A/N: This chapter was inspired by the song Lilium, sang by Kumiko Noma. You'll see how ;]
A beautiful woman stood in the main chamber of a sacred temple, in the heart of Athens. She knelt down at the stone alter, offering food to her goddess. Her eyes were closed while she whispered a prayer. Her flaming hair was over her shoulders, covering her face. The smell of insence filled the temple, rising from the alter. The alter was decorated in an elaborate rectangle of silk, draped like a tablecloth on the prism of stone. Candles were spread out over the cloth, flickering in the cool chamber. There was a silver plate in the center, an offering of roast bird laid on the dish. The alter was positioned at the foot of an elegant sculpture of the goddess Athena. The woman finished her prayer and began to sit up, brushing the ends of her robe as she did. She carefully blew out the candles and started towards the exit. She sang a tune as she gracefully walked away. The song was old and in another language, but the words were clear.
'O castitas lilium'
I woke with a start. My heart was racing when I didn't wake to the familiar surroundings of my room. It took me a few seconds to grasp my surroundings. I was in the back room of Fangtasia, the one with a bed. I tried to steady my breathing before getting out of bed, laying my head in my hands.
"I was wondering when you were going to wake."
All my attempts to calm down were shattered by the voice. I jumped in surprise and turned my head to see Eric standing in the corner of the room. "Jesus Christ! You nearly scared me half to death!" I said, clutching my heart. "God, you people are going to give me a heart attack before I'm thirty. Wait a minute, why are you up? What time is it?"
Eric smiled at me while I tried to regain my composure. "It's 9 o'clock at night, you slept for 15 hours. Your friend Sookie should be arriving soon to discuss our plans for Dallas."
I had slept for 15 hours? I had never slept so many hours in one night in my life. I then recalled the events that happened the night before. "Well, things like last night don't happen all the time to me." I yawned and stretched my arms.
"I had my human server make a special run to the clothing store to buy you a new outfit to replace the one that was ruined. I hope you'll enjoy it." He handed me a shopping bag with a grin before stepping out of the room. I opened the bag and looked inside. Obviously this was Eric's idea of a joke. There was a plum colored vest shirt that buttoned in the front with a v-neck collar. This was accompanied with a black pvc skirt that looked like it came straight out of a strip club. There were also thigh-high fishnet stockings with a back seam and purple bow. I sighed and shook my head before retreating to change my clothes. I looked at myself in the wall mirror. The top barely covered my torso, leaving my tummy showing. The skirt ended in the center of my thighs, just enough to cover my butt. I slipped on the stockings and put on my heels. I looked like a vampire whore. I turned to notice that there was a tackle-box sitting on the table near the door. I opened it to find make-up. (I'm assuming it was Pam's) I applied some eyeliner, mascara, and a quick layer of lipgloss before stepping out into the hall, humming to myself. I walked into the main bar area, observing the crowd of vampire and human patrons. I walked to the bar and ordered a tequila sunrise, positioning myself on one of the stools so my skirt wouldn't ride up. I sipped at my drink, thinking of the dream I had that night. I began humming the song from the dream when my thoughts were interrupted.
"You look irresistible."
Eric had his hands on my shoulders and his head near my left ear. I turned to see that his fangs were out and his face was way too close to mine. I looked into his eyes and something came over me. I brought my finger up to his mouth and carefully pricked my finger on the tip of his right fang, tracing a little line of blood over his lower lip. He closed his eyes and licked the blood clean. "Don't expect any more than that." I was about to turn my head when I noticed his reaction. His eyes were opened again and they looked crazed. I was frightened for a moment before he regained composure. He raised his eyebrow in an expression, that to me, looked like shock.
"It's taking every ounce of my strength at this moment not to open your throat and drink until you're completely drained. Your blood is like nothing I've ever tasted before, even in that small of an amount. I knew there was something different about you, but I never expected this."
His blue eyes were staring deep into my sea green ones. His face moved closer to mine and I felt my stomach clench. Breathing became a difficult task. Just then, his head inclined and he looked toward the entrance of the bar. I followed his gaze and noticed the target of his stare. Sookie and Bill had entered the bar, arm in arm. I hopped off the stool and began walking towards the new guests. Sookie released her grip from Bill and ran up to me, locking me in a tight embrace.
"What happened! I tried calling you all day! I was worried!" She stopped hugging me and started shaking me violently. "And what are you wearing?"
"It's a long story Sook. I promise I'll tell you all about it later. The outfit ties along with the story." I managed to pry myself from her grip and take a few steps back. Eric had walked up and taken a place beside me. He still had sort of a dazed look as he addressed Bill.
"I'm glad you got your human to comply Bill. I'd hate to have to resort to threats." Eric had returned to his usual self in seconds.
"Eric, Sookie is only going because you blackmailed her with one of her friends." Bill snapped.
"I have blackmailed no one Bill Compton. Rayne came on her own accord and she requested Sookie accompany her. Don't forget who's the sheriff here. You're under my authority so I suggest you watch your tongue."
"I came because I knew Rayne wanted my help with whatever you're planning. Shouldn't we be discussing that right now?" Sookie glared at Eric.
I rolled my eyes at the childish display of immaturity. I started to the back of the bar, towards Eric's office. Sookie and Bill followed while Eric sped up to lead. When we entered the room, Eric positioned himself in his chair in his usual business-like pose while everyone else found their own places. Sookie seated herself in a chair with Bill standing behind her. I sat on a desk in the corner, watching Eric. My head was still spinning from the propinquity of our faces just moments earlier. I shook it off and listened to the conversation.
"What is your dumb idea this time Eric? And what does Rayne have to do with it?" Sookie asked, arms crossed.
"I have been informed by the vampires of Area 9 of Dallas, Texas that their sheriff has gone missing."
"And what does this have to do with us?" Sookie asked, seething.
"Godric is the name of the missing vampire and needless to say, he needs to be found."
"Maybe he just went for a walk," I muttered.
Eric glanced over at me and narrowed his eyes. "He hasn't been seen for months and the area is in a state of chaos without their sheriff. They think he's been kidnapped."
"Who could kidnap a vampire?" Sookie asked
"We've asked all the vampires in the area if they've seen any trace of Godric to no avail."
"So they think a human might have taken him?" Bill asked questioningly.
"The lieutenant seems to think so, but I can assure you that no human would be able to overpower Godric. He's twice as old as me and twice as powerful. Regardless, we have no leads. That's where you two come in." Eric moved his gaze to Sookie, then to me. He kept his eyes fixed on me, making my stomach clench again.
"So you want us to go to Dallas with no idea what we're looking for? We're just supposed to listen in on every human who comes our way and hope that we get some glimmer of evidence as to where this sheriff is? That hardly sounds like a plan Eric."
Eric set his sights on Sookie again. "He needs to return back to his place as sheriff. You either help or Rayne goes alone."
Great, now I'm the bait to get Sookie to come along.
"I'm going because Rayne just got her power, she needs my help in controlling this. I'm not doing this for you. In fact, I have not the slightest idea why she's doing this for you anyways." Sookie gave me a questioning look.
"I'm doing this because I really don't have a choice. I also wouldn't mind spending some time in Dallas. Even if it is just to go vampire hunting." I laughed at myself. Rayne, the vampire hunter. Is it a coincidence that this is the plot of a video game?
Eric smiled slightly. I wondered if he was smiling at what I was. Do vampires play video games? "Now that this is established, you leave for Dallas the day after tomorrow. Bill, you will be transported with them on Anubis Air. I will pay for all accommodations."
Everyone looked upset. Sookie piped in, "I want $5000 for this. Shouldn't be too much for you. If I'm going to possibly be putting my life on the line, I should be getting paid for it."
I giggled at her. Of course Sookie would say that. "Your human is getting cocky Bill. You should put a handle on that." Eric said, narrowing his eyes at Bill.
"I don't think it's unreasonable. She's doing a job for you Eric. It's only fair that she should profit." Bill said, returning the glare.
"Very well. Both Sookie and Rayne will be paid for their services. Will that be all?"
I looked up. I wasn't expecting to be paid for this. What was I going to do with the money? I didn't want to refuse though either.
Sookie sighed and sat up. "This is the last time I'm doing anything for you Eric."
"Then I shall see you soon." Eric said, smirking.
We all started out into the main room, Sookie and Bill in front, me following, and Eric behind me.
Suddenly I found myself in a trance.
I wasn't in control of my body. I stopped mid-step. My body turned toward the stage area of the bar. I began walking up to it, noticing in my peripheral vision that Eric was watching me, bewildered. I slowly made my way up the steps onto the stage. Everyone in the bar was staring at me. Sookie and Bill hadn't noticed and had already left. My body headed toward the grand piano to the left of the stage. Slowly, I walked toward it and sat down. My arms extended out, fingers resting on the keys. The music in the bar had stopped and the bar was completely silent, everyone's eyes focused on me. My fingers began moving on their own, striking notes that were familiar. Very familiar. Then it clicked.
I was playing the music from my dream.
The notes rang through the bar. Then I began singing the words in their ancient language.
Os iusti meditabitur sapientiam,
et lingua eius loquetur indicium.
Beatus vir qui suffert tentationem
Quoniqm cum probates fuerit accipient coronam vitae.
Kyris, ignis divine, eleison.
O quam sancta, quam serena,
Quam benigma, quam amoena,
O castitatis lilium.
Kyrie, ignis divine, eleison.
O quam sancta, quam serena,
Quam benigma, quam amoena,
O castitatis lilium...
I opened my eyes, and looked around. People applauded around me. I had no idea what had just happened to me. I looked over at Eric. He was watching me with wide eyes. I sat up and hurried toward him.
"What made you decide to perform?" He asked.
I bowed my head. "I have no idea what just happened." My cheeks were red, I knew it. I have one kryptonite - stage fright. And this time I had no control at all.
"It was beautiful. I have not heard that language in quite a long time." Eric had brought himself closer to me. I tried not to look up at him.
"I heard it in my dream. I don't know how I was able to play it or sing the words. I've never played a piano before in my life."
"You shock me, and that's rare for a breather. There's so much to you. If it weren't for that, I'd drink all of that intoxicating blood of yours." He kept inching closer to me.
I could feel myself growing hotter and hotter. The closer he came to me, the hotter I became. I felt like I was going to melt into the floor. "I have to go." I said, rushing toward the door. I could hear Eric saying something as I ran out. I got to the parking lot and it hit me. My car had broken down last night. I stood in the middle of the lot, letting the air cool me. I had suddenly felt warm air on my ear. Eric whispered into it, "I was trying to tell you, I can take you home." My whole body felt like rubber when he did that.
Then I realized what was going on. "You're doing this on purpose aren't you? You know what I'm feeling because I've had your blood. Dammit, I knew that was a bad idea." I slapped my forehead with my palm and walked a few steps in front of me.
"I know how you feel about me. I know you crave me. I could tell that even without having gave you my blood. It's shown in your demeanor." He inched himself toward me again.
I backed up and squeezed my eyes closed. "Thanks for helping me and everything Eric, but I have to go. I'm just going to call a taxi. I'll see you in Dallas." I began walking toward the car, opening the clutch in my hand to take out my cell phone. Then in a flash, I was taken by the waist and was gliding in the air over the trees, speeding through the night. I gasped, clutching the arms around my waist. I turned my head to see Eric smiling at me. We were... flying. In a matter of minutes, we landed in my driveway. Eric let go of my waist and my legs went out. He caught me before I fell to the ground and steadied me back on my feet. I regained my composure and stood up.
"Don't... you... EVER... do that again." I said, breathing between each word.
He smiled at me. "I told you I would take you home."
"I didn't realize vampires could fly." I said, my breathing steadied again.
"Only the old ones. I enjoyed being pressed against you like that." He grinned.
I had to fight the urge to look down and see exactly how much he enjoyed it. I squeezed my eyes shut and turned away. "I'm going to bed." I started toward my door. "I'll see you in a few days Eric."
"Goodnight Rayne."
And that was the last I heard before I shut my door. I leaned against the door, sinking down a few inches. I yawned and decided maybe it was time for a nap. I had slept 15 hours the day before, but I was tired again. I walked upstairs, went into my room, and closed the door. I stripped my clothes before putting on my nightgown. I slid into bed and pulled the covers over me. I turned off my lamp before drifting off to sleep.
A/N: Review!
