As always, the characters and their world belong to Stephenie Meyer. Any mistakes I have made interpreting them are, of course, my own.
Tribal Council
As we approached the campsite I could hear two heartbeats and the sound of Jacob angrily cursing Leah while Seth tried to placate him. I laughed as I realised that our clothes were still neatly folded under the tree on the other side of the campsite.
"Wait here Leah", I called out, "I will go get our clothes."
There was a snarl from Leah and curses from the two boys as they realised that we were returning nude.
"Maybe we should have a swim first", I suggested. "Wash off all this blood and dirt."
Another snarl from Leah and more curses from Jacob, although now directed towards women in general rather than Leah in particular. Good, that would hopefully redirect his anger from Leah to me. I made a point of running straight through the campsite to the river, whereas Leah took a more circuitous route. After checking that our clothes were still there I dived into the river and rinsed myself as best I could. Returning to our clothes I found Leah waiting for me looking grumpy and holding out my clothes.
"Do you have a towel ?" I asked
"Do I look like I have a towel ?" she snapped
"Ok Ok I replied, keep your shirt on", I grinned pulling my clothes on over my wet body. "Let's go meet the boys."
"Hey Jacob", I called out as we entered the campsite, "who is this fine young man you have with you ?"
"This is Seth" grunted Jacob iritably
"Hi Seth, How are you doing," holding out my hand in greeting with a big grin.
Seth grinned right back and shook my hand. "Pleased to meet you Shona, Last night was amazing and I'm sorry about all this nonsense."
"No worries Seth, it's a pleasure to meet you too and I hope we get to spend some time together."
Jacob practically exploded with "What the hell did you two think you were doing ?"
"It was a nice day so I took Leah sunbathing."
"Sunbathing ! You were supposed to stay where we could keep an eye on you."
"You did have eyes on me and I am hardly a clear and present danger sunbathing."
"I did not know where you were and right now that is a serious issue."
"Well next time why don't you come sunbathing with us ?"
Jacob bit back a retort as he realised that both Seth and Leah were sniggering away in the background.
"In future I promise to be be more considerate," I consoled Jacob. "Let's put this misunderstanding behind us and sit round the fire."
Jacob sighed then laughed, "A sunbathing vampire, un f****g believable. OK, Seth get the water, Leah get the coffee and find some mugs. Let's get this fire going."
"Right" said Jacob once we were all sat round the blazing fire. "The council has backed Sam's order to keep a 24 hour watch on Shona for the duration of her stay with the Cullens. I told them that I don't consider you a threat but Sam is concerned that you could walk right into our settlement without us knowing because of your ability to disguise yourself. I'm sorry Shona, looks like you are stuck with us."
"That's OK." I reassured him, "Sam is right to be vigilant and I will cooperate. I'm just sorry that you three have this assignment."
"How long do you plan on staying ?"
"I have no plan," I admitted. "I guess I was just going to stay until I was ready to return to Dartmouth. I've asked Carlisle if he can help heal the scar on my back and I would like to stay around long enough to find out if he has any suggestions."
Jacob winced, "Yeah that scar is kind of gruesome. Well we will see how this goes. My plan at the moment is for Leah to stay with you during the day, I'll take over at night, Seth will get up early and stay with you until he has to go to work. Leah you need to make sure you are back here in time for Seth to get to work on time."
"That's tough", I commented. "How about the Cullen's minding me some of the time ?"
"I need to speak to Carlisle about that as the council would need some sort of guarantee."
"Anyway, suppose I left and came back unannounced ?"
Jacob looked at me levelly. "If Sam thought that was a risk he would demand that you were killed immediately."
There were shocked gasps from Leah and Seth.
"Well I am not going to do anything to harm the Quiliotes", I reassured him. "The sooner the council accepts that the better for all of us."
Jacob nodded and looked at Seth and Leah, "you two need to take time to talk to the others about the time you spend with Shona. As she says, sunbathing is hardly dangerous behaviour."
"We should also talk to them about her eagle," reminded Leah
"Oh yes," I added, "I gather I owe you my thanks Jacob, for restraining me last night"
We chatted then about the events of the previous night and I answered their questions about my disguises. Jacob and Seth both repeated the pinch test that Leah had done to the skin of my arm and that sparked off even more discussion until Seth yawned and headed off for an early night. Jacob, Leah and I made our way up to the Cullen's house, where lights were coming on and we could hear a piano playing. Renesme bounced out of the twilight and ran round us in excited circles asking questions at a million miles per hour without waiting for answers and then jumped on Jacob sending him flying.
Leah rolled her eyes at me and I grinned back.
"Let's leave them to it," I suggested "and talk with Carlisle ourselves."
Carlisle met us on the lawn, "What's the decision of the Tribal council ?"
"Shona is to be monitored at all times during her stay with you. Jacob has assigned Seth and I to track her movements and to make sure she does not go on tribal land." she replied.
"Shona is our guest and entitled to our hospitality and that does not include a 24 hour watch."
"That's OK" I interrupted, "I understand and agree to the council's request."
"It was not a request." stated Leah, but when I turned to look at her she hesitated and added, "we have been ordered to monitor her and we are grateful that she has agreed to cooperate with us."
"We went hunting and sunbathing this morning, so I'm sure it won't be an imposition." I said with a grin to Carlisle, who looked shocked.
"Sunbathing !"
"We took care not be seen and even if anyone had a telephoto lens all they would have got was a couple of naked women rock climbing."
"Rock climbing - naked !" Carlisle looked truly shocked. The piano music stopped and we were suddenly surrounded by Cullens. A mixture of incredulity, awe, concern and amusement in their expressions. Leah was holding her head in her hands and was probably blushing furiously given the amount of body heat she was giving off.
"This isn't the middle of the Australian desert" spluttered Carlisle
"She ran through the campsite without any clothes on and Jacob and Seth had to turn their heads to not see her naked." pronounced Renesme giggling from the top of Jacob's head as they joined the group.
"Wolves don't wear clothes when they go hunting", I tried to explain
"You're not a wolf", replied Renesme still giggling
"I did not want to dirty the clothes that your aunty Alice gave me", I replied to her in a mock serious tone, which made her giggle even more.
"I get my clothes dirty all the time", she observed
"Alright Renesme, that's enough" stated Bella firmly. "Come with me and let this lot sort themselves out."
"I want to stay with Jacob," pouted Renesme.
"Go with your mum, please," asked Jacob, "this is important and I wont be long."
"Daddy", she appealed.
"Go with your mother", insisted Edward.
Reluctantly she let Bella take her off Jacob but cheered up when Rosalie went with them and tried to tickle her.
"Where were we" muttered Carlisle.
"Naked rock climbing" butted in Emmett with a huge grin.
"Emmett", shouted Rosalie, "I can hear you. Get in here you big oaf." Rolling his eyes he jumped up to the veranda and disappeared inside.
"The council wants to monitor my movements and I have agreed to assist to minimise the inconvenience." I added quickly before there were any more naked comments.
"I am not happy about this." Carlisle stated to Jacob.
"Neither am I" he replied defensively, "but the council has backed Sam. However, I might be able to talk them into allowing you to monitor her, at least part of the time, but they would want your personal assurance."
"Heavens above", exclaimed Carlisle, "She's our guest. She can come and go as she pleases."
"She is welcome to stay with us," offered Jasper. "As long as she keeps her clothes on." added Alice with a grin.
"She is welcome to stay with us as well," Edward added, "she can help with child minding, looking at me meaningfully."
"She can go naked rock climbing with us anytime," added Emmett from inside the house followed by a loud crack, as presumably Rose had thumped him.
"I will stay with her." offered Esme, smiling at me.
"I have a suggestion." I offered and all eyes turned to me. "I'll spend the day with Leah and the night with Cullens, as we will probably go out hunting and then I'll stay with whoever Carlisle designates until Leah arrives the next morning. That way Seth's work does not suffer and Jacob can fill in for Leah any day she can not shadow me."
Carlisle nodded, "Thank you Shona, that sounds reasonable."
"Works for me," added Jacob, "I'll suggest that to the council, with your guarantee ?"
Carlisle hissed angrily.
"I'll take that as a yes then," said Jacob backing away and going in search of Renesme.
"Is that OK with you ?" I asked Leah.
"I don't have a choice do I." she snapped.
"You always have choice."
"You know what my choice would be, see you in the morning", she replied over her shoulder as she headed off into the forest, presumably headed home.
"Now then Shona, I think we should carry on this conversation in my study," ordered Carlisle.
"Sunbathing" coughed Jasper
"Naked" coughed Alice
"rock climbing" called out Emmett
"She likes you really", whispered Edward clapping me on my shoulder, "she enjoyed being with you today and is already making plans for tomorrow. You two could be good for each other."
"I wish we could do more for her" added Esme as we jumped up into the house and I followed Carlisle to his study, "we owe her so much."
"Sit, please" instructed Carlisle pointing to the chair across from his desk, but he went to stand at the window.
"Life without a family was much quieter," he sighed after a while.
"But without the love your family has for you and you for them." I rejoined.
"So what do you want Shona, are you a loner or family person."
"I've been alone a long time Carlisle, but Leah and I were talking this morning about how we both wanted families before we got sucked into the world of vampires."
He sat down at his desk and pulled pen and pad towards himself on reflex. "I can understand why you would go rock climbing and sunbathing without clothes, you are probably used to doing so from your time in Australia."
I nodded.
"Leah though, she may be impetuous at times but rock climbing and sun bathing without clothes on ? That is so out of character."
"I'm sorry I got her into trouble", I responded thinking that here I was apologising again.
"Did you force her ?" he asked looking me directly in the eye.
"No, of course not." I objected.
"She could have tracked you from below the mountain, so she followed you of her own volition and from what Edward said she enjoyed being with you."
I shrugged, not knowing what else to say.
Carlisle looked down at his paper, "let's start from when you left here this morning. What were you thinking ?"
I recalled the day, easy because it was fresh in my mind, hard because of the questions he asked about how I felt when there had not been time for me to reflect on the day. The moon was shining brightly through his office window before he finished his interrogation.
"So am I grounded", I asked, worrying that I had overstepped their imposed boundaries.
"No, although I would appreciate keeping your clothes on while you are with us." he grinned.
Esme was waiting for us in the lounge, watching a black and white movie on their TV screen.
"The others have already set out but I said I would wait for you two."
"I am sorry to keep you waiting", I apologised, again.
"It was no bother at all," Esme assured me smiling.
"Actually, I have a favour to ask you", I began then hesitated.
"Go on," she encouraged.
"If Leah is going to have to babysit me everyday, could she stay in my room when the weather's bad and perhaps it would reassure everyone if I stayed home more."
"Of course she can," gushed Esme, "I will organise another chair, hmm maybe a small couch would be better, but I must warn you that Leah does not like coming into this house, or eating any of our food. Even in a blizzard she stayed out at their camp site."
Carlisle patted me on the shoulder, "you are not grounded, go wherever you like, do whatever you want, well within reason, but you and Leah are both welcome to use this house whenever you want. Use this lounge, the TV, the kitchen, the games room. Do not feel that you have to be cooped up in your room, but also if you want some quiet time shut the door to your room and tune us out."
We caught up with the others deep into the mountains. They had already finished their hunt and Renesme was playing tag, so we pressed on. Carlisle let Esme and I hunt first before he sated his thirst. They hunted quietly, purposively, dispassionately, a chore that needed to be completed as quickly as possible, whereas Jasper and Alice hunted as a tag team, forming intricate maneuvers around each other and sharing their kills. By the time we returned home the others were watching a game on the TV, so we joined them. The chatter flowed back and forth with many questions thrown at me between the plays. It was light hearted fun and I enjoyed the banter between Jacob and Rosalie. Edward and Bella had stayed over at the cottage and would look after Renesme when she woke, allowing Jacob to sleep in after staying up late to keep an eye on me. After the sport they put on a monster movie and tried to persuade me to change into the monster shapes. When I declined Emmett stepped up to the role and Rosalie acted out the damsel in distress. It was fun and strange and confusing and overwhelming after so many years on my own.
Seth appeared before first light, yawning loudly but perked up when Esme offered to make him breakfast. Jacob roused himself from the couch and headed off to the campsite to get as much sleep as he could before Renesme found him. The Cullens were different around Seth, they treated him as a younger brother with little of the banter they had with Jacob. They plied him with questions about his work at one of the local workshops while he scoffed bacon and egg on waffles with a generous helping of maple syrup and after breakfast Rosalie took him down to their garage to show him what she and Emmett were working on. I tagged along so that Seth could say he had kept an eye on me and although I did not understand much of what they were looking at I was struck with the respect that they showed him.
"Hey Shona, how are you doing this morning ?" he asked when the auto discussion was finished.
"I'm good thanks, how about a walk to work off your breakfast ?" I replied.
"Sure, where to ?"
"Along the river, we can check on Jacob on the way."
As we walked we talked about the tribal council and whether they would agree to the Cullen's supervising my night time activities. Seth, hoped they would although he assured me that he did not mind getting up early as Esme made the best breakfast ever, even better than his mum's. When we got to the camp we could clearly hear Jacob's snores coming from the tent and left him in peace while we carried on to the oak overhanging the river.
"Do you still go hunting as a wolf ?" I asked.
"I never really got into that", he replied "and I have stopped phasing now. Mum and Leah and Jacob are adamant that I should try to live as normal a life as possible. Don't get me wrong I enjoy being a wolf but sharing my sister's thoughts is gross."
I nodded in understanding.
"Jacob is the one who lived off the land when he fell out with Bella and ran off to Canada. I prefer my meat cooked." he continued.
"I have a suggestion," I said hesitantly, "if I bring a deer carcase back here would you be interested in learning how to butcher it and barbecue the meat on your campfire?"
"I guess, it's a skill that could come in handy."
"I have an ulterior motive", I confessed. "I had a disagreement with Leah yesterday about farm animals and woodland animals so I thought that if I showed her how a deer can be butchered and end up as steaks and burgers that would show that my sort of hunting is no worse than eating a steak from a supermarket."
"Hmmm, I'm not sure about that. Leah can be pretty difficult to persuade but hey, I'll help out any way I can."
"Thanks Seth, well we had better head back to the house. I don't want you to be late for work."
Leah was waiting for us back at the house holding a backpack. "Hey Seth, mum says you forgot your lunch. I've left it on your bike."
"Thanks Leah, see you tomorrow Shona, have fun today you two. Mrs C, thank you for your most excellent breakfast."
"My pleasure," beamed Esme, "I'll make you the same again tomorrow."
"You spoil him," complained Leah as we watched Seth walk over to his motorbike, store his lunch and roar off in a cloud of dust.
"He's a fine young man who needs feeding up," beamed Esme, "and so polite. He's a credit to your parents, as are you."
"Thank you," replied Leah, "you have always been good to Seth. I just worry that he gets too relaxed around vampires."
"I understand dear," sympathised Esme, "But we do not see him so much now that he is working so please let me spoil him while I can."
"I could not keep him from your breakfasts if I tried," sighed Leah. "So Shona, you ready for another day exploring ?"
"I am, what's the plan ?" I replied.
"We are going to head the up the Crooked Gorge. It's rugged ground up there with warning signs about sinkholes so hikers stay clear. You will need to take a towel and a swimsuit as today you have to keep your clothes on."
"There are towels in your room," advised Esme, "ask Alice for a swimsuit. I am sure that she has plenty somewhere but check that it is practical."
"I'll be right back," I said to Leah, then added, "actually can you help me make sure the swim suit is appropriate, Alice can go a bit over the top."
"You want me to help you choose a swimsuit ?" she asked in disbelief.
"Please, it's a long time since I wore a swimsuit."
She rolled her eyes and sighed, "OK, lead on."
I led Leah through the lounge, up the stairs and along the corridor to what had been Edwards room. "This is the room I am staying in"
"Nice view," commented Leah, "but as you don't sleep why do you need a room ?"
"It's somewhere to relax in private, I use it for meditation. I'll grab a towel from the washroom through here."
"Knock, knock," said Alice appearing at the door with an armload of bikinis that she laid out on the couch.
"Thanks Alice, but those look like beachwear rather than swimsuits."
"How about these," asked Rosalie entering my room and laying out some proper swimming suits.
"They are more like it", agreed Leah.
Alice taped her foot in frustration.
"Which one will be the best size," I asked
"This one" said Rosalie, "No this one" said Alice.
Leah sighed, "try them both on and please be quick before Rosalie complains about the dog smell in her house."
Rosalie laughed, "Leah I would never make that remark about you. You are welcome in this house anytime. It's just Jacob that stinks."
Leah frowned in disbelief then turned away as I stripped off my clothes to try on the swimsuits. "You could have got changed in the washroom."
"We are all girls here," reassured Alice, flipping the door shut with her foot.
"I prefer the one with straps," I commented, it covers up my scar better.
"Looks good", agreed Alice and Rosalie as I put on my day clothes over the swim suit.
"Enjoy your day out," smiled Rosalie opening the door for us.
"Thanks," I called as we headed back downstairs, "see you later."
"That was weird," commented Leah once we were clear of the house, "Rosalie has never been that friendly to me before."
"They like you, they just did not know how to be friends with you before."
"Humf", snorted Leah suspiciously, "you OK to carry the backpack while I phase ?"
"Sure", I said then turned my head as she stripped off in front of me. "You could have used the washroom to change in."
"Ah yes", she admitted and phased.
We sped south under an overcast sky, slowing to cross the main east / west hiking trail where there were no hikers. After an hour of running we turned inland up a wide river valley, crossing two more hiking trails then angling steeply uphill past large signs warning of hidden crevices and loose rock. Leah stopped to drink from a stream and then jumped in and rolled over to cool down. Steam rose from her flanks as she emerged and she shook herself vigorously. She led the climb up the gorge, one nimble leap at a time, as the sides of the gorge rose round us. Verdant moss and lichen covered the rocks and pines grew at crazy angles from the narrow ledges. Arriving at a flat sweep in the rocks that must have one time been the bed of the river she phased back and held out her hand for the backpack. After putting on her swimsuit she dug out some sandwiches from the backpack and sat with her back to the rock wall of the gorge, patting a space next to her for me to sit as well.
"What do you know of how we wolves link minds ?" she asked
"Each member of the pack can see what the other members of the pack can see." I recalled.
"It's more than that it's like we share one mind, so the rest of my pack can see what I can see, hear what I can hear, feel what I can feel, including emotions and memories. That means that we can coordinate easily as a pack but means that we live each other's lives. So Jacob and Seth can see you nude through my eyes if they are wolves at the same time as me, even if it just me remembering how you looked nude. I'm not bothered about whether you wear clothes or not but you might not want Jacob and Seth to see you nude."
"Thats awkward", I replied
"It was awful when I was in Sam's pack but at least now my pack is only Jacob and Seth. Jacob and I try to not to phase at the same time and Seth tries not to phase at all."
"Well that's Ok then", I ventured, "I'll remember that for next time."
Leah chewed on her sandwiches for while and I let her eat in peace.
"I got really hungry yesterday," she commented after finishing her sandwich. "That's why I was so crabby and left early."
"I'm sorry", I replied, "I should have thought on."
"Hey you offered to barbecue me steaks ! My fault for not taking you up on your offer. We could maybe do that tonight ?" she asked looking at me questioningly.
"Sure, I would be happy to. We can catch a deer on the way home."
"I'll need to let my mum know that I won't be home for tea and it might be better if I stayed over at the campsite tonight."
"Why is that ?"
"I still sleep at our old family house at La Push as there is no room for me at Charlie's house and it's going to be a pain going backwards and forwards everyday so I might as well stay over."
"You are welcome to sleepover in my room." I offered.
"In a house full of vampires ?" she chuckled dismissively. "Come on let's go and have some fun."
She walked through a cleft in the rocks and entered a cavern with a deep pool of water fed by rapids flowing down from higher up the mountain. "In spring there is too much water but right now is perfect." she explained diving into the water and swimming out to the middle of the pool.
I dived in after her and found her looking up where the ceiling of the cave was split by a narrow gap.
"If you are feeling brave we can climb up there and jump down into the pool."
I checked the depth of the pool and nodded excitedly. We swam back to the entrance and cambered up the rocks to the top of the cave. I climbed behind her ready to catch her if she slipped and then lay down beside her to look down through the gap.
"Looks a long way down." I commented in concern.
"The boys jump way further from the sea cliffs." she laughed standing up and stepping into the gap.
I watched her fall all the way to the water far below and counted the seconds until she resurfaced spluttering. Moving further along the gap to keep clear of her I also stepped into the gap and felt the rush of falling as I spun into a dive worrying that I was going to land on top of her. I saw her watching me with a wide grin as I inelegantly splashed into the water but once underwater I swam up under her and lifted her clean out of the water. It was my turn to grin as she splashed back into the water limbs flailing.
We spent the next few hours splashing around in the water, exploring the cave, climbing part the way up the rapids and jumping from the top of the cave. One time we jumped together and held our gaze all the way down to the water. As the midday sun broke through the clouds and warmed the rocks Leah slumped down exhausted by her pack pack. She smiled up at me as she reached for another sandwich,.
"Happy ?" she asked
"Very happy," I concurred smiling back.
"Ready for some magic ?" I asked
"Depends what sort of magic," she answered warily.
I rolled my eyes, "I was going to change into my dog shape to amuse you, she is much more tactile."
"Oh yes please," she replied turning her head away while I removed my swimsuit and changed into my four legged friend.
Once the change was complete I trotted over to the pool and jumped in, soaking my fur.
Seeing that Leah was still sat down watching me I bounded over and jumped on her.
"Ewww you are all wet," she laughed, pushing me away. So I shook the water from my fur all over her as she scrambled to her feet and tried to escape.
She backed away laughing as I padded over to her and rubbed my head against her legs.
"Aww, you are so furry," she said bending down to take a closer look, at which point I raised my head and licked her face.
"Ewww, that's gross," she sputtered pushing me away again laughing and wiping her face.
"What other tricks have you got ?"
I went through a repertoire of tricks, she seemed to enjoy tickling me and laughed hysterically at the face I pulled when she threw a stick for me. We went swimming in the pool but I declined another jump from the top of the cave. No self respecting dog would be that stupid. After a while she sat back down against the rocks which had dried out and patted for me to sit beside her, instead I lay down and rested my head in her lap and sighed in contentment when she rubbed behind my ears.
"That was magical," she said as the shadows lengthened, "but we need to be heading home." I rose stiffly on my paws and poked my nose into the back back. She understood my meaning and got out my clothes, turning so that I could change. Then I turned so that she could phase and picking up the backpack I set off after her. I hunted on the way back, finding an elderly male deer to kill. After draining its blood I picked up the carcase in my arms and carried on running back to the campsite through the forest, making sure that the trails where we crossed were clear of humans.
Back at the campsite I relit the fire while Leah changed. "Still want to do this I asked ?" when she came to stand beside me.
"Where do we start ?" she responded.
"I'll build the fire up," I suggested, "while you go phone your mum and please ask Esme for a carving knife and some salt, and any barbecue vegetables she has like bell peppers."
She nodded and walked off towards the Cullen's house while I sized the deer up to the fire pit and began piling up stones to make the sides of barbecue. Then I went looking for dry timber and smashed it up into charcoal size pieces to build up the fire. Once the wood was blazing I went in search of suitable materials to cover the fire to keep the heat in. I was breaking up more timber when I heard voices. Leah was returning with Jacob and Seth.
"Hey bushwacker," called out Jacob, "We bring supplies". Not only did they carry what I had asked for they also had plates, cutlery, sauces, sausages, potatoes.
"I was not expecting you until tomorrow morning." I said to Seth
"Good news", he replied. "Sam has agreed to your suggestion so no more need for an early night. I explained to mum about the barbecue and came on over.
"You didn't tell me you discussed this with Seth," said Leah accusingly.
"I was worried that you would be upset and asked Seth his opinion, " I explained consolingly.
"She was just being thoughtful." reassured Seth and Leah patted me on my shoulder. "I'll let you off this time."
"OK butcher, show us how it's done," commanded Jacob.
"Yes sir, Alpha sir", I replied to chuckles from Seth and Leah, "follow me."
I took the carcase down to the river and showed them how to cut up the deer, letting the river carry away the guts. We agreed to discard the head and tail, Jacob hurled them far onto the opposite bank of the river and I used the skin to carry the meat back to the campfire where I strung some of the meat onto sticks suspended across the fire and parcled the rest in skin and set them in the glowing ashes to slow cook. Once everything was set out to my satisfaction I covered the barbecue and went to wash myself clean in the river.
When I returned they were sat round the fire drinking beer from bottles and chatting about their day. I sat next to Leah and joined in the conversation. After half an hour I started checking the barbecue. The softer meat was ready so I started handing out portions and that was my task for next hour as we drank and chatted. Some of the meat was underdone, some burnt on the edges, some over done, some tough as old boots and we laughed at Jacobs face as he tried to eat it. "Oh just spit it out," I ordered Jacob.
Leah had been quiet during the meal but she tried a bit of everything and commented on the different flavours.
"You need a proper gas powered barbecue," observed Seth.
"I have used them before," I confessed. "and they are less work but this is more authentic."
"A better lid would help," suggested Jacob and I nodded in agreement.
"Well thank you Shona", said Jacob appreciatively and the others murmured agreement. "We had all better get back to the Cullen's house so that they can take over monitoring you."
We packed up the supplies and made sure the fire was safe before setting off. Leah and I walked behind the boys and she slipped her free arm through mine. "This has been a good day," she mused, "a good day," I agreed smiling.
Carlisle and Esme were waiting for us on the lawn, the boys had already gone in and we could hear raucous laughter from inside where Jacob and Rosalie were joking each other.
"I hear you've had a good day." commented Carlisle
"Indeed" I replied, "no drama today,"
"Just exploring, swimming and good camp cooking." added Leah.
"We do have a gas barbecue in the garage if you would like to take it to the camp site," suggested Esme.
"That's very kind of you," replied Leah. "If I am going to be staying at the camp then that would be useful.
"You are welcome to have anything you need from our house to make your camp more comfortable and you are welcome to stay in the house if the weather is inclement", added Esme.
"Thank you," replied Leah again.
"Let's go in," suggested Carlisle, "I'm sure everyone wants to hear what you two have been up to today."
Leah rolled her eyes at me and let go of my arm, but followed Esme into the house. After dropping off the camping supplies in the kitchen we joined the others in the lounge where they seemed to be trying to play Twister, except that Renesme kept cheating and causing chaos. We leaned against the wall and watched the fun, such an ordinary family activity, such unusual individuals. Renesme tickled Emmett and the pile of bodies collapsed in laughter.
Renesme spotted us and bounded over, "come and join in," she said dragging us forward.
"No no no," repeated Leah.
"Hey you wanted children," I reminded her
She growled and we relented. "OK, I will show you how."
Renesme showed me to my place, Emmett grinned from the other side.
"I would like to know how to play this game Renesme, can you explain it to me ?" I asked perfectly serious.
She hesitated and looked to Emmett.
"I ask you Renesme as you seem to play the game so much better than uncle Emmett."
She concentrated and then talked me through the game, with corrections from the others but I encouraged her to use her own words to explain the game. Once we started the game I reminded her of her rules mimicking her own voice, much to her amusement. Even without her cheating our tower of bodies soon collapsed with Emmett gleefully landing on top of me.
Bella helped pull me free inviting me to go stay with them as a permanent nanny.
I glanced over at Leah who was standing with Seth, both of them grinning with amusement.
"A sofa for our intrepid explorers" announced Jasper carrying in a couch from the games room and inviting us to sit. The questioning started as soon as we sat down and Carlisle had to call for quiet to let us tell our own story. So we recounted our day, interrupting each other with additions and disagreements.
"I want to see Shona's doggy", demanded Renesme and held out her hand to touch Leah.
"Renesme, leave Leah alone," instructed Edward firmly, sensing Leah's alarm.
"But I want to see the doggy," whined Renesme, used to touching her family and looking like she was about to start crying.
"OK ok", whispered Leah desperate to stop Renesme from crying, "just give me a moment to prepare that memory and no peeking elsewhere."
Renesme smiled and placed her hand on Leah's cheek as Leah shut her eyes in concentration.
"Ooooo giggled," Renesme, "naughty aunty Shona, aww thats so cute."
Leah gently lifted Renesme's hand off her face and smiled in relief. Renesme grinned back but looked guilty when Edward coughed meaningfully.
"Renesme, I have a favour to ask you," I interjected quickly to distract them. "Can you show me what I looked like as an eagle, I've never seen that before."
She clapped in delight and jumped onto my lap, which shocked me, but that was nothing compared to the shock I received when she touched my face and there I was in glorious detail, huge, iridescent, menacing, the very essence of an imperious eagle. Then there was brave Jacob facing this monster alone, her hero Jacob and then there I was collapsed on the ground with everyone worried about me. I could vaguely hear Edward in the background and suddenly the vision was gone and I was blinking with disorientation.
"Are you ok," asked Bella crouched in front of us, "she can be a bit overwhelming."
"Wow, that is such a powerful gift, thank you Renesme," smiling at her locked in her father's arms.
"Can you be a doggy for me, pleeese," Renesme begged.
"No," stated Bella firmly, "leave aunty Shona alone because it's your bedtime."
"Awww", complained Renesme trying to wriggle out of Edward's grip but her held her firm and with a nod from Bella they sped off home.
"I think that's my cue to leave as well," said Seth, "work in the morning so goodnight all"
Jacob walked him out to his bike to a chorus of goodnights from the Cullens.
"Talking of work in the morning" Carlisle continued, "Alice says it is going to rain tomorrow so would you two like to come with me to my hospital, see how it compares with Shona's clinic."
"I would love" to I replied, "unless you have other plans for us ?" I asked Leah.
She shook her head, "all my plans are fair weather plans so a tour of the hospital would be good, thank you."
The other Cullens wanted to know all about my clinic so we chatted away and this was clearly a favourite topic of Carlisle's as he started telling stories of his past work in hospitals and the people he had met. Leah appeared to be just as interested in his stories but as the evening drew on her head began to nod and she leaned on my shoulder for support, her warmth flooding through my body. I raised my arm to make her more comfortable but she slowly folded over with her head coming to rest on my lap, sound asleep.
Carlisle paused his story and chuckled quietly, "seems she really did have a very good day."
I stroked her hair back from her face, "She seems so peaceful."
"At least she does not snore like Jacob", grinned Rosalie.
"We should leave them in peace," suggested Esme
"No no no" I whispered, "She would not want to disrupt your night, I'll carry her back to the campsite.
"Thunderstorm in a couple hours", predicted Alice, "it's going to turn the campsite into a quagmire so I suggest she stays here."
"We could put a bed in Shona's room," suggested Esme.
"She won't want the vampire smell," countered Rosalie, "if she is anything like Jacob she will prefer a rug on the floor and her head out of the window."
"There is a rug already on the bedroom floor," added Esme smiling "and blankets in your closet."
"Jacob slept at the campsite last night", remembered Carlisle. They may have blankets there she could use."
"Ewww" groaned Rosalie, "Jacob stink" and everyone chuckled.
"I'll go", offered Emmett, "I can stand the stink, I think."
"Go to Edward and Bella's house", instructed Esme, "and ask Jacob to bring whatever bedding he thinks Leah needs.
"On my way", acknowledged Emmett.
"I'm just staying right here", stated Jasper, "there is so much peace and contentment rolling off her that I wish I could can it."
We could hear her steady heartbeat, her slow breathing, see her rapid eye movements.
With a quiet swish Emmett was back, followed by Edward who looked startled then beamed happily as he quietly walked over and squatted down to my eye level.
"This brings back memories," he whispered enigmatically
"What's she dreaming about" I whispered back.
He tilted his head in concentration then smiled, "She's reliving today, you two are good together,"
"What do I do now ?"
"That's between you and her, leave me out of it, but I do have a favour to ask."
"What ?" I hissed
"Don't hurt her," he replied, then looking at the puzzlement on my face, "Don't betray her trust in you."
Jacob bounded into the room and was promptly "shhhhhhed" by the Cullen's.
He huffed when he saw Leah and whispered, "figures, Renesme showed me what Leah showed her, including some stuff that Leah had not meant for Renesme to see."
"Oh great", I complained.
"What have you done with the Leah that I knew and loved and was a total pain in the neck" growled Jacob, then his face softened, "Lets get her to bed, you carry her and I will bring the blankets." Esme went ahead of us switching off lights and opening doors. I laid her gently on the rug and Jacob covered her with blankets from the campsite.
"Coming back downstairs ?" he whispered to me.
I shook my head, "No, I'll stay with her in case she wakes in the night."
"Figures", he said shaking his head on his way out of my room.
"Just call if you need anything dear", added Esme as she closed the door on her way out.
I pulled the window open and sat down wind of her, listening to her steady breathing and the murmur of quiet conversation downstairs. All night I pondered the meaning behind Edward's cryptic words "Don't betray her trust " and Jacob's enigmatic "figures"
