Disclaimer: The True Blood Characters in this belong to their respective owners. No copyright infringement intended.

Another Disclaimer: I've created fictional backgrounds to characters where the appropriate background is either lacking or currently unknown. Original setting of this fanfic was during/after Season 2 of the TV Series.

Reviews: Are always desired and appreciated. So is critique. Thanks again to all reviewers, old and new for such wonderful encouragement.

Note: At some point, every Vampire story should have a Chapter called 'New Orleans' ^_^


Chapter 20

"New Orleans"


Elliane was bored and tired. She tossed the book aside with an expression of disgust. How could she have not noticed till now that it was written in German? The title had captured her interest earlier when she had put away the books in the library.

She was currently sitting in a gazebo that protected her from the afternoon sun. The ornate iron structure was situated in the beautiful gardens at the back of the house. She had found the gazebo by accident while following a charming cobblestone path into the gardens to explore the property grounds. Now that she had seen the place by day, Elliane mused that it was well situated for a Vampire. The exclusive neighbourhood was quiet during the day and, with the house secluded from the street and neighbours, it was unlikely to draw too much attention.

Elliane sipped on a cup of tea she had brought along. The contractors had arrived mid morning, just as Godric had said, and ever since it seemed some sort of noise or racket had disturbed the peace. She was not sure whether to be thankful that she managed four hours worth of sleep, before the noise of drills and hammers had invaded.

Despite Godric's ominous revelation the night before, she felt quite calm and reflective. It actually all made sense. She always knew that there wasn't something quite right. About who she was… her family, her life. Apart from what she saw as more obvious curiosities about herself, the idea that she could have had a more normal life, had it not been for some ancient curse, seemed a bizarrely comforting notion. Elliane was not that frightened of dying either. She just hoped that when the time came, it would be quick and painless. Pain was a definite weakness of hers. She didn't tolerate pain at all.

Taking off the golden ring, Elliane took advantage of the bright sunlight, and leaned out of the gazebo to examine it properly. It was immaculate. Not a single scratch or the slightest abrasion could be seen on the surface. The perfect high gloss on the exquisite interwoven threads caused it to gleam in the sun. Looking on the inside of the ring, there were no maker marks or anything else of the sort to be seen either. It was quite mysterious.

When she heard a rustle of noise nearby, Elliane palmed the piece of jewellery, her eyes veered to the path to see an old woman in a broadbrim straw hat approaching the gazebo.

"Well, hello there," said the woman, entering the shade of the gazebo, she set down a shovel against the table and a bucket upon the ground. Judging by the gloves she wore, Elliane could only assume this woman was a gardener, a very old one at that too.

"Hello," Elliane replied warily.

"You must be Elliane," said the woman, taking off her hat and setting it onto the table, and Elli noticed that the woman had a British accent. "That is a French name," she then stated, looking somewhat thoughtful.

Elliane stood politely, quite bemused. "Yes it is," she answered, and quickly she slipped the errant ring back onto her finger, aware with a tingle that the woman was watching her intently.

"You should be careful with that," said the woman, looking specifically at the golden band. "You wouldn't want to loose that out here. If it rolled into the gardens it would be impossible to find."

Elliane nodded and gave a tight smile. Was everyone she met in this place - determined to give her a lecture?

"My name is Mrs. McCormick," the old woman stated.

Elliane nodded pleasantly, "It is nice to meet you. Did Godric tell you I would be staying here?" she asked curiously.

The old woman chuckled. "Oh no, I haven't seen Godric in years."

Elliane raised her brows, perplexed.

"The witches told me you were coming."

"Uh…"

"They were here yesterday, a whole coven of them chanting about and putting up all manner of protections."

"Oh," said Elliane, looking a bit bewildered.

"I have been planting some extra Yarrow and Rue. The fae, you know, absolutely hate Yarrow."

It crossed Elli's mind that this old woman looked (and sounded) like she ought to be retired, not working here. However clearly, she wasn't an ordinary type of person, she appeared rather eccentric.

"Do you work here in the gardens often?" Elliane asked her diplomatically.

"Yes, I am the groundskeeper." The old woman looked at her mysteriously. "I've been living here for ten years now. I reside in small house at the back of the property."

The woman took a look at the baffled expression on Elli's face. "Were you not told about me?"

"No. However, I've not been here long myself, less than a day, in fact."

Mrs. McCormick nodded. "Well, if you would like a decent cup of tea and a little chat sometime, you should come down to the cottage. If I am not there - I shall be in the garden somewhere."

Elliane nodded and smiled, thinking this whole situation seemed a little peculiar. "Thank you, I will be sure to call in sometime soon. Do you live there alone?"

"Yes," she replied. "And you really ought to look into getting an iron sword."

"An iron sword," she repeated. "Why would I need that?" asked Elliane, her puzzlement was growing by the moment.

"Cold iron is a great weapon against the Fae," said Mrs. McCormick and she then looked at Elliane more critically. "I must say, I thought you would be a little taller and stronger. But, any iron will do really. It burns them, like silver burns a Vampire."

Elliane nodded thoughtfully.

"Well my child, I must be going," she then announced as she replaced her hat and reached for her shovel and bucket.

"Okay then," said Elliane.

"I shall see you soon I hope."

The old lady left, following the cobblestone path deeper into the gardens, and Elliane headed back into the house. While in the foyer, she stepped cautiously around the cracked marble, and met the last of the tradesman to leave. It was an electrician, who announced that he would be returning the next day to continue with the work.

Elliane had attempted to explore much of the house earlier in the day, during the 'racket', and was now thankful that the place was quiet. Heading upstairs, she took a quick shower, threw on a change of clothes and then relaxed on her bed, she was still tired, but curious about the strange old lady called Mrs McCormick.

Suddenly, she jolted upright, looking down at her right hand in growing anguish. It was missing… and she felt a chill run over her. The ring was missing.

She got up immediately and checked the bathroom. No ring. Frantically, she rushed around her suite of rooms, searching everywhere she could think. The ring was no-where to be found. Finally, she grabbed her tiny pen torch and retraced her movements as she went back outside.

It was much later than she thought. The sun was low in the sky and it would soon be dusk. Elliane could feel nothing but ill. Godric would be furious with her. He had kept the ring safe for well over a thousand years. And Petronilla too had kept it safe - Elliane however had managed to lose it within a few days!

Using the small torch to light up the path, she hoped the glossy reflection of the ring would gleam out at her as she made her way to the gazebo. Here, she sat where she had sat previously, and carefully shone the torch in every little nook she could find.

Mrs. McCormick! Elliane thought suspiciously. Was it possible that the strange old woman had taken it? Elliane continued to search however, more hopeful that it was lost, rather than stolen. She examined the plants, carefully shifting leaves and branches of the shrubs. As the sun started to set, her tears started to fall and Elliane knew she was running out of time. She kept on with the persistent hunt, and it wasn't long before she heard that soft husky voice.

"Elliane, what are you doing?" Godric was standing a few feet away from where she was knelt in the garden.

She turned her tear-streaked face up to him, and from the faintest glow of gold in the distance sky, she could see his shape. She remembered how he had lectured her the previous night. Insisting she was gullible and vulnerable and she knew that now he would be very angry. Finally she stood, brushing down the dirt on the knees of the jeans she wore.

"Godric," she took a deep breath, feeling faint. "I've lost the ring."

There was a strained pause in the air before he spoke. "How?" he said, his voice sounding strange.

"I don't know," she said, her eyes pleading for forgiveness. "I am so sorry, I will find it!"

He moved and was suddenly before her and he grabbed her arms. "I've never met anyone as careless, as reckless as you," he growled at her harshly. Elliane had expected this, but she flinched anyway. The ring was clearly important and now she had ruined everything. She could only be grateful that she couldn't see his face.

"I shall find it, I promise," she rushed to say. "I shall search all night; I won't stop until I find it."

"That is not good enough," he said. His tone was menacing and Elliane could feel her heart pounding in her ears.

"Please Godric," she whimpered as she tried to pull away. "I promise I will find it."

He then caught her wrists together into one hand. Holding them behind her back and causing her to arch forward. "What you have done is unforgivable," the husky, dark tone continued, as his body pressed up against hers.

"I know, I know…" she nodded frantically, desperately hoping he would calm down.

He pulled her to the ground and pinned her there, her arms still trapped painfully behind her.

"You will have to pay," he uttered coldly. His other hand gripped her jaw, the icy touch having none of his usual sensual warmth, before it slide down to purposely grope at her chest. Elliane froze with horror when she realized his intent. He tore at her shirt, ripping at her clothes until her whole upper body was naked before him.

"No! Godric, please don't do this," she begged tearfully – desperately trying to plead to his better nature. She frantically struggled and then she heard his fangs descend with that ominous click.

"Please! No!," she cried as he straddled her hips, his hand roughly gripped the full creamy flesh of her breast, before his mouth descended and his fangs bit into it deeply.

Elliane froze and screamed in agony.

"Elliane!" she could hear Isabel, calling for her.

"Isabel, help me," she cried, her voice sounded distant, weak. Her mind was in a blind fog.

"Elliane!" Isabel was closer now and the ground beneath Elliane seemed to tremble with some unearthly force.

"Wake Up Elliane!" Isabel's voice was commanding.

Elliane shot straight up from the bed, with a huge gasp of air. Isabel, who had shaken her awake, pulled back to gaze at her.

"It was just a bad dream, mi dulce," said Isabel, sweeping Elli's hair away from her face. Elliane was shivering and she raised a trembling hand to check that she still had the ring. As Isabel stepped away, Elliane noticed that Godric was also in the room. Standing a few yards away and off to one side, he watched her with dark, thoughtful eyes.

When Godric saw that she had seen him, he approached the side of the bed.

"New Orleans…" he said. He eyes softened as he looked at her.

"Pardon?" she asked confused.

"Dinner in New Orleans," he smiled at her kindly. "Would you still like to go?" he said in that soothing accent.

Elliane was starving, and New Orleans was definitely one of her most favourite places. She nodded with an anxious smile, noticing that Godric was already dressed to go out.

"Absolutely… if it is not too late," she said.

"Not at all."

Elliane brightened visibly. "Give me fifteen minutes, and I shall be ready."

As soon as the Vampires had left the room, Elliane let out a deep sigh. The dream had unnerved her, but despite the oddly realistic nature of it, she knew it was just a dream. Still, it was strange for her to have such dreams. She quickly got up from the bed, realising that she must have fallen asleep that afternoon.

Opening the closet, she looked at the array of clothing. Not just the new ones, but all her old favourites were there too. And if there was one thing that Elliane did like, it was clothes.

She dressed carefully, wearing black leggings and a stretchy black skivvy. But over this; she wore a loose, tunic-style mini dress of dark-grey. The flecks of silver in the fine mesh-like fabric added just enough glamour, without overdoing it. On her feet she wore a pair of dark-grey suede boots, which came just below the knee. Three adjustable buckles down the sides enabled her to slide a number of items into hidden pockets on the inside leather.

Last night, Elliane had felt a little lost without her usual stash of cash and 'secret-service' issue trinkets. This time, she made sure to put spare cash, the torch, lock pick, and scalpel into the boots. She kept a small amount of cash aside to put in a black mesh evening bag along with her fake ID.

She applied a bit of make-up, throwing more effort into her eyes, darking the lids and lashes and although she was running short on time, she managed to get a couple of decent waves into her hair.

She was pleased with the results. Revealing not a single inch of skin except on her hands and face, she had still managed to look casual, slightly edgy, and quite elegant. The clothing drew attention to her long legs.

A short while later she met with Godric, who was waiting in the upper hall, right outside her door. He gave her a puzzled look as he glanced at her clothes before handing her a mobile phone.

"This is for you. Eric said you needed one and asked that I give it to you."

"Thank you," she replied with a murmur. Surprised at Eric's thoughtfulness, she quickly pushed a few buttons on the Blackberry to find the battery fully charged. It was 8:45pm.

Godric watched her enigmatically. "Are you ready to go?" he asked.

She nodded and with a quick step towards her, he moved them both with that sudden vampire rush onto the driveway at the front of the house. The transition into the cool night air made her shiver and she quickly put the phone into the evening bag.

"Godric, could I ask you something before we go?"

"If you wish," he answered.

She took breath and began with a sudden flutter of nerves. "I wanted to know why you were angry with Eric, last night."

Godric took a moment to respond and when he did so, he gently stroked down her arm to her elbow.

"I wondered if you might ask about that. I am sorry you had to witness such brutality."

Elliane was determined to not be fobbed off. She was becoming familiar to the way Godric easily re-directed the conversation. "Was it because of me?" She sensed the awkwardness of the question.

"Yes," he answered quietly. "Though, I was not as angry as you might have thought. He was being reprimanded."

"Because of me?" she said with a breath.

"Yes," he said with a faint sigh. "He should not have glamoured you."

"I see…" she said distractedly.

"Now are you ready? You will have to close you eyes again." Godric raised her arms, putting them over his neck and shoulders and pulled her into an encompassing hug. She felt her feet leave the ground and quickly closed her eyes.

This trip was longer than the one they took the evening before and knowing what to expect this time, Elliane felt more relaxed and even managed to enjoy the experience. Her skin tingled, and as she rested her head against his shoulder, she felt a dreamy wave of bliss. Even the sensation of being held tightly to Godric's body did not cause her as much discomfort as she thought. That was, until she became distinctly aware of how perfectly her curves fitted to his embrace, like she was made for that very purpose. The thought made her squirm - but at that point the journey had thankfully come to its end.

"We are here," he murmured into her ear and he set her down with care, knowing she might be a bit dizzy.

They were situated down a side street. The hub of noise from the famous Bourbon Street, in the French Quarter was about half a block away. A faint glitter of excitement could be seen in Elliane's eyes as she twirled about slowly, taking cautious note of their location, with that instinctive sense of paranoia she had.

"I suppose you know that I was born in New Orleans," she said to Godric with her melodic lilt. "But I haven't been here for many years, not since I was child."

Godric just gave her a mild smile in return, offering her his arm. "Why don't we take a stroll down the main street?"

There was some sort of festival in town and Bourbon Street was packed with people. Godric wove through the crowd with ease as they passed a multitude of bars, restaurants and strip joints. No one seemed to take much notice of them. Elliane looked down at the ring.

"I guess you know now that Petronilla had a child," she said softly. She wasn't too sure how to bring up the subject.

"Yes, Eric told me all that you had revealed to him. Though from the moment I found you, I suspected as much."

Elliane nodded, looking up to his distant expression as she listened.

"I am only surprised that Eric didn't also realise this when he met you."

"Oh?"

"Yes, you share a remarkable similarity to her in your eyes."

Elli gave a thoughtful nod, aware that although she had experienced many years of the Abbess's life, she never properly saw her. She had seen both Godric and Eric through those eyes, but never the face of Petronilla herself, not even in a mirror. As they passed a number of restaurants, the tantalizing aromas of southern cooking made her mouth water.

She stopped, turning to Godric. "It seems very busy here. I wonder if we will find a place that has any spare tables," she said, looking around a little anxiously.

"Oh, I have a particular place in mind," said Godric, realising she was in need of food. "We shall go there now."

Leading her off the main street, Godric went down another side street to a quieter area and stopped before a large black door. And when they stepped inside, Elliane saw, that it was a small, bistro style restaurant with a bar and club area. The décor was pleasant and very modern. A man standing behind the service desk looked at them both and instantly frowned.

"There is an age requirement here. We only serve to those over the age of twenty-one," he began.

Elliane was about to get out her fake ID when the air intensified and the atmosphere became electric. Godric gazed at the man politely.

"We only require a table for two, somewhere quiet" he said to him. His voice, like the smoothest cream had become both soft and commanding, and Elliane felt a tingle down her spine.

"Of course," said the attendant with a sudden wide smile. "Just come this way."

"Nice work," Elliane whispered softly, as the man walked away. She was suitable impressed.

Godric looked down at her with a slightly mischievous grin and the attendant led them to a secluded booth in the corner.

Elliane took a seat on the side that faced the entry door, so she could see people come and go. The place was quite empty at this time with only a couple of other tables being occupied. This left Godric with the option to slip in beside her, or to sit opposite. He sat opposite, sliding down the booth seat with his rapid vampire speed.

The attendant who had left momentarily - now returned with two menus.

"Someone shall be around shortly to take your order." He said pleasantly, before leaving them to return to his front counter desk.

Elliane took a look at the menu which seemed to have a good variety of staple meals along with some local cuisine. Godric also, seemed to peer intently at the menu and Elliane couldn't help but chuckle softly.

"What do you plan to order?" she asked him with amusement.

Godric looked up at her mildly. He was so tempted to say something highly suggestive, but thought the better of it. This was a rare chance to see her in a naturally relaxed mood. And, after the heated discussion he had with Isabel, after Elli had woken from her nightmare, he felt he ought to stick by the promise she had managed to elicit from him.

"Well certainly nothing from this menu but I think they might have some blood substitute behind the bar."

Elliane's sensitive nature became cautious and she nodded vaguely. "Have you been here before?" she asked.

"Yes," Godric answered.

When the waiter arrived, Godric gestured first to Elliane who ordered a Cajun style chicken salad with a side order of Creole fries.

"Anything to drink?" asked the waiter, he looked at her rather dismissively.

"Hrm…" she murmured. Looking at the drink list her eyes fell on the cocktails at the back of the menu. "How about the Hot Southern Ice Tea," she answered, a gleam entering her eyes when she read the list alcoholic components.

The waiter nodded, and she waited, catching her breath, - wondering if he would ask for some ID. Instead he turned his attention to Godric, smiling at the Vampire courteously.

"And for you?"

"I shall order something from the bar later." Godric replied.

When the waiter left, Elliane turned back to Godric. "I think you should tell me a bit more of this curse," she said quietly.

Godric smiled at her and his eyes lit up a little. It occurred to her that he rather liked recalling these stories.

"I shall," he said. "But first you must tell me whether your psychometry allowed you to read into the events of a Vampires life."

"Oh…" She touched the ring absently. "Umm, not really…" she said with a shrug. "I felt something of you perhaps in emotions but did not re-live anything like I normally do. There were no images to be seen or conversations to hear."

Thinking about the event seemed to conjure up the dark, swirling emotions of anguish and she felt cold.

"There were many, many years of these emotions too… it was quite fatiguing."

Godric was watching her with that enigmatic, thoughtful gaze. "At least you have learnt something more of your abilities," he commented.

The waiter appeared; he placed a coaster down in front of Elliane and then set the alcoholic beverage upon it. It was made up in a tall shapely cocktail glass and ornamented with a couple of slices of lime. Godric immediately leant forward as the waiter left - catching a whiff of the alcohol with a perplexed look.

"I thought you ordered tea?" he said softly.

Elliane grinned impishly. "I did, it's a rather nice tea too…"

"Hmm…" he said softly. "Living dangerously I see."

He wore a slightly critical expression and she almost expected some sort of lecture. She shrugged casually.

"If my life is to be cut short, as you said… I might as well start living it."

Godric raised his brows gently. "Ah, yes… So, I have already told you of Rúadan and how he died. I haven't yet told you anything about his childhood."

Elliane sipped at her drink and blinked when she realised that it was extremely strong.

"When Rúadan was still a child, his mother knew that his father Bres would throw him into war at the first opportunity, so she threatened to hide him away unless he accepted a blood oath."

Elliane focussed her attention on the tale curiously.

"A blood oath is very powerful form of magic and can not be easily broken. She made Bres promise that he would not let their son fight in any wars until he had married and had children."

Seeing that he had captured some of her attention, Godric continued. "So, when Rúadan had started to show some skill with a spear, Bres was keen to let him taste his first battle. Knowing however, that he had to get around the blood oath, he arranged for Rúadan to marry while he was still young, and gave him a choice of brides."

Elliane smirked wryly. Nothing to be surprised at there, she thought. Women in those days were clearly pimped off to the highest bidder.

"How old was he?" she suddenly asked, taking a sip of her drink.

"Quite young I believe, thirteen… maybe fourteen"

"Oh my god…" she uttered astonished.

Godric watched her, his eyes dark. "Society was very different then. People celebrated life and rejoiced in the birth of children, and the children were often considered adults by the time they could procreate. The nature of how people lived meant that they didn't have to spend years in schooling, training to exploit the world for all its wealth."

Elliane fell silent, clearly he missed the world of his past and who could blame him. She had flashes of the world at these times from the ring. Godric however, made it sound so real and yet exquisitely mysterious.

The waiter returned with her meal and set it down. "Is there anything else I can help you with?" he looked pointedly at Godric.

"No, we are fine now, thank you," Godric replied.

The waiter left and Elliane felt her stomach rumble. She was keen to start eating but suddenly felt strange, rude even, to be eating in front of someone else. Godric must have sensed her hesitancy, insisting that she start, while he continued with the tale.

"So, Rúadan marries and after some time his wife eventually gives birth to twins. Bres is free to encourage his son into the world of warfare, and it is shortly after this that his son is slain."

Elliane was now completely occupied with the task of eating and could only nod and enjoy the sound of his beautiful voice. However, she did hope he would get to the point of the curse sometime soon.

"Bres had made many enemies during his rule. After the Tuatha Dé Danann had won back their Kingdom, many of them wanted him to die." Godric took a pause, curiously watching his companion as she tackled the meal. "They could not forgive him for being the source of so much loss and destruction."

Godric hadn't observed a human eating in a long while and he became quite fascinated at the way she handled the fork. She seemed to wave it about unconsciously. "He ended up making a treaty of sorts promising to teach the inhabitants many mysteries of the land."

The chicken was spicy and Elliane washed down the heat with some of her drink. "So when does the curse occur?" she asked, wondering why he had deviated from the topic.

"Ah yes," he said, distracted by the way she twirled the forkful of chicken around in her nimble fingers. She would then examine the food quite intently as though mesmerized before eating it. "King Nuada was slain in the final battle… and his wife Feah sought revenge upon Bres. She laid upon him a curse, in which his children would die young so that she could forever remove the taint of his blood from the land."

Still occupied with the meal, Elliane could only nod at the important part of the conversation.

"Since the curse could not be removed, his father managed to add to it, in an attempt to alter it. Elathan made it so that his descendants would not live to see to their fathers grow old."

Elliane frowned at him confused, but by this time Godric was completely amazed at her table etiquette.

"My goodness," he said. "Do you always consume your food in such a manner?"

A look of innocent confusion entered her eyes as she looked down at her place.

"What do you mean?" she queried anxiously.

"What is this?" he asked curiously, pointing to a pile of something off to one side of the place. Never had he seen anyone make such a mess.

"Oh, that's onion," she said. "I hate onion."

"And this?" he questioned, pointing to a pile of small green cubes.

"Um.. That's avocado." She said self consciously. "I am saving it till last."

"I see," he said softly. He looked quite genuinely astonished. "I thought humans taught their children to not play with their food."

Elliane put the fork down with a slight clatter. She crossed her arms and leant back from the table, sliding down in the seat with a soft glare in her eyes. Must he scold her every opportunity he got?

"Isn't this a case of the pot calling the kettle black?" she asked with a scowl.

Godric gave her the unfathomable look and she continued to explain her meaning. "Well, it seems a little unfair. I'm sure you enjoy playing with your food."

She had meant the comment as a subtle attack, but regretted the words as soon as she said them. She saw certain light enter into his eyes and he smiled at her widely. In a flash of movement, she found he had reached under the table to her leg, shifting it up so that her booted foot rested on the seat beside him, along side his lap.

"Why Elli, are you flirting with me?" his husky voice seem to dance over to her. She gasped as he softly ran his hand along her lower leg, resting it upon her knee. "I am sure I ought to play a little more with you."

Heat began to course up her leg at his touch and she pulled her leg away quickly.

"That was not what I meant," she said softly. Quite flustered, she avoided his gaze and looked at the patrons in the bar. After a moment he spoke.

"Are you not going to finish your meal?" he queried. Elliane peered back at him to see his mild smile.

"No, I've had enough for now." She replied.

He leaned over the table, picking up her fork and stabbing it into a piece of chicken. He then held it up as he looked at it intently. He remembered how her eyes would hungrily examine each morsel of food before she placed the piece delicately into her mouth. Watching her had been quite an erotic experience.

Elliane kept an eye on him out from the corner of her vision. She was not too sure what he was doing, but had an anxious thought that he might do something rather strange, like attempt to feed her. Thankfully he put the fork down.

She turned away from the patrons with a frown. "So, how is this curse broken?"

"I am not sure," he said, his tone became solemn. "I do know that after Feah discovered that her curse had been altered, she was very angry. One of the twins died not long after and Bres sent the other away, casting his own powerful spell on him and all of his descendants."

Elliane looked at him intently.

"He hid them from the sight of the Gods."

She furrowed her brow at his words. This was quite indeed quite interesting. Godric watched her, seeing her think rapidly and noticed that her heart-rate had suddenly increased.

"In fact he did such a good job at this elaborate concealment that he was unable to find them himself."

"But he can find the ring," she said, thoughtful as the events of the puzzle started to fall into place.

"Yes," said Godric simply.

"And this is why you have offered to protect me," she said, and very faintly, he saw her eyes narrow with suspicion. "You wish to be reunited with your creator."

Godric nodded his expression somewhat aloof and he felt quite vulnerable knowing that she now had this knowledge.

"I see…" she said softly. She looked away, back to the patrons and through the bond he felt her becoming inwardly cold. After a minute or two she spoke again, refusing to look at him while she watched the increasing crowd.

"How do you know that he is still alive?"

"Sometimes I can sense that he is close," he answered quietly. "But I have not seen him, not for seventeen hundred years."

He saw her release a deep breath and she continued her silence a moment longer, before her mood lightened and she turned to him with a curious expression.

"Godric, did you say you had been here before?"

"Yes," he responded.

"Do you come here often," she queried with a slight smirk. Elliane had noticed that the crowd here was not typical. It had become a little rowdy as more people arrived. But what had caught her attention - was that there were no women. All of the patrons were men.

"No, why might you ask?"

"Godric," she stated, hiding a smile. "This is a gay club."

Godric looked unperturbed. "Oh I know, I thought it would be a good place to talk. No one would bother you here."

She chuckled softly. "You were not concerned for yourself then?" It was silly question really. Both of them knew, that if Godric wanted, he could slay everything in the room in under a minute.

"Of course not," he said with a soft smile. "I have you here to protect me."

She laughed lightly. "Really, you need not have gone to so much trouble. People rarely pay much attention to me."

He eyed her thoughtfully. "I find that very hard to believe."

"Oh no. It is quite true," she replied with a mysterious smile. "I think I might order another drink," she then said, sliding out of her seat. "Don't worry, I shall return shortly to rescue you."