Winter's Solstice

Not knowing the day, I thought of my children. The objects in my room changed. A door appeared. Then a light came from beneath. It urged me to follow.

Chapter 1 New Home

I opened the door to the long hallway of the ancient styled building. Inside was remarkably decorated from this era, unlike the style of the structure that held it. A receptionist greeted me. She beckoned me to have a seat. I did not need her to call back to the others to come forward to greet me. I called to Aro.

Renesmee, what do I owe this honor to? Aro answered my call.

I hesitated, thinking of one last chance to turn and run. I stayed. I am here for you. I wish to help you more here. I pushed those words to mind, knowing I would rather not.

Without hesitation he responded, I am so pleased you chose to leave your family to join mine.

Cut the crap. You know I am here for one reason. To help you succeed in your sad attempt to focus your ability further. I just let him have it. I could not hold back while he was so coy. He knew why I was here.

A moment's pause, then I heard him announce "We have company dear ones. Renesmee has chosen to join us."

You know it is not permanent! I rebutted.

Of course. Felix will be with you momentarily to bring you back. Until then. He was gone.

Shortly after, a talk bulky man that almost gave Jacob competition for size came through the door. "Hello Renesmee. They are waiting for you." He held out his arm to take hold of mine. I allowed this opportunity to show Jacob shredding him if he dare harm me or make any unwanted advances. He laughed aloud.

In the room, I found the two other men seated anxious to meet me since Aro was absent to witness my children's birth. They wanted to see what Aro found so fascinating. They wanted to see the face of the missing link to their advancement. Jane eyed me specifically.

"Hello Renesmee, I hear you have helped Aro advance his gift some. Perhaps you can share your talent with me." She mused.

"I'm only here for Aro. What he chooses to share with you after is his choice. I will not be the one to help the rest of you." I said strongly.

Jane lifted her face to a mocking smile. "Bold, coming from a girl in a room filled with devils."

"Jane." Aro turned.

Jane shied away, "Sorry master."

Aro turned to me and raised his arms to the rest announcing, "Since we have a special guess, we will have to prepare her a room. With a bed, as she needs sleep." He amended the last part.

Caius stood and walked to me. In a lower voice, still loud enough to be heard by any vampire. "Shall you be joining us for dinner, or are you not a lover of pure blood?"

Locking eyes with him to deter him from his obvious attempt to stir me, I answered coolly. "I do prefer pure blood, but of animal is more filling. You should try it sometime."

"Ha, anyone who has tasted the warmth from human blood can see animal blood is bland, the least to say." Caius answered.

"Well then, it seems we should show you to your room I see has been set and allow you to go hunt so you will not be offended. Demetri, will you be a dear." Aro concluded the introductions as a young looking woman came back into the room.

With a nod, Demetri showed me out of the room and down the hall before their dinner could arrive. He provided me with a short tour before he excused himself to join the feast. He left me with the directions to leave the structure so I could find my own food. Then he was gone, just as the screams began to echo through stone walls.

…

Before I laid my head to rest, I wanted to call home, knowing the panic that must be running through all of their minds. I would call Jacob separately. Cullen's…

Bella chimed in first, the over protective mother. Renesmee how could you do this? Are you out of your mind?!

We know you wanted to protect your children and all of us, but this is not the way. You did not have to leave. Edward said.

I know you are all worried about me, I am fine though. I wanted to let you know that I will return in a matter of months. I just ask that Alice look to see when the first snow falls home, and tell me. That is when I will be back. I tried to get them to understand it was important to pull the heat off the children and this was the only way.

Carlisle responded for everyone. I know you think this is the best way to do that. Time has little meaning to them. Before you know it, you will have been gone for much longer than what you intend. They will try to get you to turn to their ways. If this is your choice, I request constant communication. None of us wants to lose you.

I understand. That is why Alice, I directed my thought, I am counting on you to keep time on my mind.

I will do my best. Alice answered.

A feeling of sadness washed over me. That is all I ask. And please help Jacob understand.

I ended the connection. I hesitated to connect to Jacob. Feeling the need to explain; and then the urge to hear his voice I already missed came, so I called for him.

Jacob, I love you and the children more than everything. Before you get upset, I want you to know I am doing this to protect them. If I don't, there would be a significant chance someone will get hurt or… die. Tears weld up in my eyes as I thought of the other possibilities.

Jacob, out of character, supported. I understand. I just wish you did not have to go. I'm going to miss the touch of your warm skin against mine. Please communicate with me every day, multiple times.

I will. I did not close the channel. We went to sleep in each other's thoughts. I saw the children through his eyes. Home sickness overwhelmed me.