"Caius."

 The sound of Marcus saying his name actually startled Caius. The two had been sitting together in absolute silence for the last half hour, and it was very out of the ordinary for Marcus to suddenly begin speaking.

 "Yes? What is it?" Caius asked.

 "I believe Aro is looking for you."

 "What?" Caius looked around the room. "But he isn't even here. How do you know he's looking for me?"

 Marcus shrugged. "I don't know. I just do, I suppose. It must be bloodthirsty Volturi business if he wants to speak with you and not me. He knows I have no interest in these things."

 "Well...have you ever thought about having interest?"

 "No. I'm fine how I am."

 Marcus grew silent again, so Caius stood and left the room before things could get any more awkward than they already were.

 He went to their main room, where Aro was indeed saying to someone, "Find Caius, will you? I don't know where he gets off to, but he is needed at the moment." 

 "Here I am, brother," Caius announced, flourishing his robes. "Now, tell me, who do you need me to kill this time?"

 "No, no murders today, brother," said Aro, giving him a smile that could make anyone but his fellow coven members shudder. "Now, I want you to meet someone. This is Amalia, newly arrived and ready to offer her services to us as one of the Volturi Guard."

 Caius looked down at the woman sitting in the chair. She was not young when she was turned; she must have been around forty, maybe older, closer in age to himself than to Aro and Marcus. But anyone could see she was still a beautiful woman. She wore her dark hair down, and was wearing a black dress that seemed to suit her nicely. She had a pair of bright, thoughtful eyes; as Caius looked into them, he could somehow feel the amount of wisdom and knowledge this woman held.

 "You must be Caius, then." The woman stood and held her hand. "I am Amalia. I have been speaking with your brother, and I feel that I could fit in here."

 Caius took her hand and shook it gently, suddenly feeling a wave of warmth when he touched her.

 "It is a pleasure then, Amalia," he said in the most pleasant tone he could muster. "I am sure you would do well here at Volterra."

 Amalia gave him a warm smile. "Thank you, sir. And there is a third one, yes?"

 "Yes, that would be Marcus," said Caius. "He...does not take much interest in politics as Aro and I do, but you will meet sometime during your stay. I don't think you could meet a more mild-mannered vampire."

 "If you say so."

 "Amalia says she has spent many centuries traveling alone," said Aro. "She hoped she could find some companionship and useful work here with us. She seems to have a special mind gift of her own, one I have never seen before."

 "Is that so." Amalia seemed to be a nice woman, but by now Caius was beginning to lose interest. "Well, welcome to the Volturi, Amalia, if you are to be staying with us. Make sure someone shows you through Volterra, and try not to get yourself lost. You will be apart of our family now. Aro, I am sure I will see you later to discuss any matters that may arise. If you will both excuse me."

 Caius left the room at an ordinary pace, trying not to look frustrated. Yes, Amalia did seem nice, and she would probably be useful to Aro for something or other, but not to him. She clearly wasn't the type to go out and execute people. Why would Aro even bother introducing them?

 He thought about going back to Marcus' room to tell him what happened, but then decided against it. He should probably leave him alone for a little while. Marcus still seemed uncomfortable with him hanging around, and Caius couldn't help feeling like he was imposing. Perhaps tomorrow.

~~~~~~ 

 Amalia couldn't help smiling the entire time, especially after she was welcomed to the Volturi. She was in. She was really in.

 Now she could begin looking for the answers she wanted.