Paradise Within…Happier Far

Chapter 15

The road now leads onward
As far as can be
Winding lanes
And hedgerows in threes
By purple mountains
Round every bend
All roads lead to you
There is no journey's end

Deep in the winter
Amidst falling snow
High in the air
Where the bells they all toll
And now all around me
I feel you still here
Such is the journey
No mystery to fear

The road now leads onward
I know not where
I feel in my heart
That you will be there
Whenever a storm comes
Whatever our fears
The journey goes on
As your love ever nears

Here is my heart and I give it to you
Take me with you across this land
These are my dreams, so simple and few
Dreams we hold in the palm of our hands.

Never-ending Road, Loreena McKennitt

Eric led Sookie into the warmth of the Great Hall from the very cold outside. It was round and made from quarried stone, and had a glass bubble on the top of the Great Hall, letting light in and keeping the cold out. All the people of Bon Temps plus all the parishes around could fit into this Great Hall. She just turned round and round as she took it all in. The rest of the staff stood in a line around the hall, waiting patiently to meet her and greet Eric. It reminded Sookie of the scene in Titanic when the old lady returns to the ship after she died and everyone is standing along the staircase. From the outside, the castle looked huge but well-kept. From the inside it looked even larger, with gigantic tapestries hanging from most walls, a needlepoint Crest that must have been 12 X 12 feet hung over the entry door. Sookie just turned around and looked at all there was to see. This was truly a museum dedicated to the Vikings as well as the cultures that came after.

Eric took Sookie by the arm and led her up the winding, uneven staircase to another floor and to a room of suites at the end of the hallway. The hallway was covered with paintings of the nature surrounding the castle, as well as portraits of generations of Ragnars. It was amazing as it was intimidating. He opened the door to what must be his suites which consisted of a dining and living area, TV, pool table, library, and of course the bedroom where he slept. The room had been designed to accommodate his special needs, but since he came to visit during a period where there was almost no sun at all, he was able to spend more time awake than asleep and there was no threat to him from direct sunshine.

He took Sookie's coat and hung it in the closet. He showed her around the room, where he had ordered food and drink stored for her. She continued to be speechless as she wandered around the rooms. But by now, as all the excitement and adrenalin drained from her, she almost fainted into Eric's waiting arms. He carried her gently to the bed and with one arm, moved the covers back and gently laid her down, removing her shoes. She lay there breathing slowly in a deep sleep. She slept so little on the flight because she was so excited, and then he had taken so much blood from her during their almost non-stop sex, she was clearly completely depleted and exhausted. He would reconnect with everyone here and be sure they were having something hardy for dinner so she could replenish herself. He really must learn to control his need for her blood, although apparently she shared the same need. Even so, her need for his blood never impacted him, while his need could become dangerous to her.

Eric's whole family was in residence for his visit. The smell of cooking food and laughter greeted him as he walked downstairs. All his 'sons' as he called them had children, all younger than 15. They were playing tag running through the lower rooms almost running over him.

"Sorry All-Father," one of the girls cried out laughing as she chased a four-year old boy. There was no fear in this household from Eric. Everyone either called him Eric or All-Father, not in a Christian sense, which this household was, but more because he was the father of them all for a millennia. The adults were gathered in the sitting room laughing at the children running past, as Eric walked in. He had rid himself of the suit and was now down to his ever present black jeans and his sleeveless rock and roll t-shirt.

Idona walked over to him, welcoming him home personally with a big hug. She was wife to the younger brother Alfrigg. They were very much in love and had been married 5 years. In those 5 years, she had produced two children, a boy and a girl, and she was very pregnant with yet another child. Eric never admitted it, but Idona was always his favorite. She was full of love, as her name meant in the Old Norse, and the house was filled with her love and caring for all. Alfrigg was in charge of all the family's land holdings and the tourism trade, including the castle and local towns.

"Eric, it must be nice to be so beautiful and to never change. Welcome home, All-Father. Your crossing our threshold again is our honor and blessing." Idona said, her eyes shining with warmth and welcome.

"Thank you Idona. You are, as always, more beautiful every time I see you and being with child suits you even more." Eric said, kissing her plump cheek.

Idona blushed and led Eric to greet Alfrigg. The two men clasped each other's forearms to the elbows and put a hand on the other shoulder. "Alfrigg, you look good. How goes things?"

"Very well, All-Father. I think when you review the property and the books you will be quite pleased."

"I am sure, Alfrigg. But business will wait until tomorrow. Today, I wish only to spend time with my family."

The other brothers and their wives stepped forward. Aesir, who was the middle child but held the Parliamentary seat, came forward with his thin wife, perfectly carved with plastic surgery. His wife wore her hair up in a fashionable hairstyle, and wore many of the jewels Aesir had given her over time. She was proud and aristocratic, which Eric supposed fit very well with Parliament and the wives there, but he disliked her and her self-important ways. She had often, secretly of course, asked or tried to seduce Eric into turning her. It was well-known in the family that he never turned anyone in the family in all those years. Aesir shared her haughty ways and where Idona was warm and kind, Aesir and Rania were cold and conceited. Fortunately, since their children spent almost all their time with Alfrigg and Idona, they were not growing up to share their parent's traits.

The last brother to be greeted was the older brother, Dyre. He was the financier of the family. He ran the businesses in Finnmark, as well as some of the other far reaching ones. He was smart, and dedicated to the family. His wife was from England and her name was Allura. Dyre was handsome and charming like Eric, and his wife was in every way a match for him. They had four children, the oldest being 15. Allura and Dyre were good for each other, handled the family's financial meetings and social occasions with aplomb, and were considered 'A list' guests on anyone's party list. Many people came to Dyre for his wisdom in investing, and many in the counties' towns had increased their worth a great deal through his suggestions.

Eric was proud of his family and felt wonderful being able to be with them again. Rania asked with an arrogant tone who the young 'child' was that Eric had brought with him, and why wasn't she here to join them. Eric as always, was annoyed with Rania as he found her conceit almost more than he could bear most times.

"Rania, she is no child, so do not speak of her as such. She is my lover and my friend, and you will accept her as such."

"Of course, All-Father," Rania said in a falsely subdued voice. "But why is she not here with us now? It would seem meeting your immediate family would be of utmost importance."

Idona spoke up this time, kind and calm, knowing that Eric's fury would be quick at Rania, and wanting to break that tension quickly. "Rania my dear sister, I am sure Miss Stackhouse is tired from the long trip and she needs her rest. She will have plenty of time to get to know all of us, as well as the children over the course of the next couple of weeks. I'm sure Eric views nothing with more importance than Miss Stackhouse's health at this moment. We have always been here and always will be, she will only be here two weeks and a long trip must be exhausting."

Eric looked at Idona and smiled gratefully. Rania backed down in the face of Idona and Eric. However powerful Rania felt given her Parliamentary status, Idona ran things in this house and despite her youth and her kindness, she had a backbone of steel and would not tolerate anything less than familial kindness and generosity.

Dyre spoke up. "Eric, can you tell us about Miss Stackhouse? We are obviously curious. You have never brought anyone home in a thousand years. She obviously must be very important to you."

"Sookie, you should all call her Sookie. She will not like being referred to as Miss Stackhouse. Sookie is very important to me in more ways than any of you could understand. We share a bond. As I said before, we are lovers and we are friends. She is the most important thing to me."

"What is it that she does, Eric?" asked Rania.

"When we are in Louisiana, she works in a bar called Merlotte's, run by a very brave man named Sam Merlotte. Sam has saved Sookie's life a number of times during the day when I could not reach her. I call him friend."

Rania looked horrified and opened her mouth without thinking. "You are in love with a barmaid? Eric… the family, YOU, a barmaid is so beneath us all."

The room went silent with dread, waiting for Eric's response. Eric had felt it when Sookie had risen, changed and come downstairs. She was listening on the other side of the door, to both the conversations out loud and the ones in other's heads. Eric remained silent and then burst into laughter. "Rania, she is so much more than a barmaid, she is more than even you believe yourself to be. She is the real thing. Sookie! Please join us."

Sookie opened the door and walked in, wearing low-riding blue jeans and a large and warm fisherman's sweater. She had found the house shoes that Eric had left her made of some form of leather on the soles and of wool of some kind that climbed up her calves. She had tucked her jeans into those shoes, pulled her hair into a ponytail, fixed her makeup a little, and come downstairs as is. Eric had drilled into her that she was to be herself, that she was not trying to impress any of them, but they were to be trying to impress her.

Sookie smiled a nervous but genuine smile at everyone and walked to the comfort and safety of Eric's arms, letting him pull her into his lap in the huge leather chair. She could feel some animosity towards her, but could not yet determine where it was coming from although she didn't find it hard to believe. Eric wrapped his arms around Sookie in a comforting and protecting manner. He introduced her to everyone, explaining who they were and what they did. The children were then called in and he introduced the gaggle of children to her. As the children lined up nervously in front of her, she immediately went on her knees to greet each and every one, working hard at remembering each of the unfamiliar names. The children were charmed by her very nature, her happiness at meeting them, and her promise to play with them later. Most of the adults were charmed by her as well, watching her with their beloved children and the way she spoke to them and to Eric.

Once the children were dismissed, Sookie once again climbed into Eric's lap where he kissed her temple and smiled at her. She spent the next hour that way while she answered questions politely about her home, her friends, her job, how she and Eric had met, and so on. Eric was asked questions about the US politics of the rights of vampires, how his US ventures fared, etc. Soon, Idona called a halt to the conversation suggesting that the topics could be covered over dinner, but that everyone should go get dressed for dinner. She suggested to Sookie that dinners were rather casual, loud affairs with the children present, so she should prepare herself. Sookie laughed with joy at the idea and gave Idona a swift unexpected hug. As she read her mind, she heard nothing but kind and warm thoughts from Idona and knew they would become close friends.

"Thanks for the warning Idona, but it sounds positively charming to me. I grew up in a small family of just my brother, me, and my Gran. I love kids so I know this will be so much fun!" Sookie said excitedly.

Idona laughed warmly with Sookie as Eric came to claim her and take her upstairs to change. Only Idona had the nerve, and unspoken permission to tease Eric, and she took an opportunity now. "Eric, don't keep our girl long. She is still tired and probably starving by now, even if her body clock is completely confused by both the trip and lack of sunlight. Dinner is in half an hour. Don't be thinking about anything other than getting ready!"

Eric laughed and kissed Idona, whispering in her ear, "I always think of Sookie's welfare first, but you are right to warn us. We do tend to get distracted. And Idona, thank you for making her feel so welcome. I will not forget it."

Idona laughed and lightly slapped his bare arm as she sent him on his way.

Three days later, Sookie had learned all the children's names, some Nordic words, and learned to make some of the special bread that Idona made in the kitchen. Sookie spent most of her time between Idona and Eric, but tried to be polite to the others as well. Eric spent several hours a day with each son going over their issues and concerns, but did make time to take her into town on a reindeer drawn sleigh or horseback riding to view the incredibly green fjord. He explained how the fjords had been created many millennia ago by glaciers cutting their way through the land.

On their way back from their journey to the fjord, Eric asked Sookie what she thought of his family. Sookie took a moment to think about what she wanted to say.

"Well, it's a very complicated dynamic Eric. I love Idona. She has graciously welcomed me into your home, their home with open arms. The children have done so as well. I am constantly surprised how she manages the household and all those children, even the ones that aren't hers with a sense of ease and of peace."

Sookie continued. "Your other two brothers are more difficult to read. Sometimes I can catch their thoughts and they seem innocuous enough, that was one of my word of the day, and other times I feel their suspicion. Their wives are an entirely different story. Rania and Allura are very difficult to read. Neither of them like me, for different reasons. Their thoughts are all black and fearful although I have no idea why. I don't trust either of them."

Eric was immediately concerned. "Do you think they would hurt you in anyway?"

"I don't know Eric. Surely not. I mean what do they have to fear from me? And wouldn't they fear you enough to not do anything stupid?"

Eric looked at Sookie with amusement. "You are such an innocent. Despite all you have been through, you still believe people are good. They have much to fear from you, whether they realize it or not. They don't know you can read their thoughts. And they probably fear, rightly so, that if I have brought a human into my home, it can only mean that the balance of power will be upset. They both are arrogant enough, and feel entitled by their marriages to my sons, that I am not something to fear any longer. After all, there have never been any threats or deeds in a thousand years against anyone in my family."

Sookie looked at Eric with a look of surprise. "They are not so stupid as that? But you would not kill one of them would you Eric?"

"If it meant protecting you Sookie, I would do whatever was necessary." His voice sounded full of danger and gave Sookie chills.

Sookie remained pensive the rest of the way home. They handed the horses off to the groomsmen and walked slowly up to the house, Eric pulled Sookie close to him, tucking her protectively under his huge shoulder. She felt safe there, and she would remain close to Eric as much as she could. The seemingly constant cold wind was still for the time being, and the ancient house seemed a silent sentinel overwhelming the surrounding beauty. Sookie couldn't help but think it was a portent to the danger facing the household.

Sookie and Eric entered the house from the side door, hoping to get up the stairs and to their room in silence, the pensive mood between them and through the bond urging them to the quiet and comfort of each other. Some of the children immediately spotted them and surrounding the couple, begged Sookie to read to them tonight after dinner. She smiled at their enthusiasm. In her short time there it had already become a custom for her to read or tell stories to the children before bed. She enjoyed that time as did they.

"Of course, I will read with you. We will all get in our pajamas and read until the little ones fall asleep. Ok? Tonight will be a pajama party. Maybe we can even have popcorn. Would you like that?" Sookie offered, surprising herself with the offer.

"Yeah!" the small group laughed.

"Ok, then. Eric and I are going for a rest before dinner so I will see you then." The children ran off happily, unaware of the mood between the couple.

Sookie again turned with Eric to go up the stairs, the blood red carpet plush under her bare feet. Two more steps and they heard Rania's shrill voice calling out to them.

"Eric, Sookie! Why don't you join us? We are in the sitting room having tea. We hardly have gotten to know you Sookie!" Her voice was full of false sugary sweetness. Sookie felt Eric stiffen at the sound, and the likely intent behind the words. She squeezed his hand and turned to face Rania, while he continued to look forward, his fangs slightly extended. He had never liked Rania, but her possible threat to Sookie made his dislike turn to something much more dangerous.

Sookie spoke, "Rania, thank you for the invitation, but we have just ridden far and wide. I think we would rather rest for now."

Rania whined, "But Eric is always keeping you to himself, 'resting.'" Rania paused, her implication clear that she knew they were surely not resting, anything but. "Your two weeks here will have passed and we will not have gotten a chance to know you at all. And you are so important to Eric, really we must get to…"

Sookie interrupted, feeling Eric fully vamp out at the 'must' and wanting to stop the impending confrontation. "Really Rania. As hard as it may be for you to believe, what you see with me is what you get, just a simple barmaid from a small town in the United States. There really is nothing more to 'get to know.' Now, we will be excusing ourselves and see you at dinner."

Eric was tense waiting for another attempt from Rania to draw Sookie in. Rania finally noticed that Eric had not turned around and looked from the back to be very tense. She decided in her limited wisdom to drop the subject for now, but couldn't help but add a little something else. "Well alright then. We will see you both at dinner. But perhaps Allura and I can lure you away for some shopping in one of our larger towns. I'm sure you would enjoy that." Her voice was still sugary sweet and definitely not indicating an interest in showing Sookie an enjoyable time.

Eric finally turned, his fangs only slightly out now, but his voice full of danger in response to Rania's tone of voice. "Sookie will go into town with me when and if she is interested, Rania. Thank you for the offer. Now, we will be retiring to our room. Perhaps we will dine with you tonight, or we may decide to take dinner in our rooms. Goodbye Rania." Eric's voice left no room for Rania to do anything but nod her head and turn away.

Sookie looked at Eric sideways as they finally continued unmolested to their room. There was a slight smile on both their lips and in their eyes at finally getting Rania subdued. If she had any common sense to her at all, she would be afraid of Eric. She may be used to being Queen Bee in the Parliamentary circuit, but she definitely did not rule in this household.

As they entered their room, Eric flicked his wrist and lit all the candles around the room. Of course there were electric lights, but both of them enjoyed the candle light better. Sookie walked to the enormous bathroom to turn the water on for a bath in the huge tub, dropping her clothing as she went. Eric smiled at her form as she walked away from him. She was still mostly dressed, but he loved watching her coming and going. He loved the way her tight ass swayed without her intending it too. And when she walked towards him, he loved her angelic face and her most un-angelic breasts. They were perfectly shaped, and she was well-endowed which made the view from the front cause a little dissonance. What was the phrase: 'A head for business and a body for sin.' Sookie would never consider that she had a 'head for business,' and Eric had to admit that for true business she neither was interested nor cared, but for her business, the business of reading people, she excelled. Not just because she could, if she chose, read their mind, but because she could read their hearts as well. That was her business and she was exceptional at it.

He smelled the lavender oil she added to the water and knew she would be sinking her body into the deep tub soon. He quickly stripped himself of his own clothing and went to join her. She smiled wickedly at him as he came to join her, the tub water splashing over the side. She slid between his legs with her back to him so he could wash her hair. She loved his long fingers massaging her long hair. Then she would dip herself under the water and he would help rinse the suds from her hair. They talked softly to each other during their ritual. It was her turn to wash his hair and it went much the same way, although the more of Eric that filled the tub the more water splashed over the side. They both laughed at that. This time, neither of them would have to clean up the mess. Having what seemed like hundreds of servants did have its advantages.

Eric flipped onto his stomach and floated in front of Sookie, looking into her eyes.

"Do you love me Sookie?" His voice, usually so confident, sounded like a small child wondering.

Sookie looked at Eric surprised. "Have I not told you enough how much I love you? You can feel it through the bond, just as I feel it from you. Would you like for me to tell you every hour how much I love you?" Sookie teased.

He laughed at that. "I think every hour would be impractical. But do know that I love you. Are you enjoying your stay here?"

"Oh, Eric I love it! I was expecting something like an ice-covered tundra, but this is beautiful. I love your family as well. Your sons love and respect you immensely, even if they remain suspicious of me. I think they wonder what my intentions are towards you. You know, am I after your money or your body sort of thing. I think they also wonder if you are so serious about someone will it change things for them. Of course you know I don't care a whit about your money, and even find it frustrating at times. I'm just after your body."

"Really… at least you're honest about it." Eric teased. He floated towards Sookie and pressed his lips to hers, her lips immediately opening to his. He had already had her twice that day alone, and he desperately wanted her again. He continued their kisses for sometime leaving her breathless and flushed. Then he started to wander down her body. Since he didn't need to breathe, he could pleasure her body for hours underwater if he so chose, and that is what he chose, although not for hours. He knew she was too tired for that. Soon she was bucking against his mouth and hands wanting, needing him to fill her. He slid his lips back up to hers, pillaging them without mercy, as he slid into her channel. She anchored them with her arms on either side of the tub as he drilled into her, bringing her so many times. His fangs extended completely as he lifted her part way out of the tub. As he bit into her breast, she screamed with her final overpowering orgasm, her channel squeezing and pulsing around him, milking his seed from him. He growled in satisfaction as he released her, licking her wound and letting her sink back into the water. He washed her gently and she leaned back against him contentedly until the water cooled. Happily, they both knew they would be skipping dinner with the family tonight.