Stranger Danger

I had my first official job as a Supernatural Consultant last night. I wish I could be happy about it, but the circumstances were just too awful. I'm still counting it as my first job, since I got to be helpful, even though I wouldn't accept payment.

Someone's threatening @WereLily. Pictures of her playing on the playground at school were delivered to @BarWithABite, covered in blood. @SheriffNorthman's blood, to be exact. How sick is that? Apparently they were delivered sometime during the trip to NOLA, but Eric didn't mention it. I'm annoyed that he didn't, but I kind of get why he'd want to keep something like this contained. @VampyJo must have been flipping out the entire time. I know I would have been. I guess that's why @WerepireLucian left a little early. I'm glad he went home to protect her.

@BiancaNorthman was able to catch the man who delivered the photographs to Fangtasia. She kept him in the basement and obviously beat him up. It's awful that I can tell it was her and not Chow or Pam, just by what was done. I don't like that there's so much violence or that I'm getting so familiar with each vamipre's signature, but I guess I can't really blame her for beating the guy up when she saw the pictures. If they were sent to me, I'd probably want to hurt someone too.

The basement/dungeon of Fangtasia isn't really a fate I'd wish on anyone, though, especially since the guy was just the messenger. Apparently our vampires haven't heard the saying about messengers, though, because Eric definitely had him killed after I read his mind. The man was a V-addict with dangerous connections, so I guess it's for the best, but that part of me that argued with Eric that all life is special still rails against the thought. 

I was able to read some thoughts from the man's mind, though it didn't go completely smoothly because he was so damaged from all the drugs. Eric took Bianca to look into the lead I dug up, but he came home just before dawn and in no mood to talk, so I didn't get to ask him about it. Judging by the mood, I think it's safe to guess they didn't catch the "red man" they were looking for. I hope they do soon, before he can hurt Lily or anyone else.

I wonder what it says about me that I didn't even try to save the addict's life last night. I hid behind the idea that Eric would honor our deal and not kill the man, and I'm sure he didn't, but I'm equally sure that the man is dead and will never be found. I didn't speak a word in protest, and I won't ask about it or try to lecture him or anything. Being bonded to Eric as long as I have, I understand that he truly believes this was part of eliminating a threat to his family. I can't really argue with that. V-addicts can be extremely dangerous, and this particular one was being used by an even more dangerous man, but I really wish there was an alternative to killing him.

I think believing that all life is special is part of being human. It's something I truly believe, so why didn't I protest when I knew Eric would have his prisoner killed? Why am I not more upset with the idea that they'll kill this "red man" when they find him? A threat to Lily is a threat to our family, so does that mean I'm okay with killing to protect it? Does that make me any less human if I am? And if I don't have my humanity, then what am I?

Dracula & Babies

I feel like I haven't written in my journal in forever!

Things have just been so busy. I've been helping Eric with his reopening of Fangtasia more than I thought I was even capable of, but he seems to trust me with it. I'm designing a sort of… well, I won't get into it yet! It'll be a bit of a surprise, but anyone who saw my Thanksgiving menu won't be too shocked! Roman's excited, and he and Jessica have been wonderful guinea pigs for my experiments. Eric's cautious but has been real good about trying my concoctions.

We also redecorated his office. Well, just decorated. It was pretty blank, but Alcide did a great job with it! Even though the vampires give him such a hard time, Fangtasia really does look great! I can't wait for everyone to see it on the opening, Dracula Night!

We bought some furniture for it at IKEA in Houston, and even spent the night there! The hotel was so nice, I was surprised Eric could get reservations on such short notice, but he just laughed. That vampire thinks I'm so naive. Maybe I am, because I was impressed. Eric always impresses me, though. I don't think that vampire will ever quit making me swoon…

Unfortunately, it hasn't all been good news. I've been meeting with Portia a ton lately, which is great because she's such a lovely woman, but it's been about Gran. I realized after finding some legal documents in Gran's recipe box that I never really settled her estate. I guess just the shock of it all, with the murder and then having to go and try to not get murdered myself, aside from the funeral, that sort of stuff just fell through the cracks. Everyone knows the farmhouse is mine anyway, but it really is better to have it all taken care of the legal way. Portia's been so understanding about the whole thing, and so kind to me! I invited her, MeeMaw, the twins, Luke, and everyone else she can possibly think to bring to my house for dinner one night, probably after the opening when all this has died down a little. I hope sooner, but Eric's just been so busy, and I want him to get to know everyone. He knows how much I love entertaining, even if he doesn't understand it at all. Maybe MeeMaw will even bring Stan so he'd have a friend too! I don't think that's really how vampires work, since it sounds like I'm arranging a playmate and all, but we'll see, I'm excited anyway. It's great to have friends when dealing with tough subjects.

Speaking of tough subjects, Tara threw me for a darn loop this week! We went to Walmart to shop for some stuff for her new place, her, me, and Maya. It was great to see the little one; she's getting so big! That little girl has a real special place in my heart, between being named after Gran and being Tara's daughter.

Anyway, we ran into Sam. I was excited, because I wanted to tell him about the bonding ceremony and tell him I wanted to get back to work, but I forgot about all that real quick when Tara started shouting in her head about Maya having Sam's smile! I cannot believe she didn't tell me Sam's the father! I was somewhere between shocked and darn furious, to say the least. Sam deserves a place in Maya's life. I know Tara's heart was real broken when things between her and Sam ended, but it's just not right. A girl needs both her parents in her life, and it's not like Sam's a bad man. He's a really great guy, and I know he'd want to support her however she'd let him. I just don't understand what she's thinking. I made her promise to tell him soon, and I hope she goes through with it. She really better. Sam's missed enough moments in Maya's life already.

I was blessed to experience a great moment in Wes's life this week too. Lacey and Jack had a wonderful Christening for him. It was beautiful, though pretty shocking to see so many vampires gathered in a church. They seemed pretty uncomfortable, for the most part. Especially Roman. He broke a pew. Eric seemed pretty at ease with the whole thing, even made fun of Roman, though I didn't appreciate his tone in talking about the church. Nixie sat near us, and she didn't seem to believe in it either. I scolded them both for acting out of line. No one had to believe anything, just be respectful of Lacey and Jack celebrating their son. It was a nice ceremony, I think. Short. The guy doing it hit on Claude. That was awkward, but Bianca scared him off. No one saw him after that.

Everyone seems to be having kids, settling into families. Even I'm sort of married now. Things are so great you can almost forget the building tension of the vampire politics in Shreveport at the moment. It's almost easy to ignore the complications that Dracula Night should bring. It's almost easy to forget that a homicidal vampire and his crazy companion are poking their noses into Area Five's business, that batshit crazy witches are going around cussing Louisiana's vampires and that the name Hallow keeps popping up in the context of disappearances in the area. I almost don't mind that a fairy ancestor is trying to get involved with my life, bringing along the fairy that helped kill my parents.

Almost.

A Romantic Weekend

This weekend was amazing. Really, better than I could've imagined. I think every little girl who's ever seen a Disney movie dreams of going to a ball, and I can't really say the Blood Ball was that, but it was so much fun.

I felt like a princess in the gown Eric bought me, and I was right, he was the most handsome man there, alive or not. We saw so many friends at the ball. I never expected to see Alyx, Dave, Lacey, Mena, or Pam there, even though Eric said some Area 5 people might be in attendance. I saw so many other friends there too, like Sookeh and her imaginary date, Caroline Bellefleur who seemed as overwhelmed by the change in scenery as I was, and so many other people, I can hardly keep track. The whole night was a whirlwind of dancing and Kayden's beautiful singing, and more dancing, and then some wonderful chocolate desserts and champagne.

It's all such a wonderful blur, and even I'm surprised at how much fun I had.

I think Eric enjoyed himself too. We could hardly wait to get back to the hotel room, even with his crazy driving, and it was only because I demanded he not hurt the gown that my dress wasn't torn to shreds. Nothing else I wore was so lucky.

Sunday was so romantic too. When Eric rose, he showed me the brochure that inspired him for the night.

Celebration in The Oaks™
December 1-31
New Orleans City Park
New Orleans’ premier holiday light show features grand live oaks and bayous transformed into a holiday wonderland, toured by car, horse-drawn carriage or by foot.  Unique exhibits include a Cajun Village decorated for the arrival of Papa Noël, Dinobration™, where the Jurassic past comes to life, a pirate ship, a three-ring circus and an animated jazz band.  Separate self-guided garden tours include nightly entertainment, train garden, amusement rides, miniature train tours of the lights and Creole delicacies. Open nightly 5:30-10:30pm.

We took a horse-drawn carriage ride through the holiday wonderland set up in the City Park, and it was exactly like something out of a book. Even Hundr came along, though he wasn't so sure whether or not he liked the horses. We skipped the part about the dinosaurs and the pirate ship, but the music was fantastic, and we even got to do a little more dancing, as though we hadn't spent hours doing just that the night before. Eric's an amazing dancer. I could dance with him for hours. I guess I already have.

The lights were all completely spectacular, and the gardens were beautiful. Everything was lit in the most beautiful way, and I even talked Eric into going on some of the rides with me. I couldn't talk him into the miniature train, partially because we weren't sure he would fit, but we did go on the ferris wheel. I took pity on him and didn't ask about the carousel, even though the painted horses on it were beautiful.

The food was delicious, and I ate in the gardens while Eric sipped a blood and whispered about what he'd rather be tasting. For once, I didn't protest. Everything felt so private and romantic. It was a wonderful night, and such an unexpected break from the stress at home.

Of course, some of the beauty of it was that it only lasted the weekend. Tonight, we went back to Shreveport, Eric driving at intolerable speeds all the way. I'm happy to be here, though. We'll spend a few nights decorating his house, since he was right and Angelo hasn't done a thing for it, and then Thursday is Tara's baby shower. Lafayette and I have some shopping to do before then, but I'm thinking of having Claudia cater the whole thing. She'll do a really professional job, and Tara really deserves something nice. Jerica is kind enough to have the whole thing at her house, and I'm sure Tara will appreciate not having to travel when she's due so soon. I'm really looking forward to the whole thing. I just sent out the invitations, and plenty of people have already responded.

After a magical weekend, it looks like this week is going to be pretty spectacular too. I love the holiday season.

He Loves Me

Eric Northman loves me. I've known it for a while now, but I honestly was never sure he'd actually get around to saying it. I wasn't sure he could say it. He's always talking about how he believes vampires can't love, or vampires can't be happy. I wasn't sure he recognized what it is he feels for me, even though I've known he feels it. I can feel he loves me when he holds me, or when he sees me when he wakes up, or even just when I'm heating up a blood for him. I've felt it, but I didn't really know if he'd say it. I didn't think he knew he loved me.

I never wanted to push him on it either. We've been dating since the beginning of June. That's almost six months, now. I wasn't sure about him at first, and our first date was somewhat of a disaster, but now I can't picture my life without him. I love waking up next to him, I love falling asleep while he holds me, I love making love with him, I love making meals with him, I love entertaining with him, and I love how he trusts me, and I love being able to trust him.

Certain things still make me uncomfortable, of course. I don't like when he spends too much on me, but he has gotten better about it. A lot better, really. And he's truly getting a lot more patient with my friends. He let Tara quit her job at the casino without a fuss, and is even agreeing to go to Shreveport with me to help out with the baby and all that. He didn't try to fight with Serge at Thanksgiving, or even insult him when I explained how many times he and Tara were bonded. Actually, he was great with all my friends at Thanksgiving. He seemed pretty relaxed, talking to Waylon while Waylon pigged out on all the wrong foods.

And now the holidays are here, and I've always thought they were completely romantic. Bill never wanted to do anything for them, of course, but to me they've always been about spending time with family and loved ones. I'm sure we'll have Jason over, maybe even Claude, but I'm just excited to spend them with Eric.

Decorating yesterday couldn't have gone better. We got the perfect tree, even if the way we found it was a little unconventional. I wonder if many couples just pick the tree they're standing next to when they stop to kiss for a while. Eric carried it to the car and into the house like it weighed nothing. I could hardly believe it, though I was a little worried about the whole thing. He's still healing, and I'm pretty sure carrying trees around doesn't help with that. Still, I didn't want to ask him about it and risk hurting his pride. He seemed fine with it, so I let him carry the tree. It was impressive. It usually takes Jason, Lafayette, Hoyt, and Terry to get the tree inside, and even then, it's more of a dragging than carrying.

Stringing the lights was so much easier with Eric there too. Not that I ever forget, but I'm always surprised at how tall he is. He reached the top of the tree with no problems at all, and I was pretty pleased with that. I always hate having to climb up on the ladder for that part. Somehow it never goes well.

Hanging the ornaments was a little tougher, only cause Eric kept coming up behind me and whispering dirty things in my ear. Not that I really complained, in fact I encouraged him just a little bit, but it still wasn't terribly productive. Those dirty things led to sweet things, though, and that was when he told me he loved me. I can still hardly believe it, even after he showed me just how much he loved me under the tree once we finished decorating.

Plenty of things are still uncertain. I don't really know what to do about my job. I'm hoping to talk to Sam about that tonight, among other things. Fangtasia still needs to be rebuilt, and Eric still needs to find a base of operations for his area. There are still a bunch of witches running around who need to be stopped.

I do know that Eric loves me, though, and that I love him. The rest we can figure out, but I know that's what matters most. We'll make our bond permanent by bonding again when it's right, and I can't wait for that night, because I really do believe him when he tells me there are many, many more years of decorating Christmas trees in our future.

All it Takes is a Drop

Now, I’ve had experience with V dealers and drainers before. I’m not as naive as people seem to think I am. That’s how I met @TruBloodBill, in fact, saving him from the Rattrays. Boy, I do not miss them…

But that’s not the point. I’ve been around these people before. And you know what? They’re scary. Cause not long after I saved Bill, he had to return the favor when the Rats came after me. V addicts are mean, they’re cruel, and they’re not in their right mind.

So naturally, I was pretty unhappy to hear that there are getting to be more and more of ‘em in Bon Temps. Well, all of Area Five, or at least that’s what @SheriffNorthman says. I wasn’t exactly happy to hear it from Eric, either. He was all high ‘n mighty ordering us all to his house in the middle of the night, after a long day of work. The nerve of that vampire sometimes, I mean really!

But I agreed to help him with this V problem anyway. I mean, this is my community. I grew up here, I’ve lived here all my life, my family’s lived here all their lives. I’ll be darned if I’m just gonna let some people like this come in and start messing things up when there’s something I can do to help.

Not that Bill’s too happy with me helping, of course. He was all, “I am Sookie’s keeper,” and of course I didn’t appreciate that one bit. I honestly don’t even think he even said it out of concern for me, so much as just wanting to claim me in front of Eric… Again. The two of them can give a girl a headache.

Bill and I still have our issues, I guess. It’s not the first night we’ve been out together that’s ended in a fight, not that it was a date or anything. I’m seeing him less or less. Seems like one of us is always working, and the other’s always complaining about it. I love him, but sometimes it just seems like more stress than I need right now.

Men. After being dead a few hundred years, you’d think they’d learn a little more about women. Go figure.

Anyway, I’m off to go enjoy the rest of this beautiful day. Talk to you soon!

Love,
Sookie