Notes on Chapter Two:
Well... This part's a little longer than the last was... All the characters are introduced... All the living ones, anyway... Some more of the shadow girls, and a little bit of the weirdness begins. Ah...
I'm afraid I may have gotten too detailed in the notes about the clothing, and about the order of precedence. I'll admit it: I'm a freak about historical details... (There aresome note and links explaining some of that at the end of the chapter, it you really wanna know.) So... That might really bog down introductions... Maybe not. (Meaning, I hope not...) Let me know if it's too heavy on the details, too boring, et cetera... I promise, it will get more ghostly, more creepy, more murder-y soon... I just have to set stuff up! I have grand plans for this story!
A poetry reading in the next chapter. (Hn. After I say it won't be boring for long...) Please look foreward to it!
SnM
Morning came, and, much to Utena's disappointment, it bore a great resemblance to the previous night. In fact, she could hardly tell it was morning.
The same maid who had escorted her to her room the previous night woke her with a knock at the door. Utena pulled a robe about herself quickly, and went to answer the door.
Madam, breakfast is in an hour, said the maid. Lord Kiryuu said there were no servants accompanying you... Shall I help you to dress?
Yes, thank you, she replied. She noticed that, instead of the typical black frock, the maid was attired in white, with black accents. Curiouser and curiouser,' she thought to herself as she and the maid began to unpack her clothes and put them in the armoire.
I'm afraid that lovely pink dress you had on is rather unsalvageable... the maid said regretfully. And your other boot...
Utena waved her hand dismissively. I had thought as much last night. As for the boot, good riddance. After walking that much in them, I hardly wanted to wear them again, anyway. She smiled.
What would you like to wear today, Madam? the maid asked, admiring some of Utena's riding clothes.
Oh, I don't know... Something cheerful. She thought of how dead the house had seemed last night, and hoped that perhaps the rising of the sun, although it was still blocked by terrible storm clouds, might liven the manor in some way. This weather is so dreadful, she added as an afterthought.
... Indeed, Madam, said the maid after a long pause. She pulled out a pale blue dress. Perhaps I should send this one down to be pressed?
Utena regarded the maid's choice. It was a pale deshabillé, with a white lace collar, and dark blue trim. She frowned slightly, and then recalled that the Lord Kiryuu had been dressed in white, and, now, this maid was wearing white, of all things. Perhaps something cheerful' was not the most prudent choice, if she wanted to blend in with the other inhabitants of the manor. Yes, that will do nicely.
The maid gathered up the dress, and curtsied slightly. I'll be back presently to help you with your undergarments. With that, the young woman slipped out of the room, ostensibly taking the dress downstairs to be freshened up.
Utena set about lighting a few of the lamps in the dark room, discarding the notion of opening the curtains, seeing as it would do nothing but let a draft in. She sat down before the boudoir, staring into the mirror at her flat, rather tangled hair, and her rather dirty countenance. The flickering lights did little to flatter her already worn-looking face. But,' she thought, it's nothing that a good night's sleep won't correct.' She rose, and, seeing that the pitcher that sat on the boudoir was full of fresh water, she poured some into the companion basin, and set about cleaning herself up a little. I suppose I shall ask for a bath later,' she said, drying her face with a provided cloth, and looking back in the mirror. There, somewhat better.' She turned, and went to her luggage in search of a hair brush.
The shadows cast by the oil lamps flickered back and forth on the white walls. They ducked behind the paintings that adorned the room, and followed Utena's every movement with rapt attention. It had been a long time since they had seen anyone new in the house, and they were excited by the young heiress' presence.
Utena had just finished brushing her long hair when the maid returned. She made a tsk'ing noise with her tongue, and set about lighting the rest of the lamps. With each added light, the shadows faded from the walls. Once she was done, the young woman turned to Utena, and, with a very somber expression, she said, You'll notice, Madam, that in this household, the lights are either all lit, or all turned down. Please do not go about lighting only some of the lamps in a room.
Utena laughed. Why ever do you engage in such a strange eccentricity? What sort of silly superstition is that - always lighting all the lamps? What a waste of oil...
Yuuko bit her lip. Please, Madam. Utena looked up, rather surprised by the urgency in the girl's voice. It may seem silly to you, but, believe me, though Lord Kiryuu runs the manor very specifically, he does so with good reason.
The pink-haired lady sighed. If you say so, she said, resigning herself. I should have known these people would be at least a little strange... What respectable gentleman wears a white suit at such an hour...? And a white stone house all alone in the forest...? Honestly...'
If you please, Lady, I shall help you dress now.
The maid was quite obviously eager to change the subject, and Utena felt to need to linger on the topic, herself. Yes, thank you, she said.
The maid helped her out of the dressing gown. Her chemise was rumpled, but it hardly mattered. Yuuko handed her a pair of knickers, and, once she'd tucked her chemise into the bloomers, the maid helped her into her corset. She spent some time lacing it up, and tightening it appropriately. As she was fixing Utena's petticoats, there was a knock at the door.
Yuuko went to open the door, and was met with another white-clad maid about her age. Yuuko conversed in low tones with the other girl, accepted Utena's dress, and then shut the door. Here you are, Madam, she said, and helped Utena into the dress.
Thank you, Yuuko, Utena said once she was dressed.
Did you have any jewelry, Madam?
Utena shook her head. No, I didn't bring any of it with me. She glanced down at her hands. Well, except for this ring, but I haven't removed it in years. She sighed. More to herself than anyone else, she added, I'm not even sure I could remove it by now...
The maid took a hard look at the silver signet ring, and stifled a gasp. Utena looked up at her, rather confused. After a long pause, the maid said, Madam, may I ask why that ring is so important that you never remove it?
Utena considered this. Really, it was not the maid's place to enquire, but she didn't mind telling the girl. Finally, after much thought, she said, You might call it a promise ring...
A promise ring, echoed Yuuko, sounding a little stunned. There was another long pause. Then the young maid nearly cried out,
Utena's head snapped up. Is something the matter?
Yuuko blushed. No, Madam... I just almost forgot... She paused, chewing on her lower lip.
Utena prompted.
The... kitchen staff requires your title, Madam.
Utena sighed. Of course. Countessa Tenjou Utena, daughter of the Earl and Countess Tenjou... Both my parents are deceased. My Aunt is the current Countess Tenjou.
The maid ducked her head. Thank you, Madam, she said. Is there anything else you require?
No, thank you. You may go.
Yes, Madam, Yuuko replied. Breakfast is in fifteen minutes.
I shall be down presently. As she said it, the maid slipped out of the room, curtsying one more time before she shut the door.
Utena sighed. She turned, and checked her reflection again. She looked... tired. Other than that, she supposed, she presented a rather decent figure. She crossed to her valises, and withdrew a silver pocket watch. She held it affectionately for a moment, and checked the time. It was quarter to seven. She shut the watch before tucking it away on her person for safekeeping.
She put out the lights in the bedroom, and slipped out into the hallway. Now,' she thought, if only I can remember how to find my back back downstairs.'
Thankfully, the hallways were well-lit, so that it almost seemed to be daylight. Utena made her way downstairs, following the path made by the lamps.
When she finally arrived on the first floor, she was conducted to the dining room by another maid, who wore her hair in two curious pigtails.
Much to Utena's surprise, and somewhat to her dismay, the other inhabitants of the manor were already seated at the dining table. She recognized Lord Kiryuu by his bright hair, and she could pick out the purple-haired woman easily, as well. It was then that she realized why. Every other person at the table, including the members of the staff, were wearing white, with the exception of the dark-skinned woman. How strange... Perhaps... she is in mourning...?'
Just then, Lord Kiryuu rose from his place at the head of the table, and smiled charmingly at her. Welcome, Countessa Tenjou... I did not have a proper opportunity last night to do so, so let me say so now... Welcome to Ohtori Manor... There was a murmur of softly spoken commentary from the other white-clad diners.
Utena curtsied. My kindest thanks for your hospitality, my Lord...
Please, take a seat, Kiryuu continued. I should like to introduce you to the other members of our party. The maid with the pigtails escorted Utena to her seat, which was about in the middle of the table. Once she was seated, the redheaded man spoke again. he said, gesturing to a slight, blue-haired youth, is Lord Kaoru Miki, youngest son of the Earl Kaoru. The young man nodded shortly and smiled. He gestured to a young woman who strongly resembled the earl's son. This is the Lord Kaoru's sister, Lady Kaoru Kozue. The young woman did not smile as her brother had, instead simply inclining her head. Utena nodded politely in return. Kiryuu gestured to a proud-looking woman with orange ringlets who was seated to Utena's right. This is the Viscountess Arisugawa Juri. Utena's eyes wandered to the seat next to the Viscountess, which was occupied by another attractive woman, this one with shorter, purple hair. Kiryuu continued, following Utena's gaze, And her... consort, Miss Takatsuki Shiori.
It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Lady Tenjou, the Viscountess said, her voice clean and well reflecting her noble bearing. Utena nodded again. She wondered idly what Kiryuu meant when he said that Miss Takatsuki was the Viscountess' consort.'
The Lord Kiryuu gestured to another woman, who had well-coiffed blonde hair and wore a yellow-trimmed white toilette de reception. She sat at the redhead's right hand, the first seat on the side. Between Utena and the woman sat a small, blond boy. This is my sister, the Lady Kiryuu Nanami. Lady Nanami smiled coldly at Utena, her blue eyes glittering like ice. Kiryuu gestured to the impassive boy. And our... cousin, Tsuwabiki Mitsuru. The boy barely even glanced in Utena's direction.
He then turned his attention to the person Utena had truly been wondering about: the purple-haired woman in black. She was seated across from Utena, on the left side of the table, one seat away from the head. Utena noted that the seat directly to her right, the first seat on that side, was set, but left empty. This is the Countess, Widow Saionji, he said shortly. The dark-skinned lady smiled faintly at Utena before lowering her head again.
And I, as you know, am the Marquis Kiryuu Touga. It is an honor to have you as a guest, Countessa Tenjou. The introductions having been made, Lord Kiryuu seated himself again. As he did so, the staff began to bring in a sumptuous breakfast.
Quiet conversation passed between the other guests, and Utena ate quietly, occasionally stealing glances at the silent Widow Saionji. Throughout the meal, the seat next to the Widow Saionji remained empty. Utena wondered why they would set it... If there were another guest,' Utena mused, would Lord Kiryuu not say something on the -' Then the Lady Nanami spoke to her, interrupting Utena's train of thought, her voice carrying across the room, and catching the other diners' attention. Lady Tenjou, she said, a cold sort of inflection colouring her voice, my dear brother tells me you were traveling when you were struck by misfortune... Pray tell, where were you going?
Utena studying the blonde, wondering what that challenging look in her eyes meant. She smiled. No where in particular, I suppose. I have always had the desire to tour Europe... However, until my formal education is finished, I'm afraid I am limited to carousing the countryside, if you will.
The blue-haired Earl's son laughed melodically. Indeed, Madam! He smiled at her. Where have you been studying?
I study privately with some former professors from Ingolsdat, she replied.
asked the Viscountess Arisugawa. Your family has ties there, then?
Utena nodded. We do. My father was good friends with a great many of the philosophers and writers who make their home in the area. Before he passed away, he assured that I would be educated with the best of those fine men. She smiled as the other diners fell back into private conversation, and returned to her meal.
She looked up several minutes later to catch the green-eyed widow looking at her. The young woman smiled at her sweetly, if a little sadly, and said, I am very sorry for your loss. Utena smiled back, and the widow looked away.
What a strange woman...' Utena thought, recalling how sad she had seemed the night before, as well. What a very melancholy attitude she has... As though she were carrying the weight of the world upon her shoulders... Of course,' Utena reminded herself, she has recently lost a husband. What a young age to be married at... I wonder how long ago the poor man died...?'
As the meal concluded, Utena found herself more concerned for the Widow Saionji. She had resolved to speak to the sad-eyed woman when Lord Kiryuu spoke up, his voice echoing against the walls.
If you would be so kind, Lady Tenjou, we shall be holding an informal congress in the library after lunch, to discuss some of Bysshe Shelley's poetry... Perhaps you would care to join us?
Utena accepted, smiling kindly. She didn't know much about poetry, but an informal congress' would give her a chance to find out a little bit more about Ohtori Manor's strange residents...
Author's Notes:
About Yuuko helping Utena dress: Watch Gosford Park for a more recent version of this phenomena. The aristocracy pretty much always had a servant accompany them hen traveling, someone to take care of their errands, help them dress, et cetera. If this was still going on in the 1930's, multiply it by the amount of trouble Victorian women went through to dress, and you'll see why Yuuko would've been sent up to give Utena a hand. (Some time, I'll include a couple of links about Victorian dress, so you can get an idea of exactly how our beloved duelists are dressed.)
A deshabillé is a morning dress. (http://www.marquise.de/1800/pics/1880_3.shtml will give you a rough idea of what the maid has picked out.) This name weirds me out, because, as I'm sure anyone who speaks French will pick up, deshabillé means, more or less, undressed. So don't be mislead.
About Utena's title... Earls (and consequently their wives (women rose to the rank of their husband when they married), who were called countesses) were pretty much the... third highest rank of nobility. I didn't want to name Utena's earldom... Although I might later. (Useless fact: Condoms are named after the Earl of Condom, even though he didn't invent them...) This mattered (to the kitchen staff, I mean) because what your aristocratic rank was determined where you sat at the dining table...
I probably really effed up the formal introductions, and I probably broke some rules with the seating arrangements (like, Shiori getting to sit next to Juri... I'm saying that Shiori is the Chamberlain's niece... So she would be sitting down past Miki and Kozue, if I were really going to do things correctly...). That's too bad. If any real history majors want to fix my mistakes, drop me a line.
