thespedaro

Pack your bags. You have 36 hours to be ready to go to Forks, though I'm sure you won't be needing that much time. I wish to arrive there before the weekend. We will be arranging the specifics of our visit once we meet up with the other guards. I would like to hear of any projects that they've been up to since they've been gone.

[private to Sulpicia]
You are coming, yes?

I am so very sorry that you've been stuck in boring old Washington state for the past few weeks. Do know that your presence is extremely appreciated there by your Masters. I have no doubt that we will be joining you shortly.

[private to Caius]
I think I may bring Sulpicia with me to Forks. It will make our meeting with the Cullens more cordial, don't you think? And Renata insists on coming, therefore I do not want my wife left unprotected in the castle. Perhaps you should bring your wife, the Cullens would not do them any harm. When would you like to depart on our trip?
[/private]

[Private to self]
I wish I could make Renata understand. She does nothing but glare at the back of my head as she guards me. I know, to her, I have betrayed my promise to never abandon her. If only she would realize that I am doing this because of our friendship. I care about her, probably more than I should, I shudder to think what would happen at the hands of my wife. This is the only way to protect her. I've tried to explain it to her, but she just does not understand. She is so determined to be hurt by my words and actions instead of understanding that it is my way of being her friend, still.

I feel guilty for every touch, every word with Sulpicia. The web of lies I have woven for myself, I fear, may break someday. I fear the day the truth comes out. Then again, it has been so many centuries and no one has ever discovered a thing about Didyme's death. Somehow I don't feel as guilty about that. Hm.

[private to Volturi]
I can't help but laugh. It truly is hilarious that the Cullens think that they have this thing under control. As I sit here, I am literally laughing out loud. Silly, silly coven, don't they know that they aren't us? HAH. I am going to seek out the leader of this coven of newborns and see what sort of deal we can strike without revealing ourselves to the unknowing human population.

[private to "Victoria", if that is who is responsible for this]
I'm letting this go for a little while longer. I think we may have a common enemy. Keep them in line. I'd like to communicate with you, and soon.

Siiiiiiiigh. You know, American television is really quite boring. This "American Idol" show, for instance...what is that all about? Glorified karaoke for the chance to win a recording contract? It's somewhat sad to suffer through. If the world were a perfect place I'd have that little fortune teller Cullen girl sitting right next to me, they would have an Opera Idol. The beautiful sounds of Puccini and Wagner would be coming from these young peoples' mouths instead of bland pop. I really should get to the opera more often and listen to real music.

Even recent movies have got me down. Where is that art, people? The joy of acting seems lost among paychecks and box office returns. I prefer a good, independent film over some flashy, explosion-ridden mockery of cinema. I remember a time when people made films for the love of acting and directing. Not for media attention. Perhaps my tastes are to refined for modern forms of media.

I'll tell you right now, the only thing I can partially stand is that silly YouTube. I can watch videos of people getting frightened by their friends for hours. Or Chocolate Rain. I find it far too hilarious. But it is mindless drivel compared to what I am used to entertaining myself with. I pray for the day the world turns around and realizes the potential it has, as far as art is concerned.

That being said, I'm bored, as some of the members of the Guard have also expressed. I wonder how we could entertain ourselves? Hmmm. I'm open to any and all suggestions.

You know, the more I read the local newspapers from Washington state and the surrounding areas, the more irritated I get. I think it is high time that something is done about this situation. Our existence depends on secrecy and discretion, does it not? Irresponsible newborns will not be tolerated. I shudder to think that we will be exposed if this keeps up. Does no one know how to raise a newborn anymore? What's next, Immortal Children? Ugh. Really, my American friends, you are dropping the ball on this one. [private to Volturi] I do believe a visit to Forks is in the cards. The humans are getting far too suspicious. As much as I take delight in the Cullens' squirming, I think I'll pass on the trip and ask if there are any volunteers who would do this as a great favor to their Masters?

Tsk, tsk, tsk...Are we going to have to make another visit to Washington? It appears the humans are becoming suspicious of these mysterious murders. We can't be having that, you know. I strongly suggest that this issue is taken care of, one way or another.

Well...damnit all to hell. I was hoping to have come back with a few new members, but, alas, no dice. Ah, well. It won't be our last trip to visit the Cullens, that's for sure. It's bad enough that they flat out lied to us...I let that one slide out of friendship to Carlisle. But not again. One slip up, one word out of that human's mouth about vampires and action will be taken. I struck a deal with him...he'd lucky I granted him that.

I need something to clear my mind. I do not know what yet, but anything to keep me distracted from my own personal irritation. I think I need to feed, perhaps that is why I'm so absurdly cranky.

I had the privalege of accidentally brushing my hand against one of your lovely family members' and saw something that was both extremely interesting and disturbing all at once. I was hoping to speak to you alone the night we visited, but it unfortunately didn't happen. You know what I'm talking about...we need to discuss it as soon as possible.

The investigation is not going as well as I would have hoped. Whoever is behind these murders is extremely intelligent. Which is irritating, since we are usually so quick at getting our man. They must be laying low, they could have been tipped off somehow to our arrival. But we'll get them. At least the humans still think it's some sort of serial killer. At least they're disposing of the bodies in a proper manner. No one's seen any bite marks as of yet.

Since we're coming up short in that department, we may as well mosey on down to Forks tomorrow night. My dear Cullen family, I hope we are not intruding too much on your time, but we'd like to see the family that Carlisle has collected made for himself. We look forward to meeting with you.

Hope you are all packed. We leave just before sunrise.

A few members of my guard and the other Masters have decided to take a little trip to the great United States. We've heard about the murders in Seattle recently and would like to come and investigate, to see if the threat is something we should be concerned about. And since we're a little better at investigating than the silly human police force, we'd like to take a look for ourselves.

That being said, Seattle is in such close proximity to your settlement, we may be stopping in to say hello to our old friend Carlisle. We should be arriving within the next couple of days. I'd hate for all of us to show up at your home totally unannounced.

I think, my dear friends, it is time to make our trip to Washington, in the U.S. My curiosity has been piqued by the sudden arrival and hasty departure of Mr. Edward Cullen without so much as a "Hello" and a formal introduction. I am debating whether or not to make the trip myself, considering Carlisle Cullen is an old friend of ours.

Gianna, would you be a dear and, once we have a final number to give to you, arrange for our passage to the States? I would appreciate it ever so much.

Besides, I have some collecting I'd like to do

[private to Volturi]
Happy birthdy, my wonderful Renata.

[For the eyes of the Volturi and Gianna only]

I find myself getting bored with the lack of action going on. I was thinking perhaps some of us should pay the Pacific Northwest of America a visit. There have been rumblings of murders there and all of it points to a newborn vampire army. Didn't anyone learn anything from those Southern vampires? What will we have next, Immortal Children? Tsk, tsk. I have begun making preparations to travel. Surely, Marcus, you would agree with me that this deserves some investigation, yes?
[/end private]

I need some entertainment. Sulpicia, perhaps you would like to join me on a trip to the opera or the theater?

I think I may purchase an iPod. I'm not sure how to transition the music I have on vinyl onto a computer. Does anyone know how to work that? Maybe I can purchase them on iTunes. That seems like such a waste, though. Paying for music I already have? Computerized devices are something I have not collected until recently. I think an iPod is definitely called for.

Renata, I would like to speak with you if you find yourself with a free moment, at your earliest convenience.