Labyrinthine {Aro}

[watchfulcub13]

Mina was still getting used to Volterra. She’d only been with the Volturi for about a week, ever since her maker, Fabian, was killed for trying to destroy her. She was desirable to the vampires here only because of her telekinesis, she was sure. Why this sort of power was sought after she didn’t know. All she knew was that the vampires within the Guard possessed strange powers, most of them much more special than hers. She still wasn’t sure why they hadn’t let Fabian destroy her, and she didn’t know anyone within the ancient coven well enough to ask. Not that she could find one of the vampire elders in this place.

Mina had never been a very good navigator, and she’d gotten lost on her way back to the room the Volturi had given her. She was aimlessly wandering around, and had been for over an hour now. The tunnels seemed to go on forever, and they all looked the same. She felt like she would never find her room. She would have to attempt to locate someone and ask for directions back to her private chamber. She was about to turn back to see if she could find someone when she thought she heard a footstep. She looked around, hoping to see someone who could help her find her way around this crazy place...

[Aro]

Aro had been with Marcus and Caius there was apparently some trouble the humans were becoming suspicious in a small town in France they would have to take care of that wouldn't they? Aro had sent Jane, and a few other guard members to destroy the vampire. It was a normal task every few months word of a suspicion would make it's way the Volturi and they would have to stop it. It was their job. Just like so recently Fabian who threaten to destroy a vampire in front of him.

Aro didn't see any reason to destroy Mina she had done nothing wrong simply sung to them. She had not broken any rules. Aro didn't much care for Fabian his reasons for wanting to destroy Mina were pathetic. Mina herself would have probably been destroyed for causing this mess, but she had a talent that would be useful. Aro gave her a choice to join them become a loyal servant of the Volturi or face the destruction as her creator. She was smart girl choosing to be loyal to the Volturi.

Aro was on his way to his on private chambers where he was sure Sulpicia was most likely at. He would set some time away to spend with his wife however little time that was. He was usually planning on how to keep the secret, keep his power. What to do next. There was so much to do! Aro had passed by several guard members they of course acknowledged him he smiled in return. Aro began to pass less and less guard members until he spotted Mina by herself. "Mina my dear!" Aro said his voice happy as if it was pleasant surprise seeing he here.

[watchfulcub13]

Mina faced Aro, the one who had spared her from Fabian’s wrath. The one who had given her the chance at a new life, albeit a life of servitude to the great governing coven. She smiled at his unexpected enthusiasm, and bowed her head respectfully.

Mina licked her canines self-consciously. Apart from having saved her life, she had many reasons to both respect and admire the vampire elder. From the rumors she’d heard, as well as stories that she had read and that she had been told, she knew many things about Aro. He was one of the oldest vampires in existence, one of the three original Volturi members. He and his small army of immortals had destroyed a rival coven in Romania, which, apart from being tremendously exciting, did not seem to be a simple task, even for the Volturi. And here she was, alone in a hall with the great leader.

“Good evening, Lord Aro,” she said, taking two slow, measured steps toward him. “I trust you are having a pleasant evening.”

[Aro]

"Of course my dear! It's been absolutely splendid!" Aro replied enthusiastically as he so often was. It had been a good day and evening. He had sent guard to hunt down a couple vampires who were breaking the rule. They only had one rule: keep the secret. It wasn't a very difficult rule to keep to. Something almost all vampires agreed on. If they disagreed they were destroyed it was as simple as that. It was becoming rarer for Aro to actually go out and destroy the vampires who threaten their rule. Though on occasion he will. Mostly it depends on what the vampire has done. How he or she has revealed themselves to the humans. Immortal Children was something Aro would see personally he would make sure the child along with anyone who knew about the child was destroyed. Newborn Armies was another mess he would go and clean up himself.

"And I do hope your evening is just as wonderful!" Aro added. Mina was new to the guard. It was always nice to have new guard members join. They didn't let just anyone join. Almost all the guard members had some unique talent physical or otherwise. It was an honor to be in the guard. They were feared and known by all. And Aro was in control of them along with Marcus and Caius. Aro was often thought of as the 'leader' of the Volturi.

[watchfulcub13]

“I’m very glad to hear it,” Mina said, again pleasantly surprised by Aro’s fervor. She did not often encounter vampires who were as... animated as the elder, and it made her happy to know that there were others who didn’t seem discontent about their “condition”.

Quite frankly, Mina didn’t see anything to be upset about. Yes, it was sometimes difficult to keep the secret of their kind, especially when one fed on the blood of humans and humans were becoming increasingly observant. But as long as one was discreet about whom they fed on and how often, the humans never quite seemed to catch on. And blood was a thousand times more delicious and beneficial than any food Mina had partaken of in her human life. All in all, she felt that vampires had a good life, and the life of those in the guard seemed even better than those on the outside.

Her next steps brought her within a foot of Aro, and she glanced casually at his milky eyes. They were unlike any eyes she’d seen, either as a human or as a vampire. Mina found them to be somewhat comforting; she didn’t know why. She simply felt safe, for whatever reason, around the ancient vampire. However, she remained guarded, knowing that to trust even those she felt at ease with could be fatal, if the right circumstances were presented.

“Actually, Master,” she claimed, her frown not quite reaching her eyes, “I’m a bit lost. I’m afraid I have little sense of direction, and I’ve gotten so turned ‘round in here, I can’t find the room I was assigned.”

The smile in her eyes then melted down, replacing her current expression with a cheerful grin.

“Apart from being lost and feeling a little foolish, however, I’ve been having a splendid evening.”

[Aro]

"I suppose it does it some getting use to," Aro replied. Aro couldn't recall a time he got lost, but he had been living her close to three thousand years. "I'm headed in that direction I would happily show you to your chambers once again," Aro offered. He was headed in that direction he was heading to his own private chambers. It would not be to far out of the way to show Mina to her room. He was on his way to see his wife, Sulpicia, it had been a few hours since he had last seen her. He tried to make some for her when he could, but he was often busy. She understood this though. Power was important to him and he did everything he could to make sure he kept it.

"It is wonderful to hear you've had a splendid evening, well besides getting lost," Aro replied. Even though it may not concern him to much he was pleased to know his guard were some what happy. And why wouldn't they be? They had been given the choice to be in the Volturi something that was rarely offered. Aro was always looking for new talents to add to his guard. He was greedy and selfish he never could have enough.

[[Sorry for late reply! And shortness]]

[watchfulcub13]

“I would appreciate that very much, Lord Aro,” Mina replied, smiling at him. Finally! She would be able to get back to her chambers and start going through the books she had borrowed from the large library somewhere within the Volturi palace. Always an eager learner, she had a tendency to try and gather as much knowledge as she could. Now, because she had infinite time at her disposal, she could spend hours, even days, reading and studying any topic that took her fancy. Right now, she was trying to read over some information about some ancient culture, long since gone away. From a place called Atlanta or something. She had never heard anything about it before, but the Volturi had some incredibly old scrolls about it. She was looking forward to learning about it.

Looking down, she noticed something shiny on the floor a few feet ahead of her. Focusing intently on it, she levitated the object into her hand. It was her earring. She hadn’t even realized she’d dropped it, and because she’d been wandering around, lost, she could have dropped it hours ago. Lucky she’d spotted it. Securing it back in place, she looked to Aro.

“Shall we go, then, sire?”

<<No big deal; I've been getting seriously behind with my posts lately, so I can't be angry at anybody... ^___^>>

[Aro]

Aro watched as Mina levitated an object to her hand. He smiled a bit more. That was a talent he would want to keep. One he wanted and knew would gain him more power. Mina would stay loyal to the guard even if he had to use Chelsea he was not going to lose this one. He could already imagine the possibilities of such a talent! Aro was certain Mina would remain loyal by the titles she was saying, Master, Lord, Sire, either she was planning on staying loyal or trying to get on his good side. Of course with such talent he was eager to have her in his guard. He craved power and any unique talent he came across he was determined to have at any cost.

"Tell me my dear," Aro was curious as to what she thought of her new life as a member of the Volturi Guard. "Do you enjoy being in the guard?" Aro was seeing if she enjoyed if she was going to remain loyal. He would make sure all of his guard were loyal to the Volturi, to him. That was important to make sure they were loyal to him. If they were not they would be forced to or if they were thinking of betrayal be destroyed without any questions. Most were happy with this life to be apart of the Volturi. Such a rare opportunity it was! Few left them, but on occasion they did have some guard members who did leave them. Aro would always hope they come back there talents are all very useful to him.

Aro was pleased with the turn of events with Mina. Her creator had come to Volterra Aro didn't even have to travel to find this talent. That was always wonderful! Finding talents so easily. They did have vampires who could sense what talents humans would have how strong they would be and even in vampires. That was very useful and he used that to his advantage. They had gained many vampires that way. Jane and Alec being one of the most valuable guard members were found that way. He had run across them when they were human they were to young to change when he came across them. And was forced to change them sooner than he would have liked. But they had remained with him and stayed loyal. Just as he wanted from all of his guard.

[watchfulcub13]

Mina frowned lightly. What was Aro playing at? What did he want to hear? She couldn’t know the thoughts of others, but she was very curious as to just why he thought she might be unhappy here. Was there any reason she should dislike being in the guard? It kept her alive for one thing. And though she knew she was being kept alive because of her telekinetic ability, that was as good a reason as any. She relished the thought of living forever, and she liked being desired in any form, for any reason. True, Aro was incredibly dedicated to his wife, Sulpicia, whom Mina had never met. But he still wanted the younger vampire for her gift. The thought actually made Mina rather proud.

“Of course I enjoy being in your guard, Master,” she stated. “I am proud to serve your great coven, and even more so to serve you. I only hope I can be of some service to you; there are some here who are far more powerful than I. And I rather fear that I was spoiled by Fabian, who brought all my meals to me. I can’t imagine that many of your other guard members have such a handicap.”

Mina wrinkled her nose at Fabian’s memory. He had been possessive and controlling, and she was actually glad that the Volturi had done away with him. She was an artist; she wanted to share her talent with the world, not be force to sing to one person only for the rest of her days. That was another reason she was so grateful to Lord Aro and the rest of the Volturi. They had given her freedom from a tyrannical, obsessive lover. Mina shook her head. Disgraceful.

“Why do you ask, sire? Have I done something to displease you?”

[Aro]

[[So sorry for the delay! I've been working everyday and haven't had much time to get on.]]

Aro smiled as Mina answered him. He liked her answer it was one he would want any of his guard members to have. To feel honored he would choose them and most did. He did not let anyone join the guard it was rare. If you were choose to be in the guard you had better take that chance. Otherwise if Aro really wanted a talent he would force them to join. Chelsea's talent was very useful she could change ties make one loyal to him. He had used her talent several times mostly for his own needs. He knew of several situations where if he did not have such a talent he might have had some trouble. Ah, but he did have such a talent and had no reason to worry about such things.

Aro was certain Mina would learn to hunt just like the others if she wished. He could order Heidi to take Mina with her on one of her trips. It was instinct when one hunted. Aro remembered well when he was changed before he had this position, his power. He had to hunt on his own it was something fairly simple. If he had to hunt now he knew he could. But why would he want to leave Volterra when his guard would fetch his meals for him?

"Of course not my dear!" Aro replied instantly seeming surprised she would assume he was displeased with her. "I could have simply touched you to know your thoughts, but I figured I could allow you to speak your thoughts." Aro was confident she was telling the truth and if she wasn't he would find out eventually and have her destroyed. He could not have any betrayal he had to make sure everyone was loyal to the Volturi.

"Heidi will take you hunting next time she leaves," Aro said it wasn't a demand but something he wanted. "Hunting is easy it's instinct," Aro glanced at Mina. "You must be careful though, my dear, we can't allow any humans see what we are. Heidi I'm sure would be delighted to show you," Aro said continuing to smile. Heidi would have no choice but to take Mina it would be an order and she would be delighted. All his guard needed to know how to hunt it was something all vampires needed to know and Mina would be no exception. Fabian had deserved to be destroyed. He simply did not understand some vampires even when he read their thoughts.

[watchfulcub13]

So not only did Aro seemingly admire her power, he also seemed to respect her (or at least like her answers) well enough to trust her to tell him the truth instead of using his own power to read her thoughts. This only made Mina that much more happy. She liked it when people trusted her to do the right thing; it made it that much easier to lie to them when she needed to. Not that she would bother to lie to him; he would know immediately just by touching her. But she might be able to get away with some things.

She smiled at him. “I would be honored if Heidi would take me hunting, Master,” she said. She hadn’t met Heidi yet, but if she was someone that Aro trusted, then Mina would trust her, too. “And I will do all within my power to defend our secret. I know what is at stake; Fabian had at least the decency to explain that much to me.”

Mina frowned. Every time she said her creator’s name, she simply got more furious. There was so much that the man had not explained in their two years together. He had kept the existence of the Great Coven hidden from her until he decided to show it to her. How much more had he hidden from her? How much had he kept to himself, thinking that he had untold centuries to explain things to her at his leisure? The very thought made Mina furious. Only the knowledge that his idiocy had been dealt with once and for all stopped a feral growl from escaping her lips.

“I suppose I owe you some thanks, Lord Aro. If not for your concern for me, I’d still be with Fabian. That would be a great inconvenience, and were it not for your swift, decisive move against him, I would not have found the happiness I feel in your great hall.” She grinned brightly at him, emphasizing her words.

[Aro]

"I trust you understand what will happen if our secret is revealed. You are in the guard you have a duty to make sure our secret is kept. We can never allow the humans to know about us." Humans no longer believed that vampires were real, but it was still a danger. They needed to remain hidden from the humans be thought of as myths. It made hunting and in general their lives that much easier. It was not uncommon for the Volturi having to destroy a vampire for breaking their one law: keeping the secret. So many ways it could be broken down and each way was a death sentence. If it became aware to the Volturi the vampire would be destroyed it was as simple as that. They did not give second chances no matter what the excuse happen to be.

It wasn't that Aro particularly cared for Mina, but more for her power. Aro was always searching for ways to gain more power and Mina's talent was something that had interested him. Fabian had needed to be destroyed he was threatening to destroy Mina for no reason Aro could see. She had done nothing wrong, broke no rule. Why come the the Volturi if you were going to threaten someone's life in front of them. It did not make any sense to Aro and he would not tolerate it.

"Your talent is valuable something that could not go to waste. You had done nothing wrong your creator had no reason to destroy you. I love meeting new vampires," Aro did love meeting new vampires and letting them now he was in power, in control. "But your creator was someone I was not fond of and I can assure you that does not happen to often." Aro usually liked everyone he met rather they feared him or respected him. It was unusual for him not to like someone, but if they broke the rules or did something to displease him he instantly disliked them. Usually they were destroyed as Fabian was. "Your happiness pleases me," Aro was knew she would remain loyal to him. A fact that did please him as long as she remained loyal to him he would have no problems with her. If there was any disloyalty she would probably be destroyed. Aro did not like it when the guard became disloyal or start betraying the great honor they had been given.

[watchfulcub13]

“Of course, I understand, Master,” Mina said, nodding lightly. “Keeping the secret is paramount to our survival. I will do all in my power to see that it is kept, not only by myself, but by all vampires I encounter. On this, you have my word.” In the past, perhaps her word hadn’t meant much. After all, she had broken her word to her creator, but there had been a point to that. He was attempting to hold her back from her true potential. She did not think that Aro would; keeping her from using her talents was a hindrance to the Guard. If everything she’d heard about the vampire Master was true, he wouldn’t do any such thing. As long as she was loyal and did as she was told, she should be free to do as she pleased.

“Well, whether it happens a great deal or not, I am glad you defended me and spared my life. My service to you will be faithful, of that you can be sure.” She offered another cheerful smile. “I’ll do my best not to be a disappointment to you.”

[Sorry it’s taken me so long, and that it’s so short; I’ve been sick and I haven’t had a lot of muse... XD I’ll post better next time.]

[Aro]

Aro smiled as he listen to Mina. It seemed she was going to be a loyal guard members. Something Aro always wanted. He wanted all of his guard members to be loyal there wasn't a single one he wold not want to be loyal. Any disloyalty was found and usually destroyed. They could never have a guard member how was disloyal to the Volturi. Aro had a few guard members leave them, but not out of disloyalty. Betrayal was something that would not be tolerated and it seemed this would not be a problem with Mina.

Aro understood why she should be grateful. If not for him she may still be under the control of her creator who did not even deserve to live. To treat another vampire like he had Mina not allowing them to even hunt was pitiful. Aro would not allow that if he knew about it. The Volturi were known for their justice and destroying vampires. It was assumed for them to destroy Fabian it was expected.

"It does appear you will be loyal," Aro responded. It was a very good thing to be loyal anything less would not be tolerated. "Disloyalty is a high price and I'm sure that will not be a problem with you," Aro continued. There were very few guard members who were disloyal and Aro could pick it up before it became a problem. They were usually destroyed unless the talent was something he wanted. He may use Chelsea's talent to make them loyal to him once again. The bonds would be tight, loyal the Volturi.

[[That's fine. Hope you get to feeling better soon! That is if you are still sick . . .]]