"What are you doing, admiring a priceless work?" Gisbert asked, knowing that wasn't what Jane was doing at all. He just finished observing her for several seconds seeing her rub her eyes, than slowly approaching the mirror with a sense of fear. She wouldn't, he thought to himself. He knew powers within the eyes worked on the reflection, that was why Pricilla gazed at her tiny hand mirror often, talking about her edesem, which meant sweetheart in her native language but she never said his name. He looked in the mirror to use his ability on his self when he needed to relax, he didn't think Jane would have the guts to use her own powers. She looked like one of those humans who were forcing themselves to do something they know will be painful. He watched as she stiffen with fear than started looking at herself, shook her head and did it again. After she looked at the mirror and said 'stop being a coward, if others can stand it so can you,' he knew he needed to intervene, he didn't want to see her get hurt.
"Nothing," Jane answered quickly turning away from the mirror with relief. "So are you leaving today?"
"Yep," Gisbert answered with a smile. "It's a full moon tonight, so Beyza and Mathais will be taking me to mainland while she does her usual errands. I am just going to get the parts, visit for awhile and come back in a few days. So you have nothing to worry about, you won't miss me that long."
"If I even notice your missing," Jane smiled. They were right, she was such a lier, he knew that would be the first thing she would notice.
"Don't worry, I have a tendency to leave an impression," Gisbert said as she let out a little giggle. "So will you be here when I get back, or will Italy to find enjoyment?"
"I don't know, but Sulipica is pretty excited to introduced me to her friend Kebi, properly, so I will be here."
"Great, now I will have to come back and make sure Ben doesn't blow your top off." Gisbert joked, knowing that was the last thing Benjamin would do, he was more scared Benjamin would have the wrong reaction and harm her.
"And I am sure the reunion of the sirens will be something you wouldn't want to miss,"
Jane pointed walking out with him. "So are you going straight home or do you make a few stops?" she was intensely curious about his life, he was the first friend she had that wasn't with the Voltari.
"I normally stop to visit my friend Pricilla," Gisbert answered as Jane gave him a funny look.
"Oh, the one who can see one's soul mate…..are you good friends with her?" She asked, Gisbert couldn't help but sense a little jealousy, and he couldn't help but like it.
"She's only a friend, and with her gift I doubt she would want to be much more so no need to get into a cat fight over me," Gisbert pointed out as Jane let out a little sigh. "Not to mention watching any catfight with you would be boring because you would just take them down before the fun stuff starts." As Jane looked down squashing the soft sand in her toes as the salt water came up to her feet. She was laughing, he was told it is impossible to make her laugh, but he found it rather easy.
"If she can see ones soul mate why doesn't she have one?" Jane asked curiously.
"I asked her about it once, she says its complicated," Gisbert shrugged. "But she has faith he will one day come to her."
"Oh," Jane sighed and looked towards him. ""Does she hate me like every other vampire?"
"Stop being so hard on yourself," Gisbert started, "If people didn't like you than why is everyone on this island so welcoming."
"Family," Jane answered.
"True," Jane sighed as Mela came up to her, along with Hector.
"Are you leaving today?" Mela asked.
"Yes, got to get those parts are Nikki and Alexander will be on my tale." Gisbert said as everyone let out a little laugh.
"Well, they are getting ready to leave, and Hecate is trying to find someone to go with Beyza to mainland." Hector explained. "Everyone else is busy getting ready for our upcoming guest, and Agnes and Sophia are wondering if you could…."
"Come along, I'd love too" Jane smiled towards Mela.
"Bye Jane," Gisbert said as Hecate notice Beyza and Mathais coming down the stairs, Gisbert than made a bold move as he noticed the wind flying in Jane's hair, he pulled a strand back and kissed her on the cheek. She looked up, and touched it, being caught by surprised as an awed smile came on her face.
"Can you mail these letters for me?" Jane asked.
"Sure," Gisbert said as he took the letters. "See you when I get back."
"See you," Jane smiled wanting to kiss him, instead she touched his cheek and walked away.
The boat came to an abandon beach in the mainland around ten o'clock that night. One of the first things he notice was a human couple walking barefooted on the beach at the wrong place during the wrong time. Gisbert stared at them, as Beyza walked down looking at the list than stopped, as a gentle breeze blew through the air causing her to pause and stair. She than looked at Gisbert knowing he was thinking the same thing. Beyza's jaw dropped trying to fight the sweet temptation as Gisbert saw the couple walk towards them holding hands, with their hearts beating pumping that devours scent. He only had a few more hours to live by their strict rules but temptation was near them, Beyza had an even harder time, she gave up humans not for the human sake, but for her family's survival. Mathais came down with a smile as they felt a slight sniffle come up their noses making the scent disappear.
It was strange for as close as the Greeks claimed to be with the Voltuir, they kept Mathias gift hushed from Sulipica and Jane. Gisbert wondered if the two even notice Mathias following them around, watching them like little children when they were around humans. Hecate pointed out Mathais is the one who made them become animal drinkers, or 'vegetarians' as Jane called it. She let them assume it was his religious personality and sense of moral reasoning mixed in with their curiosity and eagerness to learn. He could block off scent and make other scents stronger, he had the power to block off his gift forces them to drink animal blood too.
"I guess we have to go to the mail box," Beyza said a little embarrassed as Mathais nodded. She left quickly, making sure she did not give in, she had the hardest time accepting their diet.
"I'll check the mail box, I have to get these letters in." Gisbert said opening the box to find three post cards from Morocco, marked for Jane, and Sulipica, he looked at the third one it was to Alec, who was in Volturria. It was from a couple named Chelsea and Afton, Gisbert took them to Mathais.
"Oh, I remember sweet Chelsea," Mathias smiled. "Her mother came to Greece my newborn year, to offer some help, she was a good woman that one. I wanted to leave, so Didyme came down to make cheer me up, she brought along her son and daughter to help. She had Chelsea make me loyal to these woman, she was close to her son those. I remember when Didyme took me aside and had her son Eleazar explained my powers and she than told me how to use them. Sweet Chelsea, scared to leave the city with out protection since her mother's death. Glad she is off, Afton must have been writing them fast and got addresses mixed up, Gisbert put it in an envelope and mail Alec's too him."
"Sure," Gisbert answered, he wanted to write a note giving him a piece of his mind but didn't, instead he just wrote it down on an envelope and mailed it along with the rest of Jane's things as Beyza came up with an astonished look, staring at an envelop intensely.
"Are you leaving," Mathais asked as Gisbert nodded.
"Don't worry, I won't give in till I'm out of Greece," Gisbert pointed out as Mathais nodded while he left with Beyza. Gisbert walked at vampire speed a few blocks when he saw a motorcycle that belonged to the Greek couple. He figured since he couldn't have their blood, he minus well of gain something from them. He grabbed it and drove off, planning to make a hunting stop as soon as he passed the Greek border.
Gisbert started traveling the back paths at sunrise to avoided the border guards, because he didn't have a pass port and was pretty sure he was the last person border control wanted to see. He felt the wind blow in his hair going down the abandon dirt roads driving so fast humans couldn't even notice. He couldn't help but wonder what it would feel like if Jane was riding right behind him with her elegant arms wrapped around his waist, that might make him slow down to make the ride last longer. He heard many things about Jane before, none good, and from his experience all false.
He actually grew a deep concern for her, he never cared whether or not hurt someone's
feelings, when they asked for their opinion. He was always honest and believed no one could be too honest. So when she asked him how other vampires view her and the misuse of her powers he felt it would be cruel to tell her others could care less that she makes them think they are having unbelievable pain, and no one judges her because she enjoys doing it. He told the truth exactly the way it was, he wasn't prepared for the look on her face.
It could have been the wrong timing considering her jerk brother abandon her, and finding out her parents might be splitting, but he couldn't let people continue to view her so negatively. The way she looked, those, after he told her the truth the way her faced looked after finding out majority of the vampire world hated and feared her. He wondered if she was using her powers on him. In till she looked away and he felt the same pain deep in the pit of his stomach, he decided he shouldn't mention if they looked he used his power of illusionary relaxation and she use her power of illusionary pain at the same time the person would feel completely normal. He wondered if he was the first person who dared to tell her how her powers effect others, and letting her know about her biggest victim, herself.
Gisbert heard a great deal about woman of the Volturi, Jane was the only one who was talked with a negative aspect. 'Volturi woman,' a smile came across his face thinking about the tales of Kondrat's nomadic brothers telling their newest addition, Fred, about them. He loved Iolna's nomadic uncles easy way of life. There was Harof, the Viking leader that created Kondrat and his brothers simply to have some buddies around, Alfred, a former serf created solely for companion ship, Sukh, a Mongolian created for the same reason and their newest additon Fred who Gisbert was introduced to last summer. He was the only member of the brothers who were not created by Harof. They found him in Van Cover last spring and invited him to join, being new to the vampire world Fred agreed to travel with them. Gisbert remember the meeting when Kondrat, who worked so hard to convince Harof changing humans is not the only way to make friends. After one disapproved look at Fred, Harof explained 'Now, before you say anything I want you to know I didn't create him, he was made by some bitch in Seattle that he wants nothing to do with, we saw him sitting on a bench on at a park in Van Cover waiting for someone. Sukh here saw him, and came up to me so I went up and ask what he was doing.
He than asked me all I knew about the vampire world, and I told him I can't tell you, but I will show you. Then I gathered my brothers and we had a vote, and I decided to let him join. First I wanted to see how he got along with my niece.' Unfortunately, the two only became friends, and nothing more.
Fred than told us he heard there is one coven in charge of all covens Kondrat explained to him about the Volturi. That was when Alfred and Sukh smiled with instant pleasure, apparently their trip to Voltarra went rather well. Volturi women, they all smiled, they suggest he make one and only one visit.
The two than explained how its ran by three men are dictators but their woman will make you support them. After explaining to Fred about the rules and the reason for the rules they explained the hospitality of the women, Gisbert hearing about the Volturi from the Greeks and the Romanians, complete opposite sides so he listened closely to seek an mutual opinion. 'When you go there, and ask to stay for awhile ask the leaders in front of the wives. They are ancients and expect their husbands to have the standards of ancient hospitality of hosting nomads.' Fred already understood the difference between nomads and civilized covens by this point.
'Marcus's daughters,' Alfred smiled. 'Don't let first impressions fool you, they may seem sweet, and good when their father's around…..let me tell ya. Once the widower leaves you will see those two guard members are nothing but flirts.' Skah would say. 'Corin, is the one who will fool you the most, she will give you a tour of the city, which may seem boring in till she invites you to the movies. I suggest you go and don't let her choice in dress fool you, and when she ask you which one you want to see don't choose a movie you are looking forward you won't be watching it with her next to you.'
'Renata is unique,' Alfred would always say. 'She will have no problems watching human sports with you as long as you put your arm around her. She may not be very good, but ask her to play and you may start accidently running towards her let me tell you her shield is only used for Aro.' Both of them would let out a laugh. 'She has no problem letting you run into her and having your head land on the right place.' Fred than gave them an odd look and asked if that was it. Both of them shook his head and explained there is more. 'Marcus daughter's are good hostess, but they won't stay friendly long.' Skah started. 'The oldest Chelsea is like an object at a museum, you can look but you can't touch, she is taken'. They than explained to him how when vampires fall in love, that is it. 'So if you are not willing to commit to them or planning to stay Chelsea will lead them away from you.' Alfred said sadly.
'Don't worry, Heidi will give you what you really want.' Skah said as Alfred's eyes beamed.
'Now, as a warning, Caius is the cruelest, it may be common since to avoid him all together' Alfred started. "But his daughter Heidi is nice, very nice.' They smiled at this part, as Fred nodded understanding what they were talking about. Skah explained how she has a gift, a gift that is opposite of his, and has needs. She will ask you to full fill her needs, and how you will want too. 'Be careful with her those,' Alfred warned. 'Don't brag as if it is some accomplishment because with her it is not much of a challenge. Don't disgrace her either, or shatter her reputation, or cause others to speak ill of her. That will upset her creator. When you upset her creator you become the enemy of Caius and his family, that is when I suggest you leave to get a head start. Caius will send his creation, Demetri out looking for you let's just say that mistake will make you a pile of ashes.
Fred than mentioned about thinking the Volturi, and describing this one young female who seemed to be a leader, she didn't seem appealing at all.
'Jane,' both of them said at the same time. 'She is Aro's, the leader's creation. There is only one way to deal with her DON'T.' They explained how the twins are the jewels of the shield, and how she could cause pain to anyone who displeased her. They told both Fred and Gisbert how it is impossible to befriend her and to not even go near her, they might upset her and than she will cause pain. No one has ever dared to befriend her, and no one ever will, because everyone fears her. That was when Harolf stepped in, saying there is no way Fred will being going to Voltarra because he knows Aro would send Chelsea up to snatch him in a heartbeat, and he is not going to risk losing his only talented member. That ended the conversion.
Gisbert wasn't the kind who judged from what he had been told. He learned that early in his life, Beatrix spoke kindly of her sisters, even those they abandon her. Gisbert had no respect for them. It was the same way Jane spoke kindly of Alec, and he just learned he was truly an insensitive moron who chose Aro over his own sister, abandon his own family without any thoughts are feelings. Gisbert was tempted to take a detour to Italy and drag Alec to Greece and force him to apologize to his sister. Gisbert learned one thing from the Greek coven, family is family and once you are in a family, you can't be out of the family. That was why the Voltari protected them, despite their ignorance of the law. They heard of the Volturi's injustice from many of their friends, yet Hecate still talked about them like they were children.
Gisbert stopped to visit his friend Pricilla, who sort of become like family over the years. Gisbert remembered hearing about her, it was when Beatrix took him to visit her friend Monique, the leader of the French coven. They were nomads then, and Monique Beatrix's friend Monique, who introduced them to her newborn Genève. It was very odd that Monique, took her son to Paris to kidnapped a collage student for her to change. She wasn't lonely like Beatrix when she changed Gisbert, and Genève certainly did not show signs of special ability except for being highly opinionated, she also had a good human life ahead of her. It went against her gift to change her, Beatrix was worried she was making a newborn to somehow revenge Horus's death. Monique than explain it wasn't for her, it was for Aldric. She told them how Aldric was hunting with Balstin in Hungary, and had a run-in with Stafan and Isidora asked Aldric if it upset him his brother had Carrie and didn't have anyone. Beatrix only thinking of Gisbert thought she would help her find him a father figure. Aldric told them what to do, and off they went. than explained to the French how Gisbert needed a father figure, and asked Aldric where to find Pricilla. She than got the tiny silver bracelet her mother left her, symbolically trading her old coven in for the new one. Gisbert thought it was just an ugly old thing, they carried around with them.
Sunglasses had become a useful invention, they were in a tiny country inn waiting for it to be night again. They notice other vampires staying there, it was Dragomir, and Liam who were debating on if it was wise to leave Liam's decade old creation, Sophia at home. Beatrix of course interrupted to tell them about her creation Gisbert, and being the friendly people they invited them to visit while they waited for the day to end.
Gisbert remembered being shocked by their genital gold eyes, that was when Liam explained the benefits of animal blood.. Beatrix slowly made her way to asking about Pricilla. Liam rolled her eyes, saying she brought clothes for the girl but they wouldn't even let her look at them. Dragomair than explained how he is not on good terms with his ancient brothers and he has never even seen Pricilla because of their resentment. He knew about her, and cared for her deeply because of his relations to the girl. He also was worried if a teenage girl born in the twentieth century would be able to stand being around a bunch of winy ancients that give her limited freedom. Liam than asked Dragomir sarcastically what does he know, he is nothing more than a traitor. He smiled and said, it's a good thing he did he will never be what he was for them again.
Beatrix nodded with understanding and told her story, how she walked in on her mother holding a screaming baby who was in his transformation. How disgusted she felt when she realized her mother had bite a toddler, and caused such pain to such a young and innocent thing that would never experience life because of her? It was a crime, she stole his childhood, teenage years….everything from him. She could of waited, but she made him illegally.
How confused she felt on what to do, how her mother tried to convince her not to keep the secret, and how scared she was that someone else besides her told the Volturi. She than told him how she told her mother she was going to make sure her sisters did not find out, and how she did one last thing for her mother by leading them far away from where her mother kept the child. So they wouldn't find out before she told Aro the reason why a village was slaughtered because her mother found a baby and turned him. She than told him a thousand times her sisters had no idea.
She was traumatized watching them capture her mother, that is why Beatrix made sure the law was followed. She knew she had to face her sisters as the Volturi made them watch her mother burn with her child.
When the Volturi left, her sisters told her to leave and wanted nothing to do with her since, eight centuries later she made Gisbert. They wanted nothing to do with him then, and made her out to be a horrible monster. Beatrix told Dragomir how she wanted to start a new coven, and planned to seek out her soul mate after she met Pricilla but she also wanted Gisbert to experience coven life during that time. Dragomir understood why Beatrix didn't want to contact her sisters about Gisbert, she was scared they would turn him against her. Dragomir understood, he wouldn't want Stefan and Vladimir around Sophia giving their opinions on him and Liam's relations. Liam called Hecate, and arrangements were made along with a warning not to tell where Gisbert will be staying while she looked for the man Pricilla would see.
That night, they went to the Romanian's tower, they accepted Beatrix's gift, than asked Gisbert to befriend Pricilla. He agreed, considering she had no other friends, you couldn't help but feel discomfort around those four. When he returned to Beatrix,. he became very good friends with her, and never asked her to use her gift in till Iolna decided to use her. He figured he minus well, than she didn't tell him who her mate was, just told him to go to pay a visit to Hector and take the train
"Gisbert how lovely to see you," Stafan said with a hiss as Gisbert walked in with discomfort. . "Pricilla is away, wait here in till she returns."
'Gosh, she better tell me who my soul mate is this time,' Gisbert thought as he came in alone with just him and those four ancients. Gudlaug was the one who made it hard to relax except of course when Gisbert was around. Gudlaug had a gift herself, she always knew when a rule had been broken and she would always speak up when a rule has been broken. This made Pricilla's life a little more harder, she didn't complain about it at all those.
Gisbert couldn't help but wonder if they had a deep hate for Jane, and passed their prejudice of the Volturi on to Pricilla. He knew they hated the Greek coven because of their loyalty, and Aldric said he had to keep quiet about their loyally to the Volturi. Gisbert learned that the hard way, by making a mistake of inviting Pricilla to Greece with him, you think he sat the tower on fire by their reaction.
Gisbert knew the rules regarding Pricilla's gift. If she saw a member of the Voltuir, or the Greek coven she was to give the gift back to the client because they didn't deserve that fate. Before she used her gift on anyone, they had to have to give something in return. Another rule was the Volruri symbol was a forbidden object in the household which was their easiest one.
"When Pricilla gets back you will talk to her," Stafan stated sternly. "She has been behaving strange lately, and we should know what is going on. She has been way too happy lately."
"Isn't she always happy?" Gisbert asked, being joyful with this coven was strange alone.
"Happier than normal, and she has been running off a lot." Vladimir stated with a hiss. "Alone," Gudlaug clicked. "And sometimes we have come to visit her at night, in the spot where she meets her clients and she has not been there." Gidlaug was Vladimir's mate, and had a tendency to act like a headmistress in an all girl's school when she used her gift.
"She tells us she went hunting," Vladimir sighed. "But she doesn't hunt more than she has too, because of what she sees in her pray."
"She has also been snappy with us, she's been unruly too." Stafan complained. "Which is strange of her, because she has never raises her voiced at us. She has never been ungrateful to us but lately she has been."
"You will talk to her, find out what her problem is," Vladimir ordered.
"Maybe she got a life, and found a few friends among her clients and is hanging out with him." Gisbert pointed out thinking how Agnes, Sophia and Philomela would love her. Jane would be questionable considering they are ravels, and both of the girls have been a little sheltered by their covens over the years. As a matter of fact they both been very sheltered, he came to the conclusion long before he met her, Jane would be helpless without the Volturi. Pricilla was a bit too girly for Jane, but he was sure they would get along well, as long as Jane didn't use her gift.
"She is not allowed to seek friends with out our approval, we don't want her to be discovered by the Volturi," Isdora explained frighten, their mates were terrified of the Volturi. "You don't seem to understand, they will kill her and I mean kill her."
"A rule has been broken," Gudlaug interrupted causing instance silent as Pricilla came in. soaking from the rain with a bouquet of wild flowers. They were right, she was soaking wet and her hair was a complete mess as if someone's hands have been through it. Her skirt was untidy and wrinkled. He also notice she absolutely glowed, and the worry in her ruby eyes were gone.
"Pricilla, friend is here." Vladimir stated firmly, Grasberg loved the nickname they had for him, as if he was an employ. "Why are you late?"
"Picking wildflowers," Pricilla answered, than looked towards him surprised. "Gisbert, you came alone."
"Yes, he is alone, I see you did not finish your deal with him….is that the rule you broke?" Isidora asked worried.
"Yes," Pricilla winked towards him. "I did not tell him who his soul mate was, that is the broken rule."
"Take him to your room and tell him who his other is," Vladmir said firmly, Pricilla preferred privacy with her clients because she considered it a personal thing.. "When visit with friend is over, come down you are staying here today. We have company coming to see you, yesterday Stafan saw a shape-shifter from America, and he wishes to see you."
"But Master, I need to go to Brasov and…." Pricilla started in a pleading way.
"Silent, you will stay with us," Vladimir ordered at her. "What is in Barsov that is so important? Tell me why do you need to go."
"Nothing master," Pricilla said with a blink.
"We could go with you," Gudlaug stated.
"I will stay," Pricilla said in a rather protective way.
"Now go talk to friend, he will leave in an hour that is when shape shifter arrives." Vladimir said firmly.
"Yes, master." Pricilla said in a very respectful manner.
"Nice, to see you again," She smiled towards Gisbert as she dried herself off and placed
her hair in a pony tail than went into her closet to change. "They approve of so few people, did you bring it?"
"You got that right," Gribert answered placing a fashion magazine on her couch for her to discover later, she loved fashion. " By the way I am sorry for getting mad at you last time."
"I thought it would have been better for you to find out," Pricilla smiled than taking his hand and looking into his eyes. "She misses you already, she is thinking about what you said."
"What?" Gisbert asked. "I already met her….who?"
"I gave your gift back to you already, it is a coven I am suppose to give the gift back if I see them, instead I will just give you task," Pricilla said with a smile. "They said I am suppose to give the gift back, they said nothing about a task. That is what I did for Rendell, and I am very glad he filled his end after I filled mine."
"Is it a member of the Volturi?" Gisbert asked as Pricilla nodded, he wondered if it could be.
"I think I know who, but for the heck of it I'll take on a task," Gisbert smiled. "I want to know for sure, before I go and tell my mother, her mate and his daughter."
"I can't go to Barsov, I am suppose to meet someone there," Pricilla explained sadly. "I want you to meet him for me, befriend him. It is important to her you befriend him, as it is important to me."
"No problem," Gisbert shrugged.
"Good, he will be wearing jeans he stole from his last prey along with a green t-shirt." Pricilla stated looking into her hand mirror for details.
"He's a vampire right?" Gisbert asked.
"Yes," Pricilla answered. "Easy to spot."
"I will meet him on the way," Gisbert answered. "Are you still coming up for Easter?"
"Can I bring someone?" Pricilla asked, she didn't celebrate Easter as a human but when his coven invited her up the first time, she figured it's a chance to celebrate something instead of morning about what the Romanian coven lost.
"Sure, Kondrat said something about company, but not too much detail I doubt they would mind another friend." Gisbert shrugged.
"This is a friend of mine," Pricilla smiled. "My very, very, very best friend."
"We are having company over, but I am sure they won't mind you," Gisbert answered. "I will tell your masters about Easter on my way out."
"Thank you," Pricilla answered on their way out. Gisbert noticed her wearing a necklace that had a single stone in the shape of a heart.
"Where did you get that?" Gisbert asked.
"A client," Pricilla answered with a smile. "A very special one, have fun in Barsov."
Barsov
"Sorry, but I can't find this symbol anywhere." The jeweler pointed out handing the old symbol back to Alec over a pile of open history books.
"It is over five hundred years old, and it is from a very powerful family in Italy." Alec pointed out, trying to disassociate himself with the Voltari. It was the only way he knew around Gaudlung's gift. If he was no longer with the Volturi, he could sneak into her room and she would have any trouble with them. He could be with her, and she wouldn't get into trouble. He almost got caught last time, and she told them she used her gift with out permission on a human. He hated her having to lie on his behalf, but to her it was worth it. She asked if they just wanted to run away together, but he was unsure if he could protect when vampires no longer fear him. She was safe with them and that was all that mattered. He will give up the Volturi, being a guard for the royal family, having the honor of the jewel crown all meant nothing to him now. He had a mate, and she changed his world. Why would he want to be the protector of the royal coven, when he could be the protector for someone who loved and adored him before they met.
Alec left everything at home, he saw the truth for her eyes. He wanted nothing to do with Aro now. He asked him to take something so beautiful with so much joy form this earth. He will no longer be his puppet, he did not care for him. Pricilla showed what it meant to care for someone. She pointed out, how everyone he had killed had a soul mate, some just haven't met their yet. When she saw him kill other vampires, she saw their soul mates in their eyes. He no longer worked for Aro, he had a mate now, it was time for him to consider his priorities, Pricilla was his first and only priority. He would give anything to sit with her, and hold her without fear of the Romanians, or the Voltari.
Alec was waiting for her to meet Pricilla, she liked shopping, and wearing bright clothes. He wanted to just walk with her, hold her hand and carry her bags. He wanted to see her smile when she saw something she liked.
He was told her masters hated Barsov, too many humans. He was hoping they didn't suspect anything, she should have been here by now. He waited and waited for her in till a large black motorcycle came flying through the city and parked right in front of the park bench he was sitting on. He than felt like a great cloud come over him, as he saw the vampire take his helmet off out of all the people for Alec run into, out of all the vampires for Alec to see again. He recognized the annoying vampire he met at the train station a few weeks ago, which now seemed like years to him.
"Hey, I remember you." Gisbert said remembering him, the strange black hair vampire that he met at the train station causing him to miss his train and end up on the wrong one to Croatia, where he met Jane. He observed him, he looked to be a bit younger than Pricilla and a bit older than Jane. "Your that one guy asking how to find Pricilla, did she tell you? "
"Yes," the boy answered. "She told me who I am suppose to be with, I heard she didn't tell you."
"No, she didn't," Gisbert answered with a laugh. "You know that means she is a member of the Volturi." Gisbert than noticed him place something deep into his pocket.
"What's that you got there?" Gisbert said following the boy up the street.
"Nothing," the boy answered. "Well, it means nothing to me." Gisbert noticed his cell phone ringing. "Crap….it's my step-father, stay there for a minute will you." He notice the boy nod and left, Gribert followed him any way.
"Hey, Kondrat, what's up?" Gisbert said quickly.
"We are at the airport, your mother is waiting for a plane, our company is arriving, and I think we will need your gift for these visitors. Where are you?" Kondrat asked quickly.
"I'm in Barsov," Gisbert answered.
"Did you?" Kondrat asked.
"Yep, saw her this morning," Gisbert said. "She wouldn't tell me who she was, again, but I think I have a pretty good idea."
"How was Greece, do we need to worry about them?" Kondrat asked referring to the Volturi, how he would like to stand up for Jane just for once.
"Heck no," Gisbert smiled, thinking of telling Jane the truth. "I think dimmed their jewel a bit those."
"Well, I am beginning to question Pricilla, Iolna called," Kondrat explained. "I didn't like the way her new friend was speaking to her…..he was rather rude, as if he was trying to get rid of her."
"Well, I don't know maybe it will work out," Gribert shrugged. "Iolna does need to be tuned down a bit."
"I guess she does," Kondrat said as he looked over to seek…not two, but five vampires coming off the plane. "Speaking of Pricilla's matchmaking, I am here to pick up your mother's guest, and I suggest you come home soon. Your gift might be a bit handy with meeting them."
"Will do, will do," Gisbert smiled as he followed the boy down, and watch him head into a simple pond shop. "We need to talk about something when we get back, I met this girl." Gisbert than notice the boy going into the pawn shop.
"Sure," Kondrat answered. "It sounds important"
"Yes, it is," Gisbert answered. "This may be a little complicated than we expected."
Alec figured he was sidetrack, and snuck into the pawn shop trying to ditch him. He could care less about this special girl of his, or how complicated things are with them. The boy followed him into the pawn shop, talking loudly on the phone. "Yes she is hot, very hot, couldn't believe how hot, never suspected someone with that gift could be so smoking." Alec was now getting annoyed with him, very annoyed with him. He couldn't help but have a desire to throw his phone at the window for the sake of the person on the other line. "Well, she is two years younger than me, and let's just say when she looks out you, it is sometimes a burning sensation." He than let out a loud laugh and said, "I will tell you who she is when I get home, I have to do some explaining about her before I tell you and I don't think I should tell Mom who this person is over the phone. …yes, I know Mom wants my soul mate to join the coven, but she belongs to another coven and it may be hard to convince this coven to let her go…well, no, not quite…funny, I will tell you about it when I get home…at home, kind of, yes, I will explain when I get home." He finally hung up his cell and looked towards Alec as he showed the man the crest.
"That was my coven," the boy pointed out looking towards Alec. "So what are you a nomad or something?"
"Now I am," Alec answered, not wanting to explain much of it, it was none of his business anyway. The clerk came back from staring at the crest with an eye piece.
"This is rather unique, what year is it from?" The man asked.
"Around the twelve-hundreds," Alec answered. "It is from a very powerful Italian family."
Gisbert starred at the symbol, it was similar to the symbol of the Greek coven with the exception of the V, Sulpicia wore a ring with the same symbol and it had the V too, Jane had a necklace just like that. The Greek coven had the exact same symbol without the V, but Jane and Sulipica's had the V. Gisbert quickly put it together and busted out "Hey, that's the Volturi symbol?"
"Yes," the boy whispered so only they could hear, he was obviously embarrassed to be seen with it.
"Volturi?" The human clerk asked, Gisbert realized he said it a little too loud as the man asked. "Who are they?"
"Oh, there no one, no one important, as a matter of fact that's a fake." Gisbert said thinking on the top of his head in order to cover the world of vampires, while the boy gave him a dead look.
Alec wished his sister was with him, she would get rid of the boy as he went on "How did you get one of these, only members have them? Did you steal it or something?"
"Did you steal it?" The clerk asked looking at Alec astonished, now Alec really wished his sister was with him to deal with this boy.. He did sort of missed Jane, and hoped she would find the same freedom he had one day, but he couldn't contact her without knowledge of the Voltari, they were separated because of them. .
"No," Alec answered firmly. "I am not a member of that family." That part was honest.
"Well, I suggest you take it. I don't sell stolen goods." The clerk said firmly handing it back.
"You know its disrespectful to steal," the boy said as Alec came out following him.
"I know that," Alec answered, it was truly tempting to use his gift on him.
"Where did you get it?" He asked.
"Found it," Alec answered putting his head down.
"I have a friend who is of the Volturi," Gisbert said thinking of Jane with a smile. The queen of torture, she tortured him in different way, by wearing her tight swim suit covering up her cleavage and than asking him for surfing lessons was touchier for him, and she smiled knowing it. They way she danced with him, than she went off with Sulipica was torture.
"Good for you, make it an accomplishment," The boy answered then ignored him. Gisbert didn't like the way he said that, like it was hard or something. People said Jane was imposable to befriend but it wasn't for him. She wondered if she would torture this boy for insulting her coven, she described them so much different than the world viewed. She made him see everything different, he made her see things differently.
"So you don't like the Volturi?" Gisbert asked. If he didn't like the Volturi, he didn't like Jane. This may be his moment to stand up for her, just for once tell the world they were wrong.
"I'm questioning it," he answered.
"You shouldn't judge someone based on their coven?" Gisbert started, that was one reason why people didn't like Jane, if had been any other vampire that saved her from being burned at the stake she would of have tons of friends.
"Trust me, I don't," Alec said firmly, this boy truly had no idea what he was talking about. He doesn't know a single Volturi member, he never set foot in the city. He didn't know the price they asked, Alec saw Aro for what he was now. He had no intention of doing anything for him. Aro read Rendell's thoughts, Pricilla told Rendell about seeing himself. Aro knew Pricilla saw herself with Alec, and wanted her dead because of it. He wanted her dead because of her creators. If Felix would have been around for just a couple more months than Pricilla would be nothing but a pile of ashes and he would still be living more blind than his victims when the mist hit them. Yet, this boy was going to tell him different.
"Well, I am guess you're the type that assumes if someone is a member of the guard, they are some kind of evil." Gisbert asked thinking of Maggie, his nomadic uncles, and the Egyptian coven as well. Standing up to this boy, for thinking that would be standing up to all of them.
"I don't assume that at all," The boy said firmly. "And I don't know why am I discussing this with you. You obviously don't know anything?"
"Well, I do know one thing," Gisbert said firmly what gives him the right to put down Jane or her coven, he obviously doesn't know her the way he does. "They are capable of loving, and they do have good decent members and I don't think you should be too quick to judge."
"I don't think you should be to quick to judge," the boy said sounding rather annoyed. "I am just saying, it is most likely your friend hasn't seen the bigger picture yet."
"What's that suppose to mean?" Gisbert asked rather loudly. "My friend can see, rather well." Well enough to make him burn.
"You talk about this girl like she is your mate, if your so found of your friend….who is she?" He asked him with suspensions. Gisbert thought about it, Pricilla did say she was a Voltuir member, and she did tell him to go to the train station where he got on the wrong train and met her. He didn't need to see Pricilla to know Jane was his, he now knew if for sure and he would stop anyone from thinking different her.
"None of your business," Gisbert answered firmly, it truly was none of his business, he won't be prejudge against her, he wouldn't let anyone else calling her wicked, and this boy was certainly going to say it.
"Whatever, I don't care," Alec said, those couldn't be more honest words. He was actually the first person he would smile if his sister gave him a look.
"What's that suppose to mean?" He asked. "I am here trying to stand up for her, and you don't seem to get it?"
"You don't seem to get it," Alec pointed out, he didn't, if he liked this girl so much why didn't he go to Italy and get her, he truly was surprised one of his former coven mates did not act the same when they were off guard duty. "You don't love her, you think standing up for is showing your love well its not." Alec could not point out the number of times he would love to stand up for Pricilla, but knew he couldn't because it is against her wishes and risked both their safety. This boy was not meant to be a mate with this member if he couldn't take her from the city. He had a pleasant vist with her, Aro denied him and she let him go. Marcus's daughters and Heidi had done that many times. "You are here, and she is in Voltari, you can't sacrifice for her, she can't sacrifice to you."
"I haven't even asked her," He said, astonished by those accusations. "I am on my way home to tell my coven about her, and for your information she is not in Volturi, she's in Greece. I am returning home for Easter, tell my family about her, than I am going to head back to her, just so I can be there for her. I don't know why Pricilla sent me here, I think I know who my mate is now. I don't know why she wanted me to befriend you, she knows how to get to my house I am going to leave here and let her come and explain to my family about her."
Gisbert notice the boy gave him an astonished look, it was as if his worst nightmare have come true. "What you got a problem with that?" Gisbert asked, he had something aginst the Greek coven too.
"A little," The boy answered not knowing what to say. "You know sometimes when your soul mate is with a bunch of people, she has to follow them in till they are alone to get an accurate description, than she has to wait for them for them to introduce themselves to get a name. How long did she sit with you?"
"That wasn't the first time," Gisbert explained. "She looked into me several times but never told me who she saw in till I asked her too. She always treated me like I was meant to be her brother or something."
"Did she actually tell you her name?" the boy asked closing his eyes and shaking his head as if he was getting an uncomfortable thought.
"We, no, but I figured it out in Greece and I am not going to tell you about her because it's none of your business." Gisbert said firmly. "I know why she wanted me to meet you, someone just needed to stick up for the girl she saw inside me and you gave me the chance. She also wanted me to tell you the Romanians wanted her to look into someone so she won't make it but manly she wanted me to have the chance to stand up for my girl. Now if you see her, she knows the way."
'I doubt that's the reason' Alec thought to himself, now purly lothing this boy. He couldn't be, not someone who annoyed him this much. Pricilla was a firm beliver in this fate stuff, but this just didn't look right. "Alright," Alec said slowly. "Sorry if I offended you, I suggest you go home, because if you are trying to defend this person you chose the wrong person. Believe me, there are other people who will insult her and you better, I mean you better defend her against them. If she leaves her coven, you better keep her safe."
"What do you mean?" Gisbert asked, he doubted every vampire hated Jane.
"Just go," The boy answered. "You have a lot to learn, go tell your family, I hope they take it well, and strangely I hope she chooses to leave with you."
"Whatever," Gisbert said. He didn't need to meet Pricilla tonight, she was coming up to his house for Easter anyway. She knew the way, and her master would assumed he stick around to give her a lift. He didn't want to be around him a second longer, he would let Pricilla go and pick up her new friend than meet him there. He needed to get home, so he could tell his family all about Jane and how he stood up for her. They would know he was serous and give him council on what to do next. He knew once Beatrix would welcome her, just because he made him happy.
Gisbert lived in a civilized coven, like the Greeks with the exception of their diet. It was deep into the Orlicke hory mountain range, far from human establish making hunting an actual trip. He liked it that way, he could spend all afternoon setting out in the sun on his back porch and not have to worry about humans seeing him. He liked being out in the open away from them.
Their house was simple white stone three story cottage with a green roof, along with a porch along with several wind chimes along the beam. Than in front was several flowers and a stone path that led to the dirt road which led to the barn right next to it. One of the first things he notice was the extra company his coven had with them. He recognized the first group of people, the French coven who were sitting around a table on the porch playing cards with Kondrat and four individuals Gisbert did not recognized.
Kondrat was the first to notice him as his bike made a loud buzz coming through. He was a tall man, with ashy blond hair that was at one time sleek backed like a gentlemen but roughened in his nomadic years. He had pale skin, like a vampires and he stood to be about six feet with lean yet muscular body. It was obvious he was related to Iolna, they both looked so much alike. Kondrat didn't seem at all dangerous in till you got up close and noticed his dark ruby eyes, he was very genital and caring, he brought his strong sense of comfort into his immortal life, he was very good at making others feel comfortable and being comfortable. Gisbert notice him say something to the four unfamiliar guest. He notice one was a tall raggedy vampire with long sandy hair in a ponytale, holding hands with a corn-silk blonde that was having a conversion with Carrie. Another was tall dark-haired man with a hint of olive tone under his chalky complexion with his arm around a woman who had dark black hair along with a chalky olive-tone. Kondrat motioned for him to come towards the new guest as the French coven stood up and came down to meet him. Gisbert would of rather meet with them.
"What do you got their?" Louis asked, as his dark brown curls ruffled in the wind. Louis was his favorite member being frozen at his age of sixteen.
"Motorbike, swiped it in Greece." Gisbert answered.
"Looks magnificent, when I saw you leaving it in Barsov I was hoping no one else would swipe it." Carrie said as she pulled her short blonde hair behind her ears. Gisbert always wondered if the last person who cut it knew what they were doing, it was short and going in different directions. She was shorter than her husband, Bastain who had cinnamon colored hair that went to his muscular shoulders. He was very buff, along with the height of a basket ball player unlike Carrie who was so short.
"Aren't you suppose to say, when I saw yall leavin it in Barsove I hope no one else swipe it." Gisbert asked.
"Very funny," Carrie committed. She knew he was just joking, as much as she tried to make her old accent disappeared it was still there, and Gisbert sort of enjoyed it, he knew Aldric enjoyed listening to it too.
"So what brings you here?" Gisbert asked.
"You don't know," Genève said giving him an odd look. She was a bit taller than Carrie with long brown hair she put in a bun, she was the only one without an ability, except her heighten elegance. .
"Monique is forming an alliance, and decide this will be the best place to meet them."
Balsten answered.
"Who?" Gisbert asked as the doors swung opened and Monique came out with her large blonde curls pulled back into a pony tail, walking with her thin yet graceful body that seemed to be memorizing despite the sadden hopeless eyes of loosing her mate eighty years ago. She was walking with a woman who was half her size that had bouncing strawberry blonde curls.
"Well, I am glad I have another coven we can call our friends," Monique started as she shook the woman's hand. "Now, I guess it is time we introduced our covens to one another to make it official than we will be heading home."
The woman looked over as the four strangers came to stand by her side while the French surrounded Monique. That was when Beatrix came out, with her wild caramel blonde hair pulled in a bun instead running down to her waist, in a simple skirt and button blouse that was tight, covering the only female vampire who brought in her strength from her human life. Kondrat went up to her right away putting his arm around her as she smiled looking towards Gisbert, He passed the strange coven, and noticed they had the same amber eyes as the Greeks. He also notice two blondes glance towards him with curious eyes as Gisbert joined his coven. Beatrix put his arms around him giving him a tight hugged. She truly thought of him as her son, and loved him like a son. h
"Tayna," Monique started. "I would like to introduced you to the members of my coven, Aldric, Genève, Bastain, Carrie, and Louis." They all smiled as each of them shook her hand.
"Monique," Tanya smiled sweetly. "I would like to introduce to you the members of my coven, Kate, Garret, Carmen and Eleazar." They each shook their hands, Gisbert couldn't help but notice the French stair instantly at Eleazar with curious eyes.
"Glad we can be friends," Tanya and Monique shook hands making it official.
"Gisbert," Beatrix started with a smile. "You see those two blondes, Tayna, and Kate, they are my sisters from my old coven, your aunts."
"Oh," Gisbert said not knowing what to say, this was truly a shocking visit. He looked towards Kondrat who nodded, just as unsure as he was on to why they decided to make up for leaving their beloved coven member