A New Novel, Part 168 I Won't Fear for My Virtue

For those who haven’t been following this blog, let me introduce it a little. I am currently blogging my 21st novel that has the working title Daemon. The novel is about Aksinya, a sorceress, who, to save her family from the Bolsheviks, called and contracted the demon, Asmodeus. Her family was murdered anyway, and she fled with the demon from Russia to Austria.



Now we are getting down to business.  Everything in the novel before was a setup for what will happen in the next two chapters.  This is the beginning of the climax of the novel...


On Wednesday, Ernst escorted Aksinya to dinner and the opera. He greeted Aksinya at her house with a bouquet of roses. He explained the extravagance, “Because I am working for him, my father increased my remittance.” At each place they visited, Aksinya thought she spotted Asmodeus. She caught a glimpse of him in the mirror at the Palais Coburg Hotel Residenz, and in the grand foyer of the Wien State Opera. A strong whiff of sulfur came to her in both places. When the Champagne and caviar came at the intermission for Tristan und Isolde, Aksinya thought she saw Asmodeus sneaking in the corridor just outside their box seats. Warned by his potential presence, she intended to drink less because of it, but ended up drinking more than she planned.


Before the beginning of the second act, Natalya prepared a blemis with caviar and handed it to Aksinya. Aksinya took the flat piece of bread, “Thank you, Lady Natalya.”

Natalya smiled oddly at her, “Would you care for another glass of Champagne?”

Aksinya cocked her head and grinned back, “Please, as long as you are pouring, Lady Natalya, I won’t fear for my virtue.”

Natalya filled Aksinya’s flute and continued to hand her another blemis with caviar. Natalya wasn’t certain how many times Natalya refilled her glass that evening, but by the end of the opera, she couldn’t stand on her own. Natalya and Ernst had to both help her to Ernst’s landau and then back into her house.

Ernst didn’t kiss Aksinya that evening, at least she had no recollection that he kissed her. She wished he had. She didn’t remember much at all. In the morning, she woke with a splitting headache. A strange whiff of incense and sulfur touched her nose. Someone was opening the shutters of her windows. Aksinya didn’t open her eyes, “Don’t let the sun in Nata. I’ve told you so many times.”

The transition from the buildup of the plot to the climax is just like any transition, but this one isn't just a transition in space or time, it is a transition in action.  Within the form of this novel, you might not notice this short transition as the transition to the climax except that I point it out to you.  That's all right, I don't expect my readers to deconstruct my novels, but in this commentary, I want you to note these very important points both for your elucidation and so you can see the power of story, plot, and theme all together.
 
We see a simple continuance of Ernst's wooing and affection.  There are changes.  We know there are changes in the thoughts of the characters.  Aksinya has a decision to make.  Ernst has made his decisions, but he is awaiting and still wooing.  By the end of this scene, it will be obvious that Natalya has made some decision of her own.  Watch closely, I'll point it out to you.  The demon, Asmodeus, has obviously made some decision (or the culmination of a decision)--something is afoot.
 
A whole bouquet of roses from Ernst.  He is working for his father now.  Ernst is making more money.  They visit their favorite places.  Notice that none of these places were chosen by Aksinya--they are Ernst's favorites.  Plus the places haven't changed--they are the same.  I didn't point this out until now--hope you noticed.  I did it on purpose to indicate to you that Ernst is pleasing himself, not necessarily Aksinya.  There is a metaphor in this--remember Aksinya pleases herself too.  Aksinya is too happy with the luxuria to notice, but she hasn't been wooed before.
 
Asmodeus is everywhere.  This should be an indicator.  I gave you little hints and little glimpses of the demon before.  This time, in  a single paragraph, I give you Asmodeus in person and scent.  I show you him through Aksinya's eyes.  The reason I pack the Asmodeus sightings into a single paragraph is so you won't miss them.  Because of her sightings, Aksinya intends to drink less--so she can keep a steady head, but look what happens... Natalya begins to pour the Champagne for Aksinya.  This is indeed a change.  Usually it is Ernst and Natalya tries to keep some check on Aksinya.  Now, Natalya is providing luxuria to Aksinya.  Aksinya will not reject it from Natalya's hands because, “...as long as you are pouring, Lady Natalya, I won’t fear for my virtue.”  It is not perhaps Aksinya's virtue we should worry about--or is it?
 
This was the decision of Natalya that I mentioned before.  We can see that at some point in the evening or before, Natalya made a decision to get Aksinya drunk.  The purpose, we don't know.  The result we shall see.  Aksinya intended to not become drunk tonight, but she could not reject the temptation from Natalya's hands. 
 
Look at this, the demon has not been in control of anyone at all through the entire novel.  He has only placed ideas in the minds of the characters.  With Aksinya, the ideas have been from subtle to overt.  He has worked subtly through others to tempt or to get them to tempt.  In any case, Aksinya is too drunk to stand, but still awake when Natalya and Ernst take her home.
 
This scene flows intentionally into the next.  It is a direct continuation that I don't want you to miss.  Therefore the physical transition is set in a single paragraph.  Look closely at the details.  The focus is Aksinya--she didn't get a kiss.  She didn't remember the evening after her return to the house.  She has a hangover.  Her room has the scent of sulfur and incense.  The sulfur and incense are very important here.  I know that most of the time, as we read, we might just miss some of these simple details.  This is a critical detail, so I underplay it a little.  If you think back through the novel, you know the scent of sulfur is the demon.  Asmodeus has been in Aksinya's room.  He was there long enough and late enough for the scent to still be there.  Second, the scent of incense in this novel has only been used in a single context.  I won't tell you.  If you remember, you might guess.  Tomorrow, I'll give you more hints.  We'll start from this last paragraph.  Reread today's transition scene.  See that it is simple and downplayed--that is the point.  

A New Novel, Part 142 I Wouldn't Want to Miss Any Untoward Advances

For those who haven’t been following this blog, let me introduce it a little. I am currently blogging my 21st novel that has the working title Daemon. The novel is about Aksinya, a sorceress, who, to save her family from the Bolsheviks, called and contracted the demon, Asmodeus. Her family was murdered anyway, and she fled with the demon from Russia to Austria.

Aksinya came home drunk last night.  She revealed her soul (or a small part of it) to Natalya.  Natalya promised to never deny or betray Aksinya.  The next morning, Aksinya has to pay the price for her luxuria...

Aksinya was impossible the next morning. Natalya had to shake her for ten minutes to wake her. She had Sister Margarethe bring coffee instead of tea and made Aksinya drink a whole cup while she bathed and dressed her.


Aksinya protested the entire time. Natalya had to request help from Sister Margarethe. Together, they finally dressed, bathed, and fed Aksinya. Then they walked across the street to Sacré Coeur. Chapel was a chore. Aksinya fell ill from the very beginning and had to leave before the blessing of the elements. She was sick, but afterwards, Natalya found her a cup of tea. Sister Margarethe joined them until it was time for class.

When they entered the classroom together with Sister Margarethe, Aksinya stepped directly to her seat by the window and fell into it. She lay her head down on her arms and closed her eyes. The rest of her classes didn’t go much better for Aksinya. She was behind in everything and didn’t seem to care. Natalya kept better than an average pace.

At dinner, Aksinya was listless and ate little.

Anna Pfaff started the conversation at their table, “So, Countess, did Ernst von Taaffe escort you to the ballet?” She would not look Aksinya in the eyes. They darted all around the table.

Natalya sat a little straighter, “Yes, he did escort her. He was a very pleasant gentleman.”

Frieda Trauen glanced over her glass, “I understand our sweet countess was a little under the weather today.”

Aksinya didn’t move much, “I had too much to drink, but the evening and the gentleman were pleasant.”

Fraulein Trauen smirked, “I hope for your sake, he wasn’t too familiar during your drunken state.”

Natalya glared at her, “My mistress was in no way imprudent during the evening.”

“She was drunk.”

Aksinya snarled, “I just drank a little too much. By the way, Herr von Taaffe did not ogle the ballerinas.”

Fraulein Trauen cocked her head, “Oh really, then were did he keep his eyes?”

Aksinya stared at her, “He kept them on me the entire evening. I’m not certain he looked at anyone on the stage. He took me to the Palais Coburg Hotel Residenz for dinner in the red room and to the ballet. We had caviar and Champagne at intermission.”

Dieter Vogt sucked in her breath, “The red room—ooh.”

Fraulein Pfaff shook her head, “You have totally ensorcelled Herr von Taaffe.” She bent her neck toward Aksinya and blinked her eyes, “You should strike while the iron is hot.”

Fraulein Trauen was shocked, “Whatever do you mean? She should strike while the iron is hot?”

Fraulein Pfaff scowled, “You can’t be so naïve, Fraulein Trauen. The Countess should use her every womanly wile to entice Herr von Taaffe.”

Fraulein Trauen rose in her seat a little, “What do you mean Fraulein Pfaff? Are you suggesting the Countess act in some imprudent way?”

Aksinya’s laugh startled them all. She didn’t sit up, “It is only the first evening, but Herr Taaffe pleases me very much. I shall see what will come of it. Perhaps he will ask me out again.”

Natalya touched her lips with her napkin, “He will certainly ask you out again.”

Aksinya laughed again, “Do you really think so, Lady Natalya?”

Natalya smiled. Her brow rose, “It is certain.”

Aksinya smiled, “Then, Lady Natalya, you must ensure I don’t drink so much I miss Herr Taaffe’s untoward advances. I would surely not wish to miss something like that.” She glared at Fraulein Trauen who didn’t dare squeak out a reply.

Aksinya's slow descent into decadence is showing effects.  Already, her teachers don't expect much from her.  She is enjoying her luxuria and sorcery.  She is being tempted by Ernst.  She is like a slow motion train wreck, and Asmodeus is in control of it all.  Natalya is there to pick up the pieces.  She truly loves Aksinya and enjoys taking care of her.  Natalya couldn't do it by herself--she had to get Sister Margarethe.  The spiritual results of Aksinya's binge is evident when she goes to chapel.  The result of her neglect for her schoolwork is evident in the classroom.  Natalya is progressing--we know much of that is due to Aksinya.
 
Dinner wasn't much better for Aksinya.  Fraulein Pfaff wants to know how the evening went.  She won't look Aksinya in the eyes because of how Aksinya appears--she looks dangerous.  Still Anna wants to know.  But look at this, Natalya answers for Aksinya.  She understands German well enough now to converse.  Fraulein Trauen just makes fun of Aksinya, but that's Frieda.
 
Aksinya responds this time.  She doesn't move much because she is still feeling the effects of her drinking.  She admits she drank too much--she isn't ashamed of it at all.  Did you note that?  Fraulein Trauen won't let it go.  She can't let go of the sexual innuendo about Aksinya and Ernst.  Natalya defends Aksinya, but Fraulein Trauen just states her insinuation again as if drunkenness itself would results in the loss of a woman's virtue.
 
Aksinya turns everything around with her pithy statement about the object of Ernst's attention during the ballet.  This statement by Aksinya is powerful on many levels.  If you remember, not long ago, Fraulein Trauen attacked Ernst's integrity with the comment that he would give inordinate attention to the ballerinas.  Instead, Ernst gave inordinate attention to Aksinya.  This is a direct slam-dunk against every arguement Fraulein Trauen made about Aksinya's virtue, appearance, and nobility.  Aksinya goes further to tell them where Ernst took her and about the expensive snack during intermission.  The romantic Fraulein Pfaff advises Aksinya to go for Ernst.  Ernst is such a good catch, any girl would want him for her husband.  Note, that Anna tempts Aksinya to act to seduce Ernst.  Fraulein Trauen realizes this and that she has lost this exchange.  That is why Aksinya laughs.  Aksinya is as good as the demon at influencing others.  Aksinya gives the coupe de grace--she will entertain Ernst next time too.  Aksinya finalizes it with a barb against Fraulein Trauen.  Tomorrow, another invitation and an intrusion.

A New Novel, Part 140 Coppellia and Caviar

For those who haven’t been following this blog, let me introduce it a little. I am currently blogging my 21st novel that has the working title Daemon. The novel is about Aksinya, a sorceress, who, to save her family from the Bolsheviks, called and contracted the demon, Asmodeus. Her family was murdered anyway, and she fled with the demon from Russia to Austria.

We know about the ballet Aksinya and Ernst are about to see.  We see it parallels Aksinya's life.  Now, to the ballet...

The curtain rose and the ballet began. Throughout, laughter from the audience punctuated the performance. Natalya and Ernst both chuckled under their breath. Aksinya didn’t laugh. She had never laughed in the theater. Her lips did turn up many times in a gentle smile.

During the very delightful ballet, Aksinya remembered the words of Fraulein Trauen. She took surreptitious glances to see where Ernst’s eyes dwelt. Every time she looked, his eyes were focused on her profile. She couldn’t help but blush. She wasn’t certain he ever glanced at the very beautiful ballerinas who danced on the stage.

At the intermission, a butler delivered caviar and Champaign to their box. Ernst served Aksinya, “Countess, would you rather have vodka?”

“I do like vodka, but Champaign with caviar is my favorite.” She inclined toward him, “Plus, I’m not sure how much vodka I should drink. The wine at dinner went a little to my head.”

Ernst refilled her glass. Natalya watched closely. She barely sipped at her still filled glass.

Aksinya watched the second Act with greater enjoyment. Ernst thought he heard a giggle from her a couple of times. Natalya frowned.

They returned home late. It wasn’t too late, but still late. Aksinya leaned sleepily against Natalya the entire trip back to the house. Aksinya could not stand without help. Natalya wouldn’t let Ernst sit next to Aksinya. When they exited the landau, Natalya did let him help her on one side while she held Aksinya on the other.

Sister Margarethe met them at the door. She took one look at Aksinya and pulled both her charges into the house. She was wary of Ernst this time—she partially closed the door and stood directly within the opening, “Thank you, Herr von Taaffe for your attention to the Countess this evening. I will help the Lady Natalya see her to bed.”

“Please convey my thanks to the Countess.”

“Next time, don’t ply her with so much wine so you may convey your own sentiments.”

Ernst bowed, “Yes, sister. I shall. I’m sorry.”

When Sister Margarethe turned around, Natalya and Aksinya were already gone. When she climbed up to Aksinya’s room, she found the door already shut and locked. It was much too late for tea, so she returned to her room.

I own a wonderful modern style oil titled, Theater Goers.  The painting depicts a group of people who are attending some kind of performance.  You see them from the vantage of the performers.  You don't know anything about the performance, but the theater goers are enough to drive the theme of this painting.

Aksinya, Ernst, and Natalya are the theater goers.  We have the benefit of knowing something about the ballet they are watching, but in the end, the ballet isn't as important as the conversation (or lack of conversation) and actions of our players. 

At first Aksinya doesn't understand that she might show some emotion during the performance--she is typically emotionless.  She does allow herself a smile, but perhaps that is the wine.  Aksinya's mind is indeed lacking her typical control.  She remembers Fraulein Trauen's silly words and checks to see where Ernst is watching.  Both we and she are surprised that he only has eyes for Aksinya.  Aksinya's blush indicates her emotions and her state of inebriation.  Ernst's eyes tell us much about the man and his intentions.

At intermission, Ernst supplies Champagne and caviar.  You should wonder at Ernst's question: does he ask Aksinya if she wants vodka because he is trying to get her more drunk to take advantage of her, or is he truly trying to cater to her desires--or both.  The fact that Aksinya reveals she drank too much tells us about her state.  She would never confess something like that to someone like Ernst.  She is usually in much more control of herself. 

Watch Natalya.  She is keeping a close eye on Ernst and Aksinya.  Aksinya's giggles, and her enjoyment of the second act only emphasize her lack of control.  Natalya frowned.  Natalya has good reason to frown.  Aksinya fell into the temptation of luxuria Ernst produced (and certainly Asmodeus suggested).  She perhaps felt safe enough to allow herself to accept the temptation because she knew Natalya would be there to watch over her.  Natalya realizes this.  She just doesn't like to see Aksinya dependent on anyone.  Natalya doesn't see Aksinya dependency on herself.  She only sees Ernst becoming important in Aksinya's eyes.  This is a very important point in the novel, and one we will see more than once.  We are building right now to the critical pivotal point of the novel.  The ultimate crisis of the entire work.

Sister Margarethe waited up for her charges.  She is not happy with Akisnya's condition.  She is wary of Ernst now.  He can't use his trick to get inside the door again.  She takes out her anger on Ernst.  Sister Margarethe is concerned for many reasons.  The primary is that she can't control Aksinya at all.  Aksinya is not within anyone's control.  Asmodeus even despairs at controlling her.  Sister Margarethe believes very rightly that she could never stand up against Aksinya.  This means she is not capable of protecting Aksinya.  But we know no one can protect Aksinya.

Sister Margarethe, like any woman, mother, or girl's friend, wants to know what happened during the evening.  Aksinya and Natalya are already up in Aksinya's rooms--they have locked the doors.  I don't tell you she is disappointed, but you know it.  Tomorrow, the aftermath of the evening.

A New Novel, Part 122 No One Asked Me to Dance

This is the beginning of the next chapter (chapter 11).  We need to set the scene for the entire chapter and for the characters.  I didn't mention the kicker at the end of chapter 10--it was the point about Aksinya calling for more wine.  The result...

Aksinya woke with a terrible headache. She had waited up late with the hope that Asmodeus would make an appearance. She wanted to ask him many questions, but the demon didn’t interrupt her that evening. That, in itself worried her more than anything.


She and Natalya attended a late Mass with the Freiherr and Freifrau Bockmann. Natalya was ill, but hid it well until the end. Natalya rushed her out of the nave just in time.

Because of the work at Grossbock to clean up the house following the Advent party, Aksinya and Natalya returned to Sacré Coeur early before dinner.

As usual, during dinner, Aksinya sat next to Natalya. Aksinya had barely spoken a word since the party. One of the young women, Frieda Trauen, across the table, finally plucked up enough courage to ask, “How was your Aunt and Uncle’s party last night. It is always the event of the season.”

Natalya smiled brightly.

Aksinya shrugged her shoulders and slouched a centimeter lower.

“Did you dance?” the girl continued.

Aksinya sighed, “There was dancing, but no one asked me.”

Fraulein Trauen face displayed amazement. She turned toward Natalya, “Surely someone asked you to dance, Lady Natalya.”

Natalya smiled and raised her shoulders, “They were mostly older men and married.”

“The young ones come later in the evening. I heard the toast of the town were there. Don’t tell me that the Countess scared them off.”

Aksinya smiled a little smile, “They did seem afraid to approach me. That is, except one.”

All the faces at the table turned toward her. The question they didn’t speak was evident in their features. Finally, Fraulein Trauen asked breathlessly for them all, “Who was it?”

“Ernst von Taaffe. Do you know the name?”

“Who doesn’t in Wien? His father is the Graf von Taaffe. That would be a good match for you.” She looked down, then back to Aksinya, “And he didn’t ask you to dance?”

“He said it was too late, and I had drunk too much wine anyway. What do you know of him?”

All the young ladies sat up straight. Fraulein Trauen sat the straightest, “Too much wine. You should be more careful. You don’t want to let the young men slip through your fingers and neither do you wish to get within their grasp.”

All the ladies nodded almost as one.

Aksinya’s voice dripped with sarcasm, “I quite understand your meaning. So I ask you again, a little more clearly, what is the reputation of this Ernst von Taaffe.”

The setting at the beginning of this chapter is simple.  I've already described all these places to you--I just have to set the characters and you in them.  The rest is the setting of the overall chapter--Ernst von Taaffe. 
 
The results of Aksinya's evening is a hangover.  I didn't hide her drinking from you before.  You might have guessed that Aksinya likes to drink and that wine is her especial temptation--this is all related to her problem with luxuria.  We will see how this manifests itself in the future. 
 
Asmodeus is not hanging around as much.  The implication here is that he doesn't have to.  This is why Aksinya is so worried.  She is concerned that she is accomplishing the demon's work without any instructions or encouragement.  I give you an indicator of Aksinya's problem.  She can't hold down her breakfast during the Mass.  How much of this is due to her hangover and how much to her use of sorcery is up in the air.  Aksinya and Natalya return to Sacré Coeur early because of the cleanup.  You can imagine Aksinya's impatiance too.  I want you to detect this.
 
It is unusual for them to be at dinner on Sunday evening, so they are automatically the center of attention for the young ladies.  This is part of a writing technique (if you couldn't tell).  An author uses the tools of the setting that he creates.  In the setting of Sacré Coeur, I have developed the evening diner conversation as a means of giving the reader information and also providing a relief scene.  This is related to the timing of scenes.
 
The setting here is simple, and I remind you of the position of the two principals at the table.  Aksinya has been especially quiet.  She receives a question from Fraulein Trauen.  Natalya thought the party was wonderful--she was able to serve Aksinya and she didn't have to put up with anyone else (hint).  Aksinya was very distrubed by the party--especially Ernst von Taaffe.  Aksinya confesses without thinking.  You know what she was thinking about--Ernst has her book and no one danced with her.  Remember, Natalya is much better looking than Aksinya, thus the question turned to her and from Aksinya. 
 
Then comes the cut against Aksinya, and again Aksinya reveals more information than she should.  Everyone around the table, including Natalya wishes to know who approached Aksinya.  Aksinya wants information about Ernst.  We discover that Ernst's father is a Graf.  This means Ernst is the son of an Austrian Count.  That's why the ladies say Aksinya is well matched with him.
 
I give you an indication of Aksinya's drinking issue.  She openly tells the ladies that she had drunk too much. Fraulein Trauen then gives Aksinya a sermon.  It is a sermon all the other girls understand well.  Aksinya is very sensitive to critisism.  She doesn't want a sermon, she wants information, so she asks again.
 
Who is this Ernst von Taaffe?  We'll have to wait until Aksinya gets a clear answer tomorrow.