Caius
"She slapped you! She actually slapped you!" Carlisle was clearly amused hearing Sulpicia's response to Aro's abuse of her boys. She was such a gentle creature in his mind. Now there was a few hours' distance, and a couple of solid walls between them Aro could see the funny side too. "What did you do?" Eleazar's knowing question needed no answer from Aro. Aro had no doubt slapped her back, and harder too. In Aro's mind if she could give it out he would return it. Eleazar knew how Aro was with Sulpicia. He didn't exactly disagree with his brothers reasoning, though he wasn't completely comfortable with it either. Aro held out his hands defensively to his elder brother. "Come on El!" "Hmm" Eleazar replied in a stern fashion, very much the impression of their father. Catching on to each other's mood, the light laughter danced around the room.
Aro soon started to brood again. He needed to present Felix and Demetri to Caius, and he needed to do it soon. He had already been down here a good few hours. Will Sulpicia be ready to let me back in yet? He wasn't too sure but seeing morning light breaking outside Eleazar's window, it was time to try. He asked Carlisle to stay with his wife in their quarters whilst Eleazar accompanied him with the two errant vampires to pay a quick visit to Caius. All agreed so they made their way upstairs.
Sulpicia opened the door, she'd heard them coming. As soon as Aro was visible she threw herself into his arms, the passion that flowed between their gaze was almost tangible. They didn't need words. Aro kissed his wife deeply, enjoying having his woman on side once more. "How are they?" he asked tentatively? "Alec and Jane are still sleeping. Demetri and Felix, well they haven't been able to rest, they are waiting for you. They don't believe me that everything will be alright. It will be, my love? Yes?" Sulpicia's words dripped with hope.
"Of course my queen, they need only do me one more task before we can lock these doors for few days and recuperate together." Aro's words soothed Sulpicia's tattered nerves. She knew Caius would expect to see proof that her boys were suitably punished. She smiled at her husband and clutched his hand to her cheek so he would read her thoughts. 'May we talk privately when you return my love?' Aro nodded and smiled gently. Releasing himself from their embrace he went to check on his guard.
Opening the door to the twin's chamber he saw they were still sleeping, oh how I envy your ability to sleep little ones! Leaving them to their rest he closed the door and crossed the hall to retrieve Felix and Demetri. The boys had sensed their master enter the living quarters and were nervously waiting on him. Sulpicia had tried in vain to placate their worries. They wanted to believe her, but they knew Aro, and more importantly right now they knew Caius! Though they felt properly punished and certainly repentant, they didn't think Caius would agree… he would rather have their heads after all!
When Aro opened their door he was presented with a sad sight. My high guard, feared throughout vampire kind for their gifts and warrior prowess - two are napping like toddlers and two sat before me sobbing… like toddlers! Sulpicia's always saying these two aren't much more mature than the twins. Looking at them now I'm wondering if she's right. They are all the same to Caius, they are 'guards' and that's it. He doesn't care if some were barely out of childhood before they were turned. He thinks I show too much leniency to the younger ones.
Looking first at Demetri and then Felix, he surveyed the damage. Both were standing, just - Felix seemed to need the support of his bed post. Their eyes were fixed fast to the floor. They look a mess; I couldn't be any harsher without killing them for Christ sake! But then, that is what you want isn't it Caius. Aro couldn't understand Caius' issue with his high guard, is it jealousy? He could do the same, we have enough newborns coming through this place to select a few and train them up. He doesn't want the hassle of keeping his own guard so thinks I should dispatch mine, so it's what? Fair? Felix is right he is an evil cunt. Stealing himself now for what he must do, willing his boys through his mind to understand and obey for this final necessity. Don't force my hand again today, please!
"Can you walk?" he directed his question to Felix with his voice betraying none of the emotion Aro felt at the moment. Demetri can walk, Aro decided, he hadn't been nearly as hard on his younger boy though the lad's theatrics would say differently. Felix replied that he could, with his voice still hitching as he desperately tried to compose himself. "Then follow me, and bring that." Aro pointed to the crumpled heap of rags on the floor. Those rags of course were the tattered remains of Felix' clothing. With that Aro left the doorway knowing they would follow. Demetri moved first to pick up his brothers 'rags'. He felt like his backside was on fire again! He looked sadly to Felix; how the guy was standing was beyond him, and he had to admit to himself - he was pretty impressed with his big brother right now.
In a very quiet voice, once he was sure Aro had return to the main living quarters he spoke to Felix, "hey, did you see Aro just then, he looked, well, he looked sad… Sully might be right?" "Yeah I saw, it's not Aro I'm worried about brother, we've got to see Caius now… oh fuck this hurts." Felix had managed to get the doorway, but it burned, if he didn't know better he would swear Jane was using her gift on him right now. How the hell am I going to make it through the halls! He thought to himself, genuinely not believing he could! Demetri was at his side and Felix leaned into him for support.
They made it into the main room where Aro, his brothers, Carmen and Sulpicia were waiting for them. "For god sake Aro!" Eleazar was shocked at the state of the boys, particularly Felix. Shooting his brother a disgusted look he went to Felix' other side to help Demetri to support him. Though Aro's face remained impassive, his heart ached. He felt like such a bastard right now. Carlisle looked just as pissed with him. My brothers love those boys. Damn it so do I! Eleazar had spoken to him a few weeks ago about his relationship with his guard. He hadn't really listened at the time, but now he was starting to believe it. His bond with them had changed, or evolved as Eleazar put it. He knew in Sulpicia's thoughts, and no doubt her heart - she loved these boys too. Pushing his thoughts to the back of his mind for now he decided he would have to work this out later.
"They will have time to recover later, I want this finished with Caius, now." Aro announced. "You can't even look me in the eye brother, I will enjoy you explaining this to Basileus!" Eleazar was rarely so outspoken, but he was honestly shocked at the state of his nephews. That's what they were in his eyes, and his displeasure increased at every hiss each movement elicited from Felix. "I'm sure you will brother." Aro was done with this now. He would have never have gone so far with Felix' whipping if he didn't know it was needed… Caius wanted them dead, if they weren't 'broken' he would be calling for their heads still, he rationalised. Aro walked over to his boys, he crouched down a little and carefully moved Felix over his shoulder in a fireman's lift. "I can carry you through the halls, but you must walk into Caius," he said quietly. Felix heard, he understood. "Shall we go onto the terrace my ladies?" Carlisle spoke softly to his sisters in law. Too fraught with emotion to answer, Sulpicia took the hand he offered and Carmen followed as they left the room. "Come brother, you can berate me to your hearts content later." "Oh I will!" Eleazar returned as he and Demetri followed Aro out of their quarters and to Caius' side of the castle.
Aro moved so swiftly, it was as though he floated above the ground. Felix was glad of that right now, it meant he didn't suffer the extra pain the slight jolts from usual footsteps would cause. All too quickly they reached the more public spaces of the castle. All four listened carefully as they moved through the halls for the sound of approaching guards. Felix hadn't realized what was going on at first as Aro put him down, we're nowhere near Caius' quarters yet? Oh fuck, ahhh, fuck. The pain from being put down took over Felix's thoughts. Aro pushed him gently into the wall, he could see tears in his boys eyes and wanting to save face for him tried to cover him as best as he could. He placed his right hand above Felix's left shoulder and held him in place with his left hand on his chest.
Felix did his best to contain the whimpers hiding behind his lips. As the two low ranking guards passed them Aro leaned into Felix' face and offered him hurried whispers to get through this torture, "they have nearly passed, hold it together, I'm going to deal with Caius, you must trust me…" "Master Aro" the two said in union, Aro nodded once, but didn't look their way. Eleazar saw how interested they were in the scene though. So did Demetri who glared at them as they walked by. "Master Eleazar," the duo chorused again, whilst smirking at Demetri. The rumbling growl in Demetri's chest should have made the two low guards step back - that's what usually would happen.
Not this time. The guards smirk increased and laughter threatened to release from their mouths. Aro knew what was happening, and he wasn't having his boy's status threatened by any of the guards, let alone the low rankers. Eleazar had placed his arm in front of Demetri, expecting the boy to attack at their disrespect. "Let him go brother" Aro said smoothly, "they clearly believe they are a match for Demetri, I for one would like to see them try!" Their pale vampire faces turned grey as they ran from potential destruction. Eleazar removed his restraining arm and Demetri flew forwards but the pain from his hiding slowed him down. He'd hardly made it a few meters before deciding the chaffing wasn't worth it! He came limping back to see Felix standing now. They all continued to walk at a very slow human pace to the sound of Felix' hisses.
They were surprised to see Caius' door open as they approached. "Caius, will you receive us?" Aro called out as they waited by the open entrance. Caius arrived at the doorway in moments. "Aro, I thought you would have called on me sooner than this I have to say, do come in." Aro ignored hid co-leader's tone and guided Felix inside, Eleazar and Demetri followed. "Well brother, have they been suitably chastised?" He looked the errant vampires up and down and a sadistic smile spread across his face. Aro took the crumpled up rags from Eleazar and threw them to Caius' feet, "here, judge for yourself!" Crouching to retrieve the blood soaked mess, Caius looked up at Aro from his place on the floor, "are they his?" he gestured to Felix. Aro confirmed with a short, sharp nod. "And you think my methods cruel, brother!" Caius was happy, evil cunt - the thoughts of Aro, Eleazar and the two boys were in harmony.
"Are you satisfied dear Caius," Aro's trademark calm tone hid the tension he was feeling perfectly well. Anyone witnessing this scene would truly believe Aro was bored and emotionally unattached. "Well, yes, but.." Caius voice trailed off as he walked over to Felix. "What do you have to say for yourself you petulant fool, you have lost a lady of our coven, your masters sister no less. Who's to say what this loss will do to our dear Marcus…" Slapping Felix' back a couple of times as he spoke. Felix did all he could to remain composed, but he was on fire and he couldn't prevent his hisses or the fresh tears that spilled from his eyes. Caius lifted his hand from the boys back and felt the dampness from the boy's blood soaked tunic. "Take that off Felix, I want to see." Caius took a seat and waited for 'the show'. Felix looked panicked, he turned to Aro who gestured for him to continue! No no no I can't, don't make me do this please… he implored Aro with his eyes to see sense on this.
"Caius leave him alone. I have better things to do that join in on your sick fantasies, you can see they have been punished – that is the end of it!" It wasn't Aro that spoke, it was Eleazar. "Who are you to address me in such an insolent fashion?" Caius had flashed forward to Eleazar and was literally spitting his outraged words in his face. Eleazar wasn't fazed. "I am the eldest son of our almighty creator you damn fool," he walked into Caius threateningly, pushing him back, "you will do well to remember your place here, and you should certainly mind yourself in MY presence!" With a final shove Caius was back in his seat. Demetri and Felix were watching, small smiles dancing on their faces for the first time in too many hours. "Erm, Aro, you let him talk for you now brother?" Caius was unnerved, but he was desperate to save face. "People will question your position Aro. Brother?"
Pulling himself together Aro approached Caius and leaned down low so their eyes were level, "he is my brother Caius, and no one around here has EVER questioned MY position… you would do well to remember that, dear Caius." With that he stood and made for the door, "come!" he called to his boys. Eleazar remained standing over Caius, daring him to reply. "Brother, you were right, we have much to do, let us leave now." Aro called to Eleazar, with a final glare he turned on his heal and followed his nephews. "Aro, Aro, what about Demetri, he left my wife alone, she could have been…" "that will never happen again, Caius, fear not. For you will never use my guard again. I suggest you select your wife's guard from the wider pool." Caius looked shocked. Aro gestured to his boys, "These are mine! The twins, are mine! To make it clear for you - this coven is mine!" Not waiting for a reply, Aro left Caius' quarters and slammed the door behind him. Taking an unnecessary breath to steady himself he could sense the many guards who milled around in the dark corridors, listening to events unrolling. Standing tall, deciding to pay no attention to them for now he took Felix in his hold, trusting Eleazar to do the same with Demetri and flashed back to their family tower.
Aro didn't stop until they were inside and Eleazar had closed the door behind them. Felix released a roar of pain now they were in their private space and safe to do so. No sooner than Aro had set him on his feet, Felix promptly collapsed to the floor. The twins were woken with his noise and flashed to the main living room. Both stood shocked at the state of their brothers. Demetri was clinging onto Eleazar still, though he was at least allowing himself to be led to his bed chamber. Felix looked dead. He was lying on the marble floor not daring to move. When Carlisle and the ladies returned to the room, Aro could see his wife's tears hadn't relented in the time he was gone.
"Carlisle, brother, help me move him." Carlisle looked like he wanted to kill his brother, not help him. But for Felix' sake he assisted with carrying the boy and arranged him on the bed opposite Demetri. Eleazar had settled his charge so he came to see Felix now. Pushing Aro roughly out of the way he took his place next to the boy. Felix was flat on his front. Eleazar ripped the tunic the boys from his back, attempting to disturb him as little as possible. Aro stood back, he was a little scared of his big brother right now - he seemed very much like their father at that moment. Which reminded Aro, I've got to face Basileus yet, fuck, what else was I supposed to do though?
As much as he feared his father's rebuke he wished the man would return to help him, he was floundering, and he knew it. Exposing Felix's wounds to fresh air seemed to bring temporary relief. What the hell have you done to him Aro you bastard! Eleazar was appalled at the boy's weak state. "He needs to feed" were the only words Eleazar dared to allow himself to speak. Eleazar rose from the bed and walked to the twins who were hanging around nervously in the door way, he took their hands and looked into their frightened eyes. "We need to fetch Felix some blood, I need to you to find me as many vials, bottles, containers as you can and then we will go to the forest, can you do that?" Both nodded and darted from the room.
Aro walked to his brother's side and tried to touch him, he wanted to read his thoughts. Aro wasn't accustomed to being in the dark, and the cold shoulder Eleazar was giving him unnerved him. Realizing what Aro was trying to do Eleazar pushed him off roughly. Rounding on his little brother he punched him square in the face! Grabbing at his broken nose, Aro fell back in shock! Eleazar closed the space and knelt at Aro's side. Taking his little brother hand roughly, he brought it to his cheek. "Go ahead!" Eleazar ground out through gritted teeth. Aro saw flashes of his brother's thoughts, he saw the dejected state of his boys through Eleazar's eyes, he heard that Eleazar had half a mind to whip his brother into the same state but had decided to leave him to the fate of their father instead. Dropping his hand, Eleazar looked at Aro's face, "that nose is definitely broken," he said darkly, "what was it you said brother, ah, that's it - you will have time to recover later!" With that he left to retrieve the twins and find Felix some blood.
Carlisle sat with Felix, he used the bowl of water Sulpicia had brought him to wipe down his nephew's wounds, picking out the debris of clothing that were starting to heal themselves into the boy's skin. Felix didn't fight him off. Though it hurt, Carlisle was so gentle and worked quickly to clean up the broken boy. "Aro, you should speak with Sully, you have much to talk about." Carlisle spoke softly to his brother, he was glad Eleazar was taking the hard line, it wasn't Eleazar's natural position but it suited Carlisle even less.
Aro looked at the damage done to Felix', he had criss-cross slits covering his back and Aro knew they continued down to his thighs. "Will you take care of him brother?" Aro felt like he didn't have the right to even ask that. "Of course Aro, he will recover." Carlisle offered his brother a small smile, which Aro returned - neither ones reached their eyes. Aro approached Demetri and saw him flinch at his presence. That stung - though of course he couldn't blame the boy. "Rest, alright?" Demetri responded by settling into the bed sheets and closing his eyes. He continued to listen to his brother's soft whimpers as he, through sheer exhaustion, drifted into the trance of young vampire sleep.
Sulpicia had returned to the terrace, it was often where she went to think, or just to breathe! She rarely entered the grounds of the castle, and her terrace was as 'outside'' as she could get. She was starting to question this prison just as Didyme had. She didn't have the spirit Didyme did though, and there were some very obvious differences between the way Marcus related to his wife and how Aro related to her. Marcus was a kind hearted being, even without Didyme's gift of happiness Marcus was a joyful character. 'Prison', that's what she called this place, 'we are captive for the crime of loving who we love'… Sulpicia questioned whether she agreed; she had always been so quick to dismiss Didyme when she talked of such things. But now as she clung to the terrace wall, she hardly dared to lean over to far for fear of what lurked in the dark castle grounds. Aro had told her she wasn't safe outside these walls and that was that. She no longer cared whether it was safe or not, she couldn't live like this anymore. Hearing more quiet sobs coming from Felix she wanted to take her vampire children and leave this place. She rarely spoke out against Aro but this conversation had been coming for a long time.