was enough.

"Lovisa," Godric's voice was close to her.

Lennie turned her head, instantly dropping her smoke to the ground. She ground the toe of her boot into it. Bowing her head, "Godric."

"Explain," He demanded. His usually calm tone was not so even. He was angry.

"Eric is here; but it's not just about your disappearance. Which by the way, I have to ask you about; you explained this plan to me. But you failed to mention the Fellowship of the Sun in the process. How could you come to them?"

Godric stared at her for a moment; he looked over at the compound. "You did not kill anyone, which is good."

"I don't have to kill," She stated firmly, "I choose to because it's easiest."

His face darkened, "That is true, and we are vampire after all."

Lennie frowned at the emotion in those words. "You make it sound like a bad thing."

Godric shook his head, "No; but I had hoped for more for us."

"What are you doing here?" She snapped angrily, "If you want to meet the dawn, then go to the roof of the Carmilla and wait. Don't come to these psychos." She waved to the compound.

He looked at her then, "You came because there is a problem in the city?"

"Eric, he's brought a human with him, a blonde. I don't like her; she sets off every warning in me. Not to mention; he is paying for everything, for the human and her vampire lover to stay at the hotel and their flights. I am concerned about what he is getting in return; something just doesn't feel right; about any of this."

Godric considered, "I am not sure what Eric hopes to gain. Best leave him to his own plans on that, Lovisa."

"But what if he gets into trouble; what if it gets him killed? How can fulfill my promise to you if I let that happen to him?"

"Very well, keep an eye on him. But do not engage and do not kill anyone unless he is directly threatened." Godric looked at her, straight on. "Am I clear?"

"Yes," She nodded. Lennie leaned back on her bike; sighing. "Also, there is something going on with Stan."

Godric smiled softly, "There is always something going on with Stan."

"I cannot be certain; but I am wary of him."

"You were on the team that assassinated the Knewlin Family." Godric stated. He saw her flinch slightly and nodded, "You should feel badly for that; the family had done nothing to us."

"They were a threat; to you, to your city, to everything we are." Lennie made herself stop; she looked at the ground. A film of dust had coated her boots; she tapped the toe of her boot on the ground; the film never moved. "I had to protect you."

A cold, strong, hand touched her arm. Even through the leather of coat; the cold burned her. "You are the only one I have to keep my city together. I have told you this. But you must temper your sword with clarity."

She frowned at him for a moment, "You think I am rash?"

He shrugged slightly, "I fear your wrath for those who cross you."

Lennie shook her head, "Why do you concern yourself with trivial matters? You are Sheriff, you are Godric. You are above such things."

"But I am still accountable for what happens."

"You think I will embarrass you?" She shook her head, going to one knee, "I would never do such a thing."

He caressed her hair; his touch was familiar and she welcomed it. "I know. But I need you to keep Stan and the others in line as well. He will call for blood and the others will follow him. You already know Eric is here for his own reasons; we must act separate of him until we know his plans."

"But his is my brother, and your son. I cannot guarantee distance."

"You must; I am asking this of you, Lovisa."

She hung her head, quiet for a moment, "As my Maker, commands, so shall it be done."

"Go now," He dropped his hand from her hair, "Undoubtedly you made plans with him."

She looked up at him; he smiled gently, "Godric, I cannot leave you."

"You will do it." He knelt down, his hand cradling her face in his hands. "I do not think we will speak again. I had not planned on seeing you again." He paused, his eyes darkening with emotion. She knew the look; he was pained, and she had caused it. "Do not come back here."

"What if he discovers where you are? I will have to return to watch over him."

Godric kissed her lightly on the cheek, "Your duty from this point on is to Eric. You cannot think of me again."

She shook her head; refusing to hear the words. "You're asking for another impossible promise."

"Lovisa, I do this out of love, for you and for him. Leave my side and do not return."

Streaks of blood dampened her white cheeks; she let them fall as they may. Her hands were clenched into fists; she did not dare move them. Godric stepped back from her; his expression pained, his eyes shadowed with sorrow. And just as suddenly as a gust of wind; he was gone. She fell to her hands and knees; great sobs of pain tore out of her throat. She huddled in on herself; arms wrapped around her body. She could still feel his presence around her. Even now, she knew that she would walk away. She would do as he ordered and leave his side. Her focus would shift to protecting her brother, the man who had been her lover, her friend, and her companion. She would leave this place and not return for anything less the Eric's safety.

**

Lennie parked her bike at the Hotel Carmilla. She walked through the foyer; numb to everything around her. Nothing registered in her mind; she saw nothing around her. She was sitting in the hotel lounge when the file arrived. A human had stepped up to her, carrying the envelope on a tray.

"Ms. Worth, a package arrived for you." The human said carefully.

Lennie had snapped out of her daze; blinking a few times. Silently she signed for it and the human left her. The envelope was a generic gold 8.5 by 11 size. Her name: Lennox Worth, was scribbled in neat writing. Within the paper holder was the file she had ordered earlier on. Blood had dried on the cover; a few of the pages were stained a rusty-red color.

End of Flashback

"Uh, excuse me?" A female voice asked.

Lennie blinked, focusing back on the present. She looked up; she recognized the red-head beside her. Lennie hid her surprise at seeing Jessica again.

"Yes?" Lennie asked.

"I noticed your Ipod." Jessica nodded to the bright purple colored Ipod Nano.

Lennie glanced at it, she had forgotten about it. She'd just dropped it on the table next to her chair whens he sat down. She picked it up now.

"I was wondering what you listen to." Jessica muttered, sitting down beside her in the empty chair.

Lennie arched a brow at the innocent face; she knew the soul in that eyes wasn't as good as she appeared. "I like a lot of artists and genres." She handed over the Ipod, "Take a listen."

Jessica accepted the music device; putting in the earphones. Lennie realized that if she was here; then so was….Bill Compton. She looked around the lounge, turning in her seat. She looked across the bar; toward the other side of the room. From her corner; she was hidden from view. She stopped at the sight of Eric talking to her target. They sat with their backs toward her. Their posture was that of old friends, she noted. It was highly possible that Bill was her brother's friend. She had friends that Eric knew nothing about. So it made sense; but it still bothered her.

"I like this song." Jessica exclaimed, "It's totally hard core."

Lennie glanced at her; she could hear the song from this distance. Bring the pain by Mindless Self Indulgence. It was an odd choice for her to like. Perhaps there was a touch of darkness to her. Lennie had a sudden thought to kidnap Jessica and use her to flush out Bill. It would pull him into her grasp and she could break him. Find out what the hell he was really up to. She knew Bill had an ulterior motive and it bothered her. But it was a little early yet to take such bold actions. She had to learn more first.

"This one is good too," Jessica moved her head in rhythm to it.

She liked the same music as Lennie. Mindless Self Indulgence had become a favorite recently. It told her something key about the fledging vampire.

Jessica moved her thumb over the touch-pad, "Bitches as a title," She smiled, laughing softly, "This is so cool."

Lennie understood now; she had led a sheltered human life. That much was painfully obvious. But she hadn't led a good sheltered life. There was a touch of something dark in her and it came from her human experiences. Perhaps her father had hit her? Perhaps her mother had been a closet drunk? Anything was possible, all Lennie knew, she was going to be an interesting vampire to watch.

Looking back to Eric and Bill she watched as they talked. Focusing on them she listened in to their words.

"…a true monster to not care about anything or anyone other then himself." Bill stated coolly.

Lennie frowned. That wasn't true! Eric did care; he just hid it very, very well.

Eric answered coolly, "I care about others."

"You care about Godric." Bill paused, staring intently at Eric, "This is personal for you, why?"

A human waitress stepped between them for a moment, setting down a bottle of True Blood. Her opinion of Bill Compton fell even lower. No real vampire drank that garbage.

"I hope you enjoy your blood substitute. Which is costing me forty-five dollars." Eric muttered lightly.

"Oh, I have no intention of drinking it; I just want to watch you pay for it." Bill did his best not to grin too much.

"Oh you're so mature," Eric replied.

"Answer the question, why this allegiance to Godric?"

Lennie realized two things at that moment. One: Eric had not made known who his Maker was. She found that puzzling. And two: She had a strong dislike for Bill Compton and his treatment of her brother. She decided to keep a close on the two of them. But for now, she focused on their conversation.

Eric was quiet for a long time. She could tell he was struggling with the answer. He had never been good at talking personal details with underlings. It was something they shared in common.

Eric finally admitted, "He is much belov'ed by his subjects."

True, Lennie thought, very true; even Stan respected Godric, even if it was begrudgingly so. Especially true in the case of Lennie and Eric.

Bill smirked then; "Only kings and queens have subjects, Eric. Not Sheriffs."

Lennie narrowed her eyes at that; she really didn't like this Compton fellow. He was arrogant and stupid and young; in comparison to Eric. Yet he seemed so cocky around his Sheriff. She really didn't like Bill. And it was then that she knew she would deal with him. Godric had said nothing about vampires being off limits.

Eric tensed slightly; his tone harsh. "Godric could have been King of Texas had he wanted. He could have been king of any vampire territory anywhere. He is twice as old as I am, and very powerful. There are none above him in the New World."

Again a true statement, Lennie agreed with Eric. He had spoken truth, all the while keeping his true reasons to himself.

Bill sat back slightly in his chair, "Well if he's so powerful how could they abduct him?"

Eric sat forward, leaning toward the other vampire. "Now that is what worries me. If one such as he can be taken by humans; then none of us is safe."

Lennie turned away; Eric was right. The problem for her was: she knew for a fact that Godric had given himself over freely. The Fellowship had not abducted him. It would have been impossible for them to do that. Instead he had gone on his on free will; surrendering to them in a way. And it still caused Lennie great anger to think of him doing that. That was part of her frustration with this whole situation. Why had he turned to the Fellowship? She simply did not get it. Perhaps he was making a last ditch effort to forge peace between vampires and humans. It was a way to make his final death have more meaning beyond the surrender of his life. But he had chosen the wrong person to reach out to. Steve Knewlin was on the war path for vampires. He waved his bible and prayed to his God; believing he was righteous in his crusade. Strange, she thought, is was the same reason the First Crusade had struck the Middle East. She had seen firsthand the destruction brought in the name of their loving God. And it still left her with a bitter taste in her mouth.

Lennie knew Knewlin would take Godric's peace-offering and throw it in his face. And the problem with that, it made his death useless. And that was simply unacceptable for her. She could not and would not allow his final night to be in vain. Just as she had done as a human; she would now as a vampire. She would forge the Fellowship into a useful tool; even if she had to cut them down to bloody chunks to do it.

She sighed, but she could not do that. Her Maker had forbidden it. He had cut off the only course she knew how to navigate. What bad timing he had to try and teach her new tricks. Some old dogs were just too old to learn anything new; and she was one of them.

Perhaps that was why Eric was here. Perhaps he was the delicate hand she needed to guide her blade. With Godric removing him self from her side; she was left adrift and lost. Perhaps it was Godric's goal to have her return to Eric and once again be his companion. He was after all the more calm-tempered of the two of them. Eric was shrewd and practical to a fatal point. He knew when to ask her to step in; he knew what she was best at and allowed her to do it. But he also knew when to step into her path. He knew when to put his foot down and command her to stillness. Although, he did not have the same authority over her that Godric did; she did respect and listen to her brother. And it was only because she loved Eric; that she bent to his will. She wasn't foolish enough to think herself above him. She was just wild enough to stay out of his complete control. Eric treated her with love and respect; acknowledging her ability and skills. He knew how to apply her to a situation. She knew how to finish a war with victory on their side. It made them a good team. Perhaps Godric had known this when he found her. Perhaps he had known this was their fate from the start.

Lennie shook her head; her thoughts were turning dark again. She could let her self dwell on such things. She forced herself to focus on Jessica.

"You have an awesome collection," Jessica took the earphones out and handed the Ipod back to Lennie. The young vamp stood up, "Thanks for sharing with me."

"You're welcome, it was nice meeting you."

Jessica smiled and headed back across the lounge. Bill was waiting for her at the entrance. He stared at Lennie for a long time; she met those dark eyes. She stared deep into them and let her age fill her gaze. He blinked quickly, backing up a step. She smiled; it was the smile of Death. He turned and hurried away from her, Jessica a step behind.

"That wasn't very nice," Eric muttered softly. He stood next to her, looking down. He was smiling softly. "But I did enjoy it, nonetheless."

She held up her hand; he helped her stand. Gathering the folder from the seat; she blurred the motion of her hands, as she slid it under her jacket.

"I believe we have something to finish." Eric pulled her against his chest; his arms sliding around. "But I seem to have forgotten what it was."

Lennie smiled softly, "Not to worry." She kissed him deeply, "We can make it up as we go."

When dawn broke across the city; Lennie lay awake in the circle of Eric's arms. She stared at the black-out screen over the window. The room was completely sun-proof. The hotel was hushed, it was quiet. At her age, she could still be awake during daylight. Eventually she would sleep; but right now, she was awake. She rolled over in bed; settling her head on the pillow. Eric's face was still; his body was dead.

"I wish I could tell you," She said. Her fingers smoothed up his arm. "I so want to explain it all to you."

He lay unmoving; unhearing beside her.

Lennie shut her eyes against the tears that burned. It would do her no good to cry. She willed the tears to stop and after a moment; she was fine. She opened her eyes again. Eric was all she had left now. She had been ordered away from her Maker; he was no longer accessible to her. But Eric, he was still a part of her.

Sadness, coupled with deep loss, fell over her like a crushing weight. Her chest ached with the imagined burden. Tears came then; sliding out of her eyes and down her skin. She rolled over; pressing her face to the pillow. Blood stained the white material; she didn't care.

Godric, why? Why ask me to do this? I am not strong enough! She thought to herself.

To her surprise Godric answered her. His voice in her mind was soft with grief. I have no other to ask; I trust you and your brother the most. I am sorry, Lovisa. I did not intend to cause you so pain.

Please, come home. She begged him within her mind.

Her only reply was silence.

Lennie felt her body fall into rest and was unable to fight it.

**