the VISIBLY nervous man tries to stand tall as he approaches the microphone, set up on a velvet covered podium. it takes more than one cough for him to clear his throat, and more than a few âexcuse meâsâ and clinks of a champagne flute for him to catch the attention of those in the room. no one was aware that there would be a speech, and curiosity fills most gazes ; mixing with boredom, in some cases.
    âgood evening, everyone.â
those more savvy with their city knowledge might RECOGNIZE him as the bumbling mayor, who many had called to be ejected, over the previous year. heâs on his way out, thatâs for sure, but he has clearly been chosen, for tonight, to fulfill a role.
    âthis is... such an impressive turnout, and we really- we really couldnât have expected BETTER. this is...- an incredible event, and it wouldnât have been possible had the volturi family not... tirelessly pulled it all together, opening their doors to us all-â
he raises his glass, and there is a very polite round of applause that fizzles out, quickly.
    âwe all owe them a great deal. the money we raised tonight will help the city of seattle. itâll be put towards our ongoing search for the missing members of our community, and...- and i am so HONORED, to be the one stood here, tonight, to tell you all that the board of trustees- the benefactors of this whole thing, have just now made a...- a jawdropping personal donation, to the cause. they wanted this to remain anonymous, but i think we can all agree that one million dollars is simply TOO much, to hide. this money will be put towards our efforts, and a set amount given to the families of those affected by these horrible times...â
there is a palpable energy to the room, now. a shocked MURMUR seems to make itâs way around at the declaration of just how GENEROUS the donation was, and no one seems to be really listening to what else he had to say. there is, however, very little time to digest whatâs been said, as the black curtain at the edge of the room is pulled back by a member of the volturi guard, and five figures emerge -
    âplease- please join me, in putting your hands together in thanks, for ARO, caius and marcus volturi, and their wives, who we are so lucky have graced us TONIGHT with their presence. and who promise that they arenât going anywhere until this scourge on our city has been ended.â
