A New Novel, Part 313 Do Not Be Afraid

13 August 2011, A New Novel, Part 313 Do Not Be Afraid

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.

Dobrushin and Aksinya married.  They came to the room Dobrushin took in the hotel near the center of Wien.  The demon, Asmodeus, appeared and attacked Dobrushin but mortally injured Aksinya.  With the destruction of Aksinya's surety, the demon disappeared and Aksinya's long hair returned to her head.  She lies dying in Dobrushin's arms... 

“Not innocent,” Aksinya coughed, “Only forgiven.”  Blood trickled from her lips down the side of her face.

“Please, dear God, she was forgiven.  She is your child.”

A bright light flashed in the room followed by a low tone like a bell, and another being stood near the fireplace.

Aksinya shuddered, “Did the demon return?”

The creature was tall and bright.  Its features were so bright they were difficult to discern in the darkened room.  Still the being seemed to smile, “Do not be afraid.”

Aksinya’s voice came lower, “It is an angel.  I can tell.”

The angel bowed to them, “Princess Aksinya, Dobrushin Lopuhin, I am the angel Raphael.  I’m sorry I’m late, but Upper Egypt is much further from here than it was from Ecbatana.”

Dobrushin cried out, “Can’t you see she is dying.  Heal her.  Please, in God’s name, heal her.”

Aksinya touched Dobrushin’s face again, “My love, angels can’t heal, only God can do that.”

Raphael opened his hands and smiled again, “Only God can heal.  Or that other thing.”

Aksinya’s eyes fluttered.  She whispered, “I have renounced sorcery.  I would rather die than ever use it again.”

Raphael glowed brighter, “In that case, I am allowed to reverse some of the actions of that demon in the world.  He should never have been able to harm you, Princess Aksinya.”  The angel stepped closer to her. 

Dobrushin raised his hopeless face to Raphael, “Please help her.”

All right, did you read Tobit.  If you did, you might have guessed what would happen next.  In the Book of Tobit, the demon Asmodeus was forced away by the incense and fish organs being burned.  The Angel in the story, Raphael, chased Asmodeus to upper Egypt where he bound him.  Thus, after a proper amount of time, we have a visitation.  The low tone and the flash are my own adds for the appearance of angels.  Seems like a worthwhile image to me. 

Aksinya can't see.  She wonders if the demon returned.  The first words of the angel are: “Do not be afraid.”  These are important words since the messengers from the Greek gods were "hagios" awful beings, it is good to note that in the Greek New Testament and the Apocrypha, Angels announced themselves with: "Do not be afraid." 

Aksinya gets this and thus her response: “It is an angel.  I can tell.”  The angel defered to them both.  Then, to break the tension, I introduce some light levity.  The reference is that from Austria to Upper Egypt is much further than from Upper Egypt to Ecbatana--Ecbatana was where Tobias and Sara were married.  I use Dobrushin's words to escalate the tension in the scene.

Then the end of hope from Aksinya's lips: “My love, angels can’t heal, only God can do that.”  This was one of the points made early on in the novel--demons can't heal.  Likewise, angels can't heal--only God can heal.  Or, if you remember, putting your trust in the world, that is, sorcery can heal.  The angel doesn't want to use the word.  You guess what it is.

The angel seemed to be waiting for Aksinya to denounce sorcery.  The point I am trying to make here is that it isn't enough to say it in your mind.  Words in this sense have power when they are pronounced--thus Aksinya's confession has real meaning.  The angel immediately responds.  We shall see tomorrow what the angel can do.

A New Novel, Part 291 I Will Not Untie Your Crowns Either

22 July 2011, A New Novel, Part 291 I Will Not Untie Your Crowns Either

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.

Father Dobrushin and Aksinya have decided to marry so that they can be rid of the demon.  Aksinya asks Father Makar to marry them.  Ekaterina encourages her husband...

Ekaterina put her hand on Father Makar’s, “Makaruska, do you really wish them to be wed anywhere but here?  They intend to do this.  You know Dobrushin’s purpose.  Grant them this small gift.  I shall witness and you shall witness.  Anything else would be wrong.  You know that.”

Father Makar sighed, “I do understand.  I just do not want to encourage this foolishness.”

Ekaterina stared at him, “This is not a sin.  There is nothing wrong with marriage or marrying them.  She is a Princess.  He is the son of a Count.  Their ranks are unmatched but acceptable.  They would not come here together like this if they did not both agree.  Do this for them and that will be the end of it all.”

“The end of it all?” asked Aksinya around Dobrushin.

“The end of these matters that have plagued Father Makar since you came to the Ecclesia last year.”

Aksinya turned them a curious look.

Dobrushin quickly continued, “Please, Father Makar, marry us and that will be the last favor I ask of you.  We will go, and you will likely not see us again.”

“I will marry you, but you will not stay under this roof any more.  I told you that when you left before.  That means I will not untie your crowns either.”

“I understand.  That was the agreement we made.”

“Come then.  Quickly.”

They stood.  Dobrushin helped Aksinya take off her new coat.  Ekaterina kissed Aksinya’s cheeks.  She brushed Aksinya’s lengthening hair.  Then they entered the Ecclesia together

We have seen a lot that be knew about Father Makar, but we also discovered much that we didn't.  Much of this has been implied but not shown directly.  In this conversation, we learn about reasons and times and estrangement.

Ekaterina wants Father Makar to marry them--she doesn't see any harm in it.  She may or may not know what Dobrushin and Aksinya plan.  We get some indications that both Father Makar and Ekaterina know.  I don't give you this insight.  Ekaterina strongly gives the impression that they know.  She says:  "You know Dobrushin’s purpose.  Grant them this small gift."

The completion of this idea is then:  “I do understand.  I just do not want to encourage this foolishness.”  Ekaterina makes the argument for Aksinya and Dobrushin.  Then we get a repeat of information you might have wondered about.  Ekaterina says it clearly here.  To the church and to these people, the noble ranks are still important.

Watch Aksinya's response.  She is not cowering behind Dobrushin, but he is her cover and her protection.  She has to speak around him to get to Makar and Ekaterina.  Then Ekaterina tells them all that Makar has had a problem with all this since Aksinya showed up at their door.  It was the door Dobrushin opened for Aksinya.

Father Makar relents with Dobrushin's request--he begs, but Father Makar makes clear, he doesn't want Dobrushin and Aksinya to remain in the rectory.  He knows what is going on and will not give them the protection of the Ecclesia against the demon.  The demon, in Makar's mind is imaginary after all.  Ekaterina isn't sure what to believe.  She fights for the marriage, but not for the right to stay.  This is unsaid and not that important to the plot, but it is the unspoken undercurrent here.

The reference to untying the crowns refers to the crowns that are placed on the heads of a couple when they are married.  In the past, they wore these crowns for a week and at a ceremony in the church, their crowns were untied.  This was likely due to the fact that the crowns were commonly owned by the church and loaned for the wedding. Today, most just buy their own crowns.  The ceremony of untying the crowns is still done in many Orthodox churches.  There is an important metaphor here.  Though Aksinya and Dobrushin will be married, their crowns will not be untied.  They will be united in this permanently.  This was intentional.  Father Makar means that he will not lend the crowns to them for the week--we see in it, that their crowns will be permanent.  This is a subtheme in the book--that of marriage and everything around it.

There is more to this than anyone is speaking.  Listen to Dobrushin:  “I understand.  That was the agreement we made.”  Makar and Dobrushin already worked this out.  Father Makar needed convincing again.  Perhaps he thought Aksinya would be convicted by the courts and Dobrushin would not have any chance of marrying her.  Again, there is much that was not said here.

Now, look at the preparation: Dobrushin helped Aksinya take off her new coat.  Ekaterina kissed Aksinya’s cheeks.  She brushed Aksinya’s lengthening hair.  Then they entered the Ecclesia together.  This is all a metaphor in these simple statements.  Aksinya had not taken off her coat.  He takes it off her.  This is the simple welcoming to the Ecclesia.  It also is significant that he bought it for her, and that he took it off her.  Do you remember her dress?  It is white wool--a dress suitable for a virgin bride.  Then Ekaterina kisses Aksinya.  Aksinya was welcomed before, but this is official.  It is the welcome of one bride to another.  Ekaterina brushes Aksinya's hair.  You know the hair image.  Aksinya's contract was with the demon--now Aksinya will enter into a contract with Dobrushin.  There is great power in this.  Note, the hair is lengthening.  Tomorrow, the marriage begins.

A New Novel, Part 163 After They Take You to Bed, All Their Love is Forgotten

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.

Ernst delivers Aksinya and Natalya to their door.  Aksinya promised to speak to Ernst tomorrow...when she gets up late...with a headache...

Natalya shut the door.

The two maids came to them and immediately began to remove Aksinya’s clothing. Aksinya required the help of all three. They put her into a hot bath. Natalya stood half undressed in the center of the sitting room and directed them. The maids readied the nightclothes Natalya instructed them to get out of the small trunk they had brought on the coupe. The footmen had delivered it to the room earlier. While Aksinya bathed—with the door open, so Natalya could keep an eye on her, Natalya had the maids set out Aksinya’s and her clothing for the morrow. The maids pressed their gowns and hung them. By then, it was time to wrestle Aksinya out of the bath and put her nightgown on her. While Aksinya lay on her bed, the maids helped Natalya out of her clothing and into her nightgown. They had already warmed the beds and checked the coals again.

At the end, Natalya had them lay Aksinya under the covers, but they propped her up on the pillows so Natalya could brush her hair. Natalya finally closed the door on the two of them. Natalya took her brush and sat on the side of the bed. She began to brush Aksinya’s hair. Aksinya’s eyes were closed, but Natalya knew she wasn’t sleeping. Aksinya didn’t open her eyes, she stretched her hands out in front of her. Her voice was only slurred a little, but her accent wasn’t evident because she spoke Russian, “Nata, no man has ever told me that he loves me.”

Natalya gave a fierce tug on Aksinya’s hair.

“What was that for? Be more gentle, Nata.”

“You have a lot to learn mistress.”

“Aksinya. I am Aksinya.”

“Yes, Aksinya. You still have a lot to learn.”

“About what?”

“About men. The first thing they tell is that they love you before…before…”

Aksinya’s head lolled, “Before what?”

“Before they take you to bed—then all their love is forgotten.”

“How do you know?”

“The number of times…”

“Number of times. You haven’t?”

Natalya tugged a little harder against Aksinya’s hair.

“Nata, please be more gentle. I’m listening to you. You are only fifteen.”

If you remember, Natalya is in charge.  Aksinya is drunk and slowly sucumbing to inebriation.  The Graf has assigned two maids to Aksinya and Natalya.  For the times that is very impressive.  Aksinya needs the help of both maids and Natalya.  I give you details of the preparations for bed and the next day.  Natalya keeps the door to the bathroom open so she can ensure the drunk Aksinya will not drown in the tub.  Remember, in this day and time, rooms were always cold in the winter.  That's why the fires, the bed warming, the hot bath before bed. 
 
Natalya had the maids sit Aksinya up in the bed so she can brush her hair and get her ready for bed.  Natalya has been angry all night.  She wants to speak to Aksinya.  Aksinya wants to talk to Natalya.  She begins:  “Nata, no man has ever told me that he loves me.”  Natalya's response is to be rough in brushing Aksinya's hair.  We know this means she is angry and agitated.  Perhaps we will find out why Natalya is angry. 
 
Aksinya isn't very tactful either.  She snips at Natalya.  Natalya tells Aksinya that she has a lot to learn.  The a lot to learn is about men.  We knew that.  Aksinya is clueless about men.  We also knew there was something about Natalya's unusual maturity, knowledge, and comments.  Natalya is going to take this opportunity to teach Aksinya...about men.  We knew Natalya was abused, but this is new.  You might have guessed.  Her advice to Aksinya:  “Before they take you to bed—then all their love is forgotten.”  Natalya's response tells Aksinya and us that many men have told her they love her and have taken her to bed.  Natalya is only fifteen.  She was abused by many men.  We find out why tomorrow.

A New Novel, Part 90 A New Book of Sorcery

Now we get down to business.  Asmodeus does indeed have something for Aksinya.  He has more than one thing for her.  Everything has been set up and the demon is beginning to move forward.  Asmodeus is speaking.

“And you would die. That comes of losing an arm or an eye.”

Aksinya was breathing hard, “Why do others forget you so easily? My aunt and uncle didn’t even ask after you. It is as if you were a ghost or something.”

“I am no ghost, only a demon—a spirit, nonetheless. You know exactly what I am and who I am. You know I am not made corporeally of the material of this world. I am an eternal being like your eternal soul. You shall be with me for an eternity. You might as well get used to my company.”

“I am sleepy now, disturb me no longer.”

“Have you forgotten? I have work for you to do.”

“Get out!”

“I shall not.”

“I shall scream. See how that fits with your plans.”

“Dear countess, you may scream and scream and scream, no one will come. Just as I manipulate the world around us, I can change the sounds and the words as I will.”

Aksinya leapt off the bed and began to draw a circle in her special chalk on the floor. The demon stepped over to her and grasped her by the hair. Asmodeus shook her, “A magic circle will do you no good tonight. I will deliver my instructions and expect you to follow through with them.”

Aksinya writhed in his grasp.

“I know what you are thinking. You will make a circle before you go to bed. That will only stop me for a while. You should realize you can’t hide from me. I await your pleasure eternally. Now listen to me.” He shook her again, “Countess, I have a present for you.” He dropped her to the floor, and a heavy brown book fell beside her.

Aksinya crept away from the demon and the book.

The demon cracked his knuckles, “That is a new book for your collection. You read about it in one of the earlier tomes…and lusted for it. It is yours now.”

“Where did you get it?”

“What does it matter where it came from? It is yours now. I grace it to you to use the knowledge as you see fit.”

Aksinya couldn’t say anything back to the demon. She wanted to read the book. She longed to read it. She couldn’t say anything to him. She was too embarrassed to do anything at the moment.

Our closing comment yesterday from the demon.  If you are rid of me, you will die--is this a lie?  Aksinya doesn't know.  She asks the question that has plagued her mind this evening.  He doesn't answer her question, but he gives us a lot of information that defines a demon and a human soul.  The answer to Aksinya's question is within the framework of the demon's answer.  The demon is an eternal being like a human soul.  We knew than intrinsically.  The point is that like a soul, the demon is not corporeal.  The interchange becomes an argument and Aksinya threatens to scream--she will awaken the house.  The demon's response is exactly what Aksinya knows, the demon can change sounds and sights.  She also knows the solution that prevents the demon from acting on her.
 
She immediately jumps off the bed and begins to draw a magic circle.  She certainly didn't expect the demon's reaction.  He has never physically accosted her before.  Now he does.  The demon grabs her hair--do you get it.  He has not touched her before except to help her.  Now to punish and physically threaten her, he grabs her hair.  He can do this because she gave him her hair as a surety.  He can't harm her otherwise, not directly.
 
The Demon gives Aksinya a gift--he graces it to her.  The word grace is very important in this context.  It is a free gift of temptation.  It is a book of sorcery.  I don't tell you it is a book of sorcery, you figure it out from the context and Aksinya's desire.  Note the end of this piece--the only thing Aksinya can think of is to read the book.  The book is a book of sorcery and it is a focus of her lust.  The demon read her right.  He knew exactly the way to tempt her.  Now he has her attention and now that he does...we shall see what else he wants from Aksinya tomorrow. 

A New Novel, Part 67 Scene Setting beginning of Chapter 7

Okay, okay, I know I usually give you more than a paragraph.  I'm not being stingy--this is the beginning of a chapter and there is first the scene setting for the chapter and the details that are necessary for the reader.  In other words, in one paragraph I will set the scene, introduce the chapter, and foreshadow a lot of events.  So here it is.  Pay attention. 

Natalya woke Aksinya in the early morning.  She served her tea, dressed her in the uniform of Sacré Coeur, and arranged her hair.  Aksinya fit very primly into her clothing.  The severe uniform of Sacré Coeur didn’t improve her figure at all.  The cut made her look more boyish than usual.  Her hair simply turned her features from those of a maiden to those of a lovely boy.  Natalya carefully steered her away from the mirrors in their room and bath.  Natalya, on the other hand, appeared like a especially proper and beautiful young woman.  Her figure was very evident even in the unflattering uniform.  Natalya put on her baggy sweater to cover her curves—she hoped Aksinya wouldn’t notice.

Scene setting means the writer tells us where, when, who, what, and how.  Not necessarily in any particular order.  I spent the whole of the last chapter setting the place for you, the where.  We start with when, early morning, and notice, Natalya woke Aksinya.  I don't tell you, but can't you imagine Natalya already woke very early to prepare herself, then woke Aksinya.  The where is in the second sentence, Sacré Coeur, you knew this from the waking, but this little bit reminds you of a couple of things: first, remember the tea preparation in the room and second, the uniform?  These little things are intended to reset the scene for you.  This is all the where.  So we have the when and the where.  The who is right at the beginning: Aksinya and Natalya.  The what is that they are preparing for school  I don't tell you that--I know you can put it together.  Then the how--the how is what wraps everything together.  You see, I am really showing you the how from the beginning.  It is the how that Natalya prepares Aksinya for school, but in that short how--two whole sentences, I already showed you the entire scene and I set the players in it.  This is scene setting.  This is exactly how it is supposed to be done and should and must be done especially at the beginning of a new scene.  Now let's set the chapter.

To set a chapter, the author needs to put into play the introductory events or ideas that foreshadow at least some parts of it.  The beginning is in the setting of the scene, but I begin to set the chapter before that is done.  Look at the last part of the second sentence--and arranged her hair.  We can't ever get away from Aksinya's hair.  The hair is the image or symbol of her contract to the demon.  She can't be allowed to forget and neither can you.  You know already, from what I revealed in the scene setting, that this chapter will be about the school.  It is all domestic, but then to the point.

Aksinya's clothing.  This is obviously an image for the chapter--how she fits into the school.  Look at the description.  She fit primly because Natalya did the fitting, but it makes Aksinya look like a boy and her hair doesn't help anything.  This is a definite foreshadowing.  Kind Natalya steers Aksinya away from the mirrors.  Remember Aksinya's pain and the mirrors before.  Aksinya, we know keeps away from mirrors because of how she perceives her lack of beauty.  Natalya gets it.  Then we get to Natalya.

Aksinya never picks up on Natalya's evident beauty, but we do.  Aksinya, as a true aristocrat doesn't notice many things like this, but we see it because I show it to you.  Natalya goes out of her way to make certain that Aksinya doesn't notice.  We aren't certain Aksinya would ever notice such a thing--especially at this point.

Still, here we are, the chapter introduction in a nutshell.  Aksinya should fit into the school as well as she fits the uniform, and Natalya will try to fit and will stand out anyway.  Natalya will do anything to help Aksinya, but we knew that already.  I'm not going to reveal the foreshadowing at this point, let's let that be a surprise, shall we, but you might guess at a little.  There are lots of juicy hints. 

A New Novel, Part 63 The Table

The Reverend Mother's introductions complete, the ladies at Aksinya and Natalya's table may now address them.  Notice that correct protocol has not been completed.  The ladies should now appropriately introduce themselves to Aksinya and Natalya.  Aksinya is forgiving, Natalya not so much...

Around Aksinya and Natalya’s table sat seven other young women who were from sixteen to twenty-one years old plus an elderly nun. The sister watched Aksinya and Natalya with as rapped an expression as the girls.


After the soup was served, one of the older girls asked in French, “Are you really a Countess?”

Natalya almost leaped out of her seat, “What do you mean asking such a question? My mistress is the Countess Golitsyna.”

Aksinya pulled Natalya back into her seat, “I am the Countess Aksinya Andreiovna Golitsyna. You may call me Aksinya if you wish. This is the Lady Natalya Alexandrovna Obolenska. I insist you address her as the Lady Natalya. She is my friend and confidant. She is also the daughter of a Prince.”

Natalya sucked her lip and stared back at Aksinya, “And the Countess is the daughter of a Princess and a Count. She…she…rescued me.”

“Hush, Lady Natalya.”

Aksinya gave the ladies a second chance to introduce themselves, but they didn't take it.  Aksinya makes her confidence in Natalya very clear--friend and confidant.  She also gives them leave to call her by her first name, a bit of latitude they would never be low enough to take.  She insists they address Natalya as Lady Natalya.  She demands respect for Natalya, but not herself.
 
Notice, that Aksinya then throws down the gauntlet.  She tells them Natalya's rank--she is the daughter of a Prince.  Natalya knew this.  Earlier, the demon led us to believe that Natalya didn't know who her father was--he left the answer ambivalent.  Now we know that she knows this.  We also get a repeat of an important point.  Aksinya is the daughter of a Russian princess.
 
Then the confession: she rescued me.  This is never far from Natalya's mind and should never be far from ours.  I reminded you because I don't want you to forget--it's like Aksinya's hair.
 
Aksinya's response a gentle, hush.  Aksinya realizes what is in Natalya's mind, or she thinks she does.  
 
I just finished writing the pivotal scene in the novel.  It happens in chapter 15.  It is chapter 15.  I've been thinking about this scene and driving toward it for weeks. I have many notes that I must now resolve with it and improve it.  It is specifically the scene that will lead to the resolution of the novel.

A New Novel, Part 57 Hair, Confession, and Sin

So, with the description over and the scene set, we may move to the more direct points of the storyline. We know their current environment. We know how they live, now we see the story take off.



Before supper, Natalya dressed Aksinya and fixed her short hair. Frau Drescher and the Reverend Mother came to retrieve them for supper. In their sitting room, the Reverend mother held Aksinya’s arms and looked her over carefully. She grinned and spoke in French, “You look very nice, Countess.” She glanced over at Natalya, “Lady Natalya did you adjust the clothing?”

Aksinya answered for her, “Of course she did. She does everything for me. She is very skilled, isn’t she?”

“You both look perfect. She also made your hair look wonderful.”

Aksinya turned her face away.

“Don’t be pained. Your aunt told me what she knew about that.” She whispered, “You may desire the comfort of confession at some time, Countess. You may consider me your confessor any time you wish. I will attempt to comfort you as much as I can.”

Aksinya was breathless, “What if that isn’t my sin?”

“Sin isn’t the only reason for confession, Countess. You might wish to share something that hurts your heart and soul.” She smiled, “I would be pleased to listen to anything you desire to share.”

Aksinya mumbled, “Thank you.”

The Reverend Mother is really a nice person. She tries her hardest because she is pleasant and because she doesn't want to offend her new Countess border. Still we get a repeat of the previous comments about the uniforms. We see that Natalya is praised again, and Aksinya answers for her. This will not continue, but we see that this is the proper setting and the proper response. Aksinya speaks for Natalya--it must be.

Then, bang, the hair again. Will no one let the hair alone? It can't be. The hair is a key point. RM will not let it go and the conversation turns to the worst place Aksinya could ever imagine--confession. RM offers Aksinya confession, but note Aksinya's answer, "What if that isn't my sin?" Do you see, Aksinya isn't certain that she has sinned--yet she knows she has sinned. This is the paradox within the brains of all men--all men assume their actions are never sin. They always believe they are right. maturity comes when a man understands that he is a sinner and that his actions are not always right.


The RM realizes this too, thus her response. Can you see Aksinya's mind working. She desires to be confessed and she wonders just what she can confess. We would say--everything, but she can't do that yet. She isn't to that point--yet. We also see the beginning of the mumbles. Aksinya has shown a tendency to speak her mind but quietly where she assumes others can't understand her. She will show a continuing tendency to mumble when she psychologically wants the words to get out, but does not want to be understood.


I just finished chapter 13 and I'm going on to chapter 14--everything is mapped out and ready to write, but I'm going to take a break this evening.

A New Novel, Part 37 The Fireplace, the Sherry, the Hair

We have to encompass the culture of the times.  In 1918, much heating was still done by open coal fires especially in more ancient homes.  The poor and the wealthy made due with this kind of heating until electricity made forced air heating more common.  The middle class had radiators and boilers.  The oddity here, and I will show you more of it, is there is a wood fire.  Wood roars; coal burns.  Generally, a coal fire might be augmented with wood in a wealthy house especially if they intend to show off.  Note the Freiherr and Freifrau do indeed want to show off.

Aunt Brunhilda cleared her throat, “You poor dear.” Aunt Brunhilda guided Aksinya into a large room with an enormous fireplace. In it, a hot wood and coal fire roared.

Aksinya felt drawn to it. She moved to the fire like a moth to a flame. Aunt Brunhilda pulled her back before she could step into the coals. She held tightly to Aksinya. The Freiherr drew a chair close and Aunt Brunhilda pushed Aksinya into it. Aksinya closed her eyes. The heat clasped her in its grasp, and a slight smile stole onto her lips. She raised her arm, “Thank you, Aunt, Uncle.”

Her uncle and aunt pulled their chairs close to her on either side. Her aunt held her hand. The Freiherr sat and a look of concern crossed his face. After a while he clasped his chin, “When you feel better, we can go to supper. Would you like something now?”

Aksinya shook her head.

“I’ll bring you a glass of wine.” The Freiherr stepped to the sideboard. He selected a bottle and filled a glass. He took it and held it near Aksinya’s hand, “Please, countess, drink this. It will warm you and make you feel better.”

Aksinya took the glass in her shaking hand and tasted the dark brown aperitif. The sherry was very fine and rich. She sipped on it while her aunt patted her other hand.

In a while, Aksinya sat a little straighter. Aunt Brunhilda squeezed her fingers, “Do you feel better, countess.”

“Yes. Thank you, Aunt Brunhilda. I have not felt myself for a long time.”

“You were always a sensitive child.” Aunt Brunhilda touched Aksinya’s face then moved her hand a little higher and touched the tips of her hair, “Dear child, what happened to your hair?”

Aksinya took a deep breath, “I lost it with my family.”

“Did you cut it off yourself?”

Aksinya hung her head.

“Yes. It looks like you did. You poor girl.” Her aunt took Aksinya’s hand and held it against her face, “Tomorrow, I promise, my beautician will trim your hair and make it look much better.”

“But I don’t want to trim it. I don’t want to…to… forget…”

“We will not forget. Your mother and father were great friends as well as relations of ours.”

Aksinya could feel the eyes of the demon on her, “Thank you, but I don’t wish to cut it—I insist.”

“Then, would you let me style it for you? If you won’t have it trimmed, we shall make the most of it.”

A servant came to the door and rang a small bell.

There is so much unspoken in this scene.  Here, we have three touchstone events.  The first is the fire.  I told you a little about fire.  Fire indicates status.  Yesterday, I showed you Aksinya's desire for death.  We understood this, but now we see a little of it manifest itself.  I will not make a lot of this, her survival instinct is too great--she is not self destructive, but I wanted to let her put on a show for the demon.  It is a game, so Asmodeus said.  Her aunt and uncle play a part in the game, but they have no idea the rules that govern it or Aksinya.  Note, that her aunt pulled her back--a little foreshadowing, but not of great consequence.  I just wanted to show Aksinya when she had little control over herself.  Remember, this was the demon's doing.

The second is the sherry.  She refuses, but her uncle still pours her a glass.  He promised her wine, but brought sherry.  If you remember, Asmodeus told her to do what her uncle asked.  This works on multiple levels because even if you realize Aksinya is acceding to the will of her uncle (whether intentionally or unintentionally), her uncle's action is an indication of his personality and character.  Her acceptance just reinforces her own problem--luxuria.

The third is the hair.  We cannot ever forget the hair.  It is and must be part of the plot and theme throughout the novel.  She gave her hair as the surety of her contract with the demon.  The ignorant actions of aunt press deeply into the wounds Aksinya bears, yet look at her response.  She simply states directly though her aunt can't understand.  Do you see the multilevel here too.  Part of the act of mourning in many cultures is to cut the hair.  Her aunt may or may not recognize this--many readers will see this.  For Aksinya, her hair is absolutely a sign of her mourning--the loss of her family.  It is a sign of her contract--her greatest anguish.  It is the loss of the one thing she thought was beautiful about herself.  Talk about pitiful, and Aunt Brunhilda is picking in the wound with a blunt pair of scissors (isn't that a great analogy?).  Aksinya is literally rescued by the supper bell.