Authors Note: Thanks for all your reviews, they made me smile
Disclaimer: I don't own twilight
CHAPTER 6: The Coven
Whatever I had expected, I definitely wasn't what I saw. I was sure a shocked expression was spread over my face as I stood in the doorway staring into an elegant ballroom the size of a football field.
The flooring was brown timber with numerous Persian rugs plastered along the flooring. There were countless crimson lounges and wooden chairs scattered randomly as though they were arranged into sitting groups. There were no windows, only torches nailed around the walls and an elegant and extremely large chandelier hung in the center of the massive room sending shimmering shadows across the dark ground. Despite the lack of windows, there were still long velvet curtains hanging limply from the walls. They were not bright crimson like the ones in the bedroom and corridors above, but were a deep blood red.
There was a slightly raised jet black platform situated in the left hand corner of the exceptionally large ballroom, facing the rest of the room on a diagonal with a carpeted isle snaking its way from where we stood to the dark platform. I realized we would be making some kind of authority walk. But none of these other things was what left me completely and utterly breathless and standing rooted to the spot like an idiot. It was the vampires. Ariella had said about 200 hundred vampires would have stampeded me before, but in the room, well it looked like it was more close to 300.
They all stood in various shapes and sizes but all with leveling degrees of beauty. Though the room was large enough it fit about 500, they all stood clustered together flanking the isle. Groups of them seemed to hold the same features but as a whole, the groups looked nothing alike. They seemed to be all different races and from different cultures. Except for their eyes, this was either light topaz or jet black. I was suddenly thankful I was no longer human. I would have been dead in a heart beat.
A deep male voice rang throughout the open space, sounding like a radio presenter. 'Coven Queen Ariella-Odette, accompanied by Isabella Marie Swan, newly turned vampire.'
Perhaps she knew that I would have difficulty walking for she turned and grasped my hand in her delicate cool grip. She pulled me forward gently so that I was walking in step with her. She held her chin high and smiled politely at the vampires as we passed. I noticed that as we walked past, the vampires on either side of the blood red carpet sank into a small bow before returning to their original stance and turning to watch us make our way towards the platform.
I was surprised that I walked with extreme grace and confidence despite my complete lack of it and I sensed, rather than heard the vampires gasp as I passed. I didn't know whether it was because of my beauty or grace or whether it was because I was walking while hold handing hands with the most powerful and respected woman of all time but I knew they were clearly admiring gasps.
Everyone in the room was wearing formal clothing, I noticed. I felt a sudden wave of gratitude for Ariella finding me a dress. I hadn't bothered with doing my hair or make-up as I thought I didn't need it. Apparently Ariella and he coven thought so too. Despite myself, I began feeling the corners of my mouth twitch and before I knew it, I was grinning widely. If only Rosalie could see me now! She'd die from jealousy! I thought. I think Ariella heard me think that, for she turned to face me and smiled her heartbreaking smile. I heard even more gasps when she did this. She was clearly admired and treated like royalty even though she was so young, well, in a way.
I had expected more breath-takingly beautiful vampires like Ariella, but no-one in this room even came close to matching her kind of beauty. They were all extremely beautiful no doubt, enough to make anyone's heart beat erratically, but they had nothing on this Goddess.
After what felt like years we began coming within our final steps to the small stage. I noticed that there were six vampires standing in front of the stage facing us with silver robes on, four unbelievably hot males and two stunning females. They smiled friendly towards Ariella, not the extreme reverence smile, but the sort of smile you would exchange with close friends. She smiled back, barely keeping an echoey giggle from escaping her mouth. All at once, the six vampires in robes sunk into a one-kneed bow with their heads bowed low. They remained in their bow until we had stepped onto the stage and turned to face everyone in the room.
All the vampires crowded around the platform looking up at us as though expecting some kind of speech. There was no microphone though. I realized with a sudden wave of stupidity that we were all vampires and we didn't need one. It looked like Ariella was about to laugh again. I sure knew I was.
'Welcome all of you to our home. I hope none of you had any difficulty finding it.' She paused and smiled as soft chuckle ran through the audience. It seemed like a sort of inside joke. I made a mental note to ask her about it after all this was done. I hope it didn't go for too long, I was getting quite irritated at the appreciating looks I was getting mainly from all the males and the loathing glares I was receiving from the female population.
'For almost a millennium, our coven has stayed hidden in the confines of the forests of Forks. When our number had grown to quite a size I made the decision that we would cease to accept any more into our trusted coven. However, in the last 100 years we have basked in the glory and confines of our own spaces and because of the large number, we thought it best to divide into separate covens over America and the world so as not to draw attention to ourselves.' She paused and looked around warmly at the audience as they nodded with enthusiasm, clearly rapt in her speech.
'You made the decision to still follow my rule even though we each lived separately from each other. The main population remained at the mansion, 100 of us, where as the other 200 divided across the world. When accepting my leadership you also agreed to follow the formalities and social code associated with living within your own covens from our coven. The formalities persevere as such: you will continue to feed only off of the animal population, keeping humanity intact and free of harm; you may socialize with humans but not conducting yourselves into close relationships that put you in a wearisome situation; any new acceptances into your own covens may be done yourselves as long as that the person in question is already vampire, any intention of turning a human is strictly forbidden, any attempt of such will reach me and there will be consequences, keep in mind that this is a world for human nature and we will not do well to suddenly drown them in vampires.' Again, some soft laughing was heard in the audience. A smile even played across Ariella's face as she said this last bit before turning serious.
'And lastly, you will keep your true identity from anyone, human or other vampires' she said this with as much force as her gently soprano voice would allow'If there is reason for anyone to start suspecting you of such charges, you must relocate your coven and destroy evidence from where you lived. Killing those suspecting you instead of relocating is strictly not an option.' Her face suddenly turned grim as did some of the audience. Others muttered darkly to their neighbors and a couple even fidgeted shamefully. I wondered what the consequences were for such actions.
'But after those 100 years of secrets and secluded ness, those of us at the mansion have remained cut off from the outside world and I have come to the decision to permit a new member to our coven. Her name is Isabella Marie Swan, aged 18. If anyone is to object, let them speak now.' She threw the room a murderous glare, the temperature, though it didn't bother me now, seemed to drop a few degrease. It looked like no matter if they objected something bad; they wouldn't dare stand up to this mighty mistress.
'The coven has spoken will no objections. I now ask miss Isabella to recite the oath.' She beckoned to me with one of her delicate shimmering hands. I stepped forward portraying much more grace and confidence than I really had. She stepped backwards slightly as though urging me to step forward and take the spotlight.
I stood there silently for a minute dumbfounded. Had Ariella forgotten to mention the oath to me? What the hell was I supposed to say? Was this a joke to make me look like an idiot? Then Ariella's sweet voice filled me head.
Please just repeat aloud what I say. "I Isabella Marie Swan…"
'I, Isabella Marie Swan…' I spoke aloud, stunning some at the sound of my voice. I hadn't really noticed how smooth and velvety it sounded.
"…Solemnly swear to remain a faithful member to this coven, living under the rule of Ariella-Odette…"
'Solemnly swear to remain a faithful member to this coven, living under the rule of Ariella-Odette…'
"…I know my place and where I stand as an individual and will abide by the formalities and social code put into place for our protection as well as those around us…"
'…I know my place and where I stand as an individual and will abide by the formalities and social code put into place for our protection as well as those around us…' my voice slightly trembled and I thought I saw a smirk or two flit around the vampires.
"…from now and until the day I demise, I keep my word."
'…from now and until the day I demise, I keep my word.' I finished on a high but firm note, a blazing look of determination in my dark eyes.
All at once, three hundred quiet and extremely attractive voices filled the room. Murmuring as one; 'welcome Isabella Marie Swan to the coven.' And at that they burst into applause.
I turned a little weak kneed to face Ariella; she was positively beaming at me. I couldn't help myself, I beamed back at her. She walked forward and took my hand again and we stood side by side and hand in hand. She waited for the continuous clapping to subside before continuing, her soft angelic voice filling everyone in the vicinity with warmth.
'Thank you all for attending the welcoming of Isabella Marie Swan, although she prefers to be known as "Bella";' It seemed as though the ceremony thing was over and she had dropped her professional manner and was speaking freely. However, her audience of engrossed listeners remains completely still and silent and hung on her every word. 'Feel free to remain as long as you want, this is still your home and I think we have enough rooms to spare.' More laughter.
'So for those we wish to remain, welcome back, and to those who insist on leaving to get back to their own lives, well it was very nice to see you all again… Oh yes, and for anyone that is interested, there will be a party tonight, for all times sake.' She smiled and stepped down from the platform as whistles and cheering filled the ballroom. Apparently they were all very please about the party. I wondered what would happen there, I doubted there would be bowls of chips and lollies and a punch bowl. I laughed quietly at the thought of someone sneaking alcohol in and spiking the punch.
I imitated her and stepped down as well. I expected to do another walk of fame but this time we lingered by the stage as all the others traipsed out of the large double doors to the right of the room I had failed to notice before. Ariella turned to face me. 'So miss Bella, happy to be part of the very large family now?' I laughed again. I was in such a happy mood, all the staring and appreciating I was getting reminded me of my first day at Forks High School, where I met Edward.' I sighed but smiled as I responded as best I could. 'Couldn't be happier.' She seemed to understand and gently squeezed my hand. She steered me to face the only other people in the room besides us who failed to move.
It was the six vampires that had stood around the stage like body guards, only they weren't wearing the silver robes they were wearing during my welcoming, they were removing them to reveal their no doubt designer label clothing.
'Bella, do you remember while I was talking, I mentioned about covens within the coven?' Ariella asked me.
'Yes.' I said, nodding my head trying to prove my worth and loyalty for her.
'Well, seeing as there are one hundred of us living permanently at the mansion, well you can hardly expect all of us to hang around together. It's very much like a high school. We all know each other and we act civil to each other but some members are closer to some than they are to others and we all have our own friendship groups that we socialize with mainly. I mean seriously, if we all wanted to go to the games room, it would cause a massive blockage if we all hung together, you'd get one hundred cramped and mad vampires clogging up the hallway. But anyway, would you like to be in our little social group?' She finished her explanation with a question.
'Oh my gosh, yes of course I would love to!' I beamed at her. Wow, she wanted me to hang around her. The Coven Queen. I couldn't believe it.
'Okay, well here, let me introduce you to my best friends. In the coven, they are sort of the second rulers. I handpicked them because they have been some of my most loyal and trusting followers. Through time I found that I had grown extremely warm towards them and them to me. It was only a matter of time before we all became best friends and formed our own social group.'
'Ok now these two gorgeous beauties are Merrindene and Rachel.' She pointed first to a tall girl with white blonde spiky hair cropped short like Alice's and then to another girl who was of average height and with deep burgundy hair that reached just below her shoulders and beautifully defined cheekbones.
'Hey Bella!' They cried in unison, and both bounded forwards to kiss me on each cheek. They seemed like extremely happy people who were always full of energy. Merrindene looked around 19, Rachel looked a bit younger, probably my age, I thought.
'Hey Merrindene, hi Rachel.' I said quietly smiling despite the feeling I got as though I were intruding.
The boys were more reserved about their greetings, although I did notice the lust stir in the eyes of two or three of them. They smiled shyly at me before introducing themselves.
Their names were Elijah, Adrian, Willis and Harrison. Elijah and Harrison were muscley. Elijah was taller with cherry red hair cut short and spiked up and Harrison had black hair that fell gracefully around his face and into his eyes. It made him look cool calm and collected.
Adrian was honey blonde, with curly beach hair and was really lean. Willis was the shortest. He had jet black hair that reached down to his shoulders. The shadows under his eyes were more prominent than the rest and his eyes were completely jet black. He looked kind of intimidating.
Ariella continued talking. 'As my best friends and considering their position within the coven, I allow them to use their powers within in the mansion. Merrindene can cause instant paralysis to anything, Rachel can instantly disappear and reappear halfway around the world if she wanted to, Harrison can control the weather, Willis can cause fear and intimidate anyone or thing, Adrian can create exact replicates of anything and Elijah can sense when another of our kind is near. Now that your part of the coven and in our group, I can put you into the category of being trustworthy.' I suddenly felt a wave of cool air rush over me. I looked at them with a staggered expression on my face.
'Ok, now your power will work inside the mansion.' She looked at me thoughtfully.
Wow, it was that easy. I turned around looking for a sign that told me what my power was. Of course, I didn't find one. I saw a female vampire with black hair in the corner of the room staring insolently at me. I starred back at her. Suddenly a harsh bark-like voice filled my head.
Gosh, look at her! Thinks she's so tough. I cant believe Ariella asked her to be in their group. I should be there instead of her. I have always followed Ariella's rule. Bella…pft… who does she think she is. I bet its just cause of her looks…
I turned excitedly to the others. 'Wow! I can read thoughts! Just like…' I trailed off, my sudden high disappearing almost as quickly as it had come.
Harrison asked me about the life I lived in Forks. That's when I remembered Charlie.
Ariella spoke 'I'm sorry Bella, but it looks like we're going to have to stage your death. I was thinking to make a fake drowning incident at your home. Adrian, I'll get you to make an exact replica of Bella's body.'
I instantly felt sick. 'Charlie's away on a fishing trip, he'll be back tomorrow morning.' He wouldn't have even known that I was to never see him again.
'Hmm… that complicates things a bit. Adrian you'll have to make it now and than I'll get Rachel to take it to your house tonight. Rachel.' Rachel nodded and Ariella continued.
'Take the replica to the bathroom and fill the bath tub. Place the body in the water and leave a fake suicide note.' Rachel nodded again.
This conversation was starting to make me feel depressed
We remained in the ballroom for a while just talking, mainly about me. Ariella was a godsend, whenever some embarrassing questions came up, which mainly revolved around the Cullens', I often got tongue-tied and nervous and her, sensing my awkwardness, quickly came to my rescue, changing the subject or question.
After the conversation got stuck on Edward for the fourth time, Ariella announced that if we wanted to go to the party, we should get ready. Whether or not we were vampires, beauty still took its time, Rachel kept insisting. Elijah laughed and scooped her up in his arms. He quickly kissed her before setting her back down again. Merrindene and Elijah were together, as were Rachel and Adrian, although they had a kind of lust only relationship. Apparently it was considered normal for Adrian to be flirting around like a pimp.
After we climbed 6 staircases I was surprised to remember that this was the floor on which I had woken up from. I said goodbye and went to turn down the corridor before Merrindene caught me by the arm.
'Where are you going? That was just a one time thing, your rooms up on the top floor with us now.' She smiled and instantly lifted out of my depression, I smiled back.
The eight of us linked arms and speed up the last few staircases with such a speed that left me feeling exhilarated and alive.
It looked as though we had a whole floor to ourselves. It was like a flat with 8 different bedrooms. There were three living rooms, two kitchens (although I couldn't image why we would need such things) and about 5 bathrooms. I smiled to myself as I saw these. Whether I still needed to shower or not, that would be one habit I refused to kick.
Harrison turned on the monstrous stereo system to some blazing heavy metal band. The music actually got me excited. For two hours, the eight of us screamed, laughed and joked around dressing and re-dressing trying to find something to wear for the party. I felt so happy with these people. It felt just like I had moved into college and these were my roommates. I felt like a normal teenager.
Finally we started the quick decent to the ballroom, hearing loud thumping music blaring. We smiled to each other before racing down the stairs. I was actually surprised that I won. Ariella sure looked happy and impressed. We broke into hysterics as we pushed open the doors and for the first time in days, I pushed Edward out of my head.
Authors note: Thanks for being so patient with the story. Finally all the explaining is done and now I can get on with the plot. I promise all you Edward-starved fans that there will be some action in the next chapter. Please read and review!
