Aksinya lied again. She told them she was nauseous because she had not eaten. She is bothered by Dobrushin's remarks. Her mind is embroiled with the book of sorcery. Then Aksinya and Natalya return to the school, but all is not well there either.
Aksinya couldn’t eat anything at luncheon. She took Natalya’s tea. She was unaccountably bothered by Father Dobrushin’s candid assessment, and she was preoccupied with thoughts about the book the demon had given her. She wanted to finish memorizing it. That was the main desire she felt. Eventually, Natalya dressed her for dinner, and they went down together. The weekend ended when Freifrau Bockmann delivered the two of them back to Sacré Coeur. She left them in the hands of the Reverend Mother with the promise to pick them up on Friday so they could begin preparations for the Advent party on the Saturday after next.
Aksinya and Natalya returned to their rooms and prepared for bed.
Monday morning brought more problems for Natalya. Aksinya had spent the entire night with her new book and would not wake up. Natalya finally dragged Aksinya out of bed and dressed her in her uniform. They were too tardy for breakfast and chapel, and they came in late to German class. Sister Margarethe just gave them a glance. There was no animosity in it. Before the class was half done, Aksinya fell asleep at the desk she shared with Natalya.
Natalya couldn’t ignore her, but she tried to not draw any attention to Aksinya.
Sister Margarethe came by with a look of concern and made a couple of notes. She glanced over Natalya’s work and spoke German with her for a while. The sister was obviously preoccupied in her concern about Aksinya. She kept looking over at the Countess. At the end of German class, Natalya shook Aksinya awake and led her to their next class. It should not have been a surprise that Aksinya slept through most of each class. Or that the sisters were perturbed. They dared not treat a countess like they would their normal students with a swat from a ruler or a thump from a book. They felt helpless to do anything other than keep a careful eye on her.
The Reverend Mother heard about Aksinya’s sleeping and lethargy that afternoon. All the teachers wanted a conversation with her about it. Yet, after the Reverend Mother heard from them, only Sister Margarethe sent a note to Aksinya through Frau Drescher.
A knock came that evening at Aksinya and Natalya’s sitting room door. Natalya answered it. She addressed the Frau in German, “Good evening, Frau Drescher.”
“Good evening, Lady Natalya. Your German is improving.”
“Thank you.”
“I have a note for the Countess from one of her teachers. Would you please give it to her?”
Natalya didn’t understand half of what the lady said, but she accepted the folded piece of paper from her and nodded.
Frau Drescher took a long look around the sitting room she could see from the door then stated, “Good night.”
Natalya closed the door and brought the note across the room to Aksinya. Aksinya was memorizing the brown book the demon had given her. Natalya handed the note to her and went back to her studies. Aksinya ignored the note for a while then finally opened and read it.
Dear Countess,
I have been asked by the Reverend Mother and your other teachers to talk to you about your classes today. She has allowed you to come to my cell and office in the convent tonight. Please come at eight and be on time. We will also go over the German you missed during class.
Sister Margarethe
Aksinya looked up from the note to Natalya, “Nata, we’re going over to the house early tonight. You should bring your books.”
Natalya stretched, “Will we study together?” Her eyes moved excitedly toward the brown book.
Aksinya sighed, “Yes. I shall start you with some Latin, but only a little. We can work mostly on German.”
They put their regular cloaks over their uniforms and snuck down to the back exit from the dormitory. It was still unbarred, but Aksinya had to open the lock. They went over to the house and stayed there until late. They didn’t see Asmodeus anywhere.
Many things irritate Aksinya. She has a lot to think about and a lot that disturbs her. Still temptation holds her trapped, and that temptation is what is driving everything in her life. There is also still the Advent party in the near future. Aksinya is spending all her time with the new book of sorcery. Natalya couldn't wake Aksinya in time to make breakfast or get to chapel. Aksinya sleeps through her classes.
Sister Margarethe gives Aksinya attention that isn't in proportion to normal teaching. When we compare the attention the Sister gave to Aksinya, we can see some degree of truth to the demon's assertions. The sisters all want to do something about Aksinya, but only Sister Margarethe is given permission to confront Aksinya. We also see that Natalya is learning to understand German better, and Aksinya receives a note from the Sister. Aksinya knows what is in the note. She takes her time to read it. We know why Aksinya doesn't want to be alone with the Sister Margarethe. The demon wants Aksinya to seduce the Sister, and we assume the Sister might want to seduce Aksinya--this is what Aksinya thinks. Aksinya believes the best thing to do is run away--she may be right.
The Lady Natalya sees the opportunity to study sorcery with Aksinya. Her reaction is to glance at the book of sorcery. You can taste her desire. They went to Aksinya's house and stayed late. We will see the Sister's reaction tomorrow.
Showing posts with label class. Show all posts
Showing posts with label class. Show all posts
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
A New Novel, Part 79 Transition and German
After the interlude with the jewelry and box, Aksinya and Natalya went to school. Chapel is, of course, first, followed by German. Remember the Demon's words about the German teacher.
When they went to chapel, the crucifix burned against Aksinya’s skin, but her stomach felt better. She didn’t feel quite as nauseous, but she didn’t feel well either. Natalya still had to help her out of the church at the end. They went to their rooms to retrieve their books. The jewelry box was gone. Natalya served Aksinya tea.
Their first class was German with Sister Margarethe. The sister greeted Aksinya and nodded to Natalya. The sister did help Natalya, but she spent most of her class time speaking with Aksinya. At the end, she placed her hands softly on Aksinya’s shoulders, “Dear countess, your skill with German is very good and improving already.”
When they were outside the classroom, Aksinya whispered to Natalya, “I didn’t even finish my work for the class.” And she laughed. Natalya just looked concerned.
They went to their other classes and finally supper.
The problems with the rosary are a continuing theme through the book. It indicates the guilt of Aksinya's sin. One point of resolution would theoretically be that if the cross stopped burning her, then her guilt would be gone. Aksinya has the classic popular and historical indications of deep spiritual problems. Could you expect anything else?
When they returned to their room, Asmodeus has removed the jewelry box. They have their morning tea--notice that Natalya pours.
German class is always interesting and important. Watch closely. I hope you remembered the interaction before. Aksinya doesn't get it, but Natalya obviously does. You can't miss the fact that Natalya knows more than she likely should and understands much more than she says. Tomorrow, the demon again.
When they went to chapel, the crucifix burned against Aksinya’s skin, but her stomach felt better. She didn’t feel quite as nauseous, but she didn’t feel well either. Natalya still had to help her out of the church at the end. They went to their rooms to retrieve their books. The jewelry box was gone. Natalya served Aksinya tea.
Their first class was German with Sister Margarethe. The sister greeted Aksinya and nodded to Natalya. The sister did help Natalya, but she spent most of her class time speaking with Aksinya. At the end, she placed her hands softly on Aksinya’s shoulders, “Dear countess, your skill with German is very good and improving already.”
When they were outside the classroom, Aksinya whispered to Natalya, “I didn’t even finish my work for the class.” And she laughed. Natalya just looked concerned.
They went to their other classes and finally supper.
The problems with the rosary are a continuing theme through the book. It indicates the guilt of Aksinya's sin. One point of resolution would theoretically be that if the cross stopped burning her, then her guilt would be gone. Aksinya has the classic popular and historical indications of deep spiritual problems. Could you expect anything else?
When they returned to their room, Asmodeus has removed the jewelry box. They have their morning tea--notice that Natalya pours.
German class is always interesting and important. Watch closely. I hope you remembered the interaction before. Aksinya doesn't get it, but Natalya obviously does. You can't miss the fact that Natalya knows more than she likely should and understands much more than she says. Tomorrow, the demon again.
Saturday, December 11, 2010
A New Novel, Part 69 German Class and Sister Margarethe
Important person and important interaction, today we get to meet Sister Margarethe for the first time. Also, here is Aksinya and Natalya's first class at the school.
The first class was German. The room was filled with ten younger and older students. The teacher was a middle aged nun with a very friendly and elfish face. She greeted Aksinya and Natalya at the door pleasantly in French, “Good morning Countess and Lady Natalya. I am Sister Margarethe Traugott. I teach German, both beginning and advanced. I understand the Lady Natalya doesn’t understand any German and that you, Countess, wish to improve your understanding of the language.”
Aksinya smiled, “The Reverend Mother must have spoken to you.”
The Sister Margarethe gave her a very large smile, “Yes, she told me about you, and we discussed your curriculum. You seem a wonderful young woman to have faced such suffering.” She stared at Aksinya and didn’t give a glance to Natalya. Suddenly, she reached out her hand and touched Aksinya’s face then brushed the tips of her hair, “I’m very glad you are in my class. I hope we can be good friends.” She pointed, “Please take the seats near the window at the front. I will assign you your books.”
Aksinya and Natalya sat where they were directed. Natalya pulled out notebooks and pens for both of them. Natalya began with a primmer, and Sister Margarethe spoke with Aksinya for a long time in German before she handed her a book of advanced German studies. At the end of class, the sister let them out of the classroom with a comment, “Countess, I’ve given you an advanced course of study. If you find your studies difficult, please come to my office. I would be happy to help you.
Aksinya grinned, “Thank you, Sister Margarethe.”
As always, we need to set the scene. I could give you more on the classroom setting, but I already told you about the school, the rest is your imagination. Plus, classrooms in 1918 aren't that much different--just more wood and less metal (no plastic). You know the rooms are small and the classes have about 10 girls. We see the German class is a mixed class (young and old)--you want to bet the students are not Austrian. Maybe I should tell you this, but it doesn't drive anything in the novel, so the knowledge would just be gratuitous.
The important point isn't the class, it's the teacher. Sister Margarethe Traugott is a very important character. Traugott means "trust in God" and Margarethe means "pearl." There is a significance to the last name. Her first name is one of the most popular for girls in Austria and Germany when she was born 1860s. You don't see much more than her face since she is a nun and wears a habit, so the description I give you is about her face. By leaving the rest out, height, etc, I leave you with the impression she is average--that's what I want you to conclude.
Right away we see Sister Margarethe is very interested in Aksinya. Then, we should be surprised. Out of the blue she remarks on Aksinya's suffering. I prepared you with Aksinya's comment about talking to the Reverend Mother. That is obviously the only way Sister Margarethe could know so much about Aksinya. The Reverend Mother obviously received her information from Aunt Brunhilda. Then the very surprising part: she reaches out her hand and touches Aksinya's face, then her hair. It's the hair. If you didn't get it before, you should now. The hair is an indicator and indicates that Asmodeus has in some way touched Sister Margarethe. You get then, the words, "I hope we can be good friends."
Next I also give you description in dialog--there is a window in the room and Aksinya and Natalya are directed to sit at the front by it. Teachers pet and by the window, could a student wish for more? You should ask, why.
Natalya takes care of business. She doesn't get any attention, but Aksinya does, plus an invitation. We also get that Aksinya likes the attention. We know she is attention starved. She is looking for something, she called a demon from the pit for it. So the first class, we know something is up with Sister Margarethe.
The first class was German. The room was filled with ten younger and older students. The teacher was a middle aged nun with a very friendly and elfish face. She greeted Aksinya and Natalya at the door pleasantly in French, “Good morning Countess and Lady Natalya. I am Sister Margarethe Traugott. I teach German, both beginning and advanced. I understand the Lady Natalya doesn’t understand any German and that you, Countess, wish to improve your understanding of the language.”
Aksinya smiled, “The Reverend Mother must have spoken to you.”
The Sister Margarethe gave her a very large smile, “Yes, she told me about you, and we discussed your curriculum. You seem a wonderful young woman to have faced such suffering.” She stared at Aksinya and didn’t give a glance to Natalya. Suddenly, she reached out her hand and touched Aksinya’s face then brushed the tips of her hair, “I’m very glad you are in my class. I hope we can be good friends.” She pointed, “Please take the seats near the window at the front. I will assign you your books.”
Aksinya and Natalya sat where they were directed. Natalya pulled out notebooks and pens for both of them. Natalya began with a primmer, and Sister Margarethe spoke with Aksinya for a long time in German before she handed her a book of advanced German studies. At the end of class, the sister let them out of the classroom with a comment, “Countess, I’ve given you an advanced course of study. If you find your studies difficult, please come to my office. I would be happy to help you.
Aksinya grinned, “Thank you, Sister Margarethe.”
As always, we need to set the scene. I could give you more on the classroom setting, but I already told you about the school, the rest is your imagination. Plus, classrooms in 1918 aren't that much different--just more wood and less metal (no plastic). You know the rooms are small and the classes have about 10 girls. We see the German class is a mixed class (young and old)--you want to bet the students are not Austrian. Maybe I should tell you this, but it doesn't drive anything in the novel, so the knowledge would just be gratuitous.
The important point isn't the class, it's the teacher. Sister Margarethe Traugott is a very important character. Traugott means "trust in God" and Margarethe means "pearl." There is a significance to the last name. Her first name is one of the most popular for girls in Austria and Germany when she was born 1860s. You don't see much more than her face since she is a nun and wears a habit, so the description I give you is about her face. By leaving the rest out, height, etc, I leave you with the impression she is average--that's what I want you to conclude.
Right away we see Sister Margarethe is very interested in Aksinya. Then, we should be surprised. Out of the blue she remarks on Aksinya's suffering. I prepared you with Aksinya's comment about talking to the Reverend Mother. That is obviously the only way Sister Margarethe could know so much about Aksinya. The Reverend Mother obviously received her information from Aunt Brunhilda. Then the very surprising part: she reaches out her hand and touches Aksinya's face, then her hair. It's the hair. If you didn't get it before, you should now. The hair is an indicator and indicates that Asmodeus has in some way touched Sister Margarethe. You get then, the words, "I hope we can be good friends."
Next I also give you description in dialog--there is a window in the room and Aksinya and Natalya are directed to sit at the front by it. Teachers pet and by the window, could a student wish for more? You should ask, why.
Natalya takes care of business. She doesn't get any attention, but Aksinya does, plus an invitation. We also get that Aksinya likes the attention. We know she is attention starved. She is looking for something, she called a demon from the pit for it. So the first class, we know something is up with Sister Margarethe.
Friday, December 10, 2010
A New Novel, Part 68 Chapel and Spiritual Illness
I put a clue in the title today--I usually don't do that. I know you'll get the point anyway. Aksinya and Natalya are ready for school. They start their first day. Do you remember, the first event every day at Sacré Coeur is chapel. I wonder how that will work out?
They went down together for breakfast and more tea. Aksinya was very fond of tea, especially the tea Natalya made for her. They sat together and no one dared to sit with them. After breakfast, everyone marched to chapel in the church. They went through the dormitory to the second floor and entered the nave from the back of the choir. The moment Aksinya stepped through the door, she felt a pain in the pit of her stomach. Natalya took Aksinya’s arm when she faltered and helped her to her seat near the back at the main floor.
In their seats, Natalya put her hand on Aksinya’s forehead, “Mistress, you are pale. Are you well?”
Aksinya bent over a little, “I just feel a little ill. I’ll be all right.”
Natalya bit her lip. She steadied Aksinya when they stood, and when they knelt. The entire time, Aksinya clasped her arms across her chest and couldn’t raise her head. Natalya held the prayer book for her. Aksinya seemed to get worse as the service progressed. She mumbled in Latin, a counterpoint to the priest, but luckily in a throaty whisper that only Natalya could hear. When the bells announced communion, Aksinya gave a groan. Natalya put her arm around her. No one else seemed to notice, or they carefully ignored the two. Natalya and Aksinya didn’t take communion. Aksinya was happy they couldn’t. The very thought made her nauseous. At the blessing, Aksinya slipped out of her seat and hurried to the side door up and out through the choir. Natalya followed behind her.
On the other side of the door, Aksinya doubled over and leaned against the wall.
Natalya held her, “Mistress, you look terrible. What’s wrong?”
Aksinya’s eyes were wild, “I’m wrong. That’s the problem. I’m not sure I can stand this, but I must. I must.” She stood straight and grasped Natalya’s hands, “Lady Natalya, you must ensure I am at chapel every day. This is necessary…for my soul. Please.”
Natalya frowned, “I will, mistress. I promise. Please, I don’t wish you to be ill.”
Aksinya touched Natalya’s face, “Don’t cry, lady. Just help me, I beg you.”
Natalya slipped her arm around Aksinya’s shoulders. Before the crowd of girls came through the corridors, they returned to their rooms, and before the bells announced the beginning of class, Aksinya drank another rejuvenating cup of tea. They walked together to their first class. Natalya carried the official Sacré Coeur briefcases for them both.
The "they" are Aksinya and Natalya. I don't give you much description about the breakfast room or their breakfast. In this case, I think a little is enough. You should have the picture of the school and a little more is generally unnecessary. If you assume they had breakfast in the dining room or if you assume they had breakfast in a smaller place--either one is good. The fun information is that no one "dared" sit next to them.
I give you a little more on the way to the chapel. The entry is through the dormitory, so that is interesting in itself. Then Aksinya's problem. This will be a recurring problem until the initial resolution--she gets nauseated when she enters a church. Sweet Natalya is just too innocent about Aksinya to get it. This is a recurring theme too.
Natalya thinks Aksinya is ill. Well she is ill, but her illness is entirely spiritual. I didn't play this story the way I did Aegypt, but I might eventually. In Aegypt, the reader was never sure if the main character was completely right about his observations of the events. In this, I let you see everything, so you assume Aksinya's illness really is spiritual--it could easily be psychological. Just a minor point. We get the dialog about the illness, and note, I don't tell you she is nauseous until at the end. The description is sufficient to give you all the information you need. I hope you feel her pain.
I also hope you can imagine Aksinya and Natalya in the service. You should wonder what Aksinya is mumbling--surely not a spell, but is she praying? I don't tell you. In any case, the climax comes at communion. Remember why they can't take communion? They are Orthodox and not Catholic.
Aksinya made it to the end. She almost lost it, but didn't. Then Aksinya tells Natalya the straight out truth, but we get little comprehension from Natalya. She still thinks it is a problem of illness. Then a little trick. Did you know Natalya was crying. You might have guessed--she's just that way. I show you through Aksinya's eyes. That's a fun way to make a connection. The important point is the Natalya is thinking entirely about Aksinya, and Aksinya is thinking about Natalya. That's why Aksinya noticed.
In the end, Natalya cleans up the mess (no literal mess this time)--that is, she helps Aksinya back where she can have tea, and she prepares her for school--again. At the end of this section, we see Natalya carrying both their books and they are headed for their first class.
They went down together for breakfast and more tea. Aksinya was very fond of tea, especially the tea Natalya made for her. They sat together and no one dared to sit with them. After breakfast, everyone marched to chapel in the church. They went through the dormitory to the second floor and entered the nave from the back of the choir. The moment Aksinya stepped through the door, she felt a pain in the pit of her stomach. Natalya took Aksinya’s arm when she faltered and helped her to her seat near the back at the main floor.
In their seats, Natalya put her hand on Aksinya’s forehead, “Mistress, you are pale. Are you well?”
Aksinya bent over a little, “I just feel a little ill. I’ll be all right.”
Natalya bit her lip. She steadied Aksinya when they stood, and when they knelt. The entire time, Aksinya clasped her arms across her chest and couldn’t raise her head. Natalya held the prayer book for her. Aksinya seemed to get worse as the service progressed. She mumbled in Latin, a counterpoint to the priest, but luckily in a throaty whisper that only Natalya could hear. When the bells announced communion, Aksinya gave a groan. Natalya put her arm around her. No one else seemed to notice, or they carefully ignored the two. Natalya and Aksinya didn’t take communion. Aksinya was happy they couldn’t. The very thought made her nauseous. At the blessing, Aksinya slipped out of her seat and hurried to the side door up and out through the choir. Natalya followed behind her.
On the other side of the door, Aksinya doubled over and leaned against the wall.
Natalya held her, “Mistress, you look terrible. What’s wrong?”
Aksinya’s eyes were wild, “I’m wrong. That’s the problem. I’m not sure I can stand this, but I must. I must.” She stood straight and grasped Natalya’s hands, “Lady Natalya, you must ensure I am at chapel every day. This is necessary…for my soul. Please.”
Natalya frowned, “I will, mistress. I promise. Please, I don’t wish you to be ill.”
Aksinya touched Natalya’s face, “Don’t cry, lady. Just help me, I beg you.”
Natalya slipped her arm around Aksinya’s shoulders. Before the crowd of girls came through the corridors, they returned to their rooms, and before the bells announced the beginning of class, Aksinya drank another rejuvenating cup of tea. They walked together to their first class. Natalya carried the official Sacré Coeur briefcases for them both.
The "they" are Aksinya and Natalya. I don't give you much description about the breakfast room or their breakfast. In this case, I think a little is enough. You should have the picture of the school and a little more is generally unnecessary. If you assume they had breakfast in the dining room or if you assume they had breakfast in a smaller place--either one is good. The fun information is that no one "dared" sit next to them.
I give you a little more on the way to the chapel. The entry is through the dormitory, so that is interesting in itself. Then Aksinya's problem. This will be a recurring problem until the initial resolution--she gets nauseated when she enters a church. Sweet Natalya is just too innocent about Aksinya to get it. This is a recurring theme too.
Natalya thinks Aksinya is ill. Well she is ill, but her illness is entirely spiritual. I didn't play this story the way I did Aegypt, but I might eventually. In Aegypt, the reader was never sure if the main character was completely right about his observations of the events. In this, I let you see everything, so you assume Aksinya's illness really is spiritual--it could easily be psychological. Just a minor point. We get the dialog about the illness, and note, I don't tell you she is nauseous until at the end. The description is sufficient to give you all the information you need. I hope you feel her pain.
I also hope you can imagine Aksinya and Natalya in the service. You should wonder what Aksinya is mumbling--surely not a spell, but is she praying? I don't tell you. In any case, the climax comes at communion. Remember why they can't take communion? They are Orthodox and not Catholic.
Aksinya made it to the end. She almost lost it, but didn't. Then Aksinya tells Natalya the straight out truth, but we get little comprehension from Natalya. She still thinks it is a problem of illness. Then a little trick. Did you know Natalya was crying. You might have guessed--she's just that way. I show you through Aksinya's eyes. That's a fun way to make a connection. The important point is the Natalya is thinking entirely about Aksinya, and Aksinya is thinking about Natalya. That's why Aksinya noticed.
In the end, Natalya cleans up the mess (no literal mess this time)--that is, she helps Aksinya back where she can have tea, and she prepares her for school--again. At the end of this section, we see Natalya carrying both their books and they are headed for their first class.
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