Among the trees

[onceaviking]

Eric seems to have a very specific tree in mind, steering Athelstan down paths invisible to the human eye.

The tree turns out to be an oak, widespread and solid.

Comments

[onceaviking]

He is almost strolling.
And he is surprisingly quiet for a man (well, vampire) his size.

[athelstanthescribe]

Centuries of practice, Athelstan assumes.

"How's Pam?" he asks after a few minutes.

[onceaviking]

"Pam? She's fine. I'm taking her in a a trip to Iceland," Eric says.
He honestly can't remember if he already told him.

"A little getaway."

[athelstanthescribe]

Athelstan can't either. Things before the attack are hazier than things since.

"To the city or the country?"

[onceaviking]

"We are going to Reykjavik," he replies. "And we are staying at a hotel that caters to vampires specifically. She'd hate to have to sleep rough."

Judging from his tone, he wouldn't.

[athelstanthescribe]

"It really isn't her style", Athelstan agrees. "This hotel - I suppose makes sure the windows are blocked or there are none, things like that?"

[onceaviking]

"Exactly. And you - order in."

There's a purr in his voice at that last bit.

[athelstanthescribe]

"Is it run by vampires, or - no, I suppose humans, who can go out and fetch what you want."

[onceaviking]

"It's vampire owned, I believe, but the staff is generally a mix," Eric says.

[athelstanthescribe]

"I wonder if they get enough custom for the place to support itself", Athelstan says thoughtfully.

[onceaviking]

"The Reykjavik location? It's fucking expensive so I should think they're turning a profit," Eric replies.

[athelstanthescribe]

He nods. "They wouldn't need a large number of different guests, then."

[onceaviking]

Eric nods.
"And I think their restaurant is open to the public. It's always nice when there's something local on the menu."

Smiling a little.

[athelstanthescribe]

Athelstan laughs quietly.

"And the - vampire groupies, did you call them? - will be more than happy to visit."

[onceaviking]

"The fangbangers? Yeah, they likely will."

Eric stops briefly, looking almost thoughtful.
"Though I really hope that they're a better class than the ones we get back home."

[athelstanthescribe]

"Perhaps they are. It's a different country, after all, a long way from America."

[onceaviking]

"And trust me, anything has to be better than Louisiana," Eric replies.

[athelstanthescribe]

"Why do you stay in Louisiana, if you hate it so much?"

[onceaviking]

Eric's lips curl.

"It's not really a choice. "

[athelstanthescribe]

"Because of your position there? Or Pam?"

Surely not because of Sookie.

[onceaviking]

"It wasn't a choice to begin with."
He sounds almost a little bitter.

[athelstanthescribe]

"Your queen made you live there?"

[onceaviking]

"It was a punishment."

He looks away.

"From higher up."

[athelstanthescribe]

"Ah." He makes a face. "Is the term of that punishment ever going to be up?"

[onceaviking]

"I don't know."