The Princess and the Sheriff
I tried to carry you
And make you whole
But it was never enough
I must go
Who is gonna save you
When I'm gone?
And who'll watch over you
When I'm gone?
You say you care for me
But hide it well
How can you love someone
And not yourself?
And when I'm gone
Who will break your fall?
Who will you blame?
I can't go on
And let you lose it all
It's more than I can take
Who'll ease your pain?
Ease your pain
Who is gonna save you when I'm gone?
Who'll watch over you?
Who will give you strength when you're not strong.
Who'll watch over you when I've gone away?
Watch Over You- Alter Bridge
Chapter 7: The Ties that Bind
Dallas, Texas
The party was still in full swing; more people had arrived. Lennie stood on the outer edge of the crowd. Eric was a constant presence around Godric as he accepted people's thanks for his safe return.
She stepped out of the room; enjoying the warm evening. Her hands rested on the stone railing around the patio. There was a gentle breeze scented with roses and late summer heat. Her revery was interrupted as a human stepped outside. She looked over; her hands tensed on the railing.
"Oh!" Jason Stackhouse grinned at her, "Hey there." He wore a typical jock-like t-shirt with faded blue jeans. He had a wonderful body; he took great care of his physical appearance. He was cute; she'd give him that. His blue eyes cast around in a quick scan of the area. He had the expression of someone who was shell-shocked. He wasn't what she had been expecting. The more she watched him, studied his eyes; the more she was surprised. His eyes held a good soul in them. There was no real malice in there; but there was passion and longing.
Lennie realized something in suddenly; he wasn't like Kevin or any of the other Soldiers. He was just a lonely, lost, and misguided man in search of a passion. Like a lot of men at his age.
Lennie faced him, leaning her hip on the railing, "Hey."
He nodded his head as if confirming something to himself. His hand smoothed over his jaw, he was nervous. "Um, I haven't seen you around…here, before."
She was amused, "You hang out here a lot?"
His eyes widened, "Ah, here, as in this place?" He pointed at the ground, "Ah, no, no, I ain't no vampire flunkie."
She nodded, trying not to smile. "Well that's good to know."
"So," He put his hand on the railing; leaning on it. Trying to look cool, "This may sound weird, but you got a really familiar face. Have I met you before? You know, somewhere's else?"
Lennie shook her head, "I doubt it. I think I would remember."
He gave a dry laugh, nervous still. "Yeah, you would."
She liked his confidence; he was cocky but not domineering. She crossed her arms; smiling at him.
He looked away suddenly, rubbing the back of his neck. "So…ahhh…"
"What do you do for a living? Are you an athlete?" She made a point of looking him over; real slow, so he would notice. And he did; he stood a little taller, puffing out his chest.
"I work on a road crew," His eyes clouded, "You know what that is?"
She fought the urge to laugh, "I assume it means you work on a road; perhaps repairing it?"
He nodded, "Yeah, sure, something like that." He looked her over; going slowly. "I'm Jason by the way." He told her briskly, "So are you..." He paused a moment, " Here with someone?"
She smiled, genuinely smiled. He grinned at her, his blue eyes brightened. "Well, actually…"
Eric chose that moment to step out, Jason lost all his bravado instantly. "Lennie," He glanced at Jason before focusing on her, "Godric wants you to join him."
Jason blinked rapidly, baffled. "You're with…" He waved his hands between the two of them, "Him?"
She chuckled softly, shaking her head. She stepped around Eric heading into the house; she heard Eric's voice.
Eric spoke quietly, "You can thank me later."
Lennie stepped into the living room; Godric had resumed his position in the chair. She crossed to him. He reached a hand for her; she held out her own; his fingers curled around hand. She stood beside him; her hand held in his.
Jason crossed the room; she watched him. He looked over; pausing. He came over; it took him a moment to realize Godric was sitting there.
"You showed great courage today," Godric spoke in a reserved, gentle tone. "We are grateful; rest assured you have friends here, should you ever wish to return."
Jason nodded too fast, "Ah, thanks…" He paused, debating what to call Godric, "But I think I've had enough of Texan hospitality for a while."
Lennie smiled slightly at that.
Godric flashed a slight smile in amusement. He tipped his head to the side, indicating Jason was free to leave. When he spoke to Lennie it was in an ancient language. "He's quite amusing, for a human."
"Indeed," Lennie replied in the same tongue.
They fell quiet; others came and spoke with Godric. He kept hold of her hand the entire time.
***
Lennie caught sight of Lenore as she strolled into the main area. She gently squeezed Godric's hand; he looked over. He made no motion; simply sat and watched. Lenore crossed to the blonde, Sookie.
"Well, hello there," Lenore greeted sweetly.
Heated words passed between them; Bill failed miserably in his attempt to be a hero. Sookie shoved Lenore back; the vampire grabbed her. Godric stood then; in a blur he crossed the room. He grabbed her by the jaw, stopping her from biting Sookie. Eric was at his back; ready to defend his Maker.
Lennie crossed her arms; watching as Godric asserted his authority. No one could stomp your ass as politely as he could. Using nothing but calm, soothing tones, he could make you grovel at his feet and make you think it was your idea. She loved it.
Bill grabbed his Maker by the arm and hauled her away. Lennie followed; now was her opportunity to confront him. But she never made it. As she crossed the floor, she stopped, something didn't feel right suddenly.
She turned to the door as it opened; a human walked in wearing a black coat. It was too hot for such a coat. Unless…
She spun around, diving for Godric. The explosion ripped through the house. Screams filled the air. The assault continued as a hail-storm of bullets destroyed the house from the yard. Lennie covered her Maker; her arms around his head. Bullets smacked into her body; instead of his. She heard them zing by; the walls and house riddled with holes.
Vampires screamed and cursed; there was a rushing sound of air, as they blurred outside. Human screams filled the night. The gun-fire stopped. More screams came from inside the house. People were weeping, crying, and begging for help.
Lennie lifted her head, using her arms to lift herself off of him slightly. Her hair fell around them both in a shroud of black silk. She stared down at her Maker.
"I am fine," He told her calmly. "Go."
She blurred out of the house, ripping her way through the humans too slow to escape.
**
When Lennie returned she saw Godric stand amidst the scorched and gore-covered room. He looked around, his expression filled with heavy sorrow. Bodies of vampires and humans killed in the attack lay scattered about on the floor. He looked like a lost little boy in that moment. His eyes said more then words ever could. She felt for him and crossed the floor. He looked at her, his eyes asked why this had happened. She simply took his hand, it was the only answer she had for him.
"Make arrangements for the survivors." He instructed softly
She nodded, dropping his hand. Stepping over body parts; she made her way to another room in the house.
She made the call to the Hotel Carmilla as he had asked. Hanging up she walked out the back door and headed toward Eric's car. Bodies littered the yard and it reminded her of her human days. When she had walked the field after a battle; searching through countless corpses for those of her fallen men. This night was quiet though; no humans were left alive.
She climbed behind the wheel and drove to the hotel. Godric would arrive shortly and she had to be there when he did.
There was a massive gathering of humans around the hotel. News vans were scattered about the street; cameras were being tested. It was a media circus. Lennie frowned; there was only one person who could do this. She stepped around the crowds, no one noticed her. They were too busy talking on their phones or testing their equipment. Making her way into the lobby she paused at the sight of Nan Flannigan. They noticed each other. Nan smiled, Lennie didn't. Lennie crossed to her, hands clenched at her side.
"Hello, Lennox." Nan was all dressed up like she had a television commercial waiting.
"Bitch," Lennie kept her tone cold.
Nan ignored the comment, "I take it you're here for Godric, so am I."
Lennie tensed, but held back. "You think that just because you're on television, that will protect you?"
The blonde vampire regarded her a moment, "Are you threatening me?"
"I am warning you." Lennie said coolly, "Nothing will stop me from taking your heart if you order his death."
She scoffed, "Please, I am only here to over see his resignation. It's the only course of action in this mess."
"Godric saved countless lives." Lennie pointed out.
"And yet there are bodies littering his front lawn. The press already has this story." Nan smoothed a hand over her perfect hair. "I can't imagine who tipped them off."
Lennie grabbed Nan's throat; her fangs snapped down. Nan's guards stepped forward, Lennie squeezed tighter. They paused.
"I can snap your neck and while you're healing, cut your cold heart out."
Nan waved her men back; not panicking. "I know you burned down the church; you killed Steve Newlin. The ones at the top aren't very happy. It's a PR nightmare. "
"It was public service," Lennie clenched her fingers even tighter around Nan's throat. "Why don't we just cut the crap, bitch?"
"Fine," Nan's expression managed to be bored, despite the hold on her throat. "They want Godric removed, to step down. Despite your actions tonight and…in the past, there is a growing support for you to take over the position."
Lennie released Nan with a shove; cursing at her, "Never!"
"Is that your final answer?" Nan asked lightly, totally calm.
"Godric is Sheriff,"
Nan sighed, rolling her eyes a moment, "Not after I am through with him."
The blonde vampire stepped around Lennie; her people moved with her. Lennie turned, "Nan,"
The woman stopped and turned, casting a disparaging glare at her. "What?"
"If you do this, it will bring my wrath after you. I will hunt you down, no matter where you go. I will take your heart. Count on it."
Nan scoffed at her, "Just try it," She turned away, "I'm on television." and headed to the elevators.
Lennie moved to follow; she was going to rip that blonde bitch apart; lets see a television crew protect her now. But she stopped; she felt Godric approaching. She turned again, looking to the entrance. He walked in; Eric a dark shadow at his back. Bill, Sookie, and Isabelle brought up the rear.
Godric stopped within arms reach of her; she knelt down, going to one knee. She could feel the weight of his gaze on her shoulders. His hand touched her hair; smoothing through it. She lifted her head; their gazes locked.
Lovisa, His voice filled her head, his lips never moving. Your brother will need you more then ever, after this night is over. Keep by his side and do not rush to meet me.
Godric dropped his hand from her hair; stepping around her. The others parted as they moved around. She stood up, moving to run after him.
"It's Lennie!" One of the photographers shouted, "Lennie, Lennie!"
Camera shutters snapped like hungry beasts. Flashes blinded her as they rapidly flickered on and off. She held up a hand against the barrage; her focus lost. Godric stepped on the elevator and the doors shut before she could reach him. She didn't miss the look on his face as the doors slid shut. It was a look of calm acceptance; of a man meeting his final hour.
"Godric," She ran for the stairs, ignoring the shouts of the photographers. Pulling open the door she ran up the stairs.
Slamming aside the final door, she made it to the roof but he wasn't there. Glancing at the Easter horizon she felt the dangerous approach of the sun. It wouldn't be long before dawn.
She walked slowly across the roof; the name of the hotel was written in huge white letters. She stared at them for a moment. He was going to take her suggestion; and meet his death at the roof. She shook her head; a sudden breeze caught her hair, whipping around her face.
The sound of a door opening made her spin around. Godric paused at the sight of her; he had changed to white clothes. It echoed Steve Newlin's suit from earlier. She couldn't move; his face was so incredibly tender.
"I won't let you do this," She said firmly, tears fell down her cheeks. "I can't."
He moved toward her, his stride was relaxed, calm. He wasn't afraid of what was coming. And that scared her more then anything ever had before.
"It's not up to you, Lovisa." He told her gently, "I have made my choice. This is my path and this is how I choose to end it."
"No!" She shook her head, her hair slid away from her, as if a veil was lifting. It reminded her of a wedding; in the final moments, when the groom lifts the veil of his new wife. "Godric, I refuse to let you do this. Please, it's not a lost cause. We can change things."
"I have done my part," He told her, he was closer now.
"No, you haven't, there is still more to teach them. To teach me," She couldn't keep the pleading from her voice. "Please, don't go yet."
"The vampires of this world are too brutal to be taught anything." He stated sadly.
"So was I," She pressed her hands to her chest, "You taught me how not to be cruel; how to temper my nature with kindness. You showed me what love is; how it feels. I would not have ever loved if you had not found me."
He paused then, "Then perhaps I have succeeded, at least with my own children."
"Our world needs you Godric. The humans had their Jesus. Why must you deny us our savior?" The words came out of her mouth, starling her to silence. She had never been religious, not since her human days. She certainly wasn't Christian; she'd just burned a church to the ground. But in that moment, in these words, was truth. They had come from her soul.
His face softened; his eyes filled with joy. "You think I a savior, my child?"
"You saved me, and Eric. And tonight, you stayed the tide of bloodshed. Stan would have slaughtered everyone and the others would have followed. But you stopped it. You have given wisdom to Isabelle, making her better. You have upheld honor when others faulted. Tonight, you protected the blonde human; and it didn't require bloodshed." She couldn't stop the words from her mouth, "Godric, you are the one we need to keep us from falling into nothingness. Vampires need your guidance, even if they won't say it out loud."
During this time, Eric had come out onto the roof. He looked incredibly large as he strolled toward them. Sookie stood at the door, watching.
"Listen to her, Godric." Eric said, "Listen to what she says."
Their Maker turned, facing him. He stood between them; looking at their faces. "I have no place left to me."
Lennie looked to Eric, he nodded. "We will make our place," She said; Godric glanced at her. "We'll go somewhere, just the two of us. No politics…no…bullshit. We can live in peace and you can finally write that book you wanted."
He smiled softly, "Who would read it?"
"Everyone," Eric promised, "Everyone will read it. You still have meaning, Godric."
The sky started to lighten; the pale grey of first dawn split the horizon. Godric looked to it; his eyes filling with wonder.
"I will not let you die," Eric's tone was harsh; "I will keep you alive by force if I have to."
His Maker shook his head, "Even if you could, why would you be so cruel?"
Lennie ran to her Maker, throwing her arms around him. It was such a childish thing to do; but she did it anyway. Godric put his arms around her in response.
"I will not leave you to die alone." She pressed her face into his chest, "My place is by your side, for ever."
Godric kissed the top of her head, "As your Maker I am ordering you to leave me, both of you."
Lennie clutched him tighter; her body fought her. Her Maker had invoked his role; his authority over her. She had to fight herself to hold him.
"No, this time, I won't do as my Maker commands." She whispered softly. At her back she felt the first stinging wash of light. "I will not leave you."
"Neither will I," Eric was straining against his own body. "If you die, so do we. There is nothing for either of us, without you."
Godric reached out a hand, Eric took it. "Father, brother, son."
Lennie felt Eric's arms encircle her as he hugged Godric from behind.
The sun rose over the edge of the city line. The roof door banged aside, making all three look up. Jason came charging across the roof; Sookie stared for a moment, before following them.
Jason grabbed Lennie, trying to haul her toward the stairs, "I don't think this is the best time for a tan."
She fought him, trying not to hurt him. She kept her hold on Godric.
Sookie grabbed Eric, yanking on his arm. "Eric, come on! Please, don't do this!"
Godric watched as the humans tried, in vain to move his children from his presence. He looked once more at the slowly lightening sky.
Jason's pleas for Lennie to run for cover overlapped with Sookie's cries to Eric. Still his children didn't move. They would not leave him.
Godric closed his eyes. "Come," he said softly.
The three vampires moved in a blur to the shelter of the stairwell. Jason and Sookie were startled as they found themselves inside. The door slammed shut; locking the light out. Eric bent the lock on the door for good measure. He faced his Maker, grabbing the boy's shoulders.
"Don't ever do that again!" He scolded, like a father would his unruly son, "I can't take it!"
Lennie looked at Jason. He was pressed up against the wall; gasping in excitement. He forced a smile and it made her laugh. There was something incredibly…sweet about his humanness.
"So," He stood a little taller, "Come here often?"
She laughed harder.
Godric had pulled Eric into a hug; the two of them held each other; Sookie wept softly. Lennie stepped around the two vampires. She held out the same cloth Eric had given her earlier. Sookie nodded her thanks as she wiped her face.
"I'm Lennie," Lennie held out a hand to the human.
"Sookie Stackhouse." The blonde shook Lennie's hand, "So Godric's your Maker too, huh?"
Lennie nodded, releasing Sookie's hand, "Thank you for saving my brother."
"Brother?" Sookie made a face, she followed Lennie's nod to Eric. "Oh! Your brother, like by blood."
"Yes," Lennie smiled at the human, "I can see what he cherishes in you."
Sookie stared at her for a moment, "You are talking about Eric, right?"
"He may not show it as readily as others, Ms. Stackhouse. But my brother cares very deeply for others. Count yourself lucky to be included." Lennie leaned close, lowering her voice, "He's listed under Acts of God in life insurance policies."
Sookie blinked, it took a second before the joke sank in. She laughed, Lennie joined her.
The four of them settled in Eric's room. Eric and Lennie lay on either side of Godric. They hugged him between their bodies; their arms around him. Eric held her hand as they fell into sleep.
Sookie and Jason ended up sitting on the floor, backs to the door.
He looked at his sister. "Lennie is pretty hot, huh?"
Sookie shook her head, "Trust me, Jason. You don't want to do that. Her brother and father are…." She smiled as she looked at the three vampires sleeping on the bed. "You know what?" She slapped her brother on the arm, "Go for it, she seems real nice."
Jason nodded, grinning, "Yeah, she does."