I am so excited for this chapter! I'm sorry for the wait, but I needed to make sure it was exactly how it was supposed to go. This chapter has been written in my head since July, and that's a long time to keep things straight. I do hope you enjoy it because I know I did while writing. Also, apologies if you receive two update emails. As I was re-reading it on here, I realized I forgot a small detail that was large enough at least one reader would probably catch. It should be good to go now.
When Demetri and I entered the Council Chamber, I immediately saw Aro sitting at a table to my right studying a painting before him, and Marcus stood to the side reading a scroll he delicately held in between his fingers and hand. To my relief, Caius was nowhere in sight. The two looked up as Demetri moved to part ways and I reached out for him. He stopped momentarily before removing my hand from his black coat and giving me a nod. I sighed as he left and turned back to the two vampires in the room wondering why I was being summoned this time.
My eyes held on Marcus's frame. I never would have believed people would call him a saint. Saints to me were old, dead men. Marcus was not dead even though he was not entirely alive either, and he was far from looking old. All of it had happened so long ago and because of what he had done, the Volturi had lived here in peace with the citizens for a countless number of years. It really was their city.
"Calli?" I was driven from my thoughts when I heard Aro call my name, and I made my way over to his gesturing hand. "The paper you were working on for your class, Demetri brought to my attention something you may find to your liking."
"What's that?"
"Cimabue painted a mosaic in these halls decades after the palazzo was built. Many believe his last masterpiece to be that of St. John the Evangelist in Pisa, but in truth, it was not. Would you like to see it?"
I remembered Demetri telling me about such a mosaic only yesterday, and I was curious. I nodded, and Aro stood from his seat before leading me out of the room. I glanced back at Marcus who had returned to reading the scroll. I wanted to understand him, but he was clouded in mystery.
"Is everything alright, cara?"
Turning to Aro, I answered, "It's only something I heard today."
"Caius told me about the man you met at the market. You wonder if the story is true?"
"I'm inclined to believe that it is. You said yourself that Volterra had a long history with vampires. What I don't understand is why you didn't leave? Why put on the act in the first place?"
"Volterra is sacred to my brothers and me," he began as we found our way through the antechamber and into the hall. "Many years ago, we met upon this ground with an earlier civilization we called Tyrsenoi. We brought to them aspects of our own culture from Attica, and they adopted some of our gods and heroes from the stories we would tell. They took from us architecture and created it into their own as they built towers on top of hills. Volterra was an important city center during this time and it continued to thrive.
"As the Romans began to invade, we constituted a pact with the people living in the city to protect them as long as we were allowed to walk amongst them. In turn, the Romans took great pride in gathering influence from their culture and claiming it as their own. What we were was now a hidden secret, and as the times changed, so we changed with it. Eventually, we decided that it was best if our race was simply forgotten. Vampires were known to all as existing creatures at this time. For them to believe we no longer were was the start," Aro stopped in front of another paneling in the wall and pushed it back. "I believe you know the rest."
Behind the paneling was an archway leading to a hidden staircase. We began to descend down and a part of me was thankful that he had decided not to take the elevator. Another part wondered where this staircase led. When we reached the bottom, I recognized the lit passageway as the one Alec had turned me down to visit Caius, and my feet froze to the ground. I was terrified to have to walk past the door leading into his quarters.
Aro frowned. "Do you not still want to see the mosaic to help you with your topic?"
Taking a deep breath, I nodded and took a step forward. Could this be another trick of his? Caius was not upstairs, and we would be going by a place I did not wish to see again. He had no grounds to push me this time. I did nothing today that would have given him motive to. At this point, my mind was playing tricks on itself, trying to frighten me before there was cause to be.
I did not catch myself doing it until Aro gently took my hand in his. As we went past, I had stepped closer to him as if I felt more protected by doing so. Now that he held my hand, he knew this as well and stroked the top softly in a calming gesture, but at the same time, he was pleased. It sickened me. The one person who could protect me was also the one person who could make sure I would regret any action I took that caused him upset.
We proceeded around the corner and travelled further down to an area I had yet to see. Clearing my mind from his gift was not an easy process and not one which I considered possible to succeed at, but I tried either way. My defenses were shattered with his intrusion, and I felt nowhere close to safe down here with him. I kept hoping Demetri would show back up, but we reached our destination with no keeper in sight.
The torches along the wall lit the painting just enough for me to admire what I saw. To see the three leaders in person would be to someone of this era as if they were looking at gods. The painting I viewed held nothing close to their captivating presence, but to one unlearned, they may have believed Cimabue had painted three angels of Heaven. The twist being that these angels had fallen and would consume a person with darkness before realization dawned.
"What do you think?"
I glanced up at Aro before turning back to the mosaic. "It's incredible. You said this was his last work?"
"Yes. As I spoke of, Cimabue was stubborn. He had a proud streak that would eventually ruin him."
"You killed him."
"Artists must not live on forever. In doing so, their work loses the value in which it should be prized. He destroyed many of his own pieces as I'm sure you know and in turn would have lost himself and his legacy. I gave him a gift. His name will now live on as one of the great painters that helped to foster those of the Renaissance."
"I suppose I can't add that into my paper."
"No, I suppose you can't," Aro began. "I would still like to finish reading it before you return to Florence."
I nodded remembering the other day. "I'll have Jacqueline print it tomorrow."
"Speaking of Jacqueline, did you enjoy the market?"
We followed the main passage back down toward the elevator as we spoke. Even though I was beginning to hate that method of transportation, it beat passing by the door of my new language instructor who I still could not figure out. "It was nice. It's too bad it's only once a month. I would have loved to gone back next weekend."
He smiled. "You quite enjoy her company."
"Yes, she's… It's good to have another human to talk to."
"Does my little family bore you?"
"I didn't mean it like that," I started.
Laughing, he replied, "Relax, my dear. I was only kidding."
"Right."
"You have someone you can relate to. I find that important."
Aro pressed the button on the elevator, and we waited as it travelled down, my thoughts anchored in his previous comment. "You're not planning to—"
"Not at this time."
"But you will eventually."
"My brothers and I are pleased with the work she continues to do. Jacqueline was quite a catch. She is quiet, obedient and expects nothing in return from our arrangement unlike secretaries we've had in the past. Such a waste but indeed enjoyed. Humans are mere sustenance, rarely more."
I stared at the stone beneath my feet as he spoke. It was horrifying to hear how he belittled those who had come before as if they were nothing but entertainment for slaughter. "She has a daughter."
"I am aware."
"You have no regard whatsoever for human life, do you?"
Aro was silent for a moment before he answered, reflecting curiously my blatant definition. "I would not say that as such. After all, humans were the ones who made renowned contributions to science in which we appreciate. They created the artful masterpieces that adorn these halls, and our libraries are filled with their literary jewels. How can you say we have no regard to the species?"
"Because you're playing God. Why is my life more valuable than Jacqueline's or the other secretaries you've had or the people Heidi bring in? Why do I get a choice, and they don't?"
"Is that what troubles you?"
Shaking my head, I quietly replied, "I'm not that special. No more than anyone else."
The elevator door opened, and we stepped inside. The ride to the third floor was silent. When we stopped, Demetri stood waiting for me on the other side. He escorted me the short walk to my room then followed me inside and sat in one of the chairs opposite. "You're deep in thought."
"I'm not allowed to think now?"
"Why are you angry?"
I sighed and shut my eyes as I lied back on the bed. "I'm not."
The bed next to me sank in, and Demetri brushed a strand of hair away from my face. "Your voice says differently."
"I'm just tired."
"Then I'll let you sleep."
As he stood, I opened my eyes and glanced up at him. "Demetri?"
"Yes?"
"How do you see Jacqueline?"
He wrinkled his brow to my question. "What do you mean?"
"I mean, how do you see her?"
"I see her for what she is," he replied picking up on my meaning.
"And what is that?"
"Do I really need to clarify it?"
Pausing for a second, I watched as he continued across the room ready to leave. He reached for the door handle to close the door behind before I stopped him. "How do you see me?"
Demetri's eyes met mine briefly then he turned back toward the hall. "That shouldn't deserve an answer."
The door shut behind him, and I heard the lock click in place. I pondered on his reply but eventually reached for the Latin textbook I had placed on the new bedside table. After re-reading and reviewing the word list again, a process which I took a good hour on, I sat the book aside and went to grab my laptop from my backpack. I sat it on the table next to the textbook, so I would not forget it in the morning. I needed to take it down to Jacqueline so she could print out my paper for Aro to read when he had the chance.
I picked up my sweats I placed on the end of the bed that morning and went to the bathroom to change into them. It was about seven, but the constant irritation and confusion were exhausting. I had not lied when I told Demetri that I was tired. I switched off both lights and got in under the covers. It was warm and warm was good.
My mind was awake, so I knew sleep would not come easy. Willing myself to relax and my brain to quiet down, I took a few deep breaths and rested my eyes. It was not long before sleep overtook me, and my dreams were haunted by scarlet. Jacqueline lied on the floor, body drained of life, and I stood over her, blood caressing my hands.
XXX
"Calli."
I felt someone shaking me, and I immediately sat up short of breath. After catching note of my surroundings, confirming I was still in my room, I pushed my hair back that had stuck to my face, the night sweat increasingly apparent. Demetri sat on the edge and was looking me over carefully. I took a deep breath to calm myself down. "What time is it?"
"It's still early in the morning," he said reaching up and placing the back of his hand over my forehead.
"I'm not sick. It was just a bad dream."
Demetri dropped his hand before standing up and heading into the bathroom. I heard water running and he came back out with a cold washcloth that he wiped over my face. "What was it about?"
"Nothing." I took the washcloth from his hand and held it. "I'll be fine. Maybe I'll just take a bath or something."
"That might be good."
Once he left, I walked into the bathroom and placed the washcloth on the counter before running some warm water in the tub. The dream had seemed so real, and I was still shaken up by it. I brought my backpack in the room and locked the door behind me. All I needed was to clear my head.
I sat in the tub with my knees drawn to my chest. Shutting my eyes, I took a few deep breaths as the warmth of the water soothed my skin damp with a cold sweat. So much was about to change. So much already had. I was torn between the discoveries I had made and the nature of their proprietors.
Their beliefs were already being ingrained. Why else would I have had such a horrible dream? I had a fear of what I would be like if I did choose to become one of them. If Aro was right, if all I could think about was blood, would Jacqueline be nothing but a meal to me as well? That was the last thing I wanted.
When I finally got out, I dressed for the day not thinking I would be able to go back to sleep. Heading back into the bedroom, I placed my bag on one of the chairs before noticing a wrapped, rectangular box on the bed. I had not heard the door opening, but that meant nothing. Vampires treaded lightly.
I went over to it and peered more closely at it out of curiosity before two arms came around my waist causing me to startle. "Not funny, Demetri," I said with a look over my shoulder at him.
"I don't know. Your reaction was entertaining enough for me," Demetri replied letting me go.
"What is that?"
"A gift from Aro."
"Really…?" I was rightly appalled. I grabbed the box carefully and gently shook it away from me. "It's not going to bite me if I open it, is it," I asked to which I saw Demetri smirk in amusement. "That was a bad choice of words."
He laughed lightly. "It's not going to bite you. Just open it."
I sat it back down and skillfully peeled the paper off of it. Beneath was a plain white box that looked extremely familiar. Eyeing it, I finally figured out why. We used similar gift boxes where I worked. I lifted the lid and was not completely taken aback by what was inside. "He bought me a dress?"
"Do you like it?"
"I don't usually wear dresses, but it's pretty," I answered holding it up. "What is it for?"
"Today." I gave him a questioning look, and he continued. "It's a surprise."
"That's exactly what I need, another unknown to look forward to."
I placed the dress back in the box making sure to fold it up just as neatly as it had been before setting it down on one of the chairs. It was a fairly simple, royal blue, floral lace dress with a seam at the waist and lace required proper care. I began to wonder what this surprise might be and hoped it was not something I would rather not take part of. Why would I need a dress? Then again, maybe Demetri was right and Aro wanted me in something more feminine for a change.
Demetri watched me as I moved back to the bed and sat. "It's nothing to worry yourself over. You may like this one."
"Maybe but doubtful."
"Were you planning on going back to sleep?"
I shook my head. "I wouldn't be able to even if I wanted to. That's the problem with nightmares. Sometimes the one a person dreams can be worse than the one they're living. It makes them afraid to close their eyes because if they do, they may see it again."
"Was it that bad?"
"Yes."
"If you'd like, you can go to the library and read for a while," Demetri said while opening the door. "Caius may be up to go over your Latin with you soon. He was becoming impatient for the lesson."
I rolled my eyes. "I wonder why. He probably thinks I'll pronounce every word wrong."
"I'll come back to get you around eight. Wear the dress. You'll find shoes under the bed."
Demetri left the room, and the door stood open. I could check the shoes out later. Sighing, I stood up and slipped on some socks before I began walking down the corridor to the library. The book I had been reading previously still sat where I had placed it, and I picked it up to begin reading where I had left off. I sat in the same place and leaned back against the cushions.
I managed to get a few more pages in before I heard a soft noise in the room. Closing the book, I looked behind me and saw Caius. "Demetri said you might be up."
"Did he?"
"I've been practicing."
"Good. Then perhaps you could answer a few questions about the reading?" Caius went to sit in the chair he had occupied during our first lesson. His feet were flat and his arms rested on the sides much as I had seen him display himself, in what I would now consider the dining hall, the day I met Eleazar. "Tell me what you understand of the relations between the Romans and the Greeks."
Thinking back for a moment before I answered, I said, "The Romans were superior in their military forces, but they were inferior to the Greeks in culture. While the Romans conquered the Greeks through force, the Greeks conquered the Romans by use of intellect. Athens became an educational center for the Romans and schools were opened up in Rome by Greek schoolmasters to teach the language and arts. Rome tied itself up in the culture to the point that its civilization became largely Grecian."
"And what of the use of Latin?"
"Latin spread as the Romans conquered the world. It gradually became the universal language in the ancient world. Over time it began to develop in the different countries and became a new language derived from one so we get English, Italian and others. To have a better understanding of modern languages, the study of Latin, the base language, would be very useful. It's the foundation for all grammatical study."
Caius looked pleased, but I had no time to relax as he wished for me to read an epigram by Martial. When I finished, his eyes narrowed. "That was better than I expected."
"Like I said, I've been practicing."
"It seems you have; however, it is hard to believe that one could speak these words so well overnight."
Taking a deep breath, I replied, "Demetri helped. That's not against the rules, is it?"
"Of course not."
"Did you want me to start working on anything else?"
He watched me carefully to the point that I could no longer look at him. I turned to the floor as the silence preceded us. It was beyond uncomfortable, and he knew, allowing him as always to take advantage of it. Another minute in, and he finally spoke in a soft and lurid voice which had me, not for the first time, second guessing how safe I really was.
"You sounded quite pleasing when you were screaming earlier. I wonder what sort of dream could have caused it."
Without meaning to, I snapped. "That's none of your business."
Standing, he stopped in front of me and looked down, but I had not the strength to even glance back up at him. "I could always make you scream again for me whenever I like."
"You can't touch me. Aro won't let you."
As if to prove a point, Caius reached up and held my chin, forcing my head up. I continued to stare away. "I certainly cannot wait until it's time for your transformation."
"Why is that?"
"I'll get to hear that magnificent scream for three days. It will make for some new entertainment."
I paused and my eyes going to his in confusion. "What do you mean?"
"Demetri did not tell you?" He dropped my chin and in a very Aro-like maneuver, knelt down to my level and smirked. "The transformation is a very painful process lasting a period of about three days. Do you remember Jane's ability? It is even worse."
"Why are you telling me this?"
"I only wish for you to make an informed decision. It would be cruel of them to begin without telling you everything now wouldn't it? I am trying to do you a kindness."
"And the devil hath power to assume a pleasing shape."
Caius stood, the grin still on his lips. "Hamlet."
"What do you want from me," I asked, my voice breaking for the first time. How all of them could so quickly change was more than my mortal mind could handle. It was torture.
"Nothing," he answered taking a step away. To the side of the sofa, he placed a hand on my shoulder and whispered, "Though this be madness, yet there is method in it."
"I know."
Hearing him swiftly take his leave, I sat musing on his last. Nothing they did was without reason. He was playing me. Aro was playing me. Demetri could be playing me. Aro was right earlier when he said that I did not know what to believe. I felt weak. They could get to me so easily. They were perfect manipulators at it for centuries.
I walked out of the library and back down to my room. After grabbing my laptop, I sat back down on my bed and opened it to see what time it was. I had always used my phone as a watch and therefore had no need for one until now, and of course being in the state I was upon leaving Florence two days ago, I had forgotten to pack my alarm clock. Thankfully Demetri did a great job as an acting one for the time being.
It was already six in the morning, so I had about an hour and a half to spare. Solitaire was becoming my new favorite addiction. Reading would normally allow me to pass the time, but even when I tried previous, I was going back over content I had only just viewed for comprehension. It was as if my eyes scanned it but my mind did not retain. Solitaire was mindless which constituted for my numerous losses.
When it was closer to eight, I reached under the bed to find a box which within held the shoes Demetri had promised. Opening it, I saw a pair of black ballet style flats. I retrieved the dress and went into the bathroom to change. After grabbing the comb and straightening up my hair, I slipped on the flats and stepped out into the room.
I knew Demetri would be coming up soon, but my nerves were killing me. Not only was I in a dress when I was a hundred times more comfortable in jeans or sweats, but Caius's cryptic declaration of their scheme was stuck in my head. Of course it was something I had known already, but he all but straight out told me what they were doing.
Picking up my laptop, I left the room and followed the corridor to the elevator where I took it to the floor right below. It was around this time I had arrived on Friday, so I had a feeling Jacqueline would be at her desk. As I turned the corner, I saw her and smiled. Demetri would figure it out.
"Good morning," I called over to her.
"Good morning. I didn't expect to see you this early," Jacqueline said returning the expression. "Where's Demetri?"
"He'll be here in a minute. I was wondering if you could print something off for me. It's actually for Aro. He wanted to read it at some point before I went back, and I keep forgetting about it with everything else that's going on right now."
"Sure. It's on your laptop?"
"Yes. If you have the printer cable I can hook it up," I replied while opening the screen. I double clicked on the icon which I had placed on my desktop, and the file opened. "It's about fifteen pages."
"We have plenty of paper so no worries."
Jacqueline handed me the cable which she had pulled from the desktop and I plugged it into one of the USB ports. A dialogue box came up which I quickly went through before I began to print. When it was done, she compiled the pages and stapled them expertly together before handing them to me. "Thanks."
"There you are." The two of us looked up to see Demetri making his way toward us. "It's not safe to be wandering around here on your own."
"I knew you'd find me. Besides, I needed to get this printed out before I forgot again." I turned to face him completely after handing Jacqueline back the cable and shutting my laptop. I found him staring at me like he had done at a time I was here previous. "What?"
He blinked without need before speaking. "Nothing. You don't want to keep Aro waiting."
I looked back at Jacqueline. "Can I leave this here," I asked placing my hand on my computer. "I don't trust Demetri with it."
She smiled warmly before nodding. "Of course you can."
Before I could comprehend what I was doing, I reached over and hugged her tightly. Some part of me did not want to let go. I felt her tense at first but she immediately relaxed and hugged me back. When I released her, a small tear slipped out, and I wiped it away quickly. "I'm sorry."
Jacqueline's eyes held concern, the type only a mother would have. "What's wrong?"
"I'll tell you later."
I felt Demetri gently touch my arm and wrap his hand around it, gently pulling in indication of moving. "We need to go."
"Okay."
As I walked with Demetri back to the elevator, I could feel his eyes on me the whole time, but I gave no notice to anything but the floor. He pressed a button to one of the underground levels, and the elevator jumped into motion. When we stepped off, I noticed it as the lowest one underground, and I followed him down the dark passage holding tightly to his arm.
When we stopped, I heard him knock twice on a door. I did not expect to see what I did when it opened. Aro stood there but behind him was a magnificently lit room. The marble of the flooring reflected the gold chandelier from above as it sparkled with the illusion of white diamond. The walls were a dark burgundy wood paneling with the usual assortment of masterpieces adorning them, but what caught my attention the most was the transparent grand piano which sat in the far left corner made elegant by its cherry veneer finish.
Aro saw where my eyes were drawn. "Do you play?"
"No, I never learned how."
I watched as Aro made quick contact with Demetri before dismissing him and turning back to me. "Then I must teach you sometime."
"Why do you ask questions you already know the answer to?"
"Conversation can still be treasured, my dear. "
"I suppose. I had Jacqueline print this out for you," I said handing Aro the stapled work.
"I will be sure to read it and give you my thoughts before I send you back."
"Okay."
"You do look very lovely," Aro said with approval as he set the papers down on a shelf near the piano. "Demetri has fine tastes. It brings out your eyes."
"Demetri picked it out?"
"Yes, and it is such a joy to see you in something more fitting than what women of your time call dress."
"Women of my time aren't held back by the old laws. We're not controlled by men and their standards. We actually speak up for ourselves."
"So I have noticed." Aro stepped over to a small table on the right side of the room and pulled out a chair. "I thought you could join me for breakfast."
Biting my lip, I asked, "Join you?"
He laughed quietly. "You will be the only one eating of course."
I went to sit in the chair he offered, and he brought over a plate with a sliced peach and a piece of toast with jam on the side. "Will there be anyone else joining us?"
"No, I thought we could use this time to get to know one another a little more."
"That's funny. You seem to already know everything about me."
"This is mostly true," Aro began. "What I do not know is what troubled you so early this morning. Demetri said you had a nightmare. I hope all is well."
"It's not real, so I'll be fine. Sometimes humans dream ridiculous things." I said the last part slowly trying to believe the adjective I had chosen myself. It may not be so ridiculous if they turned me.
As I picked up one of the peach slices, Aro glided over to the piano and began to play. I did not recognize the piece, but his fingers moved gracefully across the keys as if he were one with them, a haunting melody of enigma and dark tranquility. He was in his own world, and it was beautiful. When I had finished, the tune continued and beckoned me forward.
I stood in a trance as the music carried on and his fingers controlled the keys. Passion radiated from the sound and all else in the world was silent. As it came to an end, our eyes met, and he held out his hand for me take. With a breath of anticipation, knowing what he would see when our hands touched, I placed mine in his, and he pulled me to sit down next to him. He put his fingers over mine and positioned them on the keys as we played a short strain of the piece he had finished.
"It is not so difficult to take an instrument and make it play whatever you wish. With a little trial and error, one can create something marvelous." I understood his meaning clearly, and I looked back at him as he slid his hands to my wrists. "Come with me."
He brought me to the middle of the room and pulled me close to him as he began a slow waltz, the only music being the power of his will. I looked not at him, and he looked not at me. The dance continued for a moment longer before he spun me slowly around and then into his arms with my back against his chest. We stopped.
"You remind me so much of someone," he whispered softly.
"Who?"
"My sister, Didyme."
"The woman in the painting," I said remembering from the day we first met.
"Yes." Aro released me and made his way to the door. "You are exceptionally pure."
Once he left, I took a seat back at the table waiting on Demetri to arrive to bring me back to my room or wherever I was destined to go next. Minutes later, he entered, but to my surprise, he shut the door behind him. "What's going on?"
He continued to proceed toward me then held out his hand much like Aro had done, but opposite of him, he held his palm up in invitation not down in command. "Dance with me."
I grimaced. "You want me to dance with you?"
"You danced with him."
"I didn't have much of a choice."
It was then that Demetri gave a playful smirk but in a chilling tone replied, "Who says you have one now?"
The way he said it made my heart skip from fear or desire or maybe a bit of both, I don't know. What I did know is that I felt compelled to do as he said and not because he told me but because something inside me wanted me to. I laid my hand in his and stood. He walked me over to a box near the piano which I realized was an old record player. He set it to play, and an enchanting instrumental piece began.
"Music? You planned this, didn't you," I asked my curious suspicions growing.
"Not at all."
Music held not well familiarity for me, but whatever I heard felt right in that moment. I lost track of time as we moved across the room. This was something he had done before because he led with perfect precision. The few times our eyes did meet, I had to look away. There was no way I could feel what I did for such a dangerous creature, but he mesmerized me. I was trapped, and I did not know if I wanted an escape.
As the music came to a close and we stilled, he brushed a few strands of hair behind my ear, his thumb resting on my cheek. "Look at me."
The moment I did, the room spun, and I felt myself pinned against the wall, Demetri's eyes perilously looking into mine. They were black and screaming for something more than my blood. "Demetri…" I had no chance to continue because not even a second after speaking, the breath was taken from my lungs as his lips crashed down on mine.
A/N: So the last part there, I've been so nervous about this chapter since I first thought it up. The next one is already mapped out in my mind for the most part as well, so I hope to have it up in January at some point. I will be going back to treatment during that time, but if you want updates on the progress of any of my stories, check my profile. Every time I add something new, I update it with estimated completion using my average word count per chapter.
Thank you to Shakespeare's Hamlet for the quotes and title as well as Ernesto Cortazar for the inspiration of the piece Aro plays entitled "Beethoven's Silence." I've been listening to it for two hours straight now and am still entranced by its beauty.
In other notes, PLEASE REVIEW! Every time I see a review in my inbox, I have the motivation to sit down and write even a little bit more. They're like magic! :)
