Edward In Ice

Tuesday, December 7, 2004

Edward Cullen used to consider himself a lucky man. It was luck that gave him wealthy, loving parents. It was luck that granted him another set of wealthy, loving parents after he was changed. It was luck that gave him a supernatural power that saved his family multiple times, and luck that ensured he'd lived this long without being dragged away by the Volturi.

But it was the work of a divine God that he found her.

The woman was sitting in the empty club smoking a cigarette.

Every day since he encountered her last summer, Edward had looked for the green-eyed woman with the silent thoughts. His family rarely contemplated the incident anymore. Alice saw nothing foreboding in the future. Carlisle was hesitant to make a snap decision based on the account of a woman who thought herself a "fairy" - something he could find little concrete research on. Edward wondered if he had hallucinated the entire encounter. Perhaps there was something wrong with the animals over in the northeast, throwing off his diet. Almost anything was possible, right?

Still, he'd held onto hope. Every day since he'd stop by the club. Sometimes he went during the open hours and enjoyed a few performances. Other times, he'd wait outside the entrance until closing time, trying to spot her. Several days, like today, he simply slipped in through a side door and waited inside.

He definitely needed a distraction.

Now, he could let his mind rest. She was in the corner of the room, the same corner where they met. The table was lit with a small lamp, casting a dim glow. The faint fear he felt was foreign to him.

She didn't look up until he sat down. "Edward Cullen."

"Ma'm," he greeted her. That was about as polite as he was going to get until she offered him some sort of explanation.

"I'm glad you found me. The possibility of you forgetting about me crossed my mind."

He smiled tightly. "Of course not. It's not often a stranger claims I'm a vampire and she's a fairy before disappearing."

"'Claim'," she parroted, chuckling. Amazingly, she didn't start coughing like expected, with the smoking and all.

He wanted to close this chapter of his life. "So what do you want from me? Hush money to ensure you will not go gallivanting around the city spreading rumors?"

"Edward, I don't want your money."

"Really?" he questioned skeptically.

"Do I need to prove it to you?" She closed her eyes for five seconds. "Reach into your coat pocket."

To his chagrin, there was a one-ounce gold nugget in his coat pocket. He handed it to her.

"It's not how I pay the bills, but the trick is pretty handy," she mused.

"Fine. Maybe you are who you say you are," he relented. "But what do you want with me?"

"I want - no, I request an alliance."

His throat tightened at thoughts of vampire wars he'd heard in Jasper's stories and the Volturi Carlisle mentioned. "An alliance. Is there a war coming on, Ma'am?"

"Call me Echo," she corrected.

"Echo," he repeated, despite his mild dislike of the woman attached to it.

"No. We're safe for the moment."

"For what purpose, then? Why me?"

"Not just you. Your coven. I would like to request an alliance between the Olympic coven and the northwest fairy clan."

This was becoming a rather odd conversation. "You're a long way from Washington. As is my family."

Echo shook her head. "Let me explain." She scooted her chair to his side of the table. Normally, he'd protest to someone getting too close, but he barely registered the scent of her blood. Echo traced a large square on the table in front of them.

It took a minute. Slowly, the images in the square came to life."It's a television charm I've been working on. You can make a screen anywhere, project your thoughts onto it," she clarified.

"Nice," he commented. He wasn't going to offer up his abilities like she did until he had a better reason to trust her.

The screen sharpened to reveal a rather primitive-looking village."My story starts at the beginning. My people were... what's that word? Prehistoric. We lived in harmony with mankind since the Stone Age. Sprites, they called us. Most clans were based in western Europe. We were scattered about, living in the wilderness, in forests, even outside human towns. They protected our villages from the harm of animals and we protected them from disease and famine with our gifts. Everything was peaceable."

The screen shifted to the sight of a crowd carrying torches and shouting. "Not everyone was fond of us. It's hard to blame them. As time went on, it became more apparent that we were growing stronger. Our magic is constantly adapting to the ways of this world. Hence, why I can create a television screen on a wooden table. When the humans found out that we evolved to be able to switch between our natural size and human size, they began to hunt us down."

Echo switched to images of winged men and women running, carrying away packages and satchels in a panic. "They burned down every village they saw. Sometimes they set dogs on us or flooded the village. It was easy to do - most of the villages were only a square quarter-mile. We had more than a few advantages over them. Not all fairies were strong enough to fight back - abilities vary by clan. Even in a family, a sister may be twice as powerful as her brother or cousin. Naturally, the humans could get to the weak, the old, and the very young." Her firm voice softened.

"Our population hit a record low. Many fairies left Europe, most for islands, many for the Americas. That's how my family ended up here." The screen sped through shots of different fairies - some handsome, some plain, but they all bore vivid green eyes. "My clan has lived in northeast North America for roughly...three-thousand years. Of course, it wasn't always -"

"Spare me the history lesson. The fairies have been here for thirty centuries?"

"Roughly," she amended.

"The leader of my coven, Carlisle is a great scholar, and he hasn't heard any of this." Edward's wariness was only heightened. Sure, she could perform magical feats, but this story was so outlandish. He didn't want to be taken for a fool.

"Simple. Humans aren't afraid of us, so they don't try to analyze us or look for us. We sort of fade away."

Edward studied her face carefully.

Echo huffed. "Don't believe me? Fine. Listen to this - I cannot tell a lie. It's nearly physically impossible. Any fairy is loath to admit it. Now don't go spreading that around."

"What year were you born?"

"1980."

"What was your most embarrassing moment?"

"Orrville High School talent show. I got my period while performing a dance routine to "Whoomp! There it Is" by Tag Team."

"What do you dislike about yourself?"

Echo gritted her teeth. "My nose is too big and people think I'm a know-it-all, so there's that. Now would you like to keep interviewing me or get back to the story?"

"Proceed," Edward obliged.

"As I was saying, my clan and my family was one of many to settle in the Americas. There, we found refuge by allying ourselves with the indigenous peoples. By then, full villages were developed. Most groups were willing to show us what to eat, especially when we helped them to magically grow their crops. We learned this time around to blend in was safer, so we hid most of our abilities. They allowed us to settle where we liked, so long as we did not disturb their peace."

"Did you?"

"Most people didn't. There was a bit of pushback from some clans - they disproved of all the hunting and wanted to protect the animals, but that's part of life. A human needs to eat.

"My clan settled into the northwest coast of North America, where we could learn the most about farming since we don't eat meat. We tried not to stay inland, in case a quick exit was needed. That changed 1500s." Echo flipped through images until she arrived at the colonial soldiers. "The new settlers were a bit more...aggressive, to put it mildly. We tried to help the native peoples where we could, sending healers to different areas, creating protective charms, but it was too much." Echo lingered on the clips of wars and bloodshed.

"My great-great-great-great-great grandparents were part of the generation that settled in Washington. By now, most tribes knew at least a bit about fairies. The Quileutes respected us because they knew us to be trustworthy. We turned a blind eye when they captured colonizers invading their land. Besides, we would've done the same centuries back, fought if we could have. And if you think about it, they could have traded us in to save their hides.

"In the 1860s, their cousin tribe, the Chimakum, were wiped out by the Suquamish. They felt alone and so they settled for the next best thing - an alliance with the fairy people. Everyone could sense the magic within them - much like ours. I suppose that's why we agreed. They were kindred, in that way. We didn't know how far our loyalty would be tested until about a hundred years ago. A group of settlers were envious of the little reservation. It was a prime spot for fishing and the community had really flourished under the resources of the land. In the middle of the night, someone set fire to La Push, burning down all of the houses, along with several important artifacts. They were devastated." On the screen, houses burned to the ground. People were running, screaming. There seemed to be many people laying on the ground dying.

"My great-great-great-great-great grandmother was a very talented fairy. By the time she was in her seventies, she was also very skilled. She was called on by the chief. He asked her to perform any spell that she knew in order to save his people. Seeing the desperation in his eyes, she used her last bit of strength to save the village." The screen showed the destruction reversing.

"From then on, my clan stayed in the area, knowing that we were safe. There are fewer of us now. And many bloodlines are watering down. But those of pure blood like me remain strong."

Edward allowed himself a minute to gather his wits. He had so many questions, but settled for: "Why haven't you approached the Quileutes then? Why are you hunting down a coven that doesn't live there anymore and won't for some time?"

Echo rubbed her eyes. "You all became part of Washington history when you signed that treaty with the Quileutes. Like it or not, you're tied to that area."

Edward couldn't mask his indifference. Vampires simply didn't treat pacts as sacred as fairies did, apparently.

Echo rambled on. "And this is a job called for vampires. Tame ones, like you all. I'm in charge of...well, I'll call it 'stats'. There has been an increase in vampires in the area. Up fourteen percent from last year."

"That doesn't seem so drastic."

"Maybe not to you. But for us, that's a problem. Like I said, so many of us have bred with humans, that their blood is just as tempting as a regular person's. I'd rather not see my clan dwindle away. There are people I need to protect, okay?"

He could understand that.

Echo continued, "Anyway, I just need word from your coven that you all will protect us if we are attacked, and you will do the same."

"Echo," Edward said gently. "You have my sympathies. However, I am not allowed to speak for my coven. I am not the leader. That's my father, Carlisle. He is a much more level-headed person and will give you a thoughtful answer."

Echo looked crushed. Her green eyes no longer seemed so full of life but of sadness.

"How did you find me, anyway?" Edward ventured, not wanting to feel guilty.

"It was quite easy. My grandmother met you and you were so obvious."

"Your grandmother?" He frowned.

"She works at this bookstore."

Edward's mind flooded with images from Echo's. The bookstore outside Forks. The big one he tried to buy once, where he once shared a drink with Leah Clearwater. An old woman on a ladder dropping a book into his hands. "Oh!" he gasped.

"You were barely breathing. Or blinking. You should work on your act better. Are you a - what is it - a newborn vampire?"

"No, I am not. I'll have you know, I was changed before your grandmother was even alive!" He couldn't stand the idea of being mistaken for a newborn. That'd mean he was juvenile and out of control.

Echo held up her hands. "If you say so."

"How'd you even do that?" Edward wondered. "One minute your mind is silent no matter how hard I listen, the next thing you know, I can hear your thoughts. It was the same with your grandmother."

"Most fairies can show a person their thoughts. Wait - you can hear other minds? You're a telepath?"

"Yes," he confirmed proudly. He was beginning to feel a little feeble after getting to know Echo.

"Impressive. Can you do that?"

"I'll tell you more after I introduce you to Carlisle." He didn't see much coming out of it, but he'd been wrong before.

Echo thanked him profusely.

He offered to walk her home, but she said she'd fly.

"You're something else, Echo," he said, tipping his hat.

"Something special, hopefully." She shrunk down to three inches and raced away.

"Hopefully," he echoed. Because if it was anything but, well, he was going to be very miserable.

Wednesday, December 8, 2004

Carlisle and Edward peered into the coffee shop window, ignoring dubious looks from those inside.

"Is that her?" the blond vampire asked.

Edward nodded. The fairy was waiting in the back of the room, sipping from a paper cup. She seemed to exclusively prefer dark corners. They had that in common.

Despite her welcoming smile, Edward still felt on edge. His conversation with Echo had played on repeat all night. He was glad Carlisle agreed to meet her today. The older man was wiser and would know better how to help her. Also, maybe his family would stop thinking he was delusional and telling tall tales.

"Now be careful, Carlisle, she's pretty persuasive and she's got quite a few tricks up her sleeve," he'd warned.

Carlisle had chuckled. "I think, Edward, if I wasn't taken in by the grandeur of the Volturi I can handle a fairy."

Yet, here they were, sitting with said fairy, Carlisle hanging onto her every word. Echo seemed to favor the doctor's company more than Edward's. Admittedly, Carlisle's questions were more out of interest instead of distrust.

When Echo finished recounting her story, Carlisle rubbed his chin in thought. "Fascinating."

Echo looked pleased with herself. "I know that was a lot, but you wouldn't be able to find much in history books."

"You told him much more than you told me," grumbled Edward.

"He's more patient than you are."

Carlisle asked, "What do you ask of us in this alliance?"

"There would be a more formal arrangement with the leaders of our clan. However, we would like you to swear that if the Washington population faces a certain number of attacks, or if our people face a direct assault, you will ally with us and defend us."

"And in return?"

"I assumed that we could offer you protection in some way, as well."

Carlisle considered it. Edward listened to his mind at work, turning over possibilities, weighing his options. The doctor said, "Echo, we appreciate the offer, but I don't think it's a very good idea right now. We upset a few Quileutes last time we were in Washington. They might not take too kindly to your clan's affiliation with our coven."

To Edward's embarrassment, Carlisle told an abbreviated version of last year. Luckily, Edward's role in it was drastically minimized.

Echo's bright eyes widened. "So you want to help people as much as I do."

"We try, Echo, but no one can control everything. Today we pick a fight with vampires, then tomorrow, we have their friends coming after us. If there's one thing last year taught us, it's that we can't interfere everywhere, no matter how powerful we are."

Edward was glad he couldn't hear the fairy's thoughts - the distress was evident on her face.

"Thank you, Dr. Cullen, for meeting me," she said softly.

"Of course. If you're from around here, I'd love to meet with you again, I'll tell you more about vampires. Perhaps some of this knowledge could aid you in your protection," Carlisle offered.

'Edward…'

Edward bristled, feeling the presence of someone else in his mind.

Even as Echo smiled and made small talk with Carlisle, all her thoughts were directed at

Edward. It was like she had two separate minds.

He felt himself moving throughout time and space until he reached his destination.

Echo's grandmother, the curly-haired woman with the glass eye was watching him in the bookstore. And Leah. Twinkling brown eyes. Her full laughter, rattling his eardrums. The fairy muttered to herself, watching the curiosity. 'A vampire with a Quileute girl,' she thought. 'Strange magic… He longs for her blood, but he longs for her heart.'

The day fast-forwarded to that night. The old woman sat in the dark, muttering an ancient language Edward could not identify. Somehow, he caught the words, 'Sense'. She repeated that until -

His face. A deep breath of air. Leah's scent. And...nothing.

Edward was about to lunge for the woman sitting across from him when she placed her hand over his. The foreign touch gave him pause.

'Edward, we did not rob you of your senses. We minimized your craving for human blood. My grandmother saw that you cared for her,' Echo told him, fear coloring her features.

"I do not care for her and you had no right to do that," he said with scary calm. He was frozen still, knowing that if he moved an inch, he would do something he'd regret.

Carlisle caught up with the situation. "Guys?" He didn't want a scene, not when they had just moved here. Both parties ignored him.

'Edward, we had your interests in mind. Just think, we could even help her to love you back,' Echo pressed.

He saw: Leah smiling at him, brighter than she ever had. Walking side-by-side. Holding her close -"

Edward stood. "Stay out of my head. And if you have any sense of self-preservation, stay out of hers."

He left the defeated fairy at the table, Carlisle trailing after him. He took comfort, for once, in the racket of voices around him when he headed onto the busy streets. At least that hadn't been taken from him.

Light snow fell, matching the icy hatred forming in his heart. First, he'd hunt. That would calm him down. Then, he needed to find Leah.