"You can be a big fish in a small pond, but you're only going to be competing against people at that level."
Finn Balor
It took over an hour-and-a-half for Bella to calm down, ever-so-slightly, and even then she was still sobbing, although her sobs had subsided somewhat. She was still coherent.
Gabrielle waved her wand and conjured a silver chalice. Jasper blinked as it appeared, seemingly appearing and growing in size out of nothing and Rosalie sucked in a breath. Even Nessie blinked and Jacob's jaw dropped. Only Bella seemed numb to what was happening.
Gabrielle took out a small bag, which strangely looked like a medieval wineskin, and emptied its contents into the goblet. A crimson liquid swirled inside, momentarily bewildering the vampires. Even Bella paused in confusion. It smelled divine: both sweet and tangy.
"What is that?" Jasper spoke. "It smells… good. Easy to resist, but good. Better, now that I can think about it." His brow furrowed. "Better than human blood."
"Our kind," Gabrielle explained. "Has a large industry devoted to feeding vampires. It's takes up a considerable portion in our economy. It's not human blood, but it's definitely nourishing and strong. Even more nourishing than human blood, apparently." Her lips twisted into a brief smirk.
"But what is it?"
"Dragon blood," Gabrielle replied, garnering more strange looks. She conjured more goblets and summoned more bags, using magic to tip them in. Each goblet floated towards the Cullens, including Renesmee.
"Apparently, human blood is comparatively dangerous to vampires, as they've since discovered. It's addictive and drives them into a killing frenzy, and the more you feed on it, the harder it becomes to resist. And it's especially important for you." She looked right at Renesmee.
"Me?"
"You're a Dhampir, aren't you?" She questioned, looking at Renesmee straight in the eye. "It's the official term for a half-vampire, half-human hybrid." Everyone's jaws dropped.
Renesmee was stunned. "Are-are there many like me?" Her chocolate-brown eyes were wide. Her hands gripped her goblet, stunned.
Gabrielle pursed her lips. "It's hard to say if there were truly many, but I can say that the ones that have been born were all truly noteworthy individuals, no matter what species of vampire made up the one-half; or even if their human side happened to be magical. But always, they've done something special with their lives, both for good and ill." She nodded towards Nessie's goblet. "Drink up. You're half-vampire, so you're only half a haemovore- a blood-drinker.
"Therefore, your growth pace, combined with, well I suspect you have an increased heart rate and very high body temperature. This all indicates that your metabolism is uncommonly high. Your heart rate and body temperature and your growth mean that you require an enormous amount of nutrients; proteins, iron, sugars and fats to sustain your growth or even just for your body to be able to function otherwise you would have starved to death- and you should have- in barely any time at all."
This caused everyone in the room to jump up in alarm, almost tipping their goblets in some cases, except that said goblets floated away from their veering hands and bodies before any of them could spill. Bella's eyes were wide and horrified, as were Jacob's. Rosalie and Carlisle were the same.
Gabrielle continued, "Blood doesn't actually have any nutrients, but it does sustain magical creatures, although it's dangerously addictive if it's human blood. For someone like you, you need human food, especially if your growth rate- judging from the stories of other Dhampyr children, along with the testimonies of various witnesses on both sides during your confrontation with the Volturi- is very fast-paced. Therefore, you actually need larger amounts of food than the ordinary human child, several times a day in fact. Feeding on a bit of blood, human or animal, will never be enough.
"It's comparable to feeding a newborn human infant a few sips of water per day and expecting the child to survive." Gabrielle scoffed. "However, because of the innate magic within you as a Dhampir you've managed to survive. But don't let it become too strained, for even magic has its limits. You need human food, but with this-" she nodded to the goblet of blood. "You may survive without having to gorge yourself on solid foods."
"Still, this will sustain you in the meantime. And I can also promise the rest of you that human blood is not as nourishing as this is for a vampire." She nodded to the goblets, motioning for each of the Cullens to take one, which they did, tentatively. "I am a scientist, among other things. And I can honestly verify that other vampires have tested such products and given their opinions. The industry has improved and become increasingly competitive over the centuries. But pure dragon's blood is something of a tonic. Still, I've had to dilute the blood because of you-" she nodded towards Nessie. "With other products as well as nutrients that will also sustain and strengthen you since pure dragon's blood can get vampires drunk. The hangover is said to be worse than having your head trampled by hippogriffs. Drink," She insisted. "You're all going to need it."
Bella didn't know what a hippogriff was, and neither did she care. Too miserable to argue, she lifted the chalice to her lips and instantly had to stop herself from recoiling.
It was hot, as though the blood was still inside a body, though, of course, not scalding; richer and sweeter than any blood she'd ever tasted (though that shouldn't have been a comparison, as apart from her pregnancy, she'd only ever tasted animal blood). It was the most delicious thing she had ever tasted; even though the blood was sweet, at the same time there were a myriad of different flavours that danced on her tongue. Thick and smooth, the liquid had no problem going down, coating Bella's throat and tongue with a coolness and a filmy residue that- amazingly- completely quenched the ever-present thirst in her throat. The aftertaste was metallic, but not at all unpleasant. She gasped as she finished it. Instantly, despite the situation, Bella felt better- physically at least.
"Better?" Gabrielle questioned as they set down their goblets.
"It was amazing." Rosalie blinked in astonishment. Gabrielle nodded, as though expecting this. Her hand went up to her throat. "I feel… cool. For the first time since I've turned, I'm not even thirsty."
"You're right," Jasper murmured, his golden eyes wide, his own hand going up to his throat. "It doesn't hurt anymore. I don't believe I'll be thirsty, even if I go anywhere near a human with nice-smelling blood. The venom's gone." Jacob raised a sceptical eyebrow. Jasper looked down at the empty goblet with amazement. "This stuff is incredible."
Gabrielle smiled gently. "There's more where we're going."
"To the Carpathians?" Rosalie asked. "That's where you said the Old-World Coven was."
Gabrielle nodded. "Edward is likely being processed as we now speak." The mood, temporarily uplifted, dropped like a ton of bricks. "He will be placed into a holding cell, given nourishment like this," She nodded to the empty goblets which all now stood motionless on the table. "Before being questioned. There will be no torture," she assured them. "And he and the Volturi would have all been given magic-inhibitors in order to stop them from accessing their abilities. You will be able to see him after your arrival. Lady Laima has promised me that he will not be mistreated. You have her word and mine."
Relaxing ever-so-slightly, Bella asked. "Who is Lady Laima?"
Gabrielle hesitated. "It's… going to be extremely hard to explain. In fact, the ones who should be doing the explaining should be a vampire, but for your sake, I'll do my best. Lady Laima," Gabrielle spoke. "Is the consort of Markus Corvinus, not to be mistaken for the Marcus you've met. Markus Corvinus," her violet-blue eyes met the Cullens' ones. "If that is even his true name, is the founder and blood-leader of your race. The first true vampire."
There was a moment of silence, when only Jacob blinked. Everyone else looked floored, but then sceptical. Only Nessie sat staring wide-eyed at Gabrielle.
Gabrielle nodded. "According to legend, there was a man whose real name has been lost to time. In a later century, he adopted the name of Alexander Corvinus," she nodded.
Carlisle blinked. "Like- like the Hungarian king Matthias Corvinus?"
"A descendant of the mortal line," Gabrielle explained. "Alexander- we don't know where he's from originally, nor precisely when or where he was born- but when he did move to what is now modern-day Hungary, he developed a reputation as a powerful warlord. We do know that, while he might not have been born there, he was in Mesopotamia, the Cradle of Human Civilisation, six thousand years ago when the first human cities sprung up. He married a witch, later called Helena.
"And then something happened. I don't know what, but some kind of plague, possibly due to a curse from one of our kind, hit him. Helena survived, thanks to her magic, but everyone else who contracted it, died. But Alexander survived. Because his wife was a powerful sorceress, she either did something, or legend claims she found someone else to do it for her. Either way, his body began to mutate the virus, mould it to his benefit. He became the first true immortal born of humans. The father of your kind."
Everyone's eyes were wide as they stared in shock and utter and complete astonishment at Gabrielle. Gabrielle nodded.
"They later had three sons." Gabrielle paused, allowing them to take all this in.
"The first son, Markus, and the second William, were immortal, like their father. The third son was not. They did not, however, possess magic- yet.
"And then sometime later, Lady Laima was born in the Baltic to a pair of powerful sorcerers. I don't know exactly when or where she was born, but it was after a group of peoples split from the main group in Eurasia, who spoke Proto-Indo-European, which is the ancestor to many languages including Modern English. Her people would later split between the Balts and the Slavs, before splitting continuously into the various Baltic and Slavic peoples of today." Gabrielle gave them a look.
"Ho-ly. Crap." Emmett breathed. Everybody agreed. Jacob and Renesmee breathed out. "And I thought the Romanians and the Volturi were ancient." Carlisle agreed, while Esme and the others looked stunned, with the exceptions of Jacob and Renesmee who both looked confused.
"At some point, Markus travelled to their lands, and met and fell in love with her, and she became his wife." Gabrielle clarified. "She was already a powerful sorceress and apprentice to another powerful sorceress. I can't explain the exact details, but not long after, somehow, Markus became the first vampire." Carlisle's eyes were massive. Alice gasped. Emmett and Jasper's jaws actually dropped. "William, his twin brother, became the first werewolf." Now, everyone gasped.
"And the third brother was mortal." Gabrielle inclined her head. "That's how the story goes.
"Apparently, Markus also turned Lady Laima, along with Viktor and Amelia, the other two Elders." Gabrielle continued, thoughtfully. "I can't verify this but Markus had, according to legend, long since been secretly feeding her doses of his blood in an attempt to give her immortality, before he even became a vampire. His mother Helena, a witch, was long-lived, but expired as a mortal. When he did turn her, he drank some of her blood. This gave them a bond or a link unlike any other couple in the world; a telepathic and emphatic connection between them. It also gave Markus incredible powers which he shared with his wife."
Silenced reigned throughout as the Cullens and Jacob tried to imagine and comprehend everything she had just spoken.
"The Vampire Queen is an epithet many within and outside the vampire race give to her. It's not official however, as for some reason neither Markus nor Lady Laima has ever referred to themselves as monarchs. The Great Mother is another epithet the vampires give her. As anyone she and Markus bit thereafter became… unusually strong and powerful, even amongst all immortals," Gabrielle's brow furrowed "so much so that neither of them has transformed a human in almost two millennia. The other vampires don't want to risk it, you see: if either of them transformed a human, they would pass on powers and capabilities beyond the likes of which anyone could imagine. Then the balance of power, carefully maintained not just within the Vampire Confederation but within their particular species and power hierarchy, could potentially be overturned.
"Therefore, the ones that do any transforming are the other two Elders of their particular species, the main branch of the vampire race." Jasper and Carlisle jerked, remembering what Adsila had said. "Viktor and Amelia, or, if not, someone the Elders have authorised do the transforming. And even then, the Elders rarely transform anyone directly. You see while they pass on strength, speed, preternatural senses and magic to the ones they have bitten, the more powerful your creator, the more powerful the newly-turned will end up being. It kind of 'dilutes' the more distant you are from the original creators of the vampire race, Markus and Lady Laima.
"Besides, their species keeps a tight hold on population control, just in case their kind grows wild, like yours did with the newborn armies in the Southern Wars, or the Plague of the Immortal Children. Unfortunately, you can't say the same for the other species', and, despite the Elder Viktor's protests, the two of them and the other Elder Amelia have vetoed any and all suggestions and attempts to control and rein in the rest of the vampire species and bring them under their control. Preferably a tighter and more iron-fisted control if Viktor has his way." Gabrielle's brow furrowed thoughtfully, while many of the Cullens shuddered or grimaced at the thought. This Viktor sounded too much like Caius.
"It's hard to explain: yes, it's a confederation of different species, and yes, it's governed overall by a High Council. But there's a strong degree of autonomy, even independence, within each species. The High Council has a little more power than the non-magical United Nations, but they rarely exert it except on certain things, like enacting laws which span the entire confederation, which includes discussing dealings with my kind. In fact the Vampire High Council meets irregularly, like only every few decades or centuries. There are strong ties between each species, a shared culture and a common sense of patriotic pride even-" Jacob looked like he was about to snort, to Rosalie's annoyance, but Gabrielle raised an eyebrow in his direction. He decided to shut up. "Though I must say, for an immortal race which thrived during the Dark and Middle Ages, the Vampire Confederation is... shockingly democratic in comparison to any other institution of that era.
"Quite surprisingly in my opinion, this is due to Lady Laima. Back in the olden days, I'm sure things were different: the more tighter-fisted your control, the better, as not only rulers but their subjects would agree. And the Vampire Confederation was created during harsh, dark and brutal times, where savage massacres, family curses borne from blood-feuds and plagues created by Dark Magic were common." She said, causing everybody to wince, horrified just to imagine it. "But apparently, also being an immeasurably powerful sorceress along with an unofficial vampire queen means that Lady Laima has the gift of foresight."
Alice's breath hitched. "She's- she's like me?"
Gabrielle frowned. "I'm certain that she's more powerful than any of us can ever imagine." She warned. "To be frank, every vampire did not doubt her in the slightest when she ensured of each individual species' strong autonomy, and negotiated the terms of the Vampire High Council, including the assurance that each vampire species would be treated as equals to one another. The militant Viktor may balk, but it was overall for the greater good. Otherwise, of course, the other vampire species would go wild and refuse to accept Viktor's reign when his time came. Or even Amelia's. Neither Viktor nor Amelia, nor even Markus and Lady Laima themselves have any official power over the rest of the species which make up the Vampire Confederation; they respect the couple greatly, even to the point of reverence- and for many vampires, they even see them as god-like beings- but no one prays to them," Gabrielle said quickly, seeing the looks on their faces. "There is no cult. Even during Ancient Times and the Dark Ages, Lady Laima ensured that the vampires would not look up to either of them too much. If they can't make any vampire not see them as living gods, the very least she could do was make certain it would not be in a political capacity.
"She might've foreseen the problems long before the term 'revolution' was even coined," Gabrielle murmured thoughtfully. "It's possible with her gift of foresight. Personally, I've never heard of a seer who can see that far ahead into the future- for thousands of years, in fact- but of course, as time goes by, she has been… surprisingly correct even in things that made the other Elders question her. Having foresight helps anticipate, not only problems that would arise in the far-distant future, but any potential opposition or uprising. Or, most importantly, the mistakes one can make that would not only cause such conflicts to arise, but also fan the flames instead of putting them out."
The other Cullens looked shocked and maybe a bit unnerved. Alice blinked, awed and uncomprehending of having such power, similar to her own, but… well, more.
"There have been shockingly few civil wars within the Vampire Confederation. And for immortals who live long and hold long grudges, and for a kind as passionate in their emotions as yours, that is… quite surprising. It's believed- and there is reason to believe this- that Lady Laima foresaw any and all such conflicts within her race, and often acts to smooth things out, planning things carefully and acting during what she sees to be the precise times with the just the right actions, which mostly consist of gently prodding people into the right direction if they want to avoid conflict. More like a pebble which triggers an avalanche, as opposed to throwing rocks and boulders, if you want a comparison. Except far more controlled."
"That is why she will be presiding over Edward's trial and the Volturi's. Every vampire species within the confederation and even wizards themselves can't deny not only her stunning insight and political and diplomatic capabilities and acumen, but her fair judgment. As the Vampire Queen, she is undeniably respected anyway, if not outright revered, but within her one species, she has no official status apart from being Markus' consort and advisor, so no one can accuse her of favouritism. If anyone knows how to avoid breaking the ancient treaty, and causing harm to everyone involved and not involved, it's her." Gabrielle stated grimly.
For a long moment, no one spoke, as the weight of what Gabrielle had said slowly dawned on the disbelieving family and Jacob. They could sense the weight of her words: she said none of this lightly. She stated facts, and she made sure they were either verified, or backed up by insiders. But it was still too fantastical to believe…
Carlisle spoke. "She- this Markus- truly are the first vampires?"
Gabrielle nodded. "As I've said, I can't go into as much detail as another vampire from within the confederation. But they do have ways of passing down memories, and there are vampires- and immortals of other races- who can verify the truth." She said slowly. "There is no cult. Vampires don't pray and religion is also a foreign concept to wizards and witches. There are also records: the Book of Erebus, for example, the Vampire Bible."
Esme and Rosalie hissed in a deep breath. Alice's eyes popped. Emmett looked confused. Bella and Renesmee bewildered, and Jacob incredulous. "The Vampire Bible?"
Gabrielle nodded. "An informal epithet labelling an esoteric document which is a comprehensive historical written record; written and compiled throughout the various millennia by contemporary first-person accounts, about the entire history, founding and secrets of their race. Obviously, I haven't read it, but I know for a fact that every species each has sections devoted to their history, culture, law, physiology, powers, abilities and so forth. And with their eidetic memories, I can only imagine how extensive and detailed things get; all their esoteric secrets, like magic and biology, their history and laws, their culture." She murmured, violet-blue eyes filled with awe. Carlisle's eyes were the size of dinner platters. "But of course, it's absolutely forbidden to non-vampires, and copies are strictly guarded and treasured, using magic, even minor copies. Besides, it's written in the vampire script."
"The vampire script?" All the Cullens, with the exception of an awed-looking Renesmee, repeated incredulously, at the same time.
Gabrielle nodded. "Vampires, within the confederation at least, have their own language as well as a script. It's unclear whether the language has to be learned by newly transformed vampires, or if it's passed down through some genetic memory, via the DNA carried in the venom. The vampire language contains certain sounds which are physically impossible for a human to perfectly reproduce: like for example, guttural sounds that require them to push their vocal cords in ways that would irreparably damage a human, if they can even manage it, and smoother more sibilant noises that are equally impossible for a human to create, although some beings can do the job, like my grandmother." She smiled ruefully. "Likewise, the vampire script is comprised of glyphs that some beings, including humans, would find impossible to completely see, if they do not use magic, for only supernatural eyes are able to see each of them completely. The naked human eye will only be able to make out bits and pieces of the glyphs." Carlisle looked stunned, amazed even. "It's also almost impossible for them to learn to write it. Some people have even theorised that the writing itself is magical, preventing anyone outside of the confederation from reading and learning it fully.
"I know the vampire language and I've learned to read the script- well, some of it, anyway." She grumbled. "It's a long process even for part-humans with supernatural senses like me." Gabrielle grimaced. "It is possible for a human to intelligibly speak the language, but the physical inability to pronounce certain sounds and words means that the humans- or any other outsider- cannot pass off as a real vampire whilst speaking it. You'll always be able to tell if someone is not a vampire when listening to them." Gabrielle said firmly. "It's an esoteric secret language, guarded closely by vampire magic. Witches and wizards themselves, no matter how powerful they may be, cannot decode it. Not that they would," Gabrielle said quickly. "That's part of the treaty and we don't want to injure diplomatic relations. They do have a strong sense of cultural pride and patriotism. I was merely a special case, and even then I promised to guard their secrets."
Everyone looked stunned and awestruck, some even disbelieving. Gabrielle nodded, understandingly.
"Every vampire that exists in this world has at least a small percentage of Markus Corvinus' and Lady Laima's DNA." Gabrielle nodded firmly. "I've even tested it upon random individuals from various species, to see for myself. Your species too: you've splintered off and evolved, but I'm certain that you all have a portion of their respective DNA in your venom." She made a face. The awe on Carlisle's face was poignant. He would have been absolutely delighted, excited even, to ask more questions and learn more, joining her in research, if not for the present circumstances.
"The vampires made certain that after I was done using all the samples, I would destroy each and every single one of them, however." Gabrielle confessed, looking at him. "Apparently... the reason why there were many a species in the first place wasn't largely because nature took its course and demanded evolution. There have been times throughout their history when people have stolen some of Markus' or Lady Laima's DNA and used them to create new species of vampires." Carlisle jerked back, Jacob and Jasper's eyes widened in horror and shock; knowing the latter's history of fighting and training newborn armies, Bella supposed that he realised the catastrophic potential in doing so.
"There was one such instance when a certain sorceress from long ago and her husband somehow managed to do just that." Gabrielle said slowly. "I don't know how they managed it, and in this one instance, I don't wish to know. All I know is that they sought to make themselves and their own children invincible by transforming them into a new species of vampire." Gabrielle's eyes darkened. "They called them the Originals, because they claimed, to their own species, that they and their children were the first of their kind. Your kind most likely resulted in a similar manner, if not from the High Elder Markus and Lady Laima directly, then from another species who have evolved from the main branch. Throughout history, some species have merged together, others have splintered apart, and this kept happening. Your kind appears to be relatively new and far evolved from the main branch." She tilted her head. "Since you sparkle in the sun."
Rosalie blinked. "I take it that's not normal for the other species?" Gabrielle shook her head. "No. You see, the myth about vampires either being weakened or burning in the sun- or at least not liking it- isn't actually a myth."
"It isn't?" Emmett blurted. "No," Gabrielle confirmed. "It seems that your kind has evolved- or been magically and artificially mutated- to develop a sort of defensive armour, a silicon-based structure that would reflect the sun's ultraviolet radiation as well as to make your enemies find it more difficult to kill or injure you. Unfortunately, according to my professional theory, is that it came at a cost. Your magical abilities, for example, appear to be much more limited than that of the other species. For example, I have heard that Edward-" Everybody flinched at the name, while Esme looked like she'd been slapped, and Bella looked like she'd been stabbed "-hears people's thoughts. Unfortunately, he does not have the ability to go deeper than that, whereas Aro does, but he can only do one person at a time, and only when he is touching them. That is a limited form of what my kind call Legilimency. And it is not so simple as you make it to be. Your talent-" she nodded towards Renesmee "-is showing people your thoughts when you touch them. That is also a part of Legilimency. It encompasses many aspects of the individual talents many within your species possess."
"And this includes-" Jasper's widened eyes turned towards Bella's, along with Alice's. Gabrielle shook her head. "No. The ability to block Legilimency is known as Occlumency. Like Legilimency, it is mostly learned by my kind, however, there are people who have also been born with a natural aptitude for either trait."
Bella's eyes were wide. "What are you saying? That I'm- I'm like you? That I'm one of you?"
Gabrielle pursed her lips. "Any child born with magic within the United States, or any other country is immediately tracked down for their safety and those of others, though there have been some instances where some children have slipped the net. While it is possible, it becomes increasingly less likely as time goes by. I would have to study more later. But while your physical defence seems to be superior to that of other vampires- not that some haven't found ways against their weakness of sunlight- your powers are incredibly limited. In fact, some of you appear to have no magical abilities at all." She frowned.
"In any case, the reason I'm saying this is that while you may have the upper hand when it comes to defence, it does not necessarily mean that you will have it when it comes to physical speed, strength and supernatural senses. And apparently, your kind appear to be less magically powerful than any of the other vampire species." She warned ominously. "And trying to compare someone, even Benjamin of the Egyptian coven, or the members of the Volturi against Markus and Lady Laima is like trying to compare, forgive me but I have to be honest, a spark to a raging inferno." Emmett, Rosalie and Jasper grimaced, Alice pouted and Bella gnawed at her lip, worrying about their chances if they have to go against them.
Jasper spoke quietly. "Is that why the Volturi didn't stand a chance?"
Gabrielle scoffed. "Part of the reason. The other part is that they not only had no prior warning or preparation, but they have also gotten so used to the idea that they are at the top of the food chain that it never occurred to them that anyone or anything can be more powerful, more skilled, stronger or better at battle strategy and tactics. The Death Dealers have had millennia of fighting against different supernatural forces and even their own kind. And no one has ever compared their physical strength, speed and senses to any of your species. But I still wouldn't place my money's worth on any of the Volturi as opposed to them. If they had truly known about Markus and Lady Laima, or the rest of the Vampire Confederation and the High Council, they would have known they don't stand a chance. And they certainly wouldn't have placed their entire race at risk. This is something the Vampire High Council, or neither of them, would forgive." Gabrielle stated with a grim certainty in her.
The Cullens all shuddered, just imagining just how supernaturally powerful- and angry- the first vampires must be. They all paled in horror and even Jacob looked very disturbed.
Gabrielle nodded grimly. "I would really suggest not to get on their bad side. Right now, Amelia is the ruling High Elder in their species. But Lady Laima is still around. Markus," she hesitated "is beneath the earth."
That got her some weirded-out looks. "They developed a system of power known as the Chain. It divides power between the three High Elders: Markus, Viktor and Amelia.
"Not Lady Laima?" Jasper asked. Gabrielle frowned thoughtfully, shaking her head.
"No. Even though she is venerated as the mother of your kind, for reasons unknown she has chosen not to be one of them. I think it's likely because she is Markus' wife. That itself gives her more power than anyone could possibly imagine, but she is also a powerful sorceress. And they're married; there are two other Elders, Viktor and Amelia. The entire precedent for the Chain is that each Elder takes turns. One High Elder would rule, a century at a time, whereas the other two are beneath the earth. When the century is up, the next High Elder takes his or her place. That way there is no conflict between them. But because Markus and Lady Laima are married this could mean that the balance of power is heavily tipped towards them and their offspring. Instead, to keep the peace, they came up with the idea to divide power and Lady Laima takes up the place as an official consort, although some may argue that this actually gives her more leverage and authority, as she gets to be present every century as opposed to Markus."
"Present?" Rosalie asked the question on everyone's minds. "But where does he go?"
"Below the earth?" Emmett asked, disturbed.
Gabrielle smirked. "I assume you've heard the human myth that vampires sleep in coffins during the day? That isn't far from the truth."
Everybody drew back, repulsed. Gabrielle's smirk widened.
"Of course, only the High Elders do that: hibernate, that is. One above the earth, two below. The Chain has persisted for many millennia. There have been few times when all of the High Elders were awake and present.
"Of course, that does bring a more personal issue: not being able to see your husband and father, or wife and mother for two whole centuries." She grimaced.
Esme opened her mouth, about to ask something for the first time, when Rosalie beat her to it. "Wait- father? You mentioned they had offspring together." She said hesitantly.
Gabrielle nodded. "Their kind- some of the older species- are capable of reproducing by breeding." Rosalie's eyes popped, while the others gasped. "Pure-born vampire children are rare and a cause for important celebrations throughout the species, although in recent decades, they have become more common than turned-vampires. As far as I know, the High Elders have a number of children each: Amelia has a son and daughter, Viktor has had one daughter and Markus, two or three offspring." Gabrielle grimaced. "The fact that Markus and Lady Laima have had children together- and possibly have had more children than the other Elders- also gives cause for concern. Pure-born vampire children are typically far stronger and more powerful as they come from two vampires, biologically inheriting two vampire strains from both parents, instead of one. But the Vampire Queen has exchanged political power for the balance of power to be maintained even within her species, for the other species to have more say in the overall affairs of their race and relations with other beings, and for her offspring to safely thrive. Of course, you'd be an idiot to even think about trying to harm any of their children." She grimaced.
Rosalie looked pained in jealous anguish, as the wounds which had just begun to heal with Renesmee's arrival, were opened and rubbed with salt.
"In fact, you might even see some pure-born vampire children if you're lucky, strictly guarded as they are." Gabrielle remarked, unaware of her emotions. "But back on topic: Amelia is the ruling High Elder of their species for the last century, but soon she's about to go into the earth and awaken the next High Elder in the cycle: Markus Corvinus himself."
Emmett and Jasper's eyeballs nearly popped out of their skulls. Carlisle gaped, Alice and Bella looked shocked. Esme was almost too shocked and stunned to comprehend this, whereas Jacob looked understandably nervous. Renesmee, however, appeared utterly fascinated.
Gabrielle nodded. "But just because he's not awake, doesn't mean he is unaware. Rumour has it that even while he is under the earth, Markus is able to communicate and perceive, 'see' through the eyes of his wife, who often acts on his behalf. And remember, her abilities of foresight, able to see the past, present and future, even with places and people she's never seen, also extends to him via this link. Not everyone can confirm this, however, and those that can, never would. They're too afraid."
A sickening silence ensued everyone felt suddenly cold. The Cullens and Jacob all looked sickened and pale. Jacob, who had been silent this whole time, stood sweaty and wracked with nerves, clearly afraid and uncomfortable. It appeared that the Volturi were, by comparison, an elementary school soccer team, compared to a South American or European squad than won the FIFA World Cup. An American small town's elementary school soccer team. Dominated by white American toddlers- not Latinos.
Finally, Bella spoke. "How do we know she's not watching us right now?"
Gabrielle looked thoughtful. "I think she would've been to ensure that all the arrests and surrenders went smoothly. But she has no reason to watch us now. Vampires of the Confederation do have a strict code of conduct, even if some of it is not written as concrete laws, and this includes spying on anyone- human or otherwise- inside their homes. Lady Laima was certainly someone who made it a concrete rule. And while she knows your kind exists-" Gabrielle nodded towards Jacob "-she has no interest in engaging in conflict of any kind with you."
This was enough to make her audience relax, ever-so-slightly. Not completely, however.
"In fact, part of the reason why she's presiding over this trial directly is because, even more than Amelia who is in power at the moment, she has the political and diplomatic skills, bolstered by her gift of Sight, to avoid war and conflict of any kind with anyone. That and, as I've said, she's known to be a fair judge and ruler, and as the 'Great Mother' respected if not outright revered by the different species. But, as I've said, they trust her not to play favourites among individuals and species." They relaxed a bit more remembering what she has said about Lady Laima earlier.
"Sometimes, I really do believe that she can see for thousands of years into the future," Gabrielle murmured. "She must be one of the most powerful seers in history. She's certainly the most powerful seer in the world at this moment. I don't know the extent and limitations of her power, and I'm not interested in opening- as you Americans call it- a can of worms. I'm just telling you to be mindful when you go to the Old-World Coven. Castle Corvinus was built by Alexander and Markus- and William- as a one-time seat of power. No one has seen two of the three immortals in centuries, if not millennia. They and Lady Laima are remnants of a forgotten era and power among others. The idea that the Volturi had ever stood a chance against even one of them is, without a doubt, a joke. And not even a funny one." She made a face.
And no one could disagree. "As the Vampire Queen or Matriarch, or the Great Mother, the Vampire Mother or the Lady Progenitor as they call her- she has many epithets- without also being a ruling Elder to one species, only Lady Laima has the power and the authority to preside over a trial of individuals from a different species accused of crimes of this magnitude. Even if she is a consort of someone who is another High Elder as well as the First of the Vampires. Markus is both but not only will he not be present for this trial, he is too powerful, and his presence is too... unnerving. As powerful as his wife is, she acts merely as his consort politically. Markus' fellow High Elders, Viktor and Amelia, even if one is not dormant and can be trusted not to be belligerent, only have the right to govern one species. Within the Vampire High Council, they each merely act as the first among equals. Amelia did not like this, but even she was forced to agree that this is necessary. She does come from a different time, after all. Viktor-" she grimaced. "Thank God he's under the earth and not here. He would make Caius look like a spoiled and petulant child based on what everybody says."
The Cullens all grimaced and shuddered. Jacob scowled at the memory of the leech who was the first to vote and insist on Nessie's death. He would've ripped his throat out if Nessie hadn't been there.
"And while Markus will rise this century, he is not going to be present for the trials and sentencing." Gabrielle promised. "I honestly think that everyone else will be too frightened of him. He's far too powerful."
Everyone shuddered again. "You don't say," Emmett muttered. Jacob agreed.
"Lucky it's her; you can expect not only a fair trial but perhaps some leniency." Gabrielle warned. "She might be the only one who may not only consider mercy but have it within her power to grant it- to some degree."
The Cullens' eyes all shot up. "You mean- you mean she might be able to grant-" Bella didn't dare breathe.
Gabrielle nodded her lovely face thoughtful. "You will have to ask her," she said quietly. "If you can get a private audience. Others may not be so merciful. Even Amelia, who is known to be fair, is unlikely to reduce Edward's sentence if he is found guilty. You just have to know who and what you're up against when you encounter her. I don't believe that she can pardon Edward completely- the other vampires and the majority of my kind, along with the magic of the treaty, will not stand for it-" she admitted, causing some hearts to sink. "But she may grant some leniency."
Bella let out a breath. "However, if it is true, and she can see that far ahead into the future," Gabrielle warned. "And she believes that the consequences of what happened in Volterra, and anything else Edward or the Volturi have ever done will end up being disastrous and chaotic, or even remotely harmful for a whole lot of people, vampires, wizards, non-magical humans, and at least a good portion of the supernatural world, if not its entirety... well, the problem is for someone who is a leader, who has lived for millennia, and who can see that far ahead is that they think about the greater good, the bigger picture. The lives of entire groups over those of individual persons, or even smaller groups, like this family unit. The better long-term outcomes of the future, rather than short-term happiness. It doesn't matter how strong your individual bonds are with each other, or with your family as a whole. Regardless of their own personal feelings and sympathies, if she feels that it will be necessary for everyone and the future ahead that Edward or the Volturi will suffer the full consequences of their mistakes and crimes..." she trailed off.
Carlisle finished for her. "She will make sure that it happens." He said with a finality.
"Exactly. Personal feelings be damned, whether it's hers or anyone else's. That's called being a responsible leader, and people- regardless of what race or species they're from- assuredly trust her to do that."
Bella understood. She might not like it, but she understood. No matter how sympathetic any of the leaders, or anyone presiding over the trial might be, if they couldn't afford it, then they wouldn't show mercy. Not even for her or their daughter. She took a deep breath.
"I just need to speak with her." She whispered. Gabrielle nodded grimly.
"I make no promises, but I will see what I can do. Now, when will you be ready to leave?"
Important Update
I get that at least a few people have picked out Jacob thinking the soccer analogy and comparing it to Latinos vs white toddlers, which sounds stereotyped and prejudiced- because it is. That was INTENTIONALLY put in Jacob's thoughts as a sign. No spoilers for what's ahead at this point, if you haven't read it. Just know that this is set only months after Breaking Dawn ended and Jacob is the exact same guy who- even after his imprint- called vampires 'bloodsuckers', 'leeches' and 'parasites' even after he remained friends with Bella and imprinted on a half-vampire girl, called Rosalie dumb mainly due to the colour of her hair, and forced a kiss on Bella because he thought it was romantic and would awaken her dormant feelings for him. This is why I put it there.
Disclaimer: You already know I'm not making money over this. And that this is a multi-crossover, so it needs ways to explain and tie things together.
Though the vampire of Underworld appear here, I'm making them different in this universe due to the appearance of a witch who became the wife of Markus Corvinus.
The Vampire Queen in this story is mentioned as being an apprentice to another sorceress before she was married and transformed. The mention of that sorceress will be important for the overall story arc and how this ties to a much wider world. The identity is kept a deliberate secret. Lady Laima and Markus- whose spelling I've decided upon to differentiate from the other Marcus- have traits inspired by Akasha in Queen of the Damned, but like I've said, out of respect for Anne Rice and her wishes, I'm not including those vampires in this story.