Chapter 10

EPOV

It seems that most of the group had no idea who or what the Ancient Pythoness was. I was blessed to know. She leaned over and whispered something to Niall, who nodded in response. Normally, one would think this was in bad taste when dealing with a blind person, but she knew all as if she could see. She raised her right hand and all went silent.

"Welcome all. I am happy to see all of you gathered together. There is so much love and respect amongst you all. This is vital to our survival." She paused for a moment. I don't know if she was getting a vision or pacing herself for dramatic purposes. She always had a unique sense of humor. She continued.

"I have gathered you all because I foresee an attack on our location. It seems that those who would want to capture Ashlar and Morrigan for their own purposes knew about the guest list. In their preparation, they have joined with all of your individual enemies in hopes that you will all be distracted enough to allow them to take the couple. Their leaders are not only trying to capture the couple, but all of the females present." The gasps echoed through the room. "Although they know of some of your powers, they still believe us all to be weak. They plan to make slaves and concubines out of us women and have ordered that the men be killed on sight." I grabbed Sookie's hand and squeezed it. We keep calm expressions on our faces, but we were anxious to learn more.

"It is important for the bonds of friendship to grow strong amongst you. You are the army that will protect this world and its supernatural community from falling into servitude at the hands of rapists, sadists, and those who care nothing for life. I have already made arrangements to protect the couple, as Morrigan is still young and not able to defend herself against a foe such as this. Ashlar needs to be able to protect his soon-to-be wife. Some of those who are not present have been alerted to the threat and will protect the couple. As for the rest of you, I know what you can do. You are some of the most gifted and powerful creatures in the world and have those that will aid you in any fight. You may need to call upon them, but this is where we make our first stand. Once the couple is married, the attack will begin. When it is over, all of you need to stay together. Eric Northman, King of Louisiana will make accommodations for all of you in his state. That is where the final battle will take place. I advise you all to go to your rooms and prepare, but enjoy the company that you have. Inform any who traveled with you. If they are unwilling to risk their lives, then they should be gone by morning. I am leaving tonight, but will relay any new developments through my child, Godric. We are at war. This is not just vampires, weres, or even humans. All will be involved and sides will be chosen. But know this: with the bonds that are made this night, your strength will be unmatched. Although I cannot see the outcome of the war just yet, I am confident that you will be the victor. Go now and get ready." She lowered her hand. Niall whispered something to her and she shook her head in agreement. Then he addressed the group, "You all may retire for the evening. Those who know me should remain for just a moment."

After a couple of moments, the only people that remained were myself, Sookie, Pam, Godric, Taylor and his wife, Sinclair and his wife, Vayl and his wife and Carlyle. I was surprised as I assumed my group would be the only ones to remain. I realized that some knew Niall, but doubted that any knew that he and Sookie were related.

Niall moved to AP's right side and stood behind Elizabeth's chair. "I will introduce you all as you are the chosen leaders of our army." He placed both of his hands on the back of her chair and continued, "This is Elizabeth Taylor-Sinclair, Queen of Minnesota" We all looked surprised when we heard her full name. She visibly scowled at our reaction and opened her mouth to speak when Sinclair grabbed her hand, petting it softly. He didn't speak, but just stared at her. I figured that they could speak with their minds like Sookie and I. We both looked at each other and intertwined our fingers. Niall moved to the next chair.

"This is Eric Sinclair, Royal Consort to the Queen of Minnesota." Sinclair (I mentally told Sookie to refer to him by his last name) bowed his head towards the group.

Next was Vayl's wife. "This is Jazmine Parks-Brancoveanu. She is a retired member of the C.I.A." She just rolled her eyes. She definitely had the physique of a trained killer. What struck me most about her was her hair. It reminded me of watching a pool of blood on fire. And that streak of white gave her a mystery that could only be ignored for so long. I made a mental note to get her and Sookie together as soon as we returned home.

Moving to the next chair, he went on. "This is Vayl Nicu Brancoveanu. He is also retired from the C.I.A, but he is the leader of the Branco Trust and former Vampere." Godric and I leaned forward and smirked at each other. We both nodded to Vayl who returned the gesture.

Next were Taylor and his mate. I hadn't gotten a chance to catch up with Mr. Taylor. We have had our encounters of the years, he seemed trustworthy and proficient. I called upon him whenever I was in need of something, whether it was a person, place, or thing. "This is John Taylor of the Nightside. Although he hates to admit it, he is its ruler." The majority of the group looked confused because even I didn't know what the Nightside was, let alone where it was. He looked shocked and embarrassed by his introduction. His mate just smirked until Niall was behind her. She leant on the table with her elbows holding her up as she tried to avoid physical contact with Niall. "This is Suzie Taylor, Head of Defense for the Nightside." She smiled, crinkling the vertical scar on her left cheek. Taylor looked proud. He suddenly looked at Sookie. It was good for his sake that it was a look of awe and surprise rather in lust. I'd hate to have to kill a fellow guest. Sookie put her hands up in a praying gesture and bowed towards him in apology. He nodded. He must have felt her probing his mind.

"This is Carlyle Cullen." Niall said of the next contestant. "He is a former member of the Volturi and King of Washington." He smiled and nodded politely to the group. Having finished that side of the table, Niall popped to our side to work his way back to AP.

"This is Godric, child of the Ancient Pythoness." He acknowledged the group and glanced at his maker, who smiled just like any proud mother would.

"This is Pamela Ravenscroft, Queen of Nevada and child to Northman." Her smile was huge. Sookie was unable to suppress her giggles, which earned her a devious glare from Pam. I was up next. "This is Eric Northman, King of Louisiana, head of the Supernatural Alliance, and Godric's child."

Now he was behind my beloved. Instead of holding onto her chair, he placed his hands on her shoulders. He was almost giddy to introduce her; I guess it had been awhile since he had the opportunity. "This is Sookie Briggant-Northman, Princess of Faery, Queen of Louisiana, and spokeswoman for the Supernatural Alliance." I couldn't help my smug grin when he spoke her name. Mrs. Northman. How I want to pillage your body right now I thought to myself. I had to readjust the front of my pants. He returned to AP's left side.

"I am Niall Briggant, Prince of Faery and this is the Exalted One, the Ancient Pythoness." She nodded to the group. She took the reigns once more and addressed us.

"Get to know one another as you will become family within the coming years. Niall and I must take our leave, so I will leave you with these words." Her eyes began to glow bright white and she continued, "Together, you will be victorious in your fight against any force that threatens to disrupt the harmony that you all, individually and jointly, built. What you all will build together will be an everlasting peace that will not be questioned. Believe these words." Her eyes returned to the milky gloss they normally held. And we were dismissed.

Author's Notes:

So what do you think of this motley crew? Please send me suggestions as to what you think should happen next or in the future of this story.

SPECIAL THANKS to my 'Dynamic Duo' (formerly my 'regulars').

*All characters in this chapter belong to their respective authors.

**I OWN NOTHING**