AN:
Here are the groups as they stand now;
Australia – Charlie, Brenna, Briggita, Fred, Aro, Picia
Texas – Peter, Charlotte, J, Bella, Spirit Walkers and Jake
La Push – Demitri, Leah and the Quileutes. Leah and Demitri will start travelling.
Volterra – Esme, Marcus, Caius, Dora, Renata, Eliza, Emmett, Rose and a few of the Elite Guard and Lower Guard (Evan and Mark are the boys captured in New Mexico and were small time Generals adopted by Esme and Marcus.)
America/Mexico (travelling) – Felix, Jane and Alec. Evan and Mark will join them.
Europe (travelling) – Alice and Alistair
S. Meyer owns twilight
CHAPTER 11
Char POV
As soon as J and Bells left, Pete and I raced to our bedroom for some alone time. It had been so long since we were alone. The sun moved across the sky, setting and rising while we made love.
The following afternoon we broke out of our lustful haze as the sound of Bella's car approached. We showered and met them down stairs. They looked happier and more relaxed than I'd ever seen them. I realized then just how much we needed this break. I could only hope things would start to slow down soon.
Pete and J discussed our next move. "We should have a bonfire here when Theresa recovers." Pete suggested, we all agreed with that, I loved the bonfire I'd attended in La Push. "Bella's living flame will help the Elders with their power. Remember how the Bonfire at La Push affected the wolves?" Pete said. It had been an amazing night.
The bonfire was held on our last night with the Quileutes. The Elders had granted Bella's request to light the bonfire with her gift. They were amused at the thought of a vampire lighting the ceremonial fire, but also knew it wasn't a vampire gift that gave her the flame, but a Spirit Walker power. The Quileutes and we sat around the hearth as Bella lit her shield. She walked towards the wood, the flames leapt from her to the wood stacked for the bonfire. She extinguished her shield and joined us, watching the flames. Old Quil started the telling of the stories, his voice strong.
We watched the fire, mesmerized by the flames dancing over the wood. It was then I noticed the wood wasn't burning, the flames were in contact with the wood, but they weren't scorched by the fire. Old Quil's voice never wavered, I felt connected to their world, almost able to make out the faces of their ancestors in the flames. It wasn't my mind playing tricks on me, I really could see faces, bodies, movement in the flames. I saw the cold man and the cold woman. I saw wolves running, jumping and turning human. I saw blood. I saw the faces of the people in the histories.
Billy took over the story telling. The flow of his words matched the flow of Old Quil's. He effortlessly spoke about the histories, his voice growing in strength. I saw the faces of Carlisle, Esme and Edward and they made the treaty with Ephraim Black. I saw a young Charlie standing by Billy as cold ones threatened their people. Charlie's crying face as he let Bella go with Renee. Charlie's strength as he stood next to Billy's wolf, firing off rounds to halt the vampire in its tracks. I saw Billy's wolf vibrating with a growl and jumping onto the vampire. I saw Charlie calling to him, scared for the life of his friend.
The air was so still, the forest so quiet. It felt like the Ancestors were around us, watching as their stories came alive in the flames. I saw Billy gesture to Theresa to take over, she started telling us the story of her people. We saw the Spider Grandmother teaching the tribe to connect with the spirit world. We saw the first Shield, first Shifters and the first Healer, descendants of the Spider Grandmother herself. The Tribe learnt about the resources around them, finding ways to treat their injured and sick.
I saw the generations evolve, finding a deep connection in the land and growing in strength and spirituality. I saw new tribes form, growing and changing with their connection to the earth and the spirits. I saw the Ancestors live and die, their spirits guiding their descendants on their paths of fate. The Quileutes hadn't heard the stories of the Southern Tribes. They listened with rapt attention as they watched the fire in front of them.
The power of the Spirit Walkers grew stronger still as vampires travelled to America. I saw the wars raging around the Res, the Shields and Healers trapped as armies rose and died on their doorstep. Their connection to the earth grew stronger, their lands untainted by spilt venom. I felt so ashamed, my kind had injured the land and its people while we fought for blood. We had desecrated so much during those years. I grieved for them and the atrocities that had befallen their race.
Bella's voice broke me out of my memory. "We were lucky Harry didn't have another heart attack." She said. I looked at my mate, remembering his face as the Histories were acted out by the flames. In the light of the fire I had almost seen Peter's human self. His eyes looked blue and his skin almost glowed. His Spirit Walker power outshone the vampire part of him. I knew he was keen to replicate the experience. I'd never been so in awe of my mate before.
At the end of the bonfire the Quileutes and Theresa had thanked Bella. They had been given a tangible view of their history. Bella pulled the fire back into her, leaving a little flame for the Quileutes. Her power now encompassed them. The tribe cleaned out the fireplace in the community hall and moved the flame into its new home. Theresa consecrated the area and helped them feed the flame, keeping it strong.
A new treaty had been formed between us, as representatives of the Volturi, and the Quileutes. We were welcome on their land and they swore allegiance with us. If either our coven or the La Push Reservation were in trouble we would meet and fight side by side against any threat. Theresa had also been included as a member of the Tribe, she was a honored guest with an open invitation for her and her tribe in thanks for her help with Jake.
"We should call Caius and update him on what's been happening." J said. I offered to make the call. J and Bella went to call Charlie. Pete joined me out the back as I called Italy.
"Charlotte, how are you?" Caius answered. "Very well, Uncle. We've had a lot of success. The Volturi and Horsemen have a treaty with the Quileutes. We are allowed on their land at any time. The Elders and pack want to send you their contact information. If ever the Volturi or the Pack need help, the other must assist." I explained. "That is excellent news. We will of course help the Spirit Wolves and their tribe with anything they require. How is Jacob Black?" He asked.
"He's recovering. His Wolf Spirit is no longer imprinted on the girl and he's joined us in Texas." I said.
"I'm glad to hear it." Caius replied. "Were they happy with the news of the synthetic blood?" He asked. "Definitely, Theresa has also told the Spirit Walkers. They understand it will make our eyes red, but they know that it will mean the end of hunting humans and animals. They accept the new world order."
He debriefed us on what was happening at the moment. "Eliza and Renata arrived back in Volterra yesterday; there were no new armies in Canada, North America or Middle America. Felix, Jane and Alec stayed behind, Mark and Evan are heading to meet them in Miami, the boys were getting restless so we arranged for them to explore the southern States, Middle America and South America with Felix, Alec and Jane. They're on vacation while the boys visit their home country. The Denalis have offered their assistance as tour guides." He said.
"How long will they be here?" I asked. "A few weeks. Esme thought it would be good for the boys to have a week making new memories of where the Wars had been fought and have some fun exploring the continent." Caius said. It sounded like a great idea. He continued; "Jane, Alec and Felix are looking forward to being tourists, they've only ever been to America on business and have never been to South America. We've asked that they keep an eye out for any signs of Newborn Armies, we're sure there aren't any south of Mexico, but it never hurts to be aware of what is happening." He said.
"Zafrina, Kachiri and Senna are in the Amazon, it could be good for the boys to meet another coven. So far they only know the New Born wars and the Volturi." I suggested. He agreed, "that's a good idea. Those boys need to get to know our world outside Volterra. It will also be beneficial to have Felix, Jane and Alec meet the covens without being tied to business."
I realized there was more news to impart. "Demitri has met his mate, they're going to travel around America to speak with the other tribes, they're sorting out the contacts and itinerary with Theresa. Perhaps they could meet up with Felix and the others on their travels." I said lightly. "Demitri found a mate?" Caius asked excitedly. "Yes, Uncle. She is daughter of one of the Quileute Elders and the first female Spirit Wolf." I explained. "I'm happy for him, who is she?" He asked. "Her name is Leah Clearwater, daughter of Sue and Harry Clearwater. She's a very close friend to Bella." I said. "That is wonderful news. Demitri will be an excellent addition to the community." He said proudly. I agreed.
"I wish I was travelling with you, the Castle is so boring." He said sadly. Caius had never been one to suffer fools, usually Aro handled the daily duties, including the audiences with the vampire citizens. "Are you very busy?" I asked. He sighed, "there seems to be more of our kind needing guidance these days. We've grown in popularity since the end of the Southern Wars and the death of the Romanians. It's rather tedious I'm afraid." He grumbled. "We'll be home soon, it's the quiet before the storm, Uncle. We're at a loss here ourselves. I can see us growing bored." I said. Peter added his own thoughts, "there's a lot of stuff happening diplomatically, but I'm used to fighting. It feels like we're in stasis while the others are doing the work of fate." He grumbled. Caius agreed.
We caught up on what had happened over the last week and a half since leaving Italy. Rose and Em were working with the human scientists, they were teaching each other about what they'd learnt. Aro was apparently jealous he wasn't there to join the discussion. Charlie, Sulpicia and Aro would be spending the rest of the week in Coober Pede before travelling to Western Australia to meet the other pack of Werewolves.
"How are they liking the place so far?" I asked. Caius chuckled a little. "Aro's in his element. He's absolutely enthralled by the desert and its underground human inhabitants. Apparently he's bought us all strange footwear."
"How was their meeting with the rest of Aaron's pack?" Peter asked. "Good, apparently. They loved the vodka that Em and Rose prepared, Brenna and Charlie have been teaching them a few remedies. They also received a few native plant seeds used in Aboriginal medicine." He said. "Charlie must be glad about that. Marcus, Em and Rose will be too." I said.
After finishing the phone call with Caius we went back inside. It was odd being back home, free time had been such a scarcity that I wasn't sure what to do with it. We'd been so busy for so many months I wasn't how we'd spend our time. It was unsettling waiting for other people to make progress while we twiddled our thumbs. Hopefully Theresa would recover soon and we could have that bonfire.
PPOV
It had been two weeks. Two weeks at home with nothing to do. I envied the others on their missions. We'd read all the books in the library and had a few movie marathons, we'd travelled to the city at night and explored the town. I was getting bored. Demitri and Leah visited us for a few days while finalizing their plans with Theresa. They had started travelling to the tribes last week. We listened as they told us about meeting the Denalis, Felix, Jane, Alec, Evan and Mark with the rest of the Quileutes. The Spirit Wolves hadn't struggled with their instincts against the vampire visitors, the synthetic blood the vampires fed off had reduced their scent.
Demitri was glad that the Quileutes were so open to accepting his kind. The vampires had been welcomed on to the land, but the Quileutes had been secretly relieved that they stayed at the Cullen mansion. None of us wanted teenage boys turning into wolves suddenly, this was a time of peace. Leah had left Demitri with us so she could visit the Res. She caught up with Theresa and gathered information for the other tribes. Leah and Demitri would speak with each of the tribes about the new world order, they would represent the Volturi, The Quileutes and Theresa's people.
Bella and Chat had little time with Leah. They went shopping, had a makeover, gossiped a little, but then Leah and Demitri had to leave. There was so much that needed to happen. I was feeling a little left out. I'd spoken to Felix yesterday. He, Jane and the others were headed to South America, they had enjoyed travelling around the Southern States, it had given Evan and Mark a chance to make new memories and see the old army haunts recover from the many battles. Jane, Alec and Felix also enjoyed their time exploring, they had only ever been here during the worst times in our history.
In the meantime I was bored. Not even meditation held my interest. Charlotte and I had taken a few trips out into the woods for some Al Fresco nookie, but I had a feeling Theresa would call soon.
The phone rang and I swooped in to answer it. It was Charlie. The full moon was approaching and he wanted to stop by Texas and heal Jake before the werewolves turned. They were cutting it fine, the full moon was five days away. They'd already arranged for Chelsea to meet us at the airport, she'd be arriving tomorrow afternoon. Emmett and Rose would be joining her. I was glad for the extra company, I enjoyed time with J and Bells, but it was odd for each couple to hike into a remote area to have sex. Bella didn't want to hear her Uncle and Aunt going at it and we didn't want to hear them either.
I left Bella and J to their call with Charlie, they moved upstairs to continue their conversation. I decided to call Theresa. Hopefully she'd be ready to join us for the bonfire. She yawned as she answered the phone. Damn. I filled her in on our future visitors, she had some news of her own. Celia, the Spirit Walker lawyer, had received word from the Quileutes. Lauren and her family left Forks in disgrace. They were moving to Virginia. Lauren's mother, Katherine, had caught her husband sleeping with Jessica's mother, Jennifer. The Mallory's were going to start fresh. Mike and his buddies were planning Forks for the University of Washington the day after graduation. Jessica was going to move to Seattle with Mike and study cosmetology.
I told her of my plan to hold a bonfire. Theresa was excited to show the Spirit Walkers Bella's living flame. We said our good byes and planned for her visit in two days. I was excited and ran into the forest to find some fallen branches for the bonfire. There was plenty of wood around, I could see indentations Char and I had caused during our nights of alfresco sex. I grabbed everything I could and marched back to the house.
I saw Bella and J return downstairs. I listened as they updated Char. "Dad had fun in Australia, but he's glad to be coming home to the States. He can't wait to show Brenna and the others his birth country." Bella said. J added "they didn't spend long with the Coober Pede and West Australian packs. They cut their trip short to help Jake."
"What were the packs like?" I heard Char ask. "Both pack leaders were very nice. Aaron gave them more appropriate clothes and arranged for them to stay at an underground hotel. They met the pack in the early morning when the humans were asleep and the sun was beginning to heat up the air. It was a short meeting, the wolves had discussed most of the business with Brenna, Fred and Briggita. All Aro and Picia had to do was look over a rudimentary charter and make a few suggestions. Dad joined them and healed a few of them from their past trauma." Bella said.
"Where did the wolves in Coober Pede work?" Char asked. "Most work in the Opal mines. Aaron is the manager, working mostly in the office and liaising with the Headquarters in the city. There are a few that have become trained nurses, doctors, lawyers, postmen, police men. Being in such a remote area means they were able to get training and help support the town, it's the same in the West Australian pack."
Bella continued. "The Pack Master of Western Australia is Cynewulf. Aaron joined dad and the others on the plane ride from Coober Pede to the town of Norseman. There were gold mines there which employed many wolves. Cynewulf isn't just a Pack Master, she's a doctor as well. She looks after the human and wolf miners. Her daughter, Ginna, works nearby in Kalgoorlie, she works as a lawyer. Apparently she has a gift, she can enchant someone, forcing them to tell the truth. Aro told Cynewulf about Alistair's anti-corruption committee. She agreed to let her daughter travel to Iceland, but only when they were sure it was safe for them to travel and providing the vodka worked, giving them control during the full moon."
"Won't those towns need a doctor and lawyer?" Char asked. I heard Bella reply, "definitely, but there are other wolves studying. Some are in University studying medicine and some are studying law. The town won't be left without help. With the West Australian wolves being close to a larger town they have more resources available. Despite the nearby town, they're still very isolated. There are a few unused mines that they've been able to use to contain them during the full moon." She explained. "Some of the wolves lived closer to the city, in an area called the Wheat Belt. They farm cattle and grain" J added.
As a vampire I had spent time in many old mining towns, I understood how close the wolves could get in the human world. Many old towns we'd lived near had accepted us, grateful for the new blood.
As I turned the branches into kindling and firewood an unsettling feeling came over me. There was something I had to do. I started stacking the fire pit. A whisper from the Ancestors chilled me, you're getting closer, Peter. What the fuck did that mean?