DISCLAIMER: Stephenie Meyer owns Twilight, and all the public characters.

Warning: The chapter refers to spanking. This one also speaks of past Volturi torture. These next few chapters will have scene flashbacks from others, as Eleazar is attempting to bring the family back together.

A/N: Eleazar believes strongly that laws are vital for the balance and safety of the vampire world. Eleazar is a man who is gentle, so my D&D brain takes this as a lawful/good personality type.

Point of View: Carlisle's POV


CLC IX - Denali Visitation - Carlisle

Sunday, October 21, 2012

I was sitting in the glass office working on my computer program when Eleazar's call came in around eight in the evening. I saved my work, turned the computer off, and notified my wife. Together we ran out to greet our guests. This was necessary, as not all the wolves knew them. His or her next visit would need no such precaution, but it was a minor inconvenience when one considered the safety of everyone involved.

We met our friends near the Sekiu airport on Clallam Bay. Eleazar and I greeted one another in the traditional way, as we placed our hands on the other's shoulders and kissed first the right cheek, and then the left. Esme and I then switched, and I did the same with Carmen. Eleazar smiled at me in greeting, and with a calming voice enquired how I was, "Ciao! Come Stai?"

"Sto Bene grazie, e tu?" I calmly informed him that I was well, and enquired the same of him. He gave me a silent and appraising look, as he knew the truth in that statement. I glanced at him, and he offered me an affectionate smile as he cupped my shoulder.

In his calming tone, he informed me that he too was well, "Abbastanza bene, grazie." Esme and Carmen waited patiently for Eleazar and I to finish with our time old greetings, and then I noticed as they chatted conspiratorially. I glanced at my old friend, and we watched as our mates plotted something together. I lifted my brow questioningly at him, and he shook his head. Neither of us knew what the women whispered.

Carmen gently worked at her hair, as she attempted to pull her fingers through it. Eleazar smiled bashfully at me, as he approached his mate and carefully assisted her with the removal of a twig. She reached up to his, and gently ran her fingers through it to brush out some dried grass. Esme and I graciously choose not to comment, although we had our suspicions about how the debris wound up in their hair.

The two women nodded their heads at one another, and Esme explained, "You two take your time coming home. Carmen wants a tour of the house, and Sam already knows to expect us." She grinned and admitted to the other woman, "I can imagine that Sam now has his hands full. He just moved in the other day. The previous occupants were all teenage males, with Leah being the only exception. "

Carmen laughed lightly as she assumed, "You two are very patient to live beside that. I can imagine the parties they had, and the stench from the place. Do males that age even know how to clean?" Eleazar and I shrugged our shoulders as the women looked accusingly at us.

Eleazar replied in all sincerity, "In my day, it was not the men who cleaned. I see nothing abnormal about the filthy state of a place occupied entirely by males." The looks he earned from the women caused all four of us to chuckle. Curiously, I wondered how Esme would respond to me if I used such a line in the future.

Esme proudly informed our friends, "My boys know how to clean, and when they forget their mates remind them." The two women giggled as they continued to chat with glances in our direction. The looks exchanged between Eleazar and I were not entirely comfortable, as we assumed our personal inclusion in their conversation. Our mates approached us with innocent smiles, and offered farewell kisses before running off toward home. We watched in silence as the women left, and then we too started in that direction.

We ran with the speed of a human. Eleazar turned to me and softly enquired, "Why do women always do that?" I shrugged my shoulders, as I had no explanation. He chuckled softly and admitted, "I can only imagine the things our wives say when we are not there to hear." Turning to me he gently enquired, "What do you think they talk about?"

I grinned in amusement and enquired of my friend. "Do you really want to know?" He smiled at me and I had my answer. I took in a deep breath and stated, "Eleazar, it is best for us not to hear such things." We shared a friendly laugh, and then our conversation turned toward matters that were more serious.

"Carlisle, I heard from Alice that things have not gone well for you," Eleazar gently stated, as he zoned in on the topic we both wished to discuss. I tilted my head in acknowledgement and noticed as he studied me. My gentle mannered friend smiled softly in reassurance, as he asked a difficult question. "Why did you let him live?"

Silence fell upon us, as I attempted to organize my answer. I glanced at my friend, as I did not expect that question. I hesitated before answering, and finally I admitted, "I could not destroy him, as I understood his wish to save my family. I felt compelled to forgive him. Eleazar, you know how I run my coven. My members are family, and I did not wish to kill my son."

Eleazar nodded his head at me, and we ran in silence for a short while. The women ran through the wilderness, but we moved slower. We chose to take a more humanly route and jogged down Burnt Mountain Road. He glanced at me casually and enquired, "What set him off. Carlisle, I have great respect for Jasper and know him as a highly committed and intelligent man. He has a great deal of experience in both the vampiric and human settings. He is a man of honour who has a high regard for law and order. What happened to cause the conflict between the two of you?"

I glanced uneasily at my friend, and appreciated his early arrival even more. This conversation will likely prove difficult, and Eleazar will challenge me. That is what best friends do, as I suspect he will help me to accept whatever it is that I fail to see. I thought upon my answer before I calmly replied, "The disagreement involved a mortal man, and his knowledge of my family."

Eleazar cocked a brow at me as he enquired, "Another mortal knows of your family secret?" He seemed rather uncomfortable as he struggled with his next question. We moved to the side as a motorist passed, and continued to jog at our human pace. He glanced at me and stated, "Tell me of this man, and the knowledge he posses."

With an intake of breath I admitted, "We first met in Calgary during the 1960s. He was badly injured, and crushed beneath a chuck wagon at the stampede. We detected the mortal's blood before anyone else knew of the injury. Jasper was not in control. The blood proved too much, so the family ushered him out. I could not leave the man to die. Edward and I assisted him, and saved his life. The cowboy turned to medicine, and became a doctor. He is now a professor at the University we attend."

Eleazar nodded his head at me to continue, and I struggled, as I had to admit the next part of the story. He noticed my hesitation, and glanced curiously at me. I smirked guiltily at him and admitted, "We fabricated a Canadian background for our studies at the university. There I am a twenty-one year old named Carlisle Cullen the Third. The man who rescued him was my grandfather, the original Carlisle Cullen. An unfortunate situation brought his attention back to my grandfather, and caused him to go through his memories. He reflected on them, and I do not believe he would have identified Edward and me without having done so."

Eleazar chuckled in amusement as he explained, "Carlisle, sometimes you have to release the attachment you have to a name. Surely, you go by Carlisle Cullen in the States, or have you changed that one? I know your American identity is older than twenty-one, as you need to account for the ages of your children. How many Carlisle Cullens exist today?"

"Three," I stated sheepishly, and watched as my friend laughed enthusiastically. I grunted, as I could not deny his accusation. I adjusted my jacket, and glanced at the impish expression on my friend's face as he thought upon my answer.

Eleazar nodded his head at me and enquired, "Does Jenks still handle your documents?" I glanced at the man with a nod of my head. Cautiously he warned, "That goes against the laws of the Volturi. I understand Jasper is careful, but you cannot continue to depend on a mortal." I glanced at him helplessly, and wondered if he had a better solution. Eleazar lowered his voice and mentioned to me, "You will soon no longer need the services of the mortal."

My brows rose curiously at his statement as he continued to explain, "The Vancouver Coven will see to all our identity needs, although they do not yet know of their ability." He grinned at me and admitted, "Thomas needs to attend school, and learn about computers. He has a gift that they know nothing about, but he will discover it soon. He is a technopath, and he will interface with computers at the mental level. There is no code in existence that can keep such a person out, and you will find him much more beneficial than Jenks. My friend, if we are to help our race in joining the human community, we will need one with such a gift."

I glanced at him curiously and enquired, "What of the Volturi? The Vancouver coven cannot hope to stand against them, and this gift will prove a major threat." Eleazar offered me a reluctant nod of his head. I calmly informed him, "Aro sent Lucinda after them to discover who they were. Liz could easily hear her, and always knew when she was near. This frustrated the invisible spy who came to visit me. She attempted to kill my mate, and Aro renegotiated our truce to include the Vancouver coven."

Eleazar breathed a sigh of relief as he admitted, "It pleases me to see that she failed in her quest." He glanced at me curiously, as he enquired, "Carlisle isn't Lucinda that woman who Caius used against you as a punishment?" I glanced at him uneasily as he stated, "I never met anyone like her, and she told me many stories about you. I truly believe she loved making you scream."

I pressed my lips tightly together at the unpleasant memories, and felt a sympathetic pat on my shoulder as my friend admitted, "Carlisle, your honour and sense of duty grants you a tremendous amount of power. Your pride has always been your undoing, and that is what Caius worked on to gain your obedience. He used Lucinda's games and special talents to mortify you, because pain was not enough. This made you more obedient. Eventually your pride returned, and permitted your compassion to defy his order. Lucinda once more had her chance to play."

I growled softly at the memories, and received another pat on my shoulder. I released my breath and admitted, "Those were not pleasant. Can you believe she actually thought I enjoyed it?" Eleazar smiled at me in response. I groaned at my friend and stated, "I did not disobey Caius to play her silly games. Eleazar, how could you think that of me?"

Eleazar laughed lightly as he gently mentioned, "Calm down my friend that is not what I meant. I know you well enough to realize the hatred you had for those games and that woman. I knew nothing of you when those stories were first told to me. Carlisle, you left a legacy, and the guard talked about you long after your departure." I glanced at him and listened curiously as he explained, "They told me that Aro loved you, but Caius had no use for your compassion. You intrigued Marcus and your forever-curious friend. Together they kept you from Caius' fatal wrath. They allowed him to torture you through Lucinda, and the several times you received that treatment made many believe that it was something you enjoyed."

I groaned at his statement and shook my head as I mentioned, "People today actually take pleasure in those activities. I have treated many patients who were victims of over zealous tortures, and I have no idea why humans find such things sexy." I glanced to my left, and realized we made it to Beaver Lake. At our current speed, we should arrive home in less than three hours. Casually I mentioned, "I made the right decision to leave the Volturi."

Eleazar nodded his head firmly as he stated, "I may no longer agree with the ways of the Volturi, but for the most part they keep order. Our world is in shambles as chaos spews from every direction, because covens vie for control. We need those in Vancouver. Between our three covens, we now have the power and ability to keep order over our world. This will come into effect once the Volturi end the current chaotic threat." Eleazar glanced at me warily as he admitted, "We may have to aid them with that." I glanced at Eleazar curiously, as I failed to follow his thoughts. He smiled at me and mentioned, "Carlisle, you are a very powerful man, but you have yet to realize it."

I narrowed my brows in contemplation at Eleazar's words, but I could not make sense of them. I glanced curiously at him while he enquired, "Do you now make demands of the Volturi?" I considered his question. He understood my hesitation and explained, "Your truce provided the groundwork for us to approach the Volturi as equals. They keep their authority, and the sense of control. We watch over them, and step on their toes when they overextend. My old friend, have you no idea the amount of power you have usurped from the Volturi?"

Eleazar stared at me while I pondered his question. Curiously, I glanced at the other man and admitted, "I did not conceive of that notion. Eleazar how is it that you see this truce as anything other than a defensive measure?"

Eleazar smiled patiently at me as he enquired, "If you saw the Volturi stepping out of line, would you sit still and do nothing?" I scoffed at that notion, as he well knew I would never do such a thing. Eleazar grinned at me and further explained, "That, my friend is how we will work together and maintain order. The Volturi keep their authority and control over the vampire world, but we watch their activities. They see us as an annoyance, but realize we are no threat to their control." Eleazar chuckled at me while he admitted, "You are a natural father. You not only run your coven as a family, but now you effectively have that same role with the Volturi. Carlisle my friend, I only hope you never need to bare Aro's backside and take him over your knee."

Eleazar's last statement was too graphic, and caused me to imagine that very scenario. I assumed he had a similar picture in his mind, as we burst into laughter and had to stop running. I shook my head as I mentioned, "My old friend, you have placed me in an awkward spot." Eleazar grinned knowingly to me as I continued to explain, "I fear that picture in my mind the next time Aro touches me."

Eleazar guffawed as he admitted, "Do not worry about such things, as that thought may invoke Aro's immediate cooperation. You know he would not deliberately place himself at risk, especially if he considered it a real possibility." We started to jog once again, and Eleazar returned to our earlier conversation, "Carlisle, you mentioned something about a Cowboy Doctor."

I raced through my memory and recalled he wished to know the cause of the conflict between Jasper and me. I calmly explained, "Professor Mackael is now my teacher at the university. He taught Edward too. He realized there was a connection between my identities, but he did not know that I was the same person until he saw me with my son. He identified both of us, and reasoned that I was not human. I attempted to deny his accusations as absurdity, but he pointed out my lack of heat, the texture of my skin, and my apparent inability to age. He used science, and he too has ability. He could tell when I lied to him, as he saw an aura around me."

Eleazar nodded his head as he took in the situation. Quietly he mentioned, "Our law dictates that we must destroy those humans who discover our identities." He glanced at me and curiously enquired, "Carlisle, did you remove this person?" I lowered my gaze to the ground and he needed no further confirmation. His voice remained calm, as he gently admonished me, "Carlisle, my old friend, I fail to understand the wisdom of your decision. Please explain this to me."

I grimaced at Eleazar as I admitted, "Jasper too did not understand, and he wished an end to this mortal. We did not agree, and he challenged me." Eleazar nodded his head in understanding, and prodded me for more information as I admitted, "Mackael has no idea what we are. He knows nothing of the vampire world, and believes my statement. I told him that we protected humanity in a war they know nothing about, and that I have done this for the past three centuries. His gift told him that I told no lies, and he professed his loyalty. He wished to help me in any capacity, and mentioned his many contacts in the academic community. I told him that he and I would both die should he speak of what he knew, and he understood my meaning. His gift assured him I spoke the truth, and he promised to never reveal our secrets."

Eleazar rubbed a hand against his chin as he considered the situation before him. He glanced at me and gently admonished, "Carlisle, I do not fully understand your decision. I trust in your judgment, but you have violated one of our laws." He glanced sadly at me as he enquired, "This is why Jasper challenged you?" I nodded my head somberly, and glanced at him with curiosity. We ran in silence for the next twenty minutes, as he pondered the information. Finally, he revealed his thoughts as he admitted, "Mackael sounds like a man of honourable intention. Carlisle, your compassion causes you to take risks others would not, but you do so with wisdom. I find no fault in your decision to let Mackael live."

I smiled softly at the man, as his reassurance meant a lot to me. It is not that Eleazar holds authority or power, but I do value my friend's opinion. He said no more, but his voice hinted at concern. Curiously, I enquired, "Eleazar, something is troubling you. Do you mind discussing it with me?"

Eleazar nodded his head as he mentioned, "Jenks is a concern to me. He is not a man of honour, and I understand Jasper uses his ability to control his fear." I glanced at him knowingly, and listened to his concerns. "Jasper initiated business with him in the eighties, and Jenks knows everything about your coven. Humans now yearn for information about the unknown, and they pay vast sums of money to acquire it. They also have the technology available to pose a threat with their incineration weaponry. This man could make a tremendous amount of money by revealing your identities, and providing evidence of a super human race. He has your pictures in his possession, and he knows your entire coven. Carlisle, I fear this man is a major threat to you, and the vampire community."

I nodded my head in agreement, as the same thoughts ran through my mind. "Jasper believes he holds a firm control over the man. I have Alice constantly monitoring Jenk's activities, and it is our intention to act against him should the situation arise. He is of questionable morality, but money keeps his silence."

Eleazar offered me a small smile as he admitted, "You my friend, are in a place that I do not envy. I understand Jasper's concerns, but I do agree with your decision. It is possible that he now realizes the problem with Jenks, and hearing of Mackael caused him to panic. I will not know his reason for the challenge until I have talked with him." He paused in our run and laid a hand on my shoulder. I gazed into his concern filled eyes as he enquired of me, "Carlisle, there is more that you are not telling me. How are you holding up?"

We returned to jogging at a human pace, as I attempted to answer his question. "Eleazar, I struggle with the modern role of man and wife." I glanced at my friend, as he gazed curiously at me. I took in a deep breath and admitted, "Esme wants a larger role, and to have more say in the family. I attempted to accommodate her request, but that ended in disaster. I do not wish to get into the details, but I found myself answering to her. Our children noticed the change in our authority structure. When they disagreed with me, they ran to her."

Eleazar guffawed loudly and clapped me on the back as I stared at him dumbly. We continued down the Olympic Highway as Eleazar began to explain, "The roles of man and wife have not changed. They are the same as ever before, Carlisle can you not see this?"

I smirked at Eleazar and suggested, "My friend, you have been in ice far too long. How is it that your wife has not made these same demands of you?" I glanced to my right and noticed another ice-covered lake. At this point, we left the main highway, because we did not wish to attract attention from those traveling to Forks. We headed in the Western direction, and hid ourselves in the forest as we continued to jog at human speed.

Eleazar shook his head at me as he admitted, "Carlisle, you are over thinking this situation. Jasper is one of few vampires I have ever known who willingly broke off with a mate. I assume he and Maria never truly bonded with one another. Our very nature defies the laws of humanity, and causes us to form a strong attachment with our wives. We would willingly die to see them safe, and we wish nothing more than to please them. They do the same with us. Carlisle, we have not changed. You have always valued Esme's opinion, as I have with Carmen."

I ducked around a tree and considered my friend's words. I already knew they were true, and now I fully realized my earlier mistake. I assumed the reason Esme dominated me was due to my allowing her to correct me and not depending on myself. That was true, but I should have realized the role of her vampiric nature. She did it out of love for me, and in trying to satisfy my needs. I finally responded to his statement, "Yes, I do see your point. The modern world has changed, as we stay the same. I value my wife's opinions in matters of discipline, but I hate having her involvement. I would prefer to protect her from such things."

Eleazar smiled at me and admitted, "That my friend is the true nature of your struggle. You can still protect her, but you must discover other ways. I understand your wish to keep her from the guilt of punishing your children, but you need to step back. She only wishes to help save you from the stress associated with these matters. Carlisle, it is not the modern world that changed your relationship." I glanced at him curiously as he further explained, "The stresses of our world drives her beast to aid you. Garrett too wishes to help Tanya more than ever before." Eleazar smirked as he admitted, "Alas, I will not spread gossip. Trust me when I say that you and Esme are not alone, as all coven leaders today face this reality."

I chuckled quietly as thoughts ran through my mind of what trouble Garrett could cause for Tanya. The possibilities were endless. I motioned in the distance and stated, "You can almost see our home above those trees."

Eleazar smiled at me as he mentioned, "Alice asked me to speak with your children. Carlisle, does this offend you?" I shook my head in response, and he continued, "Sometimes we just need a fresh set of eyes to see what stands before us. You do have a delicate situation on your hands. Your children are loyal to you, and their love causes the hate of their brother. It is my wish to help you with this, as I do enjoy your coven."

Jasper acted out of love for the family, and I hoped Eleazar could help them to discover that for themselves. He and I continued to jog at a mortal speed, and made our way to the house. He seemed very impressed with the size of the building, and then he smelt it. He glanced warily at me. I smirked and explained, "We have good ventilation." I suspected he would not inhale for the rest of the visit.