Sickle Moon, Part 1
Note: I realized I was never going to be able to move forward with the next chapter of Sickle Moon unless I took a few steps back and rewrote Chapter 1, which I composed without really knowing where things were going. I can't escape the feeling that I did Godric and Eric a disservice. So, I’ve changed it. It’s no longer a rape scene but it’s still pretty dark. If all this bothers you, tell yourself Godric’s punishment was taking Eric’s cel phone away and grounding him for a week. Special thanks to linndechir for kicking some thoughts around with me.
“You wanted me?” Eric stood in the doorway, head slightly bowed, waiting.
“Eric. Come in.” The room was underground, with thick walls and a heavy door that Eric shut behind him. The light was poor - not that it mattered to vampires -- and the air smelled faintly of human sex and blood and other things Eric didn’t especially want to think about. This was not Fangtasia, the bar Eric owned in Shreveport, but another place -- a private club in Dallas that Eric visited only when his maker needed him for something. Godric used the club for what he half-jokingly referred to as his dark dealings, things that he didn’t want occurring in his nest. Those things might be illegal and sometimes messy, depending. Memories of other visits to this place did not fill Eric’s heart with joy.
Eric crossed the room and stole a glance at his maker’s face before directing his eyes elsewhere. All these centuries and Godric still looked like a boy, barely old enough to bed. Eric wondered how many men had died with this last thought in their heads. Why was he here tonight? There was no point in asking. He would have to be patient. Eric stood gazing at a low point on the far wall until Godric’s hand lifted his chin.
“I’m happy to see you.” Godric’s voice was calm and soothing as milk, as always. He turned Eric’s face to his and gently kissed him. Then they sat on a low leather couch along one wall of the room.
“You're well?”
“Yes.” Eric nodded. What was this about? Godric had seen him just a few weeks ago.
“Good.” Godric looked away from him. He seemed to be considering what to say next.
“This woman. Sookie." Here we come to it, Eric thought. “You’ve given her your blood. And I can feel your desire for her. She belongs to another vampire, but you seem determined to have her as your own.” Godric paused. “This surprises me, of course. This sudden interest of yours in a human.” He turned his head and looked at Eric, clearly waiting for some sort of explanation.
“She’s a telepath. She would be useful to me.” Eric paused a moment, considering. Should he tell? He had to. “Also, I think I caught a hint of fairy in her blood.”
Godric nodded. “I thought so too. I could smell it. Does she know this?”
“I’m not sure. I don’t think so.”
“Where is she tonight?”
“She’s … working. She’s independent. She wants to live away from our world as much as possible.” Eric considered whether he should say anything more. In this case, maybe less was better.
“Independent,” Godric repeated, looked at him oddly. Eric wondered what Godric was thinking. Godric was watching him, dark eyes unreadable. The light caught at the intricate tattoo across his collarbone. There were other tattoos, hidden beneath his shirt. Eric knew each one of them intimately.
“I want to see her again,” Godric said. “Not tonight. But soon. I will let you know.”
“Godric…” Eric stopped, than began again. “Godric, I don’t know if-“
“You will bring her. Or I will go looking for her myself. Which would you prefer?”
“I will bring her whenever you want.” He doubted Sookie would come willingly. He would use threats and force if he had to. “Is that all, then?” Eric was hopeful. With any luck he could make it home before the sun rose.
“No, Eric.” Godric looked amused. “I didn’t have you come all the way here to discuss something I could have told you on the telephone. That is not all.” Godric leaned forward until their faces were inches apart and placed his small, pale hand on Eric’s knee.
“You disobeyed me.”
Eric froze.
“You disobeyed me and then you lied about it to hide what you had done. You lied … to me.” Godric paused. Eric stared into his wide gray eyes, transfixed. “You must never lie to me, Eric. I think that’s what hurts me most, maybe even more than your disobedience.” Eric fought the useless urge to bolt for the door. Did Godric know everything, then?
“It was a simple thing I asked of you. I know that you didn't want to do it. But the thing itself was simple. You dishonored me, Eric. I am … ashamed of you.”
Eric slid slowly forward off the couch onto his knees.
“I’m sorry.” Even as he said the words he knew it was not enough.
“I am your maker, Eric,” Godric said very gently. As if Eric could somehow have forgotten this. “You will obey me in all things. Do you understand?”
Eric nodded.
“No. Look at me.” Eric slowly shifted his gaze. On his knees next to the couch, he and his maker were almost at eye level. Godric stroked Eric’s hair. Eric shuddered but did not flinch.
“Tonight I am going to teach you this lesson again.”
Godric smiled at Eric fondly, watching him struggle with himself. He loved Eric as much now as the day he’d made him, but Eric had never been easy. In his mortal life Eric was a warrior, a man who counted among men. Once Godric had turned him, Eric was drunk with blood lust and expected to go his own way and do as he pleased, any vows between them forgotten the second Godric had pulled him from the earth. Godric’s power over him had infuriated Eric on an almost daily basis for decades.
Godric had no desire to break Eric’s spirit. Eric’s drive for living - his recklessness and bravery and confidence in battle - along with his beauty were what had drawn Godric’s attention in the first place. Godric knew from the start that Eric would make an excellent vampire, but part of the necessary schooling was obedience. Subtlety and a light hand didn’t get you too far with Eric… who was still kneeling there, waiting politely enough for Godric to begin. They might as well get to it.
“Now. Say it. You remember the words,” Godric prompted him, his voice gentle.
“I have disobeyed you, Godric. I am very sorry.” Eric faltered. He had not said these words in centuries.
“I deserve to be punished.” It was true. Eric knew it. But knowing this didn’t make it easier.
“Yes, you do. I’m sorry.” Godric sounded sad, as if he were truly sorry. “Are you ready?” Eric nodded again, finding himself suddenly unable to speak.
“Good. That’s better.” Godric smiled at him encouragingly and touched him on the shoulder. As Eric stood he felt tears welling up; he bit the inside of his mouth, hard, to stop them. And then without being told to, he began to strip off his clothes.