Alphie and Pel are very pleased to announce the creation of the Lexicon Podcast section aptly named The Forks-Casts!!  The first Forks-Cast runs about 40 mins and includes some information on how Alphie hooked Pel on the Twilight books.  We hope that you all enjoy these for the entertainment value of listening to us giggle and squee and generally act as the two crazy ladies we are.  You can find the Forks-Cast here:

http://www.ravenclaw.us/lexicon_podcasts.htm

For more information on how to download the material to your computer or your I-Pod, visit the Forks-Cast section of the Lexicon.

Alphie

We have a few things to add today.  First off, proving that she hasn’t fallen off the Earth, Imogen has sent in the information on Forks High School.  You’ll also notice that a new section has been added to the Lexicon about Werewolf Mythology.  Imogen will be updating that section once a week or so until she’s satisfied.  Check back for updates.

Also, one of our users here at the Lexicon has provided us with a general FAQ about the publishing world.  Her name is LakeGirl and she works in the publishing industry, so her information is very valuable.  We want to thank her for adding this very helpful section to the Lexicon.

Lastly, I want to make it clear that i do know there is a problem with the message boards and I am working on it.  It’s an issue with the host server, which I don’t have much control over.  But I assure you that I am trying to get it back up so you can all have your daily dose of fun.  In the mean time, you are always welcome in the chat room.

Alphie

Forks High School

For starters, let it be said that Stephenie had never seen the school in Forks when she wrote Twilight.  The school that exists in the book is nothing like the school in real life.

The High School in Forks is very small and consists of only  “three hundred and fifty-seven—now fifty-eight—students” (TW1). As such, everyone knows everyone else there, and what is happening with the school community, even down to the point that Charlie knows which night the school dance is on.

The school is located “just off the highway” (TW1), so it’s relatively easy to find, even though it doesn’t look like a school and there is a sign to label it. Bella describes it as  looking “like a collection of matching houses, built with maroon-colored bricks” but, from the road, the buildings are camouflaged by “so many trees and shrubs” that it’s impossible to tell how big the school is. Bella notes how different it is to the school she came from in Phoenix, not only by the number of the pupils but also by the lack of it feeling like an “institution”. She wonders: “Where were the chain-link fences, the metal detectors?”

The first building in the school grounds is has a “small sign over the door reading “Front Office.” (TW1). It is adjacent to the parking lot, and can be reached via a “little stone path lined with dark hedges.” (TW1) The small office itself is fairly typical: “a little waiting area with padded folding chairs, orange-flecked commercial carpet, notices and awards cluttering the walls, a big clock ticking loudly.  Plants grew everywhere in large plastic pots, as if there wasn’t enough greenery outside.  The room was cut in half by a long counter, cluttered with wire baskets full of papers and brightly colored flyers taped to its front.  There were three desks behind the counter.” (TW1).

You have to go through the office to get to the nurse’s door, as we see when Edward takes Bella there after she almost faints during the blood testing. (TW5)

The school is atypical of northern US school buildings, but follows the patterns and conventions of those built in the south. To move from classroom to classroom students need to move around outside. This is clear from the very beginning when: “We got our jackets and headed out into the rain” (TW1) and although the precipitation changes later, the outdoors movement around school does not: “When we walked out of class, the air was full of swirling bits of white,” and also “I walked alertly to the cafeteria with Jessica after Spanish.  Mush balls were flying everywhere.” (TW2) In addition, the classrooms are small. “The people in front of me stopped just inside the door to hang up their coats on a long row of hooks,” (TW1) due to them having just entered the building from outside.

Buildings are identified on their exteriors by the numbers “painted on a white square on the east corner.” (TW1) English is in 3, Government in 6, Science in 4. There are limited descriptions of the classrooms, although we do find out that biology has fairly standard “black topped lab tables” (TW1) just like the ones Bella was used to in Phoenix.

The cafeteria plays a central role in the books and it seems to be fairly central in the school campus as well. It is a “long room” (TW1), with “seldom-used picnic benches on the south side” (TW7) from where the “red-barked trees” in the school grounds are clearly evident. It is possibly these trees that Edward carries Bella to sit beneath during the epilogue. The roof of the cafeteria has an “overhang” that provides “shelter” (TW10) from the wet Forks weather!

The gym is the other building mentioned in the story, and is obviously fairly sizeable for the amount of students at the school, as Bella “watched four volleyball games running simultaneously” (TW1) and is also “the only room in town big enough for a dance.” (TW Epilogue). The gym is close to the parking lot, as it is somewhere Bella contemplates hiding, to watch until the “parking lot cleared” (TW2), and she can walk “swiftly out to the parking lot” from the gym.

I went in an added the links and a few minor changes to the bios for Rosalie and Jasper.  I also added what little information we have about Felix, Demetri, Heidi, and Gianna.

Alphie

Full Name: Heidi

Status:  Vampire

Date of Birth: Before 1550

Date of Transformation: Before 1550

Originally from:  Germany

Hair color: “Long mahogany hair [that is] lustrous” (NM21)

Eye color:  “Strangest shade of violet” from blue tinted contacts over vampire burgundy eyes (NM21)

Height: Statuesque (NM21) 5’10” (OIL)

Physical description: “Gorgeous, statuesque” and “exceptional, unforgettable” beauty (NM21)

Special Abilities: Overwhelmingly physically attractive and nearly impossible to resist especially if she is trying to attract you. (OIL)

Occupation:

Family members: Member of the Volturi Guard.  Once belonged to the same coven as Victoria.

Source of Change: Hilda

Personal history:  Hilda, the vampire who changed Heidi had a rather large coven which included Victoria.  She was accused of drawing too much attention to herself and nearly all of her coven was destroyed.  Heidi was thought to be penitent and was sparred.  (OIL)

Volterra has been their city “since the time of the Etruscans,” and the Volturi are very protective of it.  Since they do not allow hunting, they bring their food in.  (NM19)

After a large group of people pass in the hallway before entering the turret room, Demetri greets Heidi who is dressed to emphasize her beauty.  She is wearing the shortest of miniskirts that exposes her long legs darkened with tights.  Her red vinyl top is high necked, long sleeved, and close fitting.  Heidi responds to Demetri and looks at Edward and Bella.  Demetri then compliments her “nice fishing.”  Bella realizes that Heidi is the bait in her sexy outfit as well as the fisherman for the Volturi.  Heidi thanks Demetri, and he asks her to save a few for him.  (NM21)

Portrayed in the films by:  Noot Seer 

Prepared by: Anny

Full Name:  Gianna

Status: Human

Date of Birth: Late 1970’s

Originally from: Italy

Hair color: Black

Eye color: Green (NM21)

Height: 5’6” (OIL)

Physical description: Very pretty with dark skin (NM21)

Occupation:  Receptionist for the Volturi

Family members: 

Personal history:  Gianna greets Jane from a posh reception area.  She is not surprised to see Edward, Bella, and Alice.  She giggles when Felix winks at her.  (NM21)

Demetri leads Edward, Bella, and Alice back to the reception area and tells them not to leave until dark.  Gianna politely asks if she can get them anything.  Edward declines, and she leaves.  Edward explains to Bella that Gianna knows about the Volturi.  Even though it is possible that they will kill her, Gianna hopes that they will change her to a vampire instead.  Bella is shocked that she would want to join the Volturi after seeing groups of people be led to that “hideous room” to be killed.  After Alec says that it is o.k. to leave, Gianna gives Edward, Bella, and Alice directions on how to exit the building and pleasantly tells them goodbye.  Bella wonders “if her competence [will] be enough to save her.”  (NM22)

Gianna did not survive.  “That’s one of the problems with working for the Volturi. It’s a hazardous job.” (BD Concert Tour–LA Q&A)

Portrayed in the films by:  Justine Wachsberger

Prepared by: Anny

Full Name: Demetri

Status: Vampire

Date of Birth:

Originally from:

Hair color: Black hair that “waved to his shoulders” (NM21)

Eye color: Vampire burgundy

Height: Tall (BD36)

Physical description: “Hard and lean as the blade of a sword” (BD36) with a “slightly olive complexion [that] looked odd combined with his chalky pallor” (NM21)

Special Talents: Tracker that catches the “tenor of someone’s mind” and follows it (NM24)

Occupation: Volturi Guard tracker

Family members: Member of the Volturi Guard

Personal history: Aro sends Felix and Demetri to bring Edward back to talk again.  However, he politely declines and moves to protect Bella.  Felix and Demetri try to force Edward further into the dark alley to avoid a scene.  They are not happy when Alice shows up to even things up.  When Jane arrives, they further relax their positions.  They lead Edward, Bella, and Alice to the turret room.  (NM20)

While escorting Edward, Bella, and Alice out, Demetri motions to make room for a large group of humans that pass in the hallway before entering the turret room.  He welcomes Heidi and compliments her with “nice fishing.”  She thanks him, and Demetri asks her to save a few for him.  (NM21)  He leaves Edward, Bella, and Alice in the reception area with Gianna and tells them not to leave until dark.  (NM22)

After the fight with Victoria and the newborn army is over, Edward tells Bella that Demetri came with Jane.  Jane tells Felix to destroy Bree and then they leave.  (EC25)

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.  Bella sees Jane and Alec next to Marcus with Demetri on their other side.  Aro has Felix and Demetri accompany him when he meets Renesmee.  Demetri comments to Edward about the “interesting company” that they keep regarding the wolves.  (BD36)  When Aro wants to question some of the Cullens’ witnesses, Renata, Felix, and Demetri move with him.  (BD37)

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: Charlie Bewley

Prepared by: Anny

Full Name: Felix

Status: Vampire

Date of Birth:

Originally from:

Hair color: Black hair that is cropped short (NM21)

Eye color: Vampire burgundy

Height: Tall (NM20)

Physical description: “Very big, tall and thick through the shoulders” (NM20) with a “slightly olive complexion [that] looked odd combined with his chalky pallor” (NM21)

“Hulking and menacing as an iron-spiked cudgel” (BD36)

Occupation: Volturi Guard

Family members: Member of the Volturi Guard

Personal history: Aro sends Felix and Demetri to bring Edward back to talk again.  However, he politely declines and moves to protect Bella.  Felix and Demetri try to force Edward further into the dark alley to avoid a scene.  They are not happy when Alice shows up to even things up.  When Jane arrives, they further relax their positions.  They lead Edward, Bella, and Alice to the turret room.  Felix winks at Gianna, and she giggles.  (NM20)

Felix calls “dibs” regarding Bella and tries to provoke Edward into fighting, but Alice tells him to be patient.  Aro asks Felix to bring Caius and Marcus.  Jane and Felix scowl when Aro asks Edward to join the Volturi.  They are also disappointed when Aro lets Edward, Bella, and Alice go.  Aro removes Felix’s cloak and gives it to Edward.  (NM21)

After the fight with Victoria and the newborn army is over, Bella recognizes Felix when he arrives with Jane and the others at the clearing.  Jane tells Felix to destroy Bree and then they leave.  (EC25)

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.  Aro has Felix and Demetri accompany him when he meets Renesmee.  Felix greets Bella and compliments her that “immortality” suits her.  (BD36)  When Aro wants to question some of Carlisle’s witnesses, Renata, Felix, and Demetri move with him.  (BD37)

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: Daniel Cudmore

Prepared by: Anny

I have lots of updates for you today, most of which concern the Volturi.  I ended up taking some of my information from the message boards as well as asking Steph a few questions.  I’ve combined all of that information, as well as a few other tid bits, into PC10.  Check it out. 

I sent Stephenie the ten questions from lexicon members that Pel and I decided were the best ones for her to answer right now.  I will add them to PC10 once Stephenie has a chance to get them back to me.  She is still on tour and so this could take a while.  Keep in mind that anything relating to the werewolves, Rosalie, and Jasper will be answered in Eclipse, so I couldn’t include them.  Even still, she did scold me for not picking any easy questions, so we should end up with some really great information when it’s all said and done.

Lastly, I have added the bios for Jane and Alec as well as updated the bios for Aro, Caius, and Marcus.   

Full Name: Alec

Status: Vampire

Date of Birth:

Date of Change: Unknown but very young (PC10)

Originally from:

Hair color: Dark brown (NM21)

Eye color: Vampire burgundy

Height: Petite – “smallest members of the guard” (BD36)

Physical description: Nearly identical to Jane with slightly darker hair and lips that aren’t as full (NM21)

Special Talents: Acts as an “anesthetic” –- he cuts off all the senses including sight, sound, smell, and pain but his talent can affect more than one person (BD30)

Occupation:

Family members: Member of the Volturi Guard – Jane is his twin sister (PC10)

Personal history: Jane and Alec are considered witches when they were human. Aro is aware of the special talents that the twins had and wants to acquire them when they are older.  When they are being burned at the stake for witchcraft, Aro steps in to save them and slaughters the whole village.  Being burned at the stake intensifies their talents as vampires.  Alec is all about no pain, and Jane wants to inflict that pain on others.  (PC10/BD Concert Tour–Seattle Q&A)

Alec embraces Jane and praises her for bringing Edward, Bella, and Alice.  He teases Edward about being in a better mood and notes Bella as “the cause of all the trouble.”  He tells Edward that Aro will be happy to see him.  Alec and Jane lead them to the turret room.  (NM21)  After feeding, Alec comes out to the reception area to let Edward, Bella, and Alice know that they can leave.  (NM22)

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)

Edward tells Bella that Jane and Alec are the Volturi’s “greatest offense.”  Where Jane can make you “feel the worst pain imaginable,” Alec makes you feel “absolutely nothing.” If they are kind, the Volturi have Alec use his talent before they execute someone.  (BD30)

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.  Bella sees Jane and Alec next to Marcus with Demetri on their other side.  (BD36)

When Bella smugly smiles at her, Jane snarls and crouches to spring when Alec stops her.  He comforts his sister then turns his attention to the Cullens and their witnesses.  Edward explains that Alec’s gift is slower than Jane’s.  When the “strange clear haze” hits Bella’s shield, Alec shows signs of doubt.  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: Cameron Bright

Prepared by: Anny