Aurora

by greenpeach20

Before they were vampires, they were once human. Hear Twilight's vampires tell their stories from their human years the way only they can. Some stories were happy, others, not so much. Time to tell their story

17. Demetri: Aftermath of the Mongols

Aftermath of the Mongols

(*Note: The Mongol Invasion was a point in History where Russia was invaded. The war itself lasted from 1237(ish) and ended 1240. Only a province called Novgorod was spared when they agreed to lay their loyalty in the hands of the Mongols. The rest of the country was torn apart with the furry of the Mongols, who pillaged their villages, raped their women, and took what belonged to the Russian people. At the end of the war, aside from the Novgorod territory, Russia never fully recovered from the invasion until much later and Novgorod continued to prosper. Demetri joined the military effort when he was sixteen, leaving his mother and siblings in what is now Omsk, Russia to fight. Like all, he fought with his life, but unlike most, he was lucky and managed to stay alive and not sustain any debilitating injuries. But after the loss of the Russians, the soldiers where either killed off or left to die. Demetri, still shell shocked from the war and the loss of his comrades, wanders with a heavy heart and filled with shame.*)

Moscow, 1240 A.D.

The Mongols had won. All of Russia, exempting the Novgorod Territory had been completely taken over and sacked. I was one of the few surviving soldiers from the war and held my head down in shame from the loss of my country to Mongols. I didn't want to return home. I knew that waiting for me would only be the scorched remains of my family home, my mother and sister and little brother probably dead. My home was further north from Moscow and all the other soldiers were starting their journey home. Instead, I kept moving north. I knew what would greet me if I went home and I didn't want to face it. I would go wherever I could find that the Mongols hadn't desecrated. I couldn't be sure if I would find it, but I wouldn't live in ruin. I was still very young. I didn't want it to end yet.

It took months for me to finally find that place, and how I survived it all I will never know. Rabbit meat and deer were what I had to survive on for all that time and I was never so happy to see houses and a large castle in the distance. When I walked up to the gates where two soldiers stood, they pulled out their swords and demanded I speak my name. I fell to my knees happy to see civilization at last.

"I'm Demetri. I was a soldier of mother Russia defeated by the Mongols. My home was taken and I need to find a new one." Both of the soldiers looked at each other quickly, then back at me.

"A soldier?" I nodded.

"Yes."

"You may be disappointed, soldier. Novgorod submitted to Mongol rule." I was quiet. It was the ultimate insult to injury. Not only was I defeated, but my only hope of survival was joining those I fought. But in my current state, I couldn't bring myself to care at all and I bowed my head.

"I've traveled long and I'm hungry and beaten. I have nowhere to go but here. Please say I'm welcome." One of the soldiers tapped my forehead with his sword making me look up at him.

"On your feet, soldier." I stood up as the soldier instructed. "You're in luck. Many have come to us requesting shelter. And our arms are welcome to you. But only on the condition of complete surrender to the Mongols and loyalty. You are a soldier, so you will remain one. But since we're finally in a time of peace, you will stay here and commit to a craft of your choice that will accept you. If you accept these terms, you will be a welcomed citizen. Do you accept?"

"I accept." I felt heavy, but what else could I have done? I was one man among few who survived. Fighting was futile. Both soldiers smiled and the one who offered the conditions offered me his hand and I took it in friendship.

"Welcome to Novgorod. What did you say your name was?"

"Demetri."

"I presume you don't have a surname." I was confused.

"A surname?"

"Yes. A surname. A craft to which you were previously employed?" I shook my head.

"My family were farmers."

"Ah. Then a new surname is in order. We shall call you what we've called all the other fallen soldiers. Zolneryev." Though I accepted, I had a bad feeling about the name. I wondered if this name, since given to all fallen soldiers, was a name by which to know who in the town would be mocked. But I ignored the concern. I was at least relieved that the name we were given was noble. "You may enter soldier. Near the castle, there's a government building that will explain what you need to do next."

The soldiers then opened the gates for me and let me walk into the town. All the people were covered head to toe with fur for the chilling cold. I knew that my furs would only last so much longer and the fact that my clothes were covered in blood caught attention momentarily from all the townspeople. But when they had their one glance, they went back to their business as usual. I was surprised by their lack of reaction. I assumed that this must have been something very common to them, which made me feel slightly better. Maybe I would meet men that I'd once thought were dead. I was also relieved to find that they all spoke my language. I was directed to the government building I'd been told about and walked in, greeted by a line of three men who I didn't recognize, but I knew had fought with me. I went to the end of the line and waited patiently until it was finally my turn to speak.

The representative I met was very clean and well presented. He wore an extravagant clothe that shined slightly in the light and showed he was wealthy. Clearly he worked for the ruler of this land and was well paid for his service, whatever that might be. He was an older gentleman with a white beard and white hair. His wrinkled face seemed routine and normal and the papers before him were stacked high. When he was done writing, he placed that paper aside and took a blank one before looking right at me. He looked me over and breathed out.

"Another soldier?" I nodded.

"Yes."

"You're name is?"

"Demetri."

"Very well. You're a fallen soldier seeking refuge and a new country. So you will be called Zolneryev just as the others are. Do you pledge allegiance to Novgorod and her allies with full cooperation and support?" I nodded.

"I do."

"And as a new soldier, do you swear to follow orders without question and support our emperor and his allies to the death when called?"

"I do."

"Good. Now it's your responsibility to find yourself a means of living other than the army. Since it's a time of peace, our Emperor would rather use those soldier wages for more useful things. When soldiers are needed, you will be paid for those efforts. But until then, you're on your own. And if you can't find a job within a fortnight of arriving, then you will be exiled, no exceptions. Where you work is unimportant. And you will be given two full moons to find or build a home for yourself after finding a job, either in this town our outside our walls. Either is fine. Can you read?" I shook my head.

"No." He sighed heavily.

"None of you can read. Well, since you can't read, that's your own curse. And you won't learn, at least not from the hands of our emperor or his tutors. Luckily for you, most forms of employment won't require literacy on your part. Make your mark on this paper." The man presented me with a paper that had scribbles that I couldn't read. At the bottom, there was an x symbol with a line next to it where my name would be written.

"What should I write?" The man rolled his eyes, then sighed.

"Want to learn how to spell your name?" I nodded. "Remember, this is a luxury no one gets. Be grateful that I'm in an exceptional mood today." The man grabbed another blank piece of paper and showed me, first, the alphabet the country went by(the standard Russian Alphabet.) and how to pronounce each letter. Once that was done, he showed me how to spell my name. "You can keep this paper. Learning to read from here if up to you. Now that you know how to spell your name, make your mark."

The man handed me a feather pen and the paper he'd handed me before with the bottle of ink. I looked at the paper with the alphabet and my name and wrote what he'd shown me. It was sloppy compared to his, but I felt a little proud of myself and handed him back the paper with a small smile. He looked the paper over again, then looked happy and nodded his head at me.

"Congratulations, Demetri Zolneryev. You're now a legal citizen of Novgorod. Follow the rules presented to you and it will remain that way."

"Thank you." He smiled one last time, then shooed me.

"Now get out of my office and start looking for a job. I would recommend applying to work on the Emperor's little projects. We need as many men for that as possible."

"His projects?"

"Building more onto his castle, creating forts in the surrounding area, underground hangers, and so on. He's got many things he wants to build. Though if you can get a job somewhere else, I would recommend it. It's dangerous work." I nodded my head.

"I'll try." I then left the building and stepped back into the bitter cold outside. I looked around a moment trying to distinguish business and homes. As he'd suggested I do, I thought I'd look for a job elsewhere before going to construction.

That was the initial plan. But after visiting many businesses, I learned quickly that men like me weren't openly accepted. Most businesses said, 'we don't employ the Zolneryev', and forced me out. It was painfully clear that no one other than the construction workers would take me, so by the end of the day, I gave up hope on any other job and went to where I could sign up to be a construction worker. I hid the paper with the alphabet before going to the official site where I needed to go after I memorized how to spell my name. I signed up and they ordered me to be on site tomorrow at dawn. I agreed and went back into town. Then I realized that I had no place to stay.

I walked around for an hour looking for a place to stay. But the lodge in town that housed Zolneryev was full and I was turned away. And all the homes I went to wouldn't accept me. I was essentially an unwanted immigrant in my own country. When I couldn't find anywhere to stay, I picked a home at random and sat at the side of the house. This house was much larger than most of the others. It was brighter from what I could tell and it was obvious that a wealthier family owned this home. It seemed strange for a wealthy family to live near the poorer ones, but that wasn't important. I stayed close to the wood and did my best to keep warm. I tried to sleep, but it was difficult since the cold was so painful. My beard I'd grown since I'd joined the army was the only warmth I had for my face. I wasn't sure how long I was in the cold before I heard a door open near me. I looked up and saw a girl walk out in a heavy fur coat. I could only see her eyes. They were almond shaped, but I couldn't see the color of her eyes and her skin was pale. She walked to the pile of wood I was sitting next to and saw me.

"Who are you?" I took a moment to get shivering out of my system momentarily to answer her.

"Demetri."

"Are you a Zolneryev?" I was hesitant to answer. She assumed my silence was answer enough. "Why are you here?"

"I couldn't find a place to stay."

"There's a lodge for men like you. You should go there. They'll provide temporary home for you until you have to live on your own." I shook my head.

"They were full. They said they weren't taking in anymore." The girl was quiet a moment. Then the wind began to speed up and the snow was blinding me.

"If you want, you can stay with us for the night. But only for tonight. I think my father will understand." I was at my feet almost instantly.

"Thank you. This means a lot." She nodded.

"Since I'm taking you in, make yourself useful and carry in some wood for me. Our fire's starting to go down." I nodded.

"Of course." I grabbed two armfuls of wood and followed the girl inside. When I was in with the wood, she closed the door behind me and took of her fur coat. She had a heart shaped face and wavy brown hair and pale skin. And her eyes were brown. She was full figured and those features seemed accentuated by the heavy clothes she wore. She was a beautiful girl.

"Put that wood by the fire." I did as she said and her father was already looking at me. I assumed the man she was talking to was her father.

"Who is this?"

"He was sitting out in the cold. I didn't want him freezing to death, so I invited him in."

"You shouldn't have done that. We don't know this man?"

"I know father. Please forgive me." The man eventually shook his head and waved dismissively.

"Never mind. I'll let it slip this time." The man stood from his chair and looked at me a moment. Then he took out some paper. "Do you smoke?" I nodded. "Alright." The man then took out another slip of paper and sat back down and used the small table next to his chair to roll up a cigarette. When he was done, he handed me one and went to the fire and lit it. I walked to the fire and lit mine and felt shear relief when I breathed the smoke in. I hadn't had a cigarette in months.

"Thank you."

"Don't worry about it. You looked like you needed it. Would you like any Vodka?" I nodded.

"I would love some." The man smiled and looked at his daughter.

"Bring us my opened bottle, dear. And two glasses." His daughter nodded her head and went to another room. "Vodka will warm you right up. And it's my own home brewed Vodka."

"You brew your own?"

"Not just my own. I'm the merchant here." I realized who the man was and stiffened a little. He was one of the men whose business I'd gone to for a job. He also didn't take the Zolneryev.

"Oh. I actually went there today."

"Did you? I hope you're not a drunk." I shook my head.

"I wanted to get a job there. But the people who worked there turned me away." The man's face became blank a moment, then a little annoyed looking.

"So you're one of those rebels that come to this city."

"We aren't rebels. We fought for this country and we lost. Simple as that."

"I know what you are. You're a group of men who somehow survived the massacre of this country and come here for relief. I admit you're wise for turning yourself to the enemy. But also very cowardice." I looked at my feet.

"I know."

"I'm sure you know. You fight for your country by order of the emperor, only to be beaten down and reduced to a name. A hated name. I understand why you came here, but I must admit, I'm disappointed that you would give up so easily."

"What choice did I have?" There was silence between us. His daughter came back with two glasses and a large glass bottle. She gave us our glasses and her father took the bottle and poured some vodka. He poured me a glass, then put the bottle down on the table and took a big gulp. Then looked at me again.

"I suppose you're right." He was quiet again. He eventually filled his glace with more vodka and took a gulp again before asking questions. "I never caught your name."

"Demetri."

"Demetri Zolneryev. I'm Argo Vasilyev. And this is my daughter, Evelina Vasilyeva."

"It's a pleasure to meet you."

"Indeed." Argo looked at Evelina. "What did you offer him, Eve?"

"I offered to let him spend the night. But only the night, father. I promise." Vasilyev sighed a little, then looked back at me.

"Well, since you've been wondering around I imagine you're hungry. Evelina, make this man some dinner." I looked at Evelina and she smiled a little. I was sure she was a little annoyed, but she didn't show it. She remained polite and walked away to another room that I assumed was the kitchen. "We got some chickens today, so they're fresh. Have you ever had chicken before?" I shook my head.

"I haven't."

"You're in for something pleasant then. My wife taught our daughter well in the art of cooking."

"Where is your wife?"

"She passed away. She caught pneumonia and there was nothing the doctors could do for her. She died five years ago."

"I'm sorry."

"Don't worry. It's a part of life, I'm afraid. But pardon me, where are my manors? I shouldn't complain to you about something so personal. You're a guest. Since you'll be staying the night, please make yourself comfortable. And I think I have clothes you can take. Obviously, bloody fur isn't exactly work appropriate."

"I don't want to further inconvenience you." Vasilyev shook his head.

"Not at all. I won't let you say such nonsense. Now come upstairs. I'm sure I have a pair some clothes that would fit you well enough until you can buy your own."

"Thank you." Vasilyev smiled and turned to walk towards the stairs. I followed after him up the stairs and to the left where his room was. I stayed in the doorway while he walked to his armoire and opened it to reveal several clothes. Most looked too fancy for me. Eventually, he pulled out some work clothes and tossed them to me.

"You look about that size. Try them on and let me know how they fit. I'll ask Eve to clean your coat for you. Now try those on and let me know if they fit." I nodded and walked further into the room while Vasilyev walked out and closed the door behind him. I tried on the clothes and they ended up fitting. They were a little big, but it was good enough for the time being. I found a belt that I hoped he wouldn't miss and used that to keep my pants up. Once I was changed, I took my clothes downstairs with me and walked to the fireplace where Vasilyev was sitting.

"Where should I put my other clothes?" He looked at me and then towards the kitchen and raised his voice so his daughter would hear him.

"Eve! The clothes fit, so take his old stuff out to the wash!" I didn't turn my head until she was right next to me and took the clothes in my arms. She smiled quickly and I smiled back before she ran off to the kitchen again. "There's also wood here for you if you'd like to keep the fire going for a while. I would advise it. It gets very cold late at night. And Eve said dinner won't be much longer."

"Thank you for your kindness."

"You're very welcome. I only have my chair, but I suppose you can sleep in that for tonight. And I think there's some extra blankets in Eve's room, so she'll get those for you before you go to bed for the night. That should probably be soon." I nodded.

"I would say so." Vasilyev stayed seated in his chair and I stood close to the fire. He handed me back my glass that he'd filled with more vodka and handed me another rolled cigarette. We stayed in the living room together in silence drinking and smoking. I stopped after three cigarettes, though. And I stopped drinking after eight shots. I was beginning to get a little light headed. Eventually, Evelina finally came to us from the kitchen and informed us that food was ready. I avoided the urge to run to the kitchen. I hadn't eaten in a while and I was starving. Once we were all sat at the table, I began to eat. I hadn't realized the way I was eating until Vasilyev said something.

"You know, Demetri, it's far more pleasant when you eat with your mouth closed." I stopped eating for a moment and closed my mouth to finish chewing. I apologized after swallowing.

"I'm sorry. I haven't eaten in days."

"I know, but even a hungry man can eat properly." Evelina and I looked at Vasilyev and I looked at my plate a moment before I kept eating, this time trying to chew with my mouth closed.

"So, is it to your liking?" I nodded.

"It's good." Vasilyev chuckled.

"Best part of it is that it'll taste just as good when you're eating regularly again. And my daughter makes excellent desserts. She makes a little cranberry tort that I swear is worthy to feed to God." Evelina smiled.

"You're exaggerating father." Vasilyev shook his head with a smile.

"I never do, Eve. I tell you, Demetri, she makes delicious desserts. And with all the new spices and foods the Mongols brought with them, the Emperor gave me and a few of his other friends some of these things. Coffee, Chocolate, and sugar were the things they brought." I looked at Vasilyev surprised.

"You know the emperor?" He nodded.

"I knew the emperor when he was only a Vice Roy not too long ago. He proclaimed himself emperor when the other fell. But whenever I make a new brew of Vodka, I like to throw a tasting party. I had one not long ago and that's when the emperor brought me those things. My Eve here made a new dessert with them and it was divine. Heavenly even." Even smiled shyly.

"Stop teasing, father."

"Well don't take my word for it. We still have some, so please help yourself to some cranberry pie she made. It's sour and sweet and perfect." I smiled.

"I think I will."

"And tomorrow morning, you can have some coffee. It's just the thing you'll need to wake up in the early morning." I shook my head.

"I'll be alright. I'm used to waking up at dawn. I'll probably be awake before that."

"If you insist. But perhaps later. As for me, I think I'll head to bed now. My vodka's starting to creep up on me and I'm getting tired. Evelina, make sure everything's clean before you go to bed yourself." Evelina nodded.

"I will father."

"As for you, Demetri, you make yourself at home. Let Eve know when you're tired and she'll bring you some blankets."

"Thank you." Vasilyev smiled and walked away and I heard him move around upstairs while the floors creaked and he eventually went to bed. I made sure to finish my dinner quickly. I didn't want Evelina to have to stay up to attend to me. Once I was done, I stood from the table and grabbed my plate. Evelina stood from her chair and grabbed my plate from me.

"Don't worry about cleaning. I'll take care of it. Father offered you some cranberry pie. Do you still want some?" I shook my head.

"No thank you. I don't think I can stand to eat another bite." Evelina smiled.

"Then I'll clean this and get your blankets."

"Thank you."

"You're welcome. Just make yourself comfortable on the chair in the living room. You know where the wood is, so help yourself if the fire's getting too low for you." I nodded my head and walked to the living room, sitting in the same chair that Vasilyev had been sitting in earlier. The skin of the chair was an animal skin of some type, but the pattern were several circles all around and I didn't know the animal whose pattern that belonged to. The chair itself was very cushy and I almost fell into the chair when I sat down. I'm sure I won't have trouble falling asleep in this chair. A few minutes later, Evelina was standing before me with blankets in her arms. "They're a little old, but they're still good."

"I appreciate it." Evelina smiled and turned to leave, but then she stopped and turned her head to look at me.

"Zolneryev." I looked from the fire back to her and she spoke again when she had my attention. "I know I said this was only for one night. But if the lodge still won't accept you, please don't hesitate to come back." I was a little confused.

"Why the sudden change of heart?" Evelina shrugged.

"You seem like good company. And I think father could use to have a young friend like you."

"What do you mean like me?" Evelina was quiet for a moment, then she turned to face me entirely.

"My father grew up a farm boy, like you did. But when he learned the fermenting process and how to make vodka, his life took a U-turn for the better and he climbed up the latter out of poverty. But he tends to forget about that. I think you could help him stay a good person. Not let his head get any bigger I mean. And it's nice to have company around here regardless. I'm usually here alone and father's not the best for conversation. We have such different interests you see."

"Is that why you took me out of the cold then?" Evelina shook her head.

"At first, I had no intention to. You were a strange man at my door and for all I knew, you were a crazy man. But I looked at you a little closer and you looked so helpless. I felt like a horrible person for thinking to leave you out in the cold. So I took you in. Then as the night went on, I felt worse for only giving you one night. That didn't seem fair of me. So I thought I'd offer you more time here. That and you and father seemed to mesh well together. I don't think father would care." I was still surprised. When I'd first met her, she seemed like any other person in this village. Hell bent on leaving me out in the cold and never speaking to me. Now she pitied me. I wasn't thrilled about that, but it was better than contempt.

"I don't know what to say."

"You don't need to. But you have to promise to look at the lodge first. If you don't, I'll slam the door in your face." I smiled a little and she smiled too.

"I'll look at the lodge first. And thank you for your hospitality. You really helped me out."

"Sure. But don't let it slip. Father will be very grumpy with me if suddenly several men like yourself come knocking at our door like stray cats." I chuckled at the analogy.

"I'll keep it as my secret."

"That's all I ask. Well, you must be tired. So get some rest. Maybe I'll see you again tomorrow." Evelina gave me another smile, then turned again to go up the stairs and to her room.

I had feared that the blankets wouldn't be enough, but the fire combined with heavy wool blankets and the build of the house to keep cold air out, I was warm and didn't even need to tend to the fire. I fell asleep when it was almost out and woke up one my own the next morning. When I opened my eyes, it was still really dark out. I probably didn't have much time left before dawn, so I looked around the house for my coat. I managed to find it, but it was still slightly damp when I finally found it in a room I presumed to be the laundry room. I walked out swooshing the coat back at forth trying to dry the fur as much as I could before leaving. Then I saw a light and a figure and out of shear reflex I grabbed a hold of the figure by the neck, then let go when I realized it was Evelina.

"I'm sorry, I didn't realize it was you." Evelina took a moment to catch her breath and waved dismissively.

"No matter. I should've known better not to sneak up on a Zolneryev. I came down here to tell you that there's another coat you can use that's in the laundry. That one should be dry by now."

"It's alright. I'll use mine." Evelina laughed without humor a little.

"And catch your death from cold. Please, use the other one. I'll feel better. If you walk out of this house in that damp coat, I'll start thinking you'll collapse with pneumonia. You do that, and I'll feel bad." I chuckled a little.

"I'm sure no one will suspect I caught a cold because you didn't completely dry my coat."

"I will, and that's what'll weigh on my conscience. Now where the other coat, or I'll force it on you." I fought a laugh and handed her the coat in my hands so I could go to the laundry room to get the other one.

"Will it fit?"

"All the other clothes did, why not this one? There's also some gloves for you. I'd recommend those." I looked out the window and saw the snow coming down and that alone made me feel a chill.

"You might be right about that." Evelina smiled and walked to a closet and took out a heavy coat. She walked over and handed it to me to try on.

"The gloves are in the pocket. They're made of wool, so they'll be nice and warm." I tried on the coat and it fit well enough. It was still a little big for me, but it wasn't that big a deal. It was close enough to my size that it would keep me warm. Evelina noticed that it was big and frowned a little. "I'm sorry, it's a bit big." I shook my head.

"Don't worry, it's not so bad. It'll do for the time being. My coat will be completely dry by tomorrow morning right?" Evelina nodded.

"Would you like a belt for the jacket? I think I can get father to lend you one." I smiled a little guilty.

"I already snatched one of his belts for the pants." Evelina giggled a little.

"Don't worry about it. I can say honestly that it might be best you wear a belt. I'll go get you another belt." Evelina walked out of the kitchen and walked up the stairs to get the belt. I waited for her to come back with another belt. This belt was a lot better quality than the one I snatched.

"Is this belt leather?" Evelina nodded.

"Yes. I thought it would be a good choice. Don't worry, father doesn't wear nearly as many belts as he used to."

"Are you sure he won't mind?" Evelina nodded.

"I'm sure. Now get going. I've met the overseers of these construction projects, and let me tell you, they're not generous on patience." I smiled.

"Alright. And thank you for everything." Evelina nodded.

"And Zolneryev. Remember what I told you last night. If the lodge still won't take you, the chair is still free to you." I chuckled a little and her smile was shy.

"Thank you." After that, I walked to the door and I looked back at her to wave goodbye, but she'd ran up the stairs before I could, so I just closed the door and went on my way.

I got to the job site after a few minutes of fighting the snow storm on my walk over there. And when I arrived, there were several men there that I didn't know, but most of them were addressed as Zolneryev, just as I was. Consequently, since we all had the same names, they had to address us by our first names. And when they couldn't remember that, they just said 'you' and waited for the attention of the person they were talking to. Though they never stood to wait very long.

The first day wasn't so horrible. It wasn't quite like what I was used to when I was younger, but it was close enough that it didn't bother me too much. I was used to breaking and lifting things. Around high noon, the overseers threw some bread at all of us and gave us five minutes to eat lunch, no exceptions. I managed to finished eating in two and when I was done, I was ordered to get back to work. Working for these people actually reminded me a little of the village generals that had brought themselves to leadership when I was a soldier. We weren't released until the sun was about to set and I walked through the piles of snow with my back slightly sore and my muscles throbbing.

As I promised I would, I went to the lodge first to look for shelter. But same as last night, they had no spots open for me and they sent me away. They did tell me that four of the men were due to move in a few days, so I could check again then. After talking with the person at the entrance, I walked back to Vasilyev's home. I looked around a moment, then walked around the house hoping no one would see me walk in. I wasn't sure how they would be treated for sheltering me, and I didn't want to put them out any further than I already had. Once I was at the side of the house where the door to the wood pile was, I knocked a few times and waited. A few seconds later, Evelina opened to door.

"Did you check at the lodge first?" I nodded with a small smile.

"Yes, I did. They said they still weren't taking anyone new. But they did say that if I checked back in a few days, they might have an open place for me. Evidently, four men are due to move out." Evelina smiled and stepped aside to welcome me in. She closed the door behind me once I was inside. I looked around and noticed that Vasilyev wasn't there. "Is your father already asleep?"

"Yes, he's asleep. He gets cranky when he stays up too long, so he usually goes to bed early. I wasn't sure if you were coming or not, but I kept some food out for you if you're hungry." I nodded.

"I'm starving." Evelina smiled.

"I'm sure. I made chicken again though. I hope you don't mind." I shook my head.

"Not at all. I'm grateful for the food to begin with." Evelina giggled.

"Gratefulness. I like that. Now come and eat before your food gets cold." I smiled and followed Evelina to the kitchen. I took a seat when she put the food on the table and I began eating. Still conscience of what Vasilyev had told me the night before, I was careful not to chew with my mouth closed. Evelina sat at the table with me and waited a moment to ask if I liked it.

"Is it to your liking?" I nodded.

"Yes, thank you. It's delicious." Evelina smiled.

"I'm happy to hear it. I would offer you that pie father was talking about, but I'm afraid he ate the last of it with his vodka earlier. He even crushed cranberries into his vodka." I chuckled.

"That sounds tasty." Evelina nodded.

"I liked it. Father only ever lets me drink when he does something creative and he wants my opinion. I remember how father made it, so I could make some for you if you like." I nodded.

"That would be nice actually. I don't suppose you know how to roll a cigarette do you?" Evelina smiled, but shook her head.

"Sorry, no. Father never lets me see. He thinks smoking is a masculine habit and doing so would be unladylike of me. It's the same reason he doesn't let me drink often."

"I can't say I disagree. Though I'm hardly in a position to tell you what to do."

"Indeed. I'll bring you what you need to make it, then I'll start your drink."

"Thank you. By the way, will your father be alright with me spending another night?" Evelina shook her head.

"Not at all. I already talked to him about it a few house ago and he said it was alright. But he also asked me to tell you that you will need to find your own place within the required time. Unless father goes with you to the Citizen's Registration's office where you became a citizen and tell them he's allowing you to live here, failing to move out would put you in violation of your agreement and they'd have to exile you."

"I had a feeling that would be the case. Don't worry. Once I get some money, I'll look. I might just build a place since they said that was permitted. I won't have it done, but I can at least tell them I'm working on it." Evelina shook her head.

"No, it has to be done. You have two months to finish it or you're not allowed to stay. That's how this province gets rid of some Zolneryev. They never really specify that the house has to be done within two full moons." I felt a little rage build up and I straightened my back and looked at Evelina.

"That's unreasonable. I can't finish a house in two months AND work at the same time. That's not possible. I'd never get any sleep."

"I know. That's the point. Your only hope is to get enough money to buy a home. Many have done it, but they're stuck sharing a one room house between them. One home I know of is a one room house holding twenty men. They're miserable as I'm sure you can imagine. Father says they have to sleep on the floor all smooshed together. On the bright side, they're always warm during winter."

"So all my hard work will inevitably only get me a small house full of men. Wonderful." Evelina made a guilty smile.

"I don't suppose men are your fancy are they?" I gave her a weird look. I had no clue what she was talking about.

"I beg your pardon?" She shook her head.

"If you don't know what I'm talking about, it means the answer is no. Don't worry about it." I sighed.

"I don't suppose you or your father know of one that's a little less packed do you?"

"I don't know of any that house less than ten." I groaned, then chuckled a little and looked up at Evelina.

"I don't suppose your father would mind if I lived here for a while would he?" Evelina smiled and shrugged.

"I could always ask him first. I'll talk to him tomorrow. That way, you two can talk it out more as soon as you get back. No pleasantries needed."

"So you don't expect me to check at the lodge first before coming here?" Evelina waved her hand dismissively.

"Don't worry about it. Just come here. The lodge did say it would be a while before there were any free spots after all."

"You're so kind." Evelina smiled.

"How sweet of you to say." We were quiet and she left the kitchen to fetch the things I needed to role a cigarette. Then she made me a drink while I rolled it. I had it done by the time my drink was on the table. Evelina took a candle and lit my cigarette with it, then took a seat with me when she put it back. "So let me ask you."

"Ask me what?"

"When the war was over, why didn't you go home to your family? I'm sure they would've welcomed you back home even if you lost." I shook my head.

"They're dead. I'm pretty certain. The Mongols left no village untouched. I didn't want to see what they'd done." I huffed a laugh. "I think your father would call me a coward for it."

"It sounds like something he'd say. So did you have any children?" I shook my head.

"I'm only nineteen. I entered the war when I was sixteen. I was far from marrying age at the time."

"I see. So no wife and children lost. Only parents and siblings?" I nodded solemnly.

"Pretty much." Wanting to change the subject, I turned attention to her. "So what about you? You look old enough to be married and out of the house. Why aren't you?" Evelina smiled.

"I'll be married soon. Since father and the emperor are close friends, he arranged for me to marry the Emperor's oldest son. He's a bit older than me, but it's not so bad. He's not grey yet at the very least." I chuckled.

"Ah. So I'm in the presence of a future empress? How rude of me never to bow my head." Evelina giggled.

"I'm not the empress yet. I won't be for a long time, no matter when I marry. Not until the current emperor passes away of course."

"So when are you getting married?"

"In the summer. There will be a lovely ceremony at the castle and the priest from the church will perform the ceremony and there will be flowers everywhere and good food and plenty of entertainment. It'll be a magical evening." I smiled.

"It sounds like it. I wish you the best."

"Thank you." We were quiet and I kept breathing in the smoke, relaxing. I finally took a sip of vodka and squinted my eyes a moment. It was really sour, but it had some sweetness to it that wasn't usually in cranberries and it was really appealing.

"What is this?" Evelina lost her smile a little.

"You don't like it?" I shook my head.

"No, it's good. But what's in this?"

"Oh, well vodka and cranberries of course. The sweetness you taste is a little syrup I learned how to make. You take equal parts of sugar and water and boil them together until it forms a syrupy consistency. And when you do that, the sugar is twice as sweet. Father's planning on showing off this little drink soon, so he'll be planning a party for most of the rest of the week."

"Wow. I've never had vodka like this. It's delicious. I have to say, you're father's right about you being good at making desserts." Evelina blushed.

"Thank you for that. You made my day." Evelina's smile turned from happy, to elated. "I just had a great idea."

"Did you?" Evelina nodded.

"You should come to the tasting party. Especially if father agrees to let you live here for an extended period of time." I shook my head after the initial surprise from her offer wore off.

"Oh no, I shouldn't. That wouldn't be appropriate. I don't want you or your father being ridiculed because of me." Evelina kept smiling.

"Oh don't worry about it. I'm sure once you're cleaned up a bit and shave that pesky beard, they won't even suspect you. And I'm sure Potrushkov won't even recognize you."

"Potrushkov?"

"The man who works at the citizen office that you registered at. Remember, the elderly man who wears silk all the time?"

"Oh, him. I never learned his name. But he did give me a list of the alphabet and taught me how to spell my name." Evelina looked a little surprised.

"You mean you can't read?" I shook my head.

"Not at all. I remember a few of the letters, but I haven't memorized it." Evelina tilted her head a little.

"Was it by chance in your coat?" I was about to nod, but then my eyes widened and I groaned and held my head down. "I take that as a yes?"

"I can't believe I forgot to take that out." Evelina giggled a little.

"Don't worry about it. I'll make you a new one." I looked up at her.

"You will?"

"Sure. Your first name is Demetri right?" I nodded.

"Yes it is. I know I must seem silly, but it really means a lot to me." Evelina shook her head.

"It does seem a little silly. But then, when you're taught how to read at childhood, it tends to feel unimportant at times. I fear I'm like father in the sense that I forget that not everyone has it as good as we do and my head gets a little big." I chuckled.

"Would you like me to stick around so it doesn't get bigger when you become a princess?" Evelina giggled and nodded her head.

"I think that would be nice. You can be my…down to earth guy." Evelina and I shared a laugh while she found a piece of paper and a pencil and wrote down the alphabet and my name. "Here you go. The alphabet and your name."

"Thank you." I looked it over a little more and tried to remember what Potrushkov had taught me. I couldn't remember everything, so I concentrated on what I could remember. After the silence, Evelina cut it with a sweet voice.

"Would you like me to teach you how to read?" I looked up at her surprised. "It seem unfair to just give you the letters and not teach you how to put them together wouldn't you agree?" I was quiet a moment.

"I….I don't know what to say." Evelina smiled.

"Yes. Yes thank you. Allow me to kiss your feet, goddess." We both laughed a little. "Don't worry, that last one was a joke." I chuckled and nodded.

"Yes thank you, then. So when should we start?" Evelina shrugged.

"How about we take a few minutes now. We can go over how to say each letter tonight and see if you can remember it tomorrow night. Once you memorize the alphabet, then we'll start learning how to spell." I grinned.

"That sounds nice." Evelina smiled and she re-taught me how to pronounce all the letters and made sure I knew how to say each one properly. We went over it five times until she told me we should call it a night.

I went to bed as soon as I finished my last cigarette and my drink and was asleep in seconds. The next morning, I woke up the same time as last and I left for work as soon as I was dressed and had eaten something. I didn't see Evelina or Vasilyev before I left. It was the same routine as the day before and it was just as tiring. Maybe more so. When the day was over, I went straight to Vasilyev's home as Evelina advised and knocked on the side door like the day before. Evelina answered the door and she had a smile on her face. Then she welcomed me in and Vasilyev was sitting in his chair with my blankets next to him on the floor. When the door was closed, Vasilyev held his left hand out, holding an unlit cigarette in that hand.

"Come here, Demetri. Smoke, have a drink with me." His tone was a little flat, so I was a bit nervous. I looked at Evelina, who was still smiling and nodded at me. I took a deep breath and walked over to him. I took the cigarette and lit it and took a deep breath of smoke and sipped the vodka that he handed me. "My daughter tells me that she thinks we should let you live here. Until you finish building your own home."

"It came up, yes." Vasilyev turned to look at me, still looking stern, but then he smiled.

"Well, these past two days, you've shown yourself to be a civil man. A little rough around the edges, but nothing I would have to fear I think."

"I won't hurt you or your daughter, Vasilyev. I'm grateful for your help and I owe you for it."

"Indeed you do. But I won't expect anything. Only that you continue to be a good guest in my home. I managed to arrange a party for later in the week and Potrushkov is coming. We'll talk to him then and arrange for you to live here indefinitely. Though I do expect you to make an effort to build yourself your own home." I nodded.

"Of course. Absolutely."

"You strike me as a man of your word, so I'm trusting you Zolneryev." I nodded my head and he offered me his hand to shake it. I wasn't sure if we were friends per se, but if nothing else, he was kinder to me than I could hope for in this place. "And as my daughter suggested, get rid of that beard. And take a long hot bath when you can."

"But I work until sunset. Will I be able to meet with Potrushkov with you before he leaves?" Vasilyev waved his hand dismissively.

"Don't fret about that. My parties tend to last well into the night. Don't worry. You'll be back before my party ends. Come in through the side as always and get a little warmed up before coming to me and Potrushkov. We'll write out all the needed paper work here and he can make it official the next day." I bowed my head.

"I'm grateful."

"I know you are. But thank my daughter. She insisted upon this. I'm not sure if I should be concerned there's something going on or if you're simply fast friends."

"I assure you sir, it's simply fast friends."

"I would hope so. I'm glad we spoke about this. Now I'm tired, so I'm going to bed. You construction workers get home so late. I nearly fell asleep waiting for you." Vasilyev stood from the chair.

"Have another cigarette and shot of vodka if you wish. Then sleep. I'll possibly see you in the morning or late night. My daughter will let you know the day before the party to get a bath. Now then, I bid you goodnight."

"Goodnight, sir." Vasilyev smiled, then walked towards the stairs and went to bed. I looked at Evelina with the same smile she gave me. "Thank you for everything."

"I already told you I was doing this. But now that father's in bed, why don't we go over your alphabet while you have some dinner. There's still some left for you."

"That would be nice." Evelina and I walked to the kitchen and she quizzed me on what we'd done the night before. I remembered most, but a few I still hadn't remembered. So she taught it to me a few more times, then quizzed me again. The second time, I remembered everything.

The rest of the week went on like that. I never saw Vasilyev. He was either still in bed or had just gone to bed, so it was always Evelina I saw when I came back. We would go over the alphabet and she'd make sure I remembered, and half way through that week, she said we could start learning how to spell small words. She would give me three or four words and tell me what they were. Then she would tell me to write them over and over again while saying the words until I filled the page. It was a tedious way t learn, but it helped me remember. One day when I arrived back, Vasilyev was in bed as usual and Evelina was in the kitchen. There was food for me already on the table. I sat down and Evelina gave me a shot of vodka.

"I hate to rush you, but father's party is tomorrow evening. So you might want to bath tonight. I'll have a hot bath ready for you before you finish eating."

"Do you want me to help you?"

"I'll call for help if the pots end up being too heavy. You might not be able to go in the bath for a bit, though. I need to boil the water to make sure it's warm enough for you."

"That's fine with me. Just call me when you want me to lift it." Evelina smiled.

"I've had the first batch of water on the fire for a while now. If it's boiling, I might need your help now. But I'll go check." Evelina went to another room, the laundry room, to check on the water. She came back and leaned against the door. "Come, mister big strong man. I'm in need of your muscle." I chuckled and put down my fork and stood from my chair to help her.

"I'm coming." I walked to the laundry room and met Evelina at a large bot. It was filled completely with boiling water. Evelina handed me a glove.

"Use this. Otherwise this pot will burn your hands when you pick it up. It's not pleasant. I know, it's happened to me." I smiled and took the glove she handed me. Once we both had a glove on, we lifted the both together and poured it all into a large tube in the middle of the room. Once the water was all there, we placed the large pot back on the flames. "Okay. Now do me a favor and fill this up with as much snow as you can fit in it. And don't worry if the snow pills tall. It'll all melt down."

"Alright." Evelina gave me the other glove to put on my right hand so I could carry the pot outside and fill it with snow. Most of the snow melted back into water upon entering the pot. When I brought it back in, the snow was water and ready to be boiled.

"Thank you. Now we'll let this get to a boil. This is the last one we'll need to fill up the bath. And since it'll take a bit, finish up your dinner, then I'll shave you."

"I can shave my face. You don't have too." Evelina shook her head.

"Father wants you to have as few cuts on your face as possible. That tends to work better when someone does the shaving for you. At least that's from my life experience. Don't worry, I won't cut you. I shave father's face all the time. He'd be dead if I didn't." I smiled.

"If you have to."

"Good. Now finish dinner so we can get started. While you're eating, you can show me if you remember how to spell the words we learned last night. And if you do well, we'll start reading a book together. That's the best way to learn more words at a time."

"A book? What will we read?" Evelina shrugged.

"My father has a bible laying around here somewhere. That'll be perfect. And I'm planning to have you sound out the word first. And if you need some help, we'll have the alphabet handy nearby and I'll help. You'll be reading in no time."

"Thank you, Evelina." Evelina and I went to the kitchen and just as she said we would, we went over the words form last night and she was pleased with me for remembering them all. She then made me spell all the words that she'd taught me through the week and was pleased that I'd only misspelled one. That was easy enough to fix.

Once I was finished eating and we'd gone over all the words, the water wasn't quite boiling yet, so Evelina decided to shave me. I was avoiding shaking while she was shaving away my beard. What made me nervous was the knife she held in her hand so close to my throat. I never felt her cut me and the shave itself took a very long time. She was certainly thorough. When she was done, she held up a mirror to show me. I was stunned. There really wasn't a single cut on my face or neck. And I'd forgotten what I looked like without a beard. I'd had it for so long.

"I have to tell you, you look a good twenty years younger without that beard." I smiled.

"I guess I do. I take it you don't like beards?" Evelina shook her head.

"I'm not fond of them. My future husband has one and I'm hoping he'll allow me to shave it off before the wedding." I shrugged.

"I'm sure he wouldn't care if you asked. But my face feels cold now."

"Of course. We just shaved a rug off your face. But don't worry, you'll warm up pretty quickly. Especially once you take a hot bath. I'll go to bed for tonight. When you're done, throw all the water back outside. Don't throw the water on the wood or in front of the door. Do it off to the side alright." I nodded.

"Alright, I will."

"Good. I'll see you tomorrow. Good night."

"Good night." Evelina and I smiled at each other before she left the laundry room to go upstairs for bed. When she was gone, I closed the door and undressed. There was a towel there left for me to use as well as my old clothes that were now clean, as was my coat. I touched my toe to the water to test it, but realized it was too hot. I had to wait a good fifteen minutes before I was able to comfortably get into the water.

When I was able to, the feel of the water was really relaxing and I nearly fell asleep in that tub. I splashed my face with the hot water and embraced the sting I felt from the water. After a few minutes of soaking in the water, I finally came out and dried off as best I could so I could go to bed. The next morning, I was awake before anyone else in the house and left for work early. When I went back that night, the lights were much brighter than normal and I could hear voices pouring out of the house with excitement. I walked to the side door as usual and knocked on the door. Evelina answered and she was wearing a dress that reminded me of the cloth Potrushkov had been wearing. It was heavy looking and the sleeves were long and almost completely covered her hands and her hair was held back with a pin. She spoke quietly as she let me in.

"It's not very hot, but there's some water in the tub in the laundry room so you can clean up a little bit. And there's some appropriate clothes hung there for you to put on when you're clean. When you're dressed, come find me or father and we'll get to work with Potrushkov."

Evelina didn't give me much time to respond. She simply pushed me gently towards the laundry room and I walked there and closed the door behind me. I touched the water to check the temperature, and as she warned, it wasn't very warm at all. It was near cold even. But I undressed and cleaned myself of the dirt and grime from the day before getting dressed in the appropriate clothes that Evelina and Vasilyev had given me to wear. It wasn't extremely fancy and that made me more comfortable, but like all the other clothes I'd burrowed, this was too big. Thankfully, I still had two belts I could use, so I chose the leather one and made sure I looked alright, mostly by feel. Once I was ready, I opened the door and looked around and saw Evelina in the kitchen area talking to a very well dressed man that looked a little older than her, but his hair wasn't grey yet. She looked towards me and waved me over. I walked to her and she spoke once I was close enough.

"Last time I checked, father is standing next to the fireplace. Good luck alright." I nodded.

"Thanks for everything, I mean that."

"Don't mention it." I was about to walk away, but the well dressed man stopped me.

"And who are you? I've never seen you before." Evelina answered for me.

"He's a family friend. He doesn't have close friendships with the better off is all. That's why you don't know him. Forgive me for not introducing you two." She looked at the both of us and we looked towards each other. "Demetri, this is my fiancé, Andros. Andros, this is Demetri." I was a little taken back at first. She'd never called me by my first name before. It was so strange. Andros held out his hand.

"Well, then, it's a pleasure to meet a friend of the family. What is it that you do?" Again, Evelina answered for me.

"He works with my father as a brewer." Andros held up his hand.

"Let him answer me, Evelina." Then he looked at me again. Evelina looked at me and begged me with her eyes to play along. I nodded my head.

"I work for her father."

"And how long have you been working for him?"

"Not long." I glanced at Evelina again, but I wasn't sure why. I knew she wouldn't be able to help me out anymore in the conversation.

"Where did you work before this?" I was stiff a moment because I had no idea what to say. Saving me, Evelina spoke up.

"Demetri, you should probably go find father. He had some important business to discuss with you." Then Evelina looked at Andros. "You don't mind do you, dear?" Andros shook his head.

"Of course not. If it's business, then please don't let me keep you." I bowed my head respectfully.

"Thank you. It was nice to meet you."

"It was a pleasure to meet you too." I smiled and we shook hands again before I walked away, relieved I didn't have to lie anymore for the time being, and looked for Vasilyev. I found him next to the fireplace as Evelina said he would be and conveniently enough, he was already in a conversation with Potrushkov. There were a few other people joined in the conversation, but I walked up to Vasilyev and waited for him to notice me. When he did, he looked around the group.

"Gentlemen, I fear I must talk business with Potrushkov. I hope you wouldn't mind giving us a moment would you?" All the men who were talking to him shook their heads saying they didn't mind and they all walked away to talk to others. That left me alone with Vasilyev and Potrushkov.

"What is it you wish to speak with ME about of all people?" Potrushkov spoke with a laugh in his voice. Vasilyev remained to the point, but pleasant.

"Well, I have to speak to you regarding a Zolneryev that you welcomed into the province. A Demetri Zolneryev." Potrushkov was a bit confused.

"Demetri Zolneryev? In all honestly, Argo, there have been several Demetri's come through here. Some aren't even here anymore because they were exiled or killed."

"I understand that, but the one I'm speaking of is standing right next to me. Demetri Zolneryev came here a few days ago I believe. And I wish to offer him a permanent residence at my home. He's proven very useful to me." Potrushkov looked at me a little surprised.

"You? A Zolneryev? I never would've guessed." I finally realized he didn't remember me, even if he could recognize me. So I stayed pleasant and nodded.

"Yes, I am. I'm the one you gave that sheet of paper to." Potrushkov had no idea what I was talking about, so I let it go. "Never mind."

"Anyway, Potrushkov, I was hoping we could handle that paper work now. I can take you both to my office and we can take care of business there." For whatever reason, Potrushkov looked a little reluctant at first, but then he shrugged.

"If you wish. Just remember, it needs his signature too." I smiled.

"I know how to spell my name sir, so it won't be a problem." Again, Potrushkov was a little surprised, then he really looked at me and finally realized who I was.

"Oh. You're the one I gave THAT piece of paper to." I nodded.

"Yes sir, I am."

"Well, you seem to have done well in the days you've come here. I'm impressed. Few ever get to stay here let alone live under the roof of a prominent figure."

"Oh Potrushkov, I'm hardly a prominent figure. I'm a brewer. Now please, let us get this paperwork done and enjoy the rest of the party." We both nodded and followed Vasilyev to his office upstairs in his room and Potrushkov wrote out all the paperwork and we all signed it, making me an official resident of the home. When Potrushkov left the room, leaving me and Vasilyev, I looked at him with a smile.

"Thank you for this, Vasilyev."

"Don't mention it. Just remember that this isn't permanent. I want you to hold up your end of the deal and work on your own home or buy your own. If you wish to save up enough to buy a house that's fine too, but let me know that's what you're doing." I nodded.

"I will sir. I'll buy a house as soon as I can. How much does it cost usually?"

"My home cost me ten pieces of gold, but I imagine one of the smaller houses that Zolneryev usually get are only worth a piece of silver or two. And a single piece of silver is worth fifty brass pieces. They won't accept brass though, so when you have enough, take it to the currency office near the castle and they'll exchange the money for you."

"As soon as I'm able, sir." Vasilyev looked at me and smiled.

"Don't be in too much of a hurry. I'm rather fond of your company when I can have it, so I'd like to keep you around for at least a few weeks. But if you're not out in a year, I will get a bit impatient." I laughed a little and nodded my head.

"If you say so, Vasilyev."

"Good. Now get back down there. A good party is just what you need." I shook my head.

"Forgive me sir, but I do have to work tomorrow. I think it might be best if I turn in for the night. I can sleep up here on the floor." Vasilyev shook his head.

"Not in my room. The slightest noise wakes me up, so I can't share a room. My daughter has room and the blankets were put back in there. So you sleep on the floor in there, alright. Pleasant dreams. And if you need a pillow, my daughter has extras of those too."

"Thank you, Vasilyev."

"You're welcome. Now get off to bed. Goodnight." Vasilyev walked out of his room and closed the door behind him when I was out. I said goodnight to him and he walked down the stairs back to his little tasting party. I walked to Evelina's room and found the blankets I'd been using on the floor next to her bed.

There were two pillows on her bed, so I snatched the one that looked the least used and put it on the floor with the blankets. I fell asleep after a few minutes of trying to find a comfortable spot on the floor. The next morning when I woke up, Evelina was in her bed asleep. Her face was peaceful and happy. She had such a sweet face when she slept. It was something a husband would be lucky to wake up to every morning. I looked at her nightstand and saw a glace filled with a red drink and a little note next to it. I saw my name at the top, so I took the paper and tried reading it. It took a few minutes to remember what letter meant what, but I did eventually decipher the note.

Demetri,

If you cracked this code, the drink on the nightstand is for you.

Evelina

I smiled to myself and looked at the drink. I sipped a little and realized it was the drink Evelina had told me about early and had already let me try. I drank the rest of the liquor and left the glass on the nightstand. I then took out of list of letters and tried to think how each word would be spelled. When I had an idea of what it should be, I turned the paper and wrote on the back, "thanks for the vodka", and rested the piece of paper against the glass. I had a feeling I'd misspelled one or more of the words, but at least I tried. She would appreciate that I made an effort. I went to work before anyone was awake and came back when Vasilyev was already sound asleep in his room. Evelina was sitting in the chair next to the fireplace and I found her asleep already. I gently touched her shoulder and she was stunned awake and looked at me stunned.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to wake you." I groaned a little and rubbed her eyes, all while shaking her head gently.

"Not at all. I was waiting for you."

"What for?" Evelina stretched a little before standing from the chair. Then she looked at me with a smile, reached into her pocket, and pulled out the note from this morning.

"This isn't my father's handwriting, so I'm making the grand assumption that you wrote this note." I smiled and nodded a little shyly.

"Yeah, I did. I thought you would appreciate it." Evelina nodded.

"Indeed I did. I'm happy to see that all the work you're putting in is beginning to really pay off. In fact, I think you can start reading the bible tomorrow. You've definitely shown enough progress." Evelina and I shared a small laugh before she turned around and started walking to the kitchen. I followed behind her and stopped at the entrance when she reached into the small icebox and pulled out something from earlier tonight. "Here's some dinner for you if you're hungry."

"Famished. Thank you."

"Do you want me to heat it up?" I shook my head.

"That's alright. I'm so hungry, I'd eat it raw." Evelina giggled and put the plate of food on the table. I took a seat and started eating and Evelina took a seat next to me. "You don't have to stay up with me." She shook her head.

"It's alright. I wanted to talk to someone anyway." I shrugged.

"What do you want to talk about?" Evelina took a moment to think a little about what she wanted to talk about. I continued eating; waiting for her to think of something she would want to say. She wasn't silent very long and gave me the first practical question that popped into her head.

"Have you started looking for a place to live yet?" I smiled.

"So eager to be rid of me? Don't worry, I'll start looking tomorrow. My boss said there wouldn't be much work tomorrow, so we'd be leaving for home before nightfall." Evelina shook her head.

"I'm not eager to be rid of you. On the contrary, I'm a little sad. I've enjoyed your company and I'm sad to see it go so soon." I was surprised by her words. I wasn't sure what to say in response, so instead of making a fool of myself, I said nothing. She eventually broke the silence. "Are you eager to leave?" I shook my head.

"No, I've enjoyed my time here. You and your father have been kind to me. I'm grateful."

"So you've said many times." I lost my smile, though she kept hers. Her tone seemed off for some reason.

"Is there something wrong?" Evelina shrugged.

"I've just become so used to having you around that the idea of you not being here makes me a little sad. I won't have anyone to talk to other than father anymore."

"You have your fiancé right?"

"Of course, but I hardly see him. I won't begin to see him more often until we're married and that's far from now."

"Summer?"

"Yes, summer, but it's so far away." I smiled a little.

"You're both very lucky. You seem to love him very much."

"I wouldn't say love exactly. Though he's a kind man, I'm not in love. We barely know each other. And of course he's several years older than me. We don't have as much in common as I've seen with other couples. I suppose you could say I'm fond of him at best." I sighed a little.

"I'm not sure I should be hearing this." Evelina shook her head.

"No, it's alright. Forgive me, it's my fault. I shouldn't be burdening you with my grievances. Though I must admit, you're an easy man to talk to. It's nice to be spoken to instead of spoken at." I smiled.

"I'm happy to provide that much to you." Evelina nodded. Then she scooted closer to me and looked at me with pleading eyes.

"Just promise that you won't become a stranger after you no longer live here. I like to think we've become friends through this whole thing and I would love for us to stay friends." I smiled and nodded.

"Of course. For everything you've done, it's the least I can do." Evelina's smile widened and she rested her head against my shoulder, which took me by surprise and I became a little stiff.

"That's all I ask." Evelina kept her head on my shoulder for a while. I ended up continuing with my dinner, not sure what else I could do. After a while, Evelina finally took her head off my shoulder and stood from the table. "I'll see you in the morning, Demetri. Do me a favor and clean the dishes before you go to bed." I nodded.

"Alright. Goodnight."

"Goodnight." Evelina then left me alone in the kitchen and walked upstairs to her room. I stayed downstairs and cleaned up my plate like she asked me to and went to sleep as soon as I was able.

As I had promised, the next day, I began looking for my own home. I finally had enough for at least the first month of rent and I was hoping that would be enough to get my own place as soon as possible. Any home that I could afford or was even allowed to get was on the outskirts of the town closer to the construction sites and only one was empty. It had been recently built and I was the first worker to make an offer on the place. Amazingly, the man selling the small home was willing to let me have it, but I had better be prepared to share the home with a few others. I signed a few papers and the home was mine within the hour and I went back to the Vasilyev home before nightfall. Vasilyev and Evelina were both awake and having dinner together when I knocked on the door and Evelina answered.

"You weren't kidding when you said you would be able to leave before nightfall." I nodded.

"And I have good news. I found a place today." I was looking at Vasilyev and his brows raised in surprise.

"You don't say. That certainly didn't take you very long. I'm impressed." I smiled.

"It's a bit small and I might have to share it with a few others later, but for now, it's all mine." Vasilyev chuckled.

"That's good to hear. I'll tell you what. I'll arrange for you to be the only one living there." I shook my head.

"You don't have to. Though I admit, I wouldn't be opposed to making sure it doesn't go over three." Vasilyev smiled.

"Make it two maximum and you've got a deal. I'll talk to the man that sold you the home right away. What was his name?"

"Jurgis Zaitzev I think."

"Ah yes, him. I know who he is. Don't worry about a thing, Zolneryev. I'll take care of it. Now please, sit with us. It'll be the first time you've ever had dinner with us." I nodded and walked over to the table and took a seat to Vasilyev's right, across from where Evelina had been sitting. She fetched me a plate of food and placed it in front of me before sitting back down. She was smiling, but it was faint and I think she seemed a little sad. "Now, Zolneryev. How long will it be before you live there officially?"

"I can move in tomorrow. I don't have many things to transport. I can do it all in one night. And the home is already fully furnished, so I don't have to buy any other things."

"How wonderful. But please, stay one last night, just for old time's sake. Then once you're on your own, maybe you can come back and visit from time to time. You're always welcome to one of my tasting parties."

"That's so generous of you, sir." Vasilyev waved his hand dismissively.

"Think nothing of it. You've been an excellent guest in my home. You've earned it." I smiled and took a bite of the food when Evelina put her hand on her father's arm and looked at him.

"Father, maybe you should offer him a job. That might be a greater gift to him." I looked at Evelina stunned and Vasilyev chuckled gently.

"That's just a little overly generous wouldn't you say, Eve? I do all that for him; he'll become the scrutiny of all other Zolneryev. Not to mention all the upper-classmen that will think it strange to employ a Zolneryev in a business such as mine."

"It will be strange father, but think of it as revolutionary. You would be the first to ever hire a Zolneryev into your brewery. You'd be famous." Vasilyev chuckled and I shook my head.

"You don't have to do that." Vasilyev looked back at me.

"Don't worry. My daughter is simply trying to be kind. But now that she's brought it up, I can't get the thought out of my mind. I turn you away once. Perhaps that was a mistake on my part."

"And father, I've been helping him learn to read. He's more useful to you that way isn't he?" Vasilyev looked at Evelina surprised, then looked at me with the same face.

"Is this true?" A moment passed before I nodded my head nervously. Vasilyev chuckled and patted Evelina's back. "You must be the luckiest man in the world, Zolneryev. Alright. As of tomorrow, you work for me. I'll have your landlord spread the news to your superiors tomorrow when I talk to him. I'll have you start small. And if you impress me, then I'll bring you up higher."

I was quiet while Evelina and Vasilyev smiled at me. I wasn't sure what to say or do. This wasn't what I had ever thought would happen to me when I came here, but here I was being given a job that no man in my position could ever hope for. Vasilyev wasn't angered by my silence. He smiled at the look on my face and stood up from the table, having finished his dinner.

"Now that I think of it, you take tomorrow morning to move all your things to the new house you'll be staying in. Come to the brewery as soon as you're done with that. And worry not, your pay will be much better than it had been before. And your hours will naturally be shorter, so feel free to come join us for dinner at any time. Please excuse me for now. I must take a bath, then I plan to go upstairs and read for a while before bed."

Vasilyev left to the other room where the tub was that was already filled with hot water ready for him. Once Evelina and I were alone, I looked at her and she seemed happy. I was still shocked by what had happened and nothing came to mind as to what to say. Evelina lost her smile after all the silence and I finally spoke, my voice still small.

"Why did you do that?" When I said that, her face almost looked heartbroken.

"You're not happy?" I shook my head and put my fork down.

"It's not that. I'm surprised that you would go so far as to ask your father to give me a job. I'm asking why you would do something so generous for me." Evelina was now the one that was quiet a moment. Then she motioned her head towards the living room and stood up from her chair to go there. I followed her and stopped when we were both in front of the fireplace.

"I told you yesterday that I like to think we've become friends since you've arrived." I smiled a little.

"I think so too. I just never knew that we had become close enough that you were willing to stick your neck out for me as it were."

"Of course." There was silence again and the both of us were looking at our feet. Evelina eventually broke the silence. "It also because I was hoping to keep you close. I've become so fond of you that I didn't want to see you leave. I suppose asking father to hire you was a way for me to make sure I'd see you."

"Oh." There was another silence between us as something seemed to click in my head that I hadn't noticed before. It seemed she was fond of me. I wasn't sure what I could say. I felt a little guilty now.

"I'm sorry. I'm being too forward." I shook my head.

"No, it's alright." We were quiet again. Then I spoke, asking a question I wasn't sure I wanted to ask. "When you say you're fond of me…..do you mean you…..care..for me."

"Of course I care for you. Why would I ask father to hire you if that weren't the case?" I shook my head.

"I mean….do you…love me." Evelina became aware and held her head down.

"I wouldn't say it quite like that. I think it may be something else. Attraction perhaps." This was extremely bizarre and we both knew it. But worse, she was engaged and any romantic involvement of any kind would be detrimental to everything involved.

"Forgive me for being frank, but I won't be a stud." Evelina looked at me angrily, but still kept her voice down when she spoke.

"I never asked you to do that. I would never ask that of you."

"I'm just saying that I won't allow us to have a romantic relationship. We're friends, nothing more."

"You don't need to say that. I had no intention of starting anything. I had no intention of telling you about any of this. But you asked and I told. That's all. Just because I hinted there was physical attraction doesn't mean I'm implying a deeper relationship than what's here." I sighed.

"Never mind. I'm sorry I offended you. Let's just not talk about it." There was silence again between us. Neither of us were looking at each other because the air was so thick and awkward. She was the one who eventually said something and it was the last thing I wanted to talk about.

"Is that to say you're not attracted to me?" I sighed.

"That's hardly important isn't it?"

"Just answer my question."

"Yes, I find you attractive, but that doesn't mean I'll throw up your skirt and hump you like a dog."

"That's quite a vulgar way to word it."

"What else should I say? One minute we're friends, now we're awkwardly discussing not having any romantic involvement. How did this happen?" Evelina sighed heavily.

"Are you finished eating?" The 180 in topics threw me off for a minute and I couldn't answer right away. I eventually answered.

"Yes."

"Then I'll start cleaning. You can get your things together so you're ready for tomorrow morning."

Once she was in the kitchen cleaning, I sat in the chair I'd been sleeping in and rolled myself a cigarette and poured myself a shot of vodka, then poured myself another when I was threw with that. By the time Vasilyev came out of the laundry room from his bath, it had been several minutes of awkward silence between me and Evelina. I made sure not to show it when he looked at me and told me he expected me at work tomorrow. I managed to fall asleep that night, but I didn't get a very good night's rest. That morning I took all my things to my new home and went right back to town where the brewery was closest to and walked in. I asked someone where I should go and he sent me to Vasilyev's office at the top floor of the brewery. When I walked in, he was smoking a cigarette and motioned for me to come in.

"Good, you're here. I must admit, you're earlier than I thought. But anywhere, here's what you will be doing. You'll be carrying barrels from here to the donkey cart, then to the castle. That's where vodka is rationed out to anyone who has the money. And here's a tip. Make sure you get everything there without breaking any of the barrels. They give you a little extra money when you do that. This is pretty much an all day thing. I've come to a point where I have new barrels ready every week and it's a lot of them."

"Understood."

"And when you're done for the day, as I said, you're welcome to have dinner with us."

"Thank you sir."

"Good. Now go. The first carting of the day should start soon, so you better get down there. The cart you're moving has your name on it, so use that from here on out."

I nodded and we shook hands before I walked out of his office and went downstairs where all the donkey carts were. I began putting barrels on the cart and tied them in when I had everything together and left with the rest of the group to the castle. The castle wasn't far from town, but the distribution part of the castle wasn't right where I would think. It was off to the far left of the castle and was well made and had bright lights and seemed to house only wealthy in the lines. I should have figured vodka was a luxury in this town.

When the day ended, I went to dinner with Vasilyev, not wanting to be rude even though I was still feeling weird about the conversation I'd had with Evelina. When I was there, I only spoke to Vasilyev and he asked me questions about how my first day went. When I finished my dinner, I took my leave and went home. When I arrived, there was someone else there that I'd never met before. He looked surprised when he saw me, but he relaxed when he realized who I must be.

"Are you Demetri Zolneryev?" I nodded. "Hello. I'm Boris. A Zolneryev like yourself. I was told you and I were the only ones who would be living here." I nodded.

"That's right."

"I must say. How lucky am I that I was the first one to make a second offer on this place? I can't believe I can have the house semi to myself." I smiled.

"I can't believe I was the first one to offer." Boris chuckled and nodded his head.

"Indeed so. Do you work at the construction site? I don't remember seeing you today." I shook my head.

"I just started working at the Brewery." Boris looked surprised.

"They accept Zolneryev?" I shook my head.

"Not usually. I just managed to befriend Argo Vasilyev and he offered me a job and I started today."

"How did you befriend him?" I wasn't sure if I should answer him, so I spoke vaguely.

"We met and he took a liking to me. We befriended each other through conversation and that's how it started."

"Interesting."

Boris and I didn't speak much more after that. We were both tired and just wanted to sleep. A few weeks went by of me working for Vasilyev and all that time, I never spoke to Evelina. I stopped going there for dinner and would come home early and eat what was rationed out to the construction workers and go to bed early. Eventually it was months that went by and before I knew it, it was summer. I was still working as a carter and had finished my last transport for the day when one of my superiors walked over to me.

"Zolneryev. Vasilyev wants to talk to you." I nodded at my superior and walked up the stairs to his office and knocked. He told me to come in and I closed the door behind me and sat down in front of him.

"You asked for me sir?"

"Yes, I did. I wanted to let you know that my daughter's wedding is in two days. I wanted to invite you to the wedding. You'd get a day off work. It's a good deal." I smiled, but I wasn't sure if I should accept. I hadn't seen or spoken to Evelina in months and I wasn't sure if she would be happy to see me.

"You want me at the wedding?"

"Evelina said she wanted you there. She said you two had become such good friends and she missed seeing you, so she wanted you there. Please say you'll come." I was quiet only a moment before I smiled and nodded my head.

"Alright. I'll come. I wouldn't miss her wedding for the world."

"Thank you Zolneryev. It means a lot to her that you be there. And since you're done for the day, please join me and my daughter for dinner tonight. I'm sure she would love to know you're coming to her wedding."

"If you wish, sir."

"You go on ahead. I have a little business I need to finish here, but I'll be there soon. I'll let you give my daughter the good news." I nodded and stood from the chair.

"Of course sir." Vasilyev and I said our goodbyes and I walked out of his office and made my way to his home. But I did so at a slow pace. By the time I got to his home, the sun was about to set. I knocked on the side door out of habit and waited for the door to open. Evelina answered the door and smiled.

"I thought you said you wouldn't be a stranger." We laughed a little and she let me in.

"I'm sorry. Work makes me tired, so I usually go home. Vasilyev said you wanted to invite me to your wedding."

"Yes, I did." We were quiet. "May I take you coat." I looked at her finally and nodded.

"Sure." I took off my coat and handed it to her. It was a much lighter coat than my fur one. It was also new. Evelina noticed.

"When did you get this?"

"A month ago. My other coat was getting too warm so I got a new one." Evelina hung my coat next to the door and walked over to me.

"Why didn't you knock on the front door?" I shrugged.

"Habit I guess." Evelina smiled and we were awkwardly quiet again. She spoke finally and it made the air a little more awkward.

"I wanted to apologize for what happened. I knew it was months ago, but later is better than never right?"

"Yeah. I'm sorry too. I didn't mean to offend you or hurt your feelings. I didn't know what else to say, so I said the first thing I thought of. Obviously, that wasn't exactly anything nice." Evelina smiled and nodded.

"I was hardly any better. But I wanted us to be okay again. I mean, we are friends, right?" I nodded.

"Of course."

"By the way, how's your reading coming along?" I smiled.

"It's a little slow, but I managed to get through a few books of the bible."

"That's good to hear. As long as you're making progress. I'm proud of you for doing it on your own."

"I am too. So how've you been?"

"Well. I've been with my fiancé a lot more in the past few months. He wanted me to help plan for the ceremony. What food and guests I wanted and all. He was surprised when I asked to invite you. But when I told him who you were, he said it sounded like a good idea."

"Well, I am honored to be invited." Evelina smiled and walked over to me and hugged me. It was the first time we'd ever done anything like that, so it was a moment before I hugged her back. But when I did, it was a long time before we let each other go. And a moment later, I realized it wasn't just physical attraction that she had for me. It was something deeper. But I said nothing and let her go.

"So what are you making for dinner?" Evelina walked away from me and to the kitchen.

"I was going to make some lamb. One of the men that runs a farm my father owns came here with a young lamb. He said it was the best of the bunch."

"You're father owns a farm?"

"He does now. He got it last month. It was my fiancé's wedding gift."

"And what did you give as a dowry?"

"Some profits from the brewery I think. I'm not really sure. Father's taking care of all that. All I planned was what we were eating and what my dress would be."

"Sounds nice."

"It was. I was hardly involved. My bridesmaids are going to me my new handmaidens."

"Handmaidens? How extravagant." Evelina giggled and looked at me with a smile.

"I admit I missed that sense of humor. Father's so dry when it comes to humor."

"I noticed." We were quiet again as she looked at me. Then she pointed at the kitchen table.

"Won't you sit down?" I smiled and nodded. Then I walked to the table and took a seat where I had normally sat and watched her walk over to me. When she was seated in her father's chair, she scooted slightly closer. "How about you show me everything you've learned from your reading. I can fetch the bible for you." I shrugged.

"If you like." Evelina smiled and left the table to get the bible. When she came back with it, she handed it to me and sat next to me and listened to me read. I managed to get through a few paragraphs with little help, but she helped me whenever I was having trouble with a letter. We stopped when Vasilyev walked through the door and Evelina needed to start dinner.

The night went by with conversation and asking me what I'd been up to in the time since I'd last seen them. I answered all of Vasilyev's questions and he even said he was impressed that I was such a good worker. I didn't leave with a raise or a promotion, but I was still making more than I had in construction, so I was happy. And Boris and I had started becoming friends. I told him the truth about Vasilyev and staying with him and he just chuckled and said he'd wished he could've met me sooner. After a while, we were like brothers. We'd both lost our families because of the war and so we connected on that common lose and helped each other cope with it.

When Vasilyev and I finished eating, we took some time to have a smoke together and drink some vodka. I hadn't had his vodka in a while and he also took the opportunity to tell me that he was using Evelina's wedding to show off another brew he'd made up and told me to make sure to get some. When Vasilyev went to bed, I was about to leave when Evelina stopped me at the side door.

"So you are coming to the wedding right?" I nodded.

"Yes, I'm coming. I look forward to some free food and vodka. I haven't had that luxury in a while." Evelina giggled.

"I wouldn't imagine so." There was a moment of silence before Evelina spoke again. "And you did a good job earlier when you were reading. You might not think so, but you've come a very long way. You should be proud of yourself."

"Thank you for that." Evelina walked a little closer and hugged me again. I hugged her back and she rested her head on my chest.

"I missed you. I really did."

"I know. I missed you too."

"And I'm happy that you accepted my invitation to the wedding. It wouldn't have felt right not to have you there."

"Thank you for inviting me. I better leave and get some sleep." Evelina nodded.

"Of course." Evelina tightened her hug, then looked up at me with her brown eyes. I never really looked at them before and they were sweet, just like the rest of her. She took me by surprise and ended up kissing me.

I was stiffened from surprise at first and I didn't move. Seconds passed and Evelina pushed herself away from me with her hand over her lips in surprise. I was still standing there with nothing to say and no idea what to do. Evelina offered a string of apologies while I continued to stand there motionless. Eventually, we looked at each other again and I could swear there was a spark that flashed and she was back to me in my arms kissing me again. This time, I wasn't stunned or stiff. I moved my lips with hers and offered everything I had into the kiss. And before long, we were both on the ground together kissing. Evelina was the one to stand us back up and pull me with her to the laundry room where we could be completely alone.

Once we were in the laundry room alone, we pulled off each other's clothes and we were both naked and I was inside her within minutes. She squeaked slightly from the pain of me entering her, but she didn't permit me to stop moving, so I didn't. We stayed as quiet as we could through the whole union and when we were both spent, we looked at each other and kissed again. When that kiss ended, I finally pulled out of her and we stood there just hugging. It took a moment for us both to realize what had just happened, and we looked at each other. I seemed to be a little more effected by it than she was.

"I'm sorry." Evelina shook her head and wrapped her arms around my neck.

"No, don't be sorry. I started it." Evelina tightened her grip. "But I can't say I mind."

"What if your fiancé finds out?"

"He won't find out. I wasn't planning to tell him and I assume you weren't planning to tell anyone either." I shook my head.

"We shouldn't do this again. I don't want you in trouble because of me." Evelina shook her head again.

"I don't want to stop. I felt more alive in your arms than I ever had before. I don't want to stop."

"But.." Evelina kissed me again to silence me, then looked at me sincerely.

"I do care for you. More than simple friends. And I don't think I can stand being just friends. I've thought about this a lot and I don't want to be without you. I can stand not to be married, I can even stand not seeing you every day and us having children, but I can't stand being without you entirely. So please grant me that."

Neither of us said anything more. I just stood there and hugged her back, but I didn't give her an immediate answer. There was no undoing what just happened. And there was certainly no undoing the fact that if she found out within the month that she was pregnant that I would most likely be the father. But it was wrong to continue on with this. If anyone found out, it would mean my life and maybe hers. I didn't truly love her. That much I knew for certain. It was a physical attraction for me and nothing more. But then I realized something. If Evelina and I continued on with this, that would mean I could father one or more of her children. That would mean a better life for them. And it would be a way, for my petty sake, to get back at Novgorod for what happened and reducing me to nothing. Though it was for the wrong reasons entirely and though I didn't think of Evelina as any more than a friend, I tilted her head up with my finger on her chin and kissed her. That was the night Evelina Vasilyeva and I became lovers.