SEEKING MY WHITE WITCH

Disclaimer: The Cullens, the Swans, and most of the characters mentioned in the story that are known from Stephanie Meyer's beloved Twilight Saga, are all hers and hers alone. I neither have nor wish to pass them off as mine. I do appreciate the fact that she did bring them to life and allows us to play with them in our imaginations. The only thing I will claim is the current storyline

"Let's go." Bella answered. So, both women rose and walked out beyond the gardens. Off into the forest to a clearing near the stream. No one thought to follow or question what was happening and where they were going. They left while everyone was still working to absorb all of the information Ria had told them.

As they got to the clearing the prayers were offered and then they begin the chant. Ria called forth the element of fire and Bella without moving her hands directed it over the waters. Next, Ria projected her thoughts to call forth a cougar and Bella called forth a deer. They kept the control to where both predator and prey existed together in harmony in the clearing. After each was released separately, the two tried levitation that can only be done with them both working together. After the testing it was determined that Bella was up to full power, but, needed some practice to regain absolute control.

CHAPTER 43: LOYALTY

Ria and Bella decided against going back to the house. Bella headed back to the cabin where she and Edward were having their so called honeymoon while Ria went back to her home. Neither were worried about what their spouse would think at the time, they just needed the space to bring themselves under control once again. They were complete again for the first time in three years. It was an overwhelming sense of relief, freedom, but, bringing tension all at the same time.

Ria let her thoughts wander back to the meeting she had had with her Aunt Renee earlier in the day. It had started pleasantly enough until Renee decided to let go with her opinion of not letting anyone know that Bella was safe and sound with her. From that point things kind of went downhill quickly. Each woman held to their opinion with no give or take. Ria still could not believe the nerve of the woman.

"How dare you harbor my daughter all this time and never say one damn word to me? I talked with you on a fairly regular basis and you listened as I worried about my child and not once did you relief my concerns." Renee ranted, whined and ranted some more.

"Aunt Renee, I was not obligated to tell you anything, but, at the same time have you ever considered that Izzy didn't want you or anyone else to know where she was? She wanted to get away from everyone that was involved directly or indirectly with what had happened with her and Edward. She didn't want to be around anyone that had knowledge and memories of her and Edward together. She wasn't looking for sympathy, understanding or a shoulder to cry on. She wanted some space to think through all of her own problems and to find peace for herself.

"Izzy wanted to start anew. Different place, different people, no reminders, no memories other than what she chose and no constant nagging as to what she should have done, should be doing or should do. She did need the moral support when she chose that she needed, but, otherwise, left alone to work things out in her own mind. To process things to a point that she was comfortable with what had happened and herself.

"She didn't want any influence in what she felt had to happen on her own. I respected that and gave her the space and time to find her way again at her own pace, not someone else's." Ria informed her quietly, respectfully, but, with a bit of steel sounding in her voice. Renee sat and huffed for a moment without saying another word. Shortly she got up and left without a by your leave. Ria watched her leave with a sadness that hurt. She loved her Aunt dearly, but, she could be one sided and so opinionate to the extreme about things she had no understanding and wouldn't take the time to understand.

Take their heritage, their gifts, talents, ambitions, desires, believes and choices, if they didn't agree with Renee's ideas of right and wrong she chose to bury her head in the sand, look the other way, distanced herself from it, refused to allow it near her and wanted to pretend it didn't exist. Ria and her Aunt always disagreed on this method of living. To refuse to face facts was not living in Ria's opinion, but, she respected her aunt's right to living and believes as she wanted as long as it didn't cause harm to her family which included Bella.

It was at this point that Ria arrived home and went upstairs to check on Jason since he had been ill earlier. She paused on the stairway, concentrating as the feeling of well being came across from Bella. Ria knew that she had arrived back at the cabin safely.

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In the meantime back at Serenity the rest of the family seems to be coming out of their stupor. Looking around and realizing that Bella and Ria are missing causes alarm for all for a moment. Lee shakes his head telling them there was no cause for alarm. That all was well.

"They went to the clearing to test if the ritual worked."

"How long will it be before we are informed?" all wanted to know.

"As long as it takes. Remember we are talking about Ria and Isabella. Those two operate in their own way and as it feels right for them."

"Yeah, don't I know." Moaned Edward. Everyone else laughed at that, since they were aware of the conditions of the marriage. And, Edward knew that the rest of the men in his family knew that he couldn't get back inside the bedroom, even to finish his honeymoon, the joking would never stop.

"Have to say, little bro, you and Bella are having a very unique honeymoon. Never heard of that kind being on the market." Emmett jokingly said.

"Will then you haven't been married to a white witch, have you, muscle man?" asked Lee. He went on to explain, "I have booked that type of honeymoon, myself, but, if you want to know what it's like I will be happy to ask Ria or Isabella to arrange it for you." Offers with a smug smile.

"Hell no! Thank you very much. That is one I will be happy to pass." Emmett reacts very quickly in saying.

"Come on, sweetie, I might want to give you that type of trip. I wonder if one of them would do it if I asked. Of course, Bella would only be able to if she is fully restored. Right?" Rosalie looks over at Lee after she finished speaking. Lee nods to indicate that she is correct.

After a period of time everyone started to worry about what was taking so long. Lee decided that he would call Ria and check on things. He tried her cell phone, but no luck. Then he tried Bella's with the same results. 'Damn, they must have them on silence.' He thought. So, he would give it a little more time while he called to check on Jason at home. After a couple of rings Ria answers.

"What the hell are you doing there?" a surprise Lee asks.

"And hello to you, too." She snaps right back at him.

"Sweetheart, 'don't be cruel'," he sings over the phone to her. She laughs and asks where he was calling. "I tried both cell phones, but, no answer. So, thought I would check on Jason before trying again. How is he?"

"Sleeping peacefully and stomach seems settled down, no thanks to you and his junk binge."

"What are the results?"

"Results of what?"

"Damnit, woman, don't play with me. You know what I'm talking about."

"Excuse me, but, who the hell do you think you are talking to? I know you don't believe I will take it."

"Ria, how did the testing go?"

"It went and that is all I am saying at this point. It was short and over quickly. Does that answer your question?"

Yeah, I guess it does." He said with a lot of sadness for he knew that Ria and Bella were hoping it would work. "I'll be home soon, Love." He quickly, but, softly tells her.

"Don't hurry, stay and enjoy yourself. It's not often you get to visit with your peers. I'm heading for bed as it has been a long stressful two days. Love you and talk with you in the morning."

"Cher, you my heart and my reason. Take care and shield." Lee quietly and tenderly tells her.

"Lee, what did Ria have to say? Did it work? The whole marriage and all?" asks Charlie.

"From what Ria is and isn't saying, I would say no."

"Shit. How are they going to be ready to face that menace that is heading for them next?"

"Charlie, don't worry, the ladies will be well protected. You have my word." Ankarra tries to reassure him.

Shortly after Charlie excused himself and headed for bed. His reserve energy was about to give out and he needed to be somewhere horizontal before he collapsed completely. The only other occupants of the room were vampires and a white witch. As Charlie was out of hearing range they begin to question what could have gone wrong. Then wondering what they could do to get it right. Next, came the discussion of what might need to be done to protect the two women.

Alice went off into one of her visions while in another dwelling on the grounds someone else was dreaming the same vision, but, with greater detail. Just as quickly as she stilled did she begin to move again. "The Volturi had extended the period by two weeks more before their arrival. They are intending to come here to San Francisco area. And it is a very large group coming. So, from what I can see it will be four weeks from today." She informs everyone.

"Okay. We need to speak with Ria and Isabella. If you are seeing this Isabella will be able to tell us more."

"Why, if the ritual failed?" questioned Edward.

"Because, cousin in law, Isabella has dream prophecy. It was still in existence while she was bound. It was one of the protective talents allowed to remain free. Young Alice here can see what is coming, but, Isabella sees fuller details with her abilities. She can tell us who, what, when, where and how, along with positioning and better locations. Between her and Ria they will be able to let us know all of the alternatives with have to chose and then what would work better.

"In the meantime, I would say that you have an extra two weeks to get things on a better footing with Isabella to where her gifts might be freed up. No, pretence. Be real and do the job properly.

"I do have one question for you, Edward, if you don't mind? Why did you want to see the ritual?"

"I have never attended a white witch ceremony and was curious. But, I was also concerned about Bella and Ria being by themselves. I felt the only way to be close for protection was to be allowed to watch. However, I must say that I did get an eyeful. The ritual was scary somewhat, but, it had beauty and grace about it. It gave a sense of connection."

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"Well, brother, do you have any further information about the ruckus this Talon was informing us?"

"No more than what we have already known. Be patient. It won't be much longer before we can get answers for ourselves and make decisions from that." Aro told Caius. "We only have four weeks and then we will be there."

A/N: The Volturi are still busy gearing up. Alice has had the vision concerning the changing of the timetable. Lee mentions talking with Ria and Bella to get greater details. What do you think Bella will see concerning the upcoming confrontation? Why didn't Ria let Lee know that the ritual had worked? Will Bella let Edward know?

Will the Cullens and the du Toulouses become close as a family? When will the wolf pack show back up or will they?

Why is it going to take two weeks longer for the Volturi to arrive? What would cause the delay? What is going to be the reception for the Volturi when they arrive and find Ankarra and Lee there?

Sorry, but, cannot always guarantee the length of the chapters. When all that needs to be said has been done, then it is time to stop until the next time. I will try to update at least twice a week for all of you on this story.

I welcome your comments of both good and bad as they show an interest. And wish you good reading on this story and many others that are just divinely outstanding.

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***I have been asked by a person or two if there would be a sequel to this story. My answer is I am not sure. If you would like a sequel, please let me know when reviewing and the major shall rule. If there is a sequel it will effect on the ending of this story so we lead seamlessly into the next. Your vote will count so please let me know.*****