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.
The time has come for the climax of this novel. We had a rousing beginning, a long series of rising action that foreshadowed and hinted toward this very moment. Now, we are here. I hope this is as much a surprise to you as it is to Aksinya...
Monday after school, Aksinya and Natalya awaited in the parlor for Herr von Taaffe’s arrival. A wood and coal fire warmed the room. Natalya sewed and Aksinya read a Russian novel. Sister Margarethe sat in a servant’s chair at the side of the room near the door to the hall. Aksinya kept glancing up from her book. She hadn’t turned a single page in an hour.
When they heard hooves outside, Sister Margarethe stood. The two novice nuns must have waited just outside the door, they rushed into the parlor.
Aksinya smiled. Her face filled with joy.
Natalya glanced at Aksinya then bent more diligently over her sewing.
When the bell rang, Sister Margarethe and the novice nuns ran into the foyer. Aksinya heard the door open and Sister Margarethe greet Ernst. She heard the rustle of Ernst’s great coat as they took it from him. In a few moments, Sister Margarethe led Herr Ernst von Taaffe into the room. Aksinya rose to greet him, and she almost fell backwards into her chair. Just behind Ernst stepped Asmodeus. The demon grinned at her, but he didn’t say anything. A whiff of sulfur followed him into the room. Natalya glanced up at Ernst and the demon. She colored, but immediately lowered her eyes back to her sewing.
Ernst’s face was radiant. He stepped to Aksinya and embraced her. His lips touched hers in a light but fervent caress. Aksinya returned his kiss for a moment, then thought better of her response and pushed him slightly away. Ernst didn’t seem put off at all. Sister Margarethe took a step forward as though she was about to intervene, but then she stepped back again.
Natalya stiffened.
Ernst pulled Aksinya closer, “Dearest Aksinya, I know your answer before you speak it, and I’m here to take you home with me.”
Sister Margarethe gave a gasp. The novice nuns gasped.
Aksinya pushed him back again, “My answer? You know it before I even speak it? You are a bit too forward and presumptuous, sir.”
“Today, I received your letter in response to mine, and the joy of my heart knows no bounds. But your attentions the other evening spoke more strongly than any letter or any words you might say.”
Aksinya’s voice raised, “My attentions?”
Ernst stared at her with a puzzled look, “Yes, your attentions.”
Asmodeus grinned.
The ladies form a sweet circle of friends and servants to the Grand Countess Aksinya. This should be her greatest moment. She is about to make her decision known to the famous and handsome, Ernst von Taaffe. Aksinya has reached the pinnacle for an unmarried woman in this culture and society: she is sought after and she is treated like a true princess. Who might imagine that in a single moment she should fall from that pinnacle. Or that her fall should cause the fall of many, many, many others.
So it begins, in this small circle that we know is a circle of secrets--the ladies await the arrival of Ernst. The wealth of Aksinya's household is indicated by the coal and the wood in her fireplace. Natalya sews. Aksinya reads or tries to read. Sister Margarethe looks after them both. Aksinya is excited--notice, I don't tell you that she is excited, I show you--she hasn't turned a single page in an hour.
What do you think the answer Aksinya will make to Ernst? It should be obvious. The moment they hear Ernst's arrival, everyone begins to act. Sister Margarethe and the novice nuns move to greet Ernst. Aksinya's face is filled with joy. Watch Natalya--what's with Natalya?
We hear the sounds as the Sisters greet Ernst--the excitement is building. These are advanced writing techniques to allow you to experience the moment, the excitement. You hear the entry and movement with the expectation of Aksinya and the ladies. You experience with Aksinya, your desire, Ernst von Taaffe will soon be here.
Aksinya rose to greet Ernst. This is a great boon. The Countess rises for her love (remember how she treated him before), but just behind Ernst, comes Asmodeus! The demon doesn't speak. Why could he be here. Watch Natalya, something is up.
Ernst's appearance is like Aksinya's--he is full of joy. He goes directly to Aksinya and kisses her. This is a huge cultural issue. Only a husband would kiss a woman like this--and maybe not a husband--a lover and not a discrete one. Ernst is intoxicated with love. Aksinya is intoxicated with desire.
Aksinya realizes she has made a mistake. She pushed Ernst away, but it is too late. Sister Margarethe has already seen it. The novice sisters have already seen it. Everyone knows her answer--it has to be, yes. Ernst's actions are certainly something Aksinya didn't expect. Natalya's reaction was to stiffen--what does she know?
Ernst brings more mystery into the situation. He pulls her closer, possessively: “Dearest Aksinya, I know your answer before you speak it, and I’m here to take you home with me.” You can't misunderstand this statement. Even if you don't understand the culture, you can't misunderstand Ernst's statement. The response of the nuns should tell you--they gasp. Ernst is here to take Aksinya to his house where they will live together. He knows her answer already--how could that be?
Aksinya is getting angry now. No one knows her mind before she speaks it. She uses very strong language for the times. She calls Ernst forward and presumptuous, which he is. Ernst gives a reason for his actions--he received a letter, oops. Remember the post? Then we get the coupe de gras: "But your attentions the other evening spoke more strongly than any letter or any words you might say.”
Your attentions the other evening? Aksinya knows nothing about this. Can you guess what attentions means in this culture. The demon grins. Tomorrow, we see more about these attentions.
Showing posts with label novice sister. Show all posts
Showing posts with label novice sister. Show all posts
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Sunday, March 27, 2011
A New Novel, Part 175 The Bills Have Been Paid--Have They Not?
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 learned that Aksinya has given up any pretense she had before. The world has changed for her, and she is in a new mode we have only seen small glimpses of in the past. There are more revelations afoot...
That evening before dinner, Sister Margarethe helped Aksinya and Natalya prepare to travel to Grossbock for the weekend. Aksinya was dressed in finery and Natalya not less than a degree below that. Aksinya held the book of Heka wrapped in brown paper in her lap. She wouldn’t let anyone else carry it. While they waited together in the parlor for Aunt Brunhilda to arrive, Aksinya lounged and Natalya sat in the large overstuffed chairs. Sister Margarethe stood and held their cloaks. Sister Margarethe cleared her throat.
Aksinya sat up, “Yes, Sister Margarethe, you wish my attention?”
“Yes, Countess. The novice sisters told me this afternoon that they saw a strange man remove your post.”
Aksinya made a frown, “Ah, that must be my courtier, Asmodeus.”
“Your courtier?”
“Yes, perhaps you have not met him.”
“Then he has been intercepting the post?”
“I expect the bills and any official communications. There were no letters today for me?”
“No, not today, or at least I don’t think there were. So he has been allowing your personal correspondence to go through?”
“Yes, I expect so.”
“They thought they saw him take what looked like personal letters from the box.”
Aksinya froze.
Natalya turned her head away.
Aksinya stuttered, “They were likely letters concerning my business.”
“So your courtier takes care of all your bills and business. You should introduce me to him.”
Aksinya’s voice was suddenly very weak, “The bills…the bills, they have all been paid—have they not?”
“Oh yes, every one. I have heard no complaints and the larder continues to be filled.”
Aksinya’s voice shook with relief, “That is good. It is as it should be.”
“Your courtier must be very efficient and a careful steward. Everything seems to be in perfect order. Everything comes on time and is of the very best quality. He must choose your goods very carefully, and he must tip very well.”
“Yes. I’m certain he does.”
Natalya turned Aksinya a strange look that Sister Margarethe and Aksinya both did not see.
Aksinya and Natalya are both dressed to the hilt. They are preparing to go to Grossbock. This is a reminder of Aksinya's love of luxuria. Sister Margarethe is helping them prepare. Note that Aksinya holds her new book covetously. She will not let it out of her hands. Aksinya lounges and Natalya sits properly in the fine chairs in the parlor. This isn't odd, but it is odd that they are using the parlor. In this culture the parlor is used, not for waiting, but for receiving.
Sister Margarethe brings up a strange topic. The novice sisters saw a strange man remove Aksinya's post. I use this archaic term for mail intentionally here--for the historical significance and to bring the readers attention to it. Remember, Aksinya has not seen Asmodeus for a long while. Asmodeus bought the house for Aksinya. She has been assuming that he has taken care of the bills and the official communications. She has not thought about this subject for a while.
Aksinya assumes Asmodeus has been taking care of her mail and bills. The personal correspondence he has let through because she received and sent letters to Ernst. In this case, the novice sisters thought they saw Asmodeus take personal letters from the post as well as the bills. Aksinya has a sudden thought--that is about the bills. She asks if they have been paid--note, in her concern over the bills, she forgets about the personal correspondence.
Sister Margarethe reassures Aksinya that the larder continues to be filled--therefore the bills seemed to be paid on time and with a little extra because they receive such high quality foods and goods. Sister Margarethe doesn't really answer the question, but Aksinya is reassured.
Natalya's response is odd. She turns both the Sister and Aksinya a strange look they both do not notice. We could assume this is a reference to the bills, but it could equally be a reference to the personal correspondence. We are led to believe that Natalya knows more about this circumstance than either Aksinya or Sister Margarethe. We have already guessed that Natalya has been working or speaking with the demon behind Aksinya's back.
Here is a hint and a revelation both. I won't explain it more than this, but Aksinya does not have the energy to worry about this topic--she should. We know she should. Austria has come out of a terrible war. The people have little food or anything else, but her larders are filled; her house is very fine and filled with wealth. Did you ask yourself how Aksinya can continue to live as she does--it is all completely in the hands of the demon. This is what this little scene is supposed to remind you. With these hints, you might be able to guess what could happen. You will not see the fruition of this short conversation for a while, but it has dire consequences for Aksinya. Tomorrow, Sister Margarethe has more she wishes to know.
We learned that Aksinya has given up any pretense she had before. The world has changed for her, and she is in a new mode we have only seen small glimpses of in the past. There are more revelations afoot...
That evening before dinner, Sister Margarethe helped Aksinya and Natalya prepare to travel to Grossbock for the weekend. Aksinya was dressed in finery and Natalya not less than a degree below that. Aksinya held the book of Heka wrapped in brown paper in her lap. She wouldn’t let anyone else carry it. While they waited together in the parlor for Aunt Brunhilda to arrive, Aksinya lounged and Natalya sat in the large overstuffed chairs. Sister Margarethe stood and held their cloaks. Sister Margarethe cleared her throat.
Aksinya sat up, “Yes, Sister Margarethe, you wish my attention?”
“Yes, Countess. The novice sisters told me this afternoon that they saw a strange man remove your post.”
Aksinya made a frown, “Ah, that must be my courtier, Asmodeus.”
“Your courtier?”
“Yes, perhaps you have not met him.”
“Then he has been intercepting the post?”
“I expect the bills and any official communications. There were no letters today for me?”
“No, not today, or at least I don’t think there were. So he has been allowing your personal correspondence to go through?”
“Yes, I expect so.”
“They thought they saw him take what looked like personal letters from the box.”
Aksinya froze.
Natalya turned her head away.
Aksinya stuttered, “They were likely letters concerning my business.”
“So your courtier takes care of all your bills and business. You should introduce me to him.”
Aksinya’s voice was suddenly very weak, “The bills…the bills, they have all been paid—have they not?”
“Oh yes, every one. I have heard no complaints and the larder continues to be filled.”
Aksinya’s voice shook with relief, “That is good. It is as it should be.”
“Your courtier must be very efficient and a careful steward. Everything seems to be in perfect order. Everything comes on time and is of the very best quality. He must choose your goods very carefully, and he must tip very well.”
“Yes. I’m certain he does.”
Natalya turned Aksinya a strange look that Sister Margarethe and Aksinya both did not see.
Aksinya and Natalya are both dressed to the hilt. They are preparing to go to Grossbock. This is a reminder of Aksinya's love of luxuria. Sister Margarethe is helping them prepare. Note that Aksinya holds her new book covetously. She will not let it out of her hands. Aksinya lounges and Natalya sits properly in the fine chairs in the parlor. This isn't odd, but it is odd that they are using the parlor. In this culture the parlor is used, not for waiting, but for receiving.
Sister Margarethe brings up a strange topic. The novice sisters saw a strange man remove Aksinya's post. I use this archaic term for mail intentionally here--for the historical significance and to bring the readers attention to it. Remember, Aksinya has not seen Asmodeus for a long while. Asmodeus bought the house for Aksinya. She has been assuming that he has taken care of the bills and the official communications. She has not thought about this subject for a while.
Aksinya assumes Asmodeus has been taking care of her mail and bills. The personal correspondence he has let through because she received and sent letters to Ernst. In this case, the novice sisters thought they saw Asmodeus take personal letters from the post as well as the bills. Aksinya has a sudden thought--that is about the bills. She asks if they have been paid--note, in her concern over the bills, she forgets about the personal correspondence.
Sister Margarethe reassures Aksinya that the larder continues to be filled--therefore the bills seemed to be paid on time and with a little extra because they receive such high quality foods and goods. Sister Margarethe doesn't really answer the question, but Aksinya is reassured.
Natalya's response is odd. She turns both the Sister and Aksinya a strange look they both do not notice. We could assume this is a reference to the bills, but it could equally be a reference to the personal correspondence. We are led to believe that Natalya knows more about this circumstance than either Aksinya or Sister Margarethe. We have already guessed that Natalya has been working or speaking with the demon behind Aksinya's back.
Here is a hint and a revelation both. I won't explain it more than this, but Aksinya does not have the energy to worry about this topic--she should. We know she should. Austria has come out of a terrible war. The people have little food or anything else, but her larders are filled; her house is very fine and filled with wealth. Did you ask yourself how Aksinya can continue to live as she does--it is all completely in the hands of the demon. This is what this little scene is supposed to remind you. With these hints, you might be able to guess what could happen. You will not see the fruition of this short conversation for a while, but it has dire consequences for Aksinya. Tomorrow, Sister Margarethe has more she wishes to know.
Monday, February 7, 2011
A New Novel, Part 127 Teach Me Sorcery
We are watching Aksinya in a slow train-wreck and Natalya in a role reversal of great magnitude. Ernst von Taaffe brought this upon them, and Asmodeus was behind it all. Aksinya and Natalya are discussing sorcery and Ernst...
A knock came from the door. Aksinya jumped. Natalya turned toward the sound, “You may enter, sister.”
Sister Margarethe opened the door and brought in the tea service. Natalya pointed to the tea table. Sister Margarethe placed it on the top. Natalya pointed again, “Sister, you may pour.”
“Sister Margarethe poured the tea.”
Aksinya sat quietly in her chair.
Natalya picked up her cup, “Thank you, Sister Margarethe, we have everything we need. I’ll put the Countess to bed.”
Sister Margarethe curtsied and stepped back to the door.
Natalya called at her back, “I’ll prepare the Countess for school tomorrow. If you could please see to our breakfast?”
“Yes, Lady, I shall tell the novice sisters.”
“Thank you.”
Sister Margarethe closed the door.
Natalya waited a moment, “When will you teach me sorcery?”
Aksinya stared at her, “Nata, I don’t ever intend to teach it to you. It does me no good and only causes me to suffer. If you only knew…”
“I do not know. I only see the good you do. I don’t understand why you won’t do this for me.”
Aksinya let out a breath and glanced down, “I have already begun to teach you Latin, but I do not intend to teach you sorcery.”
“Why Latin? What is the purpose of it?”
Aksinya mumbled again, “It is the words.”
“I’m sorry Aksinya. I couldn’t understand you.”
“I said, it is the words. Sorcery can be accomplished in Latin or Greek. Latin is more common. The words and the sounds are critical. They must be said precisely. If they are spoken incorrectly, at best, the enchantment will not work, at the worst, it will injure you. The first step is to learn the language of sorcery.”
“Why Latin or Greek?”
“Although I have heard that sorcery has been successful in other languages, I have no evidence of it. The documents of the church were first in Greek and next in Latin. Those have been the languages of sorcery since then.”
“What of Hebrew?”
“There is a possibility of sorcery in Hebrew, but I don’t know the language, and I have never seen any books. The books are necessary.”
“Why necessary? You have made enchantments without your books.”
“If a single piece of the enchantment is wrong or incorrectly done, it won’t succeed. The books give explicit directions to make it work. If you forget, or if you make a mistake, your life or your health can be forfeit.”
“But you do it so easily.”
Aksinya took Natalya’s hands, “Listen closely to me, Nata. I spent nearly every free moment of my childhood studying sorcery. I had no friends. I had no one, so I read the books. I collected the items. I practiced everything over and over until I perfected it. When I began, I quickly discovered the danger. My fingers were covered with wounds. I have scars on my body from every failed enchantment.”
Natalya’s voice was low, “I have scars on my body and nothing to show for it.”
“I am happy to have you for my friend. I will do anything to keep that including teaching you sorcery, but I suspect I will not be able to let you ever do it. I will be too afraid to allow you to harm yourself.”
Nata stood, “It is late, Aksinya. Let me prepare you for bed.”
Natalya took Aksinya’s arms and lifted her up from the chair. Aksinya passively stood and Natalya began to remove her clothing.
Strangely, the demon didn’t visit Aksinya this night either.
Aksinya is jumpy and agitated. The world is out of her control for the moment. Natalya, at this moment, is making all the decisions and is totally in control. Watch how she addresses Aksinya--she easily uses Aksinya's name. She directs Sister Margarethe and instructs the sister to pour the tea. This is the responsibility of the lady of the house, not Natalya. But nothing is amiss.
When the sister is well away, Natalya gets directly to her point--it was the same point before the interruption: “When will you teach me sorcery?” Aksinya does not lie. She tells Natalya straight out that she does not intend to teach her. Natalya asks the same question we might. She has only seen good come about through the sorcery--so what's the problem with it. Natalya is not conniving, but she knows what she wants--you might ask why she is so suddenly forceful and direct with Aksinya. Then we get a primer on sorcery. Aksinya mumbles when she doesn't wish to reply, but she will not lie. Natalya is a very bright girl. She asks very hard questions. We find out about the origins of sorcery in the definitions of this novel, and we get the reasons for the books of sorcery. I don't tell any of this to you; I show it to you through the dialog of these characters.
That's when we learn more about Aksinya. We knew she was a lonely child with few if any friends. Now she tells us a little about it and why she turned to sorcery. We also discover the danger of sorcery, but we already knew some of that. It was alluded to before. Natalya's argument about her scars is a body blow to Aksinya. How could she deny Natalya's request after that?
Aksinya's response tells you how far she is willing to go for Natalya, but because she loves Natalya, she is unwilling to allow her to use sorcery. This is a strong paradox, but one we face in many areas ourselves--like letting go of out children. Natalya is still in charge here. Aksinya is depressed and out of her league. As I mentioned, her world is out of control. Her passivity indicates this. The demon didn't show up, but tomorrow a letter will.
A knock came from the door. Aksinya jumped. Natalya turned toward the sound, “You may enter, sister.”
Sister Margarethe opened the door and brought in the tea service. Natalya pointed to the tea table. Sister Margarethe placed it on the top. Natalya pointed again, “Sister, you may pour.”
“Sister Margarethe poured the tea.”
Aksinya sat quietly in her chair.
Natalya picked up her cup, “Thank you, Sister Margarethe, we have everything we need. I’ll put the Countess to bed.”
Sister Margarethe curtsied and stepped back to the door.
Natalya called at her back, “I’ll prepare the Countess for school tomorrow. If you could please see to our breakfast?”
“Yes, Lady, I shall tell the novice sisters.”
“Thank you.”
Sister Margarethe closed the door.
Natalya waited a moment, “When will you teach me sorcery?”
Aksinya stared at her, “Nata, I don’t ever intend to teach it to you. It does me no good and only causes me to suffer. If you only knew…”
“I do not know. I only see the good you do. I don’t understand why you won’t do this for me.”
Aksinya let out a breath and glanced down, “I have already begun to teach you Latin, but I do not intend to teach you sorcery.”
“Why Latin? What is the purpose of it?”
Aksinya mumbled again, “It is the words.”
“I’m sorry Aksinya. I couldn’t understand you.”
“I said, it is the words. Sorcery can be accomplished in Latin or Greek. Latin is more common. The words and the sounds are critical. They must be said precisely. If they are spoken incorrectly, at best, the enchantment will not work, at the worst, it will injure you. The first step is to learn the language of sorcery.”
“Why Latin or Greek?”
“Although I have heard that sorcery has been successful in other languages, I have no evidence of it. The documents of the church were first in Greek and next in Latin. Those have been the languages of sorcery since then.”
“What of Hebrew?”
“There is a possibility of sorcery in Hebrew, but I don’t know the language, and I have never seen any books. The books are necessary.”
“Why necessary? You have made enchantments without your books.”
“If a single piece of the enchantment is wrong or incorrectly done, it won’t succeed. The books give explicit directions to make it work. If you forget, or if you make a mistake, your life or your health can be forfeit.”
“But you do it so easily.”
Aksinya took Natalya’s hands, “Listen closely to me, Nata. I spent nearly every free moment of my childhood studying sorcery. I had no friends. I had no one, so I read the books. I collected the items. I practiced everything over and over until I perfected it. When I began, I quickly discovered the danger. My fingers were covered with wounds. I have scars on my body from every failed enchantment.”
Natalya’s voice was low, “I have scars on my body and nothing to show for it.”
“I am happy to have you for my friend. I will do anything to keep that including teaching you sorcery, but I suspect I will not be able to let you ever do it. I will be too afraid to allow you to harm yourself.”
Nata stood, “It is late, Aksinya. Let me prepare you for bed.”
Natalya took Aksinya’s arms and lifted her up from the chair. Aksinya passively stood and Natalya began to remove her clothing.
Strangely, the demon didn’t visit Aksinya this night either.
Aksinya is jumpy and agitated. The world is out of her control for the moment. Natalya, at this moment, is making all the decisions and is totally in control. Watch how she addresses Aksinya--she easily uses Aksinya's name. She directs Sister Margarethe and instructs the sister to pour the tea. This is the responsibility of the lady of the house, not Natalya. But nothing is amiss.
When the sister is well away, Natalya gets directly to her point--it was the same point before the interruption: “When will you teach me sorcery?” Aksinya does not lie. She tells Natalya straight out that she does not intend to teach her. Natalya asks the same question we might. She has only seen good come about through the sorcery--so what's the problem with it. Natalya is not conniving, but she knows what she wants--you might ask why she is so suddenly forceful and direct with Aksinya. Then we get a primer on sorcery. Aksinya mumbles when she doesn't wish to reply, but she will not lie. Natalya is a very bright girl. She asks very hard questions. We find out about the origins of sorcery in the definitions of this novel, and we get the reasons for the books of sorcery. I don't tell any of this to you; I show it to you through the dialog of these characters.
That's when we learn more about Aksinya. We knew she was a lonely child with few if any friends. Now she tells us a little about it and why she turned to sorcery. We also discover the danger of sorcery, but we already knew some of that. It was alluded to before. Natalya's argument about her scars is a body blow to Aksinya. How could she deny Natalya's request after that?
Aksinya's response tells you how far she is willing to go for Natalya, but because she loves Natalya, she is unwilling to allow her to use sorcery. This is a strong paradox, but one we face in many areas ourselves--like letting go of out children. Natalya is still in charge here. Aksinya is depressed and out of her league. As I mentioned, her world is out of control. Her passivity indicates this. The demon didn't show up, but tomorrow a letter will.
Thursday, December 2, 2010
A New Novel, Part 60 Natalya Must Sit
Natalya's greatest goal is to serve Aksinya. You must keep this in mind. You must also remember that Natalya was compelled to serve before. With this background, we see what is brewing in the dining room.
The novice sister curtsied to the floor. She couldn’t take her eyes off Aksinya and Natalya. She led them to the round table just below the head table and tried to seat them.
Aksinya sat and Natalya stood behind her chair. The novice sister stared at Natalya, “Lady, you should sit. That’s what the Reverend Mother instructed me.”
Natalya shook her head.
Aksinya spoke to the novice sister in German, “She doesn’t understand German.”
Novice Sister Rita pulled out the chair beside Aksinya, “Please lady, sit here. Countess, you tell her.” She glanced nervously at the head table.
All this time, the other students entered the dining room. They sat in their places and gawked at the odd scene at the older scholar’s table. The young women who sat at that table came in and took their places. They stared at Aksinya and Natalya. Natalya still obstinately stood behind Aksinya’s seat.
Sister Rita ran over to the head table and whispered to the Reverend Mother. The Reverend Mother slowly stood and stepped over to the older scholar’s table. She took everything in a glance and spoke in French, “Please Lady Natalya, sit at the table. It is necessary for the good order of the school.”
Natalya cocked her head toward the Reverend Mother, “For the good order, Reverend Mother?”
Aksinya laughed, “Yes, Lady Natalya. I told you already. You must sit.”
Natalya frowned and appeared as if she was about to cry. She complained, “But why isn’t it good order to wait on my mistress?”
Do you already know the answer to Natalya's question. I'll tell you tomorrow if you can't guess it. I've given hints all over the place. Natalya wishes to serve Aksinya at table. This is a world of precedence and protocol. Aksinya is an expert in this area. She is more expert than almost anyone. You might ask yourself why she is such an expert. You knew she was a book worm. You knew she spent most of her childhood in study.
The tension is funny to Aksinya. She realized this time would come--don't you see that she both expected it and looked forward to it. Aksinya isn't cruel, but she is a realist in many ways. She knows Natalya will not change easily, and she will not accept any change gracefully. Natalya is not stubborn, but she loves Aksinya. She loves the idea of subjugating herself to another being that is worth that subjugation. Remember, the demon told Aksinya that Natalya was looking for something. She was looking for purpose and for a master. That master should have rightly been God--remember the conversation outside Natalya's house. Natalya was forced to serve in the home Aksinya took her from. She was beaten to force that service. Natalya would have served without any coercion. She desires to serve. This is important.
So what is the answer to the question, and what will happen to Natalya? This is critical to Natalya's existence.
The novice sister curtsied to the floor. She couldn’t take her eyes off Aksinya and Natalya. She led them to the round table just below the head table and tried to seat them.
Aksinya sat and Natalya stood behind her chair. The novice sister stared at Natalya, “Lady, you should sit. That’s what the Reverend Mother instructed me.”
Natalya shook her head.
Aksinya spoke to the novice sister in German, “She doesn’t understand German.”
Novice Sister Rita pulled out the chair beside Aksinya, “Please lady, sit here. Countess, you tell her.” She glanced nervously at the head table.
All this time, the other students entered the dining room. They sat in their places and gawked at the odd scene at the older scholar’s table. The young women who sat at that table came in and took their places. They stared at Aksinya and Natalya. Natalya still obstinately stood behind Aksinya’s seat.
Sister Rita ran over to the head table and whispered to the Reverend Mother. The Reverend Mother slowly stood and stepped over to the older scholar’s table. She took everything in a glance and spoke in French, “Please Lady Natalya, sit at the table. It is necessary for the good order of the school.”
Natalya cocked her head toward the Reverend Mother, “For the good order, Reverend Mother?”
Aksinya laughed, “Yes, Lady Natalya. I told you already. You must sit.”
Natalya frowned and appeared as if she was about to cry. She complained, “But why isn’t it good order to wait on my mistress?”
Do you already know the answer to Natalya's question. I'll tell you tomorrow if you can't guess it. I've given hints all over the place. Natalya wishes to serve Aksinya at table. This is a world of precedence and protocol. Aksinya is an expert in this area. She is more expert than almost anyone. You might ask yourself why she is such an expert. You knew she was a book worm. You knew she spent most of her childhood in study.
The tension is funny to Aksinya. She realized this time would come--don't you see that she both expected it and looked forward to it. Aksinya isn't cruel, but she is a realist in many ways. She knows Natalya will not change easily, and she will not accept any change gracefully. Natalya is not stubborn, but she loves Aksinya. She loves the idea of subjugating herself to another being that is worth that subjugation. Remember, the demon told Aksinya that Natalya was looking for something. She was looking for purpose and for a master. That master should have rightly been God--remember the conversation outside Natalya's house. Natalya was forced to serve in the home Aksinya took her from. She was beaten to force that service. Natalya would have served without any coercion. She desires to serve. This is important.
So what is the answer to the question, and what will happen to Natalya? This is critical to Natalya's existence.
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