Archives for 2006

With all the hype surrounding the release of New Moon, many of the fans here at the lexicon have learned about the existence of galley copies.  I’ve also seen a few questions about how a person actually gets their hands on one of these copies.  Well, there are several ways.  If your are a book buyer or you work for a book company or a library or something along these lines, you may be fortunate to receive a copy for you to examine and determine if you would like to order the book for your store or library.  The other way to get a copy is to know someone from the publishing company, or the author, and be in good enough standing with them that they will want to give you copy as a gift. 

When we created the lexicon, we did it out of pure necessity to keep the facts straight.  We did it because we love this book and we wanted to create a place for fans to gather to have easy access to information.  We did it because we wanted to, not because someone asked us to, and we had no intention of getting a “reward” for our efforts.  However, Stephenie Meyer thought other wise, and as a gift for organizing her notes, so to speak, she was kind enough to give both Imogen and I gallies of New Moon.

Yes, you read that correctly, we have read New Moon.

We’ve had the book for about a week now, which gave us plenty of time to read it and think about it and even talk to Stephenie about it.  I’ve actually read the book twice, as there was SO much new information I simply didn’t get it all in the first read through. 

I don’t want to spoil the book for any of the fans here, but I will tell you that the book is just amazing.  First of all, it’s HUGE!  That’s always a plus, in my opinion.  Second of all, it’s very similar to Twilight in the way that it has a great deal of character development and exploration and growth at the beginning and through the middle, followed by a knock out, drag them through the mud action/adventure sequence at the end that is bound to send chills down your spine.  It’s got enough of the romance to satisfy those cravings most of us have, while at the same time it will most likely cause you to feel every emotion possible: from love to hate to friendship to loss to confusion to bewilderment to disbelief to terror and all over again.  New Moon is a wild ride that sets up the possibilities and hopes of the third book just beautifully. 

Let me assure you, fans will not be disappointed.  I can’t say that this is the book everyone thought it would be.  However, I personally think it’s better than the speculations.  There is SO much we learn about Bella and the other characters surrounding her in life that she really comes alive for me as the heroine of the story.  More than just the girl who falls in love with the vampire, but as a young woman taking some control over her destiny.  Bella learns and grows so much in the book that I found myself becoming even more attached to her. 

So whatever your doubts and fears are for the book, don’t jump to conclusions until you have read it.  And on a more personal note, please don’t swamp my e-mails with question about the plot above and beyond what I have posted here.  I simply will not give anything away.  I was thrilled to have the chance to read it early, and I’m not going to look a gift horse in the mouth by spilling the beans here in the lexicon and ruin the good, friendly relationship I have with Stephenie. 

Lastly, I need to comment on the status of my fan fiction The Lion and the Lamb.  Having read New Moon, there are one or two bits of information I have learned that could potentially change the way I would have written a few up coming scenes.  However, I promised Stephenie that I could continue writing my fic without incorporating the “spoilers” so long as my readers understood that point as well.  What this means is that I will continue to write my story so long as everyone understands I am keeping to my original course and NOTHING I write will be a spoiler.  NOTHING.  I will not be including any new information that any fan should consider true to fact.  The Lion and the Lamb has been and will continue to be MY personal take on the events of Twilight separate and apart from anything I have learned while reading New Moon.  If I start getting reviews that make me think otherwise, or if too many people have a problem with that, then I will be forced to abandon the fic.  I don’t want to have to give it up, but I will if there is too great an interest in spoilers.  I hope everyone can understand where I am coming from, both as a fan who doesn’t want to spoil the fun and as an author who wants to finish her plot. 

Again, allow me to reiterate that I loved New Moon.  Imogen loved New Moon.  I have no doubt that all the fans who visit the lexicon will love New Moon.  And because of this, I am on the edge of my seat for Eclipse!   

No one can say the staff here at the lexicon is lazy!  We have so much for you today I’m not even sure where to start.

First of all, the section of vampire mythology has been finshed off…for now.  The final section is titled Additional Information.  We will probably add to the sections once we have New Moon. 

Now that we have one section finished, we have started in on the Places section of the lexicon, beginning with Charlie’s House. 

The gang over at MySpace has been VERY inquisitive and have asked dozens of interesting questions of Stephenie.  I have compliled another bunch of them and have placed them in PC9 for all to see.  Many, many thanks to the group over there for granting me permission to share this information with all of you.

We’ve added several bios to the bio section.  In no particular order, they are:

Billy Black

Angela Webber

Lauren Mallory

Caius

Aro

Marcus

And last, but certainly not least, Stephenie has been so wonderful to send the lexicon an exclusive out take from one of the many cut scenes of Twilight.  I’ve placed it in the personal correspondence section, but will provide a link to it here for easy access.

Alphie

Full Name: Angela Weber (PC4)

Status: Human

Date of Birth: 1988

Originally from: Forks

Hair color: Light brown (PC4)

Eye color: Light brown (PC4)

Height: 6’0″ (PC4)

Physical description:

Occupation: Student

Family members: Mother, Father = a Lutheran minister, two younger brothers, 9-year-old twins named Isaac and Joshua. (PC4)

Nick Names:

Hobbies: anything not involving the outdoors

Personal history:

Bella’s first impression of Angela Weber was that she was considerate and shy. She was in Bella’s biology class in their junior year at Forks High School (TW1). Angela attended the La Push beach party (TW6) and asked Eric to the girls-choice spring dance. Angela, Jessica and Bella went shopping for dresses for the dance in Port Angeles. (TW8)  During the shopping trip, Bella grew to like Angela as a friend even more and the contrast between Jessica and Angela became more pronounced. Angela was a quiet and truly nice girl. (SMW)  At the end of that school year, Ben Cheney asked Angela to Prom and Bella saw them together happily at the dance. (TWEp)

Angela and Ben’s relationship was one of the few that lasted through the summer of 2005. (NM6)  Ben adored Angela and even picked her up for school every morning despite the fact that she lived close enough to walk. (PC11). Angela and Ben’s encounter with the “monster in the woods” was the first conversation that Bella directly participated in of her own accord after her “zombie era”. Angela was happy to see Bella recovered from her semi-catatonic state and thanked her for defending her during the conversation when Jessica and Lauren mocked the truth of her story (NM6). She continued to be Bella’s friend (NM7, EC1) and grew to enjoy Alice and Edward’s company as well.

Angela’s calm demeanor was severely tested with the onset of graduation; her mother wanted her to hand-address graduation invitations to all of her large extended family (EC2). Bella volunteered to help and Angela was grateful for the assistance and for the excuse not to watch a kung-fu movie Ben was eager to see (EC6). Angela was perceptive and noticed that Bella had things on her mind and Bella confided in her as much as she could without divulging vampire and werewolf secrets. Angela planned on attending the University of Washington with Ben in the fall and hoped to continue corresponding with Bella. Bella gave Angela concert tickets to keep her out of Forks on the day of the big newborn vampire battle (EC18, EC20).

Angela’s father was the presiding minister at Bella and Edward’s 3:00 p.m. wedding (BD3) and Angela was the one to catch Bella’s tossed bouquet at the reception (BD3).

Portrayed in the films by: Christian Serratos

Prepared by: Lady Di

Full Name: Lauren Mallory (PC4)

Status: Human

Date of Birth: 1988

Originally from: Forks

Hair color: Cornsilk (TW6)

Eye color: Green (PC4) “pale, fishy eyes” (TW6)

Height: 5’6″ (PC4)

Physical description:

Occupation: Student

Family members:

Nick Names:

Hobbies:

Personal history: Lauren was very “stand-offish” (TW4) and possessed an “unpleasant, nasal voice”. Lauren regularly ignored Bella at the lunch table but after Bella’s fainting spell during biology, Lauren muttered about Bella’s presence there and at the La Push get-together, she made snide comments and shot dirty looks in Bella’s direction (TW6). Lauren was intensely jealous of Bella and the attention she received. (PC9). Jessica attributed Lauren’s dislike of Bella to Tyler’s keen interest in her (TW8). Lauren tried her best at every opportunity to put down or provoke Bella, even when she deliberately mentioned Edward’s absence at the La Push party, knowing that Bella and Edward were seeing each other. (TW6 / TW9).

After Bella’s “zombie” months, Bella noticed that Lauren had cut her hair into an extremely short pixie cut and did not know the reason for the change (NM6). It turned out that Lauren met a modeling agent who convinced her to do something “edgy” with her hair and pay for high quality headshots. He promised that her career would take off like a rocket but it never happened. (SMW) Lauren was not just unpleasant to Bella – she openly mocked Angela when she described her encounter with the oversized bear and Bella speculated “all the people she was habitually nasty to caught her behind the gym and scalped her” (NM6). Lauren continued her vindictive behavior centered on Bella by torpedoing the group movie night Bella tried to arrange (NM9) and Bella described Lauren as “the evil core of the them side” with an “anti-Bella agenda”(EC1).

Lauren never had a steady boyfriend. She went to the spring dance in her junior year with Tyler Crowley (TW4), attended prom with Conner (TWEp) and went to the beach on a date with Mike Newton in her senior year (EC3). She was a good friend of Jessica Stanley, especially once Jessica no longer remained chummy with Bella. Lauren’s intense dislike of Bella did not stop her from attending Alice’s graduation party (EC17)

Prepared by: Lady Di

Full Name: Caius

Status: Vampire

Date of Birth: Sometime before 1300 B.C. (OIL)

Originally from: Greece

Hair color: Snow white that “brushed against his shoulders” (NM21)

Eye color: Vampire burgundy but “clouded, milky” (NM21)

Height: 5’9″

Physical description: Perfect facial features with skin that is “translucently white, like onionskin [and] looked just as delicate” and appears to be floating when he moves (NM21)

Occupation:

Family members: Volturi Coven with Aro, Sulpicia, Athenodora, and Marcus – Athenodora is his mate (BD Vampire Index)

Personal history: The Volturi are Aro, Caius, Marcus, and two females [Sulpicia and Athenodora] who never go out.  (PC1)  Caius was in his late forties when he became a vampire.  Early on he developed a deep hatred for the Romanian coven.  He met Athenodora, who was already a vampire, and the pair started traveling together as a mated pair.  He met Aro and Marcus and was drawn to Aro’s plan of creating a dominating force in the Vampire world.  Even though he isn’t as patient as Aro, he supported Aro’s cause and eventually was able to help bring down the Romanian coven.  Caius has taken on several crusades over the centuries.  He tracked down The Children of the Moon to near extinction as well as the immortal children.  He always leads any punishing expeditions, leaving Aro for more important projects.  (OIL)

The guard is not technically the Volturi though the name loosely applies.  (PC10)  The Volturi choose members of their guard for their special talents.  They rarely leave their city unless duty calls.  “Over the millennia, they have assumed the position of enforcing [the] rules” — keep the existence of vampires secret.  Volterra has been their city “since the time of the Etruscans.”  Since the Volturi do not allow hunting, they bring their food in.  (NM19)  Edward describes them as a “very old, very powerful family of [vampires]…the closest thing…to a royal family.”  (NM1)  Aro, Caius, and Marcus are also known as the “nighttime patrons of the arts.”  Solimena “often painted them as gods.”  (TW16)  Aro, Caius, and Marcus think of themselves as brothers.  (NM21)

Carlisle meets Aro, Caius, and Marcus while studying in Italy.  He admires “their civility, their refinement.”  However, they try to cure Carlisle of his “vegetarian” ways, and he tries to persuade them to give up their “natural food source” with no luck.  Carlisle leaves after a few decades.  (TW16)

Alice and Bella race to Volterra to save Edward when he wants to die because he thinks Bella is dead.  The Volturi are very protective of their city and would stop Edward if he were to “upset the peace.”  Alice warns Bella that they may not survive.  (NM18)  She sees that the Volturi decide not to destroy Edward and will ask him to join them because of this talent.  Aro thinks it is “wasteful” to destroy Edward.  (NM19)

After Edward, Bella, and Alice enter the turret room, Aro asks Felix to bring Caius and Marcus who arrive in long black robes.  Caius has a sour look on his face.  When Aro asks Bella to join the Volturi, Caius questions him.  Aro explains that Bella will have a lot of potential when she becomes a vampire.  Caius says that the law claims Edward, Alice, and Bella since Bella knows that vampires exist.  Edward quickly replies that the Volturi also have some humans that know their secret.  Caius agrees and tells Edward that the humans will sustain them when they are no longer useful.  Since he senses that Edward will not destroy Bella or change her, Caius says that Bella is “a vulnerability” and that “her life is forfeit.”  Aro intervenes and tells Edward that they would be allowed to leave if they intend to change Bella into a vampire.  Based on Alice’s vision, Aro is convinced.  When Caius complains, Aro tells him that there is hope that Edward, Bella, or Alice will join them in the future.  Caius promises that they will visit in the future to ensure that Bella becomes immortal.  (NM21)

Caius believed that the immortal children were not capable of keeping the existence of vampires secret so they were destroyed.  The Denali sisters did not know their mother [Sasha] created an immortal child until they saw him burning in their mother’s arms.  Caius wanted them to burn by association.  However, Aro knew the sisters were innocent so the Volturi pardoned them. (BD2)

Alice sees Caius sending a hunting party that includes Jane and Alec to see if Bella is human.  She sends a wedding announcement to delay them.  (BD27)

Alice has a vision that all the Volturi are coming –- Aro, Caius, Marcus, the guard, and the wives.  She says that the decision was made but they are waiting for Irina.  Aro will see the proof in Irina’s thoughts that Renesmee is an immortal child.  Edward says that they will “come to destroy, not to be reasoned with.” (BD28)

The Volturi arrive at the cleaning “with pageantry.”  They are in a “rigid, formal formation” that seemed to flow in “perfect synchronicity” — “it was the pace of the invincible.”  The entire guard, the wives, and their witnesses are also present.  Edward confirms that Alistair’s theories were right about Aro and Caius’ goal to “destroy and acquire” and tells the others that they have “many layers of strategy” in place.  After the Volturi stop, Aro and Caius touch hands as they evaluate the scene.  Marcus is touching Aro’s other hand but does not seem to be part of the conversation.  Caius joins Aro in accusing Carlisle of creating his own rules.  He sees Renesmee and knows that the Cullens broke the law.  Carlisle tries to explain, but Caius accuses him of assembling “a battalion to protect her.”  Carlisle tries to convince Caius that there is human blood in Renesmee’s cheeks.  Then Caius calls for Irina and slaps her.  He questions her about Renesmee, and Irina says that she has grown.  Aro intervenes and takes Irina’s hand.  Caius scowls when Edward offers his hand to Aro.  After their wordless exchange, Aro asks to meet Renesmee.  When Caius asks what is going on, Aro tells him “the justice we intended to deliver no longer applies.”  Caius hisses in surprise.  Aro greets Renesmee and tells Caius that she is “half mortal, half immortal.”  (BD36)

Caius starts to argue with Aro immediately.  Aro responds calmly that it is true and mentions Carlisle’s witnesses.  This prompts Caius to look at the Volturi witnesses who are confused about the situation.  Then Caius asks about the wolves and their alliance with the Cullens.  Edward responds that they are shape-shifters and not the “Children of the Moon.”  As if embarrassed, Aro tells Caius that he would have warned him about this if he shared his thoughts with him.  Caius continues to press that the wolves know about vampires, but Aro quickly tells them that they are also a part of the supernatural world and have their secret to keep.  He encourages Caius to move on.  It appears that maintaining their pristine reputation is more important to Aro than Caius.  Caius then questions Irina.  She says that she has no complaint with the Cullens or the wolves and that they should go since there is no immortal child.  Caius then signals the Volturi guard to destroy Irina for her false accusation.  He wants Irina’s defiance to start the battle.  However, Carlisle and Garrett are able to stop Tanya and Kate in time.  The Volturi guard prepares to fight while their witnesses become suspicious.  When Aro decides to question some of Carlisle’s witnesses, Caius’ “tiny cruel smile” returns.  Aro rallies the support of the guard and then goes to counsel with Caius and Marcus.  They join hands “to form a black-shrouded triangle.”  (BD37)

Chelsea tries to break the ties between the Cullens and their witnesses, and Jane tries to attack, but Bella’s shield is protecting them.  Edward tells Tanya that it is normal procedure for the Volturi to incapacitate those on trial so they can’t escape.  Aro, Caius, and Marcus break formation in time to see Alec’s “strange clear haze” hit Bella’s shield.  Caius votes to destroy Renesmee since she is an unknown risk and all those that protect her.  Edward calls to Alice to bring her witnesses.  After Huilen tells her story, Aro asks Nahuel questions and is surprised to hear that his sisters are also half-vampires.  Nahuel tells the story about his father Joham creating a “new super-race.”  When Caius and Aro consider talking with Joham, Nahuel asks them to leave his sisters alone since they are innocent.  Caius is furious but resigned.  Aro turns to the Volturi guard and tells them that they will not fight today.  The guard resumes their formation and departs along with the wives and their witnesses.  (BD38)

Edward says that Caius almost lost a fight with a werewolf and has been terrified ever since.  He had the “Children of the Moon” hunted to near extinction.  (BD39)

Portrayed in the films by: Jaime Campbell Bower

Prepared by: Anny

 

Full Name: Marcus

Status: Vampire

Date of Birth: Around 1300 B.C. (OIL)

Originally from: Greece

Hair color: Long “flowing black hair” (NM21)

Eye color: Vampire burgundy but “clouded, milky” (NM21)

Height: 6’0″

Physical description: Perfect facial features with skin that is “translucently white, like onionskin [and] looked just as delicate” and appears to be floating when he moves (NM21)

Special Talents: Can see relationships (NM21) (PC10)

Occupation:

Family members: Volturi Coven with Aro, Sulpicia, Caius, and Athenodora – Didyme was his mate (BD Vampire Index)

Personal history: The Volturi are Aro, Caius, Marcus, and two females [Sulpicia and Athenodora] who never go out.  (PC1)  Marcus sees the ties between people.  He can see how to destroy resistance with an enemy, help in a diplomatic situation, and determine the depth of love, loyalty, or devotion of a relationship.  His talent is quite valuable in the hands of someone who knows how to use it.  (PC10) He is physically the youngest of the Volturi, having been changed before he was even twenty years old.  He lived as a nomad for several years but joined with Aro when the two meet.  (OIL)

Hoping that his sister would have a special talent, Aro changes Didyme to a vampire.  Marcus, Aro’s most trusted partner, and Didyme fall in love and are “tremendously happy.”  Marcus is so happy that he is no longer interested in “Aro’s plans for domination.”  After a few centuries, Marcus and Didyme consider leaving the Volturi.  Aro pretends to be happy and gives his blessing.  However, he does not want to lose Marcus’ talent.  When he knows that he cannot be discovered, Aro murders his sister.  Marcus becomes an “empty man” with Didyme’s death.  Aro uses Chelsea’s talent to keep Marcus loyal even though he has no interest in his quest for power.  Marcus does not find out that Aro is responsible for Didyme’s death (SMW) since it happened in battle (PC10).

The guard is not technically the Volturi though the name loosely applies.  (PC10)  The Volturi choose members of their guard for their special talents.  They rarely leave their city unless duty calls.  “Over the millennia, they have assumed the position of enforcing [the] rules” — keep the existence of vampires secret.  Volterra has been their city “since the time of the Etruscans.”  Since the Volturi do not allow hunting, they bring their food in.  (NM19)  Edward describes the Volturi as a “very old, very powerful family of [vampires]…the closest thing…to a royal family.”  (NM1)  Aro, Caius, and Marcus are also known as the “nighttime patrons of the arts.”  Solimena “often painted them as gods.”  (TW16)  Aro, Caius, and Marcus think of themselves as brothers.  (NM21)

Carlisle meets Aro, Caius, and Marcus while studying in Italy.  He admires “their civility, their refinement.”  However, they try to cure Carlisle of his “vegetarian” ways, and he tries to persuade them to give up their “natural food source” with no luck.  Carlisle leaves after a few decades.  (TW16)

Alice and Bella race to Volterra to save Edward when he wants to die because he thinks Bella is dead.  The Volturi are very protective of their city and would stop Edward if he were to “upset the peace.”  Alice warns Bella that they may not survive.  (NM18)  She sees that the Volturi decide not to destroy Edward and will ask him to join them because of this talent.  (NM19)

Alice tells Bella the story behind “Saint Marcus Day.”  According to legend, Father Marcus, a Christian missionary, drove out all the vampires from Volterra 1500 years ago and was “martyred in Romania still trying to drive away the vampire scourge.”  However, Marcus never left since he is part of the Volturi.  (NM19)

After Edward, Bella, and Alice enter the turret room, Aro asks Felix to bring Caius and Marcus who arrive in long black robes.  Marcus appears “utterly bored” as if he has been around Aro’s enthusiasm for too long.  He touches Aro’s palm briefly to tell him his thoughts.  Marcus is surprised by the intensity of Edward, Bella, and Alice’s relationship.  He joins Caius who is seated in one of the wooden thrones.  Aro lets Edward, Alice, or Bella go in hope that they will join the Volturi in the future.  (NM21)

Alice has a vision that all the Volturi are coming –- Aro, Caius, Marcus, the guard, and the wives.  She says that the decision was made but they are waiting for Irina.  Aro will see that Renesmee is an immortal child through Irina’s thoughts.  Edward says that they will “come to destroy, not to be reasoned with.” (BD28)

The Volturi arrive at the clearing “with pageantry.”  They are in a “rigid, formal formation” that seemed to flow in “perfect synchronicity” — “it was the pace of the invincible.”  The entire guard, the wives, and their witnesses are also present.  After the Volturi stop, Aro and Caius touch hands as they evaluate the scene.  Marcus is touching Aro’s other hand but does not seem to be part of the conversation.  Edward says that Marcus is assessing the strength of their ties and if there are any weak points.  (BD36)

 

Aro rallies the support of the guard and then goes to counsel with Caius and Marcus.  They join hands “to form a black-shrouded triangle.”  (BD37)  Chelsea tries to break the ties between the Cullens and their witnesses, and Jane tries to attack, but Bella’s shield is protecting them.  Edward tells Tanya that it is normal procedure for the Volturi to incapacitate those on trial so they can’t escape.  Aro, Caius, and Marcus break formation in time to see Alec’s “strange clear haze” hit Bella’s shield.  Marcus does not see any danger with Renesmee and votes to leave in peace.  With the arrival of Alice and her witnesses, Aro casts the deciding vote and announces that he sees no threat from the “half-vampire children.”  He turns to the Volturi guard and tells them that they will not fight today.  The guard resumes their formation and departs along with the wives and their witnesses.  (BD38)

Portrayed in the films by: Christopher Heyerdahl

Prepared by: Anny

Full Name: Aro

Status: Vampire

Date of Birth: Around 1300 BC (OIL)

Originally from: Greece (OIL)

Hair color:  “Long, jet black hair” (NM21)

Eye color: Vampire burgundy but “clouded, milky” (NM21)

Height: 5’10” (OIL)

Physical description: Perfect facial features with skin that is “translucently white, like onionskin [and] looked just as delicate” and appears to be floating when he moves (NM21)

Special Talents: Potent mind-reading gift (SMW) — “hears every thought that your mind has ever had” via physical contact (NM21)

Occupation: One of the three leaders of the Volturi – often acts as the spokes person

Family members: Volturi Coven with Sulpicia, Caius, Athenodora, and Marcus – Sulpicia is his mate, and Didyme was his biological sister (BD Vampire Index/SMW)

Personal history: The Volturi are Aro, Caius, Marcus, and two females [Sulpicia and Athenodora] who never go out.  (PC1)  Aro is freakishly curious.  He keeps the histories, and new stories are one of his favorite things. (PC10)  Aro always wants power.  (SMW)  He can honestly love someone and still kill them if it gets in his way.  Aro is very controlling.  He is the pinnacle and has all the power so he calls the shots.  (From Stephenie Meyer Fan Junket The Villainous Volturi on TwilightSeriesTheories.com)

Born in Greece in the 1300’s, Aro has always been ambitious and power hungry. He was transformed in his mid-twenties and formed a coven with Marcus and Caius by the 1400’s. Even though they agreed to rule jointly, Aro took over much of the decision making based on his ability to read minds. He was the last of the coven members to form a romantic attachment, opting to find a human and turn her rather than mate with an already existing vampire. He found what he was looking for in an young orphan named Sulpicia, who remains devoted to Aro to this day. (OIL)

Hoping that his sister would have a special talent, Aro changed Didyme to a vampire.  However, her talent wass not what he had hoped for.  Marcus, Aro’s most trusted partner, and Didyme fell in love.  Marcus was so happy that he was no longer interested in “Aro’s plans for domination.”  After a few centuries, Marcus and Didyme considered leaving the Volturi.  Aro pretended to be happy and gave his blessing.  However, he did not want to lose Marcus’ talent.  When he knew that he could not be discovered, Aro murdered his sister.  Marcus did not find out that Aro was responsible for Didyme’s death (SMW) since it happened in battle (PC10).  Aro used Chelsea’s talent to keep Marcus loyal even though he had no interest in his quest for power.  (SMW) Because the loss of Didyme left Marcus nearly debilitated, Aro has taken supreme precaution with his own wife and with Caius’ wife to insure their safety, lest one of the wives die and leave Aro and Caius in a similar state. (OIL)

The guard is not technically the Volturi, though the name loosely applies.  (PC10)  The Volturi choose members of their guard for their special talents.  They rarely leave their city unless duty calls.  “Over the millennia, they have assumed the position of enforcing [the] rules” — keep the existence of vampires secret.  Volterra has been their city “since the time of the Etruscans.”  Since the Volturi do not allow hunting, they bring their food in.  (NM19)  Edward describes them as a “very old, very powerful family of [vampires]…the closest thing…to a royal family.”  (NM1)  Aro, Caius, and Marcus are also known as the “nighttime patrons of the arts.”  Solimena “often painted them as gods.”  (TW16)  Aro, Caius, and Marcus think of themselves as brothers.  (NM21)

Carlisle met Aro, Caius, and Marcus while studying in Italy.  He admired “their civility, their refinement.”  However, they try to cure Carlisle of his “vegetarian” ways, and he tries to persuade them to give up their “natural food source” with no luck.  Aro even went so far as to have a profusely bleeding body delivered to Carlisle just to see what Carlisle would do.  (OIL)  Carlisle left after a few decades.  (TW16)

Alice and Bella raced to Volterra to save Edward when he wanted to die because he thought Bella was dead.  The Volturi are very protective of their city and would stop Edward if he were to “upset the peace.”  Alice warned Bella that they might not survive.  (NM18)  She saw that the Volturi decided not to destroy Edward and asked him to join them because of this talent.  Aro thought it was “wasteful” to destroy Edward.  (NM19)

Aro was wearing a long, black robe when Bella saw him in the turret room.  He was pleased that Jane brought back Edward and was ecstatic to see Bella and Alice, too.  He was curious about the story behind Edward and Bella’s “happy ending.”  Aro asked Felix to bring Caius and Marcus.  Aro was envious of Edward’s ability to read thoughts from a distance.  When Marcus arrived, he touched Aro’s palm briefly to tell him his thoughts.  Aro was amazed that Marcus was surprised by the intensity of Edward, Bella, and Alice’s relationship.  He couldn’t believe how Edward can resist the call of Bella’s blood.  Aro said that Edward reminds him of Carlisle and was pleased that he has succeeded with the “unorthodox path he’s chosen.”  When Aro found out that Bella was immune to his talent, he asked Jane to try her talent on her, too.  Edward lunged towards Jane to protect Bella.  Even though no one touched him, Edward was on the ground in agony as Jane smiled at him.  When Aro called to Jane, she looked away, and Edward relaxed.  Aro then motioned to Bella, and Jane smiled at her with no reaction.  Jane was so frustrated that she prepared to spring, but Aro calmed her down.  Aro told Edward that he was brave to endure Jane’s torture in silence.  He understood since he was curious and asked Jane to test her talent on him.  In turn, Aro asked Edward then Alice if they would join the Volturi.  Both politely refused.  When Aro asked Bella, Caius questioned him.  He explained that Bella has a lot of potential when she becomes a vampire.  Bella also refused Aro’s offer.  After Caius claimed that Bella needs to be destroyed, Aro intervened.  He told Edward that they would be allowed to leave if they intend to change Bella into a vampire.  Alice steped forward so Aro can touch her hand and read her thoughts.  Alice’s vision of Bella’s future convinced Aro.  He was amazed with Alice’s talent.  When Caius complained, Aro told him that there is hope that Edward, Bella, or Alice will join them in the future.  Aro took Felix’s cloak and gave it to Edward so they could safely leave.  (NM21)

Edward tolds the Cullens and Bella that Aro wants him and Alice – the power of the present and future.   He also told them that Aro is jealous of Carlisle since he has the things that he wants and wouldn’t mind “rooting out the competition.”  (EC13)

Because of Alice’s talent, Aro deviated from the pattern and let Jane make the decisions [about how to deal with the newborns in Seattle].  ( The Villainous Volturi)  Jane passed on Aro’s regards to Carlisle when she arrived after the fight with the newborn army.  (EC25)

Aro studied the immortal children to see if they could be tamed.  He came to the same conclusion as Caius and agreed that they could not exist.  The Denali sisters did not know their mother [Sasha] created an immortal child until they saw him burning in their mother’s arms.  Because Aro knew the sisters were innocent, the Volturi pardoned them.  (BD2)

Alice sees a vision that Caius sends a hunting party that includes Jane and Alec to see if Bella is human.  She sends a wedding announcement to delay them.  In response, Aro sends an ornate box with a diamond necklace inside along with a note that said he was looking forward to seeing Bella.  Bella believes Aro is a collector and his prized possessions are his “living pieces” since they are extraordinarily talented and rare.  She is worried about what would happen if Aro saw Renesmee.  (BD27)

Alice has a vision that all the Volturi are coming –- Aro, Caius, Marcus, the guard, and the wives.  She says that the decision was made but they are waiting for Irina.  Aro will see the proof in Irina’s thoughts that Renesmee is an immortal child.  Edward says that they will “come to destroy, not to be reasoned with.”  (BD28)

Eleazar is able to tell Aro if any vampires had special talents that could give the Volturi trouble in battle or could be useful to them.  Aro would have Eleazar test humans that wanted to join the Volturi to see if they had potential talents.  (BD30)

Renata is Aro’s personal bodyguard.  However, she will also protect Caius and Marcus when needed.  Aro sent Eleazar all over the world to find rare talents.  Edward says that Aro wants Alice and her talent.  (BD31)

The Volturi arrive at the clearing “with pageantry.”  They are in a “rigid, formal formation” that seemed to flow in “perfect synchronicity” – “it was the pace of the invincible.”  The entire guard, the wives, and their witnesses are also present.  Edward confirms that Alistair’s theories were right about Aro and Caius’ goal to “destroy and acquire” and tells the others that they have “many layers of strategy” in place.  After the Volturi stop, Aro and Caius touch hands as they evaluate the scene.  Marcus is touching Aro’s other hand but does not seem to be part of the conversation.  Aro searches and is disappointed when he does not see Alice.  Carlisle greets Aro who steps out of formation with Renata following close by.  Aro accuses Carlisle of assembling an army to kill them.  Carlisle encourages Aro to touch his hand to know that “no one has broken the law.”  Caius joins Aro in accusing Carlisle of creating his own rules.  Caius questions Irina about Renesmee, and Irina says that she has grown.  Aro intervenes and takes Irina’s hand.  He admits that there is a mystery, and Carlisle again offers to explain.  However, Aro wants to “have the evidence directly from” Edward.  He is “delighted” with Edward’s attitude.  Aro takes Edward’s hand and learns about everything over the past month.  He asks to meet Renesmee.  When Caius asks what is going on, Aro tells him “the justice we intended to deliver no longer applies.”  Edward suggests that Aro bring a few others to make the guard more comfortable.  Aro has Felix and Demetri accompany him along with Renata.  Aro compliments Bella on her immortality and sees that she is wearing the necklace that he gave her.  Bella thanks him for his generosity.  Aro greets Renesmee and tells Caius that she is “half mortal, half immortal.”  Renesmee touches Aro to give her explanation then asks “please.”  Aro tells her that he will not harm her loved ones.  Maggie hisses at Aro’s lie.  Aro thinks about having the wolves as guard dogs, but Edward tells him that it would never work since the wolves protect human life.  When the wolves snarl, Aro says that it is clear which side they have picked.  (BD36)

Aro then waves the guard forward.  Caius starts to argue with Aro immediately.  Aro responds calmly that it is true and mentions Carlisle’s witnesses.  This prompts Caius to look at the Volturi witnesses who are confused about the situation.  Then Caius asks about the wolves and the alliance with the Cullens.  Edward responds that they are shape-shifters and not the “Children of the Moon.”  As if embarrassed, Aro tells Caius that he would have warned him about this if he shared his thoughts with him.  Caius continues to press that the wolves know about vampires, but Aro quickly tells them that they are also a part of the supernatural world and have their secret to keep.  He encourages Caius to move on.  It appears that maintaining their pristine reputation is more important to Aro than Caius.  Caius then questions Irina.  Based on her response, Caius signals the Volturi guard to destroy Irina for her false accusation.  Carlisle and Garrett are able to stop Tanya and Kate in time.  The guard prepares to fight while their witnesses become suspicious.  Aro’s need for an audience is backfiring.  To be thorough, Aro decides to question some of Carlisle’s witnesses.  He talks with Amun who gives his witness and then asks if Renesmee “should be allowed to live.”  Amun says that he does not see any danger and requests to leave.  Aro agrees but with a veiled threat to see him soon.  He then moves on to Siobhan.  She believes that Renesmee blends well with other humans and will not expose the vampire world.  However, Aro responds that Renesmee is still a danger since “only the known is safe…the unknown is a vulnerability.”  He compliments Garrett for his impassioned speech about how the Volturi are determined to destroy the Cullens and Denali clan.  Aro then asks some of their witnesses what they think.  Makenna and Charles agree with Garrett that the Cullens are innocent.  Aro rallies the support of the guard and then goes to counsel with Caius and Marcus.  They join hands “to form a black-shrouded triangle.”  (BD37)

Chelsea tries to break the ties between the Cullens and their witnesses, and Jane tries to attack, but Bella’s shield is protecting them.  Edward tells Tanya that it is normal procedure for the Volturi to incapacitate those on trial so they can’t escape.  Aro, Caius, and Marcus break formation in time to see Alec’s “strange clear haze” hit Bella’s shield.  Aro then offers Edward, Bella, Benjamin, Zafrina, and Kate a chance to join them, but there is no response.  Before Aro can cast the deciding vote, Edward clarifies the issue -– there would be no need to counsel if it can be certain that Renesmee could keep the existence of vampires secret as she grows.  Aro agrees if they could be “absolutely sure.”  Edward calls to Alice to bring her witnesses.  After Huilen tells her story, Aro asks Nahuel questions about when he reached maturity, what he eats, and about creating an immortal.  He is surprised to hear that Nahuel’s sisters are also half-vampires.  Nahuel tells the story about his father Joham creating a “new super-race.”  Aro stares at Bella then announces that he sees no threat from these “half-vampire children.”  When Caius and Aro consider talking with Joham, Nahuel asks them to leave his sisters alone since they are innocent.  Aro turns to the Volturi guard and tells them that they will not fight today.  The guard resumes their formation and departs along with the wives and their witnesses.  Aro tells Carlisle that he is glad that there was a peaceful solution and hopes that he will forgive him in time.  Carlisle replies if he can prove to be a friend again in time.  Aro bows his head in remorse then disappears.  (BD38)

Edward says that Alice gave Aro the excuse to avoid a fight since he was terrified of Bella’s shield.  Aro knew that there was a possibility that the Volturi could lose.  (BD39)

Portrayed in the films by: Michael Sheen

Prepared by: Anny

Full Name: Black, Billy

Status: Quileute – Human

Date of Birth: probably born in late 1950’s  or early 1960’s

Originally from: La Push Reservation

Hair color: Black (TW11)

Eye color: Black (TW11)

Height:

Physical description: “a much older man, a heavyset man with a memorable face – a face that overflowed, the cheeks resting against his shoulders, with creases running through the russet skin like an old leather jacket. And the surprisingly familiar eyes, black eyes that seemed at the same time both too young and too ancient for the broad face they were set in.” (TW11 p. 234-5)

Occupation: retired

Family members: Wife (Sarah) Twin daughters (Rachel & Rebecca) Son (Jacob)

Nick Names:

Hobbies: Fishing (TW1), watching sports (TW12 p 237), reading (NM5 p 132), telling native stories (EC11), wood carving (EC17 p. 374)

Personal history: Billy Black was a direct descendant of Ephraim Black, who was the last chief of the Quileute tribe. (NM7) Ephraim was a shape shifter but his grandson, Billy, never transformed, although Bella dreamed that Billy was a big wolf with a silver muzzle. (EC11 p. 264) Billy Black was one of Charlie Swan’s best friends. The two went fishing together often. When Billy’s illness (diabetes, according to PC7) left him with nerve damage, in a wheelchair and unable to drive, Charlie bought Billy’s old Ford truck and gave it to Bella to drive. (TW1 p. 6) Billy never let his disability stop him from doing anything and would even race down hills in his wheelchair. (BD9 p. 165)

Billy and his son Jacob had a good relationship, although Jacob thought his father was too superstitious (TW12 p. 239) and talked too much. (EC Ep p. 625) Billy was very supportive of Sam Uley when he was the first Quileute member of the generation to transform and Billy explained to Sam about the change. (EC5 p. 118) When Jacob was unnerved by Sam’s focused attention, Billy dismissed Jacob’s concerns (NM7 p 178) because he knew that Jacob could only be part of the secret if he transformed. Billy may have acted in a father-like way to Sam, but rumors circulated among the pack that Billy might have been the biological father of Embry – Embry’s mother was Makah, and only Quileutes became werewolves (EC19 p. 418) – this rumor was never confirmed or denied.

Billy disapproved of Bella’s familiarity with the Cullens and feared for her safety (TW12, TW 17) Billy even paid Jacob to attend Bella’s prom to beg her to break up with Edward, her boyfriend (TW Ep). This was understandable because Billy knew about the true stories of “the Cold Ones” and even wore a bag around his neck containing the ashes of the first vampire their ancestors killed and burned. (EC11 p. 255) When Jacob transformed for the first time, Billy attempted to keep Bella away, first by reporting that Jacob had mono (NM10 p. 226) and then by screening phone calls and making excuses for Jacob’s absence (NM11 p. 258). This failed and when Bella became aware of Jacob’s werewolf status, Billy welcomed Bella to the house and to La Push events, such as a playoff party (EC2 p 51) and the tribal council meeting. (EC11 p. 241) Billy attended Bella’s graduation (EC16 p. 358) and Bella’s wedding. (BD4 p. 52) When Jacob was injured during the fight with Victoria’s army of newborns, Billy allowed Carlisle to come on Quileute land to treat Jacob and Billy was grateful (EC26 p. 588)

Billy and Charlie’s friendship was tested several times. When the Cullens moved away from Forks, the La Push residents made huge bonfires on the cliffs to celebrate. Charlie was upset about the act and had a tense phone conversation with Billy about it (NM3 p. 80). Billy and Charlie also argued about Bella, Jacob, and Sam; Bella reported that Sam forbid Jacob from being friends with her and Charlie worried that Bella would relapse (NM11 p 274). The two men were reunited in their shared grief over the death of their mutual friend, Harry Clearwater. (NM16 p. 373) Billy and Charlie acted as couriers for notes between Bella and Jacob when they refused to talk to each other (EC1 p 4) and “gossip[ed] like old women” about their children, according to Bella (EC1 p 14) Billy protected Charlie by hosting him on the reservation during the newborn vampire invasion (EC9 p 212, EC20 p. 434). Billy and Charlie once again disagreed when Jacob “ran away” and Charlie felt that Billy was not doing enough to try and find the missing sixteen-year-old. (BD1 p. 10) A large rift between the two men developed around Renesmee’s first Christmas; Bella was too preoccupied with the looming Volturi visit to consider the reasons for the animosity. (BD 33 p. 630) The division between the two friends was due (Q&A session in Los Angeles) to a love triangle between them and Sue Clearwater. Billy spent a lot of time at Sue Clearwater’s house to support her after her husband’s death (EC14 p. 320), after her own children’s transformations into werewolves (EC19 p. 418) and more so after Paul imprinted on Billy’s daughter Rachel. (BD8 p 148) At the end of the books, Bella surmised that Charlie would end up with Sue, and this may have been the end of Billy and Charlie’s friendship.

Portrayed in the films by: Gil Birmingham

Prepared by: Lady Di

I sent a grumbling e-mail to Stephenie a while back mentioning how the folks over at MySpace have been treated several times to extra bits of scenes and such from unpublished sections of her books.  Being the very gracious and fair author that she is, and knowing that I probably wouldn’t shut up until she gave me something, Stephenie sent me this little out take for everyone to read here at the lexicon. 

From what I can gather, in the original Twilight manuscript, Bella, Edward, and Alice stayed behind in Phoenix while she healed and then drove home passing through Las Vegas on the way.  This scene takes place in an unnamed Las Vegas casino.  Bella still has a cast on her leg.

ENJOY!!

The next morning, we went to the casino. Natural light never came close to touching the gaming floor, so it was very easy. Edward told me it was generally expected for them to go lose some money in the hotel—a suite like ours was reserved for that special class of visitor known as high rollers.

As they walked—and I rolled in my wheelchair—through the acres of elegantly decorated casino floor, three times Alice paused at a particular slot machine and slid a card through the scanner. Each time she did this, sirens would blare, lights would revolve, and an electronic simulation of coins dropping indicated that her prize had been credited to her room. She tried to get me to do it once, but I skeptically shook my head.

"I thought you were supposed to lose money," I accused her.

"Oh, I will," she assured me. "But not until I make them sweat a little." Her smile was sinful.

We reached a more lavishly decorated division of the huge casino, where there were no slot machines or casually dressed tourists with plastic cups full of change. Plush chairs replaced the swiveling bar stools, and the voices were quiet, serious. But we continued still further, through a set of ornate gold doors into another room, a private room, more opulent yet. Finally I understood why Alice had insisted on the raw silk, emerald green wrap around dress she’d tied on me today, why she was wearing a long, white satin sarong—with a short lace top that bared her flat, white stomach—and why Edward was overwhelming and irresistible in another light silk suit. The players in this room were all dressed with an exclusive splendor whose expense was far beyond my imagining. A few of the impeccable older men even had young women in glittering, strapless gowns standing behind their chairs, just like in the movies. I pitied the beautiful women as their eyes swept over Alice and Edward, realizing their own deficiencies as they measured the first, and the deficiencies of their partners as they ogled the second. I was the enigma, and their eyes slid away from me unsatisfied.

Alice glided off toward the long roulette tables, and I cringed as I thought of the havoc she would wreak.

"You do know how to play black jack, of course," Edward bent forward to murmur in my ear.

"Are you kidding?" I felt the color drain from my face.

"Knowing your luck, I couldn’t lose any more thoroughly than by letting you play," he chuckled. He wheeled me toward a table with three empty chairs. The two immaculately dressed, exceptionally dignified Asian men glanced up in disbelief as Edward lifted me gently into one of the empty velvet chairs, and took the seat next to me. The delicate oriental beauty who stood at the end of the table watched with insulting incredulity as Edward caressed my hair possessively.

"Only use one hand," he breathed almost silently in my ear. "And keep your cards over the table."

Edward spoke a quiet word to the dealer, and two impressive stacks of dark blue chips appeared on the table in front of us. They had no numbers—and I didn’t want to know anyway. Edward pushed a small stack of his forward, and a larger stack of mine. I glared at Edward in embarrassed panic, but he just smiled impishly as the dealer dealt the cards swiftly around. I picked up my cards carefully with one hand, holding them rigidly above the table. I had two nines. Edward held his cards loosely; I could see he had a five and a seven. I glanced guardedly at the two gentlemen next to me, intent but terrified, watching carefully to see what the protocol was for a high rolling black jack table. To my relief, it seemed easy enough. The first swept the top of his cards briefly against the felt, and received a card, the second slipped the corner of his cards under his bet, leaving them on the table, and didn’t. I quickly put my cards down, shoving them awkwardly under my chips—cheeks flaming—when the dealer looked at me. Belatedly I noticed that the dealer had a queen. Edward brushed the table lightly, and the dealer threw a nine face up on the table in front of him. I glared at him, as the men beside me murmured appreciatively.

The dealer had a jack, and I lost, as did both Asian gentlemen. He smoothly relieved us of our chips. I heard a subdued commotion coming from the direction of the roulette table, but I was afraid to look. Edward pushed another stack of my chips onto the table, and it began again.

When my chips were gone, Edward passed me half of his, unable to contain his amused smile. He was doing well, winning three times as often as the other men at the table. But, with the size of my bets controlled by him, I was losing chips faster than he could rake them in. I had yet to win a hand. It was humiliating—but at least I was sure to never become a gambling addict.

Finally, I lost our last stack of chips. The Asian gentlemen, and their female escort, watched Edward with impressed curiosity as he could no longer contain his mirth, chuckling quietly, but with deep amusement, while he returned me to the wheel chair. I blushed and kept my eyes on the thick carpet as he pushed me away, still laughing.

"I’m the worst gambler in history," I muttered apologetically.

"Actually, you’re not. That’s what so funny." He laughed again. "You didn’t do one thing wrong, aside from playing a little conservatively. The odds that you would lose every hand…" He shook his head, grinning.

We got to the roulette table just in time to watch Alice lose her spectacular pile of multihued chips in one disastrous spin of the wheel. The many hopeful players who had bet with her on seventeen black looked murderously disappointed. She laughed, a trilling, carefree sound, and joined us.

"Did we lose enough?" I whispered as we exited the gold doors.

"I think the house is satisfied. You’re probably their favorite client today," he snickered.

"Please promise me one thing."

"Anything you want."

"Never, ever tell me how much money I lost today, please."

We were in the noisy casino by this time, and his laugh was unrestrained.

Charlie’s House

Charlie’s home is described as a “small, two-bedroom house” (TW1) that he had bought in the early days of his marriage to Renee. It has only one bathroom “at the top of the stairs” (TW1) which Bella shares with Charlie.

Bella’s room is at the west of the house and it “faced out over the front yard” (TW1). It is the window here that Edward uses to enter her bedroom. The front of the house also contains a “porch” (TW17) and it has a “brick driveway”. (TW3)

At the back of the house, there is a “small, square yard” (TW7), and when Bella heads “east on foot” (TW7) across it, she reaches the “ever-encroaching forest.” (TW7)

Downstairs, Charlie’s house is best described in TW1. It has a “handkerchief-sized family room” with a “small fireplace” above which is a sequence of pictures of Bella getting older and his wedding picture. This room adjoins to the “small” kitchen. The living room seems to focus around the television, where Charlie spends his evenings.

The kitchen has an “old square oak table” with “three un-matching chairs” (TW1). This is the table on which Bella “left a note for Charlie.” (TW7) The kitchen cabinets are described as “bright yellow” and are remarkable because Bella’s “mother had painted the cabinets eighteen years ago in an attempt to bring some sunshine into the house.” (TW1)

Downstairs is secured by “the simple dead bolt” (TW12) which Bella doesn’t always bother fastening when she goes out.

Bella’s bedroom is described in a lot of detail. It has a “wooden floor,” (TW14) “light blue walls” (TW1), a “peaked ceiling” (TW1) and in many ways hasn’t changed at all since Bella was born. The lace curtains on the window are described as “yellowed” with age, and the “rocking chair from my [Bella’s] baby days was still in the corner.” (TW1). Her clothes are stored in “the old pine dresser” (TW1)

The changes that have been made over the years include “switching the crib for a bed and adding a desk.” (TW1). There is also an addition of a “second-hand computer” (TW1) which is connected to the internet, although “My modem was sadly outdated, my free service substandard.” (TW7)

Bella’s door is also lockable. She uses this on two occasions in “Twilight” – once when she is packing her bag to run away from James and she doesn’t want Charlie to see Edward helping her to pack, and the other time in Chapter 7 where she doesn’t want to be disturbed after her visit to the beach. “Once in my room, I locked the door.” (TW7)

For many fans, the set chosen for Charlie’s house was possibly the closest to the book’s description. Below are two images of the home used in the movies. The first is pre-production picture of the house, and the second is a still from New Moon.