The Volterra chapters are harder for me to write, I admit. And part of it is because although deep down I know where the conflict is, it’s hard to put on the page (and it’s also a very slow-moving conflict, unlike the 1918 conflict and the 1667 conflict). One of the questions you have to ask about the tensions between the brothers and Carlisle is, “What’s not to like?” Because it’s hard not to admire and be drawn to Carlisle. I’ve even developed a bit of the idea that this might be his superpower—his ability to draw people to him and connect them to others.
So, for me, it’s interesting to explore why it is that Carlisle is so unnerving. Malianani first pointed it out in her review of the first Volterra chapter, when she commented on my unintentional imagery of Carlisle standing all wet and dripping on the floor in the Volturi main chambers. He is, more than anything, an upset to their balance. Simply by his existence, he challenges everything they stand for. What they consider unchangeable–that their kind must prey on humans–he proves to be a choice. They want power, he wants love. They have beautiful floors, he goes out in the rain and brings the wet and the muck—and all of the life that goes with it—back in.
I often post chapters on my website first, if I’m unable to do a full 5-site post at once as I was this afternoon. So sometimes I get feedback before I’ve really had time to compose my note. In this instance, it was invaluable. Sisterglitch comments:
Caius seeks to destroy him for not caring. Aro seeks to seduce him with powerful intimacy. They glorify their own importance but Carlisle’s honesty and relative innocence negate it effortlessly.
And I think that’s really what this boils down to. Yes, it’s a slow burning conflict, in part because the characters themselves don’t realize what they’re fighting. Carlisle is fighting to figure out what he wants, which is not what the brothers Volturi want him to want. And they’re figuring he’s going to fight them for what they want, but they’re wrong.
Carlisle’s simply not after the same things. So the question is, who’s going to figure that out first?
As always, thanks to my intrepid betas, Openhome and Julie, without whom this story wouldn’t be what it is. Miaokuancha also gets my great thanks for catching an important anachronism in the last chapter, and Camilla my thanks for catching an Italian topography mishap. Haven’t edited those yet, but I will tonight.
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