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.
Natalya returned at the beginning of the school day. Aksinya won't speak. She won't respond. We have no idea what her thoughts are. Aksinya's despondency continues past dinner...
They walked across the street to Aksinya’s house. Natalya unlocked the door. The novices came when they heard the door open. Aksinya didn’t wait for them to take her cloak. Sister Margarethe entered directly behind them from the street. She was out of breath. She started to say something and follow Aksinya, but Natalya put up her hand and waved her back. Natalya handed her cloak to the first novice. She took a deep breath of the collar first. Then she followed Aksinya up the stairs.
Natalya closed and locked the door to Aksinya’s rooms. The mink cloak lay in the sitting room floor. Natalya picked it up and smelled it. She took a deep breath of the lining and smiled. She placed the cloak reluctantly down over one of the chairs and went into Aksinya’s bedroom. Aksinya fought with the buttons on her blouse. Her uniform short coat lay on the floor.
Natalya came over and pulled Aksinya’s hands away from the front of her blouse. She pushed them to Aksinya’s side and began to unbutton the blouse. She pulled it off Aksinya and lifted the camisole over her head. She unbuttoned Aksinya’s skirt and untied her slip. She took everything to the gross schrank and hung them inside. She pulled out a silk nightgown and returned. Aksinya already sat on the edge of the bed. Natalya pulled the gown over Aksinya’s head and plucked her hands through the sleeves. She pulled the bottom of the gown over Aksinya’s thighs.
Aksinya lay back on the bed and her head touched something hard. She frowned and reached up behind her head. She felt a book. No, two large books.
Aksinya sat up suddenly. She half turned and mumbled, “My books.” She glanced at Natalya, “Why are my books here?” Without waiting for an answer, Aksinya pulled the books over to her. One had a brown cover, she opened the book and her mouth formed an “O,” “This is the book Ernst took.”
Natalya chuckled.
Aksinya’s hands trembled. She pushed the book aside and took up the other. She caressed it with an overly light touch as though she really didn’t want to handle it. She opened it and whispered, “This is not my book. It is a Greek Book of Heka.” She stared at Natalya, “This is Ernst’s book.” She dropped it back on the bed, “How did these books come to be here?”
Natalya smiled.
“What did you do, Nata?”
Natalya pulled the covers down on the bed. She carefully didn’t touch either book, “Now that man has no power over you. You have no reason to see him anymore. You have your book again, and you have his book.”
Aksinya picked up The Book of Heka and held it against her breast, “I do have his book.”
Natalya smiled, “Get in bed, mistress. I know that you wish to read tonight. I will leave the gas lamp lit over your bed.” She bent forward and helped Aksinya crawl under the covers. Aksinya would not let go of the new book.
Aksinya has no hope. This might not be so obvious as a statement. Asmodeus took the most important person to Aksinya from her without any fight. Aksinya had no say--she had no power to prevent Natalya from leaving her. She had no power over the demon, his actions, his desires (if he has any). Aksinya could not prevent her best and only friend from coming somehow under the power of the demon and leaving her. Aksinya knows Asmodeus was behind everything, and she isn't as interested in what Natalya was doing as her own failure to prevent it. Aksinya should have been concerned about Natalya's actions. Aksinya is and has always been focused on herself and not on others. Her concern isn't as much for Natalya or what Natalya was doing as her own lack of power or control.
When they return to Aksinya's house, Natalya is in complete control. She orders Sister Margarethe. She orders the novices. Look at her actions with her cloak and then Aksinya's mink. It is obvious who Natalya loves. Natalya is entirely and completely dedicated to Aksinya. She literally worships the ground Aksinya walks on. This is what I am showing you through Natalya's actions.
Inside Aksinya's rooms, Natalya is still completely in control. She locks the door. She savors the scent of Aksinya. That makes Natalya smile. Aksinya is despondent and completely beaten down. She can't undo the buttons on her blouse. Natalya has always unbuttoned them for her. Watch Natalya's actions. She demands her place. She takes over the work she knows to do. She undresses Aksinya and puts away her clothes. There are no words and no need for words. Natalya gets Aksinya's nightgown. Like one would dress a child, Natalya dresses Aksinya in it. The words I use show you exactly this: Natalya pulled the gown over Aksinya’s head and plucked her hands through the sleeves. She pulled the bottom of the gown over Aksinya’s thighs. Note, Aksinya sits on the side of the bed--an obedient child waiting to be dressed. I also give you some historical details in the way clothing was put on and taken off at the time (slips were tied, ladies).
Aksinya lays back on the bed. She still doesn't say anything. Her head touches something. There are two large books on the bed. Aksinya's first words in a long while are "My books." Why indeed are these books of sorcery here? The first book is the one that Ernst took from the street. This was the book that Aksinya strove to get back for so long. Natalya chuckles.
Watch closely what motivates Aksinya. The first book is Aksinya's book that Ernst took. The second book is the book that Ernst promised Aksinya. Aksinya asks where the books came from--Natalya just smiles. Aksinya asks what Natalya did to get the books. Natalya doesn't answer her question instead this is her response: “Now that man has no power over you. You have no reason to see him anymore. You have your book again, and you have his book.”
Aksinya's response shows that she is not interested in Ernst. She is not interested in how Natalya got the books. She is interested in only one thing that is the sorcery in the books. This is what motivates Aksinya. This is what has always motivated Aksinya in this novel. She desires luxuria. She desires sorcery. These are her temptations. Anything else to her is rubbish.
Natalya's statement at the end of this scene: “Get in bed, mistress. I know that you wish to read tonight. I will leave the gas lamp lit over your bed.” She bent forward and helped Aksinya crawl under the covers. Aksinya would not let go of the new book. How well Natalya understands her mistress. How perfectly Natalya predicted Aksinya's response. Still, we know there are problems. Where was Natalya? What did Natalya do? I have given you enough hints that perhaps you know exactly what Natalya did. If you do, then you know Aksinya can't fathom or even imagine it.
Aksinya will climb out of her despondency. She will perhaps find her way back from the brink of her silence and pain. When she takes back control, what will be the result? When she is finally satiated with sorcery, what will Aksinya do? All will eventually be made clear. Tomorrow, the aftermath of learning new sorcery.
Showing posts with label nightgown. Show all posts
Showing posts with label nightgown. Show all posts
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
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.
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.
Sunday, December 19, 2010
A New Novel, Part 77 I will endure
I'll give you a little more today than usual, because I want you to connect an important part of the story and theme. I'm writing chapter 17 now. It is one of the pivotal scenes in the novel. You have only seen two of the pivotal scenes so far and there are seven. The first is the incantation--loosely chapter 1. The second it calling Natalya. We are building to the third. After the third pivotal point in the novel, it proceeds until the great confrontation (not what you might think) and the chapters flow from there with the resolution and final conclusion. Like a mentioned, I'm writing one of the next big surprises in the novel--a scene that everything has built to.
She pawed through the rest of the jewelry and took out a couple of more pieces. Each piece brought back some memory of her mother. She couldn’t stop her thoughts. Aksinya’s stomach ached the whole time, and the rosary burned against her skin, but she would endure it, she would. Sleep began to overtake her, and she eventually closed and locked the box. She wanted to go to sleep. When she tried to lift the jewelry box from her bed, she found it was much too heavy for her to lift. She couldn’t budge it. If she tried to push it off the bed, it might fall and break. The noise would surely wake Frau Drescher, whose own rooms were just below hers.
Since she couldn’t move the box, Aksinya finally curled up in the remaining space on the bed that was left to her—it wasn’t much. She was cramped. She couldn’t move. Her stomach ached. The crucifix burned her skin. She wasn’t certain she slept at all, but she did wake when Natalya shook her in the morning.
Natalya just stared at the jewelry box and at Aksinya.
Aksinya was drowsy. She sat up and stretched, “The de…, Asmodeus paid me a visit last night. He left the box. Would you like to see inside?”
Natalya was enthralled, “Is it something that has to do with you know what?”
Aksinya’s brain was still a little fuzzy with sleep, “You know what?”
“Yes, the things you can do…” Natalya whispered, “Sorcery.”
Aksinya lowered her eyes, “It has nothing to do with that.” She unlocked and opened the box.
Natalya gazed at the jewelry. She let her eyes move lovingly over every piece she could see. Aksinya picked them up and let Natalya see those things underneath. Aksinya tried to hand a couple of pieces to Natalya, but she wouldn’t touch them. After a while, Natalya sighed and stated, “Please mistress, we will be late.”
Aksinya put away the pieces, closed, and locked the box. At the same time, Natalya pulled the nightgown over Aksinya’s head. She stopped when she saw the crucifix.
Aksinya complained, “It’s only half off. Keep pulling.”
Natalya squeaked, “Around your neck…”
“Yes, it was my mother’s. Keep pulling.”
Natalya pulled the nightgown off the rest of the way, “You are burned, countess.”
“Yes, the crucifix did it. It is burning the impurity from my soul.”
“Doesn’t it hurt you, mistress?”
“It hurts like the dickens and my stomach aches, but I will endure this.”
“Why?”
Aksinya’s shoulders drooped, “I’ll tell you later. Yes, later. Please hurry, Nata. Otherwise we shall be late.”
Aksinya looked through the jewelry and reminisced about her mother. The entire time, the rosary burned her skin. She intends to fight against the demon--this is her first shot. The pain she faces is insignificant to her determination.
When she tried to go to sleep, she realized the demon's point. She can't move the box and she doesn't have enough room to stretch out. The demon knows how she would react to his warning. He didn't tell her to help her but to get her to make the demand. The end is that Aksinya's demands caused her problems.
Everything surprises Natalya. She represents all of us. All of us who would be equally surprised by the astounding events around a person like Aksinya. Aksinya shows Natalya, her friend, the contents of the box. Natalya's mind is focused on one thing--you should know that--sorcery. Natalya won't touch those things that belong to Aksinya--this is a proper reaction of a servant. She would touch the jewelry if asked to get them for Aksinya, but believes she has no right to touch them for herself.
Do you like the fun technique I use to draw Natalya's and your attention to the rosary--she pulled the nightgown over Aksinya's head but stopped when she sees the crucifix. Natalya immediately noted that the crucifix has burned Aksinya on the chest. Aksinya's answer was intentionally incomplete, but we have to wait until tomorrow to see Natalya's reaction.
She pawed through the rest of the jewelry and took out a couple of more pieces. Each piece brought back some memory of her mother. She couldn’t stop her thoughts. Aksinya’s stomach ached the whole time, and the rosary burned against her skin, but she would endure it, she would. Sleep began to overtake her, and she eventually closed and locked the box. She wanted to go to sleep. When she tried to lift the jewelry box from her bed, she found it was much too heavy for her to lift. She couldn’t budge it. If she tried to push it off the bed, it might fall and break. The noise would surely wake Frau Drescher, whose own rooms were just below hers.
Since she couldn’t move the box, Aksinya finally curled up in the remaining space on the bed that was left to her—it wasn’t much. She was cramped. She couldn’t move. Her stomach ached. The crucifix burned her skin. She wasn’t certain she slept at all, but she did wake when Natalya shook her in the morning.
Natalya just stared at the jewelry box and at Aksinya.
Aksinya was drowsy. She sat up and stretched, “The de…, Asmodeus paid me a visit last night. He left the box. Would you like to see inside?”
Natalya was enthralled, “Is it something that has to do with you know what?”
Aksinya’s brain was still a little fuzzy with sleep, “You know what?”
“Yes, the things you can do…” Natalya whispered, “Sorcery.”
Aksinya lowered her eyes, “It has nothing to do with that.” She unlocked and opened the box.
Natalya gazed at the jewelry. She let her eyes move lovingly over every piece she could see. Aksinya picked them up and let Natalya see those things underneath. Aksinya tried to hand a couple of pieces to Natalya, but she wouldn’t touch them. After a while, Natalya sighed and stated, “Please mistress, we will be late.”
Aksinya put away the pieces, closed, and locked the box. At the same time, Natalya pulled the nightgown over Aksinya’s head. She stopped when she saw the crucifix.
Aksinya complained, “It’s only half off. Keep pulling.”
Natalya squeaked, “Around your neck…”
“Yes, it was my mother’s. Keep pulling.”
Natalya pulled the nightgown off the rest of the way, “You are burned, countess.”
“Yes, the crucifix did it. It is burning the impurity from my soul.”
“Doesn’t it hurt you, mistress?”
“It hurts like the dickens and my stomach aches, but I will endure this.”
“Why?”
Aksinya’s shoulders drooped, “I’ll tell you later. Yes, later. Please hurry, Nata. Otherwise we shall be late.”
Aksinya looked through the jewelry and reminisced about her mother. The entire time, the rosary burned her skin. She intends to fight against the demon--this is her first shot. The pain she faces is insignificant to her determination.
When she tried to go to sleep, she realized the demon's point. She can't move the box and she doesn't have enough room to stretch out. The demon knows how she would react to his warning. He didn't tell her to help her but to get her to make the demand. The end is that Aksinya's demands caused her problems.
Everything surprises Natalya. She represents all of us. All of us who would be equally surprised by the astounding events around a person like Aksinya. Aksinya shows Natalya, her friend, the contents of the box. Natalya's mind is focused on one thing--you should know that--sorcery. Natalya won't touch those things that belong to Aksinya--this is a proper reaction of a servant. She would touch the jewelry if asked to get them for Aksinya, but believes she has no right to touch them for herself.
Do you like the fun technique I use to draw Natalya's and your attention to the rosary--she pulled the nightgown over Aksinya's head but stopped when she sees the crucifix. Natalya immediately noted that the crucifix has burned Aksinya on the chest. Aksinya's answer was intentionally incomplete, but we have to wait until tomorrow to see Natalya's reaction.
Sunday, December 12, 2010
A New Novel, Part 70 A Transition and the Demon
Everything seems to be going well for Aksinya. She and Natalya don't exactly fit in, but they have a place at the school, but we can never forget the whole point of everything...
Their next class was mathematics followed by history. Luncheon was simple and there was again tea. Afterwards, they attended literature, science, and theology. Luckily literature was in French. Aksinya translated during science and theology for Natalya. The science was simple for them both, the theology foreign.
They ended their first day at dinner, and the conversation at their table was muted, slightly tense, and definitely less exciting than the first day. They both had time to speak to the students and teachers and although they didn’t make any major inroads with them, they seemed to be accepted to a degree by both.
After supper, Aksinya and Natalya returned to their rooms to study at their desks. The gas lamps provided barely sufficient lighting—their rooms were filled with shadows. Natalya had already prepared Aksinya for bed. Aksinya sat in her silk nightgown with a sweater over her shoulders.
Aksinya struggled with one of the problems in mathematics. She was about to give up and ask Natalya’s help when she heard the door to her room open and close. She didn’t turn away from her desk right away. She was immediately happy that the Lady Natalya felt comfortable enough to come to her room without knocking.
The bed behind her creaked. Aksinya gave a happy sigh. She was about to turn around. The voice of Asmodeus startled her. It dripped with sarcasm and animosity, “Hello, Countess, did you forget about me?”
So we have a short synopsis of the day with a transition. there is no need to show you directly the other classes or their lunch. I do in the synopsis give you a lot of information. At Sacré Coeur the language of literature is French--of course. Theology is foreign because they are both Orthodox--did you expect anything else? In this way, I can keep reminding you about their Orthodox roots. The Catholic expression of faith is similar but different.
Still in synopsis mode, we see through a window the dinner event. Again, there is no need for great detail. In just a few words, I give you the feel: muted, slightly tense, and definitely less exciting than the first day.
So we get back to the rooms, and here we see some major scene setting. I don't need to give you details about the room, I need to remind you about what I already told you and then set the differences. I mention specifically desks and gas lamps. Do you remember where they were? That doesn't really matter, but the reason for mentioning desks and gas lamps is the gas lamps were above the beds and the desks. This gives you an idea. Then the differences. The lighting is poor from gas lamp, and I paint you the picture. You should have a good idea of the environment Aksinya is in. I then show you a physical description of Aksinya. She is dressed for bed and a reminder that Natalya dressed her in a silk nightgown, but because of the cold with a sweater. You should have the entire picture now, cold and dark.
Remember that Natalya is very smart, so Aksinya with a problem in math thinks to get Natalya's help, but then Aksinya hears the door to her room open and shut. The door is slightly behind her over her left shoulder. It is dark. She is concentrating on a problem. She had Natalya in her mind, like I just put Natalya in your mind. So you hear next the bed creak. Aksinya is so happy with Sacré Coeur, Natalya, and her life, she has forgotten.
Asmodeus announces himself. She did indeed for get about him and so did you.
Their next class was mathematics followed by history. Luncheon was simple and there was again tea. Afterwards, they attended literature, science, and theology. Luckily literature was in French. Aksinya translated during science and theology for Natalya. The science was simple for them both, the theology foreign.
They ended their first day at dinner, and the conversation at their table was muted, slightly tense, and definitely less exciting than the first day. They both had time to speak to the students and teachers and although they didn’t make any major inroads with them, they seemed to be accepted to a degree by both.
After supper, Aksinya and Natalya returned to their rooms to study at their desks. The gas lamps provided barely sufficient lighting—their rooms were filled with shadows. Natalya had already prepared Aksinya for bed. Aksinya sat in her silk nightgown with a sweater over her shoulders.
Aksinya struggled with one of the problems in mathematics. She was about to give up and ask Natalya’s help when she heard the door to her room open and close. She didn’t turn away from her desk right away. She was immediately happy that the Lady Natalya felt comfortable enough to come to her room without knocking.
The bed behind her creaked. Aksinya gave a happy sigh. She was about to turn around. The voice of Asmodeus startled her. It dripped with sarcasm and animosity, “Hello, Countess, did you forget about me?”
So we have a short synopsis of the day with a transition. there is no need to show you directly the other classes or their lunch. I do in the synopsis give you a lot of information. At Sacré Coeur the language of literature is French--of course. Theology is foreign because they are both Orthodox--did you expect anything else? In this way, I can keep reminding you about their Orthodox roots. The Catholic expression of faith is similar but different.
Still in synopsis mode, we see through a window the dinner event. Again, there is no need for great detail. In just a few words, I give you the feel: muted, slightly tense, and definitely less exciting than the first day.
So we get back to the rooms, and here we see some major scene setting. I don't need to give you details about the room, I need to remind you about what I already told you and then set the differences. I mention specifically desks and gas lamps. Do you remember where they were? That doesn't really matter, but the reason for mentioning desks and gas lamps is the gas lamps were above the beds and the desks. This gives you an idea. Then the differences. The lighting is poor from gas lamp, and I paint you the picture. You should have a good idea of the environment Aksinya is in. I then show you a physical description of Aksinya. She is dressed for bed and a reminder that Natalya dressed her in a silk nightgown, but because of the cold with a sweater. You should have the entire picture now, cold and dark.
Remember that Natalya is very smart, so Aksinya with a problem in math thinks to get Natalya's help, but then Aksinya hears the door to her room open and shut. The door is slightly behind her over her left shoulder. It is dark. She is concentrating on a problem. She had Natalya in her mind, like I just put Natalya in your mind. So you hear next the bed creak. Aksinya is so happy with Sacré Coeur, Natalya, and her life, she has forgotten.
Asmodeus announces himself. She did indeed for get about him and so did you.
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
A New Novel, Part 66 Changes in the World end of Chapter 6
It seems strange to us and slightly funny that an aristocrat expected to be dressed and undressed by their servants. What I try to show you is how expected and common it was at the time. Although Aksinya called Natalya her friend, Aksinya still expects to be waited on--that is the way of the world. Still those ways may change.
After supper, Aksinya and Natalya went back up to their rooms. Natalya undressed Aksinya and put a silk nightgown on her. She brushed out Aksinya’s short hair. After a while, Aksinya took the brush from Natalya’s hand. She told Natalya, “Put on your nightgown and come to my room.” Natalya returned quickly.
Aksinya patted the top of her bed. She sat and Aksinya began to brush her long hair. Natalya put her face in her hands, “I really wish you wouldn’t do that, mistress.”
“Tomorrow, Lady Natalya, we will begin our studies together. We will still be a Countess and a lady, but we will also be students and friends together.”
Natalya turned abruptly, “Do you really think of me as your friend?”
“Yes.” Aksinya smiled, “I never really had a friend before. You are my friend, Lady Natalya. Would you address me as, Aksinya?”
“No…no, I could never do that.”
“What if I just call you, Nata?”
“That’s what my mother called me, but I don’t think it would be allowed.”
“Allowed? Aren’t I allowed to call you whatever I desire?”
“Y…y…yes.”
“Then, in private, I shall call you Nata. I want you to call me, Aksinya.”
“In private. Anywhere you wish, but in private would be fine.” Natalya took another deep breath, “Very well. I will try, Ak…ak…sinya.”
“Thank you, Nata. Tomorrow, we will begin a new kind of life together and in our world, it is a new thing, is it not?”
“Yes, mistress.”
We see the normal expectation, Natalya dresses Aksinya for bed and then prepares her for bed. That's the nightgown and brushing the hair. Aksinya asks Natalya to prepare for bed and turns the tables on her. Can you see this happening. Can you see Natalya's embarrassment and Aksinya's joy. Aksinya is serving her lady-in-waiting, and the lady-in-waiting doesn't like it. This is classical culture in this time. I have even experienced similar things myself in the modern era in Europe.
Look at Aksinya's response: we will still be Countess and lady, but we will be...friends. How that small statement would make Natalya's heart soar. Yet, she is so worried about that statement, she has to ask: do you think of me as your friend? It is not so unbelievable as it is unexpected and yet so odd to Natalya who obviously had few if any friends.
Then we see, Aksinya confesses she didn't have any friends before, and we have to ask ourselves again about the Aksinya we don't know. Aksinya clenches her points with an extravagant intimacy--call me by my first name. This is culturally a big deal at the time. Thus Natalya's answer: I could never do that. Aksinya opens the bidding with the offer to call Natalya, Nata a common Russian diminutive and endearment for Natalya. Aksinya guessed right because this was what Natalya's mother called her. Natalya's answer is classic too: it wouldn't be allowed.
Then, Aksinya pulls the nobility's power--I can do whatever I want. Which is true. Natalya barely accedes, and we know she will have problems with this little rule of Aksinya's. Still, this represents the point at the end of the chapter. The main point that Aksinya has been making to Natalya the entire time. They will begin a new kind of life together, and Natalya's answer, so ambivalent--yes mistress, shows although Aksinya's thinks her feet are planted in a different place, perhaps Natalya's and, by extension, Aksinya's are really not.
The end of this little scene is an example of how I like to end a chapter. In a single dialog with a chencher, I wrap up the entire chapter. The end words convey all the emotion and effect of everything on Natalya as well as the effort of Aksinya. So in response to Aksinya's opining about the changes they will and have seen, Natalya simply says, "Yes mistress," and by that indicates that she doesn't believe the changes will or have affected her.
Tomorrow we begin a new chapter in Daemon (working title), chapter 7.
After supper, Aksinya and Natalya went back up to their rooms. Natalya undressed Aksinya and put a silk nightgown on her. She brushed out Aksinya’s short hair. After a while, Aksinya took the brush from Natalya’s hand. She told Natalya, “Put on your nightgown and come to my room.” Natalya returned quickly.
Aksinya patted the top of her bed. She sat and Aksinya began to brush her long hair. Natalya put her face in her hands, “I really wish you wouldn’t do that, mistress.”
“Tomorrow, Lady Natalya, we will begin our studies together. We will still be a Countess and a lady, but we will also be students and friends together.”
Natalya turned abruptly, “Do you really think of me as your friend?”
“Yes.” Aksinya smiled, “I never really had a friend before. You are my friend, Lady Natalya. Would you address me as, Aksinya?”
“No…no, I could never do that.”
“What if I just call you, Nata?”
“That’s what my mother called me, but I don’t think it would be allowed.”
“Allowed? Aren’t I allowed to call you whatever I desire?”
“Y…y…yes.”
“Then, in private, I shall call you Nata. I want you to call me, Aksinya.”
“In private. Anywhere you wish, but in private would be fine.” Natalya took another deep breath, “Very well. I will try, Ak…ak…sinya.”
“Thank you, Nata. Tomorrow, we will begin a new kind of life together and in our world, it is a new thing, is it not?”
“Yes, mistress.”
We see the normal expectation, Natalya dresses Aksinya for bed and then prepares her for bed. That's the nightgown and brushing the hair. Aksinya asks Natalya to prepare for bed and turns the tables on her. Can you see this happening. Can you see Natalya's embarrassment and Aksinya's joy. Aksinya is serving her lady-in-waiting, and the lady-in-waiting doesn't like it. This is classical culture in this time. I have even experienced similar things myself in the modern era in Europe.
Look at Aksinya's response: we will still be Countess and lady, but we will be...friends. How that small statement would make Natalya's heart soar. Yet, she is so worried about that statement, she has to ask: do you think of me as your friend? It is not so unbelievable as it is unexpected and yet so odd to Natalya who obviously had few if any friends.
Then we see, Aksinya confesses she didn't have any friends before, and we have to ask ourselves again about the Aksinya we don't know. Aksinya clenches her points with an extravagant intimacy--call me by my first name. This is culturally a big deal at the time. Thus Natalya's answer: I could never do that. Aksinya opens the bidding with the offer to call Natalya, Nata a common Russian diminutive and endearment for Natalya. Aksinya guessed right because this was what Natalya's mother called her. Natalya's answer is classic too: it wouldn't be allowed.
Then, Aksinya pulls the nobility's power--I can do whatever I want. Which is true. Natalya barely accedes, and we know she will have problems with this little rule of Aksinya's. Still, this represents the point at the end of the chapter. The main point that Aksinya has been making to Natalya the entire time. They will begin a new kind of life together, and Natalya's answer, so ambivalent--yes mistress, shows although Aksinya's thinks her feet are planted in a different place, perhaps Natalya's and, by extension, Aksinya's are really not.
The end of this little scene is an example of how I like to end a chapter. In a single dialog with a chencher, I wrap up the entire chapter. The end words convey all the emotion and effect of everything on Natalya as well as the effort of Aksinya. So in response to Aksinya's opining about the changes they will and have seen, Natalya simply says, "Yes mistress," and by that indicates that she doesn't believe the changes will or have affected her.
Tomorrow we begin a new chapter in Daemon (working title), chapter 7.
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