Freedom tasted like cake. Truman hadn't had cake in years, but he had at least one fond memory involving the sugary food. He sat outside staring at the moon. Godric and his family had allowed him to stay when Russell left with his diminished numbers. The look frightened him, but in the dark Truman smiled nonetheless because he was free. And freedom was too important to waste on the older vampires retaliation. He knew it would come. Tara had done was few had ever thought of doing and the effrontery wouldn't go unchallenged.

His nose twitched and then he saw a familiar blond being washed under the rays of the moon. She looked wantonly at the light.

"Beautiful isn't it."

Startled she whipped around and noticed Truman sitting on top of gargoyle.

"Hi," she breathed, "I didn't see you."

"Most people don't," he shrugged.

"I didn't mean—"

"I know what you meant Sookie. He looked around, he didn't see her tall pale shadow."

She followed his gaze and smiled thinly answering his question before he asked, "Godric called him away."

The vampire nodded in understanding.

"How is your friend?"

Sookie turned back to the moon. She crossed her arms from an imagined chill. "She's better." They had been there for a month. Sookie felt like it was too long and while her host was hospitable she was ready to go home. Where she knew she belonged. This dark work carried memories she'd sooner forget. And her healing couldn't truly begin surrounded by the species responsible for her misgivings of late. Tara was the only vampire she would say was exempt, but that was because of their history. She knew Tara's heart even though it didn't beat anymore.

"The wedding plans are going well," he volunteered. He didn't mind organizing the wedding. Pam stated her distaste for the whole affair and couldn't be bothered with the details. She stated clearly and vehemently on several occasions how she hated the arrangement. Tara didn't mind shouldering someone else with the responsibility when most of her efforts went to soothing the blonds' hesitancy toward the wedding.

Convincing the blond that it was a good idea took a lot out the dark woman, who continually endured rejections that ranged from verbal assaults to physical. Tara tolerated them to a point, but Pam's actions were troubling enough to Godric. It was Truman was under the impression the older vampire meant to speak to her about her behavior. He wondered how well that conversation went.

"I can't believe she's getting married to a vampire."

"It's a logical choice," he started, "she is a vampire."

"She's not…" the blond corrected herself, "she 's not like the rest of you," Sookie defended bitterly.

He dropped his head aware of the tortures she endured at her sibling's hands. She would trouble separating the horrors from kinder vampires. Fortunately, Tara had a special place in the fairies heart, something could be salvaged from all this mess.

"And that woman," she shuddered. "Of all the….." she stopped herself again looking at the boy warily.

He set out to ease her mind, "just think of me as a priest, nothing you say will go any further than the shadows."

Sookie contemplated.

"She's not the woman I would've seen Tara spend the rest of her life with is all."

"I assure you the match is perfect."

"Why is so perfect?" she studied him suspiciously. She recalled him saying that Pam was special. The woman was heartless, ruthless, and sadistic. Tara deserved be with a kind woman, a woman that would love and accept every frailty and flaw. Pam looked to be the type to exploit those things.

Truman dropped from his perch.

Sookie took a step back.

He held up his hands illustrating he meant her no harm. The blond hadn't intended it. She responded on reflex. He didn't need the explanation and she just set her jaw, but she didn't retreat anymore. "I read a lot books. I retain a lot of information. You might be unimpressed with Pam now, but there's a far greater purpose for her than she even realizes. You would describe Tara as loyal and a protector would you not."

Sookie agreed her frown deepened. His explanation created more questions.

"Pam will need that if she is to fulfill her potential."

"Potential. You talk like she's the subject of some prophecy."

"If you want to call it that. By popular opinion I suppose it could be categorized like that."

"And her destiny is to be with Tara? That doesn't make sense." Nothing the past year had made sense, "What's the prophecy say exactly?"

Truman shrugged, "it's a long convoluted text. It's just my interpretation of it. I'm sure others have read it and haven't considered it to mean what I think it does."

Sookie was getting angry, "she's listening to you because of what you did for her. She cared about Bailor and if a way to get her trust. And you're telling me your encouraging this monumental decision on an interpretation of text?"

The bookworm nodded certainly. It was too complicated to explain in brief conversation.

"You'll dismiss my findings because you don't approve of the marriage. I am a thorough researcher and this particular text in referenced and revamped and for reasons that are too complex to get into right now I'm certain that the future will rest on Pam's shoulders. She will need her most trusted allies with her. Tara will give her the credibility she needs with the fairies and other beasts, because as you know she has a way with people. I might even say she will soften Pam and show her a side of herself she isn't aware exists."

"You're giving both of them a lot of credit."

"I'm a optimist. Pam and Tara will save us."

"From what?"

She concentrated on his thoughts and she sighed frustrated by the phrases running through his head in repetition. She narrowed her eyes.

The boy smiled, "You should get some rest Sookie."

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Eric walked into the study where his maker waited for him. Godric looked tired and Eric immediately asked if he should call someone to feed on. He knew the answer, but he still took precautions when it came to Godric. He was older and had evolved in so many ways, he was beyond needing to feed regularly, but Eric still worried for vampire.

"Sit Eric," he stated his back was to his progeny as she stared in the fire. He was fascinated by the dance destroying the thick oak in the heart of the flame.

"Is something wrong?"

"I've spoken with Pam."

Eric nodded aware of his sister's refusal to be a compliant partner, "she needs to get used to the idea."

"She's spoiled. It's my fault and yours," he looked pointedly at the vampire.

The Viking lowered his head as if he were being admonished. Godric continued to stare in the fire.

"What do you think of this match?"

Eric thought it was odd considering the condition and the events that transpired after Tara regained her memory. It wasn't uncommon for families to join through marriage. Unfortunately it foreshadowed a desperate need for it. Russell was a formidable vampire Tara humiliated without a second thought to her actions. He didn't particularly condone that kind of behavior. And her marriage proposal while encouraged by Truman, seemed just as impetuous.

"I'm not sure what I think," he evaded.

Godric turned an impassive gaze on him, but Eric knew he wouldn't be satisfied with the vague answer. "You can do better than that Eric."

"I think Tara is a impressive vampire to be so young. I don't think one who makes enemies so well would be good for the longevity of our family. I was surprised when you agreed."

"You think my decision as foolish as your sister does then?"

Eric lifted his head and met his maker's unwavering gaze. "I don't presume to know what is going through your mind Godric. And for everything I have never understood about you there has always been a reason behind your actions. I would think that the purpose of this decision will reveal itself in due time."

"So loyal Eric."

"You are my maker," he stated in explanation. That warranted his undying loyalty. Godric saved him.

"Your sister will need that same loyalty when I am gone."

Eric frowned, "she will always have it. But I can't help thinking that I'm missing something in this conversation Godric."

"You will protect her no matter what?"

"Yes."

"You will be the head of this house. You will carry our name. And most likely make a difference for the trouble ahead."

"You foresee trouble?" Eric questioned worriedly.

"Don't you."

Eric did, but he had been too content to dwell on the implications of their alliance or the insult to Russell and his family by taking Tara's side.

"It won't be something all of us survive. So in the event that I meet my true death—"

The blond stepped toward his maker pledging, "you won't. I wouldn't sooner die before I saw you meet your true death."

"Our existence breaks so many human rules and traditions and inevitabilities. But one thing I wholly agree with is that a parent should not outlive his child. You have shown that you will lay down your life for me Eric. Fight for someone's life that matters."

"You matter Godric," his progeny pressed.

Godric placed a calming hand on his shoulder sensing Eric needed the contact. "I won't be angry when you choose life over death Eric," his maker consoled cryptically, "I'll be happy that you do."