Notes on Chapter Three:
This one's quite long... You begin to get a little bit of the group dynamics' here... Additionally, Miki will tell Utena a little bit about just what the hell is going on... Well, not really... ::Giggles.:: That's next time.
So. I'm still very excited about this story. I'm been really busy, which is why it took so long to get this chapter out... I really don't want to abandon this project... Mou...
Thank you to everyone who has reviewed so far - please continue to do so! Ah... Dee-chan (and others)... Would you laugh if I told you I usually hate things tha are written this way. That is, when they're not directly from this era... Normally, I can't write this floridly to save my life, but Utena seems to lend itself to some kind of romanticism.
So. Poetry reading in this chapter. It's briefer than I thought it would be, but there were other, more important things to be done in this bit, as it turned out.
Much love,
SnM
A knock came at Utena's door at quarter-to-eleven. They can't already be having that poetry reading, can they?' she wondered. Those sorts of things should be done over tea...' She opened the door, and was rather surprised to find Lord Kaoru there, smiling up at her.
Good morning, Lady Tenjou, he said sweetly. I do hope I'm not interrupting you...
Why, no, replied Utena, not at all. She stepped aside to allow him space to enter. Please, come in... Have a seat.
Thank you. The young earl's son stepped into the room, and sat down in a large armchair.
After shutting the door again, Utena joined him, smoothing her skirts as she sat. To what do I owe the pleasure?
Lord Kiryuu requested that I show you around the grounds before our poetry reading. He thought you might like to get acquainted with the place. Miki smiled.
Why, yes, I would. How thoughtful. Utena considered. Although we can't really do much of anything with all this dreadful rain...
No, indeed, young Miki agreed. But you would be surprised at how large Ohtori Manor really is.
Utena looked for a pair of gloves in her luggage, which she had yet to unpack. It would have to be. I think I would go mad, if I were trapped in here, if weren't large... The young heiress looked up presently, upon being greeted by a stretching, uncomfortable silence. She held a pair of gloves in one hand, but they were quite forgotten when she saw the look on the young nobleman's face. Is something the matter? she asked quickly.
Lord Kaoru blinked, and then smiled vaguely. No, certainly not. Will you be ready soon, Lady Tenjou?
Utena said. She pulled on the gloves, and then smoothed her hands over her hair. Hmmm... There. Yes, I'm ready.
The blue-haired youth rose and opened the door, stepping back to allow Utena past. Then he slipped out into the hall, as well, closing the door behind himself. What would you like to see first? he asked, clasping his hands behind his back.
Utena replied speculatively, what is there to be seen?
Let's see... Lord Kaoru murmured, titling his head slightly. Since you'll be seeing the library this afternoon, we needn't stop by there... But there are the athletic rooms, and the green house... The music room, and the tea room...
You have a green house attached to the manor? So that we needed go outside?
said the blue-haired nobleman.
Utena was rather surprised. But - Well, that is, I couldn't help but notice that the grounds are veritably carpeted with flowers. That must be a great deal of work for the staff.
said Miki, as though he had just remembered. The staff is forbidden to touch the green house.
echoed the heiress, a little perplexed. On the walls behind her, shadows flitted back and forth on the walls, brushing against the edges of Utena's silhouette.
he replied after a pause. The Widow Saionji cares for it exclusively. There... are some very rare flowers there, and only she knows how to care for them properly. Besides, it keeps her occupied. Would you like to go there first?
Yes, why don't we? Utena said. As they walked down the well-lit hallway, they were trailed by those flickering shadows. What do you mean, it keeps her occupied? Hasn't she anything else to do?
Lord Kaoru paused, as though he were deciding what to say. She isn't a- That is, she does not leave the manor proper.
Utena regarded the young man walking beside her carefully. That is to say, she never leaves the building?
No, indeed, she does not, he affirmed.
After another moment of heavy silence, Utena said, What a pity. This place has such lovely grounds.
Lord Kaoru would not look at her as they descended the large stairs. ... The grief has affected her quite deeply.
Somehow, she couldn't quite believe that the blue-haired man was sincere in his words.
They stepped out into the foyer, and Miki took a sharp left, leading Utena into a part of the mansion that she had not yet seen.
They arrived at the green house' quickly, which, as it turned out, was actually a converted sun room. Miki paused with his hand on the handle of the glass door. Utena looked up, and saw the dark form of the Widow through the whorled glass. She looked from the woman to the young Lord at her side, slightly uncertain. Perhaps he didn't want to bother her...?
Please, come with me, said Miki tightly. I should speak to you. With that, he took the heiress' hand and led her back up the stairs to the second-floor music room.
Once they had stepped into the brightly-lit room, the youth locked the door. the young man said, sit down.
Utena, who was now nothing if not concerned, sat down in an armchair facing the grand piano. Lord Kaoru sat on the piano bench, on top of his hands.
What's the matter? Utena asked.
... I shouldn't tell you this... the young man murmured after hesitating for a long moment. He looked down at his lap. I shouldn't tell you anything...
I... beg your pardon...?
Kaoru Miki looked up. I apologize, Lady Utena. He paused again, and Utena had a moment to feel the oppressive heat of the room. Outside the manor, the weather was wet and cold, but the manor, while slightly humid, was warm to the point of discomfort. It bore down on her, and she wondered how the regular residents of the manor stood it. But I must tell you...
Go ahead, then, the heiress said softly, catching her guide carefully.
When he finally spoke, Lord Kaoru's voice was very soft. His eyes darted all over the room, as though he were constantly on the look out. he said in a hushed tone, has not driven the Widow Saionji mad. Or - if it has - it has driven us all mad, as well. There was a strange intensity in his voice, soft thought it was. She does not leave the manor because she is not permitted to. None of us have left the grounds of Ohtori Manor in nearly five years...
Five years?!? Utena exclaimed, recoiling a little in shock.
We promised each other, almost five years ago, that we would never leave... We will die in this place. He looked like he wanted to say something else. Then, it seemed, he made up his mind, and continued, saying, It is not safe for us to leave, ever again.
But wh-
There are secrets too terrible to speak captured in this house, Miki cut in sharply, his voice a harsh whisper. His blue eyes burned brightly as he reached forward and took one of Utena's gloved hands. You must promise not to say anything... He took in a deep breath, ragged as though he had just run a mile. Perhaps I will be able to tell you more at a later date... But you must keep quiet, for now... and be careful. With that, he pulled back, and his countenance returned to its usual, calm demeanor.
Miki rose, leaving Utena sitting, staring ahead at the closed and locked piano. she asked softly, without looking up, is it locked...?
He turned around, a slight expression of confusion clouding his features. Then his eyes lighted on the piano, and he sighed wearily. They play it if it isn't locked.
Utena looked up at the slight young man.
He nodded slowly, sadly. You'll see soon enough. When the sun goes down, this place is their domain... We take care not to let them go too far... In this perpetually dark weather - Well, they love it.
The young heiress simply stared at the earl's son, utterly perplexed. Then he turned to her and smiled. he said, his voice once again loud and clear, echoing nicely in the large music room. Perhaps you'd like to see our fencing facilities...?
Utena rose, brushing strands of her pale pink hair from her face. Why, yes... I suppose I would...
As it turned out, they managed to avoid the Widow entirely. When they passed by the green house again, which they had to do in order to reach the gymnasium, she was nowhere to be seen. For this, Utena was strangely glad. She had a feeling that whatever secrets too terrible to speak' that resided in Ohtori Manor were somehow linked to the Lady Saionji. Why she felt this, Utena couldn't rightly say, but she suspected it had something to do with the lovely woman's late husband... Perhaps, if Lord Kaoru holds true to his word, I will find out in good time...'
When they reached the gymnasium, there were already people there. The Viscountess Arisugawa, in a white fencing suit, was practicing her paces up and down one side of the large room. Her shoes scuffled on the polished hardwood floors as she made little skips and jumps, lunged, and slid forward and back.
Sitting on a long bench against the wall was Miss Takatsuki, deeply immersed in a book. Her short, purple hair fell in her face, as her head was bowed over the book. It seemed that she had come to keep the Viscountess company, but it also seemed, to Utena, at least, that they were not two who spoke very much to each other. She wondered why, exactly, that was.
My situation simply seems to get more and more complicated,' she said to herself as Miki led her to the bench. Whether it be lamps, or mysterious widows, or some mystical they' who only come out at night, apparently in order to play the piano...' She smiled slightly to herself. Perhaps they are sprites, or some such creatures, that haunt Ohtori Manor... Of all the ridiculous things... These people are strange, if nothing else...'
Eventually, Lady Arisugawa finished her practice, and came to stand in front of Utena and Miki. Good morning, she said.
Is it still? Utena asked absently, reaching for her pocket watch.
Lord Kaoru reached into his jacket and pulled out a pocket watch of his own, which he then clicked open, and checked the time, himself. Just barely,he replied. he informed them, and snapped his watch shut again. The watch, Utena noticed as he slipped it away, was a very smart-looking dark, burnished silver with dark blue enamel on the top. Perhaps we should return to your quarters, Lady Tenjou... The staff usually brings lunch up at around quarter-after.
Utena nodded absently, and then glanced between the two other women. Miss Takatsuki still seemed unaware of their very presence, and the Viscountess still stood there, slightly closer to her companion, looking down at them.
Miki rose, then, and helped Utena to her feet. Shall we see you at the reading this afternoon? Miki asked of the curly-haired woman.
replied Lady Arisugawa. Shiori loves Bysshe-Shelley. For the first time, the purple-haired girl looked up, blinking absently.
Miki smiled, as though he hadn't noticed Miss Takatsuki's confusion. Good. Until then. He bowed slightly to the two women and ushered Utena out of the gymnasium.
It's interesting that Lady Arisugawa fences, the heiress commented as they headed back Utena's room.
Oh, most all of us fence, Miki replied offhandedly. Some better than others, of course... Even young Mitsuru fences...
That boy...? Utena asked, rather surprised.
Yes. The Lady Nanami encourages him to, so, you see, he will do nothing else. Miki shrugged slightly. That is how he is. Very much taken with his Utena nodded slowly.
They had arrived at her room. I shall leave you here, the blue-haired boy said, bowing slightly. I shall come and fetch you this afternoon for the reading.
Utena nodded in return. I shall certainly wait for you, she said with a smile.
Everyone was assembled in the expansive library, seated in large, comfortable armchairs. Utena could not help but notice that the Widow sat alone to one side, and that, as usual, Viscountess Arisugawa and Miss Takatsuki did not say a word to each other.
...Whilst skies are blue and bright,
Whilst flowers are gay,
Whilst eyes that change ere night
Make glad the day;
Whilst yet the calm hours creep,
Dream thou--and from thy sleep
Then wake to weep...
Presently, Lord Kiryuu's strong voice drifted off, the final poem ended. The other guests clapped, and spoke amongst themselves, saying how well the Marquis read Shelley.
What do you think, Lady Tenjou? the redhead asked presently, his smooth voice cutting through the other conversations.
Utena considered for a moment. I should have to say that I quite agree with Bysshe-Shelley's sentiments. I have heard this piece before, and was quite taken by its diction and rhythm. But in terms of theme, I do, indeed, agree. There is no such thing as something eternal...
Silence fell over the room. The others stared rather coldly, or at least curiously, at her, with the exceptions of Lord Kaoru and the Widow, the latter of whom would not look at her at all, much to Utena's dismay.
Then, the Widow spoke. If I may... excuse me, please... disagree with the Countessa, she said softly, her eyes fixed on her hands, which were folded in her lap. There are many things that are eternal, and it seems - to me - a grand tragedy that the... poet cannot see this.
said Lord Kiryuu after a pause. He smiled slightly at the Widow, who would not meet his gaze. Utena could not help but be aware, also, of the rather hateful look he younger Kiryuu sent the Widow's way. It seems to me, the redhead continued, that the Widow Saionji has made a very strong point. The flower that smiles to-day may, indeed, die to-morrow, but that is no true evidence for the impermanence of life. We would do best to establish ourselves, if we wish to continue.
A ripple of approving murmurs spread across to room. Lady Nanami seemed, as she always did, particularly proud of her brothers words. The Viscountess nodded slowly, sagely, and watched her companion closely from the corner of her eye. The Widow, herself, said nothing, but Utena was not exceedingly surprised by this. In fact, it seemed that the Countess Saionji seldom had anything to say at all, and, when she did, it was mostly an apology, in spite of itself.
She left the poetry reading feeling a little outcast, and slightly uncomfortable. These people,' she said to herself as she mounted the brightly-lit stair case, are all strangely like-minded. I find myself very out of place among them...'
But, soon, although she could hardly realize it, a disagreement over poetry would hardly be the least of her worries. A heavy cloud hung over the heiress' thoughts, thick with worry and a morbid curiosity about the supposedly terrible Ohtori Manor and its peculiar occupants.
Author's Notes:
Well. That was that.
The poem they're discussing is by Percy Bysshe-Shelley. It's really a great poem, and surprisingly relevent to the theme of in Utena... If you want to read it, it can be found at:
http://www.library.utoronto.ca/utel/rp/poems/shelley14b.html
Let's see... What else...?
Widows during this era wore black for about a year after the death of her husband. Here's a little hint: Anthy's been wearing black for nearly five years... Hmm... Mabe I shouldn't ve told y'all that... Heh...
This is a long link, but this is about what I'm imagining Anthy wearing, just so y'all know. I had another picture, which was okay, but this one is, like, exactly right. Except, of course, for the hat and netting, since the poor girl never leaves the house.
http://www.paris-france.org/musees/Musee_Galliera/Collections/costumes/xixe/robenoi_1883.htm
It's a really lovely dress, in my opinion, so you should all go and take a look at it... (Ignore the French, unless, of course, you can read it... Heh.)
