Posted by Headmaster Darryl on October 24, 1998 at 17:02:27:
In Reply to: Re: Chapter Two: Lady Tessa and the Kittens posted by tessa on October 24, 1998 at 14:30:46:
After tessa has returned to the castle, I turn and make for the two guards who witnessed her punishment. Seeing me approach with the evident intention of addressing them, they look somewhat uncomfortable or embarrassed.
"Hello," I say as I approach them. They gruffly nod and mumble their greeting to me. "I would like to have a few words with you," I inform them. "Yes, Sir Darryl," the eldest of the two young soldiers replies.
"Well, it concerns the event you just witnessed, the chastisement of the Lady Tessa." As they do not appear to have understood, I add, "You know, her spanking." At that, they both smile and nod. "Well," I continue, "I know that you men are not made of stone; I know that when you witness the spanking of a young lady...well, I know that, what with you being red-blooded young fellows and all, it has an...effect on you, especially when it is a proud and pretty young lady of noble birth who is involved." With sheepish grins they reply, "Yes Sir, that's true, Sir."
I smile warmly, trying to set them at ease, so that they will be receptive to a message from someone who is not bearing arms. "That's fine. It's only natural. I don't begrudge you that enjoyment. In fact, the chastisement...er, spanking...of these young ladies is often more effective when they are conscious that some of you young bucks from the ranks are looking on and enjoying the spectacle." All three of us chuckle at that.
"There is, however, something important that I have to ask of you," I continue in a now serious voice. "What I ask is that you never again mock the Lady Tessa— or any other lady— after a spanking. The humiliation of being spanked in front of witnesses is enough for a sensitive young lady. But I will not allow her to be mocked by soldiers. Do you understand me?"
The two guards shift uncomfortably on their feet and exchange glances, as though questioning silently among themselves whether a school master has the right to criticize their behaviour. I notice that one of them unconsciously touches the hilt of his short sword, a bit of body language that is perhaps intended to tell me to butt out of soldiers' affairs.
"I am obviously not speaking as a commanding officer, but as a gentleman whom the Centurion has charged with the care and instruction of the ladies who live here. Now, I may be wrong about this— you have known your commander longer than I have— but I have had the pleasure of spending some evenings in pleasant conversation with the Centurion and the Lady Tessa, and I believe that the Centurion values the Lady Tessa very highly. Now, if you like, we could perhaps inquire of him whether he agrees to have you mock the Lady after she has been disciplined. Shall we go ask him?"
"Nay, Sir Darryl. You are right. We're sorry and promise it won't happen again," the older one replies, as the younger soldier nods in emphatic agreement.
"You are great soldiers and good men," I tell them in a friendlier voice. "And, by the way, I am not saying that you have to shut your eyes, only that you should hold your tongues. Do you know what I mean?" I ask with a suggestive smile, to which they answer with nods and conspiratorial grins. Then I bid them adieu, and take my leave of them.
I stroll across the courtyard and into the castle. I am making my way down the hallway towards the classroom to see Lady Tessa when I hear a cat— or kitten, rather— meowing in a most forlorn manner. I stop and look down an adjacent hallway, and there I spot a thin, little kitten, trembling from cold or fear. I walk over to it, crouch, and hold out my hand. "Come, you poor, wee thing. What are you doing in here by yourself?" It stands aloof for a moment, regarding me with suspicion, then approaches my fingers timidly. I take it up gently and perceive that it is badly in need of a good meal. "Come, little one, I will take you to the Lady Tessa, and she will see that you get some nourishment and a warm place to sleep with the other kittens."
Walking into the classroom, I perceive that the Lady Tessa is standing over the work I have left for her, sulking. When she looks up, her frown and flashing eyes seem to accuse me of cruelty and heartlessness, for humbling her in front of the soldiers and for forcing her to work indoors on this fine autumn day. As soon as she catches sight of the wee creature in my hands, however, every trace of moodiness melts away and her face beams. In an instant, she sweeps across the floor, ever so gracefully in her long dress, her hands outstretched.
"Oh, the little darling," she coos. "Where did you find it, Sir Darryl?"
"I found the poor, wee thing wandering the hallways of the castle, m'Lady. How it got in here, all by itself, God only knows. But it looks to me like it needs some nourishment. Here, you can take it."
Tessa takes the kitten in her hands and caresses it expertly, cooing and whispering soothing words to it. "So, m'Lady Tessa, do you have a name for this, our undernourished little castle wanderer?"
Expertly, Tessa turns it over to ascertain its sex. Then she stands for a moment in reflection.
Then a smile lights her face and she pronounces, "I've got the perfect name for this little darling! I am going to call her caterina, after the Lady Caterina!" Now it is my turn to smile, amazed as I am by Lady Tessa's ability to always find the perfect name.
"Well, tessa," I sigh, "since you often have to exhort our Lady Caterina to take nourishment, I guess you should take this caterina out to the stable with the other kittens and see to her nourishment."
"Oh yes, Sir. Thank you, Sir," she bubbles. Then she hurries towards the door.
"One moment, Lady Tessa." She turns at the door and looks inquiringly at me. "See to the little creature's needs, but do it quickly, then get back here. You have work to get caught up on, and I want to see it done. I warn you that if you tarry too long in the stables, I will come for you paddle in hand. And if those soldiers happen to be there, they will see how quickly the paddle can impart a rosy hue to that white bottom of yours! Do you understand me, lass?"
The image I have conjured up is enough to bring a blush to Lady Tessa's face. "Yes, Headmaster Darryl, I understand. I will hurry, Sir. I promise. I will go as fast as I can, and then I will do my homework."
Then, my lovely Lady Tessa has swept out the door of the classroom and down the long, stone corridor of the castle on her way to the stables. I walk over to my desk and look over the work that I have to do. It simply never ends. Then, I pick up an hourglass, turn it over, and watch as the white sand begins to pour into the bottom half of the glass.
| |
| User ID: | |
| Password: | |
| E-Mail: |
|
| Subject: |
|
| Comments: | |
|
Link_URL: | |
| Link Title: | |
| Image_URL: |
|