PART FOUR

Chapter 8

"I thought white was a little…inappropriate." Pam said as she pulled out something from her closet as Sookie stood in the middle of the walk in closet, surrounded by all kinds of jewelry, shoes and the like that one would need for a wedding. "I got the size right, didn't I?" she asked with pride in her voice and Sookie, standing in the room in a strapless burgundy v necked gown, had to admit that yeah, she nailed it. The gown was formfitting and as it flared outward the lower it reached, by the time it was at the ground, the gown had a subtle train behind it. To say nothing of the real rubies that embellished it here and there "White denoted purity, so I hear and well, you aren't exactly…" Pam couldn't help but joke at her friend's expense. "Besides, I feel white is too boring and considering who you are marrying, I think the occasion deserves something more…flashy, something with more sensuality. And white is so….boring, unoriginal. And you, my faerie friend, are far from those things." she paused as she went to help get her hair done. They had already experimented with a down do and now were going to try a up do. "I was thinking a up do, now that we got some curl to your hair and let me tell you, that wasn't easy getting all that to go how I wanted it to." Pam said as she examined her closely

"That's why I gave up on trying to keep any curl to it….tried it for a little while years ago but I gave up. Stubborn hair of mine." and she couldn't help but think of how adversarial she had once been with Pam. Now, they were getting to be good, close friends. Funny how things, how people, could change.

"So long as it keeps through the ceremony…..after all, afterwards, you ain't gonna care how your hair is looking…. Pam said with a arched brow and a grin. That grin faded though as she finished the up do she had chosen for her friend. "What do you think?" she asked as she guided the girl to a full length mirror.

"I like the up do….but I think I do prefer the down look." Sookie said as she glanced at the shoe options that had been put on display for Pam. There were flats and heels, pumps and even some Grecian style sandals. All of which looked pricey and far from the Target shoes Sookie was accustomed and preferred to wear.

"I think I do too….." replied her friend-slash-beautician with a nod. And so down cascaded the golden curls and there was something she hadn't tried on her earlier when experimenting with her hair. "I thought this would be a nice touch…maybe a little decadent for you but I want the evening to be the best…..for you….especially for him."

Sookie was stunned as she saw her friend bring over a velvet pouch and handing it to Sookie, Pam awaited the response. Though it was hard to respond to delicate circlet of rose gold and rubies that [perfectly matched those on the gown. "Oh, this…this is too much."

"Yeah, but its something in thought would put icing on the cake….both of y'all, you come from royal blood, so why not look the part."

"What's he planning on wearing anyway? I know he likes to be causal more than dressy but….."

"Do you really think I would tell you that? You know I keep his secrets. " Pam replied with a grin. Again, the slight frown crossed her face. "You know when I met you, I wasn't a big fan…."

"Big shock there….the feeling was mutual." Sookie said with a laugh as the finishing touches were put on her hair and the intricately braided circlet was put on her head as she sat on a luxurious high chair in front of a three way mirror, while Pam started in on her make up next. "I think I was a little jealous of you…though I didn't realize it at the time…."

"And I felt the same way about you and I know I didn't restrain those feelings well. And if I am being honest, if you are going to be family, know that I am still jealous. Not want to kill you jealous…..or anything like that…" Pam seemed hesitant to spill her guts. Getting emotional was something she did so rarely with others. "I am jealous because I have had to start sharing him with others, he's been…the best thing to happen to me and those three years you were not in the picture….I was happy and even though we had others around like Willa…..I still knew I was on top of the list. But when you entered the scene again….when I saw how much you meant to him…yeah, I was still upset and pissy. But I have come to understand and….appreciate what you've brought to the table. don't you dare breathe a word of this to anyone by the way or I may well do something to your hair in your sleep." she said with a wry smile as she applied a gentle layer of pale blue eye shadow on her subject. Coupled with the lipstick that was a touch lighter than the dress she wore, Sookie had become a regular Cinderella and as unusual as it as for her to be fawned over, treated so special, she admitted it was nice to be pampered. With a impatient eave from Pam to get up, Sookie did so and was made to look at her full length in the three way mirror. Judging by the tears forming in her eyes and her hands reaching up to cup her mouth with surprise, Pam snatched her hands before she risked smudging anything. "Glad to see you are pleased. Beautician is kind of my side thing….though I only do it for people I like."

Sookie nodded and turned to look at her. "Look, I think there is something I want to say."

"Besides thanking the beauty goddess for taking the waitress look away if only for a day?"

"No." Sookie laughed before turning serious again. "I never….and still don't….want to come in between you two. I know how much he means to you and what he did for you…..that's something I wouldn't want to encroach on. it's a different connection and one he and I can't ever replicate. The bonds we have are different….no less important or meaningful…but I…..I just want you to know I respect you. And wouldn't want to feel like I'm pushing you out of the picture."

"Well, I wouldn't allow that to happen, first of all. I'm no shrinking violet." Pam replied with that fire in her eyes and her voice that made her fierce as she was. "But….I think we will be fine and make this work….." she looked at the clock on the wall. "I need to go tend to him before we get this night moving…..Gunnar is with your brother, you said?"

"We decided on a private thing and then having a party sometime soon and I hated lying to Jason saying I had plans-"

"Well, you do…. don't you?"

"Well, yeah, but I don't know….I know he had arranged this as a surprise and I…had kind of hoped my big day would have all my friends and family around, that's all. But I get where he is coming from, wanting to keep things on the down low. And I guess we will make up for it….."

"The others will get over it." Pam replied. "Let me go check on him and I know there is all kinds of superstitions about the couple seeing each other before the wedding…but I don't buy into that crap, look at all the stuff that's happened already, before the rings."

"True…." Sookie said as she followed her from the closet to the lavish and plush room that was Pam's, which was so large it had its private balcony, a private sitting room. Which was where Sookie sat herself while she watched Pam retreat up the hall to where the second part of this puzzle was awaiting further prepping and consul.

Chapter 9

"Come on, we have to be leaving soon. We wanted this to be done on time, right?" Pam said as she crossed her arms over her chest, her slinky plum colored dress and pumps working well with her long wavy tresses. She wasn't trying to outdo Sookie but at least be at the same level. She was competitive that was, wanting to look her best as she was wont to do. But there he was sitting in a leather chair, not even remotely looking prepared to leave anytime soon. But he didn't look melancholy, but rather, furtive. And as impatient and as annoyed as she was that he wasn't getting dressed-she did note he had at least showered-Pam walked over to him and grabbed the bag hanging on a nearby hanger. "Lucky for you we can move at super speed and I would think you would me chomping at the bit to see her…..and to chomp….welllll…" Pam drawled with a saucy grin.

"I was thinking…about the past few years and that I never saw any of this coming." he replied, staring at the ceiling before glancing over to her. "Its no mistake to you what this means for me, I never imagined I could have…this kind of life. And I never really thought it was one I wanted until I got to know her. Saw her as more than a tool to use for personal gain. And she has made me whole for the first time in a long time. There has been a trail of blood before me and after me, losing loved ones left and right. Seeing what I've got now? I would go through that hell all over again if it meant I would be here where I am today."

There was a silence between them as Pam told him of her talk with the woman a few doors down the hall. And as she admitted for the first time to him, her lingering, but far less brutal and hateful jealousy towards the bride, Pam sighed. "Heaven help me, I care for her and like her. We are…friends. Brought together by fate, or whatever you want to believe in. I know you and I…..we have something unique and a past that only we share. And I only ever wanted to see you be happy. After I found out what happened to your own family, after seeing your precious French crumpet killed in front of you when you had to choose between her and I….." Pam was choking up a little but it was clear she was trying to not do so. "Things are changing and I know I have changed too….like it or not." she made a slight smirk. "And I suppose now, with this change, I had better evolve even more."

He got up and put his hands on her shoulders, kissing her on the forehead. "I hope you can find the happiness you want. You deserve it too. You've been my rock and for that I am…grateful and know that nothing will ever lessen what I feel for you…" and for a long few moments, they embraced. Then she pulled away and smirked.

"Enough stalling, lets get you dressed. I won't have you looking anything less than your best for her." Pam said and she smirked as he obediently took the hung up bag to the other room.

Chapter 10

She hadn't even been able to see him while in the house and had been brought to a private car. Assuming the one driving behind carried him within it, she fidgeted nervously as Pam read through some magazines. She had said he wanted her accompanied for her safety and she understood, after recent events traveling by car, she most definitely understood. And the drive was oddly short and when the vehicle finally stopped, the door opened and she found herself in front of her own home, thought there was a very visible tent in the backyard. Spirited off toe the tent by Pam, she heard a gentle murmur, a crowd of people was very evidently present as she was brought to where she would emerge, to walk down the aisle. This ante tent, so to speak was warm, but not obnoxiously so and she watched Pam leave it, not before telling her to remain here. Moments later, Niall entered the tent, hand in hand with a little tow headed boy dressed in a little suit.

"Gunnar!" Sookie said as she scooped up her son with ease, admiring his clothes but also looking at her grandfather suspiciously. "This wasn't ever going to be a intimate affair, was it?"

He grinned. "Nope, he wanted to surprise you by throwing you off the scent as it were….all your loved ones, your friends, are here tonight and though it wasn't easy to wrangle them all at such short notice, well…..the support and love for you is very evident" Niall watched the two together and sighed. "I am glad for you…for all of you. I just wish you had agreed to what I offered you."

"I won't lose another loved one in such a way, I couldn't live with it." Sookie said as she put her son down and looked at her grandfather. "For you to give your life to keep my blood, his blood…..what it can do and be a secret? We can be careful, I promise. We won't go screaming for the hills with what is can do." her mind drifted briefly back to the incident with Ian, who had taken her in hopes to use her blood to kill all things supernatural. She had seen that he had succeeded but in the end, he was destroyed. But that knowledge, that info of what she was, the blood in all their veins was something unsettling to her and her grandfather had offered to keep that secret from ever being discovered. At the cost of his own life.

He was about to respond when her brother entered the room, dressed in a smart three piece suit, stopping in place at the sight of his sister. "Wow….you look….I just wanted to make sure grandpa was ok with the kiddo and I guess…." he stammered as Pam entered, looking somewhat put upon with the guests in this little tent that was a offshoot of the main one where, Sookie was able to see briefly before the curtain shut, several round tables and chairs were in display, divided by a red carpet that went to the altar. Candles were lit everywhere. And the sweet smell of her favorite flowers, lilacs and honeysuckle hung sweetly in the slightly humid air. Shooed away and forced to take Gunnar with him by Pam, the time was at hand. "Ready to do this? I hope you don't mind, but we had other…..ideas for the ceremony and I know you're surprised by the guests….but we were determined to keep you off your game. Your grandfather and I…we worked to plan this to make is surprising for the both of you. Your groom…he let me have full reign, though he did know of the plans for the guests and we were going to do this here at your home…." she stopped as she shivered, her eyes closed. Sookie recognized that look and Pam confirmed her suspicion. "He's ready to begin….so long as you are."

Her stomach was in knots and she heard the beginnings of some ancient sounding music that was quite beautiful…and quite foreign. "I am really going to have to brush up on my Swedish, aren't I?"

"I picked the music, knowing what his tastes are…..his favorite has always been the instrumental and the vocals of his people. Not that he doesn't like more modern stuff, but this was more….appropriate. Now. Lets get this done, shall we?"

She nodded as Pam opened the curtain with a flourish and allowed the slightly trembling woman to make her way up the aisle and as she passed those who had come she knew that her grandfather had played a large role in making this happen. There was no trace of cars, he had to have used his magic to bring everyone here, to keep her from being the wiser. And seeing her grandfather at the altar, dressed to the nines in a dark velvet suit, his face and everyone else's lit only by the flames of the candles within the room, she felt more loved than she thought possible. And then she saw him. Dressed in a dark, navy blue suit, his hair was neatly clicked back and she swore she had never seem him look as good as he did now. Like a fashion model. And as soon as she had reached the altar she noted the way he looked at her and knew it was taking everything in his power to keep form dropping fang. It wasn't exactly the best time and she could feel everything he was feeling. Things went by in a blur and ten minutes later, Pam had presented a hand carved box with a single ring within it. She looked confused as to what she was to give him as he slipped the rose gold ring with the oval diamonds onto her hand. And was even more confused when he removed his jacket, suit and tie, revealing a bare chested look. That was a first, she thought to herself. Stripping at a wedding? But then she saw Pam reveal a second ring, this one on a metal chain. It was a band that was a braided style as hers, though a more masculine version, where hers was dainty, suited for a faerie. His was so very Viking.

"Give this to him after its done." Pam whispered, to Sookie's further confusion. And when she saw Niall produce what looked like a branding iron, it hit her. As it did him in the blink of an eye and she smelled the flesh burning at the nape of his neck, no more than a couple inches long, it was her name in a ancient looking script.

"This seals the devotion, the love he has for you as was once customary for his people long ago…..it will heal but with my magic, the mark will forever remain, your name, Sookie will be forever etched upon him. Place the pendant around his neck, give him your token as he has given you yours…apparently he isn't one for rings on fingers, he prefers to wear it this way. On a chain I myself have made unbreakable, indestructible….." and at this moment, Sookie took the necklace with the wedding band upon it and as he lowered his head, she slipped it over until the ring bounced against his bare chest.

"Does it hurt?" she whispered, nodding towards his back where the brand bearing new name was now embedded.

"It is the best pain I could have asked for." he whispered into her ear. "You look…..incredible by the way, though no words could adequately describe how you look."

"Same to you." she replied.

"if we may go on." Niall interjected with a amused expression. "There is one final thing to be down here this evening and then you will be united in every sense of the word. I give you my blessing and my protection always….." Niall nodded at the two of them, who proceeded to make a lip lock to end all lip locks. And then there came a shudder to the room, a warming sensation as they turned to see the faerie king encased in light. He was fading slowly and it dawned on her what he had done. She reached for him but was unable to touch him.

"I want this gift for you and though you declined the offer, I am making it my decision. To absolve you of the guilt. With my passing, there will be protection over you and your little family but make no mistake, dangers always will be after you. There is only so much this magic can and will do for you. But it is my hopes that it will help. And with my passing, you will not feel sadness, nor regret. No one here in this room will. And Hadley here," he nodded to the table where Hadley and Hunter were seated. "she officially will take over for me. Do not mourn me, this is my choice, my gift to the two of you. Live well and never give up on one another." with a final hug to his granddaughter and a handshake to the astonished Eric, Niall was gone, his life forsaken in the name of protecting his loved ones.

Epilogue

As promised, the loss of Niall didn't lead to a melancholy reception after the ceremony. There was sadness, yes and wistfulness. But there was plenty of drinking, eating and dancing to be had and it was soon that the couple were giving their thanks to all who had come. Jason and Bridgette, along with their daughter Harper, had come to collect Gunnar from the newlyweds, as he was to baby-sit him for the next week while they escaped on their honeymoon, to which Sookie was in the dark as to where they were heading. The evening had been perfect, even with that her grandfather had done and she knew his last magic usage had not only helped them, but had kept anyone from getting despondent, that he clearly had wanted the evening perfect for her. And she supposed that she felt comfort in that he had given them something so special and that ha had been only too willing to do something like that for them. Hadley, she knew, would do well ruling Faery and none who knew them would ever forget Niall. Having said their goodbyes, and seen that Willa had taken the liberty of packing bags for them, Sookie fell asleep on his shoulder as the limo left her home and the others behind. Hadley and hunter would send everyone back to their homes while the newlyweds would start their life together on a more official level. As she slept soundly on his shoulder, even the Viking found himself somewhat in need for some respite from the evenings activities and resting his head on hers, he too drifted off, not before entwining his hands into her own. And even in her sleep, she was allowing a smile to cross her face, as he was also.

THE END