Volturi Recruits
By Lynn
A fire, a fire is burning! I hear the boot of Lucifer, I see his filthy face! And it is my face, and yours! For them that quail to bring men out of ignorance, as I have quailed, and as you quail
now when you know in all your black hearts that this be fraud - God damns our kind especially,
and we will burn, we will burn together!
The Crucible, Act 3, Scene 3
PREFACE
Aro was anxiously awaiting Eleazar's return. Centuries had gone by without any new lasting additions to the Volturi Guard. A few had come and gone when they didn't seem to pan out with Aro's plans. Aro wanted new talent like a child wants a new toy. So he sent Eleazar to find talented prospects to turn. It was easier than finding a talented being that was already turned into a vampire. The humans seemed to be more grateful for a chance to survive and they were more likely to serve and revere Aro as a god whereas the vampires were only cautious of Aro and untrusting of his intentions.
It was about time that the guard was updated. Eleazar was sent to search all of Europe and to only bring back the ones that could benefit Aro the most. Aro could hardly wait to see what prizes Eleazar would bring home so when Demetri came into the turret to announce that Eleazar was drawing close, he could hardly contain his excitement.
"This is so wonderful!" Aro enthused as he clapped his hands together. The three Volturi leaders were sitting in their wooden thrones. Caius huffed a laugh at Aro's glee. Marcus was unresponsive. By now the three leaders eyes had become milky and their skins papery as they left the castle less and less. It was now mostly the Volturi guard that did their bidding, unless something very important came up then the leaders would step in to participate.
Finally, Eleazar reached the castle and began to climb the stairs to the turret. Aro could smell a new vampire's scent and could hardly wait to find out what tricks his new toy could do. Eleazar entered the room with a small woman following close behind. She had a beautiful face and long dark hair. Aro looked her up and down, practically vibrating in his seat as he was anxious to know what her ability was. Aro was grinning when he looked at Eleazar but was disturbed by his servant's face. Eleazar was frowning. This was supposed to be a happy time. Why did Eleazar look so worried?
"Eleazar," Aro started, "What have you brought me?"
Eleazar looked down at the floor. He struggled with what he had to say next. "I'm sorry Aro. I have failed you."
Aro's smile began to fade as the corners of his lips sank down his face. "What do you mean? Is she not the gift I requested?" He motioned towards the small woman and she shrunk back behind Eleazar.
"I'm afraid not." Eleazar answered. "This is Carmen. I met her on my journey looking for new talent. We crossed paths in Spain, my homeland." He paused for a moment. "She is my mate. When I met her I knew that she was meant to be with me and she knew it too. I changed her so that we could be together. I'm sorry Aro, but she carries no talents."
Aro's milky crimson eyes seemed to burn as he tried to contain his rage. "You mean to tell me that while you were supposed to be carrying out the task I requested of you, you've been courting a woman?" He spoke the last word through gritted teeth.
"I tried Aro, I did. I searched all of Europe. I came across one girl in Bosnia who had shape shifting potential but Alistair stole her away from me before I could take her. I'm sorry Aro, but I'm afraid that at this time there are no other humans with the potential you are looking for in Europe."
"Then you must begin your search OUTSIDE of Europe!" Aro had lost his patience now. He had been waiting so long only to be disappointed. Carmen looked terribly upset and it was obvious that she did not want to be there.
"Yes my lord," said Eleazar, "We will leave for the Americas immediately."
"No. She is not going with you. I can't afford for you to have any more distractions. Take Corin with you instead. That way if you run into any more trouble, like Alistair, he can take care of it. I'm disappointed in you, Eleazar. I really thought you were going to pull through for me. See that you don't disappoint me again." Aro's words were haunting.
Eleazar nodded and bowed out of the room with Carmen and Corin following behind. Eleazar led her to his room and tried to make her feel comfortable. She was obviously shaken up and wanting to leave.
"I promise you Carmen, when I come back I will make things better for us." Eleazar kissed her forehead.
"Eleazar please, take me away from this place. It is evil here, I can feel it!" Carmen sobbed the words even though no tears fell.
Corin leaned against the back wall uncomfortably, waiting for Eleazar.
"Carmen please, just understand that I need to do this. I will make sure that Santiago looks after you in my absence. And please, eat something. You'll waste away if you don't drink. I know it upsets you but this is what we are and this is what you'll need to do to survive. Please, for me?"
Carmen sadly nodded. She knew that she wanted to be with Eleazar forever, but not like this. Eleazar kissed her again but this time on the lips. He whispered something Spanish in her ear that only she could hear and she smiled as a result of it. He turned away and left the room with Corin. They would need to hurry to catch the next ship that was leaving for Massachusetts.
