Chapter Sixteen: Another New Life
October 2030
Eric's POV
Sookie's fingertips trace the back of my hand as we continue discussing the realm of the fae. She is taking notes with her other hand, but I can feel her emotions purposefully trying to entice me away from her studies. Government is her least favorite topic, so I am unsurprised that she is attempting to seduce me right now.
Since returning to Bon Temps and Sookie's ancestral home, many things have occurred. Alexis completed her Bond with Quigley and moved to California with him to start at Stanford. Diedre determined that Leif's foresight was still linked to her will to open the connection between him and Alexis. While this meant the affliction of blindness was only present when that connection was open, it also meant that Diedre rarely opened that link. For the past three years, the four of them have worked together to optimize Leif's ability to look into the future while not subjecting him to too much information.
Leif's growing ability has meant a higher level of security for the family, but Diedre is insistent on not letting the power take over his life. Having watched Cassandra be plagued with the responsibility of always seeing, I am not surprised by her restraint at allowing Leif to use his new gift.
Unsurprisingly, Jenny did Bond with Pam shortly after the move to Louisiana. I stepped in to attempt an arrangement with her family over the marriage, but it was rejected in a manner that was both professional and cold. Needless to say, Jenny was swiftly disowned. Upon her official marriage to Pam, Jenny legally changed her name from Jin Ai Park to Jenny Ravenscroft, permanently removing all of her connection to her heritage and family. I have never seen her nor Pam so happy.
"You know," Sookie pulls me from my thoughts of the past three years. "I've been thinking."
"About what, Dear One?" I smile as she sets down her pen and cups my hand in both of hers, playing with my wedding band. "If we are to be moving to Elfyria, your long hair wouldn't stand out so much…"
I snort on a laugh. When our children were born, Sookie had insisted I cut it short so as not to stand out at PTA meetings. Once the twins started kindergarten, I had followed through with her suggestion and kept it short.
"Is this your way of saying you miss my long hair?" I tease.
"Maybe," Sookie pouts. "I've kinda been daydreaming about it a lot lately. The way it used to fall like a curtain over us when you make love to me… Like we are in our own little world."
"As long as you promise to study," I grin, "I will go die for the day and let it restore."
"Yay!" Sookie reaches for the ragged tome of the Angelic language, intent on working on her ability to read the language before taking the throne. "I will have five pages translated before you rise."
"Such a diligent student. Yet, why am I unsurprised you offered to complete language arts homework instead of government homework?" I tease, standing up from the other side of the desk to begin stripping off my clothes as I head to our bedroom downstairs. I toss my clothing into the hamper and slide into bed. If I am lucky, I will have an equally naked wife beneath the covers beside me when I rise.
I am so damned lucky, I think delightedly as I become aware and not only is my wife naked, but she is straddling my hips, sliding against my cock with her dripping center. She has not sheathed me inside of herself yet, instead wanting me aware for that moment.
"Welcome back," she whispers. "I forgot how lonely it is in here when you die for the day…" Her hands are wrapped in my hair. "Fill me up? Make the loneliness go away?"
Sitting up, I place my hands on Sookie's body, one on her hip, the other between her shoulder blades as I twist myself atop her. The pieces of my hair that are not twined within her grasp create the curtain effect my Bonded cherishes, but I take my time kissing her rather than plunging ahead. My lips caress her mouth, my hand torments all her favorite places- this body I have been spending the last twenty-nine years memorizing.
"Oh, God, Darlin'," Sookie moans beneath me. "Stop teasin' and get in here!"
I moan in reply as my hips drop and answer her plea. Ever since returning to Louisiana, Sookie's accent has returned with a vengeance, and I am completely enslaved by her. I love her gentle lilt and how it softens her tone. After a couple decades up north, her accent had still been distinguishable against the midwest accents, but nothing like this marvelous cadence.
"You feel so good, Darlin'," Sookie mumbles against my mouth, her arms curling around my neck as her legs do the same around my waist.
We end up spending the first hour of my rising in bed, and if it were not for her stomach grumbling for food, we would have remained there the rest of the night.
After a shower, Sookie brushes and dries my hair, looping it into a long ponytail with an extra band every six inches or so to keep it from tangling.
"As good as you remembered?" I ask as she grinningly finishes with my hair.
"Even better!" She beams excitedly before wrapping my ponytail in her fist and giving it a gentle tug.
"Oh no, dominatrix Sookie is coming back. I can see her in your eyes," I tease as I turn and capture her lips in another kiss.
"You know you liked her," Sookie accuses playfully.
"I like every version of my wife I get to have sex with," I agree. "Although Dominatrix Sookie needs to learn some more self-control. Too greedy."
"I thought you like me greedy?" She taunts.
"I like to spoil you," I explain.
"Oh, I see." She gives my hair another tug, so I stoop down so that her arms can comfortably wrap around my neck before I stand up straight and let her toes dangle against my legs. As I bring us back to the bed, Sookie smiles up at me. "Aren't we supposed to have a lull in our sex lives being married so long?"
I cannot help but laugh, "To be fair, we are both ridiculously attractive, more than financially stable, and have more hours available a day than we have things to fill them. You are also the light of my life, my favorite person, and-"
"Okay, okay, I get it," Sookie laughs.
"I could keep going."
"I bet you could," she agrees, her gentle smile drawn across her lips. "It's just amazing to find out I'm still enough for you."
"Am I not enough for you?" I ask curiously.
She gives me her patented did I say that? glare. "I just mean, there's so many things your body can do that mine can't. At least with another vampire, you wouldn't have to hold back."
"Dear One, the era of me holding back is long in the past. Anything else I could do simply because I am a vampire that your body could not take, isn't even pleasurable for me to begin with. Just because I can does not mean I should, let alone desire it."
"Vamp speed doesn't feel good for you?" Sookie is surprised to find this out after so many years together.
"Not past a certain speed. Incidentally, its just above the speed you cannot handle. Eventually the friction just becomes uncomfortable, no matter how wet you are," I tell her honestly.
"You never mentioned it," Sookie frowns thoughtfully as though trying to recall a time I ever mentioned as much.
"It never seemed necessary," I shrug. "The only time you've tempted me going beyond the limit of your pleasure and just into animalistic terrorizing was when you tied yourself to our bed, and you said you still loved that."
"I did. I need to get that response out of you again some time." I watch my wife's eyes glaze over as she contemplates the best way into tormenting me into a demonic rutting.
Kissing her crown, I laugh and ask, "Do you want more sex, or shall I check your translations?"
Sookie sighs, "Translations. The sooner I can get Elfyria back up and running the better."
"What is the rush?" I ask curiously.
My wife frowns, and I feel her struggle internally with her reply. This can only mean it involves someone else, and she cannot bear to break a confidence. With that acknowledgment, I have my answer.
"You want to awaken Camilla's baby girl?" I guess, and at her wide, troubled eyes, I know I have guessed accurately. "She is safely in stasis, she will not crumble before you are ready."
"Cammie is just so ready to be a mom," Sookie whispers. "She wants to raise her, hold her… I just wish… I just wish the next time she holds that bundle in her arms, the baby's curse would just magically dispel, even without me having to take the throne to do it. I wish Cammie could find a way to break it herself so she could feel that accomplishment for herself."
"It has only been three years," I point out. "That is a short time to try and find a measure to remove such a curse."
"Really?"
"Oh yes. And this is the work of a Djinn, which means inter-dimensional energy is the source. That in itself is a force with which to be reckoned."
"How is it different from magic like Cammie uses?" She asks me.
"Inter-dimensional energy is not something that can be trained to harness," I tell her. "One either has the power, or does not. Usually it is reserved for the Gods, Demi-Gods, and the occasional magic creature like angels. The common factor is that they are one of a kind. There spirit can only exist in one dimension at a time, and if they interact with a universe, that spirit cannot exist in that universe."
"Aren't I an angel?" She frowns as she is exposed to a whole new level of supernaturals.
"Technically, a version of you was a descendant of an angel." It is my turn now to frown. "Perhaps that connection is what will give you the ability to manipulate inter-dimensional energy and break the petrification of Elfyria?" I hazard a guess. "The other versions of yourself, and the rules of their universes are unknowable to me. It would only be through the guidance of Endymion that we could attempt to understand all of the work at play."
Glancing at the clock, I note the time and smile, "Godric and Camilla should be returning from the Old Kingdom some time today. You said you wanted to see her when they returned."
"Right, I should probably get dressed. Grade my papers while I'm out?" She asks as she rises from our bed to begin dressing.
"I will," I promise.
"I hope they found something useful this time." Slowly her beautiful skin starts to cover with fresh, clean clothes.
For the past three years Godric and Camilla have made monthly excursions in and out of Elfyria. Camilla has gone in pursuit of new magics and artifacts to amplify her power. Godric has accompanied her to gage the decay of the petrified inhabitants. So far, he has not noted any additional deterioration of the creatures trapped in stone. That news had been a relief to Sookie, easing her sense of urgency.
"Maybe Cammie will find something to help baby girl?" Sookie suggests as she pulls on her sneakers and tightens her laces.
"Perhaps."
I am more than aware that Godric is filled with dread over the day Camilla's baby is released from its stone prison. While his heart hurts for Camilla's yearning, the prospect of taking on a daemon youngling will most likely only end in heartache. Daemon cannot be turned into vampires, and unless by some miracle the creature grows to become Jason's Bonded, neither of us can fathom a way to connect the child to our sphere of protection. That is assuming a Bond can even be forged with a creature of Elfyria.
I sometimes fear that Godric might go against his very nature and destroy the child while it is still stone just to avoid forcing Camilla to endure such heartbreak later on. Thankfully, I think he knows just as well as Sookie or I that it is far too late to take such a measure. Camilla would die for that cursed creature.
"Alright, I'm going to go wait at their house," Sookie announces.
"I will see you later." I smile as she leans in and gives me a goodbye kiss.
"Love you!"
"As I love you," I call after her.
Sookie's POV
"Hey, Susie!"
"Hi, Sheriff!" I call at the cruiser driving down the country lane. As far as anyone in Bon Temps is concerned, I'm Susana Northman, cousin of the high school football coach. Recent newlywed with my husband. Jason decided to reset his age with the rest of us, going as Jayce Stackhouse and posing as his own son. Cammie, Godric, Eric and I decided to do a restart in case Cammie manages to restore baby girl, and then wouldn't appear to become a forty-eight year old first time mother. And, call me vain, but I couldn't stand hanging out with my best friend looking twenty-something, while I look nearly fifty! If she gets to look amazing, so do I, darn it!
"How's the newlywed life treating you?" Sheriff Dufrane asks conversationally as his car lulls to a complete stop.
"Doing great," I assure him. "How's the new diner on Main Street doing? I haven't gotten a chance to drag Cammie there yet."
"Oh, it's great. Good, slow cookin'," he gives a thumbs up out the window. "Ever since your husband built that clothing shop his sister runs, the town's just sprung back to life. We got people comin' in from all over to get bespoke designs. And that wife o' hers starting that little venue has perked up the night life. Can't wait to see what your brother-in-law has up his sleeve since all those those siblings seem to have one business or another."
"I'm just glad to hear the town is making a comeback. Mama always talked about how much she loved the little town life." Of course I'm referring to myself, but it's true.
"Well, y'all gave this place the cash injection it needed. Hopefully by the time you are ready to start a family of your own, this'll be a nice place to raise one again." Sheriff Dufrane tips his hat at me as he takes his foot off the brake to coast away. "Have a good one, Susie."
"You too, Sheriff," I call back.
Once the officer has gone further down the road, I start my trek down the hill. I give a cursory glance at the graveyard, but the absence of a giant swirling vortex assures me they probably aren't there.
Climbing the other hill, I arrive at another farmhouse. This one was already empty by the time I went to live with Gran. In fact, it was condemned when Pam bought it for Godric and Cammie. She had the thing bulldozed as it truly was unsalvageable, and built them a new home that reflected a similar, but richer aesthetic to my own home.
Personally, I'm surprised Pam could stomach the task, but she said it was easy to do 'farm chic', as she calls it, in a rustic town. She said she was so used to Jason and I that the style didn't bother her so much anymore.
The last three years have been rather dull. Studying to govern over Elfyria. Watching Godric, Eric, Pam and Jenny rebuild Bon Temps from a ghost town to a quaint little town. Seeing Jason bring life back to Bon Temps high school… I know what I'm doing is important, but it's also tedious. I don't need all this time alone, devoted to studies. I want more than preparations earmarking the years I need to become a good queen.
Part of me is debating about trying to get a job at Bon Temps high school, but it doesn't feel like what I'm after right now.
The truth is, I miss my kids. Ever since they both Bonded and left for college, I only get to see them at the major holidays. Otherwise, they're out living and exploring their lives. Leif calls only when he sees something that needs to be addressed. He is usually rather tight lipped about his visions though, and the burden is one I wish I could alleviate for him.
Alexis is better about calling more regularly than her brother. Still, it's not the same as teaching them, helping them with homework, having family meals together, watching them grow up-
A sob escapes my lips as the loneliness explodes within my heart. I love my husband so much, but my family is all paired off, sailing off into their own private families. Not just my children, but Pam and Cammie too.
"Sookie?"
I wipe at my tears briskly and stand up to greet Camilla. Being all wrapped up in my own thoughts, I didn't hear her and Godric come up the hill.
"Hey!" I laugh, overly cheerful with snot dampening my voice.
"What's wrong, Bestie?" Cammie asks as Godric gives me a comforting smile and heads inside.
"I just thought I'd come by and see how your excursion to Elfyria went," I reply honestly. "And I guess while I was waiting, I got too much up in my head."
"I see," Cammie sits down on the porch step beside me.
"So, did you find anything useful?" I ask, wanting to focus on Camilla and not self-pity.
Camilla nods, "Yeah, thanks to Godric, I might have found an amplification spell. If I can use what fae magic is in you, maybe I can utilize whatever energy you'll give off to save Elfyria before you actually take the throne."
"Will that wake up baby girl?" I ask curiously.
"I don't know," Cammie confesses. "There are some things about the promise Endymion made that leaves me doubtful it would help baby girl. Still, if I can tap into fae magic, I might be able to manage teleportation! That would be super useful for the family."
"It would," I agree. "But why do you need fae magic for that?"
"The magic witches use is very spirit based. Most of our magic influences the things in direct relation to us, but mostly it is ruled by perception. After a lot of work and practice, I can manage practical applications like reassembling broken or dismembered things and people. I have a little elemental manipulation, but aside from lighting some candles, or getting the fireplace started, I'd need help doing anything bigger. Still, the bulk of my abilities revolves around what people see and feel. Fae magic is much more able to manipulate the physical. Their ability to manipulate what is seen and felt is more passive- like coming across as beautiful and desirable."
"So, they just naturally come off that way without putting in any effort?" I begin to understand.
"Yup. The Fae have an affinity for magic, like a natural born witch, but it's there for everyone, not just a random selection. So they have all these spell books, that with the right artifacts, I can use too. The two inherent abilities specific to the fae, though, are teleportation and Fairy Light. Teleportation is like the equivalent of being able to ride a bike. Any fairy can do it, but not everyone is very good at it; some don't even bother to learn. Fairy Light and the ability to wield it is usually tested at a young age, and those who use it more easily are accepted into the royal academy to become soldiers or royal guards."
"It feels like you're leaving me in the dust with studying," I confess.
Cammie rolls her eyes, "Yeah right. I can't read a lick of the Angelic language, and you're over here translating pages of the stuff."
"Yeah, but Eric and Godric are already fluent," I point out. "I feel like-"
"Sookie, you've been studying three years, and it's not like you're just studying one specific topic with the intent of majoring in it like in college. You are essentially studying a new language, a new culture, a new history, a new geography, a new religion, Elfyrian etiquette, economics and political science. Most people spend four years on just one of those. Give yourself some damned grace. I only look like I'm learning more because I am solely focused on magic. Three years studying just the magic of Elfyria and I'm just scraping the surface."
"I hear what you're telling me," I assure.
"But you're still going to feel like you're not doing enough." She guesses.
"I'm still going to feel like I'm not doing enough," I agree.
"I love how hard you try," Cammie tells me. "I love you so much for how hard you try, and the patience and kindness you give others who aren't trying half as hard as you. Still, girl, you are driving me up the damned wall here."
"I know. I'm sorry," I laugh.
"You know what I think your real problem is?" Cammie teases.
"Please, enlighten me."
"I think your problem is that Elfyria is the only thing on your mind."
"Pot, have you met kettle?" I tease right back.
"I have met kettle, but unlike pot, kettle has a harsh over achiever streak."
"Kettle does, doesn't it," I agree, leaning my head to rest on Cammie's shoulder. "I wish I knew how to turn it off."
"There's no turning it off. Even when I had you chugging tequila on our girl's weekend, you were still going over runes at the table," Cammie laughs. "I think what you need is a damned hobby, or job or something. Aside from teaching you about Elfyria, Eric has his companies he runs with Pam. Godric is regularly communicating with Diedre about vampire/human relations. Your kids are working on their degrees. Hell, Alexis has already been accepted into John's Hopkins… And you just bury yourself in Elfyria.
"I'd say go get another degree," Cammie continues, "but you're already studying enough as it is."
"Maybe I should go back to teaching," I sigh in agreement.
Before I can really process that thought, however, my phone starts to ring. I'm surprised to see it is Alexis, and quickly answer. "Hi, sweetheart! What's up?" I know nothing's wrong because she knows she's supposed to call Eric in a crisis and not me. Hence why she called Eric during the Spain incident.
"Hey, Mama, it turns out Leif and I both have our fall break starting at the same time. Would you pick the four of us up at the airport on the twenty-third of November?"
"Of course, I'd be happy to!" I perk up at the prospect of my children coming over. "Are you all staying in Shreveport?"
"Actually, if it's not too much trouble, do you think we can stay in Bon Temps with you?"
"I don't know? Are you trying to make me the happiest mom on earth?" I tease. The rooms upstairs that were originally my and Jason's old bedrooms mostly serve as an office for Eric and a storage room. However, the office has a pullout sofa for company, and I'm sure we can get a bed with the little less than a month before my children are due to arrive. "Do you guys want beds, or just a place to store your clothes, shower and stuff?"
"We can stay up for the week, so just room for our luggage would be good. You don't have to go all out. Except on food. Leif and I are dying for your cooking. Mama, you don't even understand how far away each holiday is."
"I tried to teach you how to cook, young lady, but neither of you gave me a moment in the kitchen to teach you," I point out. "But if that means I get more time with you on the holidays, I'll take it."
"Love you, Mama."
"Love you, too, sweetheart."
Knowing my children are coming home for more than a day or two eases the weight on my heart that had previously felt like an anvil. With a date to look forward to, and one not so far in the future, I finally ignore the nagging voice in my head that accuses me of slacking off. Instead, I fill my head with plans of our upcoming family time!
TBC
A/N: Please, remember to review!