My name is Valora Shields. There's nothing really special about me, the only interesting thing is that my mother was quite creative when she named me. With my mousy brown hair, grey eyes and pale skin, the chances that I'll be the countries next best model are pretty slim. And neither will I be the next Einstein, I never spent enough time in school to get the grades, although I wish I had.

All in all, I'm just 'plain Jane', a wall flower that will one day wither away and leave no exceptional trace of my existence... And yet, against all of this, he noticed me and took me in amongst his own when I had nothing but hope to keep me strong. With no gift to make myself of use, I question why he did it, but I thank fate every day that I was blessed to have him by my side.

*Aro's P.O.V*

Her name was Valora Shields. She would tell you with conviction that there was nothing special about her, that her simple features made her less beautiful than the other girls of her time, that her lack of qualifications and academic achievement were a sign of low intelligence. Yet I, and others who were gifted to meet her, would tell you different.

To me, she was beautiful. Exquisite in her simple elegance, like the most perfect of roses that blossoms in the spring. The kindness and love that radiated from her heart, a dazzling ray of light within the darkness that had once been my existence. She may not have been able to boast high grades in exams or brag of degrees earned within a classroom, but she was wise beyond her years, her words of advice and guidance strengthened by the experience that life had given to her.

I have searched the world over, throughout my long existence, for beings that showed any sign of gifts beyond normality, for powers that would prove useful to my coven and to my own purposes... And yet, within Valora Shields, a young woman with no true talent for the supernatural, I found the greatest gift of all. Something that others so often claim to possess yet never show any proof of, in a world that so desperately needs it... A heart filled with love, hope and courage.

Her name was Valora Shields... And she meant the world to me.

Ok, so this is an idea that has been kicking around in my mind for a fair while now and I've finally decided to take a chance on it. Let me know what you all think because I'm still uncertain about whether or not to continue with it.

Thanks guys x