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 94: Even if she didn’t expect the study to be used Anya knew she would have to clean it or feel like the task was only half completed.
Even if she didn’t expect the study to be used Anya knew she would have to clean it or feel like the task was only half completed. Leaving the study in here dusty was disconcerting. Anya stepped away from the wall and walked towards the door. She opened it and stepped into the hall. Once there she closed the door and used her key to lock it before sliding it back into her pocket.
She patted the pocket to double check it was really there and then tried to remember how to reach the winter dining hall. Here there weren’t any people moving about. There was no flow of women leading to one space and Anya tried to remember the turns she took. Finally she found her way and saw that the other woman staying had gathered for the mid-day meal. She relaxed when she relaxed that she had found the right place. The relief faded when she realized she didn’t know anyone.
Even though she didn’t know their names, Anya found herself missing the other two women. Their faces were at least familiar. ‘And they didn’t mind my presence.’
Here there were fewer people and they seemed divided into small groups, each group chatting and laughing with those around them. The food was more or less the same and Anya waited in line to receive her portion. Once she ha her meal, Anya moved to the nearest empty table and took a seat. While those in the groups around her smiled at her, she wasn’t invited to join them.
Anya ate slowly and tried to figure out who she was supposed to ask her questions. While she had several she couldn’t ask, she did need to know where the well was located for water and where she should empty her chamber pot from the night as well as where the day time necessary was located. ‘I also need to know if I am supposed to spend the day making lace or if there are lessons I am to be assigned.’
As she ate, Anya surreptitiously looked around trying to work out who she could ask these questions before necessity demanded an answer.
Anya became aware that the noise level was dimming and she looked to the group nearest her. The women were all looking in the same direction so Anya turned her head to watch. The Matron, joined by Marta and two other women Anya had not met walked into the room. Talk ceased and all eyes followed their progress as they took their meals and walked to the head table. They placed their trays down and the matron turned to address the crowd.
“Another year has passed,” she said to the assembled group. “We have done our duty to those in need. We have soothed hears, healed fractured spirits and sent those who came to use off to better circumstances. I thank each of you for your efforts. “
She gave a short bow of the head to the assembled women in thanks before continuing.
“And now the Star’s Power is waning for another year. We retreat to study, to contemplation and to rest, so that once again we can rise with the Star to assist those who come to us. We have with us a newcomer.” The matron held out a hand and Anya’s face flushed as she realized she was being singled out. Those around her turned to stare at her and she felt the heat on her face deepen.
“Anya has joined us, for how long has yet to be determined, but I ask that you help make her stay a pleasant one no matter how long or short that proves to be.”
Ten til Midnight 