[BamaFan121s]

"What Carlisle tells you is true," Eleazar confirmed, "As you know, I was a member of the Volturi for a considerable time. Longer than Carlisle. I understand them better than most, perhaps. They are most agreeable to the suggestions we have brought forward. I feel confident in our assessment that there is no need for worry."

"Which brings us to another point," Carlisle stated, glancing to Eleazar, "They are very insistant that I return soon. They hope that you all will return with me and visit. Which reminds me…." A mischievous grin threatened his mouth as he reached into his inner jacket pocket, exchanging a quick wink with his comrade. "Another gift from Aro for Renesmee."

He held out to me a small, ancient, ornately carved box. The wood was pitch black and detailed with half a dozen small, hand crafted horses, all adorned with garlands of roses. I carefully raised the lid, causing the old brass hinges to protest. The inside of the box was lined with very aged, gold colored velvet. But the velvet stood no chance of holding one’s attention long for resting in the center of the box was a small, delicate tiara adorned with hundreds of extravagantly cut diamonds. Set in the very center of the tiara’s peak was a rather large, deep green emerald. As the light of the chandelier overhead was trapped by the facets in the jewels, it cast small rainbows onto its bed of velvet.

"It is absolutely stunning!" I gasped, " It’s really too much…he shouldn’t have."

"I’ve seen this crown before," Esme stated, gingerly raising the tiara from the box, turning it as she examined it. "At this pace, Aro will have stripped the museum of all its artifacts within the year." Her comment was one of amusement rather than disapproval as she shook her chestnut crowned head from side to side in mock amusement and nestled the tiara back in its box.

"Aro hopes that you will soon allow him the opportunity to explain the history of this piece in person," Carlisle said.

"Yes," Edward agreed, " It would be appropriate to show our support of your efforts as well Carlisle."

I glanced down at the tiara once more before closing the lid and turning the brass lock to secure it. Beside me, Edward chuckled. I looked to him curiously, "Am I missing something funny that you’d like to share with the rest of us?" I asked, trying to sound playfully annoyed.

He reached up to tuck a strand of my hair behind my hair, a wry smile spreading across his face until it reached his eyes. He nodded once in the direction of the box in my hands. "I was just thinking about how well this will compliment Jacob’s eyes."

With that, the room dissolved into laughter and we all turned to leave the dining room table.