The fifteen minute novel writing experiment is a attempt to write a complete (and very rough) draft of a novel by writing for fifteen minutes each day. I have taken a timed writing from one of the daily prompts done in 2021, cleaned it up a little and used it as my jumping off point into a story. Each day I will take the last line of the story written the day before and use it as my sentence starter and write for fifteen minutes, growing the story as the year progresses.
Day 91: “They tend to be used by most here,” she said.
“They tend to be used by most here,” she said. “We will make sure you have one supplied should you decide to leave us. It will stand out less than the bag you carry.”
“Thank you,” Anya said. She tried to keep the surprise out of her voice.
“We will not keep you against your will, your decision is as much your own as anyone else’s. We will try to help keep you from becoming a target if we can.”
“Because you do not like Lord Mathis?” Anya asked. She figured that was as close as she could get without admitting she was eavesdropping in the forgotten study.
“He is power hungry and has already killed many in his personal quest for power,” the Matron replied. “I do not find that admirable.”
Anya could find nothing to disagree with in the statement so she felt silent as she followed the Matron through the corridors. AS she expected their path led deeper into the mountain. The hallways narrowed as they moved but when she peered into the rooms, they seemed to have gotten bigger and have had more settling. The rooms she occupied thus far were simple but comfortable. There were curtains to be drawn across the windows, but they were plain material, meant simply to add privacy to the space. The bed had appropriate bedding but it was not elaborate. The wash basin was provided with a pitcher she could refill and toweling with which to dry but it was basic. There were no additional amenities. It was a temporary space meant to be used by many for short periods of time.
As Anya looked into the rooms they passed, she could see the floors covered with carpeting. Layered curtains, one set to add privacy but still admit light and another heavier set to block both light and drafts. These spaces had fireboxes complete with stacked wood piled into a nearby rack.
It was clear that these were places meant to be occupied for longer and in colder weather. The rooms were empty at the moment and Anya wondered if these rooms were for gathering or simply not occupied. They didn’t seem to have any personal additions that she would expect longtime residents to have. As they moved, they passed open areas as well. The matron pointed one out as the winter dining hall. Like the other dining hall it was set with long tables and the serving set up seemed the same. The biggest difference was that there were two large fireplaces at either end of the room.
All of this fit with what Anya was expecting so she nodded and followed along, marking the position of the dining hall so she could find it when meal time again rolled around. They climbed a short set of stairs and ended up in another corridor of rooms. The matron took a key from her robes and unlocked the second door on the right. She swung the door wide and led Anya inside.
‘This will be your suite for the duration of your stay here,” The matron said. “I hope you find it adequate.” The matron held out the key. Anya took it automatically, her hand closing over the cool metal. “I will see you in the winter dining hall for the mid-day meal. Until then, I will leave you to get settled.” She turned. “Oh and I have had warmer garments sent up. You will find them in the wardrobe.”
Ten til Midnight 