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Courtesan	By : Shelindrea Category: Twilight Series > Het > Jacob/Renesmee Views: 4787 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight or make any money from this story.

Chapter List
- 20
- 21
- 22
Chapter 21

JPOV

Nessie had always been beautiful. I, better than anyone, knew that. Now, however, with the shine of freedom and the care of supportive mentors she had blossomed into a young woman of incredible allure. Dressed in a sunny lemon gown that flattered her figure and was both sensual and demure she captured the eye of all who saw her, and my eyes, which had been focused on her from the first, were completely captivated.

Her coppery hair was pinned up so that it fell in ringlets down her shoulders. It sparkled in the mid-day sun and my fingers itched to bury themselves in its silky strands. I alone knew the heavenly scent of that hair. I alone knew what it was like to be hidden behind its curtain as she rode me to release. I alone knew that she twirled it round her fingers in her sleep.

Seeing her like this made my need for her grow exponentially. I could feel myself rigidify to solid steel. I could not remember a moment when I did not desire her, but seeing her like this, as a fine lady... a woman whom I could marry... a woman in whom I could legitimately plant my seed and watch it grow... my hunger for her had become an obsession.

I walked up behind her and breathed deeply the aroma of her tumultuous spirals of titian gold. My senses were assaulted with a preponderance of vanilla and roses spiced with a hint of amber and jasmine. If I died in this instant, I would die wrapped in the perfume of perfection.

I brushed the hair away from the nape of her neck and let my lips graze the delicate skin I found there. I heard a quick intake of breath exit her lips and took that as a tacit approval. My lips caressed the column of her neck up to the shell of her ear and once there I took the lobe gently into my mouth. Her skin was satiny and plush against my tongue. Again the sound that exited her was one that spoke directly to my turgid shaft and spoke to me of her own desire.

I found the chord binding the back of her gown and began to unlace her. When I had enough give in the material, I slid it from her shoulders. Their creamy expanse became irresistible to me and I began to cajole her with open mouthed kisses upon her sweet skin. My hands continue to relieve her of her garments until I had her naked before me.

She turned in my arms and began to separate me from my raiment. My shirt skidded over my shoulders and head to be thrown across the room. Her delicate hands smoothed themselves across my breast and I felt the musculature flex and contract as if jolted. She laughed lightly at my response, the sound a balm to my lonely soul.

How I missed that sweet melody of pleasure. How long had it been since I had witnessed her delight first hand? It seemed eons. It proved medicinal to my aching heart. That sound more than anything else brought into focus how completely dependent upon her I was. I could not breathe without her near me. It was as if the oxygen was thinner when she was away from me.

"God, Ness...I need you so much."

"Show me," she whispered.

In an instant, I shod my breeches and laid her out before me. I opened her thighs to find her glistening with moisture. Her coral center beckoned me like a siren song. I dove in with hearty abandon.

The flavor of her nectar was like mother's milk, and I lapped it up with enthusiasm. She ground herself against me seeking increased friction which I willingly provided. My fingers found their way into her blazing sheath, and I stroked her deeply and felt her arch up to meet my ministrations. I drew her nub into my lips and flicked my tongue across it only to find that she was ready for release and in an instant she bathed my fingers and mouth in sweet ambrosia. I drank deeply from her catching every drop as her wave crested over her.

It was many minutes before her breathing became less frenzied, and I felt comfortable crawling up her lithe frame and burying myself in her burning heat. The instant I seated in her honeyed heaven, I felt home. I stroked into her with purpose and passion. Each and every nerve was alight with electricity and it felt amazing.

"Too long...it has been too long...God, Ness...I will not last..."

"Let go, Love,"

That did it, the endearment on her lips sent me over the edge, and I spilled into her with enthusiasm.

My hands grasped the pillow beneath my head and swore. Another dream...waking to reality without my girl was becoming more and more demoralizing. I was having evening emissions like a recalcitrant youth, and the worst part was it did nothing to relieve my tension.

I turned my head into the pillow and breathed deeply. It had been three weeks since my angel had laid her head upon it, and her heavenly scent was beginning to fade. It would never last me the nine moons I was exiled here.

As I had every morning since Bella's return, I reached to my beside table and grasped the red ruby she had returned to me. I held it in my hand and squeezed my eyes tightly. The stone was cold and hard and I hoped to imbibe its essence and steel myself against the pain which burned in my chest. This morning, as every morning, I failed in my attempt.

I did not understand why she had returned it. It was a gift. It was hers. Yet, I could not help but feel that its return was a sign that she no longer wished the reminder of her past. Freedom would afford her so many opportunities and experiences. Perhaps she was trying to give me the goodbye she could not give in person, because I had deprived her the chance.

She had written me. The first letter beat Bella home by a day.

Words fail me to express my fathomless gratitude. I understand why you left the way you did. No doubt, I would have embarrassed us both with an excessive display of tears.

Still, I would that you know I will ever wish you nothing but joy in your life. You deserve nothing but the best, and I pray you find it.

The words were burned into my memory and would flood my mind at inopportune moments. Her second missive arrived in a letter to Bella.

I hope this finds you well. This new life you have granted me seems strange and exciting at times; at others, it feels overwhelming and confusing. I cannot help but think back to times you and I have spent in pleasant conversation.

I felt so safe in those moments. I could not imagine that there could ever be more to life than that. Yet here I am. The world has become so wide I cannot take it all in.

I thought of those moments as well. I missed her, not only the softness of her as she lay beside or beneath me, but her intellect, her curiosity. There was so much I wanted to talk to her about. I craved her sensible and insightful observations, although I feared what she would observe about me now. Would she find the shell I had become as lacking as I did, myself?

After the third letter she stopped writing. There was a detachment to the tone of it. It sounded like someone else.

I wanted to express my gratitude again. Each day offers something more for me to learn. I find myself looking forward to each new avenue which opens before me. I am to begin to venture out from the safety of the confines of Carlisle’s and Esme's wing, and begin to live a truly free life. I wonder who I shall meet, and what they will think of me.

I wonder too what you might think, could you see me now...

I wondered too. She seemed to be growing and changing. She would likely look upon me and find me lacking. I was no courtier with fine manners and fancy airs. I would pale in comparison to those men who would no doubt pursue her as their own.

I squeezed the jewel so hard that I lost sensation in my fingers. This was torture, and somehow I had to survive it for eight more moons. Were God merciful, he would hurry time, and if he knew the outcome of my plight, which I feared was hopeless, my death.

I heard a gentle knock upon the door and growled "Come" to the being beyond.

"Mistress bid me bring you something to break you fast," Tanya said entering with a covered tray, her long blonde mane cascading down her back. She laid it upon the table and then came to the side of the bed and fell to her knees.

I took in her curvaceous form as she sat before me her knees spread wide, her back slightly arched putting her ample globes prominently on display. Tanya was a beauty; there was no disputing it, but somehow her golden goddess look left me completely cold.

"Thank you Tanya," I said flatly. "You may go."

She pouted slightly. "Is there nothing else I may do for you, Master?" she asked suggestively.

"Nothing at all," I answered truthfully.

"There is much I know that could ease your tension, Master," she said slithering up on her knees and attempted to come nearer to me on the bed. Her hand snaked out to touch my cheek, but I trapped it in an iron grasp before she made contact. My eyes flashed with fury, and I had to reign myself in so as not to injure the girl.

"Listen carefully, Tanya. There is not now, nor will there ever again be anything that I will desire of you. Not you, nor any girl of this house. Now take yourself back to the kennels before you find yourself punished for your impetuous nature."

Her eyes grew round and large and she trembled in my grasp. I flung her wrist away, and she scurried out in a way that let me know my point had been made clearly.

I pulled myself from the bed and walked over to the table to uncover the meal Bella had sent me. It consisted of several rashers of crisp bacon, thick sliced fresh bread and eggs. It smelled fresh and tantalizing, yet the thought of actually partaking made my gut clench. I re-covered it and went to the gazing glass.

The face that greeted me was my own, but it was somewhat unfamiliar. My hair was longer, as was my beard. The first morning without Nessie I had gone to shave and found that my hand was shaking so badly I was wont to cut my own throat. The aroma of my shaving soap had brought the memory of Ness scraping my cheek into sharp relief, and I knew I could not make it feel the way she did. Thus my cheek was stubbled and slightly wooly. Bella had objected to my remaining so unkempt, so I agreed to shave a minimum of every three days.

I sighed realizing that it was indeed day three. I bathed and shaved in a somewhat listless frame of mind. After donning my breeches, I tied Nessie's ribbon to the loop I had had Angela sew to the top of each and every pair I owned. The ribbon never left me, I was worrying it raw in some places, but it was my talisman, the only physical reminder I had of her. Its softness mirrored the softness of her skin and sometimes I needed that reminder more than air. I covered the satin strip with my tunic and double checked that it was undetectable by any observer. Finally dressed and groomed, I left the confines of my cave. I found that hiding within these walls helped me imagine that Renesmee was still near. Every inch of my rooms held memories that brought her back to me in an instant. Venturing out from that sanctuary reminded me, all too clearly that she was not here.

I meant to slip out and take Rabbit out to ride the rails and view the herds in solitude, but that was not to be.

"Jacob Black! Turn yourself around this instant."

Reluctantly I did as Bella bade. Her face was stern and unforgiving. I knew that my retreat from her and the daily felicity of our friendship troubled her, but I simply found being around her and Edward painful. They lived in a cocoon of love and happiness and it stabbed me to the heart to watch them share what I so longed for. I did not begrudge them their joy; I simply found it hard to take at present.

"Come with me, friend. Edward and I have news," she said leading me to their personal apartment.

"Has a messenger come?" I asked the anxiousness in my voice evident.

"In a manner of speaking, come and see."

NPOV

Almost a month had passed since I had last set eyes upon my love, and as each day dawned I felt a little less connected to him. I had received missives from Bella every few days, and I answered them as soon as they arrived. She told me of things on the estate, of the business they were conducting, the daily life of household and staff, of the progress of her babe. She spoke of Edward and his patients and even of news from town. She spoke of everything except that which I longed to know.

I had begun our separation with resignation, and thought to write him immediately to thank him for his kindness and to let him know that I held no displeasure in the way he had informed me of my freedom. The letter went unanswered.

When I sent my first dispatch to Bella, I included a sealed message to him as well. Mostly, I reiterated the exciting things that had been happening to me since he had departed. I also asked after his health and situation, praying that he was well, but hoping for some sign that he missed me even a fraction of how much I missed him. Again, the epistle went without response.

Upon my reception of the third letter from Bella, I began to notice something. There was not a single mention of Jacob's name. Not in any of her correspondence. It was as if he did not exist. What was truly troubling though, was that it was not only Bella who had dropped his name. Neither Esme nor Alice spoke it either. If they referred to him at all, they called him "your former master." It became second nature to mimic their pattern, and soon I had stopped speaking his name as well.

Even in my mind, I tried desperately to only think of him as "him." His name brought a sharp pain to my chest and left me feeling drained and sullen. I knew I was a horribly ungrateful wretch. Here I had been given an amazing gift. I was free for the first time in my memory. I was being treated like a princess. Yet all I could do was long for "him."

I was learning so many new things, not the least of which was how to dress. Free women wore so much more than slaves. I was introduced to 'drawers,' a pair of loose trousers that tie at my waist. Over this came the chemise, a thin cotton garment that fell to just above my knees. On top of that went a gown, but unlike anything I ever wore in my past. Gowns were made of silk, satin, cambric, muslin, or at times, velvet. They had sleeves, which I was unaccustomed to, and they were generally cinched at the back by use of a long chord or ribbon. It felt odd to be so covered, let alone to be swathed in elegant raiment. Each new piece was embellished with intricate decoration of embroidery or lace. One could not help but feel more regal wearing clothes of this type.

Alice arranged for a dressmaker to visit the day after I was freed to begin to create a wardrobe for me. A glover and a cobbler also visited to ply their wares. I must admit my feet felt odd in kid slippers, but speaking such won me laughter from Bella and sympathy from Alice.

Two days after Bella and Edward departed we began what Alice called my freedom classes. The first 'rule' was that a free woman always looked people in the eye. It was counter-intuitive to me, having had it drummed into my head that to do so as a slave could earn me a harsh punishment.

I reminded Alice of that, and she pointed something out to me which took me aback. "Ness, I have been led to believe that you have been solely under the care of Bella and...your former master. Is that correct?"

I nodded, not understanding where this was leading.

"Neither of them strike me as the type to dole out punishments for minor infractions, let alone the type to punish harshly."

"They are not. They are the kindest people I know."

"Then exactly what punishment have you feared so intensely?"

I thought about what she asked. In truth, I had never received a punishment of any kind at the hands of anyone at Cullen Estates. I had received training from the slavers. We were cuffed soundly for transgressions, but truthfully I had learned quickly that doing what was expected saved me from such treatment. I had given myself over to the mere thought of punishment and acted accordingly. After that realization, looking people in the eye seemed much less daunting.

Once that hurdle was vaulted, Alice and Jasper began to impress upon me the idea that the world would view me as I viewed myself. They practiced scenarios with me, in hopes of teaching me the proper etiquette for social interactions in daily life. After several weeks of practicing in a safe environment, Alice announced that we were venturing out into the real world.

I was shaking with nerves as I dressed for the day. I donned my new favorite day dress. It was a sunny lemon color, had short sleeves trimmed with lace, a scooped neck, also lace trimmed, and a gently flowing skirt that felt light and fluid as I walked.

Alice had insisted that I needed my hair dressed to go out, and strictly forbade me to tie it back in the leather thong I had adopted when he left it. Wearing it had given me a sense that he was still with me. I settled on tying it round my wrist. It looked like a bracelet for the most part.

Alice entered my room to dress my hair and chattered away as I sat before her. After a few minutes of feeling her run a brush through my locks something occurred to me. "Alice, what happened to Patrice and Anna? I have not seen either of them since...well...since the day I was freed."

Alice continued to pin up my hair as she spoke carefully. "Patrice accompanied Bella back to Cullen Estates and then returned about a week ago. Jasper and I thought it best to keep you clear of any slaves for a bit. When I was first freed I know I felt awkward interacting with people who had been my peers treating me so differently."

"Why would she treat me differently?"

"Because Ness, you have gone from being one of them to being 'Mistress'"

Our eyes met in the glass. I had not thought of myself as a 'Mistress.' It unnerved me to think of myself in those terms. Alice patted my shoulder. "I know it is strange to think of yourself that way, but you will have to face that at some point. Not yet though, and it is possible to live life without slaves. Jasper and I do. I have a free housemaid, and a cook. That is all. It’s how we like it."

I smiled at her in the mirror, and she returned to my hair. Suddenly, I felt that there were some clear questions forming in my mind, and I was determined to seek answers. "Alice, even before I had been freed Anna had seemed to... well, she seemed to dislike me on sight. She even told Patrice she should not associate with a pleasure slave. Why would she feel that way?"

Alice sighed. "It is not an uncommon sentiment, I am afraid, and is something you should be aware of. We will endeavor to protect you from as much prejudice as possible, but you are bound to encounter it at some point, and I feel it best to prepare you."

She turned me by my shoulders and took a seat. Her face was quite serious, and I began to worry my lower lip in anticipation of what she might say. "It is likely that you will encounter some free who are aware of your changed circumstances. They will not all be accepting, especially the women. You need to remember who you are and that they now have no power over you."

I nodded my understanding.

"What you might not expect is the judgment from the slaves. I gather that Cullen Estates is an almost idyllic situation for a slave, is that right?"

I thought about that. I had heard tales of masters beating their slaves, of floggings as punishment, and of female slaves being used by any male member of the household. I had never experienced that. I was kept safe and cared for, at all times. "Yes, I suppose it is. I should have appreciated it more when it was mine, I suppose."

"My own situation when I was a slave was anything but idyllic. I saw every cruelty known to man there. The master was known for harsh punishments and for his lack of care. That was not, however, what made my situation so isolating. No, that was due to the other slaves. You see, Ness, pleasure slaves are viewed as rather pampered among general slaves. They tend to believe that we do not work, and that we receive special treatment for our favors. There is a great deal of jealousy of the pleasure slave's lot. Mostly because they do not truly understand it."

"I do not wonder at anyone being jealous of the life I lived."

"Perhaps, but not all pleasure slaves have it easy. In fact, most do not. Anna's circumstances make her even more likely to harbor jealousy. You see, in most houses it is forbidden for slaves to form romantic relationships. They occur, of course, but they are conducted in secret. Anna had such a relationship, only it was discovered. The object of her affection was sold off, and she was lowered in her station. She was taken in by Esme, because she had heard of her plight and wanted to ease her way."

"Poor soul."

"Yes, Esme said she was heartbroken at being away from the man she loved."

"I understand how she feels," I sighed.

"You do?" she asked looking intently at me. "So you too know love?"

"I... uh..." how could I confess my feelings when I now knew they were in no way reciprocated.

"You can trust me, Nessie. I want you to feel free to speak on any subject," Alice encouraged.

"Yes," I confessed, "I fell in love, but unlike Anna, my love is unrequited. Odd though, it seems to pain me as much to be parted from him were he in love as well."

Alice tilted her head at me. "Unrequited? That seems unlikely. Who is this man? He must be a right fool."

"He is the wisest, most wonderful man on Earth," I defended him vehemently. "It is I who am the fool. I thought that what we had was real and mutual, but he is so far above me, and always shall be. I had dreamed that being free would make a difference..." I could feel the tears begin to fall and I wiped them angrily. "He has made it clear, however, that my freedom changes nothing between us."

Alice furrowed her brow. "How has he done this?"

"I wrote to him. Thrice. He has not responded. Not one word. I know that it must be obvious to you all that I loved him. None of you speak his name. Not even Bella. She judiciously avoids all mention of him in her letters."

"Oh, Ness," Alice said taking me in her arms. "I did not realize that we were doing that."

"I understand it was a kindness on your part. I simply cannot seem to forget him, even if he is never spoken of."

"Ness," she hesitated as if she were unsure what to say.

"It is alright. You need make no explanations. It should not surprise me that someone of his rank and situation could not feel for someone like me. I am still incredibly grateful to him... and all of you for your kindness."

She sighed and hugged me again. "Ness, everything is not always as it seems. Promise me that you will remember that. Focus on learning what we can teach you, but do not give up on getting the life you deserve."

I knew she was simply being kind, that or she did not understand that I could never love anyone as I love Jacob.

APOV

After I calmed Ness as best I could, I excused myself to find Jasper. I knew he would have an opinion on how to handle the situation.

I found him in the library. He had his nose buried in a book on military history, and he seemed completely absorbed. I walked up behind him and slid my arms about his abdomen pulling him close and leaning against his back. "To what do I owe such a lovely greeting?"

"Jasper...I need your counsel."

He turned me to face him and held my chin gently in his hand. He was ever gentle with me; it was perhaps his most loveable attribute. He took a seat and pulled me onto his lap crosswise. "I am at your disposal my lady wife."

"I am worried about Ness."

"Aren't we all?"

"No, you do not understand. I become more and more convinced that she feels for Jacob exactly as he feels for her."

"Why is that concerning? In nine moons time he will be free to woo and win her for his own."

"But in the meantime her heart is breaking. She seems convinced that his silence is a sign of his indifference to her. I believe we need to fully assess the situation and see what we can do to help."

"If that is what you believe, then that is what we shall do. I will find cause to visit Cullen Estates and assess Jacob. If I believe he retains his desire for her, I will endeavor to ease their way. I swear it."

I relaxed in his arms and thanked him with kisses. After too short a time, he slid me from his lap and announced that we needed to gather Ness for her outing.

The three of us rode in Carlisle's carriage to the open air markets. The whole scene was teaming with color and sound and I watched Ness' eyes widen to take it all in

Jasper and I had discussed what this outing would entail. We wanted her to practice relating to everyday encounters she was bound to have as a free woman. We decided that we would give her a task to complete and observe her from a distance that gave her a sense of safety without encroaching.

What transpired stunned and thrilled my beloved and I.

NPOV

"I want you to purchase a fan," Alice instructed. "Remember that you need not buy the first one you find, and that this exercise is for you to practice dealing with the merchants. Jasper and I will be just over there," she said pointing to a tent just a few feet away.

I nodded, took a few slow deep breaths, and approached the table displaying the fans. They were as varied as the people who would buy them. Some were lacy and delicate, others were hand painted and comely, yet others were bedecked with crystals which glittered in the light.

There was a man behind the table and he approached me with a carnivorous look about him. He was thin and dark. He had dark hair, like my Jacob, and the realization of that stung for in instant.

"Good day, young Miss. How may I be of service to you this fine day?" he said in an oily voice.

"I find myself in need of a fan," I said just as I had practiced with Alice.

"Ah, we have the finest in the entire kingdom. I am certain we can find a fan to compliment your incredible beauty."

I recognized the blatant use of flattery to make a sale and smiled to myself. I knew this game, and I was certain I could out play him.

"Oh you are most kind," I demurred.

"Not at all, your beauty is beyond compare."

"Yet you are certain that you can find me a fan as beautiful as I am?" I asked cheekily. "Surely such a trinket could only be had at the price of a king's ransom."

That threw him. I had effectively backed him into a corner. Either he had to lower his estimation of my beauty, or had to devalue it to offer a reasonable price.

"I... uh... well..." he sputtered.

"That is alright, I shall simply have to look elsewhere," I said with a smile. "Thank you for your trouble."

I was laughing when I reached Alice and Jasper and so were they. We wandered away from the stalls and found a small cafe that served us sweet wine in the open air. They were both beaming at me and it felt wonderful to have pleased them so.

"Oh, Ness that was priceless. The look on his face..." Alice said again dissolving into gales of laughter.

"Well, he was so smarmy," I said imitating his voice, "Your beauty is beyond compare...who did he think I was? I have looked in the glass of a morning. I know what I look like."

Jasper looked at me with a critical eye. "Why Renesmee, I do believe I finally see the girl Bella, Edward, and Jacob once described."

"I beg your pardon?"

"They all spoke of this girl who brought the sunlight into any room she entered. They told us of how she could make the sourest of men smile and break into uncontrolled fits of laughter, and I must admit I doubted them all. Yet here she sits. Why my dear Ness, you are quite beautiful."

"You are teasing me, sir," I chided.

"Not at all. In fact, you have given me inspiration. Come, my little friend, come." Like a shot he was pulling me from my seat and racing down the lane with me in tow.

I heard Alice's laughter behind me. "Where are we going?" I cried as I ran to keep up with his long stride.

"This way," he said turning down another lane. Suddenly he stopped; I was taken by surprise and barreled into his broad back.

"There he is," Jasper declared.

I looked in the direction he indicated and had no idea what I was looking at. It appeared to be a small tent with an open flap. I could see a myriad of candles burning within, but had no clue as to its purpose.

"Oh, Jasper…" Alice enthused "…what a brilliant idea."

"I'm sorry, I do not understand."

"We are here to purchase a gift."

"A gift?"

"Yes, Jared is one of the finest artists in the realm. The man draws and paints so realistically that one feels his subject stands right before you."

I squinted at him. I still could not fathom his purpose.

"You are to sit for a portrait," he declared.

"Me? Oh, sir, though I thank you for the thought, I have no need for a portrait of myself. If I wish to see myself I need only gaze in the glass above my vanity."

"But a mirror only shows you what you see, little bird. I wish you to see yourself as the world sees you. More especially how those that love you see you. Alice, work you magic, and I will strike a bargain for his wares."

I had no inkling of what he meant, but I owed he and his lady so very much, I would do almost anything they asked.

Jasper POV

I bargained with Jared for two pencil portraits, exactly the same. One for Nessie and one for her family at Cullen Estates. It provided me the prefect pretense for visiting, and I believed it would assist me in gaining clearer knowledge of Jacob Black.

Before I departed, Alice told me she had whispered into Nessie's ear that she should think only of Jacob as she sat for the drawing. The result was a look of pure love. It suited the sweet girl beautifully. I now understood what all of her supporters saw and adored.

I too had come to care for her over this past month. I found her bright and articulate. She was an avid student, longing for knowledge of all things. I also discovered that she had wit and charm. She made my Alice smile, that in and of itself, would have won my approval, but I also found that she had an exceptionally kind heart.

Two weeks ago, Alice had suffered a nightmare. They had occurred since her liberation from James, but over the past two years had subsided to almost nonexistence. Almost. I hated that I could not make them completely disappear. When they did invade our happy world, they usually came with an earth shattering scream in the darkest hour of night.

I could not touch her in these moments. She became completely lost in her memories and the touch of a male hand made her even more frightened. I flew from the bed and ran to the hallway crying for Esme. It was not Esme who responded, though. Renesmee was hurtling down the corridor her long hair flying behind her.

"Was that Alice? Is she alright?" she asked hurriedly.

"She is plagued by horrors of her past. She needs a woman's touch to bring her back to me. I must find Esme. Can you stay here and see that she does not do herself an injury?" I begged. She nodded with frightened eyes, and I tore down the hallway to awaken Esme.

When she and I returned to my rooms, I no longer heard Alice's cries. That frightened me more than the original scream that broke the silence of the night. I rounded the corner and saw an amazing sight.

There on the bed sat Nessie cradling my Alice's head in her lap. She as running her fingers through Alice's hair and singing softly. Alice was awake, but relaxed and breathing easily. Her eyes lifted to mine and she smiled apologetically.

"Jasper," she said reaching out to me. I grasped her hand and sank onto the bed beside her. In all our time together she had never calmed so quickly from her terrors, "I am so sorry."

"Not at all, Love. It is I who am sorry. Are you alright, now?"

"Thanks to Nessie, I am. She has a healing touch, and she seemed to know just how to lead me from the darkness," Alice said leaning closer into the girl's lap.

I looked into her youthful face and saw a serenity and grace. In her eyes, which were still trained on my beautiful wife, was a kindness that spoke volumes about the girl. I had seen fear in them when I had left her side, but compassion overcame it to lead her into the chamber where I knew my wife was crying out like a wounded animal. Her humanity had beaten back her anxiety, and she had found my sweet spouse and led her from the panic of her memory, and back into the safety of reality.

"Thank you," I whispered. It was a pitiful expression of the vast gratitude I felt, but it was all that would come.

When we were all satisfied that the nightmares had been kept at bay Nessie hugged Alice close and whispered, "May only happy thoughts reside within your mind, but should an errant discomfiture arise within you, hear my song and find peace. If that does not suffice, I am just a door away. Do not hesitate to call for me."

Later as Alice lay in my arms, I confessed my vexation at leaving her after such a night. "I will not leave you if another dream lurks near."

"No, my darling, you must. There is even more cause for the trip now. We owe that child our respect and love. She offers hers so freely and without asking a thing in return. Please, husband, say you will go and determine if her Jacob deserves her."

With that edict in my ear, I departed and brought the portrait of our Angel to Cullen Estates. I had been welcomed by Edward and a blooming Bella. She was becoming well rounded by her growing child and looked well and healthy.

I spoke with them about my mission and they agreed to give me free reign to determine Jacob's depth of affection. Bella went out to fetch the man and I tried to breathe so as to open myself to sense his emotions. I had ever been good at reading people, and this interpretation was more important that almost any other.

JPOV

I followed Bella down the hall anxious for news of my angel. Even though she had ceased communication with me directly, Bella always let me read what missives Nessie sent to her. I craved these documents. They had been in her delicate hands, and they contained pieces of her mind. They were the most precious things I could imagine.

As we entered the dining hall I saw not a messenger, but Captain Whitlock. I felt a dread at seeing him. Was Nessie alright? Was she unwell?

My fear must have shown upon my face, for he came to my side and took my hand. "Be at ease, Jacob. I do bear tidings of Renesmee, but they are naught but good. Come, walk with me. I have brought you a gift."
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Courtesan