Life

Chapter Seven. The Night Before

All the vampires where gathered inside the mansion after Vladimir and Stefan informed them about Aro's witnesses. Maeve was sitting in a corner by the window feeling restless. "When Aro wants someone from a coven it's never long before evidence turns up, proving that coven committed some crime." Eleazer said. "So he has done this before?" Bella asked. "It happens so rarely, I never realised it was a pattern." Eleazer continues. "Apparently he Always pardons one person whose thoughts he claims are repentant." Carlisle filled in. "This person always has an ability. And they are always given a place with the Guard" Eleazer explained. "This all about Alice. And Maeve once he finds out she is with us. He has no one like them." Edward explains. "Which is why Alice left." Bella said. "Why does he need witnesses?" Emmett asks. "To spread the word that justice has been served. After he slaughters an entire coven" Maeve said sitting up slightly. She felt uneasy at this topic, remembering very well how her first coven was destroyed just because he wanted Heidi and her. 
"Benjamin, Tia, we are leaving." Amun said. "And where will you go? What makes you think he'll be satisfied with Alice? What is to stop them from going after Benjamin next? Or Zafrina or Kate? Or anyone else with a gift? Anyone they want." Edward said. "Believe me, living your life on the run is an awful life. Their goal isn't punishment, it's power. It's acquisition." Maeve said standing up from her spot and crossing her arms infront of her chest. "Carlisle might not ask you to fight, but I will. For the sake of my family, but also yours. And for the way you want to live." Edward said. Jacob stood up. "The packs will fight. We've never been affraid of vampires." The Denali's followed. "We will fight."Tanya said. "This won't be the first time I fought a king's rule." Garrett said. Benjamin stood up. "We'll join you." he said. "No." Amun spoke. Benjamin looked at him. "I will do the right thing, Amun. You may do as you please." Benjamin said. "We will stand with you." the amazon vampires said. "So will we." Siobhan from the Irish coven said. Soon everyone joined except the one nomad vampire that decided to leave. Carlisle looked at Maeve who smile gently. "I guess it is time for me to face my hunters. And protect my family." She said. "Thank you. All of you. But let's hope it doesn't come to that." Edward said.

"Aro will want us incapitated before he attacks. Jane and Alec will try and take me out first because I can anticipate their moves."Edward said. Every vampire was gathered in the livingroom, discussing possible strategies. "Too bad we don't all have your shield." Garrett said looking at Bella. "Doesn't help me fight though." Bella replied. "No, but you could help the rest of us, if you could project it." Tanya said. "What do you mean?" Bella asked. "I mean shield someone other than yourself." Tanya said. "Is that possible?" Bella asked. "Gifts can be developed. Over time." Carlisle said. "At first mine was just in my palms. Now I can radiate it all over my body." Kate explained. "How do you do it?" Bella asked getting excited as she grabbed Kate's hand. "Tell me." "Ow." was all Kate said.
While everyone was training their gifts and helping Bella develop hers, Maeve pulled Carlisle aside, far away from Edward's reach.
Maeve took a deep breath. "If the time comes of a fight or a possible taking from one of us, I will trade myself." Maeve said getting straight to the point. "I am truly thankfull for everything you have done for me Carlisle, and if that might be the only solution for everyone to leave in peace than I will." she said looking at him. Carlisle sighed and embraced her like a father. Maeve returned his embrace. "Let's hope it won't come that far." he whispered. Maeve sighed. "We both know Aro won't stop until he has me or I am dead. I am growing tired of running. But I am not tired of life yet. This might be the only way out for everyone. Please? Let me do this." Maeve begged softly, feeling venom burning in her eyes. Carlisle nodded his head. "But remember that you will always be a part of this family." "Thank you, Carlisle. I know how much dangerI have brought upon you and your coven." Maeve said. Carlisle shook his head and gently kissed Maeve's forehead. "Never think like that. You are family, and we protect our family no matter what." Carlisle said and Maeve nodded her head, knowing his words where true. "Please don't let the others know. Especially not Rosalie and Emmett. They won't understand in the moment and I do not wish for an argument while lives are at stake." Maeve pleaded. Carlisle nodded his head as he sighed and Maeve nodded her head, thanking him.

That evening a bonfire was made. Stories where told and songs would be sung. But everyone knew what the possibility was for tomorrow's outcome. And Maeve feared not just for her life, but for the lives of her coven. The vampires whom have treated her as family even though they knew the Volturi was hunting her down. MAeve shook her head slightly and continued listeling to the many fascinating stories of the vampires that where willing to tell their past, trying to push her worries for tomorrow aside. Renesmee crawled out of her tent to sit next to Maeve. Maeve looked down at Renesmee and smiled. "Hey there. Shouldn't you be asleep?" Maeve asked as she placed Renesmee on her lap. "Can you make me one last flower, auntie Maeve?" Renesmee whispered. Maeve nodded her head. "Very well, but afterwards I want you to crawl back into your tent and get some sleep." Maeve replied while kissing Renesmee's forehead. Renesmee nodded her head in agreement and Maeve closed her hand and watch Renesmee place her small hand ontop of hers and think about a flower. Maeve smiled and opened her hand showing a beautifull purple flower growing gracefully from her palm. Maeve took the flower and handed it to Renesmee. "Now go to sleep Ness. Tomorrow is a big day." Maeve whispered as she placed a gently kiss on Renesmee's forehead once more and watched her crawl back into her tent.
Maeve sighed and knew very well that her decision would be the right one as it would hopefully spare Renesmee's life.