Hello, my lovely's! Well, let me start off by giving a big apology for the amount of time it took me to update. After the last chapter, I got some PM's that sort of bummed me out, so I went in search of other gratuitous entertainment since I was down and out for a while. As a result of it, I updated Viking's Tale with it's second chapter and started a completely new story called Dig. It's a retake of the whole SSN, but with Sookie as a Detective and our favorite Viking Vampire stalking her. Will she get a restraining order? Lol. Probably not. :P But after some encouraging words from my Beta, and the burning desire to not disappoint all my wonderful readers who are enjoying this story, I will try to keep the updates regular and not let too much time come between.

A million thanks to my Beta, 2Tcup-Humans for her hard work. She finds the time to edit my work in her hectic schedule, and I love you for it. There are A LOT of things happening in this chapter, and I really took my time writing this cause I wanted to inflect a certain tone. I really love this one. I hope you all do too.

"I give up. I don't think anyone can decipher this text," Gia huffed, plopping down next to me on the sofa with a leather bound book and notepad in hand.

For over a week now, Gia has been hard at work trying to make heads or tails of the translated Gaelic words from her mother's ancient tomes that were probably as old as Eric. Dermot had come by a few days ago with two old journals and had given them to Gia, hoping that it may supply some insight and give her new direction. I had looked through them myself, and though I couldn't understand the language, I suspected they contained the stories that Niall had told Fintan, who in turn told Dermot. For some reason, I actually felt closer to my grandfather as I thumbed through the handwritten pages.

Dermot had stuck around for several hours, pouring over all the notes that Gia had made. I was just as disappointed as she was when Dermot said that he didn't see anything useful that could really help Jason. I truly appreciated all the hard work that Gia was putting into the research of trying to find a way to trigger Jason's essential spark and I worried what this would do to her if she couldn't find a solution. I knew the true reason why she pursued this matter so passionately.

Ever since going to see Tara in the hospital, Jason made a point to come over every night and have what he called "quality time with his sister." While I loved having him around, it wasn't too hard to figure out what motivated him to jump into his truck after work to make the forty minute drive to Shreveport. It certainly wasn't for my macaroni.

Whether hanging out and watching T.V. or just sitting at the table and telling each other stories from their lives, Gia and Jason's relationship was progressing at a gradual and reasonable speed. I'd never seen Jason so interested in a woman's history before. Gia enthralled me as well with her descriptions of the brief visits she had made to the Fae Realm before her mother died and the portals were closed.

Jason had Gia laughing over our childhood antics while growing up, and she indulged Jason by giving an obligatory squeeze of his bicep when he flexed for her as he went on to describe his football years in high school and how he was just as fit now as he was then.

Gia offered to Pop Jason back and forth to save him on the gas on the third night, and even though Popping didn't agree with him, he jumped at the chance to have the physical contact they both seemed to crave.

I was happy that both Gia and Jason were gravitating toward each other, but as each night passed and I had to endure their cuteness, I longed for Eric with a need that took my breath away. As with the "dream" we had shared, the one-time shot of seeing things through his eyes had not occurred again, and I found myself disappointed. Why was I only given a taste of these things and not able to experience them again? Was I doing something wrong that I couldn't channel it, or was it the Cluviel Dor at work again, the magic of our connection deciding when it would allow us to link to one another?

I was startled out of my mental tirade by Gia tossing her notepad onto the coffee table with a plop. She looked at me and grimaced. "Sorry."

Smiling ruefully, I shut the lid of the laptop that was nestled between my folded legs. "Do you think you just might be trying too hard? Why don't you take a break? When you stare at something too hard for too long, the obvious is no longer clear."

She sighed. "I suppose you are right. I just thought that I would find something, anything, that I can use. I thought my mother taught me enough of the ancient language that us Fairies have been speaking since the beginning of our kind. It is disheartening to be proven wrong."

"Gia, don't beat yourself up over this. Dermot said your translations were good, it's the meaning behind the words that are the problem. Maybe we should look for someone who is good at solving riddles. That could be a big help," I said, moving the laptop onto the coffee table next to the tossed notepad.

To fill the gaping hole in my life due to Eric's absence, I had gone ahead and registered for the online courses that I wanted to take. I had filled out all the applications and mailed them in along with copies of my High School diploma and personal information. I had even used one of the credit cards that Eric had left me to pay for the courses. I had originally wanted to use the money from Claudine, but a major credit card was needed, so I had opted for the new, shiny Platinum Visa card. I looked at the purchase of my education as a good way to break the ice with using the money that Eric had given me.

I had taken to sitting on the couch everyday with my laptop and studying my newly downloaded American and British literature assignments, with a side of European History. I had always loved to read, and I relished the required readings of Edgar Allan Poe, Charlotte Bronte and John Steinbeck. I would have excelled at school if it hadn't been for the interfering thoughts of others that distracted me the whole time, so I was as happy as a clam to be sitting comfortably at home with my homework to help ease the constant worry that plagued me over Eric.

"Do you know anyone who could solve riddles?" Gia asked, turning to face me.

I was about to say no, but stopped short when I remembered that there was someone who might be able to help. Amelia. I wasn't a hundred percent sure, but I would think that witch spells were written in a riddle type format, and there was a possibility that Amelia could help if she was able to look at all the notes that Gia had made.

I had briefly spoken to Amelia the other day, and she had told me that she wanted to come up to see me and talk in person. I felt I owed it to our friendship to work out the differences that were between us and had told her that I would be happy to see her. She told me that she would come up at the end of next week. After we fixed the burning bridge between us, I would approach her about the Fairy riddles and if she could make any sense of them.

"I'll ask my friend Amelia about them. She's coming next week, so just take it easy. You've spent every waking minute with those books. You're studying harder than I am," I joked, standing up and stretching.

"Well, it is a good time to take a break. We need to celebrate the full moon tonight. We are gathering at Hooligans. Did you want to join me?" Gia asked, standing as well.

I looked at her, intrigued. "Celebrate the full moon? What is that?"

Gia looked affronted. "You mean Dermot or Claude has never taken you to a cheiliúradh?"

"A what?"

"A cheiliúradh. It's to commemorate, or celebrate, the magic that the full moon gives to all beings. It is sacred, and has been done every month for centuries. I can't believe that you have never been to one. You will go with me tonight, and so will Jason. This is a good opportunity for you to see the beauty that is the Fae, to feel the energy that we build when we congregate to pay homage to la luna. It will be glorious, and with you attending, it will be a memorable cheiliúradh."

At first, I was hurt that this was the first time I was hearing about a cheiliúradh, that Dermot, nor Claude, had never thought to invite me before to these monthly gatherings. Then the voice of reason intervened. Up until a month ago, I hadn't known that I was the future Princess of the Fae, and limiting my access to any Fae would reduce the chance of the well guarded secret getting out. I had always wondered about how tense Claude had been when Sam and I had swung by Hooligan's that one time, how surprised and uncomfortable everyone had been. It made sense now.

"Will it be okay? I mean, I don't want to make anyone mad." I was still unsure.

Gia stepped close and took my hands in hers. "It will be an honor to dance with you. Everyone will be so excited about you coming."

I smiled, a tingle of excitement coursing through me. This was a good chance for me to mingle with the Fae who had been holed up in Hooligan's, to let them see who their future leader was. I wasn't sure what etiquette required of a Princess, but at the present moment, I really didn't care. I wanted to join the people who I would lead one day in a celebration that was important to them, and I would do so happily.

I glanced at the clock sitting on the mantle over the fireplace. It was already after four in the afternoon. "What time does it start?"

"When the moon is high in the sky. Come, let us get ready and we will go over to your old house in Bon Temps. I will call Jason to let him know to come there after his work is finished," Gia said, hopping from foot to foot excitedly.

Both Gia and I set off to our own separate staircases and got ready. Once I was showered, I wasn't exactly sure what was worn to a cheiliúradh, but I decided to keep it simple and opted for a lightweight, pink cotton dress with spaghetti straps, the skirt falling to my ankles. The early July heat was brutal, so I wanted something that would let my skin breathe. Pinning my hair up, I slipped on some flip flops and headed back upstairs.

Where I kept it simple, Gia was dressed to catch someone's eye in a brown collared button up shirt, blue jean shorts and brown canvas sandals with ties that wrapped around her ankle. Her hair was pulled up in an elaborate twist, her ears prominently displayed for all to see. She smiled at me as I shut the security door behind me. "You look nice," I said, grabbing my purse and slipping my cell phone into the inside pocket.

"Thanks. So do you," Gia returned, walking ahead of me toward the front door.

Once the front door locked itself behind us, Gia took my hands and I felt the wooziness that came with Popping wash over me. Seconds later, I opened my eyes and stood frozen in shock as I stared at the house in front of us, glancing at the surrounding forest to make sure that I was at the right place. It's a strange feeling when the house that up until three weeks ago was your home, was unrecognizable.

As Gia and I stood in the front driveway, my mouth hung open as I took in the changes that were made to the old farmhouse. Gone was the whitewashed paint that the house originally had. In the early evening sun the house glowed with the vibrant color of daffodil yellow, the gutters, the shutters and all the trim done in a bright white.

Letting go of Gia's hand, I walked toward the porch and saw that the wooden floor had been sanded and stained. I noticed that the three small steps that led up to the porch had been replaced with new wood, the old ones always creaking a bit when it bared any weight. I was suddenly afraid to enter the house, unsure of what I would find there. I tried to reason that this was no longer my home, that it was Dermot's. Heck, I had given it to him. It was within his rights to make changes to the house that he saw fit, but it still bothered me nonetheless that the house that I knew as home, the house that Gran had called home, was so different.

"Sookie?"

I turned and looked at Gia. She had a look of understanding on her face as she stared at me. "Change is hard."

I swallowed hard. Within the space of a month's time, I had learned that I was a Fairy Princess, quit my job, moved out of my childhood home and moved in with Eric, lost my husband to a Queen who needed to lose her head and had tried to learn how to cope with the fact that he was gone. The farmhouse being altered was the icing on the cake, and I tried hard to not let it push me over the edge.

"It's very hard," I said hoarsely, fighting back tears.

Dermot chose that moment to open the screen door and stick his head out, smiling at us brightly. The smile faded slowly when he saw my face. He stepped out onto the porch, concerned. "Sookie, I'm so sorry. I didn't think you would mind. The house needed many repairs, and I thought that since you gave me the deed-" He began, but I cut him off.

"No, don't be sorry. I think it's lovely, really. I'm just shocked, that's all. If I had been prepared, I think I would be handling this better," I said hurriedly, digging in my purse for a tissue.

"Oh, Sookie," Dermot said softly, pulling me into his arms and hugging me tightly.

I felt better from the contact, and I told myself to stop acting like a blithering idiot. Gran always said to not look a gift horse in the mouth, and the beauty being bestowed to the old farmhouse was something that had needed to be done for the past thirty years.

I pulled away, smiling at my Uncle. "I think it looks great. I didn't even recognize the house at first. Gran would love it. Thank you, Dermot."

Dermot's smile returned, and wrapping his arm around my shoulder, he opened the door and we all went inside. The inside changes were just as dramatic as the outside, and I looked around in wonder. The living room's old flowered wallpaper was gone, the walls boasting a new coat of sage green color. Half the room had antique molding running along the crease of the wall that met the ceiling, and it looked like Dermot was still working on putting up the rest.

I turned and looked at him, hands on my hips. "You've been a busy little bee, haven't you. Too much HGTV."

Dermot laughed, running his hands through his hair. "Yeah, well, Pam has been giving me some tips as well."

I lifted my eyebrow. "Pam? You mean, you two are together now?" I tried to play it off like I didn't know anything.

"Well, sort of. Our relationship is quite unorthodox, but it works. Claude thinks I'm nuts, but she really is an amazing woman. I think I could love her," Dermot said passionately, a sparkle in his eye.

I tilted my head to the side, surprised that Pam and Dermot's relationship had gone beyond the physical and seemed to be turning into something more substantial. "If it feels right, that's all that matters. I'm happy for the both of you."

"Thank you, Sookie. I know that I'm ready for more, but I don't want to rush it with her. She is still mourning the loss of her human lover, Miriam," Dermot said, all three of us sitting down on the sofa.

"Yeah. Pam wasn't doing so good on the night Victor died. Miriam died that day. I feel bad that Pam lost her, but I think her relationship with Miriam opened her heart to the possibility of having more than just a fling." I smiled mischievously at Dermot. "She must find you really special. The fact that she hasn't drained you yet is very promising."

We all laughed, but Gia turned serious after a moment and asked, "Dermot, why has Sookie never been to a cheiliúradh?"

Dermot looked at me solemnly. "Claude and I thought that until you knew who you were to all the Fae, it would be better if you have no contact with any at all."

I nodded. "I figured as much. Is it okay if I go tonight?"

Dermot's face broke out into a contagious smile. "Of course. Your presence will make this cheiliúradh one to remember."

Two hours later, the sun was setting in the west as Jason, Gia and I enjoyed the dinner that Dermot cooked for us. He had made grilled chicken and pineapples with an interesting marinade, corn, and a great salad with strawberries and feta cheese. The four of us were quite excited about what was gonna happen that night, especially Jason and I, since this was our first cheiliúradh.

My fork was en route to my mouth when I heard a door opening in the hallway, and turning, I was surprised to see Pam entering the kitchen with nothing but tousled hair and an extravagant silk robe on. Jason stopped eating as well when he noticed her, his eyebrows rising to his hairline.

"Hey," she said to us all, going straight to Dermot's side. Dermot dropped his fork and looked up at her adoringly, pulling her on to his lap. Pam draped herself across him, her arms twining around his neck and nuzzled his cheek with her nose, her fangs peeping out on her bottom lip. Dermot scooted his chair back and lifted Pam in his arms, pulling her close.

"If you will excuse us for a moment," he said, moving as swiftly as the wind as he carried Pam out of the kitchen, his feet making short work of the stairs as they headed up to the attic. I guess Pam was like me in some respects; I couldn't function in the morning without my coffee, she couldn't function when she rose at night until she had a hit of blood.

Gia smiled and shook her head, but her eyes sought Jason's in a smoldering look that he returned with equal intensity. I think they began to play footsie under the table.

My food forgotten, I excused myself from the table and left the kitchen, walking the short hallway to my old bedroom. Opening the door, I was pleased to see that Dermot had left the room alone. Walking over to the dressing table, I pulled open the drawer and lifted the spent Cluviel Dor out and stared at it. Since relieving the Fairy love token of its magic, I had left it behind when I left to move in with Eric, unsure at that time of what I had really wished for. Had it really been a month ago? It felt like much longer.

Slipping the circular disk into the side pocket of my dress, I thanked the magic that had once been inside for allowing me to stay connected with my husband. As though on cue, the bond came to life as Eric woke for the night and I sent him all my longing, all my love, wanting him to know that I was thinking about him, always. I felt his return answer through the bond, and sitting on the bed, I became lost in thought about all the memories that Eric and I had made in my old bedroom.

I'm not sure how long I sat there, but I suddenly sensed a void moving outside the house and I quickly stood up, moving over to the window. I knew it couldn't be Pam; she was still upstairs with Dermot.

Gia entered the room, her face worried. "There is a Vampire outside."

I looked at her. "I know." And I knew who it was.

Bill always took a walk through the forest after he rose, and judging by the way he was standing out by the tree line staring at the house, he'd picked up my scent. I had not returned any of his phone calls, and though I felt bad about being rude toward his obvious concern about my well being, I wasn't in the mood to talk about my feelings of losing Eric to Freyda.

"Are you going to speak to him?" Gia asked, peering over my shoulder out the window.

He was obviously here for a reason, and that reason was me. "I better. He's standing there for a reason, I said.

"Do you want me to come with you?"

"Sure." It wasn't that I didn't trust Bill, but I had become used to Gia shadowing me wherever I went when leaving the house. It made me feel safe.

Leaving the bedroom, I walked through the living room and headed to the front door. Bill stayed where he was as I approached him, the floodlights coming on automatically as it sensed my movement walking over the grass. Gia had veiled herself and walked behind me, not trusting the temptation she provided in accompanying me.

"Hi, Bill," I called to him as I closed the gap between us.

He nodded to me and looked around me. "Hello, Sookie. Where is your Fairy?"

I wrapped my arms around my bare arms, the temperature dropping. "She's around. How are you?"

"I was just about to ask you that same question. Did you get my messages?" he asked, taking a step toward me.

Something in me wanted to pull me back a step, but I brushed off the instinct and held my ground. "Yes, I did. And I appreciate you calling and wanting to check in on me, but I wasn't doing so good for a while there and I just needed to be alone. Once I finally listened to all the messages in my mailbox, I was doing better and wasn't up for calling and chatting about what happened. It would have been like ripping open a wound that was trying to heal. I hope you understand."

The floodlights turned off behind me and we were cloaked in darkness. I could still see Bill from the light that the rising moon provided and the slight glow that all Vampires seemed to have.

"I understand, Sweetheart. I just wanted to tell you how sorry I am that you had to go through that. You sure you're okay?" Bill asked, his eyes sweeping over me.

"I'm as well as can be expected."

He stared at me, his eyes dark pools in the darkness. "I was surprised to hear that you moved in with Eric and quit your job. I thought that both this house and having a job were important to you. Why didn't you tell me?"

Okay, this conversation was becoming as awkward as the one where Judith had caught Bill spilling his heart to me about how he didn't love her and that my tits should win a Miss America Tit Competition. "I didn't even tell my brother, Bill. I made the decision because it was mine to make. I moved in with my husband because he asked me to and I quit my job because it was time."

"But Eric isn't your husband anymore." He took a step closer.

I felt my face flush with anger. Oh, he was my husband, all right. But no one could know that little secret. "Thanks for the update, Bill."

"You're no longer his, Sookie. You're free, again. Your bond is broken." Another step.

This time I took two steps back from him, Eric's concern tickling me like a feather. I didn't like what he was insinuating, so I focused all my frustration, all of my anger on Bill. "Just because Eric said that I was no longer his doesn't mean that I'll be yours again, Bill. That ship has long sailed." I took a deep breath, steadying myself. "You act like I was a prisoner, that I was forced to be with Eric. I chose him, and I will continue to choose him!"

"He took advantage of you. He tricked you into marrying him!" Bill all but growled.

In that moment, Bill became the outlet for all the rage I had held inside for so long. "Oh, like you should talk, Bill! You...you betrayed me! You lied to me! You cheated on me! You raped me!"

My voice caught on the last sentence and the dam I'd built around the well of emotions from Bill's betrayal burst free. I couldn't believe I never really faced them before, that I just swept it all under the rug and had over looked them and how they affected me.

Bill's eyes widened at my shouted words. "Sookie...I never wanted to hurt you. The Queen-"

"I don't want to hear your excuses, Bill. What bothers me though is that even after I convinced myself that I never wanted to see or hear from you again, you wormed your way right back into my life again. What makes you really love me, Bill? Is it me, or is it the fact that you will never have me because I'm connected to Eric in a way that we will never have?"

Lover, what is happening? Eric's voice filled my head, and I closed my eyes for a moment, relishing the sound of his voice.

Don't worry, I answered him, hoping to reassure him.

"Sookie-" Bill started.

"No!" I opened my eyes, coming back to the here and now. "I lost my conviction to distance myself from you when the Nevada Vampires took over after Rhodes. I thought it better to band together as a unit to represent a strong front to De Castro, so I put my feelings about you aside. And since then, it's just been one thing after another and along the way, we somehow became friends. Being friends will be the only thing that will ever be between us." Not that I was sure that I could even look at him as a friend any longer.

Bill's face went blank, his expression cold. "So, when you showed up at my house and were rubbing yourself all over my body while naked during my day rest, that's just something friends do because of lost conviction?"

"I told you why I was there, Bill." I said hotly. I found myself truly disappointed in him. I didn't run to his house with the intent of climbing naked into his resting place when the two men Sandra Pelt hired came after me. I'd gone to his house because it was the only place I could run to and at the time, it seemed like a good idea. Looking back now, it clearly hadn't been the best plan I'd ever had, but at least I was still alive.

"I think it's best if you leave," I declared, turning to go. I was done with the conversation, done with Bill. Before I could take my first step though, Bill pulled me into his arms, his mouth coming down hard onto mine. I stood stock still, my eyes open wide as my brain stopped working for a few seconds from the shock of his lips assaulting me.

A rage that was not my own filled my body, and with more strength than I knew I had, I pulled myself free from Bill's strong embrace. My hand lifted of its own accord and traveled the short distance to Bill's face, slapping him hard. Again, I was amazed at the swift delivery and power behind my movement, Bill's face snapping to the side from the blow. My hand stung from where my palm met his cheek.

Bill and I stared at each other, and I wasn't sure who was more surprised. The surprise I was feeling came from how amazingly good, therapeutic even, it felt to have a target for those pent up emotions and release them at last. I felt like a weight was lifted off my chest.

"Don't worry about me standing by my convictions this time, Bill. Now leave. And don't come back," I said in a level voice. I was not going to go into hysterics like I had in New Orleans when Eric had told me the truth of Bill's real reason for coming back to Bon Temps. Bill Compton didn't deserve that kind of energy from me, not anymore.

Head held high, I turned and walked swiftly toward the porch, surprised to see Pam and Dermot standing there. Neither said a thing to me as I walked passed them and entered the house, nor did I look back to see if Bill was still standing where I left him.

"Everything okay?" Jason asked, finishing off his fourth piece of corn on the cob as I rejoined him at the table.

"Just wrapping up some loose ends that should have been tied off long ago," I said, reaching for my iced tea.

Gia entered the kitchen a moment later and came to stand next to me, her face contrite. "If he had threatened or harmed you in any way, I would have ended him. From what I gathered, the only thing he ever hurt was your heart and I felt like you needed to handle it on your own."

I smiled up at her. "I understand why you didn't interfere. Sometimes, a girl has to assert herself in different ways, even if it's just to slap the shit outta your ex-boyfriend. Thank you for letting me deal with it."

"Well, I for one wanted to do more than just slap Compton, but I settled for the look on his face after you hit him. It was quite entertaining." Pam smirked as she joined us, Dermot bringing up the rear.

No longer the sleepy and hungry Vampire, Pam was a vision in a wrap dress of pale pink, the ties to the dress resting in a bow on her hip. Dermot couldn't keep his eyes off her, nor his hands, which were resting possessively on her shoulders. Seeing the two together, I couldn't help but think that they really did look good together.

I chuckled a little, and then turned somber. "I still can't believe he came at me like that. He wants me to be his again."

Pam's eyes narrowed, her expression turning deadly. "I will handle Bill in my own way. He crossed a line, a line that my maker would not stand for. Compton is lucky that Eric isn't here. He would have ripped his balls off and hung them from his rear view mirror as a decoration. For all intents and purposes, you're mine and I will remind Bill of that claim."

That sounded...painful. Now that Pam was Sheriff, she had power to wield and I knew she would enjoy reminding Bill of that fact. Making that house call was going to be an easy commute, considering that Bill lived on the other side of the cemetery.

I glanced at her, curious. "Are you living here now?"

Judging by how Jason turned around to look up at Pam, he was just as interested in her answer as I was.

Pam hesitated, looking up at Dermot over her shoulder. She smiled slightly, her face soft and feminine. I had seen the many faces of Pam, but the one she wore now was new to me.

"For the time being, yes. I moved out of the nest in Shreveport when I became Sheriff, and until I find a place of my own that is secure enough, Dermot has offered to let me stay here." She explained.

"That was nice of him," I offered, figuring it was a win-win situation for both of them.

"Indeed," Pam said, her original smirk marking her lips as she looked at me. "Well, I need to get to Fangtasia. Full moons bring the freaks out and Maxwell Lee still hasn't learned the finesse that it takes to run the door like I did."

"How are things going? I mean, with being Sheriff and all?" I asked as Pam turned into Dermot's embrace.

Solemnly, Pam replied, "It will never be the same until Eric returns. I just go through the motions out of respect for my Maker to make sure that everything he built doesn't fall spectacularly to pieces."

Pam and I stared at one another, and we shared a silent look of understanding; I was included among the things that Pam kept together for Eric's sake.

"I will meet you at Hooligan's. I won't be long," Dermot said, looking down at the woman in his arms.

"What about the dishes?" I asked, looking at the table covered with the plates and utensils from dinner.

"I will take care of it in the morning. Don't worry." Winking at me, Dermot Popped Pam away.

I was tempted to start collecting the plates to clean them, but Gia offered her right hand to me as she gripped Jason's in her left. Sighing in resignation at leaving the mess behind, I took the hand in front of my face and we Popped to the dark, empty parking lot of Hooligan's.

I glanced around, the strip club that was Claude's pride and joy obviously closed. The neon signs were off, the only light coming from the few dim lamp posts scattered throughout the parking area. To my left, I heard the low hum of cars traveling back and forth on the interstate, but other than the distant headlights of late night travelers, all was silent.

"Are we early?" Jason whispered, sounding as unsure as I felt.

"No. We are right on time, Gia said in a normal tone, looking up at the moon where it hung high in the sky. Taking a step forward, Gia tugged both Jason and I with her. I was burning with curiosity when we walked right by the club and headed around back, the concrete disappearing under us as our feet encountered dirt.

Hooligan's location was isolated, the building surrounded by nothing but field on all sides. I let my shields down and listened for a sign of life, the pitch black of the fields we were walking into showing no signs of life.

"We are here," Gia said mysteriously, letting go of our hands.

"Where is here, exactly?" I said, looking around me.

Gia smiled at me, sweeping her hand in front of us. "Baile." She closed her eyes after her softly spoken words, and taking a step forward, she disappeared into thin air.

Jason looked at me, the white of his eyes almost glowing in the moonlight. "Where the hell did she go? Did she Pop?"

I shook my head, once again concentrating on picking up a brain signal anywhere. Not that I could hear a Fairy's mind, but I could sense them just the same as Vampires. I didn't hear anything.

"Sookie?" Jason asked, coming to stand close to me.

Figuring that Gia wouldn't leave us stranded in the middle of a dark field on the night of a full moon for no reason, I went with my instinct. "Step forward, Jason."

Taking a deep breath and keeping my eyes wide, I stepped forward. I immediately felt like I was walking through an invisible wall of Jell-o, sucked into a barrier that I couldn't see. Once the feeling subsided, I gasped as I took in the scene before me. Where before the field was dark and lifeless, it was now filled with Fae and the make shift camp built there.

Tents of all different shapes and sizes were scattered throughout the large field, the darkness kept at bay by lit campfires and wooden torches imbedded in the earth. The tents were colorful and unusual, and even from where I stood I could see that they were not made from the standard tent material.

I heard a gasp come from Jason as he came through the Jell-o wall and took in the sight that had magically appeared. I heard him mutter, "What the fuck?"

"You did it!" I heard Gia's voice say and I looked around to see her standing in the front of the crowd that had begun to gather. Claude was standing behind her, smiling at me.

Gia skipped toward us, clearly happy to see that we had come through the barrier unscathed.

"What is this place?" I asked, gesturing with my hand. I was still in shock, and judging by the look on my brother's face, so was he.

Claude stepped forward, resplendent in black leather pants and a white silk shirt that laced up the front. His shirt was embroidered with intricate knot work in a golden thread. He almost looked like a pirate with his long, black hair hanging loosely over his shoulder. "You are home, Cousin."

My eyes widened in panic. Did we just enter a portal? "You mean we're in Faery?" I immediately focused on my bond with Eric, calming slightly when I felt that it was just as strong as ever.

Claude shook his head, his dark eyes sad. "No. But this is the next best thing. When the portals closed, the refugee Fae left behind in this world flocked here. I own all the land that surrounds Hooligan's, and with the help of Dermot, we were able to create a force field by combining our Air magic to shield all the Fae that are staying here. The barrier is similar to the one that Fintan made to hide your family from his enemies, from Niall."

I felt my mouth form an O shape. I suppose I would chock it up to being blonde, but for some silly reason I thought that all the Fae staying at Hooligan's were sleeping on the floor in the club. Silly Sookie, I thought. Judging by the amount of Fairy's, Elves and a few of the Goblin like creatures gathering around me, Hooligan's had met the club capacity.

I was impressed that Claude and Dermot took a page from my grandfather's book and created the force field to hide the massive number of Fae congregated here in the field.

I felt a presence behind me and turned to see Dermot. He smiled at me, his eyes filled with pride. "Well, what do you think?"

"This is amazing. I have no words," I said.

Dermot laughed slightly. "My brother was very intelligent, and once the number of Fae Refugees became more than we could handle in the club, I thought to use the shield magic Fintan used to hide you and your family. Only those of Fae blood can enter here, and must do so willingly. It has to be done with free will."

That explained why Gia left Jason and I to take the last step alone. It was a show of trust.

"And now, my dear Niece, what is it you humans say? Let's get this party started," Dermot said, taking my hand in his.

I smiled, a bit uncomfortable at how everyone stared at me, a look of awe on their faces. Dermot led me forward, Claude, Gia and Jason following in our footsteps. The crowd parted easily enough, and as we walked by those that gathered to see me, everyone bowed their heads respectfully, elegantly. I guess everyone knew that the cat was out of the bag.

Seeing so many different races of Fae, from the tall and beautiful Fairies, to the intense Elves with their slanted dark eyes and sharp teeth, down to the almost Hobbit sized goblins with (dare I say it?) ugly, smashed faces, was quite the spectacle. As exciting as it was for them to see and have me join them in the celebration, it was equally exciting for me to not only be included, but also be able to see the variations of the Fae and how they meshed and lived with one another. These were my people. I was going to be their leader one day.

"I'm so happy you decided to join us, Sookie. I'm sorry I haven't been in contact, but as you can see, I have been quite busy with the remaining Fae in this realm. Just when I think everyone that was left is finally here, someone new arrives. It's been quite time consuming," Claude explained as we walked, coming to walk on my other side. "I'm sorry to hear about that gorgeous hunk of Vampire of yours. What will you do now?"

I sighed, wishing that I was already thirty. "We wait."

Claude raised a delicate eyebrow. "We?"

I nodded, my expression serious. "We. I'm not sure how I will do it, but I will get him back. Even if I have to promise certain individuals the moon and stars to do it, I will make it work."

Claude looked at Dermot over my head. "Listen to her. She is already sounding like a Princess."

Dermot looked at me with pride in his eyes. "Yes, Fintan would be proud of you. He will always be here to guide you, even from the Summerlands."

We arrived at a clearing, and with a kiss on my forehead, Dermot disappeared into the crowd that had followed us. Many of the Fae kept a respectful distance from where I stood, glancing at me surreptitiously while I stood by Claude. I wondered what was going to happen next.

I saw Gia and Jason standing nearby, and as I watched, Gia spun around on the spot and snapped her fingers. From one moment to the next, the clothes she came in disappeared and were replaced by a white, gauzy, sequined dress that fit her like a glove. Jason looked at her in surprise, his eyes roaming her from head to toe in appreciation. I thought of Claudine in that moment, doing the exact same thing in Merlotte's when Eric had amnesia.

"You will have a dress one day as well," Claude said softly.

I glanced up at him. "I will?"

He nodded. "When your essential spark ignites, your magic will create the garb for you to wear. It is almost like a sign for your body, claiming your status and power. I suspect that when the time comes, your dress will be a sight to behold."

I looked at Claude's clothes. "Is this the outfit your magic made?"

"Indeed it is, but compared to the dresses, it pales in comparison. Women always have the better things to wear. It's a pity, really," Claude groused.

Somewhere in the distance, a drum began to thump softly and a hush fell over the crowd. I looked in the direction of the sound, and as I scanned the crowd, I met the dark eyes of Bellenos the Elf. He was standing apart from everyone else, staring directly at me. I didn't know whether to wave or smile at him, so I just looked away. The Elf and I were not particularly friends, and he creeped me out with his razor sharp teeth and odd behavior. I knew he wasn't so fond of me, either. Obviously human flesh disturbed Elves, and Bellenos had gotten an eyeful of mine when I was running around in a tablecloth after the naked debacle at Bill's house.

"Look at the moon, Sookie," Claude whispered to me.

Gazing up at the moon, I saw that the glowing orb was at its highest point. The drumming became louder, and as I began to make out the rhythm it played, a flute joined in. I glanced around, noticing that everyone was entranced by the sky, swaying from side to side. I caught Jason's eye and he shrugged at me, unsure of what we were supposed to do.

Claude took my hand and turned me in a circle, leading me to follow his movements. Everyone around us was lost in their own rhythmic dance, some moving faster than others. The flute music became louder, and turning my head, I gasped in delight as I saw Dermot making his way toward us, a carved, wooden flute held to his lips as he moved around us.

Chanting started to fill the air, and closing my eyes, I lost myself to the unusual music surrounding me. For several minutes I danced blindly, my eyes opening only when I felt Claude let go of me. He smiled and encouraged me to keep moving, to do my own thing.

Gazing up at the moon, the beautiful, pale glow emanating from around it reminded me of Eric's skin, of how strong and sure he always was, just like the moon itself. I concentrated on our bond, and with my right hand over my half sun, I lifted my left arm to the sky, twisting and moving it sensuously. My body gyrated carnally as my soul screamed for my beloved's touch.

Kicking off my flip flops, I smiled in delight as the soft earth cushioned my bare feet. I turned in a circle, my hips moving erotically to the left and to the right. I felt the music in my body, my heart pounding in time with the drum, the flute's melody racing through my blood. I trailed my fingers over my chest and down my body. Eric, I called out in my mind. I dance for you. I dance for the time when I will feel your lips on mine, again. I dance for us.

I felt a surge rush through my body, filling me with his love, with his desire, with his need. I actually moaned out loud, empowered by his passion. Reaching up, I undid my hair and dragged my fingers through the blonde locks, rolling my head to the side as I turned in a circle over and over.

At some point, the drumming, the flute and the chanting had stopped. I wasn't sure when it did, but as I came to a dizzy stand still from spinning around, I was dumbfounded to see that everyone was on their knees, gazing at me in wonderment. Even Claude and Dermot were kneeling, which was kind of surprising to me.

"What's wrong?" I asked breathlessly, feeling slightly winded from my carefree dancing.

"Sook, above you," Jason answered, the only person that remained standing.

Looking above me, I saw what looked to be a small, silver cloud effervescing about a foot over my head. It glittered, reminding me almost of how the Cluviel Dor looked when I had made my wish. Instinct told me that I had nothing to fear from the wisp above me, so reaching out, I touched out.

My finger tingled when I made contact and it moved, rising higher and higher. Everyone watched its ascent, and when it reached its desired height, it exploded, showering everyone in a coating of silver dust. As the dust touched my skin, it was almost like fizzling confetti. Within seconds it disappeared, but I still felt the coolness of its touch.

I looked at Dermot as he rose before me, wide-eyed. "What just happened?"

"Something I didn't think I would see until after Niall crowned you. The passion you felt while dancing created a coisreacan - a blessing that only a Prince or a Princess can bestow onto the people. You have much power, dear Niece. You have honored us all tonight." Dermot actually sounded choked up. I had to wonder how long it had been for him since his last blessing.

I licked my lips. "I didn't mean to do it. I was just dancing."

"You didn't do anything wrong, Sookie. Quite the opposite in fact. It was amazing to watch the music take hold of you," Claude said, coming to stand next to Dermot.

I looked down at my dirty feet, wondering how I had summoned an exploding cloud just by dancing. Sure, I had been going a bit nuts towards the end, but had the passion I felt for my husband, my desire to be with him again, run so high that I had made a - what was it again? - a coisreacan? I decided to include Fairy studies in my daily curriculum. I had a lot to learn.

"This blessing, what does it do?" I asked Dermot.

"It gives peace, hope and guidance to those that need it. To others, it gives clarity. It is a powerful gift, very rarely given," he explained, trying to compose himself.

Hmmm. That was some interesting food for thought.

The rest of the night continued without further mishap, though from time to time I did check to make sure that nothing was floating above my head except mosquitoes. We continued dancing well into the night, stopping only to drink the fresh dew drinks that were offered to cool off. Fresh dew was obviously the drink of choice among the Fae, though it tasted just like plain old water to me. Dew was collected every morning from the leaves or flowers, making the drink totally organic and uncorrupted since it was made by nature. I didn't want to know how many leaves had to be squeezed to fill one cup for a person to drink.

It was heading into the early part of the morning when I said my goodbyes to everyone, and as I saw the amount of people who wanted to wish me well, I opted for waving instead. I did receive many hugs and whispered thanks for my coming, and it made me feel good that I did something special for the Refugees who had been closed off from their home world.

Gia led Jason and I away from the barrier after we came through, and it was strange to look back at the dark field knowing that it was just a false facade. After we Popped Jason home, Gia and I arrived back in Shreveport and I felt like I was asleep on my feet. I was totally wiped out from the long night of dancing and once inside the house, I went directly to the bathroom to change for bed.

Crawling gratefully onto the king sized bed, I sighed in relief as my face hit the pillow. Dawn would be coming soon and I would probably sleep most of the day away. I yawned loudly, snuggling deep into the covers. I murmured in pleasure as a strong hand massaged my hip softly, laughing sleepily as the hand moved down my leg, tickling me.

"Lover, wake up."

"No, I'm tired. I danced too much," I mumbled into the pillow, rolling onto my stomach.

I felt movement on the bed and the deep, rich voice spoke right into my ear. "Sookie, you must wake up. We don't have much time."

I rolled over, grumbling slightly. As I looked into the deep, blue eyes that gazed at me, I felt a tear slip into my hair. "I always have tormenting dreams like this. I wish you were real," I reached out and traced his hard chin, his stubble scraping my fingertip.

He caught my hand and kissed my palm. "This isn't a dream, Lover. I assure you that I'm quite real."

I looked at him curiously, and as my hand wandered over his skin, I realized that I could feel him. When I dreamed about him, I relived many of the things we had gone through and dreamt about what I hoped would come, but I had never physically felt him in the flesh like this before.

Now wide awake, I sat up with big eyes, at a loss for words. So I said the only one that came to mind. "Eric!"

Yeah, I know. I suck for ending it there, but you gotta love the cliffie's! :P

So, a few things here. Bill-I NEVER liked him, I always thought of him as emotionless and cold as stone, wanting Sookie to always act like a little Southern Belle who doesn't burp or fart. It always pissed me off in the books that Sookie never really confronted Bill (except in the hospital). She never dealt with the betrayal or the rape that happened at his hands. It's time to put this petty friendship to the wayside, because if it was me that this happened to, I would not be chummy with the SOB.

With the Fairies here, I wanted to incorporate more lore here, and I always wondered, what is Claude really doing with all the Fae at Hooligan's? Are they really sleeping on the floor and stage? I don't think so. So, I got some inspiration from Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. I loved how during the Quittich World Cup, how the massive amount of witches and wizards were camped together in their eclectic tents and stuff, invisible to the human eye. Plus, Claude has all that empty land around Hooligan's, and it's quite remote. I just put it to good use.

Eric-hmmm...did he escape Freyda? We will find out in Chapter 16.

La Luna- Moon

Cheiliúradh- Celebrate/Commemorate

Baile- Home

Coisreacan- To Bless

Thanks you all for reading. I hope you liked the chapter as much as I did writing it. Reviews=Love (And perhaps a faster update) :P Hugs and Love all!