The moon was high in the sky as we sped through the Italian countryside. We were several miles outside of Volterra and at the rate at which we were travelling; several hundred miles away would take only a few hours. I was fearful at first that I may not remember how to properly ride, but I found that within 20 minutes I was completely comfortable and feeling more fearless than ever. I couldn't help it and I began to laugh and cry out with joy. It had been far too long since I had last been outside and it felt divine. Speeding around winding roads at close to 120 mph was exhilarating and I longed for the day when we could go on longer trips away from Volterra. In fact, I would do anything to do a cross-Europe motorcycle trip someday! I was still chuckling to myself and it must have been contagious because soon enough Demetri joined in on the merriment.
About an hour and half after our journey began Demetri began to slow down and when we neared a wooded area we dismounted. I followed his lead as he stashed his bike, "They'll be safe here, and there are no people within miles. Now let us continue for we are not going that much farther."
I looked at him cautiously, since I have never been so far from Volterra, and definitely not this free, however, I was mostly worried about coming across the scent of humans and losing control.
"Are you sure about this? I don't want to hurt anyone…" I shifted nervously and watched for his response.
"I would never deceive you, but if it would help, focus on my scent alone and follow me."
I looked into his eyes and took a deep breath. He was not being deceptive, and I tracked Demetri for 2 more miles before we stopped at the edge of a clearing. It was an exhilarating feeling, stalking my target as it raced away from me. I soon was consumed by the hunt and when my mark stopped unexpectedly I began to circle around, my mind reeling as I thought of the best way to approach the situation. I had found what I wanted, but now that it was found, what was I to do? I continued to circle, inhaling the sweet scent of my quarry. It had a pleasant musky odor with overtones of the earthy grass scent of coriander. I paused for a moment, making eye contact with my target. I tilted my head, curious as to why I chose to follow this man.
The man was sitting cross-legged, leaning against a tree. When his carmine eyes met my gaze he arose from his position, arms spread in a non-threatening gesture.
"Isabella,"
That name struck a chord somehow and I continued to observe this man who was slowly approaching me. He must have been about 6 feet tall, with an olive complexion, and raven black hair that fell to his shoulders. As he neared I began to back away cautiously, unsure of what to think of this situation. I was certain that I could run and escape, surely I was fast enough, but something was drawing me to him, keeping me from fleeing.
"Bella, focus on my thoughts and this will all make sense…" His deep melodic voice pleaded with me, and I instantly felt bad for making this man upset.
I tried to do what he asked of me and hundreds of sounds and images flooded my mind, causing me to fall to my knees.
"Oh, Demetri! I am so sorry; I don't know what came over me… I was so focused on you and all of a sudden everything else blanked out… and…"
Demetri was in front of me now and lifted me to my feet, "Be at peace Bella, you were experiencing what I felt when I was a newborn and I understand. It took me quite some time before I was able to focus on multiple things."
The one-mindedness dissipated until once again my mind was wheeling with all the current observations, thoughts, and smells my brain was now processing. My hands clenched and unclenched at my sides, my mind racing and images flooding my brain. I felt like I had permanent attention deficit disorder because it was nearly impossible to focus on any singular thing, well, except if I smelled blood. In that case, that was the only thing that I would focus on until I was either physically assaulted or I satiated my thirst. My mind continued to zoom around in hyperdrive until Demetri disrupted me.
"Bella," I looked up at his face, "Focus on me and have a seat." I let out a sigh and we sat down slowly, my eyes still watching his features closely.
"Will this ever end? I either cannot focus on anything or get completely obsessive…"
"Not really, as a human your mind works on one level, but our kind can handle multiple layers of thoughts all at once and it will take some time to focus. As you well know, however, is that the scent of blood that sets us off and we do become singularly minded in that sense, but aside from that you will have to adapt."
Demetri sat up and leaned towards me, "Though, given the earlier demonstration perhaps using my ability will help you focus more easily. It will take practice of course, however, due to its obsessive nature let me get you something to satiate your thirst. I would not want you to become fixated on feeding because then you would be unstoppable."
I shuddered at the thought and stood up, "Good idea, so I'll just wait here?"
Demetri took my hands in his and squeezed them affectionately, "Yes, I'll be back within 20 minutes."
I watched him take off into the darkness and sat down once again, reflecting back on how I came to know Demetri and on our growing friendship.
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
The very first night when I met Demetri he appeared gruff and aloof, yet now I was beginning to see why he had to put on such an act. I still clearly recall his statement that sent fear into me, fear that I would become nothing more than a murderer:
"We're now several miles outside of Volterra. I want you to take a deep breath and tell me what you smell."
I had fallen to my knees and sobbed. I still am unsure as to how long he let me stay there on the ground as I begged him to not make me prey upon humans. All I remember after that is that this stranger darted away, returning several minutes later with an animal carcass in hand.
"You must never speak of this. I only hope that you will not betray me, but at least Aro cannot see your thoughts." He ripped the flesh from the animal's neck, exposing the muscle and arteries underneath.
The smell of the fresh kill was too much of a temptation and I drained the animal quickly. I remained on the ground, my teeth and face buried in the neck of an innocent creature until I felt two hands lightly gripping my shoulders.
"Isabella, we need to get back or they will search for us. It is most important that this remains a secret and so let go and wait here for me."
I relaxed my jaw slowly and realized how deep my teeth were buried as Demetri gently removed the animal from my grip. Once I let go he was gone and I waited patiently, wondering how to react to this situation. I was not alone for too long, as my guide returned quickly and we hurried back down through the tunnels. We travelled in complete silence and so when he stopped abruptly, I nearly knocked him over.
"This is your room. There are plenty of towels and robes for you to clean up and get changed. Once your preferences are known regular clothes will be provided. Someone will get you when you are needed, good day."
He bowed slightly and was gone.
I believe it was a week before I saw Demetri again, and Aro was giving me his complete attention so there was no way I could talk to anyone in private. Once again, I was lead through the tunnels and when we were above ground I given an animal to feed upon. It was easier to let go of the creature this time, and I attempted to be composed, asking questions of my silent keeper.
"Where have you been?" A week without sleeping, alone in a new world was long indeed, and since Demetri was the only one I remotely trusted, his absence was agonizing.
"Keeping appearances." He answered shortly, "Wait here."
I watched as he dashed away, limp corpse in hand and wondered what he did with the bodies. This new existence was very overwhelming, dark, and yet I could not suppress a giggle that was caused from the mental image of my serious, silent guide hiding the body of my recent meal.
"I'm glad I amuse you," I jumped at Demetri's sudden reappearance, and saw that his lips were set in a line, his face as serious as ever, and I was overcome with embarrassment.
I looked down at the ground, not wanting to meet his eyes and waited for his rebuke that never came.
"Isabella, let us walk a bit and talk. I am certain that Aro's conversations with you are less than satisfactory."
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
We started conversing that night, which became a weekly event. After a month or so, however, he came to visit twice a week, then thrice, until he stopped by nearly every day. Time does not have much meaning to the immortal, and so we would easily talk through the night, or he would read something, play the piano or violin. One particular night Demetri played a song that stuck my heart and made my body ache.
"What song is this?"
"Claire de Lune,"
My chest tightened and I wrapped my arms tightly around my body, "This sounds so familiar, I wonder if my mother used to play this… Yes, I think she used to play piano… my poor mother…"
I know that I did not necessarily need to breathe, but I felt like I was suffocating. Demetri appeared at my side and took my hand in his, squeezing it reassuringly. I relaxed my arms and he took both my hands in his, staring into my eyes.
"You do not remember much of your old life," He said sadly.
I stared down at the ground, shaking my head because it was such a true statement. I was in my mid-twenties and must have had some sort of life, but everything was so fuzzy that I could not discern between truth and fiction. How could I know what was true when nobody around me could back up the facts?!
"I have the means to acquire some of your past possessions; however, in the meantime I will tell you some of my past."
Demetri released my hands and pulled a chair over, sitting down with a sigh and a slight smile upon his lips, "I must confess that I am no youngster and have seen my fair share of the world's history."
"I was born in Austria in approximately 1651 and my parents were farmers. Fortunately, I had a wealthy uncle who took a liking to me and I was sent to school. When I was a teenager I become involved in a religious order called the Brotherhood of the Trinity. I was a monk of sorts and used the knowledge of farming to our advantage so that we were self sufficient. When the plague reached Vienna around 1678, we established hospitals to help treat all the sick patients. I helped as best as I could, but since I was not educated in medicine there was little I could do. I assisted others in trying to clean the streets of the deceased, and it was then that I was assaulted by one of our kind. I do not recall clearly the attack or my escape, all I remember was the pain; and of course the awakening…"
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
My thoughts were interrupted as a heard a sound in the distance. I stood up quickly and took cover in the tree's thick branches. I climbed up silently, reveling in how my new body did this so naturally. Once I was satisfied in my hiding place I looked in the direction of the sound as to find the source. I glanced over at the dark figure coming my way and immediately the figure looked up, looked right into my eyes and smiled. I relaxed, realizing that there was no danger, and that it was Demetri returning with our meal. He was not, however, carrying an animal corpse, but a canvas bag. I slowly weaved myself down the length of the tree and he met me at the base with the same smile.
"I told you I would not be long, now let us drink quickly because I have much to say and not nearly enough time."