Chapter 6: Discernment
July 1932
Carlisle
Steeling myself, I grasped Esme's hand and moved out into the night.
"From which direction are they coming, son?" I asked him, knowing he was attuned to their every movement.
"They are coming slowly from the Northwest," Edward replied. "We can meet them in the open meadow about half a mile from here."
"Show us the way" I replied calmly. Silently we ran through the wilderness, skimming over the perpetually frozen ground and layers of pine needles while small animals quivered to hear us pass. Reaching the meadow in just a few seconds I stayed in place, listening to the now clear sound of lithe feet hitting the ground. The weak moonlight shone through a cloud, leaving the landscape bright and crisp to our advanced eyesight.
Edward and Esme positioned themselves on either side of me. I released Esme's hand to stand just in front of them, ready to face any danger as the leader of my family. Five would be a difficult number to overcome, but I reassured myself that I had no reason to think they were violent. At least, I hoped that with all of my being. In my time with the Volturi, I had seen a number of our kind brought before the three, and killed just as quickly, for having unreasonable attitudes toward violence and conquest. The wars that had been happening in the south, bloody massacres of epic proportions, were a testament to that.
"Carlisle," Edward said softly, pulling me back to myself.
A gust of wind across the clearing brought with it our first knowledge of the strangers. Five distinct scents: lavender, bay leaf, and evergreen distinct from those that surrounded us in the wilderness. One of the members had a distinct spiciness that hinted at a male among the other female scents. We heard them slow their pace, five light foot falls slowing to an almost human pace.
Tension radiated off of Edward and I forced myself not to allow my body to react to his sense of fear and apprehension, but instead breathed deeply and stood up straight, holding Esme's hand in mine. Knowing they were within earshot of my spoken voice, I glanced over at Edward, thinking the question in my mind. Would their numbers pose a problem to us? Should we prepare for hostility?
He shook his head slightly, "They do not seem aggressive," he mumbled softly, his voice tight. "Only curious."
I relaxed slightly, trusting my son's assessment, though I noted his own posture did not shift. I turned back to face the direction of their approach.
A few seconds later, I made out their shapes through the forest. Three women with faintly Slavic features and variations on blonde hair grouped together, one placing herself slightly before the others. Slightly removed from the other two a clearly mated pair with strongly Mediterranean looks walked close together, the man positioning himself just in front of the woman. Their clothes were well kept, not showing any sign of the wear that I had come to expect in meeting nomads in my travels. It was not their looks that captured my attention, however. Every one of them had bright amber eyes.
As they stopped at the other side of the clearing, they took the opportunity to examine us, curiosity and surprise evident on all their faces as they took in our stances, looks and noted our eyes. Still, they kept their distance, and I could feel a touch of protective wariness that came with meeting any of our kind. As the silence lengthened, I felt it was time to assert ourselves.
"Hello," I said, breaking the silence. Five pairs of eyes snapped to mine. "Please allow me to introduce our family. I am Carlisle, my wife Esme, and our son Edward."
"I am Tanya," said the female leader who stood slightly in front of the others with the slightest Eastern European accent. "My sisters, Irina and Katrina," she gestured to the two women standing behind her, her eyes never leaving my face. The smallest one, Katrina, frowned slightly at her introduction, I noted.
"And these are our adopted family, Eleazar and Carmen," Tanya continued. The woman with dark features, Carmen, bowed her head slightly at the introduction, but the male was not even looking at me. His eyes were fixed on Edward.
Suddenly, I heard a sharp intake of breath from Edward. Confused, I turned to look at him, noting that the three women had taken a step back and were looking now to the man, who had not changed his stance.
"Do not alarm yourselves, sisters," Eleazar said soothingly, his voice lilting with a subtle Spanish accent. "Edward and I were just coming to an understanding."
I turned to Edward, puzzled by this comment. Could Eleazar be a mind reader as well?
"No, Carlisle," Edward replied, a hint of satisfaction creeping into his voice that astonished me. "There is no problem. Eleazar has the unique ability to understand the special…traits…that others of our kind possess."
"And Edward is a mind reader," Eleazar continued, explaining to his companions. "He understood as soon as I started evaluating him, so I spoke to him directly."
I looked back at Eleazar, fascinated by his ability and astonished by his composure. Despite sensing my son's ability, he was not reacting defensively, but rather more interested in us.
Tanya, on the other hand, did not look convinced. "A mind reader?" she asked Eleazar, looking at Edward with suspicion.
"Yes, and quite a powerful one, from what I can tell," Eleazar responded. "It seems he does not need touch to understand thoughts. Is that correct?" He asked Edward directly.
After a glance at me, Edward turned back to Eleazar and nodded slightly.
"Fascinating," Eleazar said quietly.
"So you can hear every thought we are thinking right now?" Katrina asked, her face filled with wonderment and interest. She took a slight step forward but Tanya's hand shot out to stop her progress.
"Katrina!" Tanya said sharply, caution and fear intermingled in her voice. Both she and the other female, Irina, looked even more wary with the revelation of Edward's ability.
Katrina expression turned to one of frustration and glared back at Tanya. "Kate!" she retorted.
Tanya's expression softened slightly, her mouth quirking at the edges. "Kate then," she replied, her stance relaxing. "We do not want to ply Edward with questions." Her voice cautioned Katrina or Kate, to not give too much away, as well as to instruct politeness. It seemed a well-worn relationship.
"Why don't we start again," I suggested, finally stepping back into conversation from where I had been silenced by fascination.
"My apologies for being so forward in my comments," Eleazar bowed his head slightly to me and to Edward.
"No apology necessary" Edward responded, a smile playing around his lips. Very little surprised him, and I could tell that Eleazar's abilities were of great interest to him.
"Wonderful," I said calmly, satisfied to have a congenial atmosphere again and anxious to learn more about them. "Edward's abilities serve as an ideal starting point, as that is how we first noted others of our kind in the area. I believe he was out earlier XXXXXX (a few days, hours) ago, and saw one of you hunting. He was most surprised to see that you take the lives of animals as prey. Is this always the case?"
"Yes," Tanya responded, more at ease now that we were in more solid, known territory. "My sisters and I have not fed on the blood of humans for over three hundred years." She paused, a smile at an internal joke playing on her face as well as those of her sisters. "Carmen and Eleazar were later additions to our family, but have also adopted this life style. We have never met any others like us, however, though I will admit we have sought to keep it that way."
"I had not heard of any others with the same lifestyle, so it seems your concealment has been well kept." I smiled in amazement. "I must admit myself to be shocked and exceedingly skeptical when Edward told me of his suspicions."
"We have done our utmost to remain out of the eyes of those who might seek us." The third sister, the one who had not yet spoken, said quietly. I heard the subtle reproach in her words.
"We do apologize for interrupting your solitude," I hastened to reply. "We would never dream of encroaching upon your territory or of telling others of our kind of your family, if you would prefer." I could certainly understand their willingness to stay out of the spotlight. Many feared the intervention of the Volturi, and, as I had experienced during my time with the brothers, they certainly viewed my style of living, one shared by the sisters, as necessary for study and observation. Over time, Aro's scrutiny, and attempts to persuade me away from my abstinence from human blood, became wearing. It was only through friendship and his appreciation of my moral fortitude that I was allowed to leave their company without incident.
"Irina, please," Tanya's tone gently rebuked her sister before she turned back to me. "We are, of course, happy to make your acquaintance and learn more about your family. We cannot be too careful when it comes to others of our kind, but would love to learn more about how you came to this decision." Tension gone from her body, she assessed us thoughtfully before continuing. "Please give my family and me a moment."
They quickly gathered together in a circle, conferring quietly. I glanced at Edward, who was carefully following their conversation but nodded slightly at me to show there was no danger. I then turned to Esme who stepped forward to take my hand, excitement and fascination on her face. The prospect of others like our family intrigued and excited her. I gently touched her face. She had been with only Edward and me for so long. Too long. She needed others to share her zest for life and compassion of others in our lifestyle.
Edward cleared his throat slightly to snap me out of my reverie.
Tanya turned to us, smiling. "My family and I would love to welcome you to our home. We maintain a permanent residence a short run from here, and would be happy to provide you with its limited comforts, and provide a space for us to speak further. Never have we met others who live the same lifestyle, and it is not an acquaintance we are readily able to give up."
I looked at my son who nodded his assent, as well as my wife's shining smile. "We are happy to accept. Please, lead the way."
The sun was just beginning to make its rise through the solid glass windows that overlooked the mountains and wilderness below the sister's high perch. Their beautiful and expansive home had provided a perfect location for us to delve into conversation, and what a fascinating one it had been.
In one corner, Edward and Eleazar stood, deep in discussion about their experiences and relative abilities. Edward was fascinated by the older vampire's memories, especially those of the many different abilities he had seen during his time as part of the Volturi guard. He maintained deep respect for the need for a ruling class, but knew he would never have been allowed to stay with Carmen while in his line of work.
Esme had attached immediately to Carmen and Irina after learning that the house had been designed by Irina. The structure of the house was very much influenced by the sisters' Eastern European heritage, bringing to mind a Russian hunting lodge or a grander version of a traditional Romanian cottage from the Carpathian Mountains. Irina in turn was eager to learn more about Esme's formal architectural training. The art on the walls, however, reflected a completely divergent, though complementary tone, with bold Spanish themes and rich, vibrant colors that had come from Carmen's own hand. They were strolling through the expansive house while Esme delighted in learning about the history behind the carved moldings on the walls, and rich textural details of the canvases. Every so often, Carmen's throaty laugh emerged from the corner as Esme and Irina got into passionate debates on the traits of different favorite architects and designers.
I had been similarly wrapped up in conversation with Tanya and Kate, trading stories about our respective history and travels. We learned that their road had not been an easy one. They had been forthright about their painful experience of losing their beloved mother after she violated the law of our kind in pursuit of her desperate desire for a child. Her creation of an immortal child had been unknown to the sisters, and thus her punishment all the more unexpected and painful when the Volturi revealed the betrayal. Esme sobbed in sympathy to hear of the child being burned in her mother's arms while Tanya, Irina, and Kate looked on, shocked and helpless. Even after such a traumatic event, however, they stayed together, eventually coming to this lifestyle after years of a more traditional diet of our kind.
Their decision to constrain themselves by only tasting animal blood was an absorbing rationale. After centuries of feeding only on humans, to allow more carnal appetites preempt their need for blood was one that truly intrigued me, though discussion of their decision made Edward exceedingly uncomfortable. Similarly, my early revelation of the ability we had to abstain from human blood, especially during the early years when my thirst was so strong, and my continued abstinence in the face of constant temptation in the medical practice setting was intriguing to them.
Eleazar had similarly told his story of departure with Carmen, a would-be victim of the Volturi who was saved through his intervention. Their need for a life apart coincided with meeting the sisters, and learning to adopt a vastly different, but more peaceful life.
Now, as dawn wove tendrils of pink and purple through the clouds, and the barren white landscape began to incrementally move to lighter shades of grey through the massive wall of windows at the front of their home, we were starting to become comfortable with each other. Though clear that Tanya was the leader of the family, each member of their family had an equal share, a truly harmonious relationship that seamlessly extended to envelop Esme, Edward, and me.
Edward's carefree laugh rang out, responding to a sly comment from Eleazar. My eyes found Esme's, the shock I felt mirrored on her face. I remembered back to the last time he has sounded that carefree, playing a Christmas song for Esme and me so many years ago. Before he left. Before he returned to us. Perhaps this is what we had been missing. In trying so hard to help him alleviate his guilt and again take joy in life, maybe he really just needed companionship beyond what Esme and I could provide.
"I'm sure you are exaggerating," Edward chuckled, eyebrows raised in skepticism. He glanced back at me, acknowledging my thoughts but his look gave them no credence.
"Try her if you don't believe me," Eleazar responded heartily, smirking at the younger man. "I have never had the desire to ask her myself, though her sisters assure me it is quite potent."
"You wouldn't happen to be talking about me, would you?" Said Kate saucily, standing and gliding over to Edward and Eleazar. "You know it is impolite to speak of a lady without including her in the conversation."
"Edward was just expressing disbelief about the power of your gift," Eleazar said, sharing a conspiratorial look with his sister.
"I have no doubt about its existence" Edward responded, bowing slightly at Kate. "It simply seems as though Eleazar must have exaggerated its potency."
"Well, it's true that Eleazar has never asked me to show him personally," Kate said seriously, her eyes betraying a glint of excitement. "So, it certainly may not impact everyone quite the same." She broke into a smile as she extended her hands to Edward.
"Katrina," Tanya growled softly, warning laced in her voice.
"He asked," Kate replied simply.
"Yes, however this may not be the best way to secure a friendship," Irina completed, smiling quickly at Esme before looking pointedly back at her sister.
"I'm not sure I understand," Esme spoke up, confused by the interchange.
"Eleazar tells me that Kate's power is an active one," Edward said, curiosity evident in his voice. He had never met another of our kind that had an active ability, and I could tell from his stance and the excitement in his eyes that discovering a family with two intrigued him greatly. "He tells me that Kate's is an offensive ability, conducted by her skin."
"Edward," Esme said beseechingly. She so hated to see Edward come to any harm.
"Mother, please don't alarm yourself," Edward said softly. "I am simply curious and take full responsibility for any outcome, though since she hasn't had any practice in quite a while, I wonder if it still works."
"Well, alright then!" Kate replied buoyantly, extending her hands.
"Outside!" Irina said sharply, glancing with concern at her handcrafted furniture.
Kate smiled devilishly before moving toward the door with Edward close beyond.
Esme still seemed concerned, turning to me beseechingly.
"Come, my dear," I took her hand as she moved to me. "It is Edward's choice." I too was curious about this new power, and torn between my interest in seeing its effects and protecting my son. However, I reasoned, if anyone could know the potential dangers he faced prior to any action, it was Edward.
We moved as a group into dawn's light and spread out naturally, with Carmen close Eleazar, Irina and Tanya standing just behind Kate, and Esme and I near Edward.
"Now don't hold back," Edward said, extending his hands to Kate.
"Oh, I won't," she muttered, slowly bringing her hands to meet his.
Almost the instant their skin touched, Edward's knees buckled and he fainted, body sagging to the ground. Alarmed I rushed to my son, catching him before he hit the ground. As I caught him, however, he was already reviving.
"That was truly fascinating!" Edward said, blinking a few times. I checked his breathing, pupil dilation, going through the procedural checklist in my mind. Esme clutched my shoulder in fear.
"No, I'm truly fine father," Edward said, lifting himself up. "I asked her and she complied, but I have never felt such a strong shock. It seemed as though electricity was coursing through me!"
Kate smiled. "Do not worry yourself," she said, looking earnestly at Esme. "I would never harm someone who did not directly threaten me or my family."
"And since you are unique to others we have met in sharing our lifestyle, you are nearly family already" Tanya approached, smiling at us as she took her sister's hand. "We have so much to learn from each other. My sisters and, as well as our dearest friends, Eleazar and Carmen, invite you to stay with us."
"Yes, please," Carmen said smoothly, the hint of a Spanish accent coloring her words. "We have loved spending time with you and invite you to be part of our family."
"For as long as you like," Irina finished.
I looked to my family to gauge their opinions. My wife, excited by the prospect of the female companionship she had so long been denied. My son, finally among new thoughts, ideas, and experiences. Both looked eager to learn more. And I could hardly discount my own excitement about the prospect of learning about others of our kind who shared our beliefs, after so many years of loneliness. I could not deny I was thrilled to spend more time with these strangers who, with each passing moment, were feeling more like family, I turned to the five.
"Thank you for all your kind hospitality and for welcoming us to your land and your home. We accept happily, and will stay as long as we can."
Author's Note: My apologies for the long delay between chapters. As I warned, my engagement in writing waxes and wanes. I hope you enjoyed my perspective on the meeting. I always try to stay true to the characters, but all the original ideas for characters do not belong to me. I also want to thank EliseShaw again for inspiring my own story, which I have tried to make my own building on her foundation.
Stay tuned for Rosalie, coming up soon! I am also considering a companion piece examining Rosalie's transformation, so keep a look out! I'd love reviews as well. I would write either way, but it's always nice to know someone is out there reading!