I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word in reality. This is why right, temporarily defeated, is stronger than evil triumphant."
Martin Luther King, Jr.
"So how badly are things going with the vampires?" Leah asked dryly.
The two of them were speaking in Leah's room in the Clearwaters' residence, along with Quil and Seth. Embry and Sue were keeping Jacob occupied.
Gabrielle shook her head. "Justice will come for the Volturi, but it has come at a price." She summed up everything that had been revealed to the world during the trial. "I thought about asking whether or not you wanted to see it on TV, and if you did I could set up a magical television, but I'm afraid that Renesmee will see it when her father's turn comes. She's endured more than enough."
Gabrielle winced as she thought about the poor girl. She strongly wished she didn't have to say all those things in front of Renesmee, but the truth was going to come out sooner rather than later and she would have demanded answers nonetheless. Better that she can sooner come to terms with the reality of what had happened, the sooner she can heal. Hiding things from her wasn't going to help, especially not as she already knew the truth about her parents' relationship and marriage, and her subsequent birth and conception. Furthermore, Edward had been gas-lighting Renesmee as much as he had her mother, so Gabrielle did not wish her to grow up without self-esteem or any kind of confidence like Bella who had a life before she met Edward or Jacob, but whose already-fragile and weak self-esteem and confidence had been further diminished and crushed. Renesmee did nothing wrong; she should not be blamed because she was a growing child who wanted freedom and a life of her own, where she would have friends and maybe even a love of her own choosing, as opposed to someone who was chosen or permitted to be near her. Edward had no right whatsoever to make her feel guilty simply because he did not agree with what she wished for in life- or even because his intentions were to keep her safe.
Trying to shield your children from the world as a whole was a method of child-rearing that was always doomed to fail, Gabrielle thought grimly. Even if the parents were immortal they could not always be there to shield and protect their child. Who would protect Renesmee from her own parents? Or Jacob?
Still it didn't mean that either of them or the rest of the family would want to see Edward executed. Gabrielle agreed; he should be as far away from Bella and Renesmee as possible, and couldn't be trusted to be around them, same as Jacob. But that didn't mean either of them had to suffer.
Unfortunately, ill thoughts, poor rationale and reasoning, bad decisions and the seemingly pathological need to twist and manipulate others' feelings, thoughts and beliefs, would lead to suffering and terribly bad consequences for both Edward and Jacob. Young as they may be- permanently so in Edward's case- but the decisions they had made were adult decisions and would affect everyone unfairly- and it already had. Luciano and Vittoria Della Rosa were dead; their wife and mother, and their daughter and sister would be forced to live their entire lives without them. Renesmee was an emotionally and psychologically abused child, imprisoned in a gilded cage, groomed and moulded to become the eventual obedient and loving wife to a man she never chose, who worshipped her mother and would have once killed her given the chance. Her father and Jacob, the two men she trusted the most, had irrevocably broken and shattered her trust and any hope of a healthy, happy future with either of them even simply being there in the picture.
They damaged her; there was no other way to put it. At least Bella accepted her mistakes and was doing whatever she could to make amends. But honestly, even Bella admitted that she couldn't trust Edward or Jacob to do the right thing. Jake might have given her up- or tried to in any case- but one step forward meant two steps back with him, apparently.
On that Leah, Embry, Quil, Seth and even Billy was forced to agree. "So what else is new?"
"I've spoken to the other packs and species across North America, and even some in Europe," Gabrielle said softly. She had cast a charm on the room to make sure they weren't overheard, but still, she couldn't help but feel wary about all of this. "Many of their scientists, mystic oracles, archivists and historians, psychologists… you name it. We have a solid idea of how this works, and how to regulate your instinctual drives and hormones. It's more… extensive than the methods your species already use to keep your tempers in check." She took out a tub of cream and slid it across the table. "For Emily's scars: just put on a layer across each one of them and cover it with a bandage for thirty minutes. I can guarantee they will all vanish like she had never been injured in the first place."
Leah nodded gratefully. "Thank you." She couldn't be more grateful. It was hard enough knowing that she was going to destroy her cousin's life with Sam, despite anything they might've done to her or forced her to endure. But this at least will make Emily's life a little easier and help her move on, if she wanted to. She can stand on her own now.
"The Alpha of the Appalachians pack, James, he's offering you his assistance," Gabrielle said slowly. "But this comes at the cost of an alliance. No matter how well-intentioned and good-hearted he is- and he is a very honourable person, I can guarantee- his pack requires more than unconditional humanitarian aid to keep them going. Like I said, it's hard to do business without being detected by non-magical humans, and Loup-Garou werewolves are better off sticking together, no matter the distance and species."
Leah nodded. "So expect some business offers- but that might not be a bad thing," Gabrielle considered. "Job opportunities are hard to come by, especially with the way the non-magical economy is predicted to go in a few years' time. Still the Alphas are the ones expected to run everything, be the boss and have the face of CEOs and company directors, especially when dealing with humans. Or mayors." She gave Leah an inquisitive look. "Do you think Jacob will be able to handle that?"
Quil snorted. "That'll be fun: Jake in a business suit."
Leah grimaced. "I know what you're trying to get me to do."
Gabrielle sadly shook her head. "I'm not trying to get you to do anything. I'm just warning you that you might have to step up sooner rather than later, Leah. Jacob is a person driven by his emotions and instincts first and foremost. While that's fine for a teenage boy, he's also an Alpha- a role he himself never wanted or sought for in the first place. And while he's not a bad Alpha, what happens when challenging times come? Will he able to act like Quil?" She nodded to Quil who winced. "For the good of all? Even at the cost of his immediate happiness, short-lived as it likely will end up being? Or will he refuse to listen to reason because he doesn't want to let go?" Gabrielle sighed.
"He's already committed assault on the girl's mother, someone he has never imprinted upon. He already emotionally blackmailed and actively tried to give her a forced abortion- he would have held her down if he could have back then. He hasn't changed- based on what you and your mother have said he did to Charlie, knowing full well what happened to your father…" Gabrielle's voice lowered in sympathy while Leah and Quil both winced "all to stop Renesmee from moving away. Do you think she's safe around him?"
No one answered. "Do you truly believe that he'll let her go easily?" Gabrielle asked, sceptical.
They both knew the answer- everyone did. Jake sure as hell would fight a legion of devils if it would stop Nessie from leaving him, no matter her wishes.
"But the reason I'm here is because it's time." She looked at Quil. "Do you and your grandfather have a good excuse for you to be away for a few days time?"
Quil nodded. "Yeah. They think I'll be busy for the next couple of days." Gabrielle grimaced. "Make it three, just to be on the safe side."
"And Claire?"
"I told them I'm going to spend some time having fun with her before I become too busy." Left unspoken was that Quil was keeping as much distance as he could from Claire in case his instincts forced him to change his mind, but ensuring her happiness was even more of a top priority to him than it already was in the past- now that they were going to say goodbye for good. "And Sue has offered to take her for a few days on an outing to a theme park, which her parents have agreed to. Emily, Sam, Jake and the others all think I'm going with her, though Claire's parents think she'll be with Emily." Quil's face looked pained, and Gabrielle knew he felt intense emotional and mental pain at giving up- well, not a soulmate and the future they would assuredly have together, but the idea of a soulmate and the idea of the future they may have together someday. It was the right thing to do, and they each would be happier once this was all done, but it was hard.
And yet they would all be much happier in the than they ever had been or thought they would be someday. Renesmee had made up her mind, telling them that under no circumstances would she ever wish to get together with Jacob- even if she forgave him someday.
And who could blame her? Asides from the fact that he had once sucked lips with and would have eagerly commenced with a relationship with her mother at one point- and what child wishes to grow up and be with someone who saw her as her mother's 'replacement' at one point, like a goldfish?- there was the fact that he had never even been willing to see her as her own individual person, even to the point of deciding to commit murder on her as a new-born infant in retribution for her parents' decisions which hurt him, as well as a pregnancy and an existence she never even chose. He would have killed her if he didn't see her mother's eyes on her, if she hadn't been a girl or if she had inherited her father's eyes or those of any other relative. It was certainly not true love. And it was hard not to be bitter. It would be completely impossible for her not to wish to break the imprint or to refuse to have anything to do with Jacob afterwards.
Gabrielle closed her eyes. "You are one of the strongest people I have ever known." She said quietly, opening them to gaze at Quil. "And I can promise this: someday you will be happy. This is already a test of your inner strength and your desire to do the right thing- as well as your desire for Claire's future happiness and your own." Leah agreed fully. Not everybody could do this.
In fact, her stomach twisted as she thought this, she was certain that only Quil would be able to so far. Sam, Jared, Paul and Jacob would fight like hell to prevent this from happening.
Yet there was something wrong with their species' imprinting; something that could not be overlooked. The fact that the imprinters themselves seemed to have existences that revolve solely around their imprints was... disturbing to say the least. And Leah couldn't believe she had been so cooped up in her own personal misery that she had failed to see it until now. It was worse than if the imprinters had followed their imprints around like lovesick puppies: they acted like devoted slaves or cultists, Gabrielle had remarked, appalled, as she worked with the Quileute Elders and the Wolves to discern who would be the next people to phase. They never seemed to leave them alone, even to give their imprints some much-needed personal space. Leah had observed Kim snapping at Jared for this at one point, and at another time she saw Rachel snapping at Paul who looked like a mortally wounded animal after that, forcing Rachel to retract her statement, apologise and do whatever it took to make the grown-as Paul feel better and not look like he wanted to stab himself or dive off a cliff. Leah felt a knot of guilt at not noticing this sooner. The imprinters always had to be within touching distance of their imprints, or better yet always touching them in order to convince themselves that they were still present. It was as if it relieved some kind of physical agony or it could be compared to how an addict couldn't go for long without drinking, doing drugs, smoking or gambling- addicts who not only could not go for long without what they were addicted to, but always had to be touching their bottles, their needles and syringes, anything to ensure that that comforting thing was still there. Now reasonably disturbed, or horrified, Leah, Sue, Seth, Embry and even Quil, his grandfather and Billy saw that the imprinters always needed to hold their imprints, to touch them, carry them around, and do things for them- anything. Quil admitted that it seemed to cause him actual pain not to be near Claire or to do anything for her- even just seeing her from a distance but not actually being next to or touching her, making simple skin contact to make sure that she's there- with him. And that she would never leave him. The pain wasn't actually physical, he admitted. But it almost seemed like it.
Knowing what they now knew, and knowing what was going to happen almost made Quil's instincts go on overdrive. Old Quil, Sue, Leah, Embry and Seth had to make excuses for him to the others, especially to Jacob and Emily, and they kept them distracted with Billy's help while Gabrielle treated Quil. Often Quil had to be sedated and given magical pain-killers to make himself feel better. Gabrielle also had to do soul-links and, upon Quil's own agreement (he begged her actually), actual hypnosis to keep him going with this plan and to act as if everything was normal until after the imprint bond could be reversed.
It was intense psychological and emotional agony, almost like Jane's illusions and that gave Gabrielle great alarm. "This is far from normal," she breathed "or healthy."
The Wolves of the Appalachians and Vermont had agreed. In fact every Wolf she had consulted had felt the same way, no matter the species. The Appalachians pack had offered Quil counselling and therapy as well as medication- along with Jacob and any other Wolf- and their human imprints. Rare exceptions to be included within their world. Leah felt both immensely horrified and sickened with guilt that she had never seen this before- had even wanted it at some point. Her relationship with Sam hadn't been as... as obsessive as this- to the point of oppressiveness. It made her feel sick with fear, anxiety and worry that someone else might imprint, that none of the other imprinters were willing to take the same brave step as Quil, and that she herself might someday end up like this- especially since she could also mutually be the object of somebody else's imprint.
"This has to stop," she whispered to her mother and the rest of the Council of Elders when they convened. "I can't believe I'd never seen this before... I'm sorry."
She couldn't believe she had ever thought it was romantic. Now it made her feel deathly ill. The imprinters and their imprints were as much slaves as those Volturi wives in their tower. Or even the guard.
It also seemed similar to what the Cullens claim Edward had behaved around Bella. He always had to be on alert, ready to jump in front of her, shove her behind his back, sweep her into his arms and carry her away as far and as fast as possible… Bella herself admitted, during one of her visits to her mother where she had gone with Edward that her mother saw that she always adjusted herself when standing close to Edward. Whenever he moved, if he so much as shifted, she did the same.
Gabrielle had been reasonably disturbed. It might sound sweet at first, but it sounded as if Bella and the imprints of the Quileute Wolves ceased to become their own individual persons as opposed to… what they were considered now. They were like dolls to be cherished, toted around and played with or Idols to be revered and worshipped by adoring cultists and priests. Or in Bella's case belittled upon by both Edward and Jacob whenever she showed signs of thinking, believing or acting in ways that neither of them liked or agreed with, to the point where it wore down at her already fragile self-esteem and confidence.
The very ground Bella and the imprints walked upon was worshipped, but not in a sweet manner- it was excessive. They were put on a pedestal, but they were never treated as equals or respected for any capability they may have. Or even as individual persons. According to the other Wolves in the Appalachians this was not how mates who have felt the Pull have ever acted towards each other. Even after they married and were on their honeymoon phase or were well-established couples with kids. Leah felt ill. More importantly she felt a strong measure of guilt and she felt like a fool.
No wonder the inborn instinct within Jacob found it easy to turn things around with Renesmee. And apparently, even before imprinting, Jacob thought this was ideally what true love was… No wonder he had been so forceful with Bella, even to the point of assault. He also had to be competing with Edward so naturally, especially since Edward was bound to win their 'competition' since the beginning, Jacob thought that was how people in love were supposed to act, especially soulmates. Leah also admitted to Billy, the other Elders along with Gabrielle that she thought that Jake's mother's premature death and his twin sisters' Rachel and Rebecca's departure and avoidance of home- until Rachel had been imprinted upon- may have contributed to this behaviour. Bella choosing Edward would have only exacerbated this further: Jacob had abandonment issues. It was going to be very difficult to convince him to let go of Renesmee and to respect her wishes if she wanted to leave- which she did. She was a prisoner, same as her mother and the other imprints.
Gabrielle could not be more disturbed: the cult-like manner of worship their imprinters treated them as, the almost-taboo like status the other Wolves gave their pack-brothers' imprints- being completely untouchable and sacred in a remote manner if they were seemingly 'claimed'…
"Wolves are supposed to be free! There's no one freer than a Wolf!"
Those were the words Vivian, the Luna of the Vermont pack, had used when she described the imprints and the relationships they had with their imprinters and the rest of the pack. Upon hearing this in their long-distance conversation, Quil's shoulders had slumped. He looked totally defeated and it had hurt everybody's hearts just seeing it, same as the others. He begged and pleaded with Gabrielle to reverse the imprint as soon as possible. Sue sighed and shook her head. There were tears in her eyes, same as Old Quil and Billy. Their hearts were breaking, and it hurt Leah to watch as everyone went through this.
Gabrielle had started with the Wolves that did know, regulating their hormones and instinctual drives using magic and consultations with Wolf experts, scientists and pack doctors. She had conducted soul-links with all of them, using Astral-Projection- apparently something the early Quileutes did before Taha Aki banned the practice and they joined the Loup-Garou world. Regulating and tempering down their hormones and biological and psychological instincts, though not to the point where they could ever be considered dulled. It was tougher and more complicated than she had imagined, and nerve-wracking to boot, but she persisted. Now, however, it was time for Quil's imprint bond with Claire to be reversed. After that they could heal any psychological and spiritual wounds, if there were any, and ensure that Quil would be able to imprint again- though not in the same overwhelming manner as before.
"So where are we going to do this?" Quil asked.
"Bella's cottage," Gabrielle replied. "The Cullens have given us permission, and I've removed the scent of vampires using magic, so you don't have to feel any form of discomfort. Plus, they're more likely to look for you even in the Cullens' main house not just yours and the Clearwaters'. Or even Bella's father's home. The atmosphere is also peaceful and remote. If you wish to spend some time saying goodbye to Claire… well, it's a great place to take a little girl. She'll love it." Gabrielle gave a sad smile.
Luckily, the Volturi's trial had concluded and the Cullens were dividing their time with Edward in the Carpathians and Renesmee- and Charlie, Bella's father- in Forks. Edward's trial and the sentencing for each defendant would be postponed until after their species had officially joined the Confederation- which would be right after Markus, the first Vampire, would be awakened. Gabrielle was relieved at the break. She was busy enough as it was. With every second Quil was increasingly paranoid and anxious that he would not be able to resist stopping her or himself from committing to reversing the imprint. It was already causing him actual pain to be apart from Claire, to imagine his very life and existence without her. Gabrielle wondered if she needed to modify Quil and Claire's minds, erasing their memories of each other, at least to an extent with Quil so he could show the other it wouldn't be so bad. Quil had been worried that Claire was going to miss him and ask where he was- that she might even look for him. Gabrielle told him to wait until after the soul-link was successful and they knew for certain that the imprint had been reversed and Quil could imprint again- safely this time. But the idea of him imprinting again made him feel understandably nauseous and worried.
Gabrielle had a lot of things to worry about these days. The Cullens' species had just gotten used to the idea that they were not alone, and now their very society would have to change completely. The wizards would not tolerate them feeding on human blood anymore than they would tolerate them changing magical humans into vampires, but considering the abundant supply of- according to them- delicious food (blood and blood products), the lack of necessity to dispose of dead bodies and find individuals who would not be searched for by Muggle police, surveillance technology and intelligence agencies… well, it was worth it and only fools would turn their noses against the offers given to them. They couldn't keep expecting and hoping that none of their human victims would be forgotten and the mystery of their deaths or disappearances never discovered, especially with the advancements in science, technology and investigation. Vampires also needed safe places to hide, where they could congregate and live freely without being seen as conspicuous. Even the solitary ones and the nomads.
The world had changed enormously since any of them could ever remember; it seemed to be shrinking. Surveillance technology like CCTV, satellite imagery, and even Facebook had changed the world. Many vampires had demonstrated Facebook's capabilities and a witch who was also a seer foretold that in many Arab countries there were going to be uprisings and revolutions which overturned popular news channels which generally put out propaganda to prop up oppressive regimes. It would begin in Tunisia in 2010: the non-magical people who witnessed the government oppression would film and post everything they witnessed on Facebook for the rest of the country to rise up against and show the rest of the world. It would begin a chain-reaction which would spread throughout the Middle-Eastern Arab countries. Many governments would lose their power on the basis that their propaganda was proven lies. All because non-magical 'social media' and technology would be so advanced they would be able to film events before showing it to people on the other side of the world in the exact same moment that it was happening.
The witches and wizards and other vampires, including vampires of their own species had to prove to many a sceptic that it would work exactly as they said it would. While it took a little convincing, soon everyone was reasonably horrified and fearful.
Many vampires of their species were now searching for jobs for the Confederation and the High Council. At least they would be paid and have some semblance of purpose without being enslaved, while having their survival assured of. Even some of the solitary loners like the English vampire Alistair had hopes for the future (although according to the Cullens he may have been romantically involved with someone). Amun of the Egyptian coven had been pegged to become a leading figure in not only the High Council- as one of the representatives- but a member of the government they were planning to set up. This also included Siobhan, Benjamin, Marcus, Sulpicia and Athenodora too, apparently- and Carlisle, regardless of the scandal with Edward, people still valued his input although they resented what he had allowed Edward to get away with.
Quite interestingly, Lady Laima had kept her word and did not interfere with them setting up a new government, any more than the other species did. They had made a magically-binding vow: this species would be treated as equals in their world, same as all the others. They just had to do things differently from the Volturi- and the Romanians who came before them.
The three of them made their way to the Cullens' cottage where Gabrielle disappeared as soon as they heard Claire chattering happily away.
Sue was waiting holding Claire's hand near the Cullen house. Seth and Embry were keeping Jacob busy and upon his request, he had made certain that they would never tell or clue him in on when they were planning to do the procedure on Quil and Claire, just in case he was unable to fake things. But Billy also had some tasks to do for Jacob and Sam as Alphas. They were going to have to prepare for the Vermont and Appalachians Wolves' arrival.
"Quil!" Claire cried happily when she saw them. "Lee-Ah!"
Leah and Quil forced smiles. "Hey Claire-bear!" Quil cheered and knelt down to give her a hug. Leah gave her a high five. Quil held her for longer than he usually would. He had rarely seen her these days, afraid that his resolve would break, but when he did he made sure those days were happy ones. Even happier than they normally would be. Quil's eyes moistened and he swallowed.
This was hard. This was going to be so, so hard. And yet, this was the right thing to do: for both Claire and Quil himself. And the rest of the packs.
After the soul-link Claire would never again hang around the packs, especially around Quil upon his request. He didn't want to risk imprinting on her again, or anyone else doing the same thing. This would be goodbye, if not forever, then at least for a very long time.
"Where we goin'?" Claire jabbered happily.
Leah forced her smile to widen. "There's someone we want you to meet."
Claire's interest was piqued. "Who?" Her round eyes widened. She sounded like a cute owl.
"Why, it's a fairy, Claire-bear!" Quil cheered. "A magical fairy!"
That was only partially true: Gabrielle admitted that she was part-faerie, just not the miniature fairy with insect wings. Her mother's and grandmother's species, the Veela, came from the same taxonomic family and were often called fairies or nymphs in English.
"Really?" Claire breathed. Her dark, innocent, happy eyes were wide in wonder, and it made Leah's heart squeeze.
She knew Quil looked ready to cry. "Really." Leah smiled, answering for him. Sue nodded. "Look, Claire-bear!" Quil pointed.
And emerging from the woods was Gabrielle. Upon their request she was dressed in what could appropriately pass off as fairy-wear- not the glittery tulle and tinsel or spangle-covered tutus and plastic tiaras along with fake wings, but she actually took Leah's breath away and wore something... ethereal. Otherworldly.
There were no words to describe it. Her long gossamer gown shifted in colour from silver, to white to pale blue. The light that seemed to radiate from all around her appeared enhanced even more than it normally was. Leah didn't know how in the world she managed to have butterfly wings that complimented her dress: maybe she had those naturally or maybe she artificially created them using magic. Either way, Gabrielle smiled benevolently as she glided forwards.
Claire gasped. Leah herself felt awe and for a second, she forgot why they were there.
"Hello there," Gabrielle's voice was musical and enchanting, and seemed to soothe and awe the little girl simultaneously. Her smile seemed to light up all the dark corners of the woods. "What's your name?"
"C-Claire." Claire stuttered, barely managing to breathe until Sue checked on her.
"That's a beautiful name," Gabrielle's smile widened. "Would you like to come with me? There's something I want to show you."
Claire's eyes widened so much Leah was afraid it would pop out. Gabrielle took the little girl's hand and led her to Bella's fairytale cottage, a wedding gift from Esme.
It was beautiful, Leah admitted, and she thought it was sad and ironic that Renesmee had grown to hate the cottage so much. To her it felt like a prison, no matter how charming. But to Claire, only a few years older yet so much younger in other ways than Renesmee, it was a place of wonder and magic.
Hopefully, Claire's innocence would never have to be destroyed in the same way. For her it could still be beautiful. For her everything and all the people she loved could and forever would be safe for her.
The cottage was nestled in a clearing, right in the middle of the woods. A short walk for a vampire but remote to any humans, even if they were walking from the Cullens' main house. It was made of stone with honeysuckle climbing up one wall like a lattice and a path of flat stones leading up to the front door. The roof was made of thick wooden shingles and the garden was full of rosebushes and there seemed to be a pond inside. It looked like somewhere where a unicorn would come and nibble at the rosebushes, or where Snow White would merrily sing as she tended to the cottage and its gardens, with flying birds. rabbits and squirrels.
Like fairies, it was a place where little girls dreamed of being or seeing.
Leah could see Claire's eyes widen even more as she took in the fairy-tale scene. Gabrielle had enchanted some floating lights to fly around the place. The water in the pond sparkled with magical light. The flowers looked even more numerous. "Do you like it?" Gabrielle whispered. Claire could only muster a nod in reply. "Do you want to go inside?"
Claire nodded eagerly. Inside had been decorated with Bella's permission. Unfortunately, Leah and Quil felt a little cramped: as Wolves they were tall, though not as tall as Jacob, but the ceiling was made up with thick wooden beams that they felt they had to be careful around. The floor had a thick carpet, but it was mostly a pattern of smooth flat stones. There was a beehive fireplace in the corner of the room, and the walls were made of wood in some places and stone mosaics in others. They were hung with paintings, some priceless originals no doubt, knowing the Cullens' wealth. There was a stocked bookcase and the furnishings were eclectic yet tasteful and pretty.
"Let's have a seat." Gabrielle pointed to the table that had been set up in the middle, one with a child-sized chair. "Would you like to see some magic?"
Claire gasped and nodded, excitedly. Gabrielle winked then waved her wand. Then, out of a cupboard, which Esme had allowed Gabrielle to magically take out from the main house, a porcelain tea set flew. Linen napkins and paper doilies flew in the air, flapping themselves like wings. The candles burst into flame, as did the fireplace which danced merrily. The table set itself and the teapot poured steaming tea into porcelain teacups and saucers.
"Do you like strawberry shortcake?" Claire nodded, eagerly while Gabrielle waved her wand yet again and dough, butter, sugar, strawberries and the other ingredients for strawberry shortcake magically appeared and danced in the air, mixing themselves into cake batter before baking magically in mid-air. Strawberries sliced and arranged themselves into the petals of roses before settling on the cream atop the cake. The cottage didn't have a kitchen or a pantry and it took less time to do it with magic, anyway.
They sat down. Even Leah was impressed and awed. Claire seemed like she was living her dream: a final gift from Quil, his one last chance to make Claire happy.
They would never see each other again. And Claire would certainly forget him, even if she didn't have her memories of him erased.
Gabrielle charmed the little girl- not literally, at least not yet- and got her talking animatedly, asking where she was and where she came from and whether she'd always lived in these woods, and could Claire see her again? Leah wondered if Gabrielle had any children. She was certainly good with them. They had tea and cake, but Claire didn't know that there was a potion for dreamless sleep in her drink, which wasn't hot so it couldn't scald her.
She was just happy and excited to be having tea with a beautiful fairy in a magical cottage.
Sure enough, Claire felt drowsy. They had asked Bella if they could borrow Renesmee's bedroom to settle Claire before undergoing the soul-link. Bella agreed and so they and Renesmee had cleaned the place up and decorated it to make it a dream for little girls. And it sure was, Leah reflected seeing the inside. She wondered if this was part of Renesmee's frustration, being kept in an infanticised state.
The 'fairy' tucked her in, and Leah waved goodbye from the doorway, while Quil knelt down and gave her a kiss on her cheek. Claire kissed Quil- one last time, before her eyes closed. Sure enough, she was fast asleep.
Gabrielle let out a sigh when she was certain. Her wings disappeared. She nodded. She conjured an adult's bed next to Renesmee's child-sized one. Quil gave Claire one last look, tears shimmering in his eyes and before he could lose his nerve, took the glass of purple potion that Gabrielle offered him and downed it in one gulp. He took off his shoes and laid on the bed. Soon he was in a deep sleep.
Leah let out the breath she didn't even know she was holding. All tension seemed to disappear from Sue's shoulders- almost.
"Let's get to work." Gabrielle murmured. Sue and Leah entered the room fully and closed the door behind them and sat down on chairs near the doorway. Gabrielle glided over to a chair at the corner of the room. "I wonder if you'll be able to see me when I do this," she said thoughtfully. "After all, didn't you say that Taha Aki and his predecessors could see each other when they did this?"
"Only if they were in spirit form themselves." Sue corrected. Gabrielle nodded, absorbing this. "Well, my body will be unoccupied, but I'll definitely be busy. So if you see things moving around, seemingly on their own, or think you hear some singing, don't panic. Just... please make sure I don't fall off my seat."
They all promised. Gabrielle took a deep breath and murmured, "Here we go." She closed her eyes and exhaled. All tension seemed to leave her body- and her exhalation never seemed to end. As Leah and her mother watched, stunned and fascinated, Gabrielle slumped in her seat. She seemed to fold into herself, collapsing inwards.
And then there was silence.
Gabrielle was very much conscious- she just wasn't in her body.
As the two of them watched seemingly nothing but Quil and Claire sleeping, Gabrielle separated her consciousness, her soul even, from her body.
She was conducting a soul-link, or as her ancestors the Eldar called it, limifëa in their ancient language of Quenya. Using Astral-Projection first to separate their consciousness from their bodies and using one's own soul to heal a spiritual, mental and emotional wound or wounds. Or simply to fix a spiritual and psychological wound, the way a surgeon would fix an irregular heartbeat or remove a tumour. Gabrielle willed her fëa or spirit to temporarily leave her body, using spells spoken in Quenya, the language of her ancestors the High Elves, and made certain that both Quil and Claire were in deep sleep before proceeding to put them, their minds and souls on stasis. This way, they would not suffer pain or shock of the mental, emotional and spiritual kind. This procedure was complicated and delicate enough. A few years ago she would have lost her nerve.
Now she thanked God above and all that was holy that her grandmother and her species had taught her their healing arts and sciences, and not just for physical ailments.
Singing songs in Quenya, unheard by the physical ears of Leah and Sue who watched anxiously, but surely felt by the two unconscious individuals who were spiritually and mentally soothed by her melody, Gabrielle got to work. She examined the minds of Quil and Claire, particularly Quil but also Claire as she didn't want the little girl to suffer any adverse effects. She found it- the root of the problem: the innate instinct within Quil's mind and physiology that caused him to imprint. Her task was to calm him, his mind and soul, and calm all other hormone-producing areas within his brain, to soothe, calm and ease his spirit, persuading it to take a more moderate approach to every instinct as well as enabling his species' natural evolutionary pattern to proceed naturally without forced haste and desperation, but also to move it along so it didn't feel too much pressure to catch up with the other Loup-Garou species with or without the presence of vampires and all the intermarriages with humans. She had done similar procedures with Vivian's pack in Vermont, nudging their inborn instincts along to trigger their Pull instincts which came a little later than normal. Older Wolves, such as Vivian's mother Esmé Gandillon, would never feel the Pull, especially as Esmé herself admitted that she had only one true love after all: her late husband Ivan, no matter how hard she tried to move on from him because she felt lonely. But Vivian and Gabriel had begun to feel it and the younger Wolves, including Vivian's friends who called themselves the Five (Ulf, the twins Willem and Gregory, and Finn along with Vivian herself- two former members were deceased) had felt it keenly, making their lives and the pack's overall future and well-being much easier. As unnerving or romantic as this may sound to humans, the Pull was a necessary thing for all Loup-Garoux. They may have long lives, but only if they survived that long. They did not have the safety in numbers that even wizards and witches had. And with many of them, even in the wealthiest and safest packs, endangered, they needed ways to not only ensure their population's survival and growth, but also find whatever happiness they could. The Pull was supposed to not only be mutual, but to help them as a natural instinct or aid honed within them.
Precise things which had not happened to Sam, Emily, Leah, Jacob and Renesmee, and also Quil and Claire.
Gabrielle began singing the Quenya songs her family members, particularly her Nóamillë or Grandmère, had taught her. She calmed Quil's mind, sang to it and his soul, eased its burdens, convinced it to be gentle and kind, but fair and strong if need be, to treat others equally, to not be afraid, that all will be well in the end if they could trust her to help him trust himself. She sang songs about the Wolf in the forest, the pack and its brothers and sisters, the family that they shared, how they were all equal, even the Alphas who guided them. How they all cherished and treated one another and looked out for each other. How they ran wild and free, but remained disciplined and alert even when playful and happy. She sang about the animals, the waters of the stream, the river and the woods, the mountains and the trees, the birds and the insects, the small rabbits in the bushes and the squirrels in the trees. She sang about the skies above, the full moon and the stars. She wanted Quil to remember not only the happy, carefree days of his childhood, but to know the joy of being a Wolf. The freedom and ease of his own nature.
Slowly, she made him remember something ingrained deep within his DNA and spirit. She sang songs to Claire of childhood and innocence, of dreams and hopes; of the magical kingdom for children where no one ever died or became sad. Where obstacles were always overcome, and villains were defeated. Where everyone was family. She sang to her of a child's dream of fairies, sunshine, moonlight and starlight, or flowers in the woods, of friendly animals, princesses and magic and of all the possibilities that her dreams and life had to offer her.
And in doing so, she slowly startled to unravel the steel cable-like threads that bound them together. Slowly, delicately, gently, for even the slightest disturbance could be painful. The slightest mistake could drive them both to insanity if it didn't damage their souls. Gabrielle sang about how wonderful life was, and howeven more wonderful it could be and would be for anyone who believed and sought to live, not merely exist. She urged Quil to find the joys and freedom of being a Wolf, of Claire to find the joy and freedom of being a child once more, with her own future and life ahead of her. She sang that all will be well as she slowly convinced the threads binding Quil to Claire to unravel and reversed them back to Quil, making sure that Claire was intact, whole and sound in her mind and spirit with no effects whatsoever, doing the same to Quil as she convinced the threads to not only reverse themselves but to go back to his mind and spirit, to wait until they found the right person: someone who was closer to Quil in age, and in her already-established personality, who would balance him out with her differences yet have enough in common with him to understand and to be happy with him. Who would accept him for who he is and be accepted in the same way in return. Who could learn to love him unconditionally and be loved by him in the same manner. Whose relationship with him would be based on growth and development, trust and respect. Who would respect him when he had earned it or simply because he was an individual and whom he would be inclined to respect on his own terms in the same way. Who would be cared for by Quil and care for him in return, even in the hardest and most difficult of times, who could be part of a team, part of a family with him- and eventually their children. Who could be good parents with him someday, and grandparents too- if and when they were both ready. Who would treat his family and pack like her own and be a part of them, and the same for Quil.
At the same time, Gabrielle sang to him about Quil's hopes, dreams and optimism for the future. She healed his mental and spiritual pain, the pain of parting from Claire, and the same with her, if she had any. She convinced him that all will be well, and everyone would have a chance to be happy again, including Quil, but he would be happier without the person binding him to her and it was mutual. She sang, warming and ensuring happiness and optimism whilst warning and ensuring that Quil's spirit and mind would only imprint once he was ready and reminding him that in the end, he had a choice: he could choose. That choice was a gift, a birthright as much as the Imprint. It all depended on him and on his future imprint to make things work for them forever- if not he could do this again and find happiness.
Gabrielle convinced Quil that he would be well and happy, and that he was truly better this way. His soul had lightened, brightening in colour from the green-grey-tinged blue-grey colour that she observed. She healed his heart, his mind, his soul. She told him that he was well and that he would be happy.
She worked on Quil, multi-tasking with Claire at the same time. She healed the little girl, gave her all the innocence and possibilities the future had in store for her. She convinced Claire's spirit and mind that she and Quil were two separate entities and that they were happiest that way. They had all the hopes, dreams, joys and possibilities for the future. She had a choice, and that choice was a gift, a birthright as much as his. She could be happy and she would be, as both a child and an adult. She sang of all the hopes and possibilities of Claire's future, made sure that Claire was in the right state of mind and spirit to achieve happiness and freedom as much as Quil, that she was strong internally and externally. That she would be well, good and happy. That she would be loved no matter what and she could and would love in return, without sacrificing anything, including all the possibilities, hopes, dreams and personal wishes for the future.
Gabrielle convinced their minds and spirits that all was well and would be even better come the future. That they did not need each other; that they had never truly loved one another, only seeing the possibilities they each thought they had or would have, without seeing the other for who they truly were, or listening to what they truly wished, once they were ready. Or allowing each other to grow in mind, body and spirit as they each normally would. She sang that Quil still had hope for the future and convinced his mind, body and spirit that he could still have that special connection- could have an even-better, more special connection that could make him and this other person happier- without the little girl who lay sleeping on the child's bed. And she convinced Claire of the same thing with Quil. Gabrielle sang of the future happiness they could have- if only this had never happened. If only it would never happen like this again.
Once the final steel cable-like thread was unwound and gently reversed back from where it came from, vanishing, Gabrielle sang about the future possibilities the two of them would have, the happiness and freedom they both deserved, earned and were each entitled to. She made sure that Claire was completely healed and that everything was reversed on her part to the state that it once was before the imprint, before ensuring that, since she was younger when Quil imprinted on her, that she would not regress to that stage of development, or if she did that she would be as she normally would if Quil had never imprinted in the first place, all the while singing of her happiness, innocence, peace, joy and freedom of her life and the possibilities, hopes and dreams for the future. At the same time, Gabrielle sang to Quil, filling in the holes and gaps that his imprint bond with Claire had filled before being emptied, making sure that Quil would be safe and happy mentally, spiritually, emotionally and in all ways. That he would be safe and happy if he trusted himself and his instincts and they did not need to act so hastily and in such a desperately violent manner. She ensured that all was set in case and whenever Quil felt himself mentally and spiritually ready to imprint again, and gently guided his instincts on what to do, how to lead him there.
And as she finished, Gabrielle sang of all the hopes and dreams they would have for the future, all the happiness they could gain, the joy of freedom and possibilities as well as true, real love. All for a few more minutes until she ensured that both individuals were sleeping peacefully and happily on their separate beds before she was reassured that all was and would be well with each of them, and that both were safe, well and happy. Then Gabrielle's fëa or spirit went back to her body in the chair and sank down inside of it. She allowed herself to feel the sensations of her body, the strength and joy of being one with her own flesh, before she opened her body's eyes and woke with a gasp.
It was done.
Sue and Leah's eyes jolted up towards Gabrielle's when she gasped awake.
Their dark eyes widened. Gabrielle nodded to both of them. She felt drained. "It's done." She said wearily. Although her body was fine, mentally and spiritually she felt tired. She had used a great deal of her spiritual energy and magic, just to be on the safe side and to ensure that not only would it work, but each would not suffer adverse effects and would be happy and free in the future.
"It's..." Leah didn't dare breathe. Gabrielle nodded, trying to prevent herself from nodding off or fainting. "Yes. The imprint bond between Quil and Claire has been reversed. They are no longer connected, as if they had never been in the first place. As if the imprint has never happened. But to be on the safe side, I recommend separating both of them immediately and ensuring that they never set eyes upon each other- at least not until both have reached physical, mental and spiritual adulthood." Sue nodded. Just then there was a knock on the bedroom door.
Bella opened the door and peeked in. Renesmee was with her. "It's done," Gabrielle said wearily. She took the glass of water she had prepared beforehand on Renesmee's desk and drank the whole lot. Slightly reinvigorated, she looked at her bracelet and allowed her inner magic to absorb the energy she had stored in the diamonds. Gems, especially precious stones, were capable of holding magical and physical energy which could be absorbed once needed. She inhaled deeply, allowing the energy to recharge her magical core.
"It's done." Gabrielle repeated. When she was certain she could stand without keeling over, she refilled the glass, drank the water and stood. "We have to move both of them now." She looked at Sue. "Take Claire back to your house. I'll meet you there: I have to modify her memories- I'll leave all the fun, but I'll have to make certain she doesn't remember Quil and will never go searching for him, even subconsciously or accidentally. Or unconsciously in her dreams. As for this episode, she'll remember it as a dream, only a dream so she doesn't go searching for me or any traces of Quil- and that she'll never miss him."
Sue bit her lip. "But it's done?" She, Bella and Leah said at the exact same time. They could hardly believe it.
Gabrielle agreed. "It's done. They will no longer need each other to feel complete or happy." She would also have to modify Quil's memories, upon his own request, to make certain he would not remember Claire precisely, especially not in the way he used to, and to make certain that he would never search for her or dream about her again, even subconsciously or unconsciously. Even if she had to use a little hypnosis for this, it was necessary.
Renesmee's brown eyes were wide. For the first time since Gabrielle had seen her, ever since Leah, Sue and Bella had ever seen her... She had never looked so happy for the future- so full of hope.
That was a challenging chapter, a daunting task to undertake. The idea of the soul-link or limifëa I have to admit comes from Lapsus Memoriae, the first story in the Rávamë's Bane series by RealityWarp- a very excellent read by an incredibly gifted author- I hope you don't mind! However, the idea of the Veela being descended and having evolved from the High Elves of Tolkien's world is from J.R.R Tolkien himself who claimed that those of the elves or Eldar who did not depart for Valinor became the Fey or faeries who feature in human folklore, myth and legend. It was also already the term he actually called the elves in The Hobbit book and referred to Valinor or the Undying Lands as: Faerie or Faeries. Although in Lord of the Rings, he called them elves or the Eldar and called the continent of the Undying Lands Aman or Valinor. The Veela, or more accurately Vila or Vili (plural form) also known as Samodivi or Samovili, were considered fairies or nymphs to the Thracians and Slavs, particularly South Slavs, just like nymphs of Greco-Roman mythology and folklore. They're not humans, and certainly not witches or wizards with pre-destined soulmates, unlike what SOME fans believe on this site! According to Tolkien, the elves that remained in Arda, which is Earth is a supposedly long-forgotten era (not another universe) after the rest of their race had departed from this world (because Valinor was literally plucked out of the earth during the cataclysm which turned it round and sunk Númenor, Tolkien's version of Atlantis), became known as the faeries or Fey folk of human myth, folklore and legend. In this universe, I'm going with that idea and suggesting that they all migrated to various parts of the world becoming the various faeries or Fey species, like the Veela in Balkans, Macedonia and former Thrace, and the nymphs of the Mediterranean.
But yes, Quil and Claire are no longer connected. The imprint has been reversed and erased.