Well, here we are. The final chapter. There is mention of something that happened in Dead Guy, chapter 17 in case you need clarification. I want to thank each and every one of you who took this journey with me. Without your continued support, I might have flaked out and given up when the nasty writer's block attacked. Y'all are AWESOME!

*Disclaimer : I own nothing!*

Chapter 15

Eric inquisitively picked up the golden box, handed it to me and leveled his steely gaze on mine. "Who has given you this token?" A hint of jealousy rippled through the bond.

"The Oracle," I clarified, then added. "But it's not for me. It's for you."

Those gorgeous brows arched high on my viking's head and he smiled. "I'm intrigued," he replied. "Is the letter for me too?"

Now I was the confused one. "Letter…What letter?"

Eric plucked a folded sheet of paper I was sure hadn't been there before and plopped it on top of the cluviel dor. "You can open it while you dine My Lover," he rasped, nuzzling my neck. "I took more than I should. You were irresistible."

"And here I thought my weakness was caused by the battering ram between your legs," I quipped.

"You wonder why my ego is so big, Dear One," Eric laughed, shaking his head as he carried me into the cavern. Tenderly, he sat me at the table then fetched a plate of filet mignon, lobster tails with drawn butter, baked potato and broccoli. He'd also selected some kind of fancy French wine and lovingly poured me a glass. "Eat," he instructed. "I must check my e-mail and take care of some business." He placed a gentle kiss on the pulse of my neck before zipping away and I immediately opened the letter.

Sookie,

I've realized in my hasty retreat, I left you with more questions than answers. Therefore, I will address the one's I believe will make the most difference to you as you ponder what to ask of the cluviel dor.

First and foremost, the cluviel dor does not utilize black magic. Do not fear a hidden, dark agenda for you will not find it. This token is the epitome of all that is good and true in love. Your husband's heart will guide you.

Second, your viking will most likely want to guarantee you eternal life. Do not waste your wish as it is not necessary. When I touched you the night you took his bullet, I gifted you with a life span more appropriate for a fairy. I do not know the hour of your death, however, the centuries will be but mere months to your fairy aging body and regular infusions of your vampire's blood will further slow the process. Your outward appearance will stay young and untouched except for your hair which will slowly silver and whiten. You will know when it is time to give up this life and cross over to the next.

Third, the cluviel dor cannot permanently change physiology. Therefore, you cannot wish your viking human for anything more than a single day. Even then, he will retain some part of his vampire self. The same law applies to you though I doubt you have any interest in becoming undead.

Finally, you cannot wish for a baby or bring someone back from the dead . Life chooses when to manifest. It will not be beholden to magic.

I hope I have given you the guidelines you need to make an informed decision and have every faith that you and your viking will not do it lightly.

Teacher.

This certainly was a lot to digest. I was grateful The Oracle had sent "The Idiots Guide to The Cluviel Dor," though how it arrived in our cottage was a magical mystery I didn't want to solve. I'd been so caught up in the multiple orgasms Eric provided earlier, I wouldn't have noticed an elephant stampede. The thought of someone watching us, accidentally or no, was mortifying. As I stared at the sheet of paper, my thoughts were so all consuming, I failed to hear the vampire in the house sneak up on me.

"Interesting read?" Eric asked, directly behind my ear.

"JESUS CHRISTMAS!" I yelped, swatting him over the head. "You tryin' to give me a heart attack?"

"Never!" Eric smirked. "I thought you'd heard me, Lover. Apparently, whatever is in that letter has you riveted. May I?" he asked with an outstretched hand.

"Sure," I said, passing the letter to him while my heart rate stabilized. "Let me finish my meal and then we'll discuss it over a luxurious bath."

"I look forward to it," Eric growled and his eyes raked over my skin, causing me to shiver.

"Don't get to excited Honey," I said. "My body needs some recovery time. I'm sore as hell!" Immediately, Eric spun me around, nicked his finger and slipped it inside me, effectively healing my achy love canal.

"Better?" he asked, his finger beginning a slow in and out movement as lust trickled through the bond.

"Much," I sighed. "But you need to stop that. My food is getting cold."

"Killjoy," he teased, removing the offending digit and licking it provocatively. "You are so sweet, My Lover."

"Yeah, and I'll give you a belly ache if you don't stop the innuendos," I giggled. "You're the one who was insistent I eat, remember?"

"True," he nodded. "But you're so delectable when you're naked. I can't help myself."

"Maybe the wardrobe has a burka I could borrow."

"I would rip it to shreds, Min Älskling Fru. Your body is too beautiful to hide."

Smiling, I let him have the last word and leisurely finished my meal while Eric got caught up on all things cluviel dor. I glanced over a few times, gauging his reaction and though his face remained stony, the bond was ten shades of happy. As I stuffed the last piece of lobster into my mouth, Eric swept me into his arms and licked a small drop of butter from my lips.

"Now we celebrate!" he said, spinning me around.

"Whoa there Viking," I laughed. "You're making me dizzy and nauseous."

"Forgive me Lover," Eric replied. "But knowing your life won't be cut short makes me very happy!" The Gracious Plenty poked at my side, seconding the notion.

"I'm glad you're happy cause you're indefinitely stuck with me," I giggled as we made our way to the bathroom and Eric poured some vanilla scented oil into the steaming water. "But now I have no idea what to wish for."

"There are many things I can think of," Eric leered. My body involuntarily shuddered as want and need flowed through me.

"I'm sure you can Honey," I replied, flooding him with my own desire. "But we only get one shot so we need to be smart about this. And don't even think I'll wish you to be the Grand High Pubah of vamps cause it aint gonna happen. It would take up to much of your time and I've become very selfish when it comes to you."

Eric burst out laughing so hard, his body shook. "Lover, though I enjoy the perks of being a Sheriff, I don't want to be burdened by the responsibilities that would come with being a Grand High Pubah. I've had many opportunities to become king but prefer my more autonomous position."

"Well then, how can I help you?" I asked, settling into the tub.

Eric pulled me towards him so that I straddled his lap and kissed me again. Deeply. "You've already done more for me than anyone in either of my lifetimes. When Appius grabbed you, I thought you were dead and when I saw you in the sun, welcoming me with open arms, I was convinced I'd met the true death as well."

"So, I was with you when you were…away?"

"Oh yes Lover," he replied as we soaped each other. "We were having a picnic by the pond. The air was warm and the sun was shining on your face as we made love. You told me we'd never be separated again. I thought I must truly be dead since the sun failed to cause an adverse reaction and I ate a piece of your grandmother's chicken. It was beautiful. YOU were beautiful!"

This was a surprise since I figured he'd just been held in limbo, but was happy the dream me comforted him when I couldn't. "I'm glad my light sent you someplace nice," I said. "The Pythoness said you would've been hurt beyond words if you'd been conscious when Appius died."

"She was here?"

"Yes. She showed up along with the B's and The Oracle shortly after our altercation."

"Thank you for sparing me Lover, though I'm sorry I couldn't help you and that you witnessed my…subservience to my maker." Eric trailed off and a fresh wave of shame escaped him.

"Don't!" I said, eyeballing my viking as I filled him with love and respect. "If anything, it fueled my hatred of Appius even more. He was disgusting Eric! I don't know how you suffered through a thousand years of his bullshit when I couldn't stand two minutes of it."

"How did you…terminate him?"

"Do you really want to know?" Eric nodded and I thought it best to deliver the news like I was ripping off a Band-Aid, quick and to the point. "My light failed to kill him because of his blood tie to you so I cut off his head."

"I knew you'd be a formidable sword woman," Eric said proudly.

"I had an excellent teacher," I replied, claiming his lips, equally as proud. The Gracious Plenty pushed through my folds and I welcomed it again and again and again. Shortly before dawn, we left the tub and laid our sated bodies to rest.

"I could wish the memories of Appius away," I offered in the silent darkness.

"No Lover," Eric answered as his hand traveled lightly up and down my arm. "I've already experienced memory loss and do not wish to repeat it. Although I understand your need to take away my painful past, it is mine to own. Appius may not have been the kind, fatherly figure you would have wanted for me, but I wouldn't have survived this long without his guidance. Besides, there is something else I want."

The bond hummed anticipation as the fire roared to life and Eric looked directly into my eyes. "Let me see the sunshine on your skin and feel it on my back while you yield to me."

I couldn't believe my ears. Eric Northman, Vampire Extraordinaire, wanted a glimpse of his former humanity. "Honey, you do realize what you're asking," I said, careful not to reveal my own excitement. I loved my viking just as he was but the chance to meet the man who became the vampire made me positively ecstatic.

"We've been advised it would only last a day," he replied. "The Pythoness sent word we will return home in three nights' time. If we are to do this, let it be here within the safety of our sanctuary."

"Maybe we should hold onto the cluviel dor," I argued even if I didn't want to. "We might need it. I mean, who knows what's going on in Shreveport and having a magical backup could come in handy."

"It seems my pragmatic mind has influenced you," he smiled. "However, if we take the cluviel dor home, we run the risk of it being stolen. This was a gift and we should use it as it was intended. I can't explain why, but something compels me to do this." He paused as his fingers invaded me for the umpteenth time tonight and I caught my breath. "I want to be inside you when it happens."

I had no problem with his request but searched the bond and my husband's eyes for any sign of hesitation. There was none. Instead, I found determination and hope as he positioned my body under his. Even though this was completely unexpected, there was no doubt his mind was made up.

"Wait," I said, before I lost myself completely. "What about birth control? From what you've told me, human Eric wasn't known for shooting blanks."

"Lover," he whispered lightly as the Gracious Plenty slid inside me and began a slow and steady thrust. "I'm flattered by your concern, but the letter states I'll retain part of my vampirism and we can't ask for a baby. It will be fine."

"But what if…OH!..it's not, Eric? It could happen…YES!…and having a baby would be…RIGHT THERE!…a big adjustment. Abortion is not an option for me."

Eric suddenly stilled, his eyes bore into my soul and the bond filled with love and devotion as his hands encased my face. "Min Älskling Fru, I would never be so cruel as to demand you slaughter our unborn child. I'm not familiar with what is expected of today's fathers but would be willing to learn. Though I am a killer by nature, if we were fated with such a gift, I would love it as fiercely as I love you. Any human or supe who dared try to cause our child harm would suffer a long and torturous death."

"Of course, being the only vampire in the world who'd managed to impregnate a human would bring huge bragging rights," I teased although I was touched beyond words.

"Yes," he agreed and began moving again, touching all the right places. The combination of his heartfelt statement and the delicious thrusts had me teetering on the edge. "We are speaking in hypotheticals, Lover. Do this for me," he prompted, stroking my body into submission. "Do it now." The kiss that followed removed my last shred of sanity.

My hand swung blindly until it found the cluviel dor. Holding it against us, I locked eyes with my viking and wished. "Eric Northman, for the next twenty-four hours, you will be human." The box began to glow and as Eric's thrusts became more forceful, I felt his body slowly warm.

The cluviel dor dropped to the floor as I wrapped my arms around my viking's back and held on while he furiously pounded. It felt like he was a marathon runner in the last minute sprint and he was taking me with him. The Gracious Plenty swelled and with a savage groan he yelled, "Sookie!" and we crossed the finish line together.

As my senses returned, I noticed tiny beads of sweat dripping from my viking's forehead and watched in awe as Eric took his first breath in a thousand years. Simultaneously, his heart began beating and his skin flushed. I couldn't say what I'd expected. Maybe that he'd clutch his chest dramatically or cough out ancient dust particles, but this process seemed very peaceful. Eric lay on his back, eyes closed and as I witnessed his chest rise and fall rhythmically, the bond vanished. It wasn't like he was dead for the day or when he'd checked out during the Appius fiasco. The bond simply ceased to exist and I felt a profound loss as though half of me was missing. I knew Eric felt it too because his eyes snapped open and he reached for my hand.

"It is only temporary," he whispered. It was meant to reassure me so I held back the tears that threatened to drown his special moment.

"How do you feel?" I asked, turning away so I could further pull myself together as his warm fingers interlocked with mine.

"Alive," he answered. "And I have to piss."

"Do you know how to use the toilet?"

The innocuous question shocked my viking right off the bed, albeit slower than either of us was used to. "You heard that?"

"Of course I heard it Eric," I answered, wondering why it had spooked him. "It's your fault I know Old Norse cuss words."

"But, I didn't speak Lover," he replied while scratching his head and his balls. Some male quirks are so inherently human. "I thought my mind would remain closed to you."

"Well, you were wrong," I smirked, feeling oddly superior in this situation. "So do you?"

"Do I what?"

I rolled my eyes. "Know how to use the toilet?"

"I think I can figure it out," he smiled and I couldn't help but stand and run my fingers over his teeth. His fangs were noticeably absent.

"Are they in there?" I asked.

Eric paused a moment then shook his head. "No."

"And are you ok with that?"

"Remember Lover, it's just for today," he said, sauntering back into the bathroom. He was handling this human thing really well and I had to give him props. I don't think I'd have been as laissez-faire about the situation if our roles were reversed and I'd just risen a vampire, even if I'd asked for it.

We took turns caring for our human needs and right after I helped him brush and floss, Eric announced he was hungry. Instinctively, I grabbed my razor, willing to help him feed but he pulled the blade from my grasp. "I don't want blood," he said almost as amazed as me.

"What did you like to eat before, Honey?"

Eric cocked his head to the side and thought a moment. "I don't remember liking anything in particular," he replied after searching his memories. "We always ate what was available. In this matter Lover, I'll defer to you."

The Southern hostess in me kicked into high gear and I happily scampered off to the alcove and retrieved the biggest breakfast I could carry. I returned with an enormous platter filled with scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, ham, pancakes, corned beef hash, hash browns, toast with butter and jelly, biscuits and gravy, cinnamon rolls, coffee, hot tea, hot chocolate, orange juice, cranberry juice and a V-8. Since he only had one day, I wanted him to try a variety of things. I never dreamed he'd polish off every last bit of it and ask for more.

"My, you are quite the viking," I teased as I sent the platter back through the Food-O-Matic. "How about we let what you've already inhaled settle while we watch the sun rise."

Though I could no longer feel him, the look of pure joy that splashed across Eric's face was undeniable. "I'd like that," he said softly.

I ran to the wardrobe and pulled out a blanket, extra dark sunglasses and some SPF 70 sunscreen. "If you're going to strut around naked all day," I said, answering Eric's unspoken question. "We're going to slather you in this. I won't have you spending the rest of eternity looking like a dead lobster. Here," I added and handed him the shades. "Your eyes might be sensitive too."

Eric smiled. "You take such good care of me wife," he thought.

"Likewise," I replied, taking his hand. We reached the front door and although this was as exciting as a trip to Disney World, I hesitated. "Why don't I drape the blanket over you, just in case."

"Lover, you worry to much," Eric chided. "I will be fine." He opened the door and we stepped outside.

The horizon was just starting to brighten as we spread our blanket by the pond. "Listen" he said, tilting his head back and closing his eyes. Eric hadn't heard the sounds of a waking world in a millennia and seeing his enthusiasm made me appreciate them all the more. I snuggled up next to him and pressed my ear against his chest, reveling in the sound of his heartbeat. His mind was a flurry of activity so much so, I had to put up my shields. It didn't bother me though. In the short time I'd listened in, I found Eric to be an open book. Everything he thought about me, I'd already heard ten times over.

The sun was now coming into view and Eric stared wide eyed. "It's so much brighter than I remembered," he said and his whole body tilted, welcoming the warmth. I, on the other hand, was to busy making sure he wasn't going to start smoking and burst into flames. When he remained unharmed, I sat back and enjoyed watching him take everything in.

"You are so beautiful," I mused. "Would you mind if I took some pictures? I never want to forget this."

Eric thought a minute and I caught the mental back and forth before he spoke. "You must promise never to show them to anyone, Lover. If word got out I'd spent the day in the sun, others might think it was a result of drinking your blood. That would not bode well for either of us. Though you are capable of defending yourself, it would mean unnecessary bloodshed and I know you don't care for it."

"I swear I'll keep them private and I'll never tell anyone about today."

"Good," he replied. "I want this to be just for us. Not even Pam will know."

"Are you sure about that? She'll be real mad if she ever finds out," I advised.

"She'd get over it."

"Yeah, but not before abusing your AMEX black card."

Eric laughed. "True. I'd have to buy her a new house to hold all the shoes she'd purchase."

"Does Pam like me or does she just tolerate my existence for your sake?" I asked, unsure if I really wanted the answer.

"I think at first, you were an oddity to her. Until I met you, she and I often shared our…meals. She didn't understand why I'd become so possessive of a human, particularly one as mouthy as you," he said and paused for a kiss before adding, "such a pretty mouth too." I blushed as he continued. "Though she will never admit it, you are the only woman she deems worthy of me. Her pranks are her way of showing she cares."

"You know, I still owe her big time for the translation tampering," I giggled and Eric snorted.

"Good luck, Lover. Pamela is very smart and can spot a set up a mile away."

"Then I'll just have to lull her into a false sense of security while I plot my revenge," I said, rubbing my hands together like an evil cartoon villain.

"If anyone can take my prodigy down a notch, it's you Dear One," Eric said and his hand brushed across my breast. "But enough about Pam, I'm feeling…"

"Horney," I finished.

"Eric's brow rose as well as a very prominent piece of his lower anatomy. "Are you reading my mind again Lover?"

"Don't need to," I replied, glancing at his lap while absentmindedly licking my lips. "Your feelings are quite obvious. Can I help you with that?"

"I thought you'd never ask," he grinned.

Gently, I was urged to lie on my back as my viking planted one hell of a kiss on me. It was so good, my nipples hardened and his hands took that as an open invitation to play with them. Human or vampire, Eric was a masterful make out artist and I did my best to return his expert affections. After a while, he abandoned my lips and began slowly working his way over my entire body, licking here, suckling there until I was shaking and begging to be filled. Smiling deviously, he rolled us over, placed me on top and ordered me to fuck him.

"When you put it that way," I mewed, "how can I refuse?" With that, I sank down onto him, inch by glorious inch. When I was fully seated, I began to rock, slow and steady at first but gradually becoming frenzied. The sensation was wonderful and different. I wasn't used to warm Eric and the heat between us could ignite a bonfire. His massive hands clamped my backside and he rolled us again.

"So perfect," Eric grunted, treating me to the long, deep strokes I loved and I was carried away on wave after wave of exquisite bliss. When it was over, we both were gasping for air. Slyly, Eric turned towards me and wiggled his brows. "You want to go again?" he asked, pointing to a re-aroused Gracious Plenty.

"Guess we know what part of you remained vampire," I laughed, "and I'll always want to go again with you."

We made love all the rest of the day, periodically taking breaks to recharge and refuel. Eric loved every kind of food I gave him and I marveled at the quantity he could put away. We attempted to skinny dip but the pond was still ice cold. When I made a comment regarding shrinkage, Eric was not amused and proved that label was never meant for him. Time passed quickly and before I knew it, we were lying in bed again, waiting for Eric to die. I felt a pang of sadness saying goodbye to my human viking but when the bond reemerged, it was quickly erased.

"Thank you for today Lover," Eric whispered, our bodies entwined. "I'll remember it forever."

"Your welcome," I sighed. "It was my pleasure but I'm glad you're all you again."

"So am I," he concurred. "I love you, Min Älskling Fru."

"I love you too," I replied and we both slipped into the sweet embrace of unconsciousness.

I awoke late the next afternoon and padded to the computer where I logged on and sent my final e-mail.

Dear Amelia,

My big fat vamp honeymoon has run its course. Put the Bud on ice. We're coming home.

Love,

Sookie

Ok, before anyone picks up the torch and pitchfork, let me explain Eric's actions. When Sookie felt his shame, it wasn't because of the particular sexual act he'd engaged in. It was because she'd seen him powerless and therefore, weak. Regarding the cluviel dor: He'd just been through a great trauma, saw his chance to safely rediscover his human side and took it. Yeah. Yeah, I know this is very AU but I'm moving in that direction. Besides, if millions of people accept Alan Ball's crappy fanfiction, I hope the few hundred of you following this story will cut me some slack.

If you're not ready to abandon ship and haven't already done so, please add me to your author alerts. I'll begin posting the next story in their saga the first week of December.

Again, thanks to all of you who took the time to review. It's been an honor entertaining you.

Peace!

Hippy