Bella POV
Twilight, I mused, gazing over the vast evergreen expanse below my hillside perch. It struck me as odd that I should arrive at my new 'home' just as nature brings the day to an end. Of course, any human looking at the cloud cover above would be unable to discern the pinkish hue giving way to darkness. Perhaps I am becoming a philosopher of sorts in my old age, I thought with a small smile. Fifty-one makes me practically a newborn in the eyes of many of my fellows, but to your average human I had achieved 'antique' status.
I closed my eyes and drew in a deep breath, seeking the sometimes elusive scent of my prey…to no avail.
It is late in the season – end of August – and I am hopeful that I can make use of the many summer cabins scattered throughout the peninsula for shelter. Next to hunting finding a 'home' – however temporary – was at the top of my list. And with any luck I should be able to find a vacated cabin. Glancing at the light mist creeping toward me from the east and the already saturated earth below my feet, I decided that locating shelter would have to occur soon after hunting. The likelihood of muddy hunting conditions in this place would definitely necessitate a working shower. A good second goal, I thought, now if only…
The wind abruptly shifted and brought with it the delicious aroma I was seeking. My eyes flitted to the south. A faint trail of smoke was rising to meet the scarce pink glow now just visible behind the clouds. A faint smile touched my lips. Perhaps twilight is appropriate for my arrival on some level, I considered before bounding down the hill in the direction of the smoke.
*****
Edward POV
"Carlisle, are you quite certain that we should return to Forks?" I asked. Then I politely, but unnecessarily, awaiting his voiced reply already knowing his reply.
"All will be well, Edward. The Quileutes will continue to honor the treaty and, besides, Alice has foreseen no problems awaiting us," Carlisle paused, before adding, "It would be such a shame to leave the house we just had built empty."
"Awe, don't worry about Eddie, Dad," Emmett interjected from the next room, "it's probably just new-school jitters." Emmett's guffaw at his own joke soon followed.
Carlisle continued to watch me.
"Playing devil's advocate, I suppose," I stated in response to his silent question. I truly did not have a valid reason to question the move.
After a few more moments of staring and running through his laundry-list of reasons why I might be resisting in his head, a mischievous smile touched his lips.
"I'm certain that you are more than welcome to stay here, of course. I'll just contact Tanya…" he began, but my answering wince was enough to stop his teasing.
"I think I will retire for the evening," Carlisle said softly, "Be at ease, my son. Just think, soon we will once again have mountain lion on the menu." With that brief, somewhat comforting reminder he made his way to his and Esme's room.
With Carlisle's departure I drifted over to the window to gaze at the darkening sky. It was August, so the sun was setting at about 10:30 pm. At least twilight occurs at a reasonable hour year round in Forks, I thought blankly. A sudden blur crossed my line of vision, only to come to a halt directly in front of the window. Tanya paused to lift her hand in farewell before continuing her run. Her parting thought lingered. I'll miss you, Edward.
With a sigh, I turned away from the retreating figure. On second thought, we have been in Alaska for a while now, I mused.