Title: Human bound Fae 1/3 [True Blood]
Master Post
The edge of the forest was always dark and shadow filled after nightfall, even with a full moon and a clear sky.
But tonight the shadows became even darker then moonless nights when the clouds blanketed the sky. But it was only for a brief instant, no longer then a single flap of a fairies’ wing, and then the shadows returned to normal and all as was as it had been.
Except for the man shaped form that appeared in the deepest part of the shadow and was now tumbling across the field until he landed face down in the grass, his pristine white clothing being streaked green.
“That was not to plan,” he muttered to himself as he pushed himself up, wiping off the dew-wet grass that clung to his clothing before squaring his shoulders and reaching out a hand toward a nearby shadow.
Frowning when nothing happened, the man pulled his hand back and reached forth with the other. Once more nothing happened.
“Damn you, Finvarra!” He yelled before looking to the sky, “Claudine,” his voice echoing, reaching everywhere, but again nothing happened.
“Claudine!” He tried again. But once more all it did was echo. “Why isn’t she ans-” he stopped mid word as his eyes widened, “Meb, My Queen of dark and cold your subject ask to speak with thee,” he chanted, flinging a dew drops into the shadows around him.
But as with every time before, nothing happened. The shadows didn’t darken and the drops fell to the ground.
“Damn him. May his leaves never fall and his forest grow warm,” he cursed, kicking at the dirt.
With another kick he spun around and really looked at his surroundings, taking them all in, “Just where in this realm am I?” he asked aloud, knowing he would get no response.
***
The lights flickered to life, their flames flaring to illuminate the hidden chamber as Diana pulled the heavy bookshelves back into place behind her.
The secret entryway sealed once more the Dark One slowly made her way around the chamber. Only twice before had she ever been allowed to enter the room, each time she had been with either her father or grandmother, neither permitted her to touch or look at anything.
But now they were gone and she was all that was left, Diana thought, letting her green boney hands glide over the spines of the books on the bookshelf. Books of dark magic and true histories that the humans had forgotten. Forgotten when the Sidhe and betrayer had tried to suppress them. But her family had saved the truth, they were her truths now.
As was the Apothecary cabinet, with its human heartstrings, powdered Wyld bones, Solanaceae roots and dozens of other ingredient. Diana knew as she ran her fingers over the brass handles of each drawer, reading the age worn labels.
Slowly she explored every inch of the room, trying to uncover every secret that her family would have built into their sanctum. Secrets that would normally have been showen to her but there wasn’t anyone to show her. Everything was hers because she was the only one left.
The blasted Wyld One and his dumb mortal had taken her family from her, costing her everything.
She meant to return the favor. She thought with a sinister grin as she picked up the skull of a half human Wyldfae.
***
“I am glad to see you and your beloved once more, Youngling,” the large willow tree-like fae Phellos said, her voice like the wind through her breaches and leaves. “Your last visit ended in such sorrow.”
“Yeah, but we showed them why you don’t mess with Wydlfae didn’t we, Galway,” Jason answered, grinning at the large wolf that was near by.
Galway looked toward Jason and gave his fellow warrior a happy howl and toothy grin.
“Damn right. Hey do you think you could-,” Jason started to ask as he headed toward Galway, but then stopped to look at Hoyt, “You’re good, right? If you need anything, just holler,” he said before returning to his jog after Galway.
“Your beloved is enjoying himself,” Phellos said softly, remaining by Hoyt’s side.
“He fits in here, he’s always fit in whereever he wanted to,” Hoyt answered, watching Jason weaving through the crowds of fae. Most of them looked nothing like humans but even with that Jason didn’t stand out. With a smile Hoyt let his gaze slip off his husband and toward Phellos. “He really is one of you. He’s at home here.”
“He is, for it is,” Phellos’s windy voice confirmed. “As his beloved I hope you will come to say the same.”
“Maybe,” Hoyt told the fae, watching Jason and the other wyldfae for a moment before looking toward Phellos once more. “Thank you for those leaves, by the way. They made my arm feel a lot better.”
“It was no trouble for the chosen of a fellow Wyld one,” Phellos responded, her voice light and pleased.
“Well anyways, thanks,” Hoyt repeated anyways.
“You are most welcome then, mortal,” Phellos said. “You’re beloved will miss you when you are gone.”
Finvarra choose that moment to appear, stepping out of a large oak tree. “A mortal with manners. Often a rare thing,” he said, cutting off Hoyt’s reply to Phellos. “But then rare things frequently find each other,” the King of Autumn added.
“Lord Finvarra,” Phellos said, her breaches dipping as she said something else that neither Hoyt, nor any mortal, could have understood.
“Of course, Phellos, the frost will not harm them.” Finvarra told his Wyldfae who then withdrew, vanishing into the crowd. “Fortenberry, a name that would not be unusual at my court.”
“For one of the tree fae maybe, Lord Finvarra,” Hoyt said awkwardly, watching Phellos go before glancing around for Jason.
“True…you need not fear. I wish you no harm nor will allow it again within my court,” Finvarra assured Hoyt, smiling at the mortal. “Phellos implied no harm to you with her comment if that is what you feared.”
“No. Well, I just…That is, I just…we don’t have kings or lords. I…,” Hoyt answered, or tried to but only succeeded in muttering under his breath, “Jason makes this look so easy.”
“If you asked him, I think you will find that far from the truth,” Finvarra informed Hoyt with an amused smile.
“If you say so,” Hoyt said without feeling, taking a small sip of the drink that Jason had found for him. It was sweet and strong but at least just smelling it didn’t make him feel buzzed like some of the other options.
“I do,” Finvarra said with another smile, taking a drink from a much stronger drink he had selected.
“What did she mean?” Hoyt said a few moments later, “If not dead, Jason’s not, we’re not. We’re staying together,” he said, wishing his voice was as confident as his words.
“I believe you two will stay together until death, and it was of death she spoke. Ah wait, mortal,” Finvarra said, stopping Hoyt as he wanted to object. “She did not mean you would be killed, but that time would carry you away. He is wyldfae now. Age will end your life far before it ends his.” The King explained.
“What?” Hoyt asked, taken by surprise.
“It is the way of nature, but this is not what I wished to speak with you about,” Finvarra said, his tone growing serious. “I wish to give you thanks for your actions last time you stood in my court. You placed yourself between the Throne and one who sought to do it harm.”
“I did it for Jason, that’s all. That Throne seems to mean something to him, to me it’s just wood,” Hoyt answered honestly.
“I expected as much. But the fact remains you did me a great service, one I will not forget,” Finvarra informed Hoyt before turning away and heading for his Throne.
Hoyt watched him go, glancing at the small wooden leaf brooch on his own chest.
***Chapter One***
“Beautiful night for a wedding,” Jessica cried, dabbing at her blood tears with her dark red handkerchief.
“Oh for heaven’s sake, we haven’t even started yet and you’re already getting blood all over your mascara,” Arlene cried out, grabbing a wet cloth from somewhere in her dress and helping wipe Jessica’s eyes quickly.
“Yeah I can’t have my best woman walking me down the aisle with blood on her mascara now can I,” Hoyt told his friend warmly, finding her hand with his own.
“You’re right,” Jessica agreed, whipping away the last of the blood. “I can do this, I won’t cry anymore,” the young vampire stated with resolve.
“Not until the fucking ‘I do’s.’ Lord knows I won’t be dry eyed then,” Arlene confessed before looking at the clock in the old parish church’s hallway. “But enough chit chat. It’s time we got this show on the road people,” she added pushing the first groom and his best woman toward the double doors that opened into the main room of the stone building. “Move it,” she hissed when the doors were only half opened and neither of the two had moved through it.
“We’re going, keep your pantyhose on,” Jessica sassed back, taking Hoyt’s arm and starting them forward once the doors were fully open.
Hoyt smiled at the byplay then focused on the walk, trying not to walk too fast but trying to just get up to the front already at the same time.
They had barely reached the front and turned around when the others were sent forward, Tommy and Sam, Arlene and Terry, and last-- after what seemed like a long pause-- Jason and Sookie.
Watching the siblings walking together, it struck Hoyt just how much they didn’t look alike but at the same time couldn’t be mistaken as anything but family. From their smiles to the way they held themselves and something else, some feeling he now knew had to be their fairy heritage. Making them stand out in a crowd. Not that Hoyt ever needed anything to help him pick Jason out of a group.
It was always hard to take his eyes off Jason and he had no plan to tonight as his fellow groom stepped next to him. Their hands found each other and he didn’t even pay the father any mind as he started speaking. Hoyt hadn’t even realized the father had started talking to him at first.
“What?” Hoyt stuttered, knowing Arlene was going to kill him for not paying attention but that thought, and all other thoughts, stopped when he turned to the Pastor.
It’s wasn’t Pastor Blaylock standing at the altar, it was Finvarra standing before them and he wasn’t at the alter. There was no alter in sight or neither was the church visible any longer.
They were standing in the middle of an open field of wild flowers with a single Wych elm tree giving the crowd shade. And it wasn’t the crowd that had been in the church. Panning over the audience he didn’t see a single mortal.
“Wh-?” Hoyt started to stay, but the words caught in his throat as he turned back toward Jason.
Again, other things had changed as he was looking elsewhere, it wasn’t his Jason, it was the golden haired and brazen skinned form of the other Jason. Staring back at him with wyld eyes and a manic grin, he stepped away from Hoyt.
“He cannot be chained by any mortal, not even you. His essence will always long to be free, even as he longs to be near you. As you age and he does not, his longing for you will fade and he will be free. He is Wyldfae,” Finvarra said, his voice growing more and more distant as he, like all the other fae, faded into nothingness.
“Jason?” Hoyt said even as his lover vanished into the over grown plants as leaves and flower petals flew everywhere, leaving Hoyt standing alone. “Jason,” Hoyt called again as he ran into the grasses and flowers, following the winding path that Jason had left in his wake, yelling out Jason’s name as he did, casting his eyes left and right trying to catch sight of him.
“Catch me if you can,” Jason laughed, popping into view just in front of Hoyt for a moment before disappearing again.
“Jason!” Hoyt yelled as he jumped forward trying to reach for him, “Jason.”
“Need something bubba?”
“What-hu?” Hoyt asked, shaking his head, letting his eyes adjust to the predawn light as he looked around his and Jason’s bedroom. Finally spotting Jason standing in the bathroom doorway, steam all around him, toothbrush sticking out of his mouth, and towel around his waist, Hoyt fell in lust all over again. “Jason?” he said shaking his head then pushing away the dream.
“You called my name,” Jason said pulling the brush from his mouth as he looked at Hoyt a bit more closely, noticing Hoyt’s smile, and flush skin “It was one of those dreams wasn’t it? Fucking sweet,” he said grinning ear to ear.
“Jas,” Hoyt said rolling his eyes, flipping back the sheets and joining Jason in the bathroom.
“But I have no idea how you have the stamina after last night Hoyt, even I don’t know if I could go another round,” Jason commented before finishing off his teeth.
“Now that is something I don’t believe,” Hoyt whispered into Jason’s ear, wrapping his hands around the other man’s waist and slipping them under the towel.
“Damn we’re going to be late.”
***
“Where is that brother of mine? Damn him, he was supposed to be here an hour ago,” Sookie ranted to Sam as she dropped an armful of potted flowers in a heap in the middle of her front lawn.
“Come on, Sook, its Jason, did you really think he’d be on time?” Sam answered back with a half smile, digging into the sparse flowerbed next to the porch stairs with a shovel.
“But damn it all, he’s the one with the landscaping degree. He should be here helping,” Sookie declared stomping her foot.
“What? The cop has a landscaping degree? They have landscaping degrees?” Joshua asked as he came around the house from the back with his own armful of plants for the Stackhouse gardens.
“Not that he’s done anything with it in years, but yes, Gran managed to push him into getting it. Hell it may even have been why he ran the road crew as soon as he did,” Sookie explained, frowning down at all the different plants she had picked up, either from the Home Depot in Shreveport or from Jessica’s own garden. “And why he always helps me plant these in the spring,” she added, turning to stare toward the drive leading to the main road.
“And when has he ever been on time to help?” Sam repeated plopping one of the plants into the hole he’d just dug.
“The dude’s right, the Cop is never on time without Hoyt pushing him to be, not even for those fucking football games,” Joshua added himself, nudging some of the plants with the toes of his boots.
“I thought at least knowing they had to pick you up would have gotten them here. There was a reason our Sidhe bonding night with my godmother wasn’t on a school night,” Sookie complained. “Well I guess we’d better get started. If we wait any longer for my lazy ass brother we’ll never get this done,” she added picking up a shovel.
“Joshua,” Sam called, getting the teen’s attention then pointing to Sookie’s shovel with a glance.
“Fuck,” Joshua muttered under his breathe as he grabbed the handle from Sookie, “Here let me get that,” he offered with no enthusiasm at all before glaring at Sam. “Happy now?”
Sam just smirked, watching as Joshua plunged his shovel as deep into the dirt as he could. “Not so deep, the flowers aren’t that big,” he commented.
“Fuck,” Joshua said as an answer, pushing some of the dirt back into the hole. “Better?” he snapped.
“Sookie?” Sam asked, waiting for her to lower the flower she was holding into the hole, hitting bottom while still leaving most of the stems and leaves above ground. “Yep it’s better, now fill it back in Joshua,” Sam said while starting to dig the next hole himself.
“Dig a hole, fill in a hole. Make up your damned minds,” Joshua ranted over the next couple of minutes as the three worked.
But all three of them stopped when they heard the sound of a truck coming up the drive so they were waiting when a perky looking Jason and a sheepish Hoyt walked up to them.
“Well it’s about damn time you two showed up,” Sookie chastised her brother and brother-in-law, “Now get your asses over here and help,” she ordered, handing the plants she was holding to Hoyt even as Sam and Joshua both thrust their shovels at Jason.
“Well damn hold your horses; it wasn’t that long. We just got held up for a bit,” Jason explained with a frown as he looked at the two shovels before letting one of them drop, dragging the other one behind him as he went to inspect the flower bed.
“It’s my fault this time so don’t blame Jas,” Hoyt chimed in, defending his husband. “I’ll even buy everyone lunch when we’re done,” he offered. “I really am sorry Sookie,” his voice apologetic, repeating the thought over and over in his mind.
“Well okay just don’t let it happen again,” Sookie accepted with a smile as she playfully batted Hoyt’s arm. “Now let’s get you to work,” she suggested pulling him toward the flower bed.
“And for fucks sake think something different,” Joshua yelled while frowning at the shovel being handed to him again.
“Watch your mouth,” Jason ordered, looking at his foster kid. “The school’s called twice this month about it already,” he said, looking up from the dirt bed with a frown. “Now which one of you put these plants here? Because it’s totally the wrong place for them, they’re going to get all the wrong kinds of light.”
Sam, Joshua and Sookie glared at him.
***
“My Lady, your majesty,” Claudine bowed, approaching the two thrones of the Sidhe queens as the two Fae held joint Court beside a frosted lake.
“You wish to speak with us?” Tatiana questioned the Summer Sidhe. The golden haired Queen turned from the festivities being held in the snow covered field adjacent the lake to her subject, signaling her to stand.
“Yes, my lady,” Claudine answered as she rose. “I wish to ask you and Queen Mab about my brother, Claude,” she went on, casting a glance at the snow Queen. “I have been unable to find any trace of him since the battle with the Dark Ones in Cnoc. Meadha and I have grown worried.”
“You need not fear for his life. Your brother was not slain during that battle and he still lives to this moment,” Mab replied, turning her icy gaze on Sookie’s godmother.
“Thank you,” Claudine said, relieved. “Where can I find--“ she started to go on until she was cut off.
“You may not,” Mab ordered, staring at Claudine unblinking until the less Sidhe was forced to look away.
“My Lady?” Claudine asked, lifting her head to look at the Summer Queen.
“You have your answer,” Tatiana informed Claudine, her golden eyes no less hard than those of Mab.
“Yes…Yes, my Queen,” Claudine answered, bowing her head again. “By your leave?” she asked, motioning to leave the thrones.
“Not yet,” Tatiana said stopping her, “You just returned from spending time in the mortal realm, with both your charge and the young Sidhe have you not?” the Queen asked to know.
“That is correct. I wished to help teach the young one while he is still young in human terms my Lady,” Claudine confirmed.
“Tell us about him,” Mab ordered, settling into her marble throne.
“Yes, what have you learned about the child?” Tatiana seconded before calling for drinks and other refreshments to be brought forward along with a chair for Claudine.
Claudine took the offered seat and drink before telling them about her time in the mortal realm, sharing as little as she could.
***
“Well I’ll be damned, you do know about other places to eat in this town,” Sookie said in happy surprise as she parked her car next to Jason’s outside of a small diner near Bon Temp’s main street.
“Merlotte’s is a swell place and all but you can’t eat at one place all the time, now can you?” Jason asked, pulling open the door for the rest of the group to enter the Main Street Café.
“Yeah with you working at Merlotte’s it gets really hard to avoid your hints about eating at home more often,” Hoyt filled in with a smile as he came in last, kissing Jason when the cop mocked outrage at his betrayal.
“Yeah, and they have the best pies here,” Joshua chimed in with a grin, “the peach is the best.”
“Yeah that sounds like Jason,” Sookie said with a smile, looking around the Café.
It was a small place, half the size of Merlotte’s but its soft yellow and tan walls, potted plants and family themed photos gave it a homey feel that Merlotte’s never had. The smell of fresh baked pie didn’t hurt.
“Do they make the pie themselves? Why haven’t I been in here before?” Sookie wondered aloud.
“It’s new, just opened last month,” Hoyt answered, sliding into a booth next to Jason and across from Joshua as the waitress came toward them.
Sookie took her own seat as they were handed their menus and let the waitress take their drink orders and leave before continuing their conversation. “Well I’m glad you found it, even if y’all do eat out too much. You’re not being a good example for Joshua,” she lightheartedly scolded Jason and Hoyt.
“Yeah, yeah,” Jason said rolling his eyes at his sister, “how was the fairy bounding night? Learn any cool stuff?” he went on, looking toward Joshua.
“Oh-yeah, Claudine showed me this wicked trick, you’ve got to see this,” Joshua said, reaching across the table and grabbing Jason’s spoon and holding it flat between his with hands, palms pressed together before slowly pulling them apart.
At first nothing happened but then a faint light illuminated the spoon and the flatware started rising, floating between his two hands.
“Awesome,” Jason said with a grin even as Sookie frowned, glancing around.
“Joshua!” Hoyt yelled, louder than need be as he snatched the spoon.
“Dude I was--” Joshua started to retort but cut himself off when the waitress appeared with their drinks.
“Don’t mess with other peoples spoons,” Hoyt said doing some scolding of his own before turning toward the waitress, “Kids these days,” he added with his best smile, thinking at Joshua to just stay quite as loudly as he could.
“Don’t worry about it, are you all ready to order?” the waitress asked with her own smile.
“Just a few more minutes please,” Hoyt requested with a friendly smile.
The whole table was quite until the waitress was well out of earshot, and it was Joshua that spoke first. “Man, I didn’t see her--“
“It happens,” Hoyt answered handing Jason back his spoon. “Just be more careful, not everyone in this town knows about, well everything. How they’ve managed that I don’t know.” He said shaking his head.
“Never underestimate human denial, it can be a powerful thing,” Sookie remarked. “Some days I wish I could join them,” she added before taking a drink of her water.
“How can you say that, Sook? I could never go back to not knowing, come on it’s who-- what-- we are,” Jason stated. “I can’t protect you from something I don’t understand. I couldn’t protect anyone,” he went on, sliding his hand into Hoyt’s own, lacing their fingers together. “That and the other realm is a fucking blast. Fae know how to party,” he finished with a grin.
“Yeah, you fit right in with them,” Hoyt added softly, thinking back to the last party.
“Wait, what? You’ve been back?” Sookie asked in shock, staring at her brother. “But I’ve talked with you everyday? When?”
“I had a promise to keep to Bubba, which I made good on our honeymoon,” Jason answered smirking as his lover blushed, ducking his head. “And Mab’s winter thing will be a fucking hoot. Are you’re coming to it this week, sis? Wait…you’re a summer….I’ll have to ask Finvarra about that?” Jason said, trailing off.
“You’ll lose a whole day even if you’re just there a few hours. How are you going to pull that off? Andy’s never going to give you the time off,” Sookie said, still surprised. “And what about school?” she then asked, looking toward Joshua.
“We didn’t last time,” Hoyt answered her for his husband. “Jason and I…well it was a couple hours in the Fall Forrest and that’s all the longer that had passed here once we got back. The King said all Jason had to do was want it that was,” he explained for his husband, glancing up from his menu.
“What…okay Jason I really don’t need to hear that, you’re my brother,” Sookie said interrupting herself when Jason’s through about his and Hoyt’s second trip hit her.
“Really, Cop, keep it PG please,” Joshua begged, grossed out.
“Okay, shish, a man can’t even think in peace around here,” Jason complained, trying to think of something different, which meant he couldn’t think of anything but his and Hoyt’s adventure in the leaves.
“I had to deal with your sex life back in high school. I am not living through that again and you can just deal with that,” Sookie snapped at him. “Now explain how you didn’t lose a day. What did Mr. Autumn say?” she question them, wanting to know.
“Demanding much,” Jason complained again, rolling his eyes. “I don’t know, something about just wanting it that was, he showed me as much as anything else. It wasn’t hard. Now are we going to order or what?” he said again, nodding his head at the waitress that was coming over to them again, effectively changing the topic.
***
A flash of green filled the air, casting the trees, water and even the animals with a hue of green before fading, leaving behind the fainter green glow of the Dark One herself.
But within moments the swamp was quite and calm again as Diana hovered over one of the larger pools of water, slowly scanning her way from one side of the swamp to the other. “Llamhigyn Y Dwr,” She called out. “As heir of Spring I besiege thee, come forth.”
No answer came from the swamp, at first.
Then there was a rustling from one of the larger bushes. “Is that you, Llamhigyn Y Dwr?” Diana asked, approaching the shrub.
She was floating just over the brush when a squeal filled the air and a mid-size boar lumbered from the plant, snorting at Diana, who recoil form it.
Diana shook her head in disgust with herself, forcing herself to face the creature, “I will not allow you to scare me. I am the last of Spring,” she declared, staring down the pig.
The pig snorted again before turning around to return to its brush.
But the boar never made it. A long pink fleshy tongue shot from the water wrapping itself around the now panicked and squealing animal.
Two black leathery bat-like wings thrust themselves from the swamp. Ripples and splashes of water where sent everywhere as they flapped down hard. They were hard enough to push Diana away, forcing her to grab a tree to keep from being blown back even farther. With another flap, a frog’s head the size of a small bear crested the water’s surface. The frog’s mouth was open wide; its strong tongue slowly pulling the struggling boar into its depths. Crushing down it silenced the pig once it was inside. Replacing its scared cries with the crunch of bones and smacking of flesh.
Diana watched it all with horror, unable to take her eyes away from the meal. She almost fled when the monster turned its large eyes on her, flapping its wings to come closer, almost pushing her farther away. But she didn’t move, her fear keeping her frozen to the tree.
“You are not the last of Spring, Mortal Form. We are many and we recognize no heir to his majesty Alberich, King of Spring, Master of the Wyld and true Lord of All Realms.” The creature, Llamhigyn Y Dwr, told her, his speech nothing more then gurgles and hisses.
“His Majesty is twice dead and can never return. As are all other high fae, killed by the cursed Queens and the Betrayer and those that follow them. I demand your aid in vengeance,” Diana answered back, trying to float taller and straighter, to hide her fear.
“What do I and the other true fae care of you mortal forms. We live as we please. And not even the Betrayer dares command us. Do not presume to do so yourself, child,” Llamhigyn Y Dwr countered forcedly, lashing out with its tongue, striking the tree just above her boney fingers. “We care not for your lament. Leave my domain.” the monster declared, turning away from Diana.
“He does dare command you, he has named a new Sgiath,” Diana cried out, hugging to the tree tightly, even as she tried to glare down at Llamhigyn Y Dwr.
When nothing happened, no flap of wings, no snapping of a tongue, she slowly loosened her grip and floated taller to meet Llamhigyn Y Dwr’s glare.
“Explain, and explain quickly, child,” Llamhigyn Y Dwr ordered.
***
“Oh damn, I knew we were forgetting something.” Jason remarked as the three walked into the home.
“I’d ask why you didn’t do it yesterday but I already know the answer,” Joshua said sourly, taking in the state of the home.
Dishes filled the kitchen sink, stacked alongside the takeout boxes, while next to the door heading downstairs was a fair sized pile of clothing that really needed to be laundered. The living room looked no better with its napkins and empty soda cans and beer bottles scattered about.
“Come on, the sooner we get started the sooner our weekly cleaning will be done, it never takes that long,” Hoyt reminded the other two as he dropped off the grocery bags on the floor next to the kitchen counter, the counter itself having no room.
“I guess, Bubba,” Jason said, the light and fun tone he’d had as they had done their shopping for the week after dropping Sookie back off at the Merlotte’s for her shift gone from his voice.
“Well, I really should be getting to bed, you know they do recommend teens get 8-12 hours of sleep before school,” Joshua informed them, dropping his own bags before inching his way toward his bedroom door.
“Freeze, kid,” Jason barked, his voice stopping Joshua in his tracks. “Trash,” he ordered holding out a fresh garbage bag for the teen.
“Crap,” Joshua muttered under his breath, grabbing the bag. “Fine,” he said louder before slinking off to the living room, picking up the random pieces of trash he came across on the way.
“Okay Hoyt I’ll get the di--“ Jason started to say, looking toward the sinks until he was cut off.
“I’ll get the dishes; the floors don’t really need to be mopped this week, Jas,” Hoyt started with an affectionate smile.
“It was one damn time,” Jason replied narrowing his eyes on Hoyt.
“It was last month,” Joshua said from the living room, beating Hoyt to the answer.
“Fine,” Jason huffed,” I’ll just be downstairs,” he told them, heading for the pile of clothes.
Hoyt just smiled, flipping on the water then pouring the soap, enjoying the domesticity of it all.
***
“Why should I care if you can’t keep track of your mortals? They’re your pets, not mine,” Pam told the vampire standing before her throne, already bored with holding court and it hadn’t even been fifteen minutes yet. Almost a record.
“They didn’t just wonder off. I raised him from a boy, he would-- could-- never leave and she had just come to me that night. I felt his fear, then nothing. Someone killed them both,” Crystal, the female vampire currently standing in the middle Fangtasia’s vampire crowd, said.
“So? They’re human, they die. It’s something they’re good at. One of the few things they can say that about,” Pam told Crystal while filing her fingernails.
“I want revenge on whoever did it, no matter what they are. I want blood!” Crystal yelled.
Pam glared at the vapid blond for less then a second before speeding to her and slamming her into a table, fangs out. “First off, never raise your voice to me. I am Sheriff here. Second you’re a fucking vampire, of course you want blood, we all do. Now remember the rules and get the fuck out of my sight, all of you,” she added, turning toward everyone else, “Court’s over, we open to humans in five minutes.”
***
Sookie paused outside her home, suddenly feeling as if she wasn’t alone she spun around, her spray can of silver mace already in her hand as she did. “Who’s there?” she demanded to know.
“Peace Sookie, it is only I,” Claudine said, standing in the middle of Sookie’s front yard, which had been empty when Sookie had walked by it moments ago.
“Damn Claudine, are you trying to scare me half to death? Yyou know what I’ve been through, dealt with. Don’t sneak up on me.” Sookie complained, stuffing her silver mace back into her purse before turning to unlock her front door.
“I had not meant to frighten you,” Claudine half apologized, joining Sookie as they walked into the home.
“Oh that’s all right, I’m used to being scared half out of my mind…I would be more worried about that but except for the last couple of months it has been a lot safer around here,” Sookie said dismissing it as quickly as she dropped off her keys and headed into the kitchen. “I’m making some tea, do you want any?” she offered polity.
“That would be most welcome, Sookie,” Claudine accepted, following Sookie into the kitchen, taking one of the seats at the table. “How are your brother and Joshua?”
“Well Jason is still Jason, he was over an hour late showing up to help with my flowerbeds. I know he and Hoyt just got married, but really, they had all night for that, was it really too hard to be on time. And then they couldn’t get their minds off it, Jason, I expect it, but Hoyt…” Sookie ranted about her brother while she got out the cups and tea tray, setting it out on the table, pausing as she got out the cream. “It was different, like he wanted it out there, but that’s not Hoyt,” she finally finished, sitting across from Claudine once everything but the hot water was ready.
“Perhaps he rather you overhear that thought than another, a surprise maybe?” Claudine offered as a possibility.
“Maybe,” Sookie responded, getting up when the tea kettle started to whistle.
“And Joshua? How is he?” Claudine repeated that part of her question after Sookie had poured their teas.
“Getting better at not being overwhelmed. He didn’t complain once at the café we went to for lunch, Jason and Hoyt’s apology for being late, but the kid did try to show off with one of the tricks you showed us last night…which is when you last saw him,” Sookie said, her voice full of suspicion, “You’re not normally that inquisitive about him. You hadn’t even expected him to be there last night so what is it?” she asked, focusing on her godmother to try and pick up any thoughts.
“Sookie…have you seen Claude? Or heard from him?” Claudine questioned suddenly.
“Claude? Not since the wedding and what does he have to do with Joshua?” Sookie asked, confused.
“So neither Joshua nor Jason have made any mention of my brother?” Claudine asked, ignoring Sookie’s question.
“No they haven’t, what is going on. Is something wrong? Should he have warned us about something?” Sookie asked, now worried.
“I…” Claudine stopped for a long moment, glancing down at her cup of tea before looking up, meeting Sookie’s eyes. “He’s missing and I fear for him. He was playing a very dangerous game and I fear he may finally have gone too far. Queen Mab tells me he lives but both Queens have refused to tell me where he is and…” She paused again for a moment. “I fear they will not be pleased should I look for him too openly.” She added with concern.
“What, really? What could he have possibly been up to that would get him in that kind of trouble? And is there anything I can do to help, because you just name it and I will,” Sookie said in a rush, grabbing Claudine’s hand with her own.
“I was so hoping you would say that, Sookie. I will keep looking but if he is in this realm or can make his way to it he will come here, to Bon Temp. And if he does--“ Claudine answered, her voice hopeful.
“I’ll tell you right away of course, the moment he walks through those doors,” Sookie reassured her fairy godmother.
“Thank you. It is a relief to know. But he may not come here, to you, Sookie,” Claudine answered, hesitating again.
“What? Why else would he come to Bon Temp then? Who else?” Sookie wondered aloud.
“It is likely your brother that would see him first. Claude and your brother… are not unlinked,” Claudine tried to explain without sharing Claude’s secretes, or revealing his actions.
“Is this about the King, Finvarra, calling Meb his partner, opposite or something? Are winter Sidhe and Wyldfae connected somehow?” Sookie asked, puzzled as she took a sip of her cooling tea.
“Lord Finvarra does share kinship more with Queen Mab than her Lady, yes. And that is not all there is, but for now I can say no more,” Claudine told her charge, unwilling to deceive her but also unwilling to share.
“It’s part of what got him into trouble isn’t it?” Sookie asked before shaking her head. “You know what, never mind, I don’t need to know but I will ask Jason and Hoyt to keep an eye out. Who knows what they’ll spot.”
Next Part
“Thank you again. Knowing you are willing to help is of great comfort,” Claudine said with a hopeful smile, taking a drink from her tea.
***
Claude glared at the tan truck that barreled past him.
The winter fae threw his hand out at the vehicle, imaging what he would do to it if he were able to use his powers. The thought of the truck rolling end over end down the two lane road lightened his mood as he continued walking down the road toward Louisiana.
The mortal realm was just too large.
The edge of the forest was always dark and shadow filled after nightfall, even with a full moon and a clear sky.
But tonight the shadows became even darker then moonless nights when the clouds blanketed the sky. But it was only for a brief instant, no longer then a single flap of a fairies’ wing, and then the shadows returned to normal and all as was as it had been.
Except for the man shaped form that appeared in the deepest part of the shadow and was now tumbling across the field until he landed face down in the grass, his pristine white clothing being streaked green.
“That was not to plan,” he muttered to himself as he pushed himself up, wiping off the dew-wet grass that clung to his clothing before squaring his shoulders and reaching out a hand toward a nearby shadow.
Frowning when nothing happened, the man pulled his hand back and reached forth with the other. Once more nothing happened.
“Damn you, Finvarra!” He yelled before looking to the sky, “Claudine,” his voice echoing, reaching everywhere, but again nothing happened.
“Claudine!” He tried again. But once more all it did was echo. “Why isn’t she ans-” he stopped mid word as his eyes widened, “Meb, My Queen of dark and cold your subject ask to speak with thee,” he chanted, flinging a dew drops into the shadows around him.
But as with every time before, nothing happened. The shadows didn’t darken and the drops fell to the ground.
“Damn him. May his leaves never fall and his forest grow warm,” he cursed, kicking at the dirt.
With another kick he spun around and really looked at his surroundings, taking them all in, “Just where in this realm am I?” he asked aloud, knowing he would get no response.
***
The lights flickered to life, their flames flaring to illuminate the hidden chamber as Diana pulled the heavy bookshelves back into place behind her.
The secret entryway sealed once more the Dark One slowly made her way around the chamber. Only twice before had she ever been allowed to enter the room, each time she had been with either her father or grandmother, neither permitted her to touch or look at anything.
But now they were gone and she was all that was left, Diana thought, letting her green boney hands glide over the spines of the books on the bookshelf. Books of dark magic and true histories that the humans had forgotten. Forgotten when the Sidhe and betrayer had tried to suppress them. But her family had saved the truth, they were her truths now.
As was the Apothecary cabinet, with its human heartstrings, powdered Wyld bones, Solanaceae roots and dozens of other ingredient. Diana knew as she ran her fingers over the brass handles of each drawer, reading the age worn labels.
Slowly she explored every inch of the room, trying to uncover every secret that her family would have built into their sanctum. Secrets that would normally have been showen to her but there wasn’t anyone to show her. Everything was hers because she was the only one left.
The blasted Wyld One and his dumb mortal had taken her family from her, costing her everything.
She meant to return the favor. She thought with a sinister grin as she picked up the skull of a half human Wyldfae.
***
“I am glad to see you and your beloved once more, Youngling,” the large willow tree-like fae Phellos said, her voice like the wind through her breaches and leaves. “Your last visit ended in such sorrow.”
“Yeah, but we showed them why you don’t mess with Wydlfae didn’t we, Galway,” Jason answered, grinning at the large wolf that was near by.
Galway looked toward Jason and gave his fellow warrior a happy howl and toothy grin.
“Damn right. Hey do you think you could-,” Jason started to ask as he headed toward Galway, but then stopped to look at Hoyt, “You’re good, right? If you need anything, just holler,” he said before returning to his jog after Galway.
“Your beloved is enjoying himself,” Phellos said softly, remaining by Hoyt’s side.
“He fits in here, he’s always fit in whereever he wanted to,” Hoyt answered, watching Jason weaving through the crowds of fae. Most of them looked nothing like humans but even with that Jason didn’t stand out. With a smile Hoyt let his gaze slip off his husband and toward Phellos. “He really is one of you. He’s at home here.”
“He is, for it is,” Phellos’s windy voice confirmed. “As his beloved I hope you will come to say the same.”
“Maybe,” Hoyt told the fae, watching Jason and the other wyldfae for a moment before looking toward Phellos once more. “Thank you for those leaves, by the way. They made my arm feel a lot better.”
“It was no trouble for the chosen of a fellow Wyld one,” Phellos responded, her voice light and pleased.
“Well anyways, thanks,” Hoyt repeated anyways.
“You are most welcome then, mortal,” Phellos said. “You’re beloved will miss you when you are gone.”
Finvarra choose that moment to appear, stepping out of a large oak tree. “A mortal with manners. Often a rare thing,” he said, cutting off Hoyt’s reply to Phellos. “But then rare things frequently find each other,” the King of Autumn added.
“Lord Finvarra,” Phellos said, her breaches dipping as she said something else that neither Hoyt, nor any mortal, could have understood.
“Of course, Phellos, the frost will not harm them.” Finvarra told his Wyldfae who then withdrew, vanishing into the crowd. “Fortenberry, a name that would not be unusual at my court.”
“For one of the tree fae maybe, Lord Finvarra,” Hoyt said awkwardly, watching Phellos go before glancing around for Jason.
“True…you need not fear. I wish you no harm nor will allow it again within my court,” Finvarra assured Hoyt, smiling at the mortal. “Phellos implied no harm to you with her comment if that is what you feared.”
“No. Well, I just…That is, I just…we don’t have kings or lords. I…,” Hoyt answered, or tried to but only succeeded in muttering under his breath, “Jason makes this look so easy.”
“If you asked him, I think you will find that far from the truth,” Finvarra informed Hoyt with an amused smile.
“If you say so,” Hoyt said without feeling, taking a small sip of the drink that Jason had found for him. It was sweet and strong but at least just smelling it didn’t make him feel buzzed like some of the other options.
“I do,” Finvarra said with another smile, taking a drink from a much stronger drink he had selected.
“What did she mean?” Hoyt said a few moments later, “If not dead, Jason’s not, we’re not. We’re staying together,” he said, wishing his voice was as confident as his words.
“I believe you two will stay together until death, and it was of death she spoke. Ah wait, mortal,” Finvarra said, stopping Hoyt as he wanted to object. “She did not mean you would be killed, but that time would carry you away. He is wyldfae now. Age will end your life far before it ends his.” The King explained.
“What?” Hoyt asked, taken by surprise.
“It is the way of nature, but this is not what I wished to speak with you about,” Finvarra said, his tone growing serious. “I wish to give you thanks for your actions last time you stood in my court. You placed yourself between the Throne and one who sought to do it harm.”
“I did it for Jason, that’s all. That Throne seems to mean something to him, to me it’s just wood,” Hoyt answered honestly.
“I expected as much. But the fact remains you did me a great service, one I will not forget,” Finvarra informed Hoyt before turning away and heading for his Throne.
Hoyt watched him go, glancing at the small wooden leaf brooch on his own chest.
***Chapter One***
“Beautiful night for a wedding,” Jessica cried, dabbing at her blood tears with her dark red handkerchief.
“Oh for heaven’s sake, we haven’t even started yet and you’re already getting blood all over your mascara,” Arlene cried out, grabbing a wet cloth from somewhere in her dress and helping wipe Jessica’s eyes quickly.
“Yeah I can’t have my best woman walking me down the aisle with blood on her mascara now can I,” Hoyt told his friend warmly, finding her hand with his own.
“You’re right,” Jessica agreed, whipping away the last of the blood. “I can do this, I won’t cry anymore,” the young vampire stated with resolve.
“Not until the fucking ‘I do’s.’ Lord knows I won’t be dry eyed then,” Arlene confessed before looking at the clock in the old parish church’s hallway. “But enough chit chat. It’s time we got this show on the road people,” she added pushing the first groom and his best woman toward the double doors that opened into the main room of the stone building. “Move it,” she hissed when the doors were only half opened and neither of the two had moved through it.
“We’re going, keep your pantyhose on,” Jessica sassed back, taking Hoyt’s arm and starting them forward once the doors were fully open.
Hoyt smiled at the byplay then focused on the walk, trying not to walk too fast but trying to just get up to the front already at the same time.
They had barely reached the front and turned around when the others were sent forward, Tommy and Sam, Arlene and Terry, and last-- after what seemed like a long pause-- Jason and Sookie.
Watching the siblings walking together, it struck Hoyt just how much they didn’t look alike but at the same time couldn’t be mistaken as anything but family. From their smiles to the way they held themselves and something else, some feeling he now knew had to be their fairy heritage. Making them stand out in a crowd. Not that Hoyt ever needed anything to help him pick Jason out of a group.
It was always hard to take his eyes off Jason and he had no plan to tonight as his fellow groom stepped next to him. Their hands found each other and he didn’t even pay the father any mind as he started speaking. Hoyt hadn’t even realized the father had started talking to him at first.
“What?” Hoyt stuttered, knowing Arlene was going to kill him for not paying attention but that thought, and all other thoughts, stopped when he turned to the Pastor.
It’s wasn’t Pastor Blaylock standing at the altar, it was Finvarra standing before them and he wasn’t at the alter. There was no alter in sight or neither was the church visible any longer.
They were standing in the middle of an open field of wild flowers with a single Wych elm tree giving the crowd shade. And it wasn’t the crowd that had been in the church. Panning over the audience he didn’t see a single mortal.
“Wh-?” Hoyt started to stay, but the words caught in his throat as he turned back toward Jason.
Again, other things had changed as he was looking elsewhere, it wasn’t his Jason, it was the golden haired and brazen skinned form of the other Jason. Staring back at him with wyld eyes and a manic grin, he stepped away from Hoyt.
“He cannot be chained by any mortal, not even you. His essence will always long to be free, even as he longs to be near you. As you age and he does not, his longing for you will fade and he will be free. He is Wyldfae,” Finvarra said, his voice growing more and more distant as he, like all the other fae, faded into nothingness.
“Jason?” Hoyt said even as his lover vanished into the over grown plants as leaves and flower petals flew everywhere, leaving Hoyt standing alone. “Jason,” Hoyt called again as he ran into the grasses and flowers, following the winding path that Jason had left in his wake, yelling out Jason’s name as he did, casting his eyes left and right trying to catch sight of him.
“Catch me if you can,” Jason laughed, popping into view just in front of Hoyt for a moment before disappearing again.
“Jason!” Hoyt yelled as he jumped forward trying to reach for him, “Jason.”
“Need something bubba?”
“What-hu?” Hoyt asked, shaking his head, letting his eyes adjust to the predawn light as he looked around his and Jason’s bedroom. Finally spotting Jason standing in the bathroom doorway, steam all around him, toothbrush sticking out of his mouth, and towel around his waist, Hoyt fell in lust all over again. “Jason?” he said shaking his head then pushing away the dream.
“You called my name,” Jason said pulling the brush from his mouth as he looked at Hoyt a bit more closely, noticing Hoyt’s smile, and flush skin “It was one of those dreams wasn’t it? Fucking sweet,” he said grinning ear to ear.
“Jas,” Hoyt said rolling his eyes, flipping back the sheets and joining Jason in the bathroom.
“But I have no idea how you have the stamina after last night Hoyt, even I don’t know if I could go another round,” Jason commented before finishing off his teeth.
“Now that is something I don’t believe,” Hoyt whispered into Jason’s ear, wrapping his hands around the other man’s waist and slipping them under the towel.
“Damn we’re going to be late.”
***
“Where is that brother of mine? Damn him, he was supposed to be here an hour ago,” Sookie ranted to Sam as she dropped an armful of potted flowers in a heap in the middle of her front lawn.
“Come on, Sook, its Jason, did you really think he’d be on time?” Sam answered back with a half smile, digging into the sparse flowerbed next to the porch stairs with a shovel.
“But damn it all, he’s the one with the landscaping degree. He should be here helping,” Sookie declared stomping her foot.
“What? The cop has a landscaping degree? They have landscaping degrees?” Joshua asked as he came around the house from the back with his own armful of plants for the Stackhouse gardens.
“Not that he’s done anything with it in years, but yes, Gran managed to push him into getting it. Hell it may even have been why he ran the road crew as soon as he did,” Sookie explained, frowning down at all the different plants she had picked up, either from the Home Depot in Shreveport or from Jessica’s own garden. “And why he always helps me plant these in the spring,” she added, turning to stare toward the drive leading to the main road.
“And when has he ever been on time to help?” Sam repeated plopping one of the plants into the hole he’d just dug.
“The dude’s right, the Cop is never on time without Hoyt pushing him to be, not even for those fucking football games,” Joshua added himself, nudging some of the plants with the toes of his boots.
“I thought at least knowing they had to pick you up would have gotten them here. There was a reason our Sidhe bonding night with my godmother wasn’t on a school night,” Sookie complained. “Well I guess we’d better get started. If we wait any longer for my lazy ass brother we’ll never get this done,” she added picking up a shovel.
“Joshua,” Sam called, getting the teen’s attention then pointing to Sookie’s shovel with a glance.
“Fuck,” Joshua muttered under his breathe as he grabbed the handle from Sookie, “Here let me get that,” he offered with no enthusiasm at all before glaring at Sam. “Happy now?”
Sam just smirked, watching as Joshua plunged his shovel as deep into the dirt as he could. “Not so deep, the flowers aren’t that big,” he commented.
“Fuck,” Joshua said as an answer, pushing some of the dirt back into the hole. “Better?” he snapped.
“Sookie?” Sam asked, waiting for her to lower the flower she was holding into the hole, hitting bottom while still leaving most of the stems and leaves above ground. “Yep it’s better, now fill it back in Joshua,” Sam said while starting to dig the next hole himself.
“Dig a hole, fill in a hole. Make up your damned minds,” Joshua ranted over the next couple of minutes as the three worked.
But all three of them stopped when they heard the sound of a truck coming up the drive so they were waiting when a perky looking Jason and a sheepish Hoyt walked up to them.
“Well it’s about damn time you two showed up,” Sookie chastised her brother and brother-in-law, “Now get your asses over here and help,” she ordered, handing the plants she was holding to Hoyt even as Sam and Joshua both thrust their shovels at Jason.
“Well damn hold your horses; it wasn’t that long. We just got held up for a bit,” Jason explained with a frown as he looked at the two shovels before letting one of them drop, dragging the other one behind him as he went to inspect the flower bed.
“It’s my fault this time so don’t blame Jas,” Hoyt chimed in, defending his husband. “I’ll even buy everyone lunch when we’re done,” he offered. “I really am sorry Sookie,” his voice apologetic, repeating the thought over and over in his mind.
“Well okay just don’t let it happen again,” Sookie accepted with a smile as she playfully batted Hoyt’s arm. “Now let’s get you to work,” she suggested pulling him toward the flower bed.
“And for fucks sake think something different,” Joshua yelled while frowning at the shovel being handed to him again.
“Watch your mouth,” Jason ordered, looking at his foster kid. “The school’s called twice this month about it already,” he said, looking up from the dirt bed with a frown. “Now which one of you put these plants here? Because it’s totally the wrong place for them, they’re going to get all the wrong kinds of light.”
Sam, Joshua and Sookie glared at him.
***
“My Lady, your majesty,” Claudine bowed, approaching the two thrones of the Sidhe queens as the two Fae held joint Court beside a frosted lake.
“You wish to speak with us?” Tatiana questioned the Summer Sidhe. The golden haired Queen turned from the festivities being held in the snow covered field adjacent the lake to her subject, signaling her to stand.
“Yes, my lady,” Claudine answered as she rose. “I wish to ask you and Queen Mab about my brother, Claude,” she went on, casting a glance at the snow Queen. “I have been unable to find any trace of him since the battle with the Dark Ones in Cnoc. Meadha and I have grown worried.”
“You need not fear for his life. Your brother was not slain during that battle and he still lives to this moment,” Mab replied, turning her icy gaze on Sookie’s godmother.
“Thank you,” Claudine said, relieved. “Where can I find--“ she started to go on until she was cut off.
“You may not,” Mab ordered, staring at Claudine unblinking until the less Sidhe was forced to look away.
“My Lady?” Claudine asked, lifting her head to look at the Summer Queen.
“You have your answer,” Tatiana informed Claudine, her golden eyes no less hard than those of Mab.
“Yes…Yes, my Queen,” Claudine answered, bowing her head again. “By your leave?” she asked, motioning to leave the thrones.
“Not yet,” Tatiana said stopping her, “You just returned from spending time in the mortal realm, with both your charge and the young Sidhe have you not?” the Queen asked to know.
“That is correct. I wished to help teach the young one while he is still young in human terms my Lady,” Claudine confirmed.
“Tell us about him,” Mab ordered, settling into her marble throne.
“Yes, what have you learned about the child?” Tatiana seconded before calling for drinks and other refreshments to be brought forward along with a chair for Claudine.
Claudine took the offered seat and drink before telling them about her time in the mortal realm, sharing as little as she could.
***
“Well I’ll be damned, you do know about other places to eat in this town,” Sookie said in happy surprise as she parked her car next to Jason’s outside of a small diner near Bon Temp’s main street.
“Merlotte’s is a swell place and all but you can’t eat at one place all the time, now can you?” Jason asked, pulling open the door for the rest of the group to enter the Main Street Café.
“Yeah with you working at Merlotte’s it gets really hard to avoid your hints about eating at home more often,” Hoyt filled in with a smile as he came in last, kissing Jason when the cop mocked outrage at his betrayal.
“Yeah, and they have the best pies here,” Joshua chimed in with a grin, “the peach is the best.”
“Yeah that sounds like Jason,” Sookie said with a smile, looking around the Café.
It was a small place, half the size of Merlotte’s but its soft yellow and tan walls, potted plants and family themed photos gave it a homey feel that Merlotte’s never had. The smell of fresh baked pie didn’t hurt.
“Do they make the pie themselves? Why haven’t I been in here before?” Sookie wondered aloud.
“It’s new, just opened last month,” Hoyt answered, sliding into a booth next to Jason and across from Joshua as the waitress came toward them.
Sookie took her own seat as they were handed their menus and let the waitress take their drink orders and leave before continuing their conversation. “Well I’m glad you found it, even if y’all do eat out too much. You’re not being a good example for Joshua,” she lightheartedly scolded Jason and Hoyt.
“Yeah, yeah,” Jason said rolling his eyes at his sister, “how was the fairy bounding night? Learn any cool stuff?” he went on, looking toward Joshua.
“Oh-yeah, Claudine showed me this wicked trick, you’ve got to see this,” Joshua said, reaching across the table and grabbing Jason’s spoon and holding it flat between his with hands, palms pressed together before slowly pulling them apart.
At first nothing happened but then a faint light illuminated the spoon and the flatware started rising, floating between his two hands.
“Awesome,” Jason said with a grin even as Sookie frowned, glancing around.
“Joshua!” Hoyt yelled, louder than need be as he snatched the spoon.
“Dude I was--” Joshua started to retort but cut himself off when the waitress appeared with their drinks.
“Don’t mess with other peoples spoons,” Hoyt said doing some scolding of his own before turning toward the waitress, “Kids these days,” he added with his best smile, thinking at Joshua to just stay quite as loudly as he could.
“Don’t worry about it, are you all ready to order?” the waitress asked with her own smile.
“Just a few more minutes please,” Hoyt requested with a friendly smile.
The whole table was quite until the waitress was well out of earshot, and it was Joshua that spoke first. “Man, I didn’t see her--“
“It happens,” Hoyt answered handing Jason back his spoon. “Just be more careful, not everyone in this town knows about, well everything. How they’ve managed that I don’t know.” He said shaking his head.
“Never underestimate human denial, it can be a powerful thing,” Sookie remarked. “Some days I wish I could join them,” she added before taking a drink of her water.
“How can you say that, Sook? I could never go back to not knowing, come on it’s who-- what-- we are,” Jason stated. “I can’t protect you from something I don’t understand. I couldn’t protect anyone,” he went on, sliding his hand into Hoyt’s own, lacing their fingers together. “That and the other realm is a fucking blast. Fae know how to party,” he finished with a grin.
“Yeah, you fit right in with them,” Hoyt added softly, thinking back to the last party.
“Wait, what? You’ve been back?” Sookie asked in shock, staring at her brother. “But I’ve talked with you everyday? When?”
“I had a promise to keep to Bubba, which I made good on our honeymoon,” Jason answered smirking as his lover blushed, ducking his head. “And Mab’s winter thing will be a fucking hoot. Are you’re coming to it this week, sis? Wait…you’re a summer….I’ll have to ask Finvarra about that?” Jason said, trailing off.
“You’ll lose a whole day even if you’re just there a few hours. How are you going to pull that off? Andy’s never going to give you the time off,” Sookie said, still surprised. “And what about school?” she then asked, looking toward Joshua.
“We didn’t last time,” Hoyt answered her for his husband. “Jason and I…well it was a couple hours in the Fall Forrest and that’s all the longer that had passed here once we got back. The King said all Jason had to do was want it that was,” he explained for his husband, glancing up from his menu.
“What…okay Jason I really don’t need to hear that, you’re my brother,” Sookie said interrupting herself when Jason’s through about his and Hoyt’s second trip hit her.
“Really, Cop, keep it PG please,” Joshua begged, grossed out.
“Okay, shish, a man can’t even think in peace around here,” Jason complained, trying to think of something different, which meant he couldn’t think of anything but his and Hoyt’s adventure in the leaves.
“I had to deal with your sex life back in high school. I am not living through that again and you can just deal with that,” Sookie snapped at him. “Now explain how you didn’t lose a day. What did Mr. Autumn say?” she question them, wanting to know.
“Demanding much,” Jason complained again, rolling his eyes. “I don’t know, something about just wanting it that was, he showed me as much as anything else. It wasn’t hard. Now are we going to order or what?” he said again, nodding his head at the waitress that was coming over to them again, effectively changing the topic.
***
A flash of green filled the air, casting the trees, water and even the animals with a hue of green before fading, leaving behind the fainter green glow of the Dark One herself.
But within moments the swamp was quite and calm again as Diana hovered over one of the larger pools of water, slowly scanning her way from one side of the swamp to the other. “Llamhigyn Y Dwr,” She called out. “As heir of Spring I besiege thee, come forth.”
No answer came from the swamp, at first.
Then there was a rustling from one of the larger bushes. “Is that you, Llamhigyn Y Dwr?” Diana asked, approaching the shrub.
She was floating just over the brush when a squeal filled the air and a mid-size boar lumbered from the plant, snorting at Diana, who recoil form it.
Diana shook her head in disgust with herself, forcing herself to face the creature, “I will not allow you to scare me. I am the last of Spring,” she declared, staring down the pig.
The pig snorted again before turning around to return to its brush.
But the boar never made it. A long pink fleshy tongue shot from the water wrapping itself around the now panicked and squealing animal.
Two black leathery bat-like wings thrust themselves from the swamp. Ripples and splashes of water where sent everywhere as they flapped down hard. They were hard enough to push Diana away, forcing her to grab a tree to keep from being blown back even farther. With another flap, a frog’s head the size of a small bear crested the water’s surface. The frog’s mouth was open wide; its strong tongue slowly pulling the struggling boar into its depths. Crushing down it silenced the pig once it was inside. Replacing its scared cries with the crunch of bones and smacking of flesh.
Diana watched it all with horror, unable to take her eyes away from the meal. She almost fled when the monster turned its large eyes on her, flapping its wings to come closer, almost pushing her farther away. But she didn’t move, her fear keeping her frozen to the tree.
“You are not the last of Spring, Mortal Form. We are many and we recognize no heir to his majesty Alberich, King of Spring, Master of the Wyld and true Lord of All Realms.” The creature, Llamhigyn Y Dwr, told her, his speech nothing more then gurgles and hisses.
“His Majesty is twice dead and can never return. As are all other high fae, killed by the cursed Queens and the Betrayer and those that follow them. I demand your aid in vengeance,” Diana answered back, trying to float taller and straighter, to hide her fear.
“What do I and the other true fae care of you mortal forms. We live as we please. And not even the Betrayer dares command us. Do not presume to do so yourself, child,” Llamhigyn Y Dwr countered forcedly, lashing out with its tongue, striking the tree just above her boney fingers. “We care not for your lament. Leave my domain.” the monster declared, turning away from Diana.
“He does dare command you, he has named a new Sgiath,” Diana cried out, hugging to the tree tightly, even as she tried to glare down at Llamhigyn Y Dwr.
When nothing happened, no flap of wings, no snapping of a tongue, she slowly loosened her grip and floated taller to meet Llamhigyn Y Dwr’s glare.
“Explain, and explain quickly, child,” Llamhigyn Y Dwr ordered.
***
“Oh damn, I knew we were forgetting something.” Jason remarked as the three walked into the home.
“I’d ask why you didn’t do it yesterday but I already know the answer,” Joshua said sourly, taking in the state of the home.
Dishes filled the kitchen sink, stacked alongside the takeout boxes, while next to the door heading downstairs was a fair sized pile of clothing that really needed to be laundered. The living room looked no better with its napkins and empty soda cans and beer bottles scattered about.
“Come on, the sooner we get started the sooner our weekly cleaning will be done, it never takes that long,” Hoyt reminded the other two as he dropped off the grocery bags on the floor next to the kitchen counter, the counter itself having no room.
“I guess, Bubba,” Jason said, the light and fun tone he’d had as they had done their shopping for the week after dropping Sookie back off at the Merlotte’s for her shift gone from his voice.
“Well, I really should be getting to bed, you know they do recommend teens get 8-12 hours of sleep before school,” Joshua informed them, dropping his own bags before inching his way toward his bedroom door.
“Freeze, kid,” Jason barked, his voice stopping Joshua in his tracks. “Trash,” he ordered holding out a fresh garbage bag for the teen.
“Crap,” Joshua muttered under his breath, grabbing the bag. “Fine,” he said louder before slinking off to the living room, picking up the random pieces of trash he came across on the way.
“Okay Hoyt I’ll get the di--“ Jason started to say, looking toward the sinks until he was cut off.
“I’ll get the dishes; the floors don’t really need to be mopped this week, Jas,” Hoyt started with an affectionate smile.
“It was one damn time,” Jason replied narrowing his eyes on Hoyt.
“It was last month,” Joshua said from the living room, beating Hoyt to the answer.
“Fine,” Jason huffed,” I’ll just be downstairs,” he told them, heading for the pile of clothes.
Hoyt just smiled, flipping on the water then pouring the soap, enjoying the domesticity of it all.
***
“Why should I care if you can’t keep track of your mortals? They’re your pets, not mine,” Pam told the vampire standing before her throne, already bored with holding court and it hadn’t even been fifteen minutes yet. Almost a record.
“They didn’t just wonder off. I raised him from a boy, he would-- could-- never leave and she had just come to me that night. I felt his fear, then nothing. Someone killed them both,” Crystal, the female vampire currently standing in the middle Fangtasia’s vampire crowd, said.
“So? They’re human, they die. It’s something they’re good at. One of the few things they can say that about,” Pam told Crystal while filing her fingernails.
“I want revenge on whoever did it, no matter what they are. I want blood!” Crystal yelled.
Pam glared at the vapid blond for less then a second before speeding to her and slamming her into a table, fangs out. “First off, never raise your voice to me. I am Sheriff here. Second you’re a fucking vampire, of course you want blood, we all do. Now remember the rules and get the fuck out of my sight, all of you,” she added, turning toward everyone else, “Court’s over, we open to humans in five minutes.”
***
Sookie paused outside her home, suddenly feeling as if she wasn’t alone she spun around, her spray can of silver mace already in her hand as she did. “Who’s there?” she demanded to know.
“Peace Sookie, it is only I,” Claudine said, standing in the middle of Sookie’s front yard, which had been empty when Sookie had walked by it moments ago.
“Damn Claudine, are you trying to scare me half to death? Yyou know what I’ve been through, dealt with. Don’t sneak up on me.” Sookie complained, stuffing her silver mace back into her purse before turning to unlock her front door.
“I had not meant to frighten you,” Claudine half apologized, joining Sookie as they walked into the home.
“Oh that’s all right, I’m used to being scared half out of my mind…I would be more worried about that but except for the last couple of months it has been a lot safer around here,” Sookie said dismissing it as quickly as she dropped off her keys and headed into the kitchen. “I’m making some tea, do you want any?” she offered polity.
“That would be most welcome, Sookie,” Claudine accepted, following Sookie into the kitchen, taking one of the seats at the table. “How are your brother and Joshua?”
“Well Jason is still Jason, he was over an hour late showing up to help with my flowerbeds. I know he and Hoyt just got married, but really, they had all night for that, was it really too hard to be on time. And then they couldn’t get their minds off it, Jason, I expect it, but Hoyt…” Sookie ranted about her brother while she got out the cups and tea tray, setting it out on the table, pausing as she got out the cream. “It was different, like he wanted it out there, but that’s not Hoyt,” she finally finished, sitting across from Claudine once everything but the hot water was ready.
“Perhaps he rather you overhear that thought than another, a surprise maybe?” Claudine offered as a possibility.
“Maybe,” Sookie responded, getting up when the tea kettle started to whistle.
“And Joshua? How is he?” Claudine repeated that part of her question after Sookie had poured their teas.
“Getting better at not being overwhelmed. He didn’t complain once at the café we went to for lunch, Jason and Hoyt’s apology for being late, but the kid did try to show off with one of the tricks you showed us last night…which is when you last saw him,” Sookie said, her voice full of suspicion, “You’re not normally that inquisitive about him. You hadn’t even expected him to be there last night so what is it?” she asked, focusing on her godmother to try and pick up any thoughts.
“Sookie…have you seen Claude? Or heard from him?” Claudine questioned suddenly.
“Claude? Not since the wedding and what does he have to do with Joshua?” Sookie asked, confused.
“So neither Joshua nor Jason have made any mention of my brother?” Claudine asked, ignoring Sookie’s question.
“No they haven’t, what is going on. Is something wrong? Should he have warned us about something?” Sookie asked, now worried.
“I…” Claudine stopped for a long moment, glancing down at her cup of tea before looking up, meeting Sookie’s eyes. “He’s missing and I fear for him. He was playing a very dangerous game and I fear he may finally have gone too far. Queen Mab tells me he lives but both Queens have refused to tell me where he is and…” She paused again for a moment. “I fear they will not be pleased should I look for him too openly.” She added with concern.
“What, really? What could he have possibly been up to that would get him in that kind of trouble? And is there anything I can do to help, because you just name it and I will,” Sookie said in a rush, grabbing Claudine’s hand with her own.
“I was so hoping you would say that, Sookie. I will keep looking but if he is in this realm or can make his way to it he will come here, to Bon Temp. And if he does--“ Claudine answered, her voice hopeful.
“I’ll tell you right away of course, the moment he walks through those doors,” Sookie reassured her fairy godmother.
“Thank you. It is a relief to know. But he may not come here, to you, Sookie,” Claudine answered, hesitating again.
“What? Why else would he come to Bon Temp then? Who else?” Sookie wondered aloud.
“It is likely your brother that would see him first. Claude and your brother… are not unlinked,” Claudine tried to explain without sharing Claude’s secretes, or revealing his actions.
“Is this about the King, Finvarra, calling Meb his partner, opposite or something? Are winter Sidhe and Wyldfae connected somehow?” Sookie asked, puzzled as she took a sip of her cooling tea.
“Lord Finvarra does share kinship more with Queen Mab than her Lady, yes. And that is not all there is, but for now I can say no more,” Claudine told her charge, unwilling to deceive her but also unwilling to share.
“It’s part of what got him into trouble isn’t it?” Sookie asked before shaking her head. “You know what, never mind, I don’t need to know but I will ask Jason and Hoyt to keep an eye out. Who knows what they’ll spot.”
Next Part
“Thank you again. Knowing you are willing to help is of great comfort,” Claudine said with a hopeful smile, taking a drink from her tea.
***
Claude glared at the tan truck that barreled past him.
The winter fae threw his hand out at the vehicle, imaging what he would do to it if he were able to use his powers. The thought of the truck rolling end over end down the two lane road lightened his mood as he continued walking down the road toward Louisiana.
The mortal realm was just too large.