Carlisle Cullen, born in the 1640s, is vampire with an unparalleled gift of compassion; this allowed him to perfect his lifestyle as a "vegetarian" among vampires, to the point that he is able to completely resist the temptation of human blood. While Carlisle searched for the truth behind his nature he found three vampires in Italy known as the Volturi. Aro, Marcus and Caius live what Edward described as a very civilized and educated lifestyle. The Italian vampires tried to cure Carlisle of “his aversion to his natural food source,” but they failed.
In this contest you are to write an original work of fan fiction depicting one such attempt at "curing Carlisle of his aversion to his natural food source." It is the 1720's in Italy, you are free to pick your POV but you must include the three Volturi and Carlisle. You will lose points for adding characters that did not exist in this time line.
Winners will be determined on originality,characterization, setting depiction, over all mood an content.
Due to TwiTwitter limitations you are limited to 8901 characters including spaces anything over that will be cut when posted to TwiTwitter.
All entries must be your own original fan fiction based on the Characters of Stephanie Meyer's Twilight Saga.
No plagiarisms including the use of third-party poetry, song lyrics etc.
Entries must be Pg 13.
Submit entries to StorymasterTT@aim.com
Edward solely will pick finalist in any number he shall choose these final entries will be posted on the TwiTwitter website and the Winner shall be determined by vote of membership.
Contest open to members of TwiTwitter.ning.com only.
Three finalist have been chosen and are now available to be vote on by membership.
Monday, February 8, 2010
TwiTwitter's Writing Contest Finalist--A
The moonlight peeked shyly though the dense canopy of the Berignone-Tatti forest
surrounding Volterra.A small herd of deer were resting by a sleepy brook in the
forest. One, a buck, saw a slight movement in the darkness. Alarmed, the buck
runs away along with the does and a fawn that accompanied him.
The threat that the buck sensed was a young boy who stepped out of the darkness
and into a patch of moonlight. He was inexplicably handsome, with soft brown
hair and red eyes. Smiling,he turned around, facing a flaxen-haired male who was
standing still, like a statue under the ghostly light of the moon. A faint mist
stood between him and the boy who, as he approached, dispersed the mist easily.
When he reached the man, he smiled up at him. The man sighed wearily and fixed
the boy with a perpetually patient look. He said, “Alec, why must you interfere
with my hunt?” Alec smiled even wider, his face immaculate. He drawled, “The
deer is important to the people, Carlisle. The people are not. This is why we
hunt them. Not their livelihood.”
Carlisle’s topaz eyes softened. He said kindly, “They do not understand life as
we do. They are not given enough time, as we have to comprehend it. Now please,
Alec. I must hunt.” Alec raised an eyebrow. Carlisle’s kindness always mystified
him. He sighed as though disappointed and grumbled, “Aro won’t be very happy
that you missed dinner for a couple of deer.” Carlisle only smiled at the young
Volturi Guard and said, “I know. Please tell him that I ask to be excused
again.”
Alec shook his head. “Aro will want to see you later anyway so you can tell him
yourself,” he muttered as he walked away from Carlisle. When he was far enough,
he broke into a run. Carlisle breathed once and followed the scent of the deer.
After a few minutes, Carlisle finished with the deer and buried them under a
pile of rich Italian soil. He felt thoroughly sated and his thirst quelled. He
went back to the castle and smelled the blood of fifteen humans somewhere in the
castle. He sighed and followed the scent to the dungeon. He had a feeling he was
walking into a trap but he ignored it and ventured inside.
Inside, several Volturi guards were feeding on helpless humans. Aro turned and
saw Carlisle. He smiled and said gaily,"Carlisle, my friend! How nice of you to
join us!" Carlisle smiled back but allowed a sliver of disgust to show on his
face. "I am only here to observe, Aro. Nothing more." Aro raised an eyebrow at
him and replied, "Oh? Are you sure?" Carlisle's eyes hardened. "Quite sure,
Aro."
Aro smiled icily and said "You need a bit of a push, my friend. I'm sure that
even carnivore blood cannot compare to human blood." Carlisle mentally agreed
and that made his thirst flare, clawing at him. Aro smiled sadistically, an idea
sparking in his mind. He pulled a fair-haired girl to him and beckoned Jane to
come closer. He put the girl into Carlisle's arms who continued to resist his
thirst. Aro said, "This is a test, Carlisle, of your control. If you pass, I
will not pester you anymore. If you fail, the girl will continue to suffer. My
dear Jane will make the girl beg for death and if you do not give it to her, you
pass. If you do, you fail. Either way, the girl dies."
Carlisle was appalled. He tried to simply let the girl go, but Jane used her
power on the girl, making the girl desperately hold on to Carlisle. She was
screaming painfully, her blood racing throughout her body, truly testing
Carlisle's control. Jane stopped for a moment and let the girl breathe before
making her feel excruciating pain again. She was screaming again, but this time
she was screaming for death.
Carlisle, who was feeling truly sorry for the girl now, opened his mouth and put
it to the girl's throat. He suddenly remembered what he must do and growling,
forced himself away from the girl. Jane immediately grabbed the girl and gave
her what she wanted.
Aro stared at Carlisle as he walked out of the room, who told him " Remember
your promise, Aro."
Cast your vote for this entry (Contest entry A)
surrounding Volterra.A small herd of deer were resting by a sleepy brook in the
forest. One, a buck, saw a slight movement in the darkness. Alarmed, the buck
runs away along with the does and a fawn that accompanied him.
The threat that the buck sensed was a young boy who stepped out of the darkness
and into a patch of moonlight. He was inexplicably handsome, with soft brown
hair and red eyes. Smiling,he turned around, facing a flaxen-haired male who was
standing still, like a statue under the ghostly light of the moon. A faint mist
stood between him and the boy who, as he approached, dispersed the mist easily.
When he reached the man, he smiled up at him. The man sighed wearily and fixed
the boy with a perpetually patient look. He said, “Alec, why must you interfere
with my hunt?” Alec smiled even wider, his face immaculate. He drawled, “The
deer is important to the people, Carlisle. The people are not. This is why we
hunt them. Not their livelihood.”
Carlisle’s topaz eyes softened. He said kindly, “They do not understand life as
we do. They are not given enough time, as we have to comprehend it. Now please,
Alec. I must hunt.” Alec raised an eyebrow. Carlisle’s kindness always mystified
him. He sighed as though disappointed and grumbled, “Aro won’t be very happy
that you missed dinner for a couple of deer.” Carlisle only smiled at the young
Volturi Guard and said, “I know. Please tell him that I ask to be excused
again.”
Alec shook his head. “Aro will want to see you later anyway so you can tell him
yourself,” he muttered as he walked away from Carlisle. When he was far enough,
he broke into a run. Carlisle breathed once and followed the scent of the deer.
After a few minutes, Carlisle finished with the deer and buried them under a
pile of rich Italian soil. He felt thoroughly sated and his thirst quelled. He
went back to the castle and smelled the blood of fifteen humans somewhere in the
castle. He sighed and followed the scent to the dungeon. He had a feeling he was
walking into a trap but he ignored it and ventured inside.
Inside, several Volturi guards were feeding on helpless humans. Aro turned and
saw Carlisle. He smiled and said gaily,"Carlisle, my friend! How nice of you to
join us!" Carlisle smiled back but allowed a sliver of disgust to show on his
face. "I am only here to observe, Aro. Nothing more." Aro raised an eyebrow at
him and replied, "Oh? Are you sure?" Carlisle's eyes hardened. "Quite sure,
Aro."
Aro smiled icily and said "You need a bit of a push, my friend. I'm sure that
even carnivore blood cannot compare to human blood." Carlisle mentally agreed
and that made his thirst flare, clawing at him. Aro smiled sadistically, an idea
sparking in his mind. He pulled a fair-haired girl to him and beckoned Jane to
come closer. He put the girl into Carlisle's arms who continued to resist his
thirst. Aro said, "This is a test, Carlisle, of your control. If you pass, I
will not pester you anymore. If you fail, the girl will continue to suffer. My
dear Jane will make the girl beg for death and if you do not give it to her, you
pass. If you do, you fail. Either way, the girl dies."
Carlisle was appalled. He tried to simply let the girl go, but Jane used her
power on the girl, making the girl desperately hold on to Carlisle. She was
screaming painfully, her blood racing throughout her body, truly testing
Carlisle's control. Jane stopped for a moment and let the girl breathe before
making her feel excruciating pain again. She was screaming again, but this time
she was screaming for death.
Carlisle, who was feeling truly sorry for the girl now, opened his mouth and put
it to the girl's throat. He suddenly remembered what he must do and growling,
forced himself away from the girl. Jane immediately grabbed the girl and gave
her what she wanted.
Aro stared at Carlisle as he walked out of the room, who told him " Remember
your promise, Aro."
Cast your vote for this entry (Contest entry A)
TwiTwitter's Writing Contest Finalist--B
Chapter One
Dawn breaks early over the city of Volterra. As the sun rises, shopkeepers begin to open their doors, readying their businesses for the day. On a quiet street, a butcher quietly chops his take, surveying the streets for activity. Nearby a baker pulls fresh breads out of his oven and places them on a cooling rack. A door slams, a woman emerging, towing children still wiping the sleep from their eyes.
Deep beneath the bustling streets of Volterra, a group continues about their daily business, having been awake through the night. Silent men and women glide through the hallways, nodding politely to each other as they pass, continuing on their assigned tasks. A beautiful girl walks towards the door leading to the streets, covered from head to toe in clothes befitting a fair maiden of the city. Her task set before her eyes, she opens the door and steps out into the day.
Deeper still in the hidden city, a chamber sits- occupied by fierce creatures with ruby red eyes. Three men sit in chairs fit for a throne, surveying the others in the room. Others surround them- some closely and some far apart. All attention is centered on a man, kneeling before the three throne bearers, his arms held tight by two other men, one large and bear like and the other thin, but with vicious beady eyes.
The thin, dark haired man in the center chair surveys the prisoner with curiosity. He tilts his head from one side to the other, seeming to debate an internal conversation. Slowly he stands, reaching his hand out to grasp the shoulder of the man. his eyes closed, he holds the position for seemingly minutes, but actually only mere seconds. He slowly opens his eyes and looks down at the man.
“Sir Charles, you surely know why you are here?” the thin vampire asks.
The man opens his eyes widely, knowing that he has been betrayed by his innermost thoughts, and this form of questioning was a mere formality.
“Lord Aro, you have seen my mind- you know the claims you have heard are true. Please let me state my case.”
Aro inclined his head, but gazed at his brothers, Caius and Marcus, who were seated in the other two chairs. Through a slight inclination of his head, the blonde Caius ascended to the increased questioning. Aro stretched out his arms in a welcoming gesture, inviting Charles to continue.
“The boy who saw me,” Charles began, “he was just a mere child- thinking he was seeing pretty lights or a fairy creature of some sort. He did not recognize me as someone he knew.”
“But you exposed yourself to him intentionally,” Aro stated calmly.
“It was a momentary lapse in judgment, Lord Aro,” he rebutted.
“However,” Aro said, beginning to walk up the stairs, “we are nothing without our fairness in enforcing the law. We do not make exceptions for anyone. You intentionally showed yourself to a human, and for that you deserve the maximum punishment which we deal.”
The man Caius, having watched this exchange with great pleasure, stood. He approached Aro, resting his hand on his shoulder.
“Brother, let me take care of this man,” he said.
Aro looked up- “very well brother.”
Caius approached the man, placing each hand on either side of the man’s head. The prisoner’s eyes began to bulge with the pressure being exerted on him. Suddenly, with a large crack, Sir Charles head split off of his neck, and his body crumpled.
Caius gestured to a guard standing in the corner.
“Eleazar, do clean this up, will you?”
Chapter 2
A stunning woman, tall and thin with rich violet eyes enters the chamber. She is leading a group of human men and women. “Lord Aro,” she says, inclining her head “those you requested are here.”
“Thank you Heidi,” he says, standing.
Aro, seemingly instantaneously, jumps down and stands in front of one of the human men. He strikes, immediately begins feeding off the man. The rest of the room, realizing what is happening, begins to shriek, but their cries are no use. The hungry guard and other vampires, not able to resist the smell of human blood, begin to feed off their own choices.
The cries become silent as the vampires finish feeding.
Aro stands and wipes his face, gesturing Heidi towards him.
“Good catch my dear,” he congratulates her. “Have you any news about our French neighbors as I had asked you to gather?”
“Yes my Lord,” she replies. “The man Robespierre has begun executing those that are found to be enemies of the French state. It has turned very bloody,” she says, her eyes lighting up.
“Good, good,” Aro replies. “I think I might have a plan on ‘testing’ our good friend Carlisle.”
Heidi retreated, instructing a pair of guards to clean up the human remains and take them to a disposal room in the castle. Aro stood and walked out of the room, down a corridor and into an office. There stood another beautiful man, golden haired, and seemingly absorbed in a number of books piled on a reading table. Hearing Aro enter the room he stood, and inclined his head.
“Aro, how may I help you this evening?” the man asked.
“Carlisle my friend, I find your studies are fulfilling you today? I noticed you were not at our feeding a minute ago,” Aro replied.
“My studies are always very rewarding,” Carlisle replied, his voice even. “As to the feeding, you know that Heidi’s catch is not exactly what I prefer to eat.”
Aro walked to the side of the room, sitting in a large arm chair and folding his fingers into a temple form in front of his face.
“Ah yes, your insistence on dining on dreadful animals. Why hunt an animal if the humans are so brought before you? And they are so much tastier?” Aro challenged Carlisle.
Carlisle shakes his head, looks at Aro inquisitively. “Aro you know it is more than the taste and the hunt. My morals and my upbringing find it hard for me to bear the thought of killing another human. I have survived over two centuries without robbing a human of life, and I intend to continue on that path.”
Aro sighs, and looks at Carlisle impatiently.
“That is fine Carlisle, and something that we find interesting about you. However, I did not come in here to argue the merits of animal versus human blood. I am interested in taking a trip to France, and was wondering if perhaps you would like to join me?”
Carlisle, being a learned and inquisitive man, knew of the events currently plaguing France. “You want to go to France? Surely you are aware of the Revolution currently taking place there?”
“Certainly, my friend, it would be a good study of human nature. Sometimes in our separate existence we lose touch with human feelings. Perhaps it would be a good idea to see first hand their complaints?”
Carlisle, though wary, was also interested in the current plight of French citizens and could see merit in the trip. “That sounds, interesting, Aro. I shall join you. When were you thinking of going?”
“We shall leave tonight, at first dark. Felix, Demetri, Jane, and Alec shall accompany you and I. Marcus and Caius have chosen to remain behind, with our wives.”
Carlisle nodded, assenting and feeling that the four fiercest members of the guard would be adequate company.
“Then we shall go, I will pack.”
Aro stood and left the library, nodding to Carlisle as he retreated. After closing the door he smiled an odd, almost evil smile. Carlisle didn’t know all that Aro had planned for him.
Chapter 3.
The carriage rolls up to a town square, deep in the heart of Paris, France. The passengers, odd to the average passerby, exit, and make their way to the hotel to the right of the square. The four men, one girl and one boy seemingly glide in their hooded riding gear towards the entrance of the hotel and walk in.
Aro approaches the inn keeper and requests three rooms. The inn keeper, staring but not quite believing his eyes, hands Aro the keys and the group ascends the stairs. They retreat to their rooms.
The next morning, as a gray mist rises on the square a crowd is forming, centered around a platform which has been erected in the middle. The crowd is murmuring to each other, interested, but appalled by the machine erected on the platform. A large blade, set high above and set to be released via a pully system attached to it hangs high. A small deck fit for a human neck and shoulders sits low. Its purpose is obvious, and the men and women surrounding the machine are appalled that they are to bear witness to its use.
The group which had settled at the inn the night previous emerged and began to filter their way to the platform. Aro led the group and Carlisle shortly behind them. Carlisle began to shift and avert his eyes from the platform. It was immediately apparent what Aro had come to France to witness.
“Surely, Aro, you are not going to leave us, six hungry vampires, facing a stage meant for a beheading? What shall these people think when they see us leap for the stage to catch the blood filled corpse?”
Aro smiled, sure that in this circumstance even Carlisle would not be able to avoid his thirst. “Carlisle my friend surely you can see that our guard can handle themselves, as can you and I? We work hard to avoid being found out to the humans. I am merely suggesting we observe from back here, I do not think the smell with bother us.”
Carlisle was unsure, but did not want to argue with the fierce elder vampire. The appearance of a group of men making their way to the stage, dragging a prisoner between them caused his attention to be diverted, and he watched in rapt fascination.
The men lead the prisoner to the platform and forced him to stand on a box. He was bound with his arms in the front, and a sack covered his head. His shoulders heaved with sobs.
“Gentlemen and ladies gathered here,” a short man, dressed in the finery expected of French nobility, began. “Here is Sir Frances Smyth, thus accused of treason against the French state. You are called here to bear witness to his execution and spread the word as to what happens to those who oppose and plot against our government.”
Aro and his guards began to walk on the edge of the crowd, a curious Carlisle following. He did not realize that Aro was drawing closer to the stage.
A man dressed all in black dealt a swift blow to the back of the prisoners knees and he fell to the stage, kneeling. The guillotine stood before him and the man forced his neck into the cradle waiting for it. A basket was placed in front, waiting for his head.
The guard stopped behind Aro and found Carlisle to push him forward to stand next to the master. They were now about two rows back to the side of the stage, a full view of the blade and basket not five feet from them. Carlisle tensed, knowing now he was mislead as to the purpose of their visit. Aro smiled at him and gestured that he should watch the show. He fixed his eyes back on the stage.
“On this day, we execute Sir Frances. May God have peace on his soul,” the small man proclaimed. Another large man in black stood next to the guillotine, the rope holding the blade in his hand. Suddenly he released the rope, and blade slid down its holder quickly, slicing a neat cut through Sir Frances’ head and removing his head whole from his shoulders.
The guard, having grown accustomed to restraining themselves in the presence of fresh human blood, held their ground. Aro too held back, watching Carlisle’s eyes for a sign of weakness.
Carlisle typically avoided situations where he would be in the presence of human blood. When the Volturi fed on the meals Heidi caught for them he retreated to the library to study. He alone hunted in the woods surrounding Volterra for animals, and avoided humans when there was a chance they might start to bleed. Though he hoped to train as a doctor, he did not feel ready to be directly effected by blood. The sight of human blood spilling from a neck closer than five feet from him was a horrible, and incredibly tasty sight to bear.
His eyes began to flare and he leans towards the stage, walking subconsciously toward the body. His brain gone to reason, his senses and hunger filling his thoughts, Carlisle nearly reaches the stage.
Aro was not the only one watching Carlisle’s approach to the decapitated body. A young woman, eyes red and face wet with tears, examined the man walking slowly toward the stage, his golden eyes fixated on the corpse. She was not sure what was with the man who seemed to want the body, but she did not want her Uncle’s corpse coming into contact with anyone but family. She reached out and touched Carlisle’s shoulder. “Sir, did you know my Uncle,” she asked of him.
Carlisle, his concentration broken, turned toward the young woman. He lets his eyes regain focus and answers. “No sorry dear, I didn’t know him.” He thinks, trying to come up with an explanation for his actions. “I am a scholar, and was merely interested in the proceedings here. Please excuse my inappropriateness.” She stares, fascinated by his golden hued eyes. Satisfied with his explanation, she walks away, back towards her mother to grieve with her family.
Carlisle, having gathered his wits, walks quickly across the square and back towards the inn. Aro stares off behind him, glowering and angry that his attempt at tempting the steadfast human lover has failed. He beckons to the guard and they follow him back towards the inn, following in Carlisle’s wake. Arriving at the inn, Carlisle goes to Aro’s door and waits for him. Aro approaches and can see the anger in Carlisle’s face.
“Carlisle my friend, lets take this surely to be passionate argument inside the door so we don’t gather spectators. Guard, you may go to your room.”
Carlisle and Aro enter Aro’s room and the guard retreat to theirs. Carlisle closes the door and faces Aro, his eyes flaring. “How dare you put me in that situation Aro? It was dangerous, not just for me and the humans in the square, but for our race as a whole? What if I had attached the body? What would that have alerted those people to?”
Aro, not used to being questioned, took a naturally defensed stance. “Carlisle, I merely wanted to test your resolve,” he said honestly. “It is odd and against the vampire way how you feed. You surely must want to join your brethren and feed correctly? I only assumed that once you had tasted the pure blood of a human you would change your mind and join us.”
Carlisle, put off for the last time by Aro’s bold and irreprehensible tactics, glowered, angry at what this elder had done to him. “Aro, I have explained time and time again the reason for how I feed. I do not wish to be a demon. I wish to help humans. If this is going to continue, I cannot remain a member of your coven.”
Aro rose, anger in his face. “Carlisle, I do not want to lose you, but members of the Volturi are expected to feed on humans. It is what makes us strong. If you feel that you cannot do this, then maybe you should leave.”
Carlisle hung his head, aware that leaving Volterra would leave behind the expansive library and access he had grown there. However, he was tired of the ruthless tactics that the Volturi employed. “Perhaps it is time then, my old friend.” he said. “I shall return with you tomorrow, and will leave the following evening.”
Aro nodded his head, assenting to Carlisle’s wishes. “I am sad that we could not come to this agreement,” he said. “Know that you are always welcome to return, given that you have changed your feeding habits.”
With that Carlisle left the room and returned to his own. He closed the door and set on the bed. Reaching in his traveling sack, he drew out a map of the land across the ocean.
“America,” he said to himself. “I shall see what opportunities lie for me there.”
To cast your vote for this entry: (Contest Entry B)
Dawn breaks early over the city of Volterra. As the sun rises, shopkeepers begin to open their doors, readying their businesses for the day. On a quiet street, a butcher quietly chops his take, surveying the streets for activity. Nearby a baker pulls fresh breads out of his oven and places them on a cooling rack. A door slams, a woman emerging, towing children still wiping the sleep from their eyes.
Deep beneath the bustling streets of Volterra, a group continues about their daily business, having been awake through the night. Silent men and women glide through the hallways, nodding politely to each other as they pass, continuing on their assigned tasks. A beautiful girl walks towards the door leading to the streets, covered from head to toe in clothes befitting a fair maiden of the city. Her task set before her eyes, she opens the door and steps out into the day.
Deeper still in the hidden city, a chamber sits- occupied by fierce creatures with ruby red eyes. Three men sit in chairs fit for a throne, surveying the others in the room. Others surround them- some closely and some far apart. All attention is centered on a man, kneeling before the three throne bearers, his arms held tight by two other men, one large and bear like and the other thin, but with vicious beady eyes.
The thin, dark haired man in the center chair surveys the prisoner with curiosity. He tilts his head from one side to the other, seeming to debate an internal conversation. Slowly he stands, reaching his hand out to grasp the shoulder of the man. his eyes closed, he holds the position for seemingly minutes, but actually only mere seconds. He slowly opens his eyes and looks down at the man.
“Sir Charles, you surely know why you are here?” the thin vampire asks.
The man opens his eyes widely, knowing that he has been betrayed by his innermost thoughts, and this form of questioning was a mere formality.
“Lord Aro, you have seen my mind- you know the claims you have heard are true. Please let me state my case.”
Aro inclined his head, but gazed at his brothers, Caius and Marcus, who were seated in the other two chairs. Through a slight inclination of his head, the blonde Caius ascended to the increased questioning. Aro stretched out his arms in a welcoming gesture, inviting Charles to continue.
“The boy who saw me,” Charles began, “he was just a mere child- thinking he was seeing pretty lights or a fairy creature of some sort. He did not recognize me as someone he knew.”
“But you exposed yourself to him intentionally,” Aro stated calmly.
“It was a momentary lapse in judgment, Lord Aro,” he rebutted.
“However,” Aro said, beginning to walk up the stairs, “we are nothing without our fairness in enforcing the law. We do not make exceptions for anyone. You intentionally showed yourself to a human, and for that you deserve the maximum punishment which we deal.”
The man Caius, having watched this exchange with great pleasure, stood. He approached Aro, resting his hand on his shoulder.
“Brother, let me take care of this man,” he said.
Aro looked up- “very well brother.”
Caius approached the man, placing each hand on either side of the man’s head. The prisoner’s eyes began to bulge with the pressure being exerted on him. Suddenly, with a large crack, Sir Charles head split off of his neck, and his body crumpled.
Caius gestured to a guard standing in the corner.
“Eleazar, do clean this up, will you?”
Chapter 2
A stunning woman, tall and thin with rich violet eyes enters the chamber. She is leading a group of human men and women. “Lord Aro,” she says, inclining her head “those you requested are here.”
“Thank you Heidi,” he says, standing.
Aro, seemingly instantaneously, jumps down and stands in front of one of the human men. He strikes, immediately begins feeding off the man. The rest of the room, realizing what is happening, begins to shriek, but their cries are no use. The hungry guard and other vampires, not able to resist the smell of human blood, begin to feed off their own choices.
The cries become silent as the vampires finish feeding.
Aro stands and wipes his face, gesturing Heidi towards him.
“Good catch my dear,” he congratulates her. “Have you any news about our French neighbors as I had asked you to gather?”
“Yes my Lord,” she replies. “The man Robespierre has begun executing those that are found to be enemies of the French state. It has turned very bloody,” she says, her eyes lighting up.
“Good, good,” Aro replies. “I think I might have a plan on ‘testing’ our good friend Carlisle.”
Heidi retreated, instructing a pair of guards to clean up the human remains and take them to a disposal room in the castle. Aro stood and walked out of the room, down a corridor and into an office. There stood another beautiful man, golden haired, and seemingly absorbed in a number of books piled on a reading table. Hearing Aro enter the room he stood, and inclined his head.
“Aro, how may I help you this evening?” the man asked.
“Carlisle my friend, I find your studies are fulfilling you today? I noticed you were not at our feeding a minute ago,” Aro replied.
“My studies are always very rewarding,” Carlisle replied, his voice even. “As to the feeding, you know that Heidi’s catch is not exactly what I prefer to eat.”
Aro walked to the side of the room, sitting in a large arm chair and folding his fingers into a temple form in front of his face.
“Ah yes, your insistence on dining on dreadful animals. Why hunt an animal if the humans are so brought before you? And they are so much tastier?” Aro challenged Carlisle.
Carlisle shakes his head, looks at Aro inquisitively. “Aro you know it is more than the taste and the hunt. My morals and my upbringing find it hard for me to bear the thought of killing another human. I have survived over two centuries without robbing a human of life, and I intend to continue on that path.”
Aro sighs, and looks at Carlisle impatiently.
“That is fine Carlisle, and something that we find interesting about you. However, I did not come in here to argue the merits of animal versus human blood. I am interested in taking a trip to France, and was wondering if perhaps you would like to join me?”
Carlisle, being a learned and inquisitive man, knew of the events currently plaguing France. “You want to go to France? Surely you are aware of the Revolution currently taking place there?”
“Certainly, my friend, it would be a good study of human nature. Sometimes in our separate existence we lose touch with human feelings. Perhaps it would be a good idea to see first hand their complaints?”
Carlisle, though wary, was also interested in the current plight of French citizens and could see merit in the trip. “That sounds, interesting, Aro. I shall join you. When were you thinking of going?”
“We shall leave tonight, at first dark. Felix, Demetri, Jane, and Alec shall accompany you and I. Marcus and Caius have chosen to remain behind, with our wives.”
Carlisle nodded, assenting and feeling that the four fiercest members of the guard would be adequate company.
“Then we shall go, I will pack.”
Aro stood and left the library, nodding to Carlisle as he retreated. After closing the door he smiled an odd, almost evil smile. Carlisle didn’t know all that Aro had planned for him.
Chapter 3.
The carriage rolls up to a town square, deep in the heart of Paris, France. The passengers, odd to the average passerby, exit, and make their way to the hotel to the right of the square. The four men, one girl and one boy seemingly glide in their hooded riding gear towards the entrance of the hotel and walk in.
Aro approaches the inn keeper and requests three rooms. The inn keeper, staring but not quite believing his eyes, hands Aro the keys and the group ascends the stairs. They retreat to their rooms.
The next morning, as a gray mist rises on the square a crowd is forming, centered around a platform which has been erected in the middle. The crowd is murmuring to each other, interested, but appalled by the machine erected on the platform. A large blade, set high above and set to be released via a pully system attached to it hangs high. A small deck fit for a human neck and shoulders sits low. Its purpose is obvious, and the men and women surrounding the machine are appalled that they are to bear witness to its use.
The group which had settled at the inn the night previous emerged and began to filter their way to the platform. Aro led the group and Carlisle shortly behind them. Carlisle began to shift and avert his eyes from the platform. It was immediately apparent what Aro had come to France to witness.
“Surely, Aro, you are not going to leave us, six hungry vampires, facing a stage meant for a beheading? What shall these people think when they see us leap for the stage to catch the blood filled corpse?”
Aro smiled, sure that in this circumstance even Carlisle would not be able to avoid his thirst. “Carlisle my friend surely you can see that our guard can handle themselves, as can you and I? We work hard to avoid being found out to the humans. I am merely suggesting we observe from back here, I do not think the smell with bother us.”
Carlisle was unsure, but did not want to argue with the fierce elder vampire. The appearance of a group of men making their way to the stage, dragging a prisoner between them caused his attention to be diverted, and he watched in rapt fascination.
The men lead the prisoner to the platform and forced him to stand on a box. He was bound with his arms in the front, and a sack covered his head. His shoulders heaved with sobs.
“Gentlemen and ladies gathered here,” a short man, dressed in the finery expected of French nobility, began. “Here is Sir Frances Smyth, thus accused of treason against the French state. You are called here to bear witness to his execution and spread the word as to what happens to those who oppose and plot against our government.”
Aro and his guards began to walk on the edge of the crowd, a curious Carlisle following. He did not realize that Aro was drawing closer to the stage.
A man dressed all in black dealt a swift blow to the back of the prisoners knees and he fell to the stage, kneeling. The guillotine stood before him and the man forced his neck into the cradle waiting for it. A basket was placed in front, waiting for his head.
The guard stopped behind Aro and found Carlisle to push him forward to stand next to the master. They were now about two rows back to the side of the stage, a full view of the blade and basket not five feet from them. Carlisle tensed, knowing now he was mislead as to the purpose of their visit. Aro smiled at him and gestured that he should watch the show. He fixed his eyes back on the stage.
“On this day, we execute Sir Frances. May God have peace on his soul,” the small man proclaimed. Another large man in black stood next to the guillotine, the rope holding the blade in his hand. Suddenly he released the rope, and blade slid down its holder quickly, slicing a neat cut through Sir Frances’ head and removing his head whole from his shoulders.
The guard, having grown accustomed to restraining themselves in the presence of fresh human blood, held their ground. Aro too held back, watching Carlisle’s eyes for a sign of weakness.
Carlisle typically avoided situations where he would be in the presence of human blood. When the Volturi fed on the meals Heidi caught for them he retreated to the library to study. He alone hunted in the woods surrounding Volterra for animals, and avoided humans when there was a chance they might start to bleed. Though he hoped to train as a doctor, he did not feel ready to be directly effected by blood. The sight of human blood spilling from a neck closer than five feet from him was a horrible, and incredibly tasty sight to bear.
His eyes began to flare and he leans towards the stage, walking subconsciously toward the body. His brain gone to reason, his senses and hunger filling his thoughts, Carlisle nearly reaches the stage.
Aro was not the only one watching Carlisle’s approach to the decapitated body. A young woman, eyes red and face wet with tears, examined the man walking slowly toward the stage, his golden eyes fixated on the corpse. She was not sure what was with the man who seemed to want the body, but she did not want her Uncle’s corpse coming into contact with anyone but family. She reached out and touched Carlisle’s shoulder. “Sir, did you know my Uncle,” she asked of him.
Carlisle, his concentration broken, turned toward the young woman. He lets his eyes regain focus and answers. “No sorry dear, I didn’t know him.” He thinks, trying to come up with an explanation for his actions. “I am a scholar, and was merely interested in the proceedings here. Please excuse my inappropriateness.” She stares, fascinated by his golden hued eyes. Satisfied with his explanation, she walks away, back towards her mother to grieve with her family.
Carlisle, having gathered his wits, walks quickly across the square and back towards the inn. Aro stares off behind him, glowering and angry that his attempt at tempting the steadfast human lover has failed. He beckons to the guard and they follow him back towards the inn, following in Carlisle’s wake. Arriving at the inn, Carlisle goes to Aro’s door and waits for him. Aro approaches and can see the anger in Carlisle’s face.
“Carlisle my friend, lets take this surely to be passionate argument inside the door so we don’t gather spectators. Guard, you may go to your room.”
Carlisle and Aro enter Aro’s room and the guard retreat to theirs. Carlisle closes the door and faces Aro, his eyes flaring. “How dare you put me in that situation Aro? It was dangerous, not just for me and the humans in the square, but for our race as a whole? What if I had attached the body? What would that have alerted those people to?”
Aro, not used to being questioned, took a naturally defensed stance. “Carlisle, I merely wanted to test your resolve,” he said honestly. “It is odd and against the vampire way how you feed. You surely must want to join your brethren and feed correctly? I only assumed that once you had tasted the pure blood of a human you would change your mind and join us.”
Carlisle, put off for the last time by Aro’s bold and irreprehensible tactics, glowered, angry at what this elder had done to him. “Aro, I have explained time and time again the reason for how I feed. I do not wish to be a demon. I wish to help humans. If this is going to continue, I cannot remain a member of your coven.”
Aro rose, anger in his face. “Carlisle, I do not want to lose you, but members of the Volturi are expected to feed on humans. It is what makes us strong. If you feel that you cannot do this, then maybe you should leave.”
Carlisle hung his head, aware that leaving Volterra would leave behind the expansive library and access he had grown there. However, he was tired of the ruthless tactics that the Volturi employed. “Perhaps it is time then, my old friend.” he said. “I shall return with you tomorrow, and will leave the following evening.”
Aro nodded his head, assenting to Carlisle’s wishes. “I am sad that we could not come to this agreement,” he said. “Know that you are always welcome to return, given that you have changed your feeding habits.”
With that Carlisle left the room and returned to his own. He closed the door and set on the bed. Reaching in his traveling sack, he drew out a map of the land across the ocean.
“America,” he said to himself. “I shall see what opportunities lie for me there.”
To cast your vote for this entry: (Contest Entry B)
TwiTwitter's Writing Contest Finalist--C
I glanced up seeing her standing there timidly in the doorway; of course I knew she was standing there I could hear the beat of her heart. I place my book on the desktop and motion for her to come inside. “Nessie, is there something I may assist you with?” I asked keeping my tone low.
She may look to the world to be a child of 8 or 9 years but in fact she’s less than 2. In all the ways that count this little being standing before me is my grandchild. Her birth a union between a Vampire father and a Human mother turns out to be not quite as unique as we first thought. Her mother, Bella Swan-Cullen, against all odds and with the help of my son, Edward, survived the birth of Renesmee her one and only child. Who is standing patiently in front of me now, her father had already prepared me for her line of questioning.
“Come here” I say as I motion for her to sit in my lap. She dances toward me pausing, bowing like a tiny ballerina and leaps into my lap. I set her sideways so that we may look face to face. She prefers this method. “Will you speak to me? Or will you show me? I ask as I playfully tug on her shirt.
“I will show you, grandfather.” She stated, her little voice going deep as she tried to imitate her father. I lean my head down toward her as she puts her little hand on the side of face. It’s a bit disorientating every time she uses her little gift. She shows me scenes from just months after her birth. It’s just as Edward warned me. She wants to know about the Volturi, the three who have appointed themselves guardians of our Vampire World. The vision changed to earlier today when her father had responded to her questioning with, “Carlisle lived with them for a time. They are old friends.”
She removes her hand confident she made her point clear. I know better than to dumb my narrative down for her. She’ll see right through it and will call me out on it. I pull her closer to me so that I can play with her curls as I try to decide where to start.
It was 1720; I had left my native land of Britain, studied medicine in France and had decided to travel. Although I was raised a protestant ministers son, I had a desire to see the world renowned Vatican. The Great Northern War was in its last year Sweden would soon fall to Peter the Great of Russia. It was a bad time economically for the humans with robbery and murders a real threat when traveling. There were no hospitals as we know them back then, a doctor of medicine would be employed by a nobleman or rich merchant.
As I made my way into Rome, I became aware I was being followed it was the first time I had been deliberately stalked by one of our kind. I carried on as if I were unaware of my companion as I toured the town. I would take peeks of him where I could from behind statuary as I rounded corners or from the windows of my room. While in a rented room I first noticed there were two of them. One was a very large individual, clearly a muscle man this one I was warily of encountering alone. The second however, had a sharp look an olive complexion with a chalky pallor, and dark hair pulled back as was the style.
She wiggled in my lap excitedly, “Oh, I know grandfather. The big one is Felix. Daddy says he’s all muscle and not so bright.” She said clearly imitating Edwards tone. “And, uhm the other one is Demetri, only his hair is short now! Daddy says he’s a blood hound. Does he track blood?” She looked at me so seriously it was difficult to not smile at her.
Matching my tone to her serious one I answer her, “No, dear. I actuality all of our kind would be blood hounds. Demetri tracks using one’s mind, similar to your Fathers ability, only once he gets the feel of a mind he can track it anywhere in the world.” He can be a very dangerous foe. “Shall I continue?” I asked her. She nods crossing her hands in her lap looking eagerly at me.
Of course you were correct, it was indeed Felix and Demetri one morning I left the room I was staying in and they were no longer following me. I was a bit disappointed. I was starving for intelligent conversation; I had not yet perfected the ability to remain in the company of humans for long periods of time. I left the city in search of larger prey the moment I was disposing of the carcass they chose to approach me. It was Demetri; he had arrived this time with a young female. Anticipating her reaction I answered, “Yes, it was Jane.” She motioned for me to carry on my story.
Demetri approached me as Jane stayed back a look of curiosity on her petite face as she watched me dispose of my meal. “Allow me to introduce us. My name is Demetri and my companion here is Jane, we represent nobility from Volterra and have been requested to escort you to our Masters primary residence.” No matter how polite this couple appeared it was no request. I curious of course followed them without another word. It’s not as if I were unaware of the danger the smaller one represented. My natural survival instincts were screaming at me that she was deadly. Such menace behind a pretty little face, I was curious and like a cat it was always my undoing. She appeared to be the youngest turned vampire I had ever seen. Demetri bantered lightly asking me how I was enjoying my visit to Rome, bragging of the artistic ability of the humans in this area compared to the dark scribbling of the English. He was making it clear he knew my background. It was only later that I realized he knew all there was to know about me before that meeting in the countryside.
It was a pleasant trip to the walled city of Volterra. I didn’t know what to expect. I believe at the time I was expecting the ‘nobility’ to be human sponsors unaware of my companions’ true nature. One step through the front gates I was amazed, Demetri sensing my shock turned to me, “It’s quite beautiful isn’t it. The Volturi have a great love for the Arts. They love to encourage the humans with talents.” He motioned in front of us at rows and rows of open store front each with a human working on their art forms. Potters, painters, sculptures, seamstress all were working their magic in a bohemian paradise. Only this was no paradise, as the burgundy eyes of my companions made it clear, they were potential meals. We walked past all the humans to the castle that was the main structure of this town.
It was clear this was a fortress. I had never encountered any of our kind that had settled in one place. I know dear your only encounter with the Volturi was an unpleasant one but it was not so for me. I found each of them fascinating in their own right. I wasn’t taken to the formal ‘throne’ room but to another side of the castle completely to open living quarters. Guards stood silently along the way making no threatening gestures toward me. It was like any human palace if not more luxuriously furnished. The banned Chinoiserie style displayed along the walls and nooks, clearly a sophisticated clan occupied this castle unafraid of any ban put in place by Rome.
Demetri introduced me first to the wives; Sulpicia and Athenodora both lovely fair haired petite women. They clung together, I guess from their similar features they must have been related in their previous human lives. Sulpicia was the more bold of the pair, having been raised in a time when woman were to look at not to speak, it was refreshing to be in her company. She just may be the first of the so called modern woman. Demetri had left our company but Jane had stayed, reminding I was a guest and not yet trusted.
The door at far end of the room opened up and I could hear Demetri speaking, “He is very well behaved even if I don’t understand his food preferences.” A low sharp voice, Caius in fact, growled “Aro, must you always bring in strays? When has any one civilized come from Britannia? Back me up on this Marcus.” Marcus who’s voice barely rose above a whisper “Caius, why must you fuss? You know how Aro is with his toys.”
Aro coming through the door first barely turned barely acknowledging the other two was saying “My toys make life more interesting gentlemen.” He glided over to his bride, Sulpicia “My dear, your shipment from the orient has arrived the guards have your purchases ready for your inspection.” He gently kisses her cheek touching her arm in a way that suggested more than a simple gesture of affection. “Yes,” he answered an unspoken question, “I knew you would be excited, you are excused.” During their conversation the other, Athenodora had moved to the side of Caius, melting the sharp features of his otherwise sour face. This was the first time I had witness the bond between mates and I was fascinated and hope began to sprout within me. Until that moment I had thought there was no other life afforded to myself but one of a lonely nomad wonder the world unable to sleep unable to die.
Aro was watching me with curious eyes, as he approached me, fearless, Demetri and Jane both flashed to my sides. Aro chuckled at the pair, “this is unnecessary. I can tell Carlisle here is a thoughtful, man.” He paused on the word ‘man.’ “We are being rude, Carlisle is our guest. Come.” He motioned me to the couches arranged to one side of the room. As we sat down, he reached out to take my hand only he took my whole arm instead; I was locked in his hold. In a very few short moments he had read every thought I had ever had, it was a bit disorientating. “Ah, you see gentlemen. I was correct. He is very enlightened.” He turned to me, “your quite the compassionate one, Carlisle,” saying my name once again proving he did in fact know all about me.
I enjoyed my time in Volterra. I learned so much from them but I could not bring myself to partake in the destruction of human life. Aro, you see is a historian of our kind. We spent many hours studying together. He is quite the teacher and his library has no rival in this whole world. If he has a flaw it is his need to collect things. Although he is thousands of years old he has not lost his eagerness to learn. It was not until many years in their company that I learned they considered themselves the judges of our kind. At the same time I learned how deadly my new companions could be when so inclined.
News travels slower in those days, young one but news did travel. A certain vampire in France, Louis Stanislas revealed his true nature to the royal court in a ploy to control France. In September of 1824 the Volturi made their move after months of careful planning. Their judgments were precise; all the humans involved in the secret were killed in what the humans believed was the result of a revolution. Louis was personal dragged back to Volterra to be judged in their throne room. Until that moment, I did not know we could die.
I looked at Renesmee and decided to not go into any great details and hoped she didn’t press me for any. I was saved as her mother appeared in the doorway. “Renesmee, sweetie, Carlisle needs to go to the hospital now. He has patients to see.” She gives me a nod making it abundantly clear she was rescuing me from her daughter. Nessie smiles up at me her eyes shining, “Thank you, Grandfather. You were most helpful.” Sounding just like her father she bounds off my lap and leaps into the arms of her mother. As they leave chatting happily, my thoughts return back to the day when I saw my first Vampire execution at the hands of the Volturi. If I was a human I’m sure I would have shuddered at the thought. However, I am not. I will always remember my time in Volterra as a time of youthful exploration. I will always count the three as among my friends, no matter how they may view me and my family.
To vote for this Contest Entry: (Contest Entry C)
She may look to the world to be a child of 8 or 9 years but in fact she’s less than 2. In all the ways that count this little being standing before me is my grandchild. Her birth a union between a Vampire father and a Human mother turns out to be not quite as unique as we first thought. Her mother, Bella Swan-Cullen, against all odds and with the help of my son, Edward, survived the birth of Renesmee her one and only child. Who is standing patiently in front of me now, her father had already prepared me for her line of questioning.
“Come here” I say as I motion for her to sit in my lap. She dances toward me pausing, bowing like a tiny ballerina and leaps into my lap. I set her sideways so that we may look face to face. She prefers this method. “Will you speak to me? Or will you show me? I ask as I playfully tug on her shirt.
“I will show you, grandfather.” She stated, her little voice going deep as she tried to imitate her father. I lean my head down toward her as she puts her little hand on the side of face. It’s a bit disorientating every time she uses her little gift. She shows me scenes from just months after her birth. It’s just as Edward warned me. She wants to know about the Volturi, the three who have appointed themselves guardians of our Vampire World. The vision changed to earlier today when her father had responded to her questioning with, “Carlisle lived with them for a time. They are old friends.”
She removes her hand confident she made her point clear. I know better than to dumb my narrative down for her. She’ll see right through it and will call me out on it. I pull her closer to me so that I can play with her curls as I try to decide where to start.
It was 1720; I had left my native land of Britain, studied medicine in France and had decided to travel. Although I was raised a protestant ministers son, I had a desire to see the world renowned Vatican. The Great Northern War was in its last year Sweden would soon fall to Peter the Great of Russia. It was a bad time economically for the humans with robbery and murders a real threat when traveling. There were no hospitals as we know them back then, a doctor of medicine would be employed by a nobleman or rich merchant.
As I made my way into Rome, I became aware I was being followed it was the first time I had been deliberately stalked by one of our kind. I carried on as if I were unaware of my companion as I toured the town. I would take peeks of him where I could from behind statuary as I rounded corners or from the windows of my room. While in a rented room I first noticed there were two of them. One was a very large individual, clearly a muscle man this one I was warily of encountering alone. The second however, had a sharp look an olive complexion with a chalky pallor, and dark hair pulled back as was the style.
She wiggled in my lap excitedly, “Oh, I know grandfather. The big one is Felix. Daddy says he’s all muscle and not so bright.” She said clearly imitating Edwards tone. “And, uhm the other one is Demetri, only his hair is short now! Daddy says he’s a blood hound. Does he track blood?” She looked at me so seriously it was difficult to not smile at her.
Matching my tone to her serious one I answer her, “No, dear. I actuality all of our kind would be blood hounds. Demetri tracks using one’s mind, similar to your Fathers ability, only once he gets the feel of a mind he can track it anywhere in the world.” He can be a very dangerous foe. “Shall I continue?” I asked her. She nods crossing her hands in her lap looking eagerly at me.
Of course you were correct, it was indeed Felix and Demetri one morning I left the room I was staying in and they were no longer following me. I was a bit disappointed. I was starving for intelligent conversation; I had not yet perfected the ability to remain in the company of humans for long periods of time. I left the city in search of larger prey the moment I was disposing of the carcass they chose to approach me. It was Demetri; he had arrived this time with a young female. Anticipating her reaction I answered, “Yes, it was Jane.” She motioned for me to carry on my story.
Demetri approached me as Jane stayed back a look of curiosity on her petite face as she watched me dispose of my meal. “Allow me to introduce us. My name is Demetri and my companion here is Jane, we represent nobility from Volterra and have been requested to escort you to our Masters primary residence.” No matter how polite this couple appeared it was no request. I curious of course followed them without another word. It’s not as if I were unaware of the danger the smaller one represented. My natural survival instincts were screaming at me that she was deadly. Such menace behind a pretty little face, I was curious and like a cat it was always my undoing. She appeared to be the youngest turned vampire I had ever seen. Demetri bantered lightly asking me how I was enjoying my visit to Rome, bragging of the artistic ability of the humans in this area compared to the dark scribbling of the English. He was making it clear he knew my background. It was only later that I realized he knew all there was to know about me before that meeting in the countryside.
It was a pleasant trip to the walled city of Volterra. I didn’t know what to expect. I believe at the time I was expecting the ‘nobility’ to be human sponsors unaware of my companions’ true nature. One step through the front gates I was amazed, Demetri sensing my shock turned to me, “It’s quite beautiful isn’t it. The Volturi have a great love for the Arts. They love to encourage the humans with talents.” He motioned in front of us at rows and rows of open store front each with a human working on their art forms. Potters, painters, sculptures, seamstress all were working their magic in a bohemian paradise. Only this was no paradise, as the burgundy eyes of my companions made it clear, they were potential meals. We walked past all the humans to the castle that was the main structure of this town.
It was clear this was a fortress. I had never encountered any of our kind that had settled in one place. I know dear your only encounter with the Volturi was an unpleasant one but it was not so for me. I found each of them fascinating in their own right. I wasn’t taken to the formal ‘throne’ room but to another side of the castle completely to open living quarters. Guards stood silently along the way making no threatening gestures toward me. It was like any human palace if not more luxuriously furnished. The banned Chinoiserie style displayed along the walls and nooks, clearly a sophisticated clan occupied this castle unafraid of any ban put in place by Rome.
Demetri introduced me first to the wives; Sulpicia and Athenodora both lovely fair haired petite women. They clung together, I guess from their similar features they must have been related in their previous human lives. Sulpicia was the more bold of the pair, having been raised in a time when woman were to look at not to speak, it was refreshing to be in her company. She just may be the first of the so called modern woman. Demetri had left our company but Jane had stayed, reminding I was a guest and not yet trusted.
The door at far end of the room opened up and I could hear Demetri speaking, “He is very well behaved even if I don’t understand his food preferences.” A low sharp voice, Caius in fact, growled “Aro, must you always bring in strays? When has any one civilized come from Britannia? Back me up on this Marcus.” Marcus who’s voice barely rose above a whisper “Caius, why must you fuss? You know how Aro is with his toys.”
Aro coming through the door first barely turned barely acknowledging the other two was saying “My toys make life more interesting gentlemen.” He glided over to his bride, Sulpicia “My dear, your shipment from the orient has arrived the guards have your purchases ready for your inspection.” He gently kisses her cheek touching her arm in a way that suggested more than a simple gesture of affection. “Yes,” he answered an unspoken question, “I knew you would be excited, you are excused.” During their conversation the other, Athenodora had moved to the side of Caius, melting the sharp features of his otherwise sour face. This was the first time I had witness the bond between mates and I was fascinated and hope began to sprout within me. Until that moment I had thought there was no other life afforded to myself but one of a lonely nomad wonder the world unable to sleep unable to die.
Aro was watching me with curious eyes, as he approached me, fearless, Demetri and Jane both flashed to my sides. Aro chuckled at the pair, “this is unnecessary. I can tell Carlisle here is a thoughtful, man.” He paused on the word ‘man.’ “We are being rude, Carlisle is our guest. Come.” He motioned me to the couches arranged to one side of the room. As we sat down, he reached out to take my hand only he took my whole arm instead; I was locked in his hold. In a very few short moments he had read every thought I had ever had, it was a bit disorientating. “Ah, you see gentlemen. I was correct. He is very enlightened.” He turned to me, “your quite the compassionate one, Carlisle,” saying my name once again proving he did in fact know all about me.
I enjoyed my time in Volterra. I learned so much from them but I could not bring myself to partake in the destruction of human life. Aro, you see is a historian of our kind. We spent many hours studying together. He is quite the teacher and his library has no rival in this whole world. If he has a flaw it is his need to collect things. Although he is thousands of years old he has not lost his eagerness to learn. It was not until many years in their company that I learned they considered themselves the judges of our kind. At the same time I learned how deadly my new companions could be when so inclined.
News travels slower in those days, young one but news did travel. A certain vampire in France, Louis Stanislas revealed his true nature to the royal court in a ploy to control France. In September of 1824 the Volturi made their move after months of careful planning. Their judgments were precise; all the humans involved in the secret were killed in what the humans believed was the result of a revolution. Louis was personal dragged back to Volterra to be judged in their throne room. Until that moment, I did not know we could die.
I looked at Renesmee and decided to not go into any great details and hoped she didn’t press me for any. I was saved as her mother appeared in the doorway. “Renesmee, sweetie, Carlisle needs to go to the hospital now. He has patients to see.” She gives me a nod making it abundantly clear she was rescuing me from her daughter. Nessie smiles up at me her eyes shining, “Thank you, Grandfather. You were most helpful.” Sounding just like her father she bounds off my lap and leaps into the arms of her mother. As they leave chatting happily, my thoughts return back to the day when I saw my first Vampire execution at the hands of the Volturi. If I was a human I’m sure I would have shuddered at the thought. However, I am not. I will always remember my time in Volterra as a time of youthful exploration. I will always count the three as among my friends, no matter how they may view me and my family.
To vote for this Contest Entry: (Contest Entry C)
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