It's Good to Be Home

[chelsea]

Chelsea approached the castle alone, wheeling a suitcase behind her. Once she got within sight of the door guards, she ordered one to come and fetch it for her. It had been a longer trip than she had anticipated and she was thankful to once again be within the walls of the city she loved.

She climbed the stairs to the front door and waited for another guard to open it for her before moving inside. Chelsea had never touched the handle of the front door to the Volturi castle in all of her years, and she intended to keep it that way. She was convinced that the doorknob would be quite unpleasant to touch, what with the amount of people who use it throughout the day, all of whom had varying levels of cleanliness. She also thought it was in poor taste for a woman of her standing to stoop to something so low as opening a door for herself.

Once inside, she nodded curtly to the receptionist, who offered her greetings and seemed enthused that she had returned safely. Chelsea hadn't bothered to learn this one's name and she only nodded to shut the girl up. Her voice got on Chelsea's nerves and so she never stopped to speak more in-depth with her.

She spotted Felix, along with a bevy of other guards lining the far end of the entrance hall. She took in a breath and let out a faint sigh. The increased security had brought her mind back to the reality of home and of the impending ball. She didn't like these sorts of things. Not only was she annoyed when Aro spoke with so many people with such enthusiasm, but it also meant more work for her. She was good at identifying future possible members based on the trails they left, but she liked to do it in her own time. She liked to read the newspapers and follow their gloating sprees. Most humans with any measurable amount of talent were eager to let the world know about; however, Chelsea seemed to be one of the few who took the time to see it. If there were multiple probable targets identified at this ball, that meant she would be taking many acquisition reconnaissance trips soon, and she liked to space those out for her own leisure.

She walked up to Felix without greeting him or smiling. She trusted him and did not mind him for the most part, but to show favoritism in front of the other low guards may give them reason to view her as less important.

"Where is Aro?" she asked forcefully. She wanted to report to him, go find Alec and relax for a few moments before she got prepared for the ball.

[demetri]

Demetri walked through the halls, double checking everything for the ball. He wanted things to be perfect; everything had to be perfect. If something wasn't clean he would have the guard in charge punished and another put in their place. He didn't care that most of those attending were there simply because you cannot invite one member of a coven without inviting the rest of the coven. He didn't even care that most of them wouldn't notice the amount of time they spent on every detail. He reached the throne room, smiling as he glanced at everything. It was then he noticed Chelsea had returned. He always made sure to keep track of her.

She was probably going to make her report and then watch Alec. It was almost as if she felt Alec were her son. If anything made Alec look younger, it was that image. Yet, Demetri did not truly mind. It kept Alec in line. If only someone could do the same with Jane. He walked towards the entrance, seeing Chelsea head towards Felix. When she stopped, Demetri stopped, glancing at a few more decorations. She asked for Aro and instantly Demetri walked over. "He is out in the garden." He suddenly felt rude for interrupting. "I apologize. I was simply checking decorations when I heard you ask."

She was beautiful.. and tense. All of the guards and many of the elite were tense. This ball did that to them. Many regretted the decision of inviting certain vampires. He knew he would have to keep an eye on Emmett any time he went near something fragile. And Rosalie would try to spend her time trying to get their attention. Esme would be more polite than should be possible, and Carlisle would try to talk to Aro as if they were friends on the same page. That isn't even scraping on the surface of everything that could and probably would happen. Demetri brushed off a little dirt from the decoration nearby and looked at Chelsea.

[chelsea]

Chelsea looked over when Demetri approached and shook her head. "There is no need to apologize. I would have asked you first had I known you were present nearby," she said, turning completely away from Felix now to face Demetri. He was the most exquisitely groomed man she had ever seen and were she not such a permanently composed woman, she might have blushed for thinking so (if blushing were, in fact, possible).

"You seem to have a knack for knowing where people are. Curious," she added, attempting to make some sort of joke, however non-humorous it was. Chelsea usually did not care for jokes, but it had been a long trip and she was mentally exhausted. It would have to do.

It was Demetri's greatest skill, tracking people, and she had never put two and two together until now. She remembered him normally being present near the entrance whenever she returned from her missions, although she never saw him immediately upon arrival. It was as if he were tracking her movements and came to greet her. She smoothed her hair down, getting slightly nervous at the idea. Being the reasonable person that she was, she knew there must have been another explanation for it. Glancing back at Felix and the other guards, she realized the more likely reason of his presence. He was head of the castle guards, after all, and with the added security, there was no doubt that he would be checking to make sure everything was running smoothly. He would not have came just to greet her. After all, it was Heidi whom he loved, she was sure.

Clearing her throat (and with it, her mind) of such trivial things as love, she nodded to Felix and the other guards. "Carry on," she ordered them unnecessarily, as none of them had moved from their posts.

[demetri]

Demetri smiled slightly, glad her could be of service to her. When she turned to face him, he couldn't help but quickly look her over. This was nothing more than checking to ensure she did not come back hurt. He worried sometimes about her going out alone, but he knew her past and he knew Aro's wishes. Aro had trouble trusting her with one or two guards with her, fearing she may become distracting, and he did not wish to send an army to check up on a few leads. Demetri wished to accompany her on some of her missions, but there was always a reason he had to stay. The reason this time was to prepare for the ball.

He chuckled slightly at her joke. "I guess I am just observant." While it pleased him that she felt comfortable enough around him to joke with him, he could tell something was a little off. Perhaps her mission had been a little more difficult than he initially thought. "Do you wish to feed? Heidi recently returned with tourists for the ball and there are extras that would not be missed." He would have offered to accompany her, but he did not want to push their relationship.. if you could call it that. She always seemed a little withdrawn from him, and he was afraid to give her the wrong idea.

He was a little confused by her order to the guards. Simple for the fact that nobody had moved. Perhaps she was confused or more tired than he originally thought. Either way he was going to make sure she was well rested for the ball. Nobody should have to deal with the Cullens (especially certain members) while exhausted. "You must be exhausted after your trip. If you will allow me to accompany you to the feeding chamber and then to your room, I would feel better knowing that you were well rested before dealing with many who will attend the ball" He couldn't help but offer. As much as he was afraid to moments before, he was also growing concerned for her.

[chelsea]

At the mention of feeding, Chelsea turned her attention back to him. It had been almost three weeks since she had fed and her eyes were jet black. She did not like to feed abroad since there was no one there to fish for her, and she didn't trust the blood of the poor. She had some assurance that the people who traveled to Volterra were both wealthy and clean, so unless she had no other choice, she usually waited for her return to slake her thirst.

"I will wait for the ball to feed," she stated. It would give her something to occupy her time and attention so that she may not have to spend quite as much time mingling with people who were below her. It would not be long before the ball began and she was nothing if not patient.

Demetri continued to press her and she realized that her appearance must give off an air of exhaustion. She would not be surprised. Twenty days cleaning herself in what the humans called "showers" was less than appealing to her. How she had longed for a proper bath. The thought of appearing less than perfect embarrassed her and she wished nothing more than to escape this conversation immediately.

"I must find Aro and give him my report. I will have to decline your offer of an escort," she said curtly before moving around him and heading toward the garden. She then remembered it would save her time and energy if she knew where Alec was without having to search for him. He could be anywhere, knowing him. She turned to face Demetri once again at the doorway (which a guard had already opened for her). "I would, however, be greatly appreciative if you could pinpoint Alec's location for me, as well."

[demetri]

He could understand her waiting until the ball to feed. He considered doing the same so he would have a reason to excuse himself if he was caught conversing with someone he would rather not. He knew Rosalie would try to impress them, which could result in her hanging out too close to him. He glanced around again, realizing that all of the time he spent having the castle cleaned and prepared would be ruined. All of the barbaric covens would come in and ruin it in no time.

He noticed that she was acting a little flustered, perhaps he had pushed too far. He wasn't sure how to apologize or if he should. Maybe he should let it go. She addressed him with a quick comment and then turned away. He watched her leave, unable to move. Before he could say something she turned back and spoke. "I can show you where, it is difficult to explain an exact location." It was a little fib; while true it would be hard to explain over a distance, he knew the gardens well and would probably be able to explain it to her. "And I did not mean to pressure you. I just wanted to ensure you were well enough for the ball. I can have guards assist you with anything in your preparations."

He hoped she would take both offers. He only wanted to help, and maybe should would relax. He felt like his intentions to ease her had only made matters worse. He did not want something make this evening worse.

[chelsea]

Did she really appear that exhausted? He seemed to be making quite a big deal out of helping her out. It only made her feel more ashamed. That was the last time she stayed in an American hotel. They were too keen on these new inventions like showers and disposable hand towels. It was as if instead of taking a turn for the better, they had taken a turn into disparity and filth.

"I can show you where, it is difficult to explain an exact location. And I did not mean to pressure you. I just wanted to ensure you were well enough for the ball. I can have guards assist you with anything in your preparations," Demetri stated.

Had she wanted, she could have ordered any guard to help her; she had the power. She could have even ordered him to clean her chamber if she so desired and he would have to comply. She did not like the insinuation that he could do her a favor in this manner, but she let it slide. He was probably just trying to be polite, and while she was tired, she thought she would still be more than capable of preparing herself for the ball. She would have a couple of the ladies help with her dressing, of course, but that would be all she would require. She did not plan on making too big of a deal out of this ball.

"I must stop by and speak with Aro first. You may accompany me," she said. She wanted to find Alec, after all, and he could help her.

She wasn't quite sure how Demetri's power worked, so it was not shocking to hear that he could not provide Alec's exact location verbally to her. She knew he was the greatest tracker in the world, but perhaps his power was only tangible his own mind. Thinking of this made her mind race back to when she first acquired Demetri for Aro. Demetri had not wanted to join then, but, of course, she had persuaded him. Aro would be devastated if Demetri were to leave the coven and Chelsea would no doubt be blamed for it. She unconsciously bound Demetri closer to her, thinking of how disappointed Aro would be in her if this were to happen.

"Come along. I must hurry so that I can dress for the ball," she said.

[demetri]

He took her silence as a no to his request. He nodded, hoping she took no offense. Of course she wouldn't need help; she is capable of caring for herself. He understood that. He preferred to prepare himself; he did not trust others with this things. It was one of the many benefits of his positive in the Volturi. He could order others away; the only ones he couldn't order were the ones he wanted to help and had to help anyway. He was proud of what his power and he wanted to be able to use it to benefit them.

He nodded when she stated that he could come with her. He assumed she wanted to make her report before talking with Alec. He admired how she worked. She was very dedicated and wanted things done right. Her bond with Alec would help him be that way to. He had only wished Jane would have someone like that. Thinking about bonds he considered he power for a moment. He thought about his actions and was sure he was in control; that she had not bound him to her so that he would do her bidding. It bothered him slightly that she could do that, but he felt that he was not as affected.

Suddenly he didn't think much of that and only focused on her words. "Yes, I would not want you to be late. If there is anything I can do to help you." He kept an eye on her, focusing on her actions; hoping to find a way to help her as necessary. His thoughts were only on her for now.

[chelsea]

Chelsea nodded. She turned and walked out into the garden, following the familiar pathways in search of Aro. It should not be that difficult to find him as she knew where his favorite places were. Once she was surrounded by the greenery, she took in a deep breath and smiled, allowing herself a calm moment of serenity. The garden was one of her favorite places in the world, and the smell was a vast improvement over the conditions that she had recently encountered on her mission. It was wonderful to be home.

After a few seconds, she turned to see if Demetri was following her. It was then that she thought about how convenient it would be to have his power. To always know where someone was without looking, without searching, must be a useful tool even for everyday use. She could definitely use it on her missions. She was good at following paper trails and she thought she had pretty good intuition about things, but her physical tracking skills were sorely lacking. Frowning, she realized that things would never change; she would never have Demetri to accompany her on missions. Aro would certainly not allow it and she was certain that Demetri would not want to come with her anyway.

Her eyes finally fell on him, and for a brief moment she considered that she might be wrong about their relationship. The way he was looking at her, you would have thought it reached beyond the realm of colleagues and into something more. She took a tentative step toward him, watching him closer. The way his gaze followed her every move, his hand slightly outstretched as if to help her at every movement...she had seen this look before, many times. He was under the influence of her bind. She shut her eyes in shame, shaking her head. Of course. It was merely her power that made him look at her that way, as if he truly cared. It embarrassed her that she had dared to think otherwise.

She loosened the bind as much as she dared and turned back around. None of this mattered. It was Aro that mattered, and she should not stop to think about anything but pleasing him.

"This way?" she asked, pointing toward the rose garden.