Something Better Than Forever
by Skydancinghobbit
Chapter 3- Holiday's and Healing
If I hadn't smelled her through your memories, I wouldn't have believed the call of anyone's blood could be so strong. I've never felt anything like it myself. Most of us would trade much for such a gift
Aro
Good to his word Aro had Edward packed off on the private jet the moment the sun had dipped behind the hills. Despite his childish protests and very loud inducements for a last meeting with Miss Swan, bound for the dreary sunless shores of Washington State, Bella meanwhile had been given an excellent room for the evening. Furnished in the most impeccable tastes. If they had information on her favorite color schemes they could not have picked a more suitable residence. Worn from the emotional events of the evening she had happily escaped the moment they had been formally dismissed.
She felt like a drained car battery as she slid into the set of sleeping clothes provided by her generous hosts. Silk was in general beyond her means but a welcome treat during this unorthodox holiday. After a rather glorious bath in a tub large enough to fit six quite comfortably she pulled on the garments, delighting in the way they slid over her figure while her hair curled gently at the ends as it dried. Turning down the sheet she was delighted to find that they too were the same dark grey silk. Just as she was about to click off the light a gentle knock sounded at the door and it was all Bella could do not to groan. Who on earth wished to speak to her at this hour of the night?
"Come In"
Good manners won in the end and it was with some relief she welcomed Alice into the room then closed the door quietly behind her before joining Bella on the bed. Their bond was different, akin to that of close sisters that had gone away from home for the first time. Without a word the delicate silver hair brush was lifted from its place on her bed stand and within moments was whispering its way through her tresses once more eliciting a soft mumble of gratitude from the mortal. Smiling fondly Alice took her time carefully attending to each section before the task was complete.
"There, being in a strange place I thought a minor return to normality was called for, after all there is nothing better than having one's hair brushed"
Humming gently Bella placed her head carefully into Alice's lap. She had been perfectly correct as always, a bit of normal was just what she needed, delighted as the diminutive vampire lifted a tattered volume from the bag she carried everywhere almost speechless Bella felt her jaw drop in amazement.
"My copy of Pride and Prejudice!"
"Certainly, did you think I'd let Eddie drag it all the way back to Washington? Have a little faith in me please"
Bella settled down blissfully happy as she lay on the pillow Alice had slid under her head as she began reading, sinking into the familiar haze of dozing long before she had finished the first page as she so often had during their get togethers for an evening of girly fun. As it turned out she was not the only Austen enthusiast in Forks. Both Esme and Rosalie were held spellbound through their first hearing of Persuasion having both glossed over the works of Austen during their lifetimes until that moment.
"Now where were we? Ah yes Chapter 19 the famous proposal scene of Mr. Collins"
"The Next day opened a new scene at Longbourn; Mr. Collins made his declaration in form"
Drifting into the sweetest oblivion she had ever known, Bella was asleep before Alice had even finished the Chapter. Smiling gently the vampire waited until she had slid into the deepest type of dream before moving her tenderly from her lap and into bed before clicking off the light switch and returning to her room via a connecting door, happy in the knowledge that at least for the moment her dreams would be peaceful. Unaware of the figure that lingered just outside the door listening to the age old tale of Darcy and his Elizabeth.
%%
When Bella awoke the next day it was to the pleasant sound of birdsong and the low rumble of humanity just outside the castle walls. Vendors calling out their goods, bakers placing the first loaves of the day on the rack to cool, and also crafting heavenly smelling cinnamon buns if her nose had not mislead her. For the first time in months Bella found a smile creeping across her face, the feeling was so out of place she had to touch her mouth to confirm it had actually happened. With Edward gone it felt as if some enormous weight had lifted off her shoulders.
It was a beautiful day!
Moving quickly she attended to her morning rituals, brushed out her hair and changed before the small clock on her bedside table struck 9. Right on cue the familiar cadence of Alice's morning wake up sounded at the door and Bella took great pleasure in greeting her fully dressed and groomed as she was.
"Good morning Alice!"
The uplifted sound of her own voice startled Bella for a moment, it had been so long since she felt, happy or anything really beyond the void of survival that it took her a moment to adjust to the strange new emotion now flooding her system. She was happy! Blinking she raised her eyes to Alice's face amazed to find tears glistening in her amber colored eyes as she threw her arms around Bella's shoulders, a half choked sob escaping her throat as she whispered.
"Oh Thank God, I finally have my sister back!"
"Welcome back Bella. Welcome back!"
Her voice was muffled as her head was currently buried in Bella's shoulder. Vampires could not physically cry given they had no saline left in their body, but the emotions were all there and it took her a few moments to regain control as she sniffled; the venom retreating from her eyes, probably from sheer force of habit from her mortal days, never the less she welcomed the sentiment warmly.
"Sorry Bella, it's just when I first came back you looked so dead inside, like a beautiful rose that had been too long neglected in winters chill, your eyes were so hollow and void of the normal emotions I loved I was so afraid for you"
The admission surprised Bella, close as they where she never knew the others of the Cullen clan loved her so deeply, now drenched in the sunlight and floral scents of Italy it all seemed so long ago, a forgotten chapter of a nightmare that vanishes once you wake up, and no matter how much you wish, the details escape your grasp.
"For a while I was Alice. I won't lie to you"
Shaking her head gently as if to clear the shadows of her dark memories and in turn regain the good humor Bella shifted topics. Eager to see what adventures the day would bring. Her mind happily returning to the rather jumbled events of the day before as they left the room making their way into a section of the castle Bella had never seen before, it seemed the lower they descended the richer the carpets or more gaudy the artwork. Having studied art at one time Bella frowned as she paused to get a closer look at one; wrenching her mind away from a certain elder vampire with an alluring accent. Brush marks, yes movement of form, all the signs were there and the signature looked official.
"Alice do you know what this is?"
Wonder having crept into her tone as she hastily backed away from the canvas least her breath should damage the fragile art. Bemused at her antics the lithe vampire spoke slowly for once in her life Alice was completely baffled as what exactly she was so excited about.
"A really old, probably dusty piece of art?
"No that's..."
A deep familiar baritone voice broke in here, whispering over Bella's skin as she listened. It seemed the Volturi did not linger in the shadows as much as the legend declared. The thought amused her greatly, though his response took wonder to an entirely new level and left her breathless as she turned to face him.
"That piece is the original starry night, as you American's call it, Mi. Cara you have excellent taste"
A flush of pleasure crept across her pale cheeks at the compliment as she dipped her head gracefully in greeting. The crimson tresses of her hair falling gently over her shoulder as she did so with her eyes cast down for a moment of respect, she missed the deep inhale of the vampire, rather like a wine expert sampling a favored particularly rare vintage. Something had crept into his eyes by the time Bella had once more raised her eyes to greet him.
"Thank you and Good morning Aro"
"A woman with a good eye for art is always in my good graces, my brother will indeed be pleased, even most immortals miss the treasure trove of history lining these walls, perhaps you have a talent for painting yourself Miss Swan?"
Bella considered the question seriously. She could paint well, merely sticking to watercolors as her medium of choice. There was just something about them that moved her, the rich colors drawn across the paper to thinner and thinner traces with just few drops of water until the precise desired shade was reached. The sense of accomplishment one felt when having stared at something for only a moment, she was able to bring it to life on paper. Though for some unknown reason the polite enquire brought a blush once more to her cheeks as she responded shyly.
"I do somewhat, though to be fair it is not in the same universe of the Masters displayed here, I dabble in watercolors a good deal"
He took a step toward her, intent it seemed on the same reassuring touch from the night before when the sound of another voice seemed to shake him from this path.
"Ah brother, dare I suppose at last you found someone to converse with on your passion after all these years?"
The second voice belonged to Marcus who drifted into view a moment after his voice had reached them. His dark hair was tied back this morning and though his words were cheerful his vacant expression and expressionless eyes caused Bella to glance swiftly at Aro, raising one eyebrow in silent question before she answered.
"Having lived my few mortal years, I'm afraid comparisons of taste can't be drawn; but I will do my best if he finds a point to discuss in the future"
Nodding vaguely in response to this, he drifted away again without a word leaving Bella looking after him with a thoughtful expression on her face.
"If I didn't know better, I'd guess your brother had at one time suffered badly in love Aro, if you will forgive a mere mortals curiosity"
The elder was silent for a long moment, something like a shadow passed over his perfectly sculpted features as he regarded her, but was gone before she could miss its absence, his show of good humor returned.
"Perspective, however Mia Cara the details are not yours to know for the time being, may I suggest breakfast for you, it is nearly 11 and you must be hungry"
The gentle tone, softened expression and dare she call it compassion still remained from the night before. Looking into those crimson eyes of his; Bella could not discern his motives, being nearly 3000 years her senior made him practiced in the art of hiding his thoughts. Giving up on the pursuit for the moment she blinked in surprise.
"Indeed I am and if I don't rush along, Batista and Black may send in a search party, they seem rather fond me in their way"
A fond expression crossed Aro's face.
"Ah those two, still waging war daily are they, a habit from boyhood, be on your guard Miss Swan else they will be bringing suitors to you in droves, worse than a pair of matchmaking old bitties those two"
"I thank you very much for the warning, I fear the preliminary questions have already been made, if any suitor is brought up I will be sure to ask your opinion. May the rest of your day be pleasant, Aro"
"Oh and Miss Swan?"
Only accomplishing a single step away Bella turned back to face him, interest in his tone replacing her curiosity about the bakery's latest breakfast creation, the man should rightly be given the highest praises in the kingdom, a sheer genius with a skillet, back to the man dressed in an impeccably tailored suit, that for some reason put the image of Gomez Addams in her mind. She had to bite her lip not to giggle a moment before she answered.
"Yes Aro?"
"Congratulations"
If I hadn't smelled her through your memories, I wouldn't have believed the call of anyone's blood could be so strong. I've never felt anything like it myself. Most of us would trade much for such a gift
Aro
Good to his word Aro had Edward packed off on the private jet the moment the sun had dipped behind the hills. Despite his childish protests and very loud inducements for a last meeting with Miss Swan, bound for the dreary sunless shores of Washington State, Bella meanwhile had been given an excellent room for the evening. Furnished in the most impeccable tastes. If they had information on her favorite color schemes they could not have picked a more suitable residence. Worn from the emotional events of the evening she had happily escaped the moment they had been formally dismissed.
She felt like a drained car battery as she slid into the set of sleeping clothes provided by her generous hosts. Silk was in general beyond her means but a welcome treat during this unorthodox holiday. After a rather glorious bath in a tub large enough to fit six quite comfortably she pulled on the garments, delighting in the way they slid over her figure while her hair curled gently at the ends as it dried. Turning down the sheet she was delighted to find that they too were the same dark grey silk. Just as she was about to click off the light a gentle knock sounded at the door and it was all Bella could do not to groan. Who on earth wished to speak to her at this hour of the night?
"Come In"
Good manners won in the end and it was with some relief she welcomed Alice into the room then closed the door quietly behind her before joining Bella on the bed. Their bond was different, akin to that of close sisters that had gone away from home for the first time. Without a word the delicate silver hair brush was lifted from its place on her bed stand and within moments was whispering its way through her tresses once more eliciting a soft mumble of gratitude from the mortal. Smiling fondly Alice took her time carefully attending to each section before the task was complete.
"There, being in a strange place I thought a minor return to normality was called for, after all there is nothing better than having one's hair brushed"
Humming gently Bella placed her head carefully into Alice's lap. She had been perfectly correct as always, a bit of normal was just what she needed, delighted as the diminutive vampire lifted a tattered volume from the bag she carried everywhere almost speechless Bella felt her jaw drop in amazement.
"My copy of Pride and Prejudice!"
"Certainly, did you think I'd let Eddie drag it all the way back to Washington? Have a little faith in me please"
Bella settled down blissfully happy as she lay on the pillow Alice had slid under her head as she began reading, sinking into the familiar haze of dozing long before she had finished the first page as she so often had during their get togethers for an evening of girly fun. As it turned out she was not the only Austen enthusiast in Forks. Both Esme and Rosalie were held spellbound through their first hearing of Persuasion having both glossed over the works of Austen during their lifetimes until that moment.
"Now where were we? Ah yes Chapter 19 the famous proposal scene of Mr. Collins"
"The Next day opened a new scene at Longbourn; Mr. Collins made his declaration in form"
Drifting into the sweetest oblivion she had ever known, Bella was asleep before Alice had even finished the Chapter. Smiling gently the vampire waited until she had slid into the deepest type of dream before moving her tenderly from her lap and into bed before clicking off the light switch and returning to her room via a connecting door, happy in the knowledge that at least for the moment her dreams would be peaceful. Unaware of the figure that lingered just outside the door listening to the age old tale of Darcy and his Elizabeth.
%%
When Bella awoke the next day it was to the pleasant sound of birdsong and the low rumble of humanity just outside the castle walls. Vendors calling out their goods, bakers placing the first loaves of the day on the rack to cool, and also crafting heavenly smelling cinnamon buns if her nose had not mislead her. For the first time in months Bella found a smile creeping across her face, the feeling was so out of place she had to touch her mouth to confirm it had actually happened. With Edward gone it felt as if some enormous weight had lifted off her shoulders.
It was a beautiful day!
Moving quickly she attended to her morning rituals, brushed out her hair and changed before the small clock on her bedside table struck 9. Right on cue the familiar cadence of Alice's morning wake up sounded at the door and Bella took great pleasure in greeting her fully dressed and groomed as she was.
"Good morning Alice!"
The uplifted sound of her own voice startled Bella for a moment, it had been so long since she felt, happy or anything really beyond the void of survival that it took her a moment to adjust to the strange new emotion now flooding her system. She was happy! Blinking she raised her eyes to Alice's face amazed to find tears glistening in her amber colored eyes as she threw her arms around Bella's shoulders, a half choked sob escaping her throat as she whispered.
"Oh Thank God, I finally have my sister back!"
"Welcome back Bella. Welcome back!"
Her voice was muffled as her head was currently buried in Bella's shoulder. Vampires could not physically cry given they had no saline left in their body, but the emotions were all there and it took her a few moments to regain control as she sniffled; the venom retreating from her eyes, probably from sheer force of habit from her mortal days, never the less she welcomed the sentiment warmly.
"Sorry Bella, it's just when I first came back you looked so dead inside, like a beautiful rose that had been too long neglected in winters chill, your eyes were so hollow and void of the normal emotions I loved I was so afraid for you"
The admission surprised Bella, close as they where she never knew the others of the Cullen clan loved her so deeply, now drenched in the sunlight and floral scents of Italy it all seemed so long ago, a forgotten chapter of a nightmare that vanishes once you wake up, and no matter how much you wish, the details escape your grasp.
"For a while I was Alice. I won't lie to you"
Shaking her head gently as if to clear the shadows of her dark memories and in turn regain the good humor Bella shifted topics. Eager to see what adventures the day would bring. Her mind happily returning to the rather jumbled events of the day before as they left the room making their way into a section of the castle Bella had never seen before, it seemed the lower they descended the richer the carpets or more gaudy the artwork. Having studied art at one time Bella frowned as she paused to get a closer look at one; wrenching her mind away from a certain elder vampire with an alluring accent. Brush marks, yes movement of form, all the signs were there and the signature looked official.
"Alice do you know what this is?"
Wonder having crept into her tone as she hastily backed away from the canvas least her breath should damage the fragile art. Bemused at her antics the lithe vampire spoke slowly for once in her life Alice was completely baffled as what exactly she was so excited about.
"A really old, probably dusty piece of art?
"No that's..."
A deep familiar baritone voice broke in here, whispering over Bella's skin as she listened. It seemed the Volturi did not linger in the shadows as much as the legend declared. The thought amused her greatly, though his response took wonder to an entirely new level and left her breathless as she turned to face him.
"That piece is the original starry night, as you American's call it, Mi. Cara you have excellent taste"
A flush of pleasure crept across her pale cheeks at the compliment as she dipped her head gracefully in greeting. The crimson tresses of her hair falling gently over her shoulder as she did so with her eyes cast down for a moment of respect, she missed the deep inhale of the vampire, rather like a wine expert sampling a favored particularly rare vintage. Something had crept into his eyes by the time Bella had once more raised her eyes to greet him.
"Thank you and Good morning Aro"
"A woman with a good eye for art is always in my good graces, my brother will indeed be pleased, even most immortals miss the treasure trove of history lining these walls, perhaps you have a talent for painting yourself Miss Swan?"
Bella considered the question seriously. She could paint well, merely sticking to watercolors as her medium of choice. There was just something about them that moved her, the rich colors drawn across the paper to thinner and thinner traces with just few drops of water until the precise desired shade was reached. The sense of accomplishment one felt when having stared at something for only a moment, she was able to bring it to life on paper. Though for some unknown reason the polite enquire brought a blush once more to her cheeks as she responded shyly.
"I do somewhat, though to be fair it is not in the same universe of the Masters displayed here, I dabble in watercolors a good deal"
He took a step toward her, intent it seemed on the same reassuring touch from the night before when the sound of another voice seemed to shake him from this path.
"Ah brother, dare I suppose at last you found someone to converse with on your passion after all these years?"
The second voice belonged to Marcus who drifted into view a moment after his voice had reached them. His dark hair was tied back this morning and though his words were cheerful his vacant expression and expressionless eyes caused Bella to glance swiftly at Aro, raising one eyebrow in silent question before she answered.
"Having lived my few mortal years, I'm afraid comparisons of taste can't be drawn; but I will do my best if he finds a point to discuss in the future"
Nodding vaguely in response to this, he drifted away again without a word leaving Bella looking after him with a thoughtful expression on her face.
"If I didn't know better, I'd guess your brother had at one time suffered badly in love Aro, if you will forgive a mere mortals curiosity"
The elder was silent for a long moment, something like a shadow passed over his perfectly sculpted features as he regarded her, but was gone before she could miss its absence, his show of good humor returned.
"Perspective, however Mia Cara the details are not yours to know for the time being, may I suggest breakfast for you, it is nearly 11 and you must be hungry"
The gentle tone, softened expression and dare she call it compassion still remained from the night before. Looking into those crimson eyes of his; Bella could not discern his motives, being nearly 3000 years her senior made him practiced in the art of hiding his thoughts. Giving up on the pursuit for the moment she blinked in surprise.
"Indeed I am and if I don't rush along, Batista and Black may send in a search party, they seem rather fond me in their way"
A fond expression crossed Aro's face.
"Ah those two, still waging war daily are they, a habit from boyhood, be on your guard Miss Swan else they will be bringing suitors to you in droves, worse than a pair of matchmaking old bitties those two"
"I thank you very much for the warning, I fear the preliminary questions have already been made, if any suitor is brought up I will be sure to ask your opinion. May the rest of your day be pleasant, Aro"
"Oh and Miss Swan?"
Only accomplishing a single step away Bella turned back to face him, interest in his tone replacing her curiosity about the bakery's latest breakfast creation, the man should rightly be given the highest praises in the kingdom, a sheer genius with a skillet, back to the man dressed in an impeccably tailored suit, that for some reason put the image of Gomez Addams in her mind. She had to bite her lip not to giggle a moment before she answered.
"Yes Aro?"
"Congratulations"
