Eric accepted the ceremonial knife, the weight comfortable against his palm. He closed his eyes for a moment, a wave of emotion washing over him as he lifted it to his lips and kissed it. This was no ordinary knife; it symbolized the commitment and love that had brought him to this moment. The audience erupted into thunderous applause, echoing through the elaborately designed tent. As the applause swelled, Eric felt the adrenaline coursing through him, a culmination of six months of meticulous planning and heartfelt anticipation condensed into this single act. It was the epitome of their journey together, the trials they had overcome, and the dreams they were about to forge hand in hand.
Turning to face their guests, Eric and Sookie exchanged glances filled with joy and relief. Their smiles beamed radiantly, lighting up the room.
In the wake of Hurricane Katrina's devastation, Eric and Sookie's acquisition of the property next to Sophie-Anne's was the first joint financial venture for the two. The couple had become something of a beacon of resilience for the city. The sprawling two acres, once a symbol of yet another victim to nature, now stood as a testament to renewal and determination. The renovation, a laborious two-and-a-half-month endeavor, transformed the first floor into a hub of strategic planning for the pledging event, breathing new life into its walls.
The property buzzed with activity as three catering companies, previously facing the grim reality of a disaster-stricken economy, found solace and opportunity in their joint contract. This collaboration, born out of necessity, was now the culinary heart for the pledging, serving a diverse array of guests that read like a who's who of the political and corporate world. The presence of the White House Chief of Staff, a cohort of senators, governors, mayors, and international delegates, alongside illustrious CEOs and celebrities, added a layer of prestige and importance to the event.
Once separated by a mere wall, Sophie-Anne's conference and meeting rooms became a unified gastronomic haven. The spread of food was a feast for the senses, with Jason's favored steak or at least something very close to it, a lavish seafood selection accompanied by an array of dishes too numerous to list. Each added to the mosaic of flavors and aromas that filled the air, much to some vampires' chagrin and the humans' eagerness to dig in.
The waiters, clad in elegant tuxedos, deftly navigated through guests, keeping their hands constantly occupied. For the vampires, The Real Deal, and for the humans, a large variety of beverages were on offer.
Sophie-Anne's near three-acre backyard was packed with guests. The sides of the tent had been opened up to reveal a lavishly decorated outdoor space. The pledge space quickly transformed into an informal sitting area with an array of couches.
To Eric, it seemed to take an age as he stood there, with Sookie by his side as guest after guest offered their congratulations, some with a great deal of ass-kissing. Surprisingly, the AP among them. "I don't believe you saw this moment, did you?" The AP asked Sookie.
"No, I never did." She admitted she hadn't given it much thought and wondered why.
"I did the day you were born. It was unclear, and for the next decade and a half, it seemed to fade with any hope I possessed for us all." The conversation had attracted the attention of the vampires in the room. Though they were doing an admirable job of feigning disinterest, The humans, blissfully indulging in the revelry, remained oblivious to the gravity of the conversation unfolding. "Then suddenly, it came with a vividness I could seldom believe. You would have been around sixteen years of age."
She was. "That would be the day I received my gift of foresight," Sookie admitted with a smile. She knew the AP had seen a future where her position in the supernatural world would herald a great change for them. For the first time, Pythia seemed willing to divulge the details of her vision.
"I saw what your ties to us would mean for us. A future so hopeful I seldom believed it myself. Some would scoff, but they hold the first sign of it in their hands." The Real Deal, a blood substitute, superior to even the offering from the human vein. "Some tried valiantly to halt its production but failed rather spectacularly in their futile attempts. They purport to advance vampire rights, yet their actions speak louder than their assertions." And there it was, the end of AVL. As Jason often said, vampires would give Mrs Fortenberry a run for her money when it came to gossiping. Word would spread, and any clout the AVL had was done and dusted. "Eric, Susannah… I bow to you." To everyone's surprise, she stepped back and did just that. In that moment, a pledging transcended mere ritual; it became the moment that would be spoken about most often. All would remember it as the night change came.
The room buzzed with energy, a symphony of mingling voices and clinking glasses. Eric and Sookie, the epicenter of it all, sat on one of the couches, bodies leaning toward each other.
"Boy, you two really know how to throw a shindig." Remy teased, eyes shining with mirth.
Sookie, radiant in another deep red gown, this one less restrictive, confessed, "We did not do much of anything." Her hand took Eric's in hers.
"Except for our nearly empty bank accounts for this shindig." Eric quipped as Sookie threw her head back in laughter.
"Not you, too." Jason had started calling it a shindig, much to Pam's irritation, which only encouraged Jason's persistence.
Remy leaned in. "Anyway, got a present for you two," he announced his face a picture of happiness. "Now, stay out of my head. I'm still surprised Hunter managed to keep it to himself." Sookie's eagerness had Eric smiling from ear to ear. "I got a new job. Day foreman at a manufacturing plant." He paused for effect. "It's ridiculously close to Bon Temps, so Hunter and I will move this summer. I hear you got a property I can rent." Sookie just about managed to let Remy finish before she practically leaped on him with a squeal that attracted too much attention. One of them being Hadley.
"That is... single-handedly the best present we have received." Eric's response was a little more diplomatic.
"Wait, the only manufacturing plant near is The Real Deal production plant," Sookie uttered.
"That's the one." Remy laughed at their shocked faces.
"Wanted to get the job on my own merit, not because it's owned by family." He said proudly.
"We certainly respect that," Eric said proudly. Having Hunter close would be a joy.
"Does Jason know?" Sookie asked suddenly.
"Nah, thought you two should be the first to know. I will tell him tomorrow. I really don't fancy getting tacked to the floor in this." He said with a grimace. Eric's booming laugh would be one Remy would never forget. The vampire terrified him despite Hunter's love for the vampire he called Uncle Eric. At this moment, he could see why his son loved him so much. Anyway, I've left my date waiting." He shuffled away as Sookie's smile just widened.
"He finally understands why Hunter loves you so much. Up until this moment, he was terrified of you," Sookie informed him. Their language of choice in a room full of supernaturals was an old Nordic language.
"I know." Eric managed to hide his shock when he realized Remy's date was Stephanie. "I knew there was nothing I could do about it. He had to get over his fear of me on his own." His eyes were glued to the two. "When did that start?" He looked down at Sookie.
"I have no idea. Even I can be surprised sometimes."
Stephanie was a waif-like woman who looked like she was in danger of being blown over by a stiff wind. She was always clad in a black polo neck and black trousers. Today, she was barely recognizable in a white backless flowing gown with an intricately woven design for straps, an outstanding feature on a simple gown. Her jet-black hair flowed down her back and framed her face beautifully.
But it was the tattoos that held Eric's gaze. Vines with talon-like ends crisscrossing her body and arms. Were they mere ink or something more? He'd swear he saw them move, an illusion, surely. Yet, in a room of supernatural wonders, who could be certain?
"Did the tattoo just…"
"Yep," Sookie muttered, her attention on Hadley, who had not taken her eyes off Remy since his announcement that he was moving to Bon Temps. Thankfully, Sophie-Anne had issued a command warning Hadley not to approach any of them until they did so. Remy would certainly not be approaching her; he had not spared his ex-wife a single glance. His attention was solely occupied by Stephanie; the demon clearly welcomed the attention if her body language was anything to go by.
Eric leaned in. "Is that the same man who was, until just moments ago, terrified of me, or does he not know what she is?" he asked, voice low. Stephanie, a demon, no less, held Remy's attention. The vines on her arm seemed to caress his finger, a rather unique way to flirt.
"Yep," Sookie replied. "He knows what she is and couldn't care less." The truth hung in the air. Remy had shed fear like an old skin where Stephanie was concerned. Perhaps Stephanie's allure was more potent than any supernatural dread.
Eric, ever the rogue, mumbled, "A unique and intriguing way to flirt." The pair, demon and mortal, were a study in contrasts, and he couldn't help but appreciate the artistry.
Sookie's teasing snapped him back. "Stop being a pervert," she chided. But Eric, unrepentant, grinned.
"Who would have thought Stephanie was sporting..."
"...living tattoos," Sookie finished.
"Indeed," he chuckled. "Oh," a thought occurred to him. You don't give her guards because she needs them. Much like you, they're more for the protection of anyone foolish enough to cross her."
"Of course," Sookie responded as though that should be obvious to all.
Sookie's entourage, her family of fierce protectors, had shed all pretense of humanity, especially Camille and Gavril. They were in their element in a crowded room full of humans, easily susceptible to their influence. Jesus' face seemed to morph between his human self and demon persona just for the sheer amusement of it all. Lafayette was, surprisingly, well-behaved. His most egregious behavior was informing a celebrity about his ghostly stalker. The actor in question, an avid believer in the superstition, forked over a hefty sum for an exorcism. Eric, skeptical, wondered if the ghost was merely a figment of Lafayette's storytelling prowess. Sookie's shaking shoulders hinted at the truth; Lafayette had just conned the actor out of twenty-five thousand dollars.
Eric and Sookie stayed in their little corner for the next few hours, talking but mostly watching their guests. Most of their human guest had migrated to the conference room for easier access to the food. Eric could hear just how good a time they were having. Jason insisted that all that was needed for humans to have a good time was good food and copious amounts of alcohol. He'd been right. The man in question was currently chatting to Thea. Apparently, the AP wanted to meet Michelle. Of course, the mother of the future head of the council. Sookie sat up straight at seeing her brother and Michelle joining the AP.
"What is she up to now?" Sookie grumbled, her protective instincts kicking in.
"She wants to meet Michelle. At least that is what Thea was told to tell Jason," Eric whispered. The AP's motives were never straightforward.
"Uh," Sookie murmured. "It appeared that was exactly it. She just wanted to meet Michelle." Sookie admitted, her tone still held a hint of relief and suspicion.
Bartlett's rage erupted as Fintan boldly inhaled a spoonful of lemon meringue pie. "What are you doing?" he demanded. Fintan, seemingly unfazed, produced a small bottle of pills.
"It's fine. This stuff really works." He shook the small bottle of pills. Eating the pie and appearing unaffected had caught everyone's attention.
"Well, shit," Sookie mumbled.
"What is that?" Russell practically vamped towards Fintan, snatching the bottle out of his hand.
"Sookie figured out a way for us to eat lemon. As long as it's cooked, we can ingest it. Even better, our reaction to raw lemon is no longer fatal, just a stomach ache." In truth, she hadn't done a thing. One of Jinhong's scientists was responsible for the Fairies' ability to now ingest lemon as long as it wasn't raw. She is now working on our aversion to lead."
"Nah, she is working on vamps now. Y'all will be able to stay awake during the day and maybe walk in the sun when she's done." Of course, Jason would be the one to let the cat out of the bag.
Russell's head snapped towards her, followed by every vampire in the room. "I am a creature of light. I literally require the sun for my continued existence. Of course, I would want my mate to share it with me." Sookie snarked. "Why none of you have thought to find a way around it is beyond me." She grumbled.
"I thought you were working on our aversion to lead," Niall interjected.
"Don't be greedy. Your son is eating a lemon pie." Russell snapped. Sookie bit her lip to stop the laughter bubbling up in her chest. She shut down the bond as she could feel Eric's amusement.
"I always suspected it was magical." Henrique joined in.
"Partly, but I believe it's mostly biology." There she was talking, as though she had any real idea. She was just repeating what Eun Ae had told her. "I believe your aversion to the sun is the same reason you are also so flammable. I think the solution to that can easily be added to the blood you drink, but we might need a little magic to make it stick." Sookie finished.
"Are you saying we could purchase a bottle of The Real Deal in the near future to allow us to walk in the sun?" Sophie-Anne asked, and the hopefulness in her voice had the AP smiling from ear to ear.
"Indeed." She answered instead of Sookie. "I believe I can say that those that doubted my assertions that the bonding of these two would herald in a great future for us, I believe those doubts are now a thing of the past. It's the dawn of a new day." She added. "To Eric and Sookie." She raised her glass. The rest followed.
"What of our aversion to silver?" Kwesi asked. The vampire king of Ghana was the oldest known and the richest. He was single-handedly the reason the African governments simply chose to ignore vampire existence instead of hunting them down. Things would have to change everywhere for real change to happen across the board.
"We all have weaknesses; silver will have to be yours." Sookie smiled at him; he shrugged his shoulder in answer. "Could you spare a couple of hours tonight?" Sookie asked.
"For you, anything." He bowed before walking back to his group.
"What are you up to now?" Eric asked.
"If we truly want change, it has to happen worldwide, and that vampire and his friends will be the catalyst for the rest of the world. It just so happens we have all the right people here to make a start." Sookie smiled.
"Just so happens, uh," Pam mumbled.
"I'm lucky like that." Sookie's attempt at feigning innocence had Niall laughing. He knew all too well the devious nature of Fairies, and Sookie was no different.