Avendale seemed *very* quiet. Annalinde could not remember when she had seen it so quiet. Great Liza, the huge clock on the old Bell Tower had just struck the hour, and now as her sonorous ringing tones died away the silence was almost deafening. Annalinde wondered if she was the only girl back from hols yet. She was a few days early, of course; but usually there was *someone* about. Annalinde smiled at Great Liza. She seemed like an old friend. Annalinde had been at Avendale since she was eleven. Now she was nearly seventeen and wore the coveted prefects' badge and sash (she was a blonde, of course. Brunettes don't wear sashes). She sat on the grass beneath a spreading oak tree, her knees drawn up to her chest, just as she had sat when she was a little girl. She knew it wasn't the most ladylike way for a nearly-grown-up blonde to sit - but then there was no one to see her. Veronica would have told her off in her indulgent-to-blondes Veronica-ish way, but even Veronica didn't seem to be here yet. Avendale without Veronica. Imagine that! But not for long, she was sure. She looked up at dear Old Liza. She had chimed every hour and every half-hour and every quarter-hour of the countless hours she had spent in these precincts. The happy hours and the sad ones. The heart-wrenching crushes on older brunettes. The desperate last-minute swotting for exams. The terribly funny jokes - many of them seemed quite childish now, but they were *still* very funny. The fearful minutes waiting outside a mistress's study for punishment. The dreary times when she had long written punishments to complete. The outings to the Cinema and the soda-fountain at Avendale town some half-mile away (you could *just* hear Old Liza from there - she remembered the time she and several other third-formers heard her and realised they only had a quarter of an hour to get back before their exeat expired. Far too late, of course. She remembered how they laughed and sang on the way back, all the time their hearts sinking at the punishment to come. It seemed like a fond memory now, though she'd never have predicted it at the time. She remembered the time Old Liza had started striking thirteen at midnight. A clock expert had come in to examine the old girl and pronounced there was absolutely nothing wrong with her. But she went on striking thirteen. Then they discovered that Angela Myrtle - then an Upper Sixth prefect with her own private room - had been shooting the bell with an air gun each night after the twelfth stroke. Angela was gone now. There was a time when school without Angela would have seemed as strange as school without Veronica. But now Angela was at Milchford and already making a name for herself as a young poetess. Perhaps not too long from now, Annalinde would meet Angela at Milchford. But that seemed a million miles away now. Old Liza chimed the quarter. Avendale was the world. Surely there wasn't *really* another. 3 From: Kadorienne Date: Fri Sep 3, 1999 3:28pm Subject: First Day of School Veronica Bellemont straightened her tie with military precision and meticulously pinned the prefect's badge to it. She swelled with pride as she did it. She hadn't worn her badge or her uniform all summer, after all. It felt good to be back in the grey skirt and white blouse, and as for the badge, well, fifteen was rather young to be a prefect, so she had every right to be proud of it. She turned around in front of the mirror, examining her uniform carefully for any flaws. That wouldn't do for the first day back at school, especially for a prefect. A prefect had to set an example. The other day when she had first arrived and was unpacking, she had looked out her window and saw one of the prefects, a blonde named Annalinde, sitting under the oak tree in a very sloppy fashion. She would have to speak to her about it when she had a chance. Still, she was certain Annalinde hadn't *meant* to be undecorous. That just wasn't in a blonde's nature. But not always thinking about things *was* in a blonde's nature, which was why brunettes had to remind them. She straightened a very slight crookedness in the seams of her stockings. She still had a little bit of trouble with them, not being out of knee-length socks for very long. Having satisfied herself that her uniform was in perfect order, she glanced around to make sure her little room was also in order. Her books were lined up neatly on the shelf, books by Baroness Orczy and Schiller and other authors of the days of chivalry. Her comb and wooden hairbrush -- an implement put to many uses -- were the only things on her dresser. Her desk was similarly pristine, but she knew that wouldn't last; in a week it would be covered with pages of notes and schoolbooks and pencils as she spent her evenings "swotting", as the Altalians said. The prefect's cane was propped in a corner where it would be seen by any girl who came in the room, a reminder of Veronica's authority. Finally Veronica set off for breakfast. As always, the first breakfast of the year was noisy and exciting, as friends who hadn't seen each other for months greeted each other with squeals of delight. Veronica joined in, but never forgot that she was a prefect. When she noticed a brunette teasing a blonde by taking her notebook away and holding it out of the blonde's reach, she simply walked over and looked at the brunette. The brunette returned it at once, saying sheepishly, "I was only teasing her for a minute." "Brunettes are supposed to protect blondes, not tease them," Veronica reminded her firmly. "Can't one do both?" the brunette asked with a grin. Veronica thought for a second. "Find out. Every day this week, you're going to carry this blonde's books for her." She walked away without bothering to observe whether the brunette considered this a burden or a blessing. Brunettes had to learn to be chivalrous to all blondes. After breakfast, at the beginning of class, came inspection. The mistresses didn't hold an inspection every morning, a fact for which most girls were very grateful. But they held them on special days, such as when grownup visitors were coming to the school, and sometimes for no reason at all and with no warning, just to keep the girls on their toes. Naturally there was one on the first day of school. Miss Maitland, the headmistress, walked up and down the rows of girls, stopping every now and then to peer at some detail of a nervous girl's uniform. Miss Maitland, at length, stopped behind a brunette named Claudia and stared at her for some time. Just when the girl was beginning to tremble, Miss Maitland asked, "How old are you?" "Sixteen, Miss." The girl was obviously petrified. "Then you've been wearing stockings long enough to be able to get the seams straight. Is this a good way to start a new year?" "No, Miss." "That's right. Fetch the paddle." "Yes, Miss." Part of the trial of being paddled was having to walk all the way to the other end of the room to get the instrument and then carry it back with all eyes on you. Claudia did this with her eyes fixed high on the wall, not looking at anyone. She stood at the front of the room, holding the paddle, until Miss Maitland at last went to her and took it. She motioned for the girl to bend over her desk, lifted the grey pleated skirt, and started paddling the girl over her slip -- petticoat, as the Altalians said, Veronica reminded herself. Claudia took the paddling bravely, Veronica noticed approvingly. Toward the end she began to make little groans, causing Veronica to frown. That wasn't how a brunette should take a paddling. When she was finished with the brunette, Miss Maitland gestured to another girl. "You, the blonde with the crooked tie." The blonde came to the front promptly, her eyes downcast. "Bend over the desk." "Yes, Miss." Veronica's lips tightened a little as the blonde's maroon skirt was raised. In general, she didn't think blondes' skirts should be raised. After all, blonde modesty must be protected. But then, surely a headmistress knew best. The first swat was delivered, and Veronica winced almost as much as its recipient. It must be so difficult for a delicate blonde to endure such a smack. The blonde didn't break position, but she did wriggle a little, and she whimpered while holding her lips pressed closed. Miss Maitland continued the paddling for long after Veronica thought that the punishment was sufficient to a blonde. At last the girl was permitted to stand and carry the paddle back to its place, and then gingerly resume her seat. Veronica listened attentively as Miss Maitland outlined the semester's curriculum and set the first night's reading assignment. She and another brunette distributed the textbooks, and then it was time for the next class. The mistress of the next class called roll, ordering each girl to stand and say, "Here, Miss," when her name was called.Veronica watched this closely; prefects need to know the girls at their school. The mistress was almost finished calling roll when she said, "Miss Elspeth Elsvetta." A very fair blonde, with flaxen hair and deep blue eyes and a shy smile, stood up. "Here, Miss," she said in a rather soft voice, and sat back down. Veronica completely missed the rest of the roll call. She was to paralyzed, unable to take her eyes off Miss Elspeth Elsvetta. She was a new girl, had to be. If she had been at Avendale before, Veronica would have noticed her. How could anyone not notice her? How could the others look at other girls, or the mistress, or out the window and not at Elspeth? Elspeth had the longest lashes Veronica had ever seen. She would have suspected the girl of wearing mascara, but her manner was too sweet and docile and blonde to be so naughty. The grace with which she opened her notebook and lifted her pencil hypnotized Veronica. The maroon gymslips might have been designed especially for Elspeth, so well did they become her. When the mistress began talking about the class, Veronica wrenched part of her attention away from Elspeth and forced herself to listen. But Elspeth remained at the center of her mind. When the class was over, she got up quickly, considering, with a pounding heart, whether she dared offer to carry Elspeth's books. How could she be so bold? They hadn't even been introduced. But then, she was a prefect. Before she could gather courage to speak, Elspeth and another blonde were in the hall, and headed in the opposite direction from Veronica's next class, to which Veronica walked in a daze. It was going to be an interesting year. 4 From: School Girl Date: Fri Sep 3, 1999 3:57pm Subject: My New School It was a cold day as I arrived at my new school. I looked at the building and sighed and stroked my long blonde hair. “I hope this school is not fully of beastly boring girls,” I said to myself snobbishly. I stood at the gate and reflected that at my old school I was that school's HeadGirl and the girls here better realise who they are dealing with. Although I am not very tall I am little bundle of dynamite if someone lights my fuse “Hello” I called out. Nobody was a round so I dumped my bags and set off to explore the grounds and find the Headteacher office. Gosh I think it is large school and I do not know anybody, were will I sleep tonight. I feel a tear running down my cheek. I think about my sister still at my old school, unfortunately she is a brunette poor kid. I find my way into the school and start to look around. A prefect called Miss Veronica Bellemont met me in the corridor and show me the way to the heads study and finally to the dormitory. I was a smaller than the prefect and she had dressed in the perfect manner. I stood their in awe of her !!!!! ………………………….. 5 From: Date: Fri Sep 3, 1999 1:31pm Subject: Re: My New School Annalinda Chelverton thought she ought to check the blondes' dormitory in case any one had arrived. Goodness knows what they might get up to in a nearly-empty school. In the dormitory she saw a blonde - and a brunette! "Hello, Annalinde" said the brunette. "Don't worry, I'm not invading your Sacred Territory, just showing this little bunny where to rest her head." "Bunny" was an Avendale term for a new girl; and this particular bunny looked very new and slightly tearful. The brunette was Veronica Bellemont. Annalinde was always a shade nervous of Veronica. It was silly really - Annalinde was much the senior prefect at nearly seventeen and Veronica only fifteen, but Veronica was considerably taller than she and always so *immaculate* and - well - she was *so* brunette. And - well - when she spoke to one about something one had done wrong she was always right, so one just sort of accepted her as the senior, even though she wasn't. Sometimes one felt as if Veronica was about to cane one - which was absurd . . . wasn't it? Though she was always very sweet to blondes. Annalinde turned to the blonde bunny who was her province. "Hello," she said "What is your name." She didn't quite catch the girl's name. She was about to ask again when the girl volunteered "I was head girl at my old school." It sounded sort of plaintive, but defiant at the same time. "Poor girl," thought Annalinde "But I hope she isn't going to get too big for her patent leather t-bars." Annalinde put an arm round the nameless bunny. "I think you'll like it here," she said - and then, patting her meaningfully on the bottom, "but you'll have to behave yourself." The bunny gave a rather curious smile - one that half made Annalinde want to cuddle her and half made her wonder where she had packed her strap. "Well, if you want anything, bunny, just ask me. Prefects are here to help - as well as to render other services." "Which reminds me," said Veronica to Annalinde, "There is something I wanted to talk to you about. . ." Annalinde had that Veronica Feeling again. 6 From: Date: Fri Sep 3, 1954 6:50pm Subject: Notice Board: Some Questions Answered Here are some questions that have been asked by pupils. I am putting them on the notice board in case the answers may be useful to other girls Please tell me how I address the other girls and the staff at my new school. All mistresses are addressed as miss. All girls you may address by their first names. Some prefects may expect you to call them "miss firstname" if you see what I mean. That is not a rule, but if a prefect wants it, it would be advisable to comply. * * * Do blondes and brunettes have separate dormitories at Avendale? Are they allowed in each others' at all? Could a blonde report to a brunette prefect's room for discipline? Blondes and brunettes have separate dormitories. Normally they do not enter the others' dormitory, but they might during the day on business (as when Veronica escorted the new girl to hers). A blonde could certainly report to a brunette prefect's room for punishment - or *vice versa*. * * * Is kissing against the rules at Avendale? And what about makeup. There is no rule against kissing - after all, much affectionate kissing takes place between the same sex. Blonde-brunette kissing is not against any rule, but could raise eyebrows if it seemed too passionate! Make up is actually encouraged in pupils over fourteen as part of being well turned-out. It should not be excessive though. * * * 7 From: Date: Fri Sep 3, 1999 6:50pm Subject: Ariadne Writes Home Avendale School for Young Ladies Avendale-in-Quirinelle Quirinelle Aristasia September 4, 1954 Dearest Blonde Mummy, Please send me my red woolen stockings from my bottom dresser drawer. My feet have never been so cold! It has been raining every day since I arrived at Avendale School, and my room, on the topmost storey of Caerlinde Hall, is rather draughty. Before Lights Out, we may fill only one hot water bottle, which does not last a long time, though it would last a bit longer if the water were better than warm. The first night, I screwed the cap on crosswise and so it leaked and I had wet feet all night and if my cold wet feet hadnt kept me awake, the sniggers of my room-mate whose name is Elspeth Elsvetta would have. Elspeth found my predicament quite amusing, but in the morning she was kind enough to show me how to screw the cap on properly so that the next night my feet were not so quite so very cold although the mattress was still rather damp from the first nights leak. Elspeth knows everything even though she is also new here at Avendale School and sometimes she seems almost as practical as a brunette. I think she must have been at a boarding school before, for she knows all sorts of tricks. She can tumble out of bed and be dressed to perfection in five minutes including applying mascara while it is still almost pitch dark (which it is at six in the morning) without putting out her eyes! Mascara is not allowed at Avendale School but Elspeth's long lashes are so very blonde that unless she does it looks as if she hasnt any at at all so she keeps it in an empty dental powder can that is supposed to be full. Of dental powder, I mean, but it really has three tubes of mascara inside and no dental powder at all. The brunettes here at Avendale School seem very well-bred and not at all fresh like the ones at St. Yvyannes or at Miss Volpecula's Academy. If a blonde comes into a common-room and there are any brunettes already there, they spring to their feet and remain standing until the blonde is seated. And they do not mutter at one another if only one ends up carrying my books, tho' I try to give a book to each and as we have four subjects in the morning I have four brunettes carrying my books between classes and they chat amiably with one another the while rather than squabbling over which one has got the heaviest book (Aristasian History is the heaviest). And speaking of Aristasian History, the History Mistress, Miss Poindexter, has called on me three times already and each time I gave the right answer. Today she asked me who was Empress during the reign of Empress Celestia and a general gasp went up when I answered correctly! I study ever so hard every night which, as you can see, pays off handsomely in the classroom! But Mummy, they are awfully strict here, even Prefects may give strokes of the cane tho' they may not give more than three without special approval of a Mistress. And the strictest of all are the blonde Prefects, who may punish only blondes, whereas brunette Prefects may punish any girl. Today I witnessed two punishments, one by a brunette Prefect whose name is Veronica Bellemont who sounds like Scarlett O'Hara in "Gone With The Wind" because she comes from a plantation or something like in Georgia, Culveria. Veronica paddled a blonde for having "sat in an unladylike fashion" on a divan whilst reading, even though no one saw her except Veronica herself but the paddling was rather a sham as one could see that Veronica pulled back her wrist at the last instant to soften the blows. But after Seventh Period a *blonde* Prefect named Annalinde paddled a blonde for popping her chewing gum in the hallway (chewing gum during school hours is strictly forbidden, so *popping* gum is worse), and Annalinde, tho' she is slight, made that paddle cut the air with a low moan and the gum-popping blonde had no doubt but that Annalinde meant every stroke to count. As you very well know I have never required anything stronger than the back of a hairbrush which was bad enough so I am in terror of paddles, switches, birches, straps and canes so every night just before Lights Out, (whilst my hot water bottle is still warm), I read over the Avendale School Rules and Regulations (and Penalties), which is twenty-six pages long, with footnotes and a glossary on different kinds of canes. If Miss Poindexter happens to get to the History of Canes, I shall know all the answers! Please send my red woolen stockings! Daughterly Kisses from, ARIADNE 8 From: Date: Fri Sep 3, 1954 7:11pm Subject: Words on Words from Miss Prism Oh, girls - adjusts spectacles - girls. Yes - a few words about - well, about words. I shall be posting some Linguistic Notes in the School Library which I should like you all to study. But for the moment, a few words you may not be familiar with which will help you to understand the way we talk here at Avendale - and in Aristasia generally. Culveria - that is the name of the Western Colonies of Aristasia. They are self-governing and are divided into states New Quirinelle and New Kadoria. Together they form the United States of Culveria. Then there are the Southern States which form the Confederate States of Culveria. They have their own president. I seem to remember that the first was Vivien E. Lee. A very great stateswoman. Our charming - yes, very charming young prefect Bellemont, V. comes from the Confederacy. Altalia - well, that is us. I mean the Old World as opposed to Culveria. Telluria - now that is another world altogether where there are said to be strange creatures called men. Whether it actually exists is a matter for conjecture, but some people think it does. Bunnies - a rather silly term that Avendale girls use for new girls. One stops being a bunny, apparently, after one's three weeks' probation - then, I suppose one becomes a girl providing one is accepted. Very childish I am sure; but then girls will be girls - or bunnies. Now - a few words for you to remember *not* to use: Student. Girls here are not students, they are pupils. Headteacher - yes, Webster, K, I *am* looking at you. We have a Headmistress here. Headteacher is dreadful Inclusive Language said to come from Telluria - assuming it exists. In Aristasia there is nothing to Include, thank goodness. I think that will do for today. Not too much to remember. But I shall expect you to remember it. 9 From: Kadorienne Date: Fri Sep 3, 1999 7:54pm Subject: Re: My New School "Really, Annalinde," Veronica was saying, "I know that the school was practically deserted, otherwise I'd have gone out there and told you not to sit like that right away." "If it hadn't been deserted, I wouldn't have been sitting like that, Veronica," Annalinde replied. She carefully kept her tone meek; the words could easily have been cheeky. Veronica gave her the affectionate smile she reserved for blundering blondes. "I didn't think so. But really, just because no one -- or almost no one -- is there to see doesn't mean one shouldn't behave properly. For one thing, someone might see you without your knowing it. I saw you sitting with your knees drawn up, even though you thought no one was around." She paused, choosing her words. "But more importantly, there is the matter of your own... inner blondeness. Being blonde -- or being brunette, for that matter -- isn't just a matter of being born so. Blondeness -- and brunetteness -- must be cultivated. If you see yourself behaving in an un-blonde way, or an un-ladylike way, then you won't truly believe yourself to be blonde and a lady. And even if your behavior around others is all right according to all the rules of etiquette, your manner will lose an indefinable something, and everyone will notice that." The bunny standing between the two prefects, one blonde and one brunette, was almost shrinking before their eyes. To herself she was wondering how she was going to get along in a school with prefects who could spin philosophies around sitting properly when one was alone. Was she subject to punishment if she lacked that "indefinable something"? And what could she do about it if she were? "You're quite right, Veronica," Annalinde admitted. "I shall be more careful when I'm alone -- or think I am." And there it was. She had deferred to Veronica, her junior by two years, because Veronica was always so very right. Veronica turned to the bunny and inclined her head. "I'm leaving you in good hands, fair one," she said in a bantering tone. To Annalinde she said, "Show the bunny her warren, will you?" When Veronica had left the sanctuary of the blonde dormitory, the bunny whispered, "She must be ferocious." "Yes...." said Annalinde. "To brunettes." She winked at the bunny. "Come on, I'll help you unpack."..... 10 From: Date: Sat Sep 4, 1999 6:29am Subject: Some notes to players Dear members of Avendale, This new project seems to be developing very well. I should like to take a moment to address you "outside" the game (are we ever quite outside it?) with some comments and advice on playing. 1. Player and non-player characters Avendale is a large school with about 200 pupils. Most of these, of course are what are called non-player characters. They may be referred to and "moved" in the narratives of players - as Ariadne has demonstrated. Sometimes members may "animate" non-player characters. These then become player characters at least temporarily. 2. Care with player characters. The narrative method is such that it is often necessary to describe another player's character as taking some action. Where you are using other player's characters in this way, it is important to do so with care. Do not have them act out of character, and where possible, leave the story open so that the player of the character may take it up and decide her own actions. This also allows the narrative to develop in an exciting way with the writer of the narrative waiting to see how her own storyline develops as it is taken up by other players. Of course it is quite all right to have player characters doing "background" actions which are natural to them. If your character is represented by another player as doing or saying something she would not do, feel free to "modify" the narrative, retelling the story from your point of view. A character's description of her own actions always supplants any one else's. Such "corrections" may be used imaginatively to develop the story. On this subject, may I say that I am *very* pleased with the way the present players have been working with each other weaving an integrated narrative. Good work, girls. All of you. 3. Game Time This game is played more or less in what is called "real time". In other words a game day corresponds to a real day. Of course, narrative may sometimes be a bit flexible with time, but in general we should adhere to this rule so every one is in the same time-dimension. If you have any questions or ideas you wish to discuss with me, please do not hesitate to write privately to me. Dorothea Maitland 11 From: Date: Sat Sep 4, 1999 4:22am Subject: Re: My New School "There" said Annalinde to the new bunny, "are you starting to feel more at home? Its only a funny little curtained-off cubicle in a big room full of other girls, but it is quite cosy and you can put all your things here. Once the other girls arrive, at least you'll never feel lonely, and I am sure you will make some very nice friends. "Now I must go to my room as I haven't started my own unpacking yet." "Have you a room of your own?" "Oh yes. I am a prefect. Well, actually I had another girl in last term, but I haven't this term so far." "My people are very well off," said the new girl. "I really don't see why I shouldn't have a room." Annalinde laughed. "Oh, don't you. Well, it's nothing to do with how well off your people are. You are still only twelve and you sleep in the dormitory. I did when I was your age - and quite a lot older." "Well, it's not fair!" "Lift up your gymslip at the back," said Annalinde. Puzzled, the girl obeyed. Annalinde delivered two sharp slaps to the back of the girl's legs. "What was that for?" asked the girl. "Would you prefer the cane?" "N - no." "The perhaps you would like to respond a little more properly to your correction." "Oh - thank you, Miss Prefect. Thank you for correcting me." Annalinde laughed again. "You can call me Miss Annalinde. And what or* was to save you from more serious trouble. If you start saying things like "It's not fair" in that tome to the mistresses or some of the stricter prefects, you will be punished in ways that make that little slap look very mild." "It did sting, Miss Annalinde." "Well, other things sting more. Oh, by the way, what *was* your name?" The girl was about to answer when some one else entered. An extremely attractive blonde who looked almost too old to be at school, though not at all *daunting* like Veronica. "Oh, hello." She said "I'm Ariadne and I've been looking for some one to ask. I wonder if either of you junior girls could tell me. . . ." "I'm not a junior girl," said Annalinde rather haughtily. I am a prefect. "Oh *good*" said the nearly-grown-up looking girl, quite unaware of the magnitude of her error. "Then I expect you'll know things." "One or two things, yes." said Annalinde. The sarcasm seemed lost on this Ariadne. She was making one feel about ten, and in front of the bunny, too. "Well, can you tell me anything about hot water bottles?" "They are rubber bottles you put hot water in," said Annalinde. It had been meant as a reproof, but she realised she was just making herself sound like a cheeky junior. She tried to redeem the situation. "You can get stone ones two. You get them from the Store Room. The Domestic Bursar issues them. "Oh, yes. I found that bit out. But I mean, how do you get them *hot*. Mine was about as warm as a cup of Railway tea." "Oh, yes. They can be a bit lukewarm. The thing to do is find the maid who fills yours - they are always very junior ones - and have a word with her. Don't forget to slip her a penny or two and it will be piping hot." "A penny or two. Do you mean literally. I mean, would a half-crown do?" "If you want to start a scandal or have the girl retiring on the riches. No I mean a penny. Or two if you are feeling generous. They pick up a few pennies that way and are very happy. It helps with various things." The new girl made a mental note about the usefulness of bribing maids. "Thank you *so* much," said Ariadne. Would you like a penny. "Thank you, no," said Annalinde. "Oh, I am sorry. Of course not. *You* are not a maid - I didn't mean to imply that. How about half a crown?" Annalinde was about to *pop*. "No really, I'd rather you didn't give me anything. I am glad to help." "What a sweet little girl," thought Ariadne as she went off to find a maid. 13 From: Kadorienne Date: Sat Sep 4, 1999 11:52am Subject: Veronica The weather unexpectedly cleared in the afternoon and almost everyone was outside enjoying the relatively warm air. After all, it wouldn't be too long before winter set in. Most of the brunettes went off to the tennis courts or the playing field to engage in brunettish sports. Veronica, however, being miles away from her beloved baseball (in summer she played with a teen brunettes' team called the Peaches) and finding cricket an unsatisfactory substitute, instead went to the courtyard where most blondes were gathered to dispense a little Southern chivalry. Veronica immediately spied Joan and Suzanne, a couple of Rough Brunettes. To be sure, Rough Brunettes at Avendale were far better behaved than Rough Brunettes elsewhere. Still, Rough Brunettes they remained, always taking advantage of being stronger and -- not exactly smarter -- but perhaps more mentally organized -- than blondes. At this moment Joan and Suzanne were elbowing some blondes off a bench, laughing at their squealed protests. The expressions of the blondes proved that this was not a lighthearted flirting game. Veronica stopped and watched. In a moment, Suzanne noticed her and poked Joan. The next moment they were both dusting off the bench with their handkerchiefs and gesturing the blondes to it in courtly fashion. Joan said, "We just couldn't bear for your lovely maroon gymslips to get all dusty sitting on that dirty bench. You blondes really must be more careful of your clothes." Suzanne added, "Might we have the honor of occupying the grass at the feet of you charming blondes?" Veronica, grinning, walked on. As she drew near them, the Rough Brunettes both stood straight and said, "Hello, Miss Veronica." Unlike some of the prefects, Veronica did not always insist on being called "Miss", but those brunettes who had run afoul of her generally did so anyway. These two had vivid memories of Veronica from the previous school year. By the end of last year, they had finally gotten into the habit of rising when blondes entered the room or stood up. This wasn't an Avendale rule, strictly speaking, but it was a custom, and one which Veronica, naturally, upheld. Veronica took them to task over their failure to rise for blondes many times. After each time, they felt like standing whether there were blondes around or not. Veronica stopped for one moment and looked at them. Both brunettes swallowed, but tried to look confident. Veronica said at last, "I'm glad to see y'all have learned more chivalrous behavior. I'm sure that will make this school year more... comfortable for you." Letting them off with this warning, she continued on. She noticed that new bunny, the intimidated creature who had been Head Girl at her old school, sitting by herself. She was a trifle annoyed that Annalinde or someone hadn't set her up with some company -- new girls needed a little help, with the exception of that older blonde Ariadne, who was doing just fine -- but maybe Annalinde was too busy; certainly prefects had enough to do. Still, *someone* should have helped. Veronica could see that the bunny was trouble waiting to happen. The girl was used to being important. If she didn't get some attention, she would start causing trouble in order to get some. Approaching her, Veronica realized she had forgotten the girl's name, but she didn't want to say so and maybe make her feel slighted, so she just said, "Hello there. How are you settling in?" The girl looked a little nervous. Well, after all, Veronica was a brunette and a prefect; the girl had every reason to be nervous of her. She'd have to put the girl at ease. She sat down next to her. "Just fine," the bunny answered almost inaudibly. "So you were Head Girl before?" The bunny straightened just a little. The memory was giving her some strength. "I certainly was." "Then maybe when you've learned the rules here and are old enough, you'll be a prefect here. In the meantime, maybe you could help me." That got a response. The little girl's face brightened. "How?" "Well, you're used to authority. You see those Rough Brunettes over there?" Joan and Suzanne were still sitting on the grass, talking to the blondes. The blondes were beginning to thaw a little now that the brunettes were behaving themselves. The girl's eyes widened in fear. "Yes?" she whispered. "Oh, they're not that rough. I wouldn't let them near you if they were. But I need someone to keep an eye on them. I'm going to introduce you to them, and then I want you to stay with that little group and watch how the brunettes act. If they start pestering the blondes again, I need you to go and find me or another brunette prefect to put a stop to it. Can I count on you for that?" "Yes." "Good! That'll be a big help to me. Come on." Veronica stood and extended a hand to help the bunny up. When they reached the little group around the bench, Veronica introduced all of them to the bunny. Let them ask her name when she left. "I thought y'all would be just the girls to make this bunny feel welcome." She looked meaningly at Joan and Suzanne. "I'm sure you will." Joan waved a hand. "Sure, the more blondes the merrier. Is there any more room on that bench for another blonde?" The blondes scooted over until there was just space for one little bunny, who promptly filled it, looking shy but relieved to be in some company. "Y'all look after her," Veronica ordered as she moved on. Under the old oak tree was Ariadne, almost obscured from view by the crowd of brunettes who found her more alluring than rackets or bats. Ariadne had said that Veronica sounded like Scarlett O'Hara. Ariadne resembled Scarlett in another way -- in her effect on members of the opposite sex. Suddenly Ariadne spied her through a slit in the wall of brunettes. "Oh -- oh, Veronica! How are y'all?" At that Ariadne went into a fit of giggles. Most of the brunettes laughed too, more at her high spirits than because they thought it was funny. Veronica didn't find it in the least funny -- she didn't go around making fun of the way Altalians pronounced either "eyether" or said "quite" all the time, after all -- but it didn't do to be rude to a blonde, however irritating. So she smiled politely and said, "If you're going to try to use foreign words, learn to use them correctly. 'Y'all' is plural." Ariadne's Cupid's bow lips parted slightly and her brows knit together in concentration as Veronica spoke. She reminded the prefect of a small child trying to follow a grownup conversation about mortgages or politics or physics. The blonde deliberated for a moment before saying, very earnestly, "Then shouldn't you have just said, 'Y'all *are* plural'?" This time the brunettes did laugh, and Ariadne laughed triumphantly with them, clearly thinking she had corrected a prefect in the use of her own land's language. Veronica was about to go when Ariadne called, "But wait! Veronica! I wanted to see you!" Veronica turned back and found all the brunettes looking daggers at her. Some brunettes just lost their heads over the silliest blondes. Not that Ariadne wasn't pretty and charming, but really, it was clear any brunette would do for her. She wouldn't be one to save her first kiss for the Right Brunette. "Yes, Ariadne? What is it?" "I was wondering if you'd seen Elspeth. I've been looking for her all afternoon, and...." Whatever else Ariadne said was lost to Veronica. She felt her face going very pale and the earth tilting under her. Keeping her composure rigidly, she gasped out, "Elspeth who?" "Elspeth Elsvetta. She's my roommate." Veronica elbowed her way through the pack of brunettes to Ariadne's side, oblivious to how they were all torn between respect for a prefect and desire for a blonde. "Where is she?" Veronica asked. "I don't know. That's what I was asking you." "Oh. Would you like me to go find her for you?" "Oh, would you? I asked all these brunettes" --Ariadne waved a hand at the glowering group-- "but none of them would go. I guess you Southern gentlebrunettes are more chivalrous!" Veronica left in search of Elspeth in such a daze that she didn't even notice how the sea of brunettes closed around Ariadne again as she departed.... 14 From: Clare Maree Date: Sat Sep 4, 1999 6:01pm Subject: Carrie Zooms In Caroline Veleda-Binks left her cases lying on the steps of the Main Entrance to Avendale, where the taxi-brunette had left them. She was too excited to worry about cases. She ran into the school and looked at the entrance hall. It was ripping. All that oak panelling and those portraits and everything. Carrie's brunette mother had had some sort of Financial Disaster and Carrie was taken away from her jolly public school and sent to the local Grammar. She didn't *mind* the local grammar. It was quite jolly really. But she had missed being at a *proper* school. Then, a few months ago, during the holidays, it had all been sorted out - the financial disaster - and Carrie was sent to Avendale - an even *better* school than the one before the grammar. Now she was here it looked like the toppingest school in the world. She wasn't a bit nervous. In fact Carrie Binks was the sort of brunette who hadn't a nervous bone in her body. She hailed a younger girl as if she had been captain of her form for years. "I say, can you tell me where the brunette dorms are?" The blonde whom she addressed looked a little startled that such a confident, bouncy older girl should not know that elementary thing. "Up those stairs," she said shyly. "Jolly ho!" said Carrie and tore up the stairs like a tornado. The dorm was empty, so Carrie bounced on one or two beds and then decided to explore some more of the school. She clattered down the stairs and zoomed along the crowded corridor like a demon motorcyclist weaving her way through heavy traffic. And then, as demon motorcyclists sometimes do, she collided with a solid object. The solid object was a tall, immacculate brunette prefect whom she later came to know and respect as Veronica Bellemont. Veronica had intended to bar Carrie's path, but Carrie did not notice until it was too late. "Don't you know you're not supposed to run in the corridors?" asked Veronica. "Oh, no," said Carrie. "How could I know? I've only just arrived. Just inspecting the old place, you know." "At the speed you were moving, the 'old place' can have been no more than a blur. I think we had better discuss this further in my study. Come with me. Name, girl?" "Caroline Veleda-Binks at your service," she said with a flourish. Though most people call me Carrie. "Come with me, Veleda-Binks." 15 From: Kadorienne Date: Sat Sep 4, 1999 11:49pm Subject: Re: Carrie Zooms In Elspeth stopped on the outskirts of the pack of brunettes surrounding Ariadne. "Ari?" she called. "Elspeth? Oh, let her through." Elspeth was a little nervous around all these brunettes, but walked through the path they cleared to Ariadne's side. How could Ari be so composed while surrounded by all these dashing brunettes, their eyes devouring her, their hands no doubt always ready for a pinch? But Ariadne seemed perfectly at ease, Elspeth noticed enviously. Part of being almost grown up, no doubt. At least the brunettes didn't seem to be looking at *her*, Elspeth, as if she were a steak. All eyes were glued on Ariadne. If a dozen brunettes were looking at Elspeth that way, she'd faint on the spot. Elspeth reached Ariadne's side and said, "Veronica said you were looking for me." "Did she? Isn't she a sweetheart?" "Is she? I don't really know her." "Didn't she walk you back here?" "Yes. But after she said you were looking for me, she didn't say a word. She seemed a bit cold to me." "Odd. Well, Elspeth, I'd like you to meet Constance, and Nanette, and Leslie, and...." Veronica was back in the building, trying to clear her head. Ever since Ariadne asked her to find Elspeth she had been in a trance. She had spoken to Elspeth and walked beside her. She did hope she hadn't been too bold. Delicate blondes were so easily frightened. The sight of a dashing -- in both senses of the word -- young brunette running through the halls brought Veronica back to her usual practical, in-control self. Having put a halt to Carrie's attempts to break the sound barrier, Veronica led her to her room. Veronica sat down at her desk. Carrie plopped down in the other chair. Veronica raised her eyebrows. "Did I give you leave to sit down?" she asked coldly. Carrie stood up at once, but did not seemed daunted. "Oh, sorry, old chapette. Is that one of the rules here? No sitting down without permission?" "It's a good idea not to do anything without permission when you're in trouble. Where did you go to school before, Veleda-Binks?" "To a local grammar. And to a jolly public school before that, but it wasn't so tip-top as this one. I love it already." "Of course it wasn't. And I'm glad you love Avendale; I'm sure you'll love it much more before you leave. But if you love it, you want to be a credit to it, don't you?" Veronica was in lecturing mode. Some of the girls preferred to get caught, if they had to, by certain prefects who just smacked you or gave you lines withot lecturing to you. But most prefects did lecture, and Veronica didn't think training a girl to do or not do anything was pointless if she didn't know why. "'Course I do. And I mean to be, too. I'll be on all the teams, and win prizes, and all sorts of things." "And obey school rules at all times." "Of course. But I don't know the rules here yet, you know." Veronica was a little annoyed at the "you know". One shouldn't address a prefect so informally. But new girls always had to be trained. Veronica hadn't. She had been born knowing just how everything was supposed to be. "Wasn't running in the halls against the rules at your last school, Veleda-Binks? And by the way, I think you ought to address me as 'Miss Veronica'." "Oh, very good. Miss Veronica. Yes, running was against the rules, but there wasn't anyone in the building to run into." "There was one person," Veronica pointed out. "Me." "Oh -- yes." Carrie laughed. "Miss Veronica. Sorry about that." "You will be." Veronica sat back a little in her chair and sighed. "Everyone seems to think that just because most of the girls haven't arrived yet, that makes the rules null and void. We have blondes sitting in all sorts of immodest positions," --Carrie perked up at that pleasant prospect-- "brunettes running through the halls, and I don't know what else." She leaned forward and looked into Carrie's eyes. "Avendale is the best school in the Empire, with the possible exception of Selastine. You are very privileged to be here. Part of the reason Avendale is such a good school is that its students respect its rules faithfully. Now, every girl is issued a copy of the regulation book, but really, you knew better than to run. Come and bend over my desk." Carrie did so at once with no fuss, Veronica noticed with approval. Carrie did not, however, seem particularly upset at the prospect of being punished. Well, no matter. If Carrie got in trouble regularly, Veronica and the other prefects would have time to learn what sort of punishments really affected her. Veronica lifted Carrie's blue skirt -- Carrie wasn't in uniform yet, of course. Her petticoat she left in place. Not all prefects, or even all mistresses, always respected the modesty regulations that forbad lifting the petticoat, but Veronica, well, almost always did. She took her hairbrush, tapped Carrie's derriere lightly, then pulled back her hand and delivered the first blow. Carrie exhaled rather loudly, but made no other sound. Her face was set matter-of-factly, as if she were waiting for a doctor to finish giving a shot. Veronica smacked her with the brush several more times before pausing. "How often am I going to see you running through the halls after this, girl?" she demanded. "Never, Miss Veronica," Carrie answered promptly. No snivelling, Veronica noticed with approval. She delivered several more smacks before putting the hairbrush down. Whatever other bad habits Carrie might have picked up at the local grammar, she still knew how to take a thrashing. She stayed in position until Veronica told her, "You may stand up. Good girl -- you took it like a brunette." Carrie straightened and put her skirt back in order, very self-possessed. "Thank you, Miss Veronica." Veronica noticed that Carrie did not rub her sore derriere as most girls did. Generally girls who didn't were show-offs, liked to pretend that being punished didn't bother them. This one would either need a lot of discipline or hardly any. She would bear close watching. "Now go and join the cricket game and burn off some of that energy," Veronica ordered. "Come to the window and I'll point out the field." Carrie noted the general direction of the field, then studied the courtyard. "I say, what's that? Miss Veronica." Veronica followed her pointing finger to an absolute mob of brunettes and chuckled. "Oh, that's Ariadne." "Ariadne? She must be a capital blonde. Ah -- Miss Veronica." "Oh, yes. If you like flirts." Carrie stood on tiptoe and peered. "I say, Miss Veronica, I think there's two blondes in the middle of that mob." "Two?" Veronica moved over and craned her neck. Sure enough, next to Ariadne was another golden head and maroon gymslip. The second blonde's back was turned, but Veronica didn't have to see her face to recognize Elspeth Elsvetta's flaxen hair. Veronica stood as if turned to stone. Carrie abruptly whirled around and raced for the door. Years of prefect training made Veronica automatically snap, "Carrie!" Carrie stopped on a dime. "Yes, Miss Veronica?" "What did you just get paddled for?" Carrie grinned. "For running in the halls, Miss Veronica. I shall walk to the cricket field most sedately." Turning back to the window, Veronica resumed gazing down at the flaxen hair surrounded by other brunettes.... 16 From: Date: Sun Sep 5, 1999 1:43am Subject: Re: The First Saturday Night Silvery peals of blonde laughter reverberated off the tile walls of the bathroom in Caerlinde Hall, rippled along the dim corridor of its topmost storey and spilled down the stairwell where they could be heard in the entryway. The new upper form blondes -- only new blondes were allocated the least desirable rooms in Avendale School's most ancient dormitory -- the new blondes were sharing their day's adventures with one another as they prepared for their first Saturday night on the town, which would be all the merrier because, after only two days of classes, they had as yet accumulated no heavy assignments. The bathroom itself was thick with steam, and the long, common mirror over the washbasins opaque with condensation except where a few girls had rubbed a round spot with their towels. But even such spots remained clear enough for any close work only for a moment or two before clouding over again, for tonight the water was actually hot and the girls were making the most of it. Saturdays the engineering staff, in anticipation of greater usage of an otherwise rigidly regulated commodity, actually shovelled sufficient coal into the furnaces so that one had to temper hot water with cold to avoid getting scalded in the showers. On all other nights the hot alone produced nothing but tepid water -- if one was lucky. If one was not .... well, one's shower perforce would be curtailed. A squat steam radiator at the end of the bathroom, its countless strata of institutional paint so thick that the foundry markings had long since become indecipherable, was too hot to touch, warning the girls off with an irregular clangor and menacing hiss. (It was the only radiator on the floor -- a neat technicality to allow Avendale School's vaunting its 'modern central heating' in the adverts in the glossy Sunday Supplement section of the Maryhill *Monitor*). Not that the girls needed warning, as the radiator was all but inaccessible anyway: a spindly clothes-drying rack of unfinished dowels supported by scissored wooden legs at each end, stood before it, draped with a dozen or so pairs of freshly washed nylon stockings, which, on this one night of seven, had a slightly greater than even chance of drying before they were needed, despite the room's swirling vapor. The laughter redoubled as Ariadne, a bunny like the rest of the girls in the bathroom, though older, recounted Veronica's sudden discomposure that afternoon at the mere mention of Elspeth's name, a discomposure apparent even to Ariadne, usually slow on the uptake, but in this case spot on the mark. "You should have seen her!" exclaimed Ariadne, pausing in the final touches to her coiffure, one hand on her hip, to emphasize the point with the comb she held in her other hand. "Her jaw drops so wide open that she looks like a grouper," (lowers her head and imitates a slack-jawed fish), "then she gasps and turns the color of suet pudding. 'Elspeth who?' she finally stammers, and even the brunettes standing about could see her knees had turned to jelly. "So I make my eyes big as saucers and say, 'Elspeth Elsvetta, my roommate, of course, who'd you suppose, Queen Elspeth?' and, without so much as another 'y'all behave, now,' Veronica staggers off as if she had been conked on the bean with a croquet mallet!" Here Ariadne turned to Elspeth herself, who was standing at the next washstand blushing crimson, and tapped her significantly on the shoulder with the comb, "La! That brunette's head over heels for you, don't you mistake it! You've wrapped her round your little finger without even trying. She's only fifteen, of course, but she's a prefect and uncommonly good-looking. A bunny could do far worse after only the first week at school." It must be revealed that Elspeth, by now the colour of a boiled lobster, had indeed been found by Veronica that afternoon, who took advantage of the encounter haltingly to invite the blonde to the Saturday night cinema in Avendale town. All the new blondes were going of course, but so far, only Elspeth had been lucky enough to have a brunette escort; the others (Ariadne included), were going as a group, hoping to pair off with brunettes on the way into town. The *Rialto* was showing a new import from Culveria, a Cinemascope film called "Lucky Me," starring Doris Day and Roberta Montgomery, with Philomena Silvers providing the comic relief. Special projectors and a new, curved screen had just been installed; everyone was dying to see the "3-D" effect of Cinemascope, which could up to then be found only at first-run theaters in Maryhill, such as the *Odeon.* "Shhh! Ariadne! You don't have to tell the whole *dormitory,* you know! I only told Veronica I'd go with her because I couldn't bear hurting her feelings. She looked too earnest and puppylike to be refused," responded Elspeth, in one of those confidential blonde whispers meant to be a whisper only in concept, thus audible enough to the girls in the bathroom above all the din of the water and the radiator. "Well," continued Ariadne with an air of Great Knowledge and Experience, you know how faithful puppies can be! This one will fetch and carry for you, mark my word. You have made a conquest, I do not doubt..." Further discourse on the canine virtues of smitten brunettes was curtailed by a squabble that had broken out between Nancy and Wendy, a pair of sixteen year old twins who were unsuccessfully sharing the latest Quirrie-style white-and-green plastic hair dryer, brought brand-new from home and only now being put to the test, having been plugged in to the bathroom's only power point on the wall between two washbasins filled with soapy water in which two other girls were washing out their stockings. The four were jockeying for position, the two laundresses glaring balefully at both twins, who were oblivious to being in anyone else's way but each other's. The whine of the twins was uncannily the same timbre as the whine of the underpowered dryer which was, at present, in Wendy's possession. "I get it first! My hair's thicker than yours! Give it here!" shrilled Nancy, making an abortive lunge for the little machine, which Wendy jerked up high above her head and behind her, well out of Nancy's reach. "Our hair's exactly the same, you nit-wit. We're *twins,* remember? The only difference is, you're too lazy to towel yours dry, so *I* don't want to be late because of *your* laziness!" squeaked Wendy, holding the dryer still higher up. "Well, it was *my* idea to bring it in the first place," cried Nancy, lunging again. The sharp rapping of a coin edge on the mirror brought sudden silence to the bathroom, save for the pitiful whine of the hair dryer, as all heads turned in unison towards the door, to see none other than Annalinde, the blonde prefect, standing there, immaculately mackintoshed, white gloved and wearing her grey-ribboned straw boater for her evening out -- and frowning portentously. "Kindly switch that infernal thing off," said Analinde slowly, in carefully measured tones, while looking up towards the ceiling as if seeking divine forbearance. Wendy switched off the dryer, and as it wound down, she slowly lowered it until it hung loosely from her hand. Annalinde brought her eyes downwards and looked deliberately from girl to girl before speaking again. As her gaze lit on Ariadne, her frown momentarily tightened, then she continued looking down the line of blondes at the washbasins, her eyes finally returning to Ariadne's. Annalinde raised her eyebrows interrogatively and made a small sweeping gesture before her with one hand, palm upwards. The unspoken and clearly understood rule was the oldest girl present was to render an explanation of a disturbance, and, if such explanation was found wanting in any particular, she would be held fully accountable. Even Ariadne, not adept at conceptualization, dimly understood this. But alas! Ariadne's tongue "quite frequently" ran in advance of her brain, for she said, "Why, you're the sweet little Annalinde girl who told me not to give the maids a half-crown, but only a penny, for filling my hot water bottle! I have taken your advice, and given a penny to Betty, so my feet shall be warm at last! But, la! You are certainly well-turned out for the evening, but I'd use a bit less lipstick if I were you, it doesn't quite suit you the way you have done it. Here, take this tissue...." "It's Ariadne, is that right?" interrupted Annalinde icily. If Annalinde had been ready to *pop* this afternoon when Ariadne had humiliated her before a half-a-dozen brunettes, she was now ready to explode. Such insubordination was intolerable and needed to be squelched directly or Annalinde's authority as a prefect would be fatally and irredeemably undermined. "Come here, Ariadne." Ariadne smiled sweetly, and advanced towards the grim-faced younger girl. "Yes? Do you want me to show how to fix that lipstick?" "You are right-handed, Ariadne?" Ariadne nodded, still smiling. "Hold out your left hand, then, palm up." Ariadne, thinking that Annalinde had some sort of little Avendale School ritual in mind, readily complied, still not comprehending the precise ritual Annalinde had in mind, but Ariadne's smile quickly faded, her eyes grew wide and she drew in her breath with a gasp as she saw Annalinde remove from her mackintosh pocket a small prefect's switch of willow, with a delicate knot tied into its tip, which, when uncurled, could not have been much more than twelve inches long. Annalinde swished it side to side expertly with quick flicks of her wrist. All eyes were riveted on the two blondes facing one another; the whole bathroom held its breath. While all were thus distracted, Nancy single-mindedly seized the moment to make what she thought would be a discreet sideways grab for the hair dryer still held by her sister, but she bobbled it. The dryer, switched off but still plugged into the power point, seemed to leap from her grip of its own accord and plunk with a hollow little splash and gurgle into one of the washbasins adjacent, still filled with soapy water and stockings. A loud hum could be heard in the bathroom for a moment or two, then a loud "fizzzz-skutch;" blue sparks shot forth from the wall, the lights dimmed, surged brighter than before, and went out. So did the lights everywhere on the campus -- in all the dormitories, along the pathways and drives and even in the Headhouse, where Miss Maitland was just settling down with a new Agatha Christie thriller to which she had been looking forward the whole week. All Avendale School was plunged into darkness. 17 From: Date: Sun Sep 5, 1999 5:26am Subject: Noticeboard: Information on New Girls For those who have been puzzled, the new girl who has been slapped by Annalinde and given responsibility by Veronica is Katie Webster. Caroline Veleda-Binks is fourteen years old. New girls, please remember to state your full name, age and sex. Aven Annalinde, I notice, forgot to put her *full* name in her introduction, though she did rectify it in her next message. No order marks this time, but do be careful. girls. 19 From: Elspeth Elsvetta Date: Sun Sep 5, 1999 8:28am Subject: Elspeth Blushes "But Ariadne, *really*" said Elspeth, "why did you have to say I was going to the cinema with Veronica." Her normally fair, china-like complexion was pink and she felt hot all over. Normally she never differed with any one out loud, but she felt so embarrased that she *had* to say something. "Well, I thought you were," said Ariadne calmly. "But you even said *I* said I was." "I was going to raise the subject, but I was sure you'd say you were because every one else was saying so - well, they soon would have been." "It's true that Veronica was walking with me, but that is only because you had asked her to find me for you. She was terribly nice, but she is so chivalrous. I am sure she is nice to all the blondes." "But she didn't ask you to go to the cinema?" "No - I kept thinking there was something she was *about* to say, but she didn't say that." "Well, there you are. She wanted to. So I was telling the truth entirely. You should have accepted." "But how could I . . . I mean . . ." Ariadne was *impossible* sometimes. Elspeth wandered into the grounds. She wanted to be alone. Wanted to think. Oh, if only Ariadne hadn't reported her as calling Veronica puppy-like. Suppose it got back to Veronica. Elspeth though Veronica *anything* but puppy-like. She was so tall and neat and so every inch a gentilmaid. One couldn't *blame* Ariadne. Fact and imagination seemed indistinguishable to her sometimes. But, oh, it was so *embarrassing*. And what if Veronica *had* acted rather strangely when Elspeth's name was mentioned? Probably it was pure coincidence. Perhaps she felt ill, or was thinking of something else. Elspeth could not imagine that Veronica really thought seriously about *her*. She knew herself to be attractive, but - but *really*. And she felt so *young* she was younger than the other senior girls, although she didn't look it. She was probably a *shade* older than Veronica, but she didn't feel as if she was. Veronica was so - so *competent*. It was the strangest feeling to think that Veronica might *really* feel like that about her. But it was silly. Ariadne had been wrong about the cinema, so she was probably wrong about the whole thing. Elspeth checked her mascara in the little hand-glass that she kept with her. She *did* look pretty. Her aunt had said so just before she went off to school. She tried to put the matter out of her mind. She didn't want to be one of those *silly* blondes. She sat down, very decorously, on a little beneath a tree, and started to read her little poetry book. It was late summer. Autumn was just around the corner. But somehow it felt like spring. 20 From: School Girl Date: Sun Sep 5, 1999 11:48am Subject: Arrival and tour of the school I was gratefully to Veronica and her friend, whose name I did not know! For helping me find my way to the dorm. I realised very quickly that they wanted to be my friend because, firstly I was a blonde and secondly that I was important because being a former HeadGirl at Greenland’s I would be nearer if not at the top of the social standing in Avendale. “Thank you What is you name, how do I address you?” as she passed me my school uniform to hang up. “My name is Annalinde,” said the other girl. “And my name is Katie” I said “They will need ironing,” said Veronica. I asked, “What time is the Maid around to iron my clothes?” I looked at the two prefects awaiting my answer; they just giggled and stared at me. A strict looking teacher came into the dorm “Webster K” “Yes Miss” I replied instantly Se handed me note about school etiquette. I read the note, which informed me that apparently I addressed the Headmistress as the Headteacher. “Sorry Miss” Her glare told me not to do it again. With that she left the dorm without saying a word. We carried on unpacking my clothes. “What casual clothes am I allowed to wear?” I asked I was at the present dressed in my school uniform. As the one of the prefects was about leave she smacked my legs. I made a mental note to inform the Headmistress’ and to tell her the kept on calling me a Bunnie. “Do you not realise who I am”. Having finished unpacking I decided to check out the rest of the school and the grounds. I wrote a note home to my mother I signed it Katie, then crossed it out and resigned it Katherine my real name, but I hate that name, I prefer Katie. As I wandered around the school I realise what a magnificent building it was and how lucky I was to be, in fact how lucky the other girls in this are to have me as a school friend. I stuck my small chest out and went off to investigate. After about an hour I ended up in the Great Hall, I spotted a Grand Piano, I removed the cover and started to play Greig's piano concerto No. 1. I was playing when the prefect turned up.................... 21 From: Date: Sun Sep 5, 1999 2:46pm Subject: Noticeboard: Avenbridge Town Information about Avenbridge - the nearest town to the school is now available at http://www.aristasia.com/avendale/avenbridge.html We are hoping to have more information available on various things of interest to Avendale pupils shortly Dorothea Maitland 22 From: Date: Sun Sep 5, 1999 4:53pm Subject: School list Katie Webster has asked me for a list of girls and mistresses. There is no official list as yet, as the game is still very new Player-character pupils so far are: Annalinde bl, 16, Veronica br 15, Ariadne bl 18, Carrie br 14, Elspeth bl 15 and Katie bl 12. There are a couple of others who haven't introduced themselves yet, so we won't count them until they do. Player prefects are Annalinde and Veronica Mistresses: myself bl, Miss Prism br, Miss Serelique bl and Miss Maybridge br. Miss Maybridge mostly looks after technical matters If I have misrepresented any one, please let me know. Dorothea Maitland 23 From: Date: Sun Sep 5, 1999 2:04pm Subject: Musical Interlude Annalinde was not dreadfully happy. Just as she had been about to create some order in the general area of that Ariadne, all the lights had gone out. The blonde dorm, of course, was in uproar and it took about half an hour after the lights finally came back on to calm the junior girls down. Some of them were scared and others had become terribly giggly. She had caned two junior brunettes who had crept in to scare the blondes in the dark. Probably she had punished them a little harder than she might have because she couldn't help pretending they were Ariadne. Did the girl do it *deliberately*? Surely she must. As she walked along she heard the sound of music wafting down the corridor. It was Grieg's Piano Concerto No.1, played rather well. But who could be playing music at this time? She followed the sound to the Great Hall where she saw a small blonde playing *the* grand piano. The one no one was allowed to touch except the music mistress and the most promising senior music scholars. She recognised the blonde. "Stop playing at once!" she shouted. The blonde stopped and turned round. "You again," she said. "What *is* your name?" "Katie Webster," said the girl. "Well, Webster, no one is allowed to touch that piano." "Isn't that a bit of a waste?" "I don't mean absolutely no one. But not you, certainly." "I am quite good," said Katie with a mixture of pride and nervousness. "As a matter of fact you are, but the music mistress will decide if you may play that piano, and none under sixteen has ever been allowed to. And you should have had more sense than to play it without asking permission from any one. Now, stand up and put your hands on the piano stool." Katie did so rather nervously. "If you had been here longer I should have caned you," said Annalinde. "As it is . . ." She lifted Katie's skirt. "Touch the piano-stool with your forehead - without bending your knees." Katie obeyed. Annalinde produced her littl flexible switch that she had experienced so little success in plying upon Ariadne last night. She swished it through the air. The sound was small and high. Then she whipped it across Katie's tightly stretched white knickers. Katie cried out. The pain was not deep, but sharp, and it took her by surprise. "Quiet please," said Annalinde. "Six. That was the first." Somehow Katie was expecting five slow, measured strokes, but Annalinde swished the switch rapidly. Six quick, hard swishes each one breathtakingly sharp, the cumulative pain mounting to a fiery crescendo. Katie hardly knew how to bear it. And then it was over. "Stand up," said Annalinde. Already Katie's pain was subsiding, but she felt shaky all over. The feeling was not entirely unpleasant, though. But it had been a few moments ago. Annalinde smiled kindly. "All over," she said. "Do you think you can be a bit more sensible in future?" "Yes, Miss Annalinde" said Katie. "You're a nice girl," said Annalinde. "Do come to me if you need any help. You mustn't think I don't like you because I punish you. Sometimes" - there was a skittish little trill in Annalinde's voice. She was feeling much better now - "sometimes it is quite the other way round." Katie thought about that. She wasn't sure if it was a reassuring idea or not. 24 From: Date: Sun Sep 5, 1999 6:38pm Subject: Lights Out Jinjur tried to bring her copper-and-gold curls into some kind of order while she tried to decide whether to sit with her old flames Joan and Suzanne at the cinema or set her cap for a new brunette. Maybe that new girl Carrie. Carrie seemed a bit younger than Jinjur's sixteen, but she was definitely Jinjur's sort of brunette; very dashing. She gave up on her hair at last; it was as unruly as she was. She did her best before applying fresh eyeshadow, jade green to match her eyes. Then she stood in front of her mirror to evaluate the results. She really wished that pupils could wear something other than uniforms to the cinema; the maroon gymslip blondes wore didn't really match her strawberry blonde hair. Still, her hair was certainly eye-catching, everywhere she went. She was just smiling proudly at her reflection when the lights went out. Immediately the commotion from the blondes' bathroom tripled. Jinjur quickly felt her way to the door with delight. Ooh, this was going to be better than that time a mouse joined the blonde choir for Evensong! She felt her way to the bathroom, where Annalinde had almost succeeded in calming everyone down and establishing some order. Jinjur remedied that straight off. Under cover of darkness, she pinched every blonde backside she could find, trying to guess by the squeals who the victim was. At one thrilling point she was almost certain she had pinched Annalinde! A prefect! How long had it been since even a brunette had dared pinch Annalinde? The blondes were in virtual hysterics, in spite of Annalinde's shouted orders, when a gleam of light appeared. Instantly there was dead silence, and every blonde there, except for Jinjur, was delighted to see Veronica's confident, smiling face, illuminated by her electric torch. Another brunette prefect stood beside her. "Is everyone all right here?" she asked when she had their attention. "Yes," the blondes all murmured, except for one. "What happened?" she demanded shrilly. "It wasn't our fault! When will they have it fixed?" She was clearly on the verge of hysterics. Veronica handed the torch to the other brunette, smoothly took the blonde's arm and delivered two brisk swats to her backside. The blonde instantly quieted. Veronica put a finger under her chin and looked into her face. "Are you all right now, honey?" she asked gently. The blonde gulped and nodded. "Good!" Veronica exclaimed, brisk once more, taking the flashlight back. "Now everyone hold hands. We're going to make a girl chain. Each of you should be holding hands with two different girls." Veronica gave the blonde's hand to Annalinde, took Annalinde's hand herself, and shone the flashlight around the room to make sure everyone was getting in the chain. Jinjur ducked into a dark corner; she wanted to stay in the dormitory for a bit. "I almost had it under control," Annalinde was saying, her voice a little tense, "but someone in here started pinching everyone, and--" "It's all right now, Annalinde," Veronica interrupted gently. "Nancy and Wendy? Are you there?" "Yes," two voices echoed. "They certainly are," Annalinde agreed tartly. "Why is your torch working when nothing else is?" a voice demanded. Veronica grinned. "I'll try to explain that to you later, Ariadne." She paused, pointing the light in that direction. "Are you all right? Is your roommate with you?" A flurry of giggles rose at that, but subsided when Veronica swept the light around again. "She's right here next to me," Ariadne said, her voice dripping with innocence. "Good! Come on. Everyone walk quietly and hold onto your partners' hands. I'll warn you if there's any stairs or turns." The other brunette brought up the rear and the line of girls all snaked out into the corridor, with many squeals and "sh-sh"s. Jinjur waited until they were all gone before creeping into the dark hall alone…. 25 From: Date: Sun Sep 5, 1999 9:45pm Subject: Lights Out Jinjur walked softly through the dark corridor, one hand on the wall to guide her. Most blondes would have been too afraid to be alone in the dark, but Jinjur found it exciting. "RAARH!" Two strong hands grabbed Jinjur suddenly. She screamed, and was answered by the sound of brunettish laughter. When Jinjur had caught her breath, she asked, "Who is that?" "Jinjur?" the other girl said. "Yes. Is that you, Suzanne?" "Yes! Oh, it's good to see you again! Well, sort of," Suzanne added in the pitch darkness. "Do you know what they'll do to you if you get caught in the blonde's dormitory?" Jinjur whispered. She could feel Suzanne's shrug. "Nothing they haven't done before." That was part of what Jinjur liked about Suzanne -- and her pal Joan. They weren't so afraid of being punished that they couldn't have any fun. Without another word, Suzanne grasped Jinjur's arm and propelled her into the nearest room. Jinjur had no idea whose it was. Inside, Suzanne pushed Jinjur against the wall and started kissing her. Jinjur put her arms around Suzanne's neck and melted happily into the kisses. Suzanne was pressed close to her, and after several kisses gave her a few caresses that would have made a proper blonde slap her face. But Jinjur was not a proper blonde. "Oh, don't, Suzanne," she whispered for form's sake, but Suzanne did and Jinjur argued no more. After a few long minutes of petting, the sounds in the dormitory subsided, and the girls realized that almost everyone must be gathered in the common rooms. They disentangled themselves from each other. Jinjur went in the direction where she thought the common room was, and Suzanne went hunting for straggling blondes to frighten. 26 From: Kadorienne Date: Sun Sep 5, 1999 10:50pm Subject: Veronica Studies Veronica sat at her desk, trying to concentrate on the Aristasian History assignment instead of going over the events of the last few days. But the new girls and series of mishaps whirled through her mind. Of course, she didn't really have to study the history chapter anymore. But history was always her most challenging subject. She had spent her earliest school years in a Culverian school, and now she was in an Altalian school full of Altalian girls. So even though she studied hard, occasionally she embarrassed herself by not knowing something that every seven-year-old Altalian knew. If only there were more Culverian history, she'd have them all beat. Oh, they all knew that Georgette Washington was the first United States President and Vivien E. Lee was the first Confederate States President, but how many of them knew who Senatress Joan Calhoun was? Or General Belleregard? Or Betsy Ross? Her mind wandered again to the blackout. Everyone had been out of sorts ever since, because no one got to go to the cinema. But there was next week, and Veronica had heard that the film would be "Love Letters", starring Jennifer Jones and Josephine Cotten, and her Aunt Rosemarie had written her that it was excellent. Both the twins had been strapped. Veronica wished they hadn't been; it wasn't as if they could *help* being blonde. Fortunately, Veronica always kept a flashlight in her room for such emergencies. She used to be in the Brunette Scouts, and their motto was "Always Prepared." Her blonde mother even still had her first Scout uniform, the little brown dress that "Brownies" or little brunettes wore. Young Blonde Scouts wore yellow dresses and were called "Goldies". So Veronica had grabbed the flashlight -- or "torch" as the Altalians persisted in calling it, as if she had sashayed through the halls of the dormitories holding a stick that was set on fire -- and gotten another brunette prefect to go with her to help herd the hysterical blondes into the common rooms so everypette could be accounted for. When the lights came back on, several of the blondes from Ariadne's -- and Elspeth's -- floor had given her speculative looks, or so she thought. She had thought her uniform might have been in disarray, but it wasn't. Well, who knew what went on in blonde heads. Jinjur's uniform had certainly been rumpled, and in a most suspicious fashion. Obviously she hadn't changed over the summer, and was going to be spending half her time over someone's knee this year too. Annalinde had seemed rather put out that Veronica had been able to restore order when she hadn't, but really, a sweet little blonde, even a prefect, couldn't have the same effect as a tall and mistressful brunette. That was what brunettes were *for*. Annalinde was an excellent prefect, and very practical for a blonde. And she had had more than enough to deal with. Some blonde had contributed to the hysteria by pinching everyone in the darkness. Veronica had no proof and so couldn't punish anyone, but she'd lay bets it was Jinjur. What other blonde would do such a thing? Then Joan and Suzanne had been caught in the blondes' dormitory, where they had been scaring the blondes, and Annalinde had given them each three strokes of the cane, the most a prefect could give without a mistress' permission. After that Annalinde had seemed to feel better. And both brunettes had then been summoned to *Veronica's* room to receive three strokes of the cane from *her*. Before bedtime, another brunette prefect, after a word from Veronica, had added *her* three strokes, so they had been amply corrected. Thinking of those two reminded Veronica of that bunny -- Katie was her name, she had finally learned. It didn't seem that Veronica's attempt to give the girl some responsibility had done any good yet. Well, she'd try again. She wondered how Katie had gotten to be head girl. Not only did she seem to be a thorough brat, but she was virtually illiterate, having only the most casual acquaintance with punctuation. Her chin on her hand, Veronica smiled slowly as she remembered what she had seen out the window this afternoon. Elspeth, sitting all alone with a book. She had thought about going out to talk to her, but she had looked like she wanted to be alone. Besides, what would she say? But she had been such a contrast to all those hysterical blondes last night. Even during the blackout, none of the squeals or shrieks she heard had been Elspeth's. Not like Ariadne, who had almost raised the dead with her exclamations. And several brunettes had spent the entire following day trying to explain to her why Veronica's "torch" worked when nothing else did. Veronica spent the rest of the evening study period staring at the second page of the history chapter and seeing a flaxen-haired girl sitting on a bench under a tree with a book in her hand.... 27 From: School Girl Date: Mon Sep 6, 1999 2:22am Subject: Dear Diary Dear Diary. It has been a strange day at my new school I got the switch for playing beautiful music on the schools Grand Piano. The prefect who smacked me was sort of nice! I like her even if she is mean to me at times. I suspect that the discipline her is tough. Today I met two brunettes and another blonde girl, I suppose I remember their names eventually. I had been given a job of reporting theses girls if they mis-behaved, but I was scared of them so I my leave. I must seek out the music mistress and audition for her so I am allowed to play the Grand Piano. I found it hard as at Greenland’s my old school, I was top dog I pushed everybody around, but here I am the youngest girl in the school! I certainly do not like having no privacy and to think of it, me yes Katie Webster has not got a room of her own, and Annalinde called me by my surname, can you believe that diary! I could not believe that also she considered caning me, I should be above reproach, and I have to call prefects Miss! I think in the future I will steer clear of Annalinde, because I think she has plans for me, and I do not think that they are nice plans, like tea and crumpets in the prefect’s common room. I could not sleep so I went to the toilet; I noise's coming from a room. I sneak in and spotted to two girls kissing each other I do not think they saw me. I recognised one of them as Suzanne but not the other girl. I hope that at this school I can work hard on my grammar if it was just left to my music I would do very well. I seek extra help; perhaps I will ask Miss Veronica to help me? Katie. 28 From: Kadorienne Date: Mon Sep 6, 1999 11:25am Subject: Veronica helps Katie Veronica was sitting in the Common Room idly turning the pages of a movie magazine someone had brought from home when little Katie Webster hesitantly approached her. Veronica looked up with the friendly smile she gave all blondes. Katie fidgeted. "Um. Miss Veronica. Will you help me?" Veronica took the two pieces of paper Katie was holding out. The first was a grammar assignment, covered with red correction marks. Veronica had always wondered if teachers used red to correct papers to remind pupils of the color their palms and derrieres would be if they didn't improve. The second was the same assignment done over, and with far fewer mistakes. Veronica was delighted. Perhaps she had been wrong about the girl. "Very good, Katie!" she exclaimed, looking up. She found the girl was still standing -- nervously, on one foot. She'd correct the girl's deportment some other time; right now she wanted to reward her for what she was doing right. "Sit down! I'll help you with this one, but you're doing much better. And I'll ask the mistress to assign you a tutor in your class." "A girl my own age?" Katie grimaced. "Often if a girl is a little behind in one subject, she gets a tutor in her class to bring her to everyone's level," Veronica told her firmly. "I had one for history my first year." She looked at the assignment. "There should be a comma here, not a period." For the next few minutes she went over every mistake on the girl's assignment, explaining why a comma must be used here and a period there. "Miss Veronica, is kissing against the rules here?" "No, but you're really a little young to be doing that, Katie." "Oh, I wasn't asking for me. But you told me to keep an eye on Suzanne, and last night I saw two girls kissing in the toilet." "We call it the bathroom or powder room here," Veronica informed her. "And kissing is not against the rules." "One of the girls was Suzanne." Veronica sighed. She didn't want to pry into girls' private affairs, but she had to find out what blonde Suzanne was leading astray so she could warn her. "Who was the other girl?" Katie pointed before remembering that pointing wasn't manners. "That girl with the reddish hair." Veronica looked and wasn't sure whether to feel relieved or alarmed. It was Jinjur, of course. "I see. Well, I'll ask your mistress to assign you a tutor." "Will I have to call her Miss?" "No, but I hope you'll be very nice and polite to her, just as you would be to anyone else." With this indirect reprimand Veronica hoped to tell Katie what kind of behavior was expected of her here at Avendale. Katie trotted off with her new assignment and Veronica looked at Jinjur, trying to decide what to do about her. She noticed that Jinjur's hem had gotten pushed up so that her dark stocking top was showing. Veronica stood up.... 29 From: Date: Mon Sep 6, 1999 0:22pm Subject: Jinjur gets spanked Jinjur entered the pupils' common room and joined her old friends Joan and Suzanne on a sofa. They at once fell to discussing their summer and the new girls. "Did you see that Elspeth? She's a bit of all right!" Joan said, winking broadly. "I'd steer clear of her if I were you. I hear Veronica's already staked a claim. The last thing I need is to have Veronica thinking I'm after her blonde," Suzanne replied. Both brunettes shuddered theatrically at the prospect. "That Veronica," Joan sneered. "Puts blondes up on a pedestal and then doesn't even try to peek up their skirts while they're up there." "Speaking of blondes, I heard that some blonde was in the dormitory pinching everyone during the blackout," Suzanne said with elaborate casualness. "Jinjur, *you* didn't get pinched, did you?" Jinjur grinned. "I did pinch myself to make sure I wasn't dreaming -- when I realized I had pinched Annalinde." Both brunettes were hugely impressed. "Annalinde? Really? You didn't!" "Are you sure you're a blonde?" Suzanne teased. "You should know," Jinjur retorted. Same-sex attraction and even romance was not unknown, though it was generally a youthful phase. And of course marriage was always between a blonde and a brunette. Jinjur was definitely a blonde, and was as enthusiastic about brunettes as any blonde, but she spared some attention for other blondes as well. One nice thing about being a blonde was plenty of opportunities to peek up the skirts of other blondes; they weren't as careful around her as they might be around brunettes. Jinjur scanned the room over and over, noting the pretty new faces. That Elspeth was pretty, all right, but too demure by half for Jinjur's tastes. Ariadne was so pretty, and seemed like she'd never be able to keep out of trouble, which was promising, but she always had such a mob of brunettes around her. There was a very striking blonde named Charlene in some of Jinjur's classes who would bear watching. One girl especially caught Jinjur's attention, a new brunette; she heard one of the other girls call her "Carrie". Carrie looked a little younger than her, but her dashing manner made it clear that nevertheless Carrie was her sort of brunette. Jinjur took a fold of her skirt in her clasped hands and watched Carrie out of the corner of her eye. When she noticed Carrie glance at her, she gave her skirt a slight tug. With the unerring skill of long practice, she adjusted it so that her dark stocking top was showing. Carrie, naturally, was riveted, while Jinjur kept obliviously chattering to her brunettes. Accidentally-on-purpose exposing too much was one of Jinjur's most honed skills, and favorite pastimes. She had only been enjoying Carrie's gaze for a moment when Veronica Bellemont, that gorgeous spoilsport, walked over. "Hello, Jinjur. Would you mind going out into the hall with me for a moment?" In spite of Veronica's courteous words, Jinjur knew they were not an invitation. That was just how Veronica thought brunettes should talk to blondes, whatever the circumstances. She got up and preceded Veronica out of the room, smiling cheerfully. In the hall, Veronica put her hands on her hips and looked down at Jinjur seriously. "Jinjur, when will you learn to sit like a lady? Your stocking top was showing." Jinjur opened her eyes wide, as if she were mortified. "Was it?" she asked innocently. "Yes, and I wasn't the only one who noticed." Veronica sat down on the hall bench. "Come here." Following Veronica's gesture, Jinjur settled down happily over the prefect's knee. She needed discipline and she needed fun, and fortunately pursuing the latter generally resulted in receiving the former. Veronica began, as usual, by lecturing her. Her spankings were seldom hard if you were a blonde, but she believed that blondes listened better face down over one's knee. "I'm sorry to see that you're still keeping company with those two," Veronica said. "You know they can't do anything good for a blonde's reputation." "Oh, Veronica, really, they're not as bad as all that," she wheedled. "They're just high-spirited." "I think that's just your blonde innocence, Jinjur." Jinjur was glad Veronica couldn't see her face, because she couldn't help smirking at that. A few girls passed through the hall and glanced curiously, but neither Veronica giving a spanking nor Jinjur receiving one was a particularly unusual sight. "You must be more careful about letting your skirt ride up. Some brunettes might get the wrong idea." Jinjur grinned again, but said meekly, "Yes, Veronica." "I know you're a blonde and delicate, so I've tried to be patient with you, but if I see your skirt out of place again, I'm going to give you the paddle, and over your petticoat, too." Jinjur felt a great sensuous languor at these words. "If you think that's best, Veronica," she said. In her mind she was already planning to let Veronica see her underthings again soon. Without further ado, Veronica began spanking Jinjur, with her hand, over the skirt. Jinjur wriggled happily. She would have preferred a harder spanking, but still, being helpless over the knee of a strong and good-looking brunette was fun any way you looked at it. When Veronica allowed her to get up, Jinjur looked up at her and smiled. "Thank you, Veronica," she said sincerely. Veronica smiled affectionately. "Now run along and try to keep out of trouble for a while," she said…. 30 From: Date: Mon Sep 6, 1999 3:36pm Subject: Jinjur gets spanked Suzanne stopped Jinjur before she could re-enter the common room. She took Jinjur's arm and led her down the hall. Jinjur recognized that glitter in Suzanne's eyes. Spanked blondes often had that effect on brunettes. Suzanne propelled her into one of the few places at Avendale where any privacy was possible. It was a storage room that was seldom entered. It was supposed to be locked, but the knob was broken and Suzanne had discovered that if you turned the knob just so, it would open. Once inside, Suzanne turned to Jinjur with her hands on her hips. "Let's see how red Veronica made your backside." Trembling with excitement, Jinjur turned around and lifted her skirt and petticoat. Suzanne snorted. "Not even pink! Well, I suppose I'll just have to correct Veronica's oversight." Suzanne sat on a box and pulled Jinjur over her knee. "You know you deserve a really good spanking. After what you let a brunette do last night." "The brunette was you, Suzanne! You should be spanked for -- for grabbing me! It's not as if a blonde has the strength to resist a forceful brunette!" Jinjur was whispering so they wouldn't be caught. Suzanne laughed. "This blonde doesn't, anyway." She pulled Jinjur's skirt and petticoat back up and started caressing Jinjur's backside. "Oh, Suzanne, don't!" Jinjur whispered delightedly, squirming. "All right, then I'll do this instead." Suzanne started smacking Jinjur's backside through her maroon knickers, hard and fast. Jinjur gasped at the sharp tingles of it. She liked to yell and moan when she was spanked -- all conversation in the common room had stopped as everyone listened to her moans while Veronica spanked her -- but she didn't want this hiding place discovered, so all she could do was gasp. Oh, it was wonderful to be with a brunette like Suzanne, who knew what blondes were for, who didn't think she was made of fragile china! When Jinjur's backside felt very warm and tingly, Suzanne finally stopped. "Your thighs match your knickers now, so I think you've had enough," the brunette declared. She began caressing Jinjur's backside again. The blonde hadn't squirmed much in the last few minutes -- the resistance had been beaten out of her and she was luxuriating in surrender -- but now she started again. "Suzanne, stop it!" she whispered. "Why don't you call out for help, Jinjur?" the brunette asked mockingly, not removing her hand. Jinjur moaned very softly. After another minute, Suzanne let her get up, but only so she could shove her against the door as she had done during the blackout and start kissing her. Jinjur slumped in the brunette's embrace as if she had no will of her own, as if she were merely a toy for the brunette to play with. She did not offer even a token resistance to Suzanne's bold caresses. But Suzanne was careful not to disarrange Jinjur's clothes, except for lifting her skirt a little so that she could stroke Jinjur's reddened thighs. Jinjur wished they could stay like that forever, but at last the dinner bell rang, and they both had to hurry to the powder rooms to freshen their lipstick and straighten their rumpled uniforms. Even Jinjur had had enough punishment for one day. From: Caroline Neville Date: Mon Sep 6, 1999 5:30pm Subject: New Girl Caroline The taxi driver dropped me off at the main school entrance before driving round to the servants entrance to deliver my trunk. I was trembling with excitement at the thought of at long, long last arriving at school, and Avendale at that. I had read so much about it and heard so much about it that it truly seemed impossible that I was about to step through what seemed to me to be a magical door. I rather nervously tugged at my overcoat pocket flaps and patted my beret a little more firmly on my short auburn curls. The air felt cool against my face and I picked up my overnight case and stepped firmly up the steps to the door. I pulled the bell handle and a smartly dressed maid opened the door, very promptly I thought. "Good morning Miss" she said. I too said a polite "good morning." "and may I take your name Miss" she asked "Miss Caroline Neville" "And your age Miss?" "I'm 13 - look can I come in or what or do I stand here all day?" I asked, in a rather preremptory fashion. The maid's face changed and she looked at me in a rather bemused fashion - and I realised I had perhaps been a little rude - an unfortunate start, I thought. "If you will follow me, Miss" she said "I will take you to Miss Maitland for your initial interview." I followed the maid along a splendid if a little gloomy corridor, to a door on the right. I was told to wait outside and the maid knocked on the door. On hearing the command "Enter" she did so and bobbed a curtsey to the lady within. I heard the maid advance a little within the room and then some low murmurings. Suddenly an ice cold command rang from the room "Caroline Neville, step in here immediately." I turned and entered the room. It struck me that it was a truly lovely room, the furniture all beautiful mahogany and polished to the most wonderful sheen but some unseen but clearly caring hand and a great deal of elbow grease. But I did not have time to look around me - the lady at the desk surveyed me with a fixed glare. "You are Caroline Neville are you?" I nodded my head. "Speak child" she returned. "Yes Miss" I replied. "Well Caroline, I am Miss Maitland, your new headmistress. And I am dreadfully disappointed to learn of your rudeness to a servant on the very first moment of your arrival. And I had been led to understand that you were looking forward to your time here - you had most earnestly requested of your parents that you should come here - and you arrive and are immediately rude to someone who is in no position to answer back. How do you think a silly little brunette girl who has been here for less than five minutes should be punished?" I stood, stock still, absolutely terrified. My dream of Avendale was falling in tiny shattered pieces around me. I had had such hopes of being happy here and through my own stupidity I had wrecked everything and I would always be picked out and picked on as the girl who was rude to a servant maid in her first day at school. 32 From: Date: Mon Sep 6, 1999 5:23pm Subject: An Illicit Passion It was not until six on Sunday morning that power was restored at Avendale School for Young Ladies. Who, during the blackout, had been heroines and who, victims (willing or unwilling) has already been well-chronicled elsewhere in these pages and so shall not be here repeated here. Only two further items of intelligence need be added. One, that the Domestic Bursar, Miss Cruikshank, rose to the occasion by releasing her precious hoard of Arcadian tapers and candle-sticks to all comers (without requiring signed receipts). She even came up with three dozen paraffin lamps, filled with pink paraffin, their wicks already trimmed. These she distributed to the prefects and to the mistresses -- and, of course, to Miss Maitland. (Miss Cruikshank was a minority of one when electrification had been proposed thirty years before -- she never trusted electricity, so still lighted her two rooms in Queens' Hall with candles and heated her tea on a small paraffin ring. The Great Blackout, as it soon came to be known, was her vindication.) And Two, that when power was restored early Sunday morning, anyone stirring could hardly miss the notice already posted, dead centre, on every dormitory bulletin board: "Hair Dryers Are Strictly Prohibited and Are to be Surrendered to Miss Cruikshank in the Property Room by Six PM Sunday, 5 September. They Will be Returned to their Owners at the End of the School Year. Girls Found in Possession of a Contraband Hair Dryer after this Deadline Will be Subject to the Sternest Disciplinary Measures. -- (signed) Dorothea Maitland, Headmistress." If the New Girls did not know what "the sternest disciplinary measures" signified, word rapidly spread among them that Miss Maitland kept a Long Birch in a special humidified case in her study, humidified to keep the instrument always supple. Every Long Birch in the province was certificated and crimped with the Provincial Seal by the District Governess herself; each required an official annual recertification by the Ministry of Chastisement and a written report, in quintuplicate, whenever it was used. The Long Birch, despite its name, was not of birch at all, but rather a yard-long bundle of willow switches bound at one end in black leather, its surface roughened so that it would not slip in the user's hand when swung with appropriate force, a force sufficiently brisk to cause a sick-making sound of an inexpertly played mouth organ as the loosely conglomerate rods sliced through the air on their way to a victim's tenderer parts. Six strokes of the Long Birch was the maximum permitted by Imperial Statute. No girl at Avendale had ever seen the Long Birch used, but rumour had it that, several decades ago, two brunettes, whose illicit cigarettes had ignited a disastrous fire, had tasted its hideous kisses -- and then were expelled. Whether or not Miss Maitland actually possessed a Long Birch -- or merely suffered the idea to persist -- and whether the rumor were true, was of little import, for all during Sunday girls in a steady stream could be seen on their way towards the Property Room, carrying hair dryers of every description (and by Tuesday appointments at every Avenbridge hair-dresser were booked solid for three weeks out, for much shorter styles had suddenly become the rage). But now it was almost midnight on Sunday: Old Liza, back in service now that the power was on, had just proclaimed the last three-quarter hour of the day. All the girls, exhausted by the excitement of the preceding twenty-four hours, were soundly asleep. Only one window on the whole campus was still illuminated, a small dormer window in the Mistresses' Residence, Queens' Hall. Inside her cramped dormer chamber, Penelope Poindexter, the young History Mistress (brunette), crumpled up -- for the sixth time -- the unfinished first page of her next day's lesson plan, for it, like the others, had become tear-stained. She removed her wire-rimmed spectacles to wipe them clear with her handkerchief -- the tears adhering to the tips of her long lashes had streaked the lenses. Then she dabbed at her eyes with the handkerchief, blew her nose, lay her head down on her folded arms and wept freely. Miss Poindexter, you see, was dreading Monday morning, dreading the second period, Aristasian History. Miss Poindexter was dreading the second period because she was hopelessly in the throes of an illicit passion for one of her pupils, the blonde, Ariadne. Such passion was not new for Miss Poindexter: it had happened twice before and had each time occasioned her leaving those positions -- voluntarily and with excellent references (and her passion unconsummated), for Miss Poindexter was as honourable as she was passionate. But on both those occasions, her passion had overtaken her late in the year, and here it was, not even one full week into the term, and it had happened to her again! Perhaps she was not cut out to be a schoolmistress after all! Perhaps it would have been better for her to have stayed on the farm at Nether Coppington like her sisters, but her marks had always been high, thus more had been expected of her than tending chickens and geese. Miss Poindexter now lifted her head, eyelids red and puffy, but her features nonetheless softer for want of the round, steel-rimmed spectacles she didn't really need to wear, but which she wore anyway, like a penance, to remind her of her weakness as much as to conceal her beauty. She sniffled, smoothed down the top sheet of paper, took up her pen and began a seventh time, but to no avail, for a large tear, dependent from the tip of her nose, plashed down in the middle of the sheet, ruining it. Now she sprang up from her desk and began to pace distractedly within the narrow confines of her dormer, wringing her hands round the latest crumpled page. The immediate problem was this: she could not think of another self-answering question to ask Ariadne. Like tasting forbidden fruit, those first few days she could not resist asking the girl such questions, because the look of unfeigned pleasure that would spread over the blonde's face when she perceived she had answered correctly, flew from her like a volley of golden arrows, melting Miss Poindexter's heart and kindling a deeper fire which was, even now, still smouldering within her. Thanks to these questions, Ariadne actually fancied herself one of the more clever girls in the class, which only lent more to her allure. Miss Poindexter dreaded the day when Ariadne would be unable to answer. And, on Friday, when she was writing Monday's assignment on the blackboard, she could hear some of the bolder girls muttering behind her back about the obvious disparity in the sorts of questions being asked in the classroom, a muttering she pretended to ignore. Where would this end? In another resignation? It would be impossible to find another position right after the start of the school year, not at a decent school, anyway. And to return to Nether Coppington would be an everlasting disgrace to herself and to her family, who had sacrified so much to pay for her training. Seized with sudden determination, Miss Poindexter sat down at her desk again and began writing her eighth lesson plan. This one was not ruined by tears. She had decided to ask Ariadne no questions at all the next day, and, after classes, to request Miss Maitland that she and Miss Montgomery be allowed to switch classes. Miss Montgomery was unhappy teaching French history, and would jump at the chance to teach Aristasian history instead, and Miss Poindexter had taught French history the previous term. It would be easy to arrange a trade this early in the term... or so Miss Poindexter hoped...... 33 From: Kadorienne Date: Mon Sep 6, 1999 6:37pm Subject: Veronica's study period Senior girls had the choice of spending the evening study period either in their rooms or in the library. Veronica decided to spend this evening in the library, just because she hadn't been there in months and she missed the quiet atmosphere of all those books. If she had any time after her assignments, perhaps she could visit a few old friends; the works of E. Nesbit, for instance. As soon as she entered the library, she knew that she had made a mistake. Elspeth was there, sitting at a table by the window, her flaxen head bent over her workbook. How could Veronica possibly study with Elspeth sitting over there? She turned to leave, but the bell rang just then and she had to stay. Veronica looked around frantically for a seat. Several girls were studying in the library tonight, probably with the same thought Veronica had had. After a moment she spied a vacant chair in the corner. It was comfortable but was nowhere near a table, which was probably why no one had taken it. Veronica walked softly over to it, sat down, and opened her notebook on her lap. It was no good, of course. She was on the opposite side of the library from Elspeth, but could see her clearly enough. It seemed that even when her eyes were trained on the page before her, Elspeth was still all that she could see. Her eyes were moving over the words on the page and her hand was writing something about the essay questions, but she might as well have been copying some pages of Sanskrit for all she comprehended of it. A few years later, with half an hour of study period remaining, Elspeth shut up her workbooks and picked up another book, with a white cover that had some kind of picture on it. Having evidently finished the evening's homework, Elspeth spent the rest of the study hall perusing this white volume. The bell rang. Elspeth got up, put the white book carefully back on a shelf, returned to her table for her books, and headed for the door. Veronica was sitting immobile, the open notebook still in her lap. As Elspeth passed near her chair, she glanced at Veronica. Veronica immediately discovered that her insides had turned to quivering jelly. Her knuckles whitened around her notebook. Elspeth smiled shyly. "Good evening, Veronica," she whispered in the quiet noise of girls moving softly out of the library. After the door had closed behind the flaxen hair and graceful walk of Elspeth, Veronica regained the ability to move again. As if drawn by some sort of magic, she rose and walked to the shelf where Elspeth had placed her book. It was easy to find -- the only white book on the shelf. Veronica pulled it down. *Women Poets of China*, the title said. Veronica puzzled briefly over the title -- did they mean, as opposed to bird poets or horse poets? -- before flipping through it. She marvelled. It took patience and subtlety to appreciate poetry at all. Most girls read Nancy Drew for amusement, and poetry only for school. But Elspeth was reading the poetry of a different culture from her own. What depth had to exist behind those demure grey eyes. Veronica stopped to read a few lines by Wu Tsao, who she had heard was "the Chinese Sappho". "On your slender body Your jade and coral girdle ornaments chime Like those of a celestial companion Come from the Green Jade City of Heaven." Amazonian poetry -- for Wu Tsao lived in Amazonian China -- always had what Veronica found a very bracing simplicity that made it very powerful indeed. She wondered if Elspeth had been reading that poem. Veronica turned a few pages and stopped at random at a poet named Ho Shuang-Ch'ing. The notes said that she had been a bonded girl "The warm rain falls unfeeling Like scattered silk threads. The farm hand puts a flower behind her ear As she carries the new grain From his little field to the threshing floor. I got up early to water the field But she was angry with me for being too early. I cooked millet for her Over a smoky fire But she was angry because it was too late. My tender bottom is sore all day long." Veronica took the book to the desk and checked it out. She was already in bed for the night when she realized she could have offered to carry Elspeth's books for her. 34 From: Date: Mon Sep 6, 1999 6:33pm Subject: Re: New Girl Caroline Miss Maitland looked at Caroline in silence for some minutes. The girl was clearly terrified. Perhaps she should let this stand as a warning. But no. A small punishment would clear the air and make her feel her bad start had been purged. She opened a drawer in her desk and took out a strap, shiny with the patina of age. It was a rich dark brown, almost black, and was divided into two tails down its second half. "Which hand do you write with, Neville," she asked. "My right, miss." "Then hold out your left hand." The frightened girl obeyed. Miss Maitland laid the strap back across her shoulder, paused for a moment, as if measuring the distance, and then brought it down with a resounding crack on the girl's palm. Caroline was startled at the intensity of the pain. She screwed up her eyes and her face reddened, but she stayed completely still and did not draw back her hand. "A brave little brunette," thought the headmistress. She put away the strap, and her manner changed completely. "You may put your hand down now. You did well to keep it held out like that. In fact you took your punishment very well altogether. I am pleased with you." The pain had transported Caroline into another world. Slowly it subsided and the room swam back into perspective. Miss Maitland was smiling. She was the welcoming headmistress she usually was when new girls were brought to her. Caroline still looked apprehensive. "It is all over now," said Miss Maitland. "That is the nice thing about punishment. It purges our sins and we can start afresh with a clean slate. As far as we are concerned now, that little incident never happened. Though I hope you will learn from it." "Oh, yes, miss." "Good. I hope you will be very happy here Caroline. The girls are very friendly and nice, and from your entrance exam, I am sure you are up to the work. . ." By the end of the interview, Caroline felt more happy and excited than ever to be at Avendale. As she was dismissed, Miss Maitland laid her hand on her shoulder and gave her a friendly smile. "If there is anything that troubles you, do ask for an appointment to see me. Oh - and you will apologise to that maid when you see her, won't you?" "Oh, yes, miss," said Caroline. She felt more than happy to do so. She saw the maid more quickly than she expected. In fact she ran into her in the corridor not far from Miss Maitland's study, as if she had been hovering nearby. "I say, I am sorry I was rude to you," she said. "That's all right," said the maid with what might possibly have been construed as a slightly triumphant smile. She looked at Caroline's hand. Was that coincidence, or had she been listening outside the door. Caroline knew from past experience that some blondes rather enjoy getting brunettes into trouble, and suddenly she saw through the uniform to a rather perky young blonde, not *that* much older than herself. But Caroline was not annoyed. It all seemed rather magical, even though her hand was still throbbing. She smiled at the maid with more friendship than the girl had been expecting and inclined her head with just a hint of a chivalrous brunette salute. What an interesting place this was. 35 From: Date: Mon Sep 6, 1999 2:49pm Subject: Hello Caroline! Hello Caroline! I just wanted to say hello because you are nearest to my age and you are a brunette and this place is just *swamped* with blondes. Not that I mind blondes at all, but a brunette wants some brunette company, don't you think? Actually you aren't really nearest to my age. I am fourteen and you are thirteen and a couple of the girls are fifteen, so they are just as near in theory, aren't they - but they seem *so* much older, and even though you are a junior in socks you sort-of seem nearer to me. Probably I should look down on you as a "mere junior", but who cares? I think I like you! Lets be pals, shall we? And also I wanted to write to you because we are both called Caroline. Only please don't call me Caroline, because I hate it. Every one calls me Carrie. Anyway, that will help people tell us apart. Except the prefects and mistresses might not call me Carrie. Actually that Veronica Bellemont girl called me Veleda-Binks, but that is because I was in trouble for running about. Veonica is utterly topping, actually. Very fair and decent, even though she is strict. She whacks really hard too. You don't want to get on the wrong side of her. But then, I mean, if a girl is going to whack she might as well do it properly, don't you think? I mean, one respects that. Heaven knows how I'll stop running about. I mean, I always feel in such a hurry. Days are so short and there is so much fun to do. Have you met Jinjur yet? She seems rather amusing. I haven't really seen her to talk to, but I want to buttonhole her soon - only the girls who were here last year seem a bit daunting don't they? And they call us "bunnies". The cheek of it! I mean blondes can be bunnies, but not us! Anyway, how do you like it here? Whom have you met (do you like that "whom"? It's right you know). Do tell me how you're getting on and what you think of every one. Carrie Binks 36 From: Date: Mon Sep 6, 1999 6:32pm Subject: Elena Arrives at Avendale Elena Arrives The long journey was finally over. The lone passenger of the car could hear the engine of the motorcar slowing, as well as the sound of tyres upon gravel. She also fancied she could discern girlish voices outside, some distance away. They were gay voices, sweet voices, raised in song or in laughter. A fleeting, nervous smile flickered across the lips of the figure in the back seat as the car eased to a stop, just outside the entrance. "We are arrived, Lady Elena," announced the chauffeuse. After a slight pause, the young lady in the back seat responded, "Begging your pardon, Atalaya, but Mummy did specify that once I was at school, I was to be addressed as 'Miss Elena.'" "Very good, Miss," came the expected reply, with a slight pause, an air of expectancy. The girl in the back seat suddenly remembered what was expected of her and said, "Please report yourself, Atalaya, once you have returned home." Ah, she is learning, thought the brunette chauffeuese approvingly. The chauffeuse thought her test a clever one, and she had enjoyed the young noble blonde's sweet nervousness as she remembered her place and administered the expected correction. A smile curved Atalaya's dark red lips, and she smoothed an invisible stray hair under her chauffeuese's cap. "Very good, Miss." The chauffeuse turned off the engine and came around to the passenger's side of the car and opened the door. The young lady who emerged from the car was attired in wide, wool skirt, dark green in colour, over swishing petticoats, pale green cashmere cardigan over a white lawn, embroidered blouse, pristine white knee socks with delicate embroidery at the tops, flat green leather slippers, with little white gloves, a small straw hat, and even a small replica of a grown lady's purse for the special occasion, completing the ensemble. Her fiery hair pulled back into a neat ponytail, the ends of which reached to the girl's waist. Satin ribbons as green as her eyes adorned the coiffure. At first, she gave the appearance of being as old as fourteen, simply from height alone, though if one looked into her wide green eyes or listened to her speak, one could guess her to be no more than twelve, which was, in fact, her actual age. She wore no make-up, as yet; both her parents were of the firm conviction that young ladies should not be pressured to grow up too fast, as they did in the world below. Miss Elena Dierrian felt nervous and more than a little homesick. She knew that the ways of the West are different, and until this point, she had been schooled at home under the watchful eye of her blonde mother and the other priestesses. Her first though was that both mistresses and students looked formidable at first sighting, especially the mistresses and older girls, yet she felt pleased to see so many potential new friends. Yes, she told herself sternly, that is how I must think of them: new friends. Though feeling a little frightened, she lifted her chin and resolved to be brave and even managed a pretty smile. I like the feeling of age, she thought. This is an old place, and who knows exactly how many girls have stepped through these portals, to finally emerge as young ladies. The clock, affectionately referred to by the schoolgirls as 'Old Liza', chimed the hour, causing Elena to smile more broadly. How lovely, she thought. How perfect. Some things do not change, she mused, whether one is home or abroad. We have a clock tower back home, as well. Being given to flights of fancy, she wondered to herself if there were come mystical connexion between this clock and the clock back home - perhaps between all clocks, whereever they are, all guarded and guided by the Angel of Time. Why, she thought, if one looks properly, one could almost see the aetherial form of the Angel, poised over the clock tower. There was a feeling of rightness, of comfort, of things in place here, she thought. It was then that she first noticed the other young blondes in their maroon gymslips, berets very properly in place. Uniforms, she thought - but of course, after today, I shall be in uniform. I wonder how I shall look in my own uniform. Part of her dreaded it, perhaps because it would place a seal on her departure from home and make it truly real instead of a dream; but she had to admit that part of her could hardly wait to don her new clothing. Oh, then I shall truly be a part of this beautiful place. Oh, such things there will be to do and see! she thought. And the other girls my age - will they like me? Shall I like them? Oh, I am sure we will like each other. I can sense this is a good place, full of goodness and…and…of course, I shall be able to make friends. She felt excited - a little scared, but hardly able to wait for what would happen next. Though nervous, she felt a surge of gratitude toward her parents for choosing to send her here and offered a short, silent prayer of thanks. I wonder, she thought, if my newfound friends and I will have adventures together. For a moment, an image of a dashing brunette, clad in shining armour, mounted upon a high-spirited white charger flickered in her mind. She then chastened herself sharply: twelve is too young to be thinking such foolishness. Besides, around here, it is more likely to be a beautiful brunette prefect, bearing cane instead of sword - especially if I cannot refrain from daydreaming. With newfound resolve, she approached the high doors that lead to the blondes' dormitory, faithful Atalaya following behind with her luggage. She wanted to turn to Atalaya and cling to her as a last remnant of home, cast adrift as she was in this sea of strangers, but all she permitted herself was a brave little smile at Atalaya's tall, immaculately coifed and uniformed form. "Come, Atalaya. I believe this is the correct place." And so saying, crossed the threshold into the latest chapter of her life. 37 From: Kadorienne Date: Mon Sep 6, 1999 11:49pm Subject: Veronica to Carrie & Caroline Carrie and Caroline, is it? I hope this doesn't get too confusing. Good thing y'all like to be called different things. Some of the girls do seem to be taking their time about getting here, don't they? No matter. That'll give us early birds a head start on the coursework. Though of course the mistresses don't give us so much work at the beginning, before everyone's here. And why are there so many more blondes than brunettes this year? Not that I'm complaining, mind you. I, for one, like having blondes about! That little Elena -- d'you know she has a title? -- she's a lovely little thing. I can tell she's going to be a well-behaved girl, not a troublemaker like -- well, like some blondes. She'll probably be a prefect in a few years. And Ariadne has certainly created quite a stir. I can predict now all the trouble she'll cause -- not deliberately, you understand, but she'll be the motive for all sorts of brunette pranks involving strategically placed mistletoe this December, and I don't even want to think about St. Valentina's Day. And that little Katie -- she can't seem to decide if she wants to be a brat or a model girl. Well, I'm doing what I can to help her become the latter. So, anyway -- what? Other new blondes? No, I'm pretty sure those are all the new blondes I've met. I can't think of any other new blondes, honestly. So, anyway, I think we should find one or two more brunettes and all do something together this weekend. Play a game, maybe -- I don't suppose y'all know how to play baseball, do you? Oh, cricket? Well. Hm. Maybe we could go to Delmonte's Soda Fountain. Oh, I've got to show it to you new girls, it's stunning. Well, so what if you're still in knee socks? I don't suppose they're contagious. You both seem like such jolly brunettes, and just between us brunettes, after dealing with all those hysterical blondes during the blackout, I could use some cool-headed brunette company. And we seem to be outnumbered this year.... I'll see if I can find some other brunettes to join us. If you meet anyone you like, ask them. What? Joan and Suzanne? Well, I can't tell you who to be friends with even if I am a prefect, but as a girl who's been at this school for a while, I can tell you that Joan and Suzanne's companions tend to get smacked a lot. But you must do as you think best. So, is it to be Delmonte's? Terrific! Or, as you Altalians say, capital! Veronica 38 From: Date: Mon Sep 6, 1999 8:48pm Subject: Dear Diary... Dear Diary..: How quickly the day has flown by! thought Elena Dierrian as she stepped into the relative privacy of her curtained-off bed in the Blondes' Dormitory at Avendale. She began to undress, taking careful steps to ensure each garment was neatly folded or hung in the small wardrobe. It would never do, she thought, to be sloppy in such a place as Avendale. Avendale was a place of neatness, tidiness and order - not a place where a child might casually drop her garments upon the ground for the pleasure of observing a crisply-uniformed maidservant scurry to collect them from where they had been dropped. (Her brunette Mummy, Sheveya, always took a dim view of such exercises in power - such actions on the part of either of her children resulted in a thoroughly smacked bottom for the culprit. "We do not abuse those who serve us," Sheveya would intone in her deep, almost leonine voice.) She had already washed up. The girl shivered a little and pulled a crisp, white nightgown over her head. The plainest she possessed, it was embroidered at neck and wrists with small stars. It was long of sleeve and skirt and very warm. Over her nightrail, she pulled a matching robe, finally donning small, white slippers. She then sat carefully upon her narrow bed and began to unbraid her long, red hair. She felt tears in her eyes and a lump in her throat, for this was a very special time of day when she and her blonde Mummy, Lady Miris, would talk quietly together in the way that some blondes will. It was a time for Mummy to tell fairy tales or speak of the Celestial Powers, all the while gently brushing out Elena's long tresses. "One hundred strokes, my darling, will make it soft and shiny." Sometimes, Mummy would sit on a low stool, and then, wonder of wonders, allow her younger daughter to brush out her long, silken hair - hair as fine as a baby's and almost white in colour, with a hint of golden sunshine caught in its strands. Unbound, it reached to Lady Miris' delicate ankles. "Fairy's hair!" her daughter would exclaim with delight. Elena liked to imagine her blonde Mummy to be a fay, from the aetherial realms… "Oh my, what a watering can I am becoming," she whispered, feeling homesick tears on her cheeks. "Stop it, Elena, stop it this instant," she scolded herself. "D-do you want the other girls to think you are nothing but a crybaby?" After some moments, the tears ceased and the child regained some of her previous composure. Her hair once again neatly braided for sleep, she took from a drawer a small diary volume and began to write. "Dear Diary, "Here shall begin my Journal of my Days at Avendale. My name is Elena Dierrian, and I am twelve years of age, just this Spring. I am the younger daughter of Lady Miris and Lady Sheveya and the younger sister of Elara, who, being brunette, will follow in Sheveya's footsteps as a Constabelle and keeper of the Peace. I am recently arrived here at Avendale to educated in the ways of the West and to learn how to be a proper young Lady. "This day has flown by in a blur. I was dropped off at the Blondes' Dormitory by Atalaya, who is our Chauffeuse. Once my traps were secure, Atalaya escorted me for my first interview with Miss Dorothea Maitland, she who is Headmistress of Avendale. I must tell you, Diary, that I was quite terrified at first, and did not know what to expect, but Miss Maitland turned out to be quite comforting, in a very no-nonsense way. She welcomed to formally to Avendale and delineated what would be expected of me, both in deportment and scholastically. I have not yet met any of the other Mistresses, but I expect I shall on the morrow. "I did not precisely meet any of the other girls, though I saw many of them as I navigated my way through the dark-panelled corridors. The Senior brunettes look so smart in their grey pleated skirts and white blouses, and their ties give them an almost military air. They seem dashing, yet daunting. But I must confess to being as timid as a new kitten - most all the older girls seemed formidable - even the blondes. I saw one blonde who simply must be a prefect, for she wore a red sash with a shield-shaped badge. I heard another, younger blonde address her as 'Miss Annalinde.' "Well, Diary, that is all I shall write for tonight. I feel sleep overtaking me, and I must yet say my prayers before going to sleep. Good night!" Elena closed the small volume, put it away carefully, then solemnly knelt beside her bed and bowed her head. Prayers said, she got into bed and snuggled under the blankets. She was asleep in minutes. 39 From: Date: Tue Sep 7, 1999 1:54am Subject: Jinjur Jinjur awoke in the middle of the night. She could hear Old Liza striking three, but she was used to that; that hadn't woken her up. As so often happens when we wake up in the wee sma's, Jinjur already had a unbidden thought clear in her head. What in the world had she gotten up to with Suzanne yesterday? Oh, it wasn't as if she had never let a brunette take a liberty before. But not so many, and not all at once. What *had* come over her? Perhaps the excitement of the blackout had made her act so unusually brazen. Even Jinjur knew that there was a limit. She didn't want to be expelled, and if she and Suzanne had been caught in the storage room that day, they might well have been. Either that, or they might have finally verified the rumours about Miss Maitland's Long Birch. And after all that petting, who knew what Suzanne might expect from her now? She would have to stay away from Suzanne for a bit. A mature blonde would have told Suzanne outright that she regretted the liberties she had allowed and thought it best to part ways for a time, but Jinjur was far from a mature blonde. She decided that the best way to avoid Suzanne would be to pay a great deal of attention to some other brunette. After only a moment's thought, she chose Carrie. She liked Carrie. No doubt she would be teased as blondes with younger brunettes always were, but Carrie was definitely her sort of brunette: exciting and full of fun. Carrie seemed like the sort of brunette who might seize a blonde and kiss her thoroughly. She didn't seem likely to take liberties, though; she seemed more proper. But then, part of the fun of a proper brunette was seeing if she could be enticed to be improper. Especially if a blonde could act so innocent while tantalizing her brunette victim that it seemed the brunette was all to blame! Well, she'd start flirting with Carrie right away. Even if Carrie didn't respond, it would serve the purpose of putting some distance between her and Suzanne. With her rudimentary conscience thus satisfied, Jinjur went back to sleep. 40 From: School Girl Date: Tue Sep 7, 1999 5:22am Subject: Audition I was wandering around school during dinner break. I noted the arrival of Caroline, another unruly brunette. It confirms my opinion that my sex was superior in upbringing. I was very pleased at the help Miss Veronica had given me with my English I wanted to be like her when I grow, but perhaps a stronger with the younger girls. I went to seek out the music Mistress so that I would be allowed the play for her. I had to audition this evening. I gingerly knocked on the of prefects room. ‘Knock, knock. “Come ” boomed a voice that I knew belongs to Miss Avanlinde. I saw Miss Veronica sitting reading I made my way to her. “Please Miss Veronica” I paused as she look at me. “Yes Katie, what is it child” “I am playing for the music Mistress at 4-15 today, I would be honoured if you come listen to me play, please miss?” “Of course I will Katie” “Thank you Miss” I so please as I left the room. I could hear Miss Avalinde bating me “I would be so honoured” I hate her and I will seek to gain revenge, I just do not know how. But being blonde and an ex-HeadGirl I have the mental prowess. 41 From: Date: Tue Sep 7, 1999 6:43am Subject: Noticeboard MESSAGE POSTED ON THE NOTICEBOARD Girls, As you are all aware, classes and meetings will take place on I.R.C. Before we decide what class will be when, I want you all to familiarise yourselves with the use of this program. If you haven't a copy, you must obtain one. Anyone who has difficulty may contact me, privately, on MissMaybridge@a.... I should also like each of you to furnish me with the time-zone you are in, and it's deviation from G.M.T. This will help with the scheduling of classes. Please send this information to me privately, so as not to clog up the list. I will then post a players list, including each player's time-zone. I look forward to hearing from you all, Delores Maybridge (Technical Mistress) 44 From: Date: Tue Sep 7, 1999 10:56am Subject: Jinjur's New Amusements, Part I In order to distract herself from Suzanne, Jinjur spent the entire school day trying to dream up mischief that didn't involve heavy petting. It was a strain on her creativity, and she got her hand whipped for inattentiveness in class, but at last she came up with two ideas that made her dimple with glee. The only slight hitch was that for both of them she needed a brunette's help. Since she was avoiding Suzanne, she instead enlisted Joan, who was as delighted with her ideas as she. While Jinjur distracted the kitchenmaids and cook by (vainly) trying to wheedle some cookies out of them, Joan sneaked in and took one of the huge bottles of apple juice. Few blondes would be strong enough to carry one of those. These giant bottles would be emptied into a dispenser a little like the ones used in soda fountains. Having escaped with their prize, the girls stowed the jar next to the small window in the little storage closet where Jinjur and Suzanne had gotten up to so much the day before. This prank would take some time to come to fruition. The girls left the bottle there. Together they left the school that afternoon to go to the nearest five-and-ten. There they invested in several bottles of hair colour, some brown, some yellow. The concoctions were intended to cover grey hairs, and the clerk looked at the young girls a little oddly. Jinjur was careful to choose colouring that would wash out after several shampoos. She wasn't *mean*. Jinjur spent the rest of the afternoon in the blondes' dormitory. Most girls played outside in the afternoons, so there was plenty of privacy. Jinjur roamed the halls, opening drawers at random and pouring brown hair colouring into shampee bottles. Oh, there were a few girls she chose on purpose -- it would be interesting to see if brunettes still flocked around a "brunette" Ariadne -- but mostly it was a coin toss who got the colour. Joan had said she was going to put some in her own shampoo to allay suspicion. Jinjur had tried to coax her to put some in Veronica's, but Joan had balked at that. "I have to sit down during classes, you know," she had said. By dinnertime at least a dozen blondes had enhanced shampoo. Jinjur went to the dining hall in good spirits, knowing that by the next morning there would be several "blondes" in grey and "brunettes" in maroon.... 45 From: Kadorienne Date: Tue Sep 7, 1999 2:41pm Subject: Veronica's misdeed As Veronica sat down in her history class, she suddenly realized that she had forgotten to do her homework assignment. Oh, this was what came of mooning over Elspeth! She would never again be the competent, cool-headed prefect who Elspeth deserved. Not that Elspeth would ever necessarily notice her, but still.... Veronica waited through the class for Miss Poindexter to collect the assignments. But Miss Poindexter seemed oddly distracted, her voice trailing off in mid-sentence several times during her lecture, and at the end of the hour she dismissed them without having asked after their homework. Veronica rose and was about to remind the mistress and confess her own laxness, when a thought stopped her. It was possible others in the class had also forgotten and were grateful for the reprieve. They should have done the assignment last night, of course, but she didn't want other girls to get low marks on her account. Veronica resolved that she would do the assignment tonight, and tomorrow she would hand it in with a confession that she had been late so that she could receive her just punishment. That any other girl who was late deserved the same punishment did not really occur to Veronica. She held herself to much stricter standards than she held anyone else, and a misdeed she might have laughed off with a warning in another was ruthlessly punished in herself. Veronica decided there was just time to take her books back to her room before going to Katie Webster's music audition. 46 From: Elspeth Elsvetta Date: Tue Sep 7, 1999 3:22pm Subject: Hello Elena Hello Elena, I should like to welcome you to Avendale. I hope you don't mind muy just coming up and speaking to you like this. I have only been here a few days myself. I can see by your looks you are from the East - you know I have never spoken to a real Easterner before, but I have always wanted to. I love Eastern poetry. I have been reading it - listen to this: I'll throw my thumb-ring into the river, Leave my girdle-gem in the bay of the Li. Sweet pollia I've pulcked in the flowering islet To give to the maiden there below. For time once gone cannot be recovered, And I wish we could dally a little longer. Oh dear, I suppose it seems silly my quoting Eastern poetry to you, but I love that verse so much and I really wanted to tell it to someone. Are you liking it here? I think it is just wonderful. Most of the girls are very charming. My roommate is Ariadne, and she is very nice, though she does tell dreadful stories occasionally. If you hear any one linking my name with that of Veronica Bellemont, that is Ariadne's doing and you are to take no notice. It simply isn't true. Veronica is very nice, and yhe most *immacculate* prefect. You'll like her. In fact I am quite sure any blonde in the school would be her belle just for the asking. The idea that she thinks about a new girl like me is just the silliest thing. Oh, but isn't your hair lovely. I do wish mine would grow as long as that, but it won't. Have you met Katie Webster? She is the same age as you. Do tell me how things are going for you here. I should like us to be friends. Elspeth Elsvetta 47 From: Date: Tue Sep 7, 1999 3:44pm Subject: A Stain on A Certain Blonde's Reputation Jinjur Quimby had no great attachment to material goods, nor could selfishness be accounted one of her faults. She readily lent anything she owned to any girl who might ask, and worried so little about an item's return that she regularly forgot to whom she had lent it. This was not so much a mark of a really generous nature as it was that Jinjur's possessions mattered little to her. Save one: Jinjur owned a luxurious night-dress, an Arcadian heirloom of fine, pale blue silk -- long, with a gathered bodice, full sleeves and three underskirts of even finer white silk. The pale shade of blue set off her strawberry blonde hair to marvelous perfection, but what Jinjur loved most about the garment was its broad hem of hand-made ivory lace, in which were imprisoned dozens of lacey butterflies that seemed to flutter whenever she moved. The night-dress was her pride-and-joy; she kept it enfolded in layers of crisp tissue paper, in the bottom of her bottommost dresser drawer. She wore it only on those occasions when she felt particularly virtuous and aetherial -- which is to say, the garment was infrequently worn, which was just as well, as it was still in pristine condition, as lovely as it had been when it left its maker's hands some hundred years earlier. But tonight she had taken it out of the bottom drawer and laid it on her bed, and had tuned back the tissue paper, framing the night-dress for presentation. For that afternoon she had told Joan about it, and Joan, like so many brunettes, had a fascination for the intimate and filmy garments of blondes; Joan had asked if she might see the night-dress, and so, in anticipation of Joan's arrival, Jinur had taken it out. While she was waiting, Jinjur decided to work on her lessons, so she sat down at her little writing table and took up her fountain-pen, whose cap she had neglected to replace after having left off writing some half-hour earlier. O, what a fatal oversight that was, for, as Jinjur shook the pen with annoyance to make the ink flow, a fat, black droplet flew from the nib and described, in apparent slow motion, a perfectly parabolic trajectory to land .... spot -dab in the middle of her precious night-dress's bodice! Jinur's wails of distress soon aroused the whole floor; within moments, half-a-dozen blondes had converged on Jinjur's room to see what was the matter. "O! I have ruined it!" Jinjur keened, with real distress, and she began to cry. No strokes of paddle or strap, nor even strokes of cane could have brought more hot tears to Jinjur's eyes than this black stain on her most cherished possession. "Quick, dab it with hot water," cried one blonde. "No!" cried another; use cold. Hot will set the stain." "Neither!" cried a third; only the juice of a lemon will do the trick." "That's not right -- a lime is what's wanted!" "Spot remover!" "Milk!" "Petrol!" "Nonsense!" cried another voice, a familiar and sweet one, with unusual resolution. It was Ariadne, who, having arrived in Jinjur's doorway, had quickly assessed the situation, and, as the Oldest Blonde in the Room, had assumed control. "Don't put *anything* on it! I have just the ticket. I'll be right back!" And Ariadne ducked out of the room, returning moments later with her bottle of Helene Curtis Shampoo For Blondes. "This'll get *anything* out, girls! It's the only shampoo on the market without greasy soaps or oils: it will take blood out of a white ermine coat without leaving so much as a trace; the best furriers keep a bottle on hand for when they prick their fingers on their needles. Stand back!" The sea of blondes instantly parted; Ariadne stood at the bedside like a ministering angel about to resurrect the dead. All the girls looked on in mute fascination: none had ever heard of using shampoo to remove an ink stain, but it sounded plausible enough. Plausible enough to all but Jinjur, of course, for she had seen that self-same bottle of shampoo earlier in the day when she had crept into Ariadne's room and poured hair-dye into it. Jinjur's knees felt weak; she swallowed hard and was about to say something when Ariadne uncapped the bottled and poured a good two ounces of the shampoo over the stain. A gasp went up from the girls as they watched the tiny black spot spread, now brown, until it was a an ugly and irregular splotch a hand's breath across, then two, then three.... Jinjur screamed and fainted. 48 From: Date: Tue Sep 7, 1999 11:47am Subject: To Veronica Dear Veronica, Oh, yes. I think we brunettes should get together. Do you play tennis? I do. Delmonte's sounds marvellous. I'd love to try it. Do you think they do Knickerbocker Glories? Well, I mean I suppose you *know* whether they do. Thank you so much for telling me about everyone. It can be a bit confusing when one first arrives. I've seen Ariadne and I can see why people like her. But she does seem old. I mean, I thought she was a mistress when I first saw her. I haven't met Elena yet. What about Jinjur - gosh, when I first caught a glimpse of her I thought she was a brunette, but then when I saw her later I realised she was all blonde. She confuses me, but she seems like great fun. I've been determined to meet her since yesterday. What did you spank her for? Oh I'm sorry. I shouldn't ask that should I? Forget I spoke. I always talk first and think about it afterwards. That's what my old form-mistress said. I think the thing about Jinjur is she's a redhead. My brunette mother said that while redheads are always either blonde or brunette their unusual colouring comes from hormones, and blonde redheads are a bit more brunette than other blondes and brunette redheads are a bit more blonde than other brunettes. At least they can be. Then she said - well, you know what they say about redheads. And I said I didn't, and she said she wouldn't tell me if I didn't already know. What do they say? Or shouldn't I ask that either? I hope it's all right just chattering on to a prefect like this. Just say if it isn't and I'll stop. Carrie PS - I've been managing not to run so far - mostly. 50 From: Date: Tue Sep 7, 1999 0:01pm Subject: Carrie meets Jinjur At *last* Carrie found Jinjur in the Common Room. As soon as she set eyes on her she burst into speech. "Hello. I've been trying to catch up with you for ages. You always seem to be whizzing about doing something. I think you're worse than me - you must be a fast blonde! I'm only joking, of course. I know you are nothing of the sort. "You know you caught my eye last night just before Veronica took you out. It's no secret what she did to you - it could be heard down the whole corridor - I hope you don't mind. She spanks really hard, doesn't she. It surprised me when she punished me the other day. It must be hard for a blonde to bear it - how did you manage? What was it for?" Carrie remembered the glimpse of Jinjur's stocking-top she had caught just before Veronica intervened. Of course she must say nothing about that. Even Carrie Chatterbox realised that there are some things a brunette *cannot* mention. The poor blonde would be too embarrassed for words. Jinjur leaned back in her armchair and let her bottom slide forwards as if assuming a more relaxed position. This caused her gymslip to ride up showing a very considerable length of nylon-filmed leg. Carrie's heart beat faster her eyes opened wide and then she tried to look elsewhere so that Jinjur might not think she was staring. She also became aware of how much she had been chattering on. Was her approach welcome? What would Jinjur say to her. For almost the first time in her adolescence, Carrie became acutely conscious that she was talking to a *blonde*. Normally she chattered on to every one pretty much alike, but Jinjur's blondeness seemed suddenly to overwhelm her in an unaccustomes way - exciting, and yet, even to the fearless Carrie, somehow rather frightening. 51 From: Kadorienne Date: Tue Sep 7, 1999 4:27pm Subject: Veronica to Carrie and Caroline Dear Carrie, Well, I play tennis sometimes. Baseball's really my game. Can't say I care much for cricket; it's too much like baseball without actually *being* baseball, you see. So if we can find a fourth brunette, we could have a doubles match. Delmonte's has EVERYTHING. Myself, I'm rather partial to an immodestly named dessert called the "Saucy Blondie". It's a walnut brownie, or "blondie", with caramel sauce and vanilla ice cream -- heaven! I'm certain you'll meet Elena soon. Not only is she titled, she's Eastern, and exotic girls are apt to attract plenty of attention. I can scarcely believe you thought Ariadne was a mistress. Oh, yes, she's older, but imagine her with authority! Really. Jinjur? Hem. Well, yes, she's a very nice girl, but rather thoughtless -- more so than most blondes, I mean. She's going to need a firm brunette hand when she grows up and marries. So just don't let her lure you astray with her blonde wiles. Some blondes inspire us to greater heights; others require our constant supervision. I'll let you guess which kind Jinjur is. And don't worry about chattering to me. I'm enjoying your conversation ever so much. Honestly, I'm a prefect, not an ogress! So Caroline, will you be joining me and Carrie? Veronica 52 From: Date: Tue Sep 7, 1999 2:19pm Subject: Hello Elspeth Hello, Elspeth. I thank you for your warm welcome to Avendale. This is a beautiful, old place, and I think I shall enjoy it very much. It is different than home, of course, but living in different places and learning different things makes one grow, don’t you think? I have to smile and blush when you say you have never seen a real Easterner. I must confess I have not seen many Westerners, either, and yet, we are made much alike, I can see: two eyes, a nose, etc. [catches lower lip and lowers eyes, colouring slightly] You may pinch me, if you like, for I should not tease you so, and like you, I am very curious about the West. Perhaps we can teach one another. My blonde Mummy says we are all teachers and students alike. As for quoting Eastern poetry, please do not feel shy or foolish. Here in the West, there are many nations: Quirinelle, Kadoria, Novaria, Trent, Arcadia, for example. It is the same in the East, and not all places are alike. I love the poem you quoted. It is most beautiful! I love poetry, and I feel quite honoured you would choose to share it with me. Music and poetry are the speech of the Divine Realms. What mortals call ‘Music’ Is the Speech of Angels They are one and the same. When God first spoke All-That-Is into existence, She sang. The Angelic Powers Gathered about Her Throne, In Holy Majesty, The Wonder of Creation To Proclaim. I do like it here, [brief hesitation]…though I hope you will not think me a baby when I confess to feeling homesick. I miss my parents and my elder sister (even though she can, on occasion, be swinish, as elder siblings can be now and then. Now that she is a Cadette, she is ever so much more chivalrous). This is my very first time away from home, and so very far away! I have not yet learned all the girls’ names here, nor have I learned to recognise their faces. I expect I shall, before long. [slight smile] I have heard Veronica’s name, though. Ariadne’s, as well. And what if she did think of you? I don’t think it impossible. I have not met Katie Webster yet, but I have heard her name. Is she not the pupil who was punished for playing the Grand Piano? [lowering eyes and colouring again] You flatter me dreadfully about my hair. I like to wear it long (just like my blonde Mummy’s) but it can be a trial. It is fine as a baby’s and tends to tangle if I do not take good care of it. It has never been cut. I think your hair is pretty, too. Perhaps it would grow long if you allowed it to. Yes, I should like very much to be friends! It was so sweet of you to approach me. -Elena Mira Dierrian 53 From: School Girl Date: Tue Sep 7, 1999 7:43pm Subject: Audition I made her way to the great hall, as I was nearly there I noticed another girl who was about my own age. “Hello” I said “I am Katie, what’s your name?” she looked at me and replied “I am Elena” I took her by the hand and said “Well Elena, lets be friends and you come to my audition” She and I both giggled and started to run to the Great Hall, stopping dead in our tracks as we realised it was wrong in the school. With that we both burst out laughing. Unpon entering the Great Hall I was pleased to see Miss Veronica was there I smiled sweetly at her. “Well Webster, shall we get on with the audition, I do not have all day” Miss Mandlenson was a large robust sort of a woman, but most brunette’s are I thought! “Yes Miss” I stammered I took my seat at the Grand Piano, I placed my music in front of. I proudly announced to the audience which steadily grown, “I will play three pieces, first Greig's Piano Concerto in ‘D’ minor, second a piece I wrote myself entitled ‘The Butterflydragon’ and last a piece you should all know by our famous Aristasian composer ‘Hugo Bassonenburg’, thank you” I looked at Miss Veronica and Elena for that inspiration they both smiled back at me. As I played the first note the headmistress came in and sat at the front next to the music teacher. At the end of all of three pieces of music I could not resist playing the National Anthem and watch everybody stand to attention as I hit the first note. At the end all the blondes cheered, the brunette’s clapped polity. Miss Mandlenson stood up and the hall fell quite, she whispered to the headmistress. I stood and looked down at my black paten ‘T’ bars with had a mark on the right toe, I rubbed it against my left calf. “Very well Webster you mat practices on the Grand Piano, but only if a prefect is present” I looked at Miss Veronica, who nodded to Miss Mandlenson. “Also you will the school orchestra rehearsals every Saturday morning from 09-00am” “Yes Miss” I replied With that Miss Mandlenson and the headmistress left chatting to each other. I joined Miss Veronica and Elena and we left. There was a bit of noise in the dorm as we celebrated my inclusion into the schools orchestra. I slept soundly until Matron woke us up…….. 54 From: Date: Tue Sep 7, 1999 7:55pm Subject: Hello, Elspeth. Pleased to meet you :) Please pardon me if this posts twice. My ordinator is being most obstinate and has driven to the brink of madness today...) Hello, Elspeth. I thank you for your warm welcome to Avendale. This is a beautiful, old place, and I think I shall enjoy it very much. It is different than home, of course, but living in different places and learning different things makes one grow, don’t you think? I have to smile and blush when you say you have never seen a real Easterner. I must confess I have not seen many Westerners, either, and yet, we are made much alike, I can see: two eyes, a nose, etc. [catches lower lip and lowers eyes, colouring slightly] You may pinch me, if you like, for I should not tease you so, and like you, I am very curious about the West. Perhaps we can teach one another. My blonde Mummy says we are all teachers and students alike. As for quoting Eastern poetry, please do not feel shy or foolish. Here in the West, there are many nations: Quirinelle, Kadoria, Novaria, Trent, Arcadia, for example. It is the same in the East, and not all places are alike. I love the poem you quoted. It is most beautiful! I love poetry, and I feel quite honoured you would choose to share it with me. Music and poetry are the speech of the Divine Realms. What mortals call ‘Music’ Is the Speech of Angels They are one and the same. When God first spoke All-That-Is into existence, She sang. The Angelic Powers Gathered about Her Throne, In Holy Majesty, The Wonder of Creation To Proclaim. I do like it here, [brief hesitation]…though I hope you will not think me a baby when I confess to feeling homesick. I miss my parents and my elder sister (even though she can, on occasion, be swinish, as elder siblings can be now and then. Now that she is a Cadette, she is ever so much more chivalrous). This is my very first time away from home, and so very far away! I have not yet learned all the girls’ names here, nor have I learned to recognise their faces. I expect I shall, before long. [slight smile] I have heard Veronica’s name, though. Ariadne’s, as well. And what if she did think of you? I don’t think it impossible. I have not met Katie Webster yet, but I have heard her name. Is she not the pupil who was punished for playing the Grand Piano? [lowering eyes and colouring again] You flatter me dreadfully about my hair. I like to wear it long (just like my blonde Mummy’s) but it can be a trial. It is fine as a baby’s and tends to tangle if I do not take good care of it. It has never been cut. I think your hair is pretty, too. Perhaps it would grow long if you allowed it to. Yes, I should like very much to be friends! It was so sweet of you to approach me. -Elena Mira Dierrian 55 From: Date: Wed Sep 8, 1999 0:41am Subject: Jinjur meets Carrie "You know you caught my eye last night just before Veronica took you out. It's no secret what she did to you - it could be heard down the whole corridor - I hope you don't mind. She spanks really hard, doesn't she. It surprised me when she punished me the other day. It must be hard for a blonde to bear it - how did you manage? What was it for?" Carrie chattered. "For sitting improperly," Jinjur said, smiling up at Carrie. She shifted so that more of her leg showed. "Veronica's ever so particular about deportment." Carrie's eyes widened at the sight of Jinjur's nylon-clad thigh, then darted away. Jinjur was delighted. Perhaps it was more fun after all to entice a proper brunette than to be mauled by a rough one. The game was already making Jinjur's blood race. Perhaps this was how brunettes felt when they were breaking down a modest blonde's resistance. "Was it terribly hard?" Something seemed to have jolted Carrie out of her usual chatterbox mode. Jinjur hoped it was her legs. Jinjur hesitated. She was happy to accept Carrie's sympathy, but Carrie would learn sooner or later that Veronica was always soft on blondes. Everyone else knew. At last she said, wide-eyed, "The other blondes say Veronica is pretty easy on them." There! Now she'd implied that Veronica was meaner to her than to other blondes without actually lying. Carrie looked sympathetic. "Oh, that's just beastly. But then, I suppose you'll just have to be more careful how you sit. Why--" Carrie stopped herself, something which Jinjur guessed she seldom did, and then started on another tack. "But she's being ever so nice to me, even if she did paddle me. Why, she even asked me and Caroline -- have you met Caroline? She's new, too, and a brunette -- she asked us to play tennis or go to a soda fountain with her this weekend. She didn't act at all high hat on account of us being new girls, and younger than her." Carrie's eyes were flickering nervously, and she seemed to be in chatter mode again. Probably it was because she had apparently almost mentioned that Jinjur had been showing too much stocking the other day. Oh, it was fun to be treated like a virtuous blonde. Jinjur straightened a little and gestured at the hassock that matched her armchair. "Why don't you sit down, Carrie?" Carrie did so silently -- Jinjur's bet was that she didn't do much silently -- and just looked at her as if she'd never seen a blonde before. She sat as if she didn't know what to say. Jinjur said, "Veronica wouldn't snub you for being new. She's not like that. She's the nicest brunette ever -- as long as you behave." "Well, she is a prefect." Carrie was obviously searching for something else to say, something that would impress a blonde. Jinjur let her flounder for a minute before speaking again. "What did Veronica paddle you for? If you don't mind my asking," she added demurely. "Oh, that? I was running in the halls. Hardly anyone here, you know, so I thought it would be all right. Well, to tell the truth, I don't think I thought about it at all. I just like to run, run almost everywhere. Life's too short, what?" "She paddled you hard?" "Oh, she whacked me properly. You can see -- and feel -- why she's a prefect. I'm sure she keeps order. Didn't she tame a dormitory-full of hysterical blondes during the blackout?" Jinjur laughed. "Just about. It was funny to see how all the blondes reacted when she came in. 'We're saved!' Before she'd even said anything." "Well, she's got a right good presence. Does she have any particular belle?" "No, never has. Though there's been some rumors going around about her and some new blonde." "Ariadne, by chance? She's ever so pretty. Though not as pretty as you, if anyone were to ask me," Carrie added, her gallantry marred by just the tiniest touch of awkwardness. She couldn't be used to giving blondes compliments. Jinjur widened her eyes and parted her lips. "Why, Carrie. What a sweet thing to say." Carrie was obviously trying to think of a way to build on this when Old Liza struck. It was the evening study period. Carrie walked Jinjur to the entrance of the blonde's dormitory and Jinjur did the minimum of work that she had to do to get by. She was in high spirits, very pleased with Carrie and with her own manner of handling Carrie, and looking forward to seeing several of her classmates transformed the next day. It was in this frame of mind that she set out her heirloom Arcadian nightdress to show to Joan. 56 From: Date: Wed Sep 8, 1999 1:18am Subject: Jinjur's Comeuppance Jinjur's mass of chocolate curls shook with sobs. What she had intended as a light-hearted prank, whose victims would have been back to normal within a week, had turned into a disaster beyond all measure. Her precious antique nightdress! When she had fainted, Ariadne had revived her by solicitously dousing her with the only liquid to hand -- the glass of Nehi Cola Jinjur had been drinking while she studied, against school policy. Its stickiness had remained on her face for the next hour of hubbub. On regaining consciousness, Jinjur had blurted out all the details of her crime, in a futile hope that this show of penitence might inspire the Angel of Time to turn back the clock and restore her lovely nightdress. The doctored bottles of shampoo had been gathered from both dormitories, and only a couple of girls, who had been in the shower at the time that Jinjur's nightdress was being defaced, emerged from their toilettes with their tresses altered. (Jinjur had not squealed on Joan. Jinjur hated Joan now, of course, and would for as long as she lived; if it hadn't been for Joan, she wouldn't have had her nightdress out and none of this would have happened. But she wanted to impress the Angel of Time, and any other Angels who might be able to lend a hand, with her remorse, and so took all the blame onto herself.) The bottles, the nightdress and a sobbing Jinjur had been marched to Miss Maitland's office. In the long and unpleasant interview which followed, Miss Maitland had mentioned several possible punishments, including making Jinjur use every single bottle of doctored shampoo so that her hair would be brown or yellow for the rest of the school year before being allowed to return to its natural coppery gold. But at length, no doubt recognizing that Jinjur had already received the worst possible punishment, Miss Maitland had passed a less fearsome sentence. Firstly, Jinjur was to wash her hair once with Ariadne's shampoo. Her hair would be brown for perhaps a week before all of the colour was washed out. Second, Jinjur's pocket money for the next two months was to be confiscated to replace everyone's shampoo. Third, she was to be strapped by Miss Maitland herself. And fourth, she was to write two hundred lines. Miss Maitland had assumed custody of the defaced nightdress and declared she would take it to the best laundress in Avenbridge to see if it could be salvaged at all. "Because such a valuable and exquisite item deserves the best of care, even if it does belong to an irresponsible person," she had said, skewering Jinjur with a look that would have made her shrivel if she hadn't already been so miserable. Without further ado Jinjur was beaten, but was so miserable that she could scarcely appreciate Miss Maitland's first-rate strapping. She had dragged her feet back to her dormitory, listlessly gone to the shower to turn her fiery hair a drab brown, and then gone to bed to cry herself to sleep. She ignored the shushings of her unsympathetic roommates. Oh, why had this happened? It was punishment, she knew it. Dea was angry at her for trying to meddle with everyone's gender, or for what she had done with Suzanne. Jinjur rose at first light the next morning. She felt very drained and numb, but some little part of her still hoped to placate Dea and the Angels. While her roommates slept, she sat down to begin a punishment she dreaded far more than any beating, hoping Dea would see how very sorry she was and take pity and restore her lovely nightdress. She carefully took out her pen -- oh, she would hate pens forever now -- and wrote in her neatest hand: "I must always show the utmost respect for the belongings of others and for the proper uses of all household substances, in accordance with the divinely ordained Golden Order." Jinjur sighed. One down, one hundred and ninety-nine to go. 57 From: Date: Wed Sep 8, 1999 4:17am Subject: Carrie's Darkest Hour? It was morning. The door to the no.3 brunette bathroom was firmly locked, and that fach was causing mounting annoyance as the young brunettes crowded into the other bathrooms to perform their morning ablutions. "Who's taking so long in there?' "What's she doing? Reading *The Sisters Karamazov* from cover to cover?" "It's Carrie, I think." "Carrie? The Whirlwind Bunny? When did she ever take more than five minutes over anything?" "It *is* Carrie, though. I've seen every one else." Suzanne banged on the door. "Come along Carrie. You're holding up the traffic." Silence. Joan tried. "Carrie, for heaven's sake hurry up." Several other girls banged on the door and admonished Carrie to hurry. At last a high, slightly hysterical voice emerged from the bathroom. "Go away. I'm not coming out. Use the other bathrooms." "Don't be an idiot," said Joan. "What's the matter?" called Julia "Are you ill?" "No," said Carrie. "Well, yes, perhaps I am. I don't know. Anyway, I can't come out." "Carrie, if you're ill you'd better see Matron. Open the door." "I cant, I can't, I CAN'T!" screamed Carrie. "She sounds hysterical," said Suzanne. "That's not like Carrie," said Julia. Impatient Joan banged on the door again. "Don't be so idiotic Carrie. What's happened? Have you turned into a hysterical blonde." The response to this was quite unexpected. From behind the door Carrie let out the most disconcerting high-pitched scream that sounded like a creature in agony. "Golliwogs! What's happening? Has she gone mad?" "Better fetch a mistress or something." "Don't worry, that noise is bound to bring some one." And sure enough Veronica entered the room. "Now then girls, what's going on in here?" "It's Carrie. She's locked herself in the bathroom and she won't come out. We think she's gone crazy." Veronica walked over to the bathroom door and spoke in a voice of calm but very firm authority. "Come on out now, Carrie. This is Veronica." Carrie whimpered in the most un-Carrie-like of tones "I'm sorry, Veronica, I just can't." Open refusal of her orders was a think Veronica rarely had to deal with. She paused for a moment. She had a reputation for being able to deal with just about any situation that arose. She did not wish to lose that reputation in front of the whole middle-school brunette dorm - of all dorms. She decided to gamble. She used her most authoritative but reassuring tone; one that was kind, but brooked no possible disobedience. "Carrie. You will unlock that door. You don't have to come out, but I am coming in. You hear?" There was a tense silence, and then the key turned in the lock. Veronica slipped into the bathroom and closed the door behind her. Carrie was sitting on the edge of the bath in her dressing gown, with her hair in a towel, looking as if the end of the world has come. She looked up at Veronica with tearful, appealing eyes. "Now, what seems to be the problem," asked Veronica gently. "You don't seem to be hurt." "Oh, Veronica, please take me away - out of the dorm. Take me to your room or something, and then I'll show you." "That's fine," said Veronica. "You just come with me." She led the unhappy girl through the curious young brunettes. "There's nothing to see," said Veronica. "You girls just get on with getting ready. If any of you are late for breakfast I'll see you in my study." The girls knew what that meant and assiduously got on with washing and dressing. With all the excitement they would have to hurry to get to breakfast on time. "Sit down," said Veronica, take a few deep breaths and tell me what the trouble is. "It's just terrible," said Carrie. "I don't know what to do. I can't face the school. This is my darkest hour - or rather it's just the opposite." "What *do* you mean, Carrie?" Carrie unwrapped the towel from her head. "This," she said. Her hair was a beautiful honey-golden blonde. 58 From: Date: Wed Sep 8, 1999 4:47am Subject: A Mercy Mission A Mercy Mission The sobbing had finally subsided, and Elena Dierrian was able to relax against her pillow. Jinjur! Whatever had possessed her to do such a thing? Doctoring everyone's shampoo with hair dye? Why would anyone want to dye one's hair in the first place? It was late, and Elena was tired, yet she was too puzzled to go quickly back to sleep, so she forced herself to lie calmly and quietly. Sleep would soon come, she hoped. It had been a tiring, yet delightful day. She had met her first two friends, Elspeth Elsvetta and Katie Webster. Elspeth seemed very sweet and more than a little curious about the Eastern World. ("Curiosity," Elena could hear her blonde Mummy intoning, "is a gift from God herself, when not taken to too great an extreme; it is what inspires us to learn.") Elena herself was very curious about the West and so hoped to learn much from her newfound friend. Then there was Katie, a delightfully bouyant girl who played the piano like an angel. Imagine being invited to play in the school orchestra at twelve! Elena had been delighted for her new friend and felt sure that someday, the entire nation would know of Katherine Webster, the great Musicienne. She had, of course, met a great many girls today, and for the most part, their names and faces swam into a great blur. Soon, she promised herself, I shall be able to sort them all out. In the meantime, there was Jinjur. Jinjur was asleep now, tossing fitfully, face still streaked by tears, her drab, brown curls spilt onto her pillow, dreaming dolorous dreams of ink, hair dye and ruined silk nightgowns. Silently, oh-so-silently so as not to wake the other girls or be caught out of bed, Elena slid from between her own covers, carefully moved aside the curtain of privacy that separated her area from the rest, and crept, like a mist, to Jinjur's bed. Poor Jinjur! She looks so sad - even while she sleeps! Elena impulsively stooped and placed a comforting kiss upon Jinjur's forehead and whispered, in a voice that could not be heard mere inches away, "Dear God, she has been punished already, and I know you have forgiven her. Please find it in Your heart to comfort her. And please, please let there be some way to remove the stain from her prized nightdress. May it be so, through Your Grace, Amen." She dropped a final kiss on the sleeping girl's cheek, gave the dyed curls a brief, sisterly caress, then quietly stole back to her own bed. 59 From: Kadorienne Date: Wed Sep 8, 1999 0:18pm Subject: Veronica to the Rescue Veronica could only stare blankly at Carrie's honey-colored tresses. Several times her mouth opened to say something, but each time the prefect in her stopped what would doubtless have been tactless exclamations. "How did this happen?" she finally asked. Carrie burst into fresh tears. "I don't know!" she wailed. "All right, settle down. We'll get this fixed and everything will be all right." Veronica spoke firmly from years of being a prefect. If you wanted to be able to keep from having pandemonium in a crisis, you had to make everyone think that you were certain that things would be all right. Whether you were or not. Getting her thoughts a little more organized, Veronica went to Carrie and sniffed her hair. Instead of the usual faint perfume left by shampoo, there was an unmistakably chemical smell. Veronica recognized it; her Aunt Rosemarie had had to start using hair dye to cover her few grey hairs after a torrid romance with a certain heartless blonde. Veronica spoke in a low, calm voice. "Carrie, do you have any reason at all to think any of the girls here might have it in for you?" "No, really. Everyone's been ever so nice." It was clear enough someone had doctored Carrie's shampoo. Could it have been Suzanne? Everyone had seen Jinjur flirting with Carrie the day before. Veronica had been pleased to see Jinjur taking an interest in a better sort of brunette. But of course, Suzanne wouldn't have been so pleased at being thrown over. She was Veronica's first suspect. But then, Carrie was a "bunny". It wasn't uncommon for pranks to be played on *all* the bunnies, a kind of rite of passage. "Stay here," Veronica ordered. "I'll get to the bottom of this." With that, she strode to the door, intending to learn if any other bunnies had, well, lightened up. But just as she reached the door, there was a knock. Carrie frantically wrapped the towel around her hair. Veronica considerately waited till Carrie's yellow hair was concealed before opening the door. It was one of the other prefects. "Uh-oh, too late," she said when she saw Carrie. She had guessed what the carefully wrapped towel meant. "What do you mean?" both girls chorused. Jinjur's prank was explained to them and Veronica rounded up every prefect to check every bottle of shampoo for hair dye. She couldn't resist a quick look in the mirror to make certain her own hair was still raven black. She took her own, obviously safe, shampoo to lend to any girl who had a tainted bottle and made the rounds of the dormitory. Everyone was going to be late for breakfast. Carrie stayed in Veronica's chair, too unhappy to move. When Veronica returned, Carrie pleaded, "I can't face the school looking like this, Veronica, honestly!" Veronica patted her shoulder reassuringly. "Carrie, everyone will know it isn't your fault. And you're not the only one. There's going to be at least three blonde brunettes today, and one brunette blonde that I know of." "I can't believe it! My first week at school!" Veronica tried to think of a comparable humiliation she had undergone. She couldn't. She tried another tack. "Carrie, this dye will wash out after several shampoos. You'll be back to normal within the week." "The *week*!" Carrie started crying again. If she had been a blonde, Veronica would have held her like a child, but brunettes must learn to keep a stiff upper lip, so she just kept patting her. "I'll ask the headmistress if you can use some of the brown hair dye tonight. But today, you've got to go to your classes. You're brave, you can do it...." "I can't! Oh, Veronica, just try to think how you would feel! How could you go out looking like this?" Veronica had to admit to herself that it would be difficult. What if people mistook her for a blonde? They'd think her manner was so unbecoming. She made so much effort to be good at being a brunette; to go out with yellow hair would be so embarrassing. Veronica suddenly remembered an play she and her mothers had attended during a visit to Arcadia. In many parts of Arcadia blondes are not permitted on the stage, so blonde roles are played by brunette actresses wearing yellow wigs. But their manner almost always broke the illusion; they still looked like brunettes. "I would prove to everyone that I was still Veronica Bellemont, even if I did have yellow hair!" "That's easy for you to *say*," Carrie sniffled, too upset to care that she was being rude to a prefect, not to mention a friend. Veronica was too sympathetic to take offense. She remembered the similarly tear-stained faces of the other two golden-haired brunettes. And what must the dark-haired blondes be going through? Sometimes when a brunette couldn't face doing something that she had to do Veronica would strap her, give her something else to be afraid of, but that didn't seem to be right for this situation. A story her blonde mother liked to tell about a great Southern Culverian hostess suddenly flashed into her mind. One of her guests had upset her soup bowl at dinner and had been most mortified. The hostess had promptly overturned hers as well, to make her guest feel more at ease. Veronica grabbed something from Carrie's side. "I'll be back in a few minutes," she said briskly. Carrie stayed where she was, daydreaming morosely about living on a desert island where no one could see her hair. A short time later the door opened and Carrie looked up. Veronica looked as Veronica-ish as ever. Her posture would have made a soldier proud, her uniform was perfectly turned out as always, the prefect badge gleamed on her precisely knotted tie. Her expression was emphatically serene, her chin high, her manner authoritative as ever. And her hair was the color of buttercups. "Get into your uniform or you'll miss breakfast altogether," the "blonde" Veronica ordered with one of those dazzling Veronica smiles. *** Veronica, determined to show that altered hair color did not diminish one's Self, had only two worries to mar her resolution. First, would Carrie -- such a proper brunette, bound to be a good influence on Jinjur -- still be interested in Jinjur when she learned that Jinjur was the culprit in the hair dye caper? Second... what in Dea's name would Elspeth think? Subject: A Golden Opportunity Veronica marched into her history classroom, ignoring the way the other girls were staring at her yellow hair, and extended yesterday's homework assignment to Miss Poindexter. Miss Poindexter looked at the assignment blankly for a minute before her face cleared. "Oh, yes, I forgot to collect those yesterday." "Yes, miss. But I didn't have this done yesterday. I did it last night." "That's all right," Miss Poindexter murmured, taking the paper and turning away. She turned back to find Veronica still standing there, looking slightly distressed. "What's the matter?" she asked, then really looked at Veronica for the first time. "Good heavens! Your hair!" "Yes, ma'am -- excuse me, miss." The Southern Culverian habit of saying "ma'am" was something she had to break every autumn. "Someone put hair dye in a lot of the shampoo bottles yesterday. Thought it would be funny, I suppose. But the color should be washed out within a week." Veronica spoke matter-of-factly, as if it were of no importance. She had colored her hair to show everyone that it was no major tragedy to change your coloring for a few days. "But, miss, the assignment was due yesterday, and I didn't have it finished on time. I behaved wrongly." Miss Poindexter sighed. Why was this child pestering her with her over-developed moral sense when her heart was breaking? "Ah, yes. Of course. One hundred lines, Veronica. You may sit down." She spoke absently, reciting the schoolmistressly formula from habit. Veronica, looking as relieved as most girls did when they *escaped* punishment, took her seat. Throughout the day, Veronica did her best to behave as if her hair were not yellow and everyone were not staring at her. She had to admit, this would have been pretty unpleasant if it had been forced on her. The fact that she was wearing yellow hair for a purpose made it very bearable. Carrie kept giving Veronica grateful, admiring looks, which was very flattering, though Veronica wasn't going to let it go to her head. When she gave other girls orders, they stared at her, but putting her hands on her hips was generally all that was needed to snap them out of it, reminding them that "blonde" or not, Veronica still packed quite a wallop. But apparently some girls were more nonplused than others. As she walked through the hallway after history, a little blonde -- a *real* blonde -- turned the corner, saw Veronica, made an exclamation and dropped her books. Naturally, Veronica knelt at once to gather the blonde's books for her. One of them was not a schoolbook, but another poetry volume, Emily Bronte. "What's the matter, haven't you ever seen a blonde brunette before?" she joked as she brushed the dust off the books. Then she looked up with a friendly smile. Which instantly froze, because the blonde was Elspeth. Now Veronica understood why Carrie had wanted to hide in the bathroom. Oh, Dea, why did it have to be Elspeth? Of all the blondes in school! To see her like this! Never mind that everyone else was seeing her like this, why did *Elspeth* have to see her! Veronica stood up mechanically and held out the now neatly stacked books. Oh, if only her hair weren't like this! This would have been such an opportunity to talk to Elspeth, but looking like this -- she just couldn't! Her mind ran through all of the same silly protests that Carrie had made that morning and none of the rational assurances she herself had replied with. Instead, she just stood there holding the books, wishing the earth would swallow her up. Elspeth stared at her for a moment. Then evidently she regained her manners -- *she* knew it wasn't polite to stare, even if everyone else in school thought that this hair dye fiasco had temporarily suspended that basic rule of etiquette -- lowered her eyes, and took the books. Veronica went on her way without another word, now every bit as miserable as Carrie had been that morning and as Jinjur was when her nightdress was ruined. Coloring her hair had been her duty as a prefect, as she saw it, but for once, the burden was too heavy to bear. 62 From: Date: Wed Sep 8, 1954 2:41pm Subject: Questions and answers Ariadne has asked some questions, the answers to which may be of general interest. I am therefore placing them on the noticeboard. * * * I am a bit confused about the sleeping arrangements at Avendale school. I have put girls into rooms with only one roommate, but others talk about what sounds like common sleeping rooms, literally, dormitories, with the beds separated by curtains, much like an open hospital ward, where the curtains are set into runners in the ceiling. In Culverian boarding schools, no such "open dormitories" exist; girls are two, three and sometimes four to a room, each with her own little desk and dresser, and a single bookshelf over the desk. Rarely, a girl will have a "single" room. Do you suppose you could clarify the sleeping arrangements, and, while you are at it, the bathroom arrangements? Are the baths (or showers) separate, or along one wall of a common bathroom with a number of wash basins on the opposite wall? Also, do all the girl have their meals at one sitting? What is the name of the refectory? There is bound to be action in the dining-hall sooner or later. * * * The junior and middle school girls sleep in open dormitories; senior girls usually have shared rooms with one or two other girls. Prefects sometimes have their own rooms. There may be some exceptions to these arrangements, but they are the most usual. There are several bathrooms to a dorm (or dormitory corridor for older girls). Girls bath in privacy but are expected to be quick if they bath at crowded times (in the morning or just before bed). They may take more leisurely baths in their own free time. When no one is bathing it is not uncommon for two or more girls to crowd round a washbasin. The refectory is a large dining hall which can seat the whole school at once. There is High Table for mistresses to which senior girls may sometimes be invited (each prefect is invited to High Table at least once per term). When not dining at High Table, prefects usually preside over tables of other girls, however this is their choice Prefects may sometimes prefer to sit together. Providing order is kept, prefects may ordain their seating arrangements as they wish. Dorothea Maitland 63 From: Kadorienne Date: Wed Sep 8, 1999 5:00pm Subject: Blonde Brunettes & Brunette Blondes Naturally, the fair-haired brunettes and dark-haired blondes were teased. Brunettes made displays of exaggerated chivalry to Carrie and the other blonde brunettes, such as carrying their books with avowals that "a delicate little blonde like you couldn't possibly lift this all by herself." The roommates of the brown-haired blondes, Veronica heard, made a great show of not changing or even adjusting their stockings in front of them. Most of the victims tried to take the teasing cheerfully. That afternoon in the courtyard, Carrie and a temporarily dark blonde -- with the currently ironic name of Tawny -- had overcome their discomfiture sufficiently to enter into the game with spirit, to everyone's amusement. It was peculiar to see them together, the yellow hair with the grey pleated skirt, the brown with the maroon gymslip. Tawny, normally not a bold blonde, acted the part of a courting brunette. She yawned and stretched theatrically, the let one arm rest around Carrie's shoulders, like an importunate brunette in a movie. Tawny followed up with all sorts of suggestions, including "What's a nice girl like you doing in a place like this?" (that one got some hoots) and an invitation to see her etchings, while Carrie minced and simpered in a parody of blonde flirting. Carrie put everyone in stitches when she declared, "I'm not that kind of blonde!" Jinjur was nowhere to be seen. Apparently she had confined herself to her room to nurse her misery in private, and work on her lines, no doubt. Poor Jinjur. Maybe this would teach her a lesson. Elspeth was sitting with a couple of other blondes her age. Veronica was careful not to glance in her direction, thinking of that morning. A golden opportunity, wasted by her golden hair! After dinner, Veronica knocked on the door of the headmistress' study. Receiving permission to enter, she did and stood before Miss Maitland's desk, politely waiting till she was acknowledged. Miss Maitland examined Veronica's yellow hair with a little frown. "Perhaps I was too easy on Jinjur. I didn't realize she had played her trick on a prefect." "Oh, she didn't, miss," Veronica said quickly. "It's just that some of the girls whose hair got colored were hiding in their rooms, and couldn't face going to classes. I thought that if a prefect went to school with colored hair, it would set a good example. So I colored my hair too." Miss Maitland shook her head slightly. "Really, Veronica, that was going beyond the call of duty." "If you say so, miss." "Now, what are you here for, Veronica?" "Well, miss, I promised some of the 'blonde brunettes' that I'd see if they could have some of Jinjur's brown hair dye to get back to their proper hair color. And perhaps the 'brunette blondes' could do the same. They're very upset about their hair, as I'm sure you can imagine, miss." Miss Maitland leaned back in her chair and considered.... 64 From: Date: Wed Sep 8, 1999 1:46pm Subject: Carrie Discovers the Culprit Veronica's noble gesture gave Carrie the courage to face the school. It wasn't easy, even so. As she made her way to the 'fec for breakfast, a long, low wolf-whistle sounded behind her. She was about to round on the perpetrator, but she thought of Veronica and walked on in dignified silence; though her face turned crimson as she realised that is *exactly* what a well-bred blonde does when she is whistled at in the street. The picture of herself as a comely little blonde with her head in the air, pretending not to hear whistles made her go hot and cold all over. She approached the dining table which contained most of the middle school brunettes. Every brunette rose to her feet as if she had been a blonde and they had been very good and punctilious brunettes - which most of them weren't. Julia, she noticed remained seated and gave her a nice smile. At this moment Veronica came over to the table. "What are y'all standing for?" she asked. No one answered. They looked at the "blonde" Veronica in shocked surprise. "If y'all want to laugh at some one, maybe you'd care to laugh at me." No one did care to. Most of all, Carrie feared the rough humour of Joan and Suzanne. However that fear was dissipated when the two arrived at table. Joan was even "blonder" than Carrie. Her impatience outside the bathroom this morning had been due to the fact that she wanted to wash her hair, and this she did immediately Veronica took Carrie out of the room, before the shampoo story had become known. "If I ever find out who did this," said Carrie, "I'll make her sorry." "But don't you know?" said one of the girls, "It's all come out. It was Jinjur." Jinjur! Carrie didn't know what to think. She was furious at the perpetrator of this crime - but somehow she couldn't be furious at Jinjur. And yet also she was. What was happening to her. She looked across to the next table at Jinjur, now a dark "brunette", who had been listening to the conversation. Jinjur looked back at her, then they both turned away. "Jinjur!" thought Carrie, "what are you doing to me. I don't even know what I think any more." At morning break Jinjur sought Carrie out and knelt before her in the most melodramatic manner. "Carrie! Can you ever forgive me?" "I don't know what to say. This has been such a strange day for me." "You'll punish me, of course." "I can't do that. It isn't allowed." "But you must. It is the only way I can ever feel better about this. Even if you don't forgive me, you must punish me." "But how . . ." "Come with me." Jinjur took her to the store room in which Suzanne had spanked her the day before. She pushed Carrie onto a box and threw herself over her knee. "There. Spank me." Carrie started to slap Jinjur rather half-heartedly over her skirt. "I think you'd better lift my skirt," said jinjur. Carrie spanked her over her petticoat. "You'd better lift my petticoat too. This is a serious punishment. As if mesmerised carrie lifted the light garment, exposing Jinjur's stocking-tops, her white thighs and maroon knickers. "Now spank me *hard*." Carrie's heart pounded within her till she was sure Jinjur must be able to hear it too. She slapped the blonde with full force again and again. Jinjur moaned gently. Suddenly Carrie stopped. She was getting carried away. She had gone too far. But Jinjur reached into her gymslip bodice and pulled out a heavy hairbrush that she had taken from her bedside for this very purpose. "Use this," she said. "You must *hurt* me." Carrie felt sweet saliva on her tongue. She hit the girl with the wooden implement hard across her white knickers. Jinjur gasped. That *really* hurt. "Go on," she said. Carrie gave Jinjur the soundest spanking she had received for a long time, whether she was angry or impelled by some other, emotion she could hardly tell. She was dizzy with a curious cocktail of passions. Jinjur, anxious not to make to much noise, gasped and whimpered. After a time she noticed that the area just below Jinjur's knickers was a deeper red than her knickers. She dreaded to think what her bottom must be like. "Stand up," said Carrie, rather awkwardly. "Jinjur stood. There were actual tears in her eyes. I am sorry. Did I hurt you terribly?" "Terribly," said Jinjur, "especially on top of the strapping Miss Maitland has just given me." "Miss Maitland strapped you! You should have told me that!" "Oh, no. I did not want to inhibit you from administering my just punishment," said Jinjur demurely. "Do you forgive me now?" The "scent" of whipped blonde was heavy in Carrie's head. "Of course I forgive you. Do you forgive me. I've been a brute." "A brute - oh, no, you were *wonderful*. If I had you to look after me I am sure I should always be good." She looked at the toes of her t-bar shoes and then looked up little girlishly at Carrie. "Won't you kiss me to show you forgive me?" Carrie took Jinjur by the shoulders. She had meant to kiss her cheek, but Jinjur turned her head so that she found herself kissing her lips, and once she begun, she did so violently, deeply, hungrily. She had never kissed a blonde like that before. Suddenly she pulled away. Jinjur felt a little annoyed, but then had an inspiration. "*Really*, Carrie," she said, "I - I don't know what to say!" "I'm so sorry," said Carrie, blushing furiously. "I don't know what came over me." Jinjur cast her eyes down and smiled shyly. The bell rang the end of break. "Such perfect timing," thought Jinjur. 65 From: Kadorienne Date: Thu Sep 9, 1999 1:09am Subject: Veronica speaks to Annalinde Veronica went to Annalinde's room in the afternoon; brunettes weren't supposed to be in the blonde dormitory after dinner. Except in special circumstances, such as a blackout. She knocked and was at once told to enter. Annalinde was sitting at her desk doing homework, but she rose when she saw Veronica. A blonde Veronica was if anything even more daunting than a raven-haired one. The yellow hair seemed to accent the brunette authority in her whole manner. For a few seconds Annalinde felt as if Veronica had arrived to discipline her, though she had done nothing even remotely wrong since sitting improperly before anyone was at school. "Annalinde, I'd like to talk to you about Jinjur." "Jinjur? Hasn't she been dealt with?" "For the hair dye incident, yes." Veronica smiled wrily, brushing a stray lock back from her face. "But the fact is, I'm concerned about her in general." "Do sit down, Veronica." They both took seats. "Why are you worried over Jinjur?" "Because I think she's turning into a fast blonde." Annalinde's eyes widened at the serious charge. "What makes you think so?" "Oh, a lot of little things. Don't you think she was the one who was pinching everyone during the blackout?" Annalinde turned slightly pink at that, and it suddenly occurred to Veronica that she might have been one of the girls pinched. Embarrassed, Veronica added, "And her uniform was so rumpled when the lights came on. And the next day, she was sitting with her -- well, with her stocking top showing. I spanked her for it, but the very next day I noticed her sitting in the Refectory with far too much leg showing." Veronica hesitated; she just couldn't voice her dreadful thought, that Jinjur might actually be being so immodest... on purpose. No, a brunette simply couldn't think anything so dishonorable about a blonde. Annalinde asked, "So you think she's being that bad, and all you've given her is one spanking?" Annalinde knew perfectly well that Veronica spanked blondes as if they were eggshells she didn't want to chip. Well, usually, at least. "I don't have any proof of anything. I might even be jumping to conclusions -- I certainly hope so. But I wanted to tell you about it, because I want you to help me with her." "How?" "I'd appreciate it if you'd give her a blonde-to-blonde talk about, well, about drawing the line with brunettes and such." Veronica's normally confident manner was just a shade off at discussing such things with a blonde, even a prefect. Annalinde kept her demeanour matter-of-fact, as became her office, but the truth was, she was embarrassed too. "A brunette couldn't really talk to a blonde about such things, you know." Veronica gave a lopsided smile and lifted a lock of her buttercup hair between two fingers. "Though I might be able to do it this week, I suppose." "Oh, Veronica! I can't believe this whole thing. Some of the girls have been saying your shampoo wasn't tampered with, that you colored it on purpose." "I did." "You dyed your hair blonde on purpose?" Annalinde stared open-mouthed. "Why on earth?" "Because of a couple of yellow-haired brunettes who were too mortified to leave their rooms for class. I knew every girl whose hair was colored would be embarrassed, so I did this to make it easier for them." "I can't believe it. You did this to yourself to make Jinjur's victims feel better?" Veronica shifted uncomfortably. She had been thanked profusely by several girls with colored hair already. It was very gratifying, of course, but she'd gotten enough compliments by now that she felt they were all making more of it than it deserved. She'd only been doing what was clearly right, after all. "I just wanted to show them it wasn't as difficult as they felt it was," Veronica said at last. "Can you talk to Jinjur? Or at least keep an eye on her? She's always been naughty, but she's getting older. And just now would probably be an excellent time to talk some sense into her. She's not so bouncy as usual, since her lovely nightdress got ruined." Annalinde had actually expected to tan Jinjur's derriere several times in the coming year, so she was ready to believe Veronica's suspicions. "Of course I shall. The very first chance I get." "Thank you! And by the way, you were a real brick during the blackout. If *all* the blondes had been hysterical, there'd have been no getting them rounded up." "Not all blondes are the hysterical type," Annalinde retorted. "True." Elspeth obviously wasn't. That was one of the things Veronica liked about her. You could tell she wouldn't lose her head and start shrieking over any little thing. Not that Veronica criticized blondes for that, that's why Dea had made brunettes to look after them, but serene-natured blondes made Veronica want to explore their lovely mysteries as well as protect them.... "Did you want to talk about anything else?" Annalinde asked. Veronica woke as if from a dream. "Hm? Oh, no. I won't take up anymore of your time." She rose and headed for the door. "You're welcome anytime, Veronica. Before dinner, that is," Annalinde added with a smile. "As long as you're here, keep Joan and Suzanne away from my charges." "I'll turn those two into gentilmaids if I have to wear out my strap on them," Veronica promised. Annalinde held open the door for Veronica, and hailed the first junior passing. "Go find me Jinjur Quinbury," she ordered.... 66 From: Date: Thu Sep 9, 1999 2:42am Subject: To Jinjur Ah, Jinjur. Do sit down. Don't worry, I am not going to punish you. You haven't done anything since the shampoo incident have you? [Jinjur shakes her head slightly uncertainly - after all, it was Carrie who *did* everything in the store room] Anyway, I am not concerned about that. I wanted to have a talk with you - a serious talk. I know you know what a "serious talk" with a prefect usually means, but this is - well - more *serious* than that. [why on earth had she allowed Veronica to talk her into this. Of course it really was a blonde's place to do this sort of thing so one couldn't refuse - but even so, Veronica might have managed better] The thing is, Jinjur - well - you aren't a little girl any more. I mean, you are practically the same age as me, though no one would know it from the way you behave - but then again, they *would* know it from the way they look. I hardly have to tell you that as blondes get older certain changes take place. They become - well, they aren't little girls any more. [Annalinde was blushing. Jinjur wondered if she was about to tell her about the Birds and the Bees] What I am trying to say is this, Jinjur. At our age blondes must be careful about such things as - well - the way they sit for example. Yes, Jinjur. I know I did, but there was no one about. Besides that was between me and Veronica. Walls have ears in this place. But anyway, you won't see me sitting immodestly in the common room in front of brunettes. Don't look so shocked Jinjur. Yes, I am afraid you have. I am sure you are quite unaware of it, but just the same - I must be frank, Jinjur. It has been feared in certain quarters that you might be becoming a fast blonde. There, don't look so worried. I am quite sure it isn't true. But a blondes *reputation* is as important as her *conduct* - well, almost as important. You must not only *be* a virtuous blonde, but be *seen* to be a virtuous blonde. Do you understand me? Good. Now don't worry. No real harm has done yet. I should just like you to go away and think about this, and be a little more conscious about - about not giving the wrong impression. Oh, and I hear you are not seeing so much of Suzanne lately. I do think that is wise. Cultivate some other friendships. Carrie is a nice girl, for example, and Elena and Katie and Caroline. Of course I am not telling you whom to be friends with. But a blonde *is* known by the company she keeps, you know. I think that is everything. Do you want to ask any questions? Look I've got a sherbert lemon here, would you like one? [Annalinde gives Jinjur the sweet from the small jar on her desk which she keeps mainly for consoling much younger blondes who come to her with troubles] All right. Dismissed now. Do come and see me if you need any help or advice. [As the door closes behinf Jinjur, Annalinde breathes a long sigh of relief. "I do *hope* I did that right."] 67 From: Elspeth Elsvetta Date: Thu Sep 9, 1999 1:29pm Subject: Elspeth tells a Fib Dear Elena, How nice it is to be friends! No, I don't think you a bit of a baby for feeling homesick. I feel homesick myself sometimes, and I am not thousands of miles from my home. Don't worry that you don't know menu people yet. It takes a while for us "bunnies" to get to know people: though Ariadne seems to know half the school already - the brunette half. But listen, here is a thing I cannot tell any one else. I feel so dreadful about it, but I do not want any one to hear *anything* about Veronica and I, because it will just start them talking again, and they do seem to have forgotten all that thing now. So this is a secret just between you and I, all right? Well, yesterday I saw Veronica in the corridor. I knew she had gone "blonde" because of Jinjur's silly trick, and I heard how upset Carrie and some of the others had been and how Veronica had "blonded" her own hair just to help them and make them feel better, and, you know, I wanted to tell Veronica what a wonderful thing I thought she had done. I don't see Veronica all that often, so I wondered if I should get a chance to tell her before it was too old to mention. And then I saw her, just like that. So what did I do? Did I say "Oh, Veronica, I just wanted to tell you how marvellous I think you are to make your hair blonde just to help the other girls?" No I didn't. I was just the silliest blonde *ever*. I was so excited at seeing her, and at the same time so startled at seeing her all blonde - I mean, even though I knew she would be, it made her look so *different* - so wonderfully brunette and yet sort of blonde at the same time - that I just let out a little cry and dropped all my books. Like the perfect brunette she is, she just picked up my books for me as graciously as ever. I mean, she must have thought me so *rude*, staring and yelping and dropping my books. Instead of telling her how I really felt, I just looked like the rudest, stupidest, most unmannerly blonde in the whole school. I wanted to say something to mend the impression, but I just couldn't think of a *thing*. I just looked at the floor and wished it would swallow me. As soon as she was out of sight, I ran back to my room and cried. Of course my room is also Ariadne's room and she came in while I was lying on my bed crying and asked me why. Well, I just *couldn't* tell her, because if she knew I was crying over anything remotely connected with Veronica - well, goodness knows what story she would spin out of that. I really don't want that story revived again, because it is the *utterest* nonsense. So I said - it was foolish, but it was the only thing I could think of - that Miss Poindexter had whipped me, which of course she hasn't, so I hope Ariadne doesn't tell every one that, because some one will know it isn't true, and then they will all think me the *oddest* girl. And they will know I am a fibber too - and I really am not. I mean, I suppose I am now, but I won't be again. But perhaps it is right to fib to protect a brunette's honour, because Ariadne said I said Veronica was puppy-like, and I shouldn't want *anyone* to think that about Veronica, and I should *hate* Veronica to think I thought it. But even if they do think I am odd, we must just let them. Our secret is our secret, isn't it, dearest Elena? With love, Elspeth 68 From: Date: Thu Sep 9, 1954 5:45pm Subject: On the re-dying of hair Dear Veronica, I have considered your request that girls be allowed to use the opposite-tainted shampoos to return their hair to its natural colour. There is no objection in principle to this, but re-dying can cause unexpected results. Each girl must first test a strand of her hair with the dye. If it returns to its natural colour (or at least to a colour more appropriate to her sex) she may then dye all her hair. If, however the result is unsatisfactory she may not - and I am sure will not wish to - proceed. We do not want any green-haired girls adding to the confusion, do we? I wish all girls who try the experiment the best of luck. Dorothea maitland 69 From: Date: Thu Sep 9, 1999 10:58pm Subject: A Peek Into Another World That afternoon, a very proper young blonde could be seen leaving the Avendale school grounds. Her maroon uniform was not perfectly neat, but quite passably so. Her hair was a delicate lemon yellow. But the blonde's name was Joan, and until this day she had been a chestnut-haired brunette, and the maroon uniform had been "borrowed" from the blonde dormitory. The headmistress had announced that the girls could use Jinjur's unrequested bounty to dye their hair back to their proper colors. Most of the girls had run to the washrooms as soon as classes were over to test the color on their hair, but Joan had something she wanted to do first. She had thought of it the minute Jinjur had told her about her brainstorm, and it was why she had been so careful to make sure she got her hair colored too. But she hadn't told Jinjur about this little part of her plan. Joan went straight to the Gilded Lily, a fair-sized dress shop in Avenbridge. She had only been there once before, nearly a year ago, so she was confident she wouldn't be recognized. She went inside, her heart pounding, her exterior demure. The store was tolerably busy. "Can I help you with anything, miss?" one of the attendants asked. The words were the same as always. Joan felt relieved; she had half expected the girl to say, "You're a brunette, why is your hair yellow?" "I'd like to try on a few frocks," she said, trying to sound meek and blonde-like. "Formal wear, miss?" "Um, no. Something casual I can wear on holiday." The girl showed her a few dresses and Joan took a few at random. "Where is the… the blondes' dressing room?" she asked. The girl led the way, and Joan felt as if she were walking through molasses as she followed, her face burning, her whole body ready to bolt if she were found out. The dressing room door closed behind her, and Joan stopped, unable to move. The room was occupied by half a dozen blondes. Two of them were fully dressed, wearing dresses with price tags attached, turning this way and that in front of the mirror. Others were wriggling dresses on or off over their petticoats. One had evidently finished trying things on for today; she was making her own dress neat, and she put one foot on a stool and hiked up her skirt to address her stocking with no attempt to conceal her thighs or stocking tops. Joan watched entranced until the blonde was finally satisfied with the position of her stockings, gathered up the dresses she had chosen, and swept out. Joan was trying to get her bearings after that when a very pretty blonde in her thirties wearing a black slip came over to her. "Do you need some help unfastening, dear?" "Oh, no!" Joan blurted, her mind boggling at the thought of how she might react to *that*. Then, remembering her manners, she hastily added, "I mean, no thank you, miss. I didn't mean to speak like that." The blonde put a friendly arm around her shoulders. Joan was a little shorter than her, so when she turned her head, she could see just the edge of the blonde's brassiere, also black, unconcealed by the slip. Joan's head began to swim. "I didn't mean to startle you, dear. It must be difficult, shopping by yourself, without your mothers to help you." "Um, yes." Joan could scarcely believe it. When she was a brunette -- that is, when she looked like it -- no one coddled her this way. A brunette was expected to stand on her own two feet. Now, suddenly, every blonde in the room was trying to be her big sister. All the blondes told her their names and asked after her schoolwork and offered to help her pick a dress. When she shrank from their attempts to help her out of her uniform, they decided she was modest and tactfully turned away as she took off her gymslip and blouse and pulled on one of the dresses she had chosen. But as soon as she was decently covered, the blondes were flocking around her again, making little tugs at the dress to adjust it, talking about the fit. Joan's eyes were almost popping out at the blonde slips and stockings and fleeting glimpses of other things she was seeing. It was like being unleashed in a candy store. "I think you should buy this one, dear," a blonde who was probably scarcely out of school herself advised. "It'll drive the brunettes wild!" All the blondes startled giggling, and Joan's blush made them giggle even harder. "But the green one goes the best with your lovely fair hair," another blonde said. Joan tried on every dress in a kind of daze. She never had any idea what any of the dresses looked like on her, for the rest of her days. Her eyes were filled by the roomful of blondes running around in their underthings as if it were the most natural thing in the world. Fortunately for her, she was almost finished with putting her uniform back on when a new blonde, very young and striking, ran into the dressing room. Joan had been dawdling, trying to prolong her time in this sanctuary as long as possible, chatting with the 30-year-old blonde about what a good school Avendale was and how well-behaved its pupils, when the new arrival burst onto the scene. "Excuse me, girls," the new blonde cried gaily as she pulled off her dress. "I simply must try this dress on, but it's rather short, so I'll have to take off my petticoat to see how it'll look." With that, she grasped her slip and started to tug. "It's been very nice meeting all of you," Joan gulped, and almost ran out of the room and the store, leaving all the dresses strewn about, her gloves clutched in one hand instead of properly on her hands. The new blonde stared in astonisment. The oldest blonde present chuckled indulgently. "Oh, you didn't do anything. That young thing was just the most modest creature you ever met. Well-mannered, but rather shy." Joan walked back to school with visions of petticoated blondes dancing in her head. That dressing room was the most amazing thing she had ever seen. Now all that remained was to get the maroon gymslip back where it belonged. She had slipped into the blondes' dormitory and thought she was home free when she heard a voice behind her. "Would you turn around, please." It was not a request. Joan groaned inwardly. A tone like that could only belong to a prefect. Slowly she turned. "Hello, Miss Annalinde," she sighed…. 70 From: Date: Fri Sep 10, 1999 3:03am Subject: Blonde Justice It always takes a little time to recognise a brunette with blonde hair. Even though one has seen her before , the disruption of one's most fundamental perceptions is such that at least a moment of adjustment is necessary before recognition takes place. It was this, no doubt that caused Elspeth to be startled by Veronica, despite her knowing what to expect, and it was this that emboldened Joan to walk through the school in the uniform of a blonde. She had already realised that provided she kept moving reasonably quickly and avoided any one looking too directly at her face, the chances of her being recognised were really much smaller than one might have thought. No doubt she would have attracted no attention at all had it not been for the incident in the blonde dressing room. Joan was a past mistress at looking as if nothing was going on when she was up to the most dreadful pranks, but the events in the dress shop had impressed her so deeply that she had the distinct atmosphere of a girl who had Done Something and is not quite herself as a result. Annalinde noticed this as Joan passed her, walking purposefully - but certainly not running - toward the blonde dormitory. Even then she did not doubt at all that she was watching a blonde - but the blonde dormitory was her responsibility, and any goings-on there were something she had to watch out for. Therefore she followed the preoccupied "blonde" into the dormitory, becoming more and more suspicious as she did so. The more she watched this "blonde" from behind, the more she became convinced there was something more curious about her than she had at first suspected. Just as the "blonde" entered the dormitory, Miss Poindexter hailed Annalinde. "Oh, Annalinde, dear, could you tell the third form blondes the title of the essay they are to do for me this week? I told the form they had to do one, but I quite forgot to give them the title. One of the other prefects is telling the brunettes for me." Miss Poindexter looked very distracted and such an omission seemed unlike her, though she was a new mistress and Annalinde did not know her well. "Of course," said Annalinde, taking down the title; all the while keeping a close eye on the door of the blonde dormitory. Then she entered and saw the "blonde" she had been following. She was starting to unbutton the shoulders of her gymslip - a very curious thing to do at this time of day. "Would you turn around please," said Annalinde. "Hello, Miss Annalinde," sighed the blonde. "Why - Joan. It is you, isn't it?" "Yes, Miss Annalinde," said Joan. There was no point trying to pretend it wasn't. "What in the *world* are you doing in that uniform?" "Getting out of it," said Joan, and immediately wished she hadn't. Annalinde was in no mood for repartee. To find joan in the blonde dormitory was not quite as unusual as it should have been. To see her in a blonde uniform was frankly astonishing. The other "blonde" brunettes would not bee seen dead in such a uniform, and she doubted whether Joan was an exception. Something was going on. "I think you had better explain yourself and quickly," said Annalinde. "Well . . ." said Joan, thinking fast. She was blushing, and she realised she might use this to her advantage. "You see it feels so *funny* having blonde hair, I just had this irresistible urge to see what it felt wearing a blonde uniform. I know it sounds silly, but I suppose all this hair-business has given me a *complex*." "Complex, indeed," sniffed Annalinde. "So I just sneaked in here and put on this blonde uniform and I was just taking it off again when you came in. I just wanted to see what it was *like." Annalinde knew this was a fib. She had followed Joan here and knew she was wearing the blonde uniform all along. She was about to say so when she had a better idea. "Very well. Since you are so interested in blonde uniforms you can do up the shoulder-buttons and keep that one on for the rest of the day." "Oh, Annalinde, *please*. You can't make me do that. Cane me instead. Please cane me." "How sweet," said Annalinde. "That is the first time you have asked me to cane you.. How can I possibly refuse? Let us make a compromise. I shall cane you - see me in my study before dinner today - and you will keep the gymslip on for your next lesson; then you may take it off." "Ohhh Annalinde," said Joan. "Yes Joan?" "Nothing," argument was useless at this point. Joan went off to the dreadful ordeal of her lesson. There was only one good point in all this. A brunette prefect would probably have noticed that Joan entered the blonde dorm with a parcel, but no longer seemed to have it. Annalinde had allowed her mind to be distracted from that detail. Joan could retrieve the dress later and her plan could still go ahead. 71 From: Date: Fri Sep 10, 1954 1:07pm Subject: IRC test Girls, We will be having a test on Sunday evening at 7pm B.S.T (GMT + 1hour), to check that everyone has IRC working. We will log on to undernet server, and to channel #Avendale. It will not be a formal lesson, just a meeting so that some characters can meet each other and we can see who has trouble with IRC. If anyone *cannot* attend please let me know before the end of Saturday, so that I have a list of who I am expecting. I hope to see you all there, Delores Maybridge (Technical Mistress) 78 From: Date: Fri Sep 10, 1999 2:25pm Subject: To Katie from the Whirlwind Bunny Hello Katie, I heard about your audition. Magna congratters - how utterly topping. I'm sorry I missed it. I'd like to hear you play. And doesn't it just show that you don't need to be an older girl to be good at things? I'm rushing around trying to meet people. It's so confusing here, isn't it? I saw you with Elena. What is she like? I hear she's got a title. Actually I should succeed to one when I'm older - though actually I shan't be sorry if I never do because it will mean my brunette mother has died. My brunette mother is just topping and lots of fun - hardly like a grown up at all. She often whizzes us all off on treats and adventures, and Blonde Mummie says "Really, darling, do you think we should?" and she just says "Yes, yes, you only live once." Though I don't know if you do. I think that's just a turn of phrase. Sorry to chatter on. I always do. Have you met Jinjur? She's lots of fun for a blonde - oh gosh, I didn't mean - well, you know. I mean, I like blondes a lot. In fact I like blondes more than I ever did just now. Sometimes I feel as if I'm growing up. Wouldn't that be dreadful? Or would it? Oh, I bet I don't make a bit of sense. I feel as if I'm chasing my own tail. Carrie Binks 79 From: Date: Fri Sep 10, 1999 3:18pm Subject: Hello Sabrina! Hello Sabrina! My name is Carrie Binks and I am a brunette and 14, so I am just the same as you. This school is full of blondes at the moment. I don't know why. Perhaps all the brunettes are going to Selastine. If they are they are mad, because Avendale is the best school in the Empire by miles. Anyway let me tell you a few things. Don't be upset if people call you a bunny. It just means a new girl, and they even say it to brunettes, which is a bit of a swindle, but it's Tradition so we mustn't mind it. There are lots of nice girls here. Veronica and Annalinde are prefects and they're both pretty strict, so behave when they are about. Veronica spanks very hard. I don't know about Annalinde because she hasn't spanked me yet. What *are* you staring at? Oh, gosh, my hair. Of course you don't know. A blonde called Jinjur put blonde dye in some of the brunettes' shampoo and *vice versa* so I am a blonde brunette at the moment, though if my strand test works I will be able to dye it back. No, don't call Jinjur an idiot. One must be chivalrous about blondes. Especially Jinjur - I mean, all blondes of course. Anyway, Jinjur looks brunette just now because the Headmistress made her take a dose of her own medicine. I hope you aren't too confused, but don't worry if you are. I have only been here a few days and I was dreadfully confused when I started. Things do get clearer as one goes along. Anyway, if you need any help, just ask me. It will be nice to have a brunette chum of my own age. Oh, by the way, do tell the girls what your second name is or a prefect or some one will be down on you. Pippity-pip Carrie 80 From: thorny Date: Fri Sep 10, 1999 7:37pm Subject: To Carrie Thank you very much for your kind hello. My full name is Sabrina McCloud. I am very happy to be here. And I am very excited to have all ready meet someone whom is so willing to help a bunny such as myself. How long will it be before you know if you can get your brunette hair color back? If you need some help I will be very glad to help you. I would never call someone an idiot. Well I certainly wouldn't do it on purpose. Where do were sign up for classes at? Do you have suggestions on what I should take? Or will the head Mistress deiced all that for me? I hope that you and I will become very good friends. Cheerio, Sabrina 81 From: Date: Fri Sep 10, 1999 8:20pm Subject: A Letter From Elena to Her Mummies Dearest Mummies, Oceans of Love and Millions of kisses to you both, as well as to my Dear Elder Sister, Elara! Words cannot begin to describe how much I miss you all. Even though Avendale is a beautiful place, and even though all of the girls here are very kind and friendly, and even though the mistresses are very comforting and motherly, there is no place like home. It is just the beginning of the school year, so the pupils here are just settling in. I understand that things were very exciting a night or two before my arrival: one of the girls chanced to drop a Quirrie-style electric hair dryer into a sink full of water, and all the lights went out! All of them! Even the clock tower was affected! (Did you know they have a clock tower here that is very similar to the one in our very own city?) Just a day or two ago, another girl doctored the shampoo with hair dye – yellow for the brunettes, and brown for the blondes. We would have never discovered her prank (until it was too late, that is), save for the fact that she spilt ink upon a prized Arcadian silk night dress of hers, and Ariadne, a Senior blonde, grabbed a bottle of the doctored shampoo to remove the ink! When the culprit saw the spreading stain, the poor girl fainted! Miss Maitland, the Headmistress, punished her of course, but is also trying to see if the resulting stain can be removed. She is severe, but also very kind. Fortunately, I understand the dye is not permanent. What a shock that must have been for the poor girls who failed to notice the colour of the shampoo before applying it to their tresses. I was very lucky to not have wound up an inadvertent brunette! One of the brunette prefects deliberately dyed her hair yellow to help the junior brunettes thus afflicted feel better. What a brave thing to do!! Her name is Veronica Bellemont, and she is very dashing, – even with yellow hair! She is beautiful, too. Some of the other brunettes, I hear, tease her dreadfully, but I think it was a sweet and courageous thing for her to do. Oh, I suppose I am too soft-hearted, but I did feel dreadfully sorry for the girl (her name is Jinjur Quinbury), and so I crept out of bed to kiss her cheek and say a little prayer over her. I will confess to a prefect, of course, for I know I should not have been out of bed after the lights were out, but I felt it laid upon my heart to do as I did. I have met two new friends, thus far: Elspeth Elsvetta, who is blonde and all of fifteen! I feel honoured by her company – she is so much older than I! And then, there is Katie Webster, who is blonde, and just my age! Oh, Mummies, you should hear Katie play the piano! She plays like an angel. I shall have to practice very hard, I see. I am certain she will be famous someday. Please send my love to Elara, whom I miss as much as I miss you both. Thank you for sending me to Avenbury. I am ever so glad to be here. I know I will learn a lot. I promise to make you proud of me. Your Obedient Daughter, Elena Dierrian 82 From: Date: Fri Sep 10, 1999 8:22pm Subject: Elena Confesses A note, left for Miss Annalinde Chelverton Friday, September 10, 1954 Miss Annalinde, May I request a few moments of your time, at your convenience? My name is Elena Dierrian, and I am a “bunny,” not here more than three days. The reason I wish to speak with you is that I need to confess disobedience. I will explain; do you remember the other night, when Jinjur Quinbury spilt the ink upon her Arcadian silk nightdress, only to have the very shampoo she adulterated with hair dye used in an attempt to remove the spot? Of course you do – I am certain we will all not forget that night for some time to come. She must have cried for hours and hours. I found that I could not sleep, so after lights out, I went to her bed, kissed her cheek and said a little prayer over her. Oh, I know it was naughty of me to get out of bed like that, but I felt I simply could not sleep until I had done as I did. I know Jinjur was very naughty and was punished as she deserved, of course, but she seemed so unhappy, I wanted to comfort her as best I could. Oh, Miss Annalinde, I have made my full confession, and I sincerely hope you or anyone else will not think too ill of me! I am so sorry for being disobedient. Sincerely, Elena Dierrian 84 From: Date: Fri Sep 10, 1999 8:38pm Subject: Elena's Reply to Elspeth Elvetta Dearest Elspeth, I am delighted to hear that you do not think me a baby. I feel honoured by your friendship – you are fifteen, and I am twelve… Some days, I want to hurry up and be a grown lady all at once. Then some days, I just want to keep on being a little girl, forever and ever. And some days, I want to both at once! How confusing that must seem to you, but it is how I feel. As for our secret, I swear to you by the Sacred Circle of Sithia and the Jewelled Crown of Illira that I will speak to no one of what you choose to confide in me. (You cannot see me, for we are writing notes to one another, but I have raised my right hand in front of my face, at about the level of my nose, and I am curtseying to you. This is a salute that my brunette Mummy’s people make when they are taking an oath. It is to honour the Angel of Truth and the Angel of Honour and is a sign that she who takes any oath will not be forsworn. My brunette Mummy is Marshalle of Sithia and their people take oaths and honour very, very seriously. Oh – did you know that my Mummies are from two separate nations?) I do not think you are silly, darling. Sometimes it is too hard to speak of such things. You will still have a chance to tell Veronica how you feel. If you feel earnestly, your heart will speak to her when it is the right time. That is what my blonde Mummy always says. I will keep your secret always, even until the day I die. With love, Elena 87 From: School Girl Date: Sat Sep 11, 1999 2:57am Subject: Re: [Fwd: Sabrina's Arrivale] I watch from the first floor window Sabrina's arrival. I quickly may to the front to welcome the new girl. "Hello May name is Katie Webster, I am 12 years, can I help show you to Miss Maybridge's study" "Thank you" said the girl's blonde mother "This is Sabrina our little girl," said the other mother. "Oh, Mother, I am 14 thank you" said the brunette. We shook hands like proper young ladies do. We all made our way through the school I knocked on the Headmistress door. 'Knock - Knock' "Come in," said Miss Maybridge. I sat down in the school secretary's chair waiting to show Sabrina to the dorm and around the rest of the school. I could not resist looking through the files of some of the pupils on the desk, well as I was the only one there it seemed a harmless fun. I read the files on Annalinde and Veronica before I movement. I watched as Miss Maybridge and mothers went off in one direction and I took Sabrina to brunette's dorm and then I showed her the school. Katie Webster. A Sweet and innocent little blonde: 88 From: School Girl Date: Sat Sep 11, 1999 3:06am Subject: Re: To Katie from the Whirlwind Bunny Dear Carrie, I will play for you at any time! Do you play? Elena is a bit strange likes to hide away, as I have not seen her recently around school. I realise you are older than I am, but everybody is in this school, but we can still be friends, can't we? Yes I have met Jinjur she is fun, then all blondes are fun. I love Miss Veronica I think she is a very nice and attractive, I think I am in love? Do you know about love can you advise me on that? Katie Webster: A sweet and innocent little blonde: 90 From: Date: Sat Sep 11, 1999 1:01am Subject: To Katie - about Love and Things Dear Katie, No, I don't mind a bit if you're younger. I think it is silly to be snobby about age. I mean, I was 12 two years ago, and I was much the same me as I am now. Yes, of course we can be friends I don't play - I'd like to, but I'm afraid I've never been patient enough. That's been my problem with a lot of things! I think Veronica is topping. I don't know a lot about love, I'm afraid. I used to have kind-of crushes on girls - usually other brunettes to be honest - I mean Veronica is just the sort of girl I should have been keen on a year or two ago. Well, I'm keen on her now, but it's not exactly a crush. But then my crushes weren't love, they were just being fearfully keen on some one and wanting to be just like her, if you see what I mean. Blondes - well, I always used to think that when blondes weren't the silly over-emotional sort they were just as good as brunettes. I mean I suppose I thought of blondes as much the same really - you know, chums. Then I suppose when one reaches a certain age, one is aware of what they call *blonde charms*. Gosh, this is embarrassing, saying this to a blonde. I just talk too mauch for my own good sometimes! Anyway, most blondes I still look on as chums - you for instance (I hope you don't mind that). Jinjur, I thought was splendid fun in the chum way but - well, she is quite a bit older than either of us, and though at first she looks kind of harum-scarum well, she certainly has charms, hasn't she? Or wouldn't you notice. Gosh, I hope you don't mind my talking like this to you. Only you asked about love and - well, I don't think I'm in love with Jinjur, or anything, but she certainly makes me feel funny in ways I haven't felt before. And when my hair went like this I was *so* upset and furious with whoever had done it, and when I found it was Jinjur - why I could hardly be annoyed with her at all. Anyway, look - this is a dark secret. I might tell Sabrina, because she is a brunette and exactly my age, but I don't want it getting about the school. But I know you aren't a *gossipy* blonde. I think you are a really decent sort. So that's about all I know about love - but I do think that if you are keen on Veronica you couldn't pick a better brunette to be keen on. Carrie From: Date: Sat Sep 11, 1954 6:39am Subject: Developments Dear school, Turning to everyday matters, I must make a few comments on the school list. First I apologise to Elena Dierrian for omitting her from the list yesterday. The fault has been rectified. Sabrina McCloud is now on the list. Welcome, Sabrina. Caroline Neville has been removed as she is unable to participate sufficiently. An important note about tomorrow's I.R.C. test - please note that this is an Avendale event, although informal. All conversation should be in character and in context. Dorothea Maitland 92 From: Date: Sat Sep 11, 1999 4:04am Subject: Two Canings to Order Annalinde gave Joan three strokes of the cane. A moderate number but she had a good technique and knew how to make them really sting. Joan neither moved nor made the smallest sound, though when she stood up her face was slightly flushed. Annalinde was always fair and usually erred on the side of leniency, but it must be confessed that she did rather enjoy caning brunettes. She admired Joan's stoicism and smiled at her kindly. Joan smiled back. The caning had hurt her, but she knew she deserved it and probably more. She never resented just punishment. "Thank you, Miss Annalinde," she said, and one felt she really meant it just as a well-behaved blonde would have meant it. She could be rough, but ultimately she believed in order and liked to see it properly maintained. "Send in Elena as you leave," said Annalinde. Joan left and Elena entered, looking very small and afraid. The caning had sounded very loud and fierce through the door and she was sure that her own offence would merit at least as severe treatment. Annalinde looked at the pretty blonde girl, who, even in her maroon uniform somehow looked so exotic and un-Western. Her offence - that of getting out of bed to kiss and pray for the sleeping Jinjur who was so troubled about her spoiled nightdress was one that most girls would not even have thought of confessing, though Annalinde knew it would go against the girl's sense of rightness if she treated the offence too lightly. "Now, Elena, you know perfectly well that you are to stay in bed after lights-out." "Yes, Miss Annalinde." "I appreciate your reasons for getting out of bed, but nevertheless you did commit an offence." "Yes, Miss Annalinde." "Now, come here." Annalinde took the little girl across her lap and spanked her. She only used her hand and not too hard over the girl's white petticoat. The spanking went on for several minutes, but never increased in intensity beyond "firm". Then she stood the girl on her feet again. She thanked Annalinde. To her surprise, though, she looked tearful. "What is the matter dear, did that hurt you a lot?" "Oh, no, Miss Annalinde." "What is the matter, then." "Please, miss Annalinde, it isn't really my place to say." "I command you to say." "Very good, Miss Annalinde. O - it is hard. I feel, Miss Annalinde - I feel that I have not been corrected sufficiently. I feel that the balance has not been set aright. I was crying, Miss Annalinde, because although I am very afraid of it, I felt that you should cane me - and then again I am crying because I am bad enough to have thoughts that contradict your decision." "Caning is reserved for quite serious offences in this school," said Annalinde. However, in view of what you have said, abd for the two offences of leaving your bed and of having contradictory thoughts, I shall give you one stroke of the cane. Please bend over the back of this chair." Elena did so quickly and with ineffable elegance. Annalinde thought it right to lift her skirt and petticoat, despite its being somewhat irregular. She took her prefect's cane and aimed carefully along the centre of Elena's maroon knickers. One stroke only, but is would be a very good one. She cut in with a beautiful stroke. Accurate and hard. As a blonde she was not as strong as the brunette prefects, but technique is all-important in caning, and Annalinde's technique was excellent. It was a stroke that would have drawn a squeal from most blondes and a gasp from most brunettes, but Elena was so still and silent that she wondered if it had hurt her. "Stand up," she said. Elena stood and Annalinde saw that her eyes were welling with tears. Not unhappy tears this time, but tears of pain, which, curiously seemed to make the girl much happier. "*Thank* you, Miss Elena," she breathed. Annalinde sat the girl on her lap. "You are a good girl," she said, "and a brave one. I think you will be a great asset to this school." "O, I only wish that were true," said Elena. "I hope you are not contradicting me." "O no, Miss Annalinde." As the girl left Annalinde mused that she had caned two girls today, and *both* of them had actually asked her to do so. She did not believe she had *ever* been asked for a caning before. 93 From: Nicola - 3rd Year Avendale Date: Sat Sep 11, 1999 11:17am Subject: arrival Dearest Murial I sit here writing this letter in my new dorm at Avendale, the journey here was very tiring and tedious. Avendale is jolly old and in places quiet creepy, my guardian tells me that lots of important brunettes went to school here. I have not really met anyone yet , I do hope there nice although from what I have heard the prefects can be awfully strict if one fails to uphold the school rules although I do not think they have Monitresses here. My new uniform is rather pretty and unlike Monica's one is allowed to wear nylons, I pity you in the winter in your Blue knee socks (bet your be glad next year when your fifteen) , the whole uniform looks very nice the maroon gymslip set off as it is with the red sash. I think lessons begin tomorrow I hope there not as awful as Monica I still shudder when I think of how beastly Miss Dacre was when I messed up my verbs and adjectives. Gosh I almost forgot to tell you my guardian has told me that subject to a good report this term she will take me to town and have me measured for a new party frock. Well old friend the tea bell has just rung so I will finish here, do please write and tell me everything I miss you so much your true friend Nikki 94 From: Date: Sat Sep 11, 1999 11:51am Subject: new pupil Hi, Im Louise, Louise Sutton, actually. Im 16, nearly 17, a tall slim blonde. Im quite shy, but Ive been know to lose my temper quickly. Ive been sent to Avendale because mother didnt think I fitted in at my last school. Im still feeling a little strange here, not knowing anyone and not knowing much about school rules. In my last school, rules were very strict indeed. There is a story that one girl was caned on her knickers, on her first day, because she cut across the grass outside the headmistresses room! I dont know if its true. I dont know if Ill get used to the uniform, especially the part about underwear. I mean, if Im well behaved, and never get into trouble, how will they find out? Looking forward to hearing from some others, especially those who have just joined. Help, Ive just thought, this will be read by the staff. Oh, well, Ive sent it now. TTFN, Louise. 95 From: Date: Sat Sep 11, 1999 11:54am Subject: Afterwards... Elena's derriere was still quite tender. For a blonde, Miss Annalinde spanked with a firm hand, and the cane... Oh, the cane! Elena was not sure whether or not she should tell Miss Annalinde that she had never been caned - not until that fateful moment when she requested it from Miss Annalinde. What possessed me to do such a thing, she wondered. She had spoken the truth to Miss Annalinde, of course. Order had not been restored. Even after the spanking, she had not felt at peace within herself. She had not felt the sweet surrender that comes with sufficient correction and so, had requested the cane. My first caning... Oh, I hope my Mummies will not be too cross with me, should they come to hear of it. (But of course, she must tell them, for to do otherwise would have been deceitful...) Caning was, of course, the Ultimate Sanction, and reserved for the worst offences. But somehow, a touch of the cane had seemed so right, Elena could not have helped but to ask Miss Annalinde, especially when so commanded. Though blonde, Miss Annalinde was several years older than Elena, and a prefect besides. Miss Annalinde, reflected a dreamily smiling Elena, was simply wonderful... She espied Katie Webster in the corridor and waved a brief salute, her eyes still moist. Katie dashed up in her usual happy-go-lucky manner and asked, "Whatever is wrong, Elena? I have nnot seen you much lately. Oh! Your eyes are wet! Have you been crying? Oh, what is the matter?" Elena managed a slight grin. "It is nothing to worry about, dear Katie. I did wrong and was fairly punished." Katie's eyes became round as saucers. "What did you do?" she asked breathlessly. By now, the girls had reached a small alcove and stepped a little out of the main corridor. "I was out of bed after lights out." "Surely that is not such a terrible thing," whispered Katie, who did not want to pry, of course, but very much wanted to hear more. "I confessed to Miss Annalinde, and so she spanked me." "Oh," said Katie with a toss of her head, "Miss Annalinde! Did you know she switched me for playing the Grand Piano?" Elena pursed her lips carefully. "Was it against the rules for you to play it?" "As it turns out, yes. As a rule, only Senior girls are allowed to touch it, which is a waste, if one were to ask me, but as it now stands, I am allowed to play it with a prefect present." "Yes, I remember your audition for the Music Mistress. Y-you play beautifully, Katie. I meant to tell you that the day you auditioned but felt too shy." Elena's emerald green eyes were wide and shining. "Someday, I foresee you will be a Famous Musicienne." Katie could not help but blush a little, despite her own pride in her considerable musical ability. "Why, thank you!" she said, and impulsively gave Elena a quick hug. "Do you play?" Elena giggled softly and returned the embrace. Katie, she reflected, was a sweet girl. "I play piano but little - it is a foreign instrument to us and imported only with great difficulty. B-but I do like music, and..." her voice trailed off and she looked away from Katie, her face flushed. "What is it, Elena?" Elena replied in a faint whisper, "I-I like to sing a little, now and then... I am dreadfully shy about it because I do not think I have a good voice." Katie reflected a moment. "Oh, don't be silly! Surely it cannot be as bad as all that. Tomorrow, you must seek out the Voice Mistress." "Do you think I should trouble her, Katie?" "Yes, I do! I shall take you to her myself, if you like." "Very well, Katie. I shall go see her, then." "Good!" chirped Katie. "Now if my ears do not deceive me, that is the tea bell." "Yes - we shall have to hurry. Here," and Elena offered her hand to Katie, and so the two girls went to tea, hand in hand. 96 From: thorny Date: Sat Sep 11, 1999 1:01pm Subject: Thankyou Note I pull out a sheet of the pretty pink note paper that blond Mummy gave to me. Mummy always tells me that a lady must have her own special note paper. Mine is emblazoned with beautiful blue flowers. I pick up a small pen case and pull out the beautiful silver ink pen that brunette Mummy has given me. She even had my name put into it, which makes it all the more special. The paper represents the delicate nature I want to gain, and the pen shows the strength which lies inside of me. Dearest Katie: Thank you so much for showing me around the school yesterday. I certainly appreciated it. It is usually so scary to start a new school, however I feel much at home here. I think that I shall do quite well in this school. I hope that I will get to see you again soon. Sincerely yours, Sabrina McCloud 98 From: School Girl Date: Sat Sep 11, 1999 1:21pm Subject: Re: Afterwards... Katie returns to the dorm to find a note from Sabrina, she opens the note and reads the thank you letter. She smells the paper. "Hmmmmmmmmmm, Elena smell this" I look up and she that Elena is crying, I put down the note and give her a big cuddle. "There, there" I rested her head on my shoulder. "Now tell Katie all about it" "You were caned by Miss Annalinde, show me the marks and I will tell you a secret about her" I looked around to see who was looking. I whispered in her ear. "When I was showing the new girl around the school, I sat in the school secretary's chair and peeked in hers and Miss Veronica's files" I tapped my diary in my pocket; "Their secrets are here" "When I play in the Royal Palace you will be my guest" We linked arm in arm and walked off looking for a quite spot singing as they went. 99 From: School Girl Date: Sat Sep 11, 1999 1:36pm Subject: Re: To Katie - about Love and Things As we entered the refectory we queued with the other girls. A prefect inspected our hands to ensure that we had washed them prior to dinner. We sat the table with Carrie my new friend I introduced her to Elena. I whispered to Carrie "you can teust me with your, I will not tell a soul" We stood as the Headmistress and the teachers entered. Miss Maybridge said the Maids served grace and the teacher's dinners. We had to wait our turn. Lucky I have read Oliver Twist and the good sense not to ask for more. After dinner I caught a glimpse of Miss Veronica MY HEROINE. It was prep time and I made my way to junior girl's prep room. I was struggling with my prep so I drew picture and wrote music in the back of Science book. I was really glad to hear the bell. 30 minutes plat - time. ] "Yesssssssssssssssssssssssss" I screamed as I left the building. 100 From: Date: Sat Sep 11, 1999 3:30pm Subject: first schoolday 11 september 1954 Dear Miss Maitland Im so glad to be here and I write here short essay of my arrival here to Avendale school My name is Malena Franklin and I am 12 years old and brunette.Mom havebeen recommended this school by a friend and she says its right place for me. Mom consider me in need of discipline and to learn how to concentrate and listen and behave in good way and that I should aquire good manners. Thats why i am here. When mom drove me to schoolport and left me I almost cried but I was hugged and friendly met by all in school. Most girles are blonde..but I seen Carrie a 2 years older girl here and I hope to know her and maybe we can start a brunettes club Carrie and keep blondes dominance back. Ill love to chat and talk and i am quite spontaneous and love to make friends. So hi allother girls....and Miss Maitland I am glad I am here though i long for mom and are a bit homesick. Clothes feels new and Im not used to this schooluniform yet and I am not sure if I go all aprts correctly. I will peep at other girls to see how they dress. I look forward to school though I fear it will be more strict here then in my old school. I did well there and I think i will do well here too. (I have a little bag of sweeties that I will hide under my bed and comfort myself with.) Ill dont think I can be present tomorrow Miss for meeting but if I can I come. Look around and hope for good food this evening and takes a candy while looking out of window. I feel a new turn of my life entering this school and I hope to meet many new girlfriends and have good lessons and learn a lot from all teachers. Yours respectfully Malena Franklin malena43@h... 101 From: Date: Sat Sep 11, 1999 3:38pm Subject: Elena's Mnemonic Poems [Left upon a writing desk in the Library, while young Elena Dierrian visits the Powder Room to smooth her coiffure...) Goodness, but it is hard to remember everyone's names. I wonder if a Mnemonic Poem would help? When Carrie Binks Dares risk her winks The blondes do sigh And start to cry. Veronica, Brunette, Is a dashing Chapette. She hails from Culveria, The more brunettes, the merrier! Miss Annalinde, Swift as the Wind, Justice, her passion, Prefect in fashion. Fair Elspeth Elvetta No friend could be better. Her golden hair Is very fair. Katie Webster, Musicienne That song was lovely, Please play it again. Ariadne, tall and slim, She is a blonde most proper and prim. Ginger-haired Jinjur, All in a whirl, Try to be a better girl. Sabrina McCloud, New come to Avendale, I soon will meet her Without fail! Welcome, Malena! We're so glad you're here. Please study hard And persevere. Claudia is another brunette, Her acquaintance, I have not made yet. Nancy and Wendy, Identical Twins, Where one giggle ends, The other begins. Here is another Brunette, named Joan. When no one is with her, she is all alone. Suzanne, Suzanne She likes to tease. The junior blondes, She thinks to please. Dear Mistress Maitland, Queen of Knowledge, Show us all The way to College! Mistress Serelique Is very blonde and sleek! Mistress Maybridge Soon, not later, Please help us tame Our Ordinator. Mistress Prism Show the Way- Teach us the right words Every day! Mistress Poindexter, Lady of History! Pray tell us of Ancient Mystery! There - that is everyone I know about, thus far... 103 From: Date: Sat Sep 11, 1999 6:49pm Subject: Malena and Nikki Hello Malena! Another brunette. How jolly. I think we *should* start a Brunettes' Club. But we mustn't make the blondes feel left out. They are very nice girls. Katie is my friend and I've just met Elena and Jinjur is just topping, though I haven't seen her about lately. But a brunettes' club would be fun. Veronica was going to get the new brunettes together, but then Caroline left, which left me as the only brunette bunny (a bunny is a new girl in case you haven't found out yet). By the way you shouldn't sat "Dear Miss Maitland" unless you are actually writing to her. You look fine in your uniform - but - let me help you with your tie. The knot is wrong. There - that's better. The food is fine here, by the way - not cordon bleue, but surprisingly edible. Oh, hello, Nicola. Gosh, it's exciting all you bunnies arriving at once. Wolligogs - I hardly feel like a bunny at all any more, though I haven't been here a week. Don't stare at my hair. I know it's the wrong colour for a brunette. Some one played a practical joke with hair dye and my strand test didn't work so I've got to wait for it to wash out. That shouldn't be too long. I'm actually rather darker than I was. Nikki - you must tell the school your age and sex, or you'll have a mistress or a prefect after you. Veronica and Annalinde are our prefects. I like Veronica a lot - she is a brunette and really dashing. I wish I was dashing - actually I was dashing when I first bumped into her. Dashing literally - and bumping into her literally too. I can still feel where she spanked me. Don't mind me chattering on. I always do, but if any of you bunnies need any help, I know just about *everything* about Avendale, even though I haven't been here long. Well, I know quite a bit anyway. Carrie Binks 104 From: Date: Sat Sep 11, 1999 8:25pm Subject: Louise and Emily Hello Louise. How nice to meet you. You are exactly my age: sixteen, going on seventeen (there's a song about that in Infra). It is strict here, but it's nice. I am a prefect - you can tell by my red sash, so I keep order. Therefore I'll pretend I didn't hear your remark about underwear. To tell the truth a few older girls do sometimes wear more "interesting" underwear, but they do so at their own risk. Of course if they are disciplined it is almost bound to come out - if you'll excuse the expression - and there are such things as spot inspections. Not often though. But I am a prefect! I shouldn't tell you all this. Listen - here's a secret. I once punished a girl for wearing -em - *fashionable* underwear when I was wearing something a little, shall we say, non-standard under my uniform myself! I thought that was rather fun. Do you think that is hypocrisy? Well, I think it is right. You see, as a prefect I uphold order. As an individual well, I am not always an angel and I take my own chances. What would be *wrong* would be if I failed to punish the girl just because I knew I was committing the same offence myself - my private peccadilloes should never interfere with my duty as a prefect. Of course, as a prefect I should probably be punished more severely if I were caught, which is only fair, isn't it? Mostly though I do wear correct uniform. I don't know what Veronica would say if she knew this about me. Veronica is a brunette prefect, very strait-laced, but utterly swoonworthy. No, I *haven't* got a pash on Veronica, but a blonde can't help *appreciating* her. She is rather like one of those officers you see at the big balls in Quinbury. I haven't actually been to one, of course, because I haven't come out, but I've seen all those beautiful pictures in *Vanity Mirror* - tall, courtly brunettes in epaulettes with blondes in crinolines. Wouldn't it be *divine*? Suddenly the blondes' chatter was interrupted by the arrival of a slightly swaying bunny. "Who on earth are you," demanded Annalinde, resuming the mantle - or rather sash - of prefecthood. "Emily," said the bunny. "New girl. I say, don't look at me like that. I'm perfectly all right. Just a bit merry. Villagers gave me a delightful send-off." "I don't know what kind of village you come from. A barmaid can be caned by the District Governess for serving strong drink to minors, you know." "My brunette Mother always said Quirinelle was very puritanical. Now in parts of Trent. . . what *does* happen in parts of Trent. Lost my thread. Never mind. Let' enter into the spirit of the thing. Don't look so sour, old girl, old girl." "Don't you 'old girl' me. I ought to take you to the headmistress, but that would make a terribly bad start to your school carreer." "Terribly decent of you to save me from the dragon. Do you think they'd kick up a stink if they knew I was - stinko? That's a good pun, isn't it?" "You'd be in fearful trouble. But don't worry, I shall be dealing with you later." "Blonde prefect." "Don't say 'blonde prefect' in that tone. You'll soon find out what a blonde prefect can do." Annalinde's tone softened. "There. lie down. You'll feel better soon. More water? Good girl. Perhaps you'd better tell me about yourself. Do you drink often? And don't forget to say your age and sex. And Louise, do tell me what you think about what I was saying to you earlier. 105 From: School Girl Date: Sun Sep 12, 1999 1:50am Subject: Dear Diary 2 Dear Diary. Another week has passed my first at my new school and today is the school assembly at 070-00pm (BST). I have made lots of new friends. I passed an audition to be allowed to play the grand piano. I think I have fallen in love with Miss Veronica if only I knew what love is! I must have a keepsake of hers. Elena and I are going to see the Miss whatever her name is the choirmasters on Monday as she wants to sing. I will offer to play for her, a duo perhaps I can play and she can sing at the school Christmas concerto. I got 6 of the switch for playing the school's Grand Piano in the Great Hall without permission. I will let them off as most of them failed to realise that I, yes I Katie Webster were the former HeadGirl at Greendlands before coming to Avendale. My dearest diary their are two things I cannot get over: No maids, I am excepted to iron, sew on buttons, and put out my own washing at this school. I wonder how the senior girls cope? Secondly I do not like having to wear school uniform all the time. At Greenland's I had junior girls to do my chores and I being a senior and HeadGirl was allowed to wear casual clothes after school. Well, diary it is Sunday today and that means we have to go church after breakfast. I was pleased to see that another girl of my age (12) has arrived at the school, I must find out her name and sex, I only heard Carrie say we another 12 year old bunny in the school. And diary that is another thing, they better stop calling me BUNNY pretty darn quick as well. Goodnight 106 From: Date: Sun Sep 12, 1999 2:32am Subject: What will food be like? In my diary: Laying in my bed first night so worried for how eating will be. I am rather spoiled and have been able to chose breakfast and lunch and dinner as we always have cocking staff home. I hate bacon and chips and sausages... and pooridge I really hope they dont serve that here....I wonder if You take yourself on plate or are served.....so troublesome if they put things I hate on plate... and maybe some teacher/prefect gets idea I have to eat it up...ooooh I really hope eating rules are liberal here..and that I can chose myself what and how much I will eat.I must try to sneak in to town and have some extra food here in room if necessary to take if food not so good. Really worried about this....and turn around several times in bed.....thinking about it.... Met two other girls yesterday on IRC Elaryn and Ariadne and so glad I did. They were so nice and sporty and helped me alot. Elaryn in my age and good to have a friend do she seems very careful and obedient and even refused my offer of a sweet. Smiles all girls seems very well behaved here. Good to know their are nice girls in school. malena12 malena43@h... 111 From: Dorothea Maitland Date: Sun Sep 12, 1954 10:22am Subject: Out of Context I thought members of the school might be interested to see the following letter which we received today. Dear Headmistress, I am researching female cp as part of my Criminology degree and I happened to notice the description of your site the other day - I just wanted to say that it sounds exactly like the private schools of Malaya where I live and where I last attended about nine years ago! We did not have spanking or strapping but we certainly had caning - and bad language would have been one of the things for which you would have received it, also smart talk to the teacher and any damage or stupid or dangerous behaviour. It interested me because it WAS a strict but kind world and I owe everything to my school in Penang who gave me a wonderful education but expected us to work very hard, to keep the rules and to be a good ambassador for the school. In your own way it looks as if you are keeping up this tradition throughout the world! Our headmistress could certainly use a cane but although I was punished this way about twice I think I am unharmed by it and I can say that I thoroughly deserved it on both occasions. I thoroughly agree with corporal punishment as a quick and effective discipline although I obviously know our views here on this subject are not welcomed or understood by much of the Western/European culture. Good wishes and Good Luck to you - a little bit of Malaya on the Internet! Sally L 112 From: Date: Sun Sep 12, 1999 11:22am Subject: Kitchen Angels Kitchen Angels -or- What Ho, Good-Looking, What Are You Cooking? -or- Kitchen Fun with Elena and Ariadne The meeting in the Study Hall had gone swimmingly, and the girls had become fast friends after some initial shyness. It began with Ariadne Di Naxos, a Senior blonde (all of eighteen now) had ventured into the Hall to catch up on some reading. She was soon joined by Elena Dierrian, all of twelve and so terribly, blushingly demure and shy, yet a very well-mannered young miss, for all of that. They were soon joined by new arrival, Malena Franklin, a twelve year old brunette, and the three girls commenced to chat quit amicably. Next to arrive was the young, but gallante prefect Veronica Bellemont. Her now-golden hair did not detract one bit from her very brunette Culverian charm. Soon after came Miss Jinjur Quinbury, curls still a dull brown, and heart very chastened indeed. There were the usual exchanges of information - as well as many blushes and giggles and hiding of faces from the younger girls (especially Elena, who was very, very shy - especially with Veronica, who seemed to be able to make young Elena blush with so much as a glance). Malena, of course, was the first to depart, for she still had her interview with the Headmistress, Miss Maitland. The Jinjur departed, and as for Veronica, she was dashing off to meet a blonde, so finally, Elena and Ariadne were left alone together in the Study Hall. The two girls, senior and junior spoke of many things. Ariadne was fascinated by the depths of the younger girl's wisdom. It was true, then, about the legendary Wisdom of the Far East. And she was so very demure - so polite. It was difficult for Ariadne to imagine this girl indulging in anything mischievous… But then, the talk turned to cooking, and Ariadne (who began to suspect during the course of their conversation that Elena Dierrian was no mere noble blonde, but a genuine Princess) expressed great surprise that her young companion would know anything of the culinary arts (save, perhaps, the proper wine to order with a meal). But yes, Elena has asserted, she did know how to cook, for her blonde Mummy believed that in order to properly appreciate the quality of the service one receives, one must first understand how a task is properly done. And so, Elena knew how to cook - only small things, she admitted - mostly sweets. But she had a basic understanding. Ariadne had suggested a foray into the kitchen realms (if only they would be allowed to do so - it was not the custom at Avendale to allow the pupils below stairs, after all). Elena seemed delighted by the prospect, and so, here they were, observed by a few scandalised kitchen maids (for the cook and her assistants were at market) as they attempted to recreate some Amazonian concoction of Elena's recollection. It had seemed all in fun, when in the Study Hall, to laugh about silly blondes muddling about in the kitchen relams, creating dirigible-sized loaves of bread and salad croutons the size of pillows (not to mention Brobdingnagian-sized butter knives to butter the gargantuan slices of bread from such a loaf), but alas, Elena, smart as she was, was still a blonde (and a very young one at that) in a strange place, reading a foreign tongue and alien measurements. Nor had she ever prepared such a large amount of food ("For," she had told Ariadne, "we must prepare enough so that *everyone* might have a taste. To do otherwise would be rude.") "I-I think more flour is what's wanted, Ariadne. That *looks* correct..." A gesture to one of the trembling kitchen maids from Elena (who could be imperious when needful) brought the flour and a measuring cup. When placed in the bowl, Elena frowned and shook her head and looked at Ariadne for her advice. "La, I am not certain...perhaps that is not enough. Do add another," suggested the older girl, a pensive little frown crossing her pretty face. "Another, please," Elena commanded, and the kitchen maid obeyed. "Very good, Miss, and if I may be so bold, Miss..." "Yes, you may speak," interjected Ariadne. "Begging your pardon, Miss, but might I suggest a bit more shortening..." Ariadne and Elena considered. After a little taste with a clean spoon and a brief, whispered conference, they nodded as one. "Excellent suggestion, Hilda," said Ariadne to the serving girl. And the shortening was added. Elena stirred vigorously, for the mixture was becoming quite thick now. Ariadne laughed her perfect, silver-chime laugh and said, "Look, darling - here in Quirinelle, we have a *few* modern conveniences you should acquaint yourself with. You, there," she said, turning to address a different kitchen maid, a slavey in grey, "fetch the electric mixer." "Very good, Miss," said the frightened slavey, who was just a young thing herself. She bobbed a nervous curtsey and soon returned with the appliance, and offered it to the young lady with flourish. The mixer was soon at work, churning the doughy mass, which seemed to want to flow over the edges of the mixing bowl and onto the countertop. Yet a different kitchen maid silently placed a towel beneath the bowl. Splat! A dollop of dough flew from the spinning mass onto the clean wall. Splort! Then another. Two maids scurried to clean up the mess. "Oh my! This contraption seems to have a mind of its own," declared Elena in surprise, as several more globs of sweet, sticky dough ejected from the beaters. One blob landed squarely upon the bosom of Ariadne's uniform and she squealed in dismay. Yet another hit Elena on the nose. She giggled and continued to mix. "Here, the speed is too high. *That* is why it is spattering! Turn it down, like this!" Ariadne, unmindful of spattering dough, reached over to switch the mixer to a lower speed. Her hand slipped, and jostled the mixer, sending a cascade of splatters onto the wall and ceiling. There was a quiet chorus of dismay from the watching maidservants. Finally, they adjudged the concoction sufficiently mixed. One of the kitchen maids fetched a few pans, greased them, and offered them to Elena, who wore a tired, but satisfied smile. "There! All finished, and I think there will be enough for everyone, provided each girl takes but one serving." The two girls poured it into the pans as carefully as they could (and only spilling a very small amount). "And now?" asked Ariadne, wiping her face with a floury hand. "Now, we cook it. We must have a hot oven, but not too hot. Is there sufficient wood?" "No, my silly little goose," chuckled Ariadne (though not unkindly) "We have quite a *modern* oven. One sets the temperature with this clever little dial - a thermostat, they call it." "Oh - how very inventive! What a pity such things will not operate in the East!" Elena rotated the dial, opened the oven door and set the pans inside. The door swung shut, and the two girls grinned at one another and curtseyed. Already, the maids were cleaning up the mess the two young ladies had made in their venture. The Quality, they mused, had strange ways. "Why Miss Elena Dierrian," declared Ariadne with an affectionate smile, "You are covered in flour from the top of your dear little red head to the toes of your patent leather shoes!" "And you, Miss Ariadne Di Naxos," giggled Elena, "are as floury as I!" A shadow crossed Ariadne's features. "It would not be too wise to be seen by one of the prefects, or worse, a Mistress. Come, for I know a back way." She held out a white-dusted hand to Elena and led her out through the back of the kitchen... - To Be Continued - 113 From: thorny Date: Sun Sep 12, 1999 11:35am Subject: Dear Mummys Dear Mummies I am writing to you before I leave for my first class. All of the ladies her have been very nice to me so far. I am so scared though to go to my first class. What if all the girls are so much smarter than me? What if the Mistress's don't feel that I am intelligent enough for me to stay here? Then were will I go? I miss our Scottish High Lands so much Mummy's. I wish that I had read more of the books on the culture here before I came. I doubt that any of the ladies speak Gaelic here. I know Brunette mummy you told me that I mustn't speak in Gaelic anymore. However, I do so miss it. Thank you all for the wonderful writing set that you have given me. It has come in useful all ready. I must get prepared for my class now mummies. I miss you both oh so very much. Sabrina McCloud 114 From: Date: Sun Sep 12, 1999 11:43am Subject: The Ginger's gone out of Jinjur Dear Diary, Everybody keeps saying "All the ginger's gone out of Jinjur." I suppose they think that's funny. Well, at least the ginger's coming back into my hair at last. I should be a strawberry blonde again in a couple of days. It's true though. I don't dare have any fun, for fear the Angel of Laundry will prevent my beautiful nightdress from being rescued. Elena insists that there are angels for everything and that there is one in every single flower, so there must be an Angel of Laundry. If only she would appear, I would do anything to have my nightdress whole again! But the headmistress took it away to see if anything could be done and she hasn't told me anything yet. I don't dare ask. There's something else, though. Annalinde gave me a lecture about how I was turning into a fast blonde. It must be dreadful to be one of those modest blondes. Usually she is so authoritative, but she was so embarrassed to be talking about this to me. It was rather amusing to see her blush and squirm. But I could not sleep that night, because she was right. My reputation *is* in danger. I had such fun with Suzanne the day after the blackout, but afterwards I felt strange. It took me some time to figure out why, but when Annalinde said all that, I understood. It made me feel *cheap*, because Suzanne just *knew* that she could... take liberties with me. I guess I'm not as naughty as I thought, which is very confusing. I guess it's an awful lot of fun *being* a fast blonde, but no fun having people *think* you're a fast blonde. I'm trying to save my reputation by being seen with blondes known to be real goody-goodys. My roommate Elena, for instance. She's a redhead like me, and she blushes at the drop of a hat. If she says "Hello" she blushes and wonders if she's done anything immodest. How can anyone be so good? So we don't have much to talk about. I tried asking her about Eastern disciplinary practices, but after telling me only a little about them, she would go off on some boring tangent about philosophy or theology. I also made the mistake of saying to her that I wished I had put red hair dye into the shampoo instead of yellow and brown. I only meant that that wouldn't have been such a mean prank; the girls wouldn't have minded so much being turned into redheads, and they wouldn't have been teased as bad. But Elena said, "I do not mean to be impertinent, Jinjur...but perhaps 'twould be better did you refrain from playing pranks, actually...." I wonder if all Easterners talk like that. But she is awfully sweet. Do you know, Diary, she actually prayed for my nightdress to be restored? I could hardly believe it when she told me. It made me feel better, though, because surely Dea must listen to someone as good as Elena. And she did something else sweet. I really was sorry when I found out just how upset the girls who got their hair colored were, and I wanted to do something for them, but I couldn't figure out what. I couldn't buy them flowers or candy because all my pocket money's gone. I told Elena, and she asked if I could sketch. Well, I'm good at it, but I don't do it much because it's such work. She said I should make cards myself for all the girls whose hair was colored, and draw a pretty picture on each. So I'm going to. There's only one bright spot in my life right now, and that's Carrie. I like her more all the time. And she doesn't think I'm a fast blonde, so if I even let her hold my hand she thinks she's awfully lucky. It's a thrill to be that appreciated. Suzanne couldn't act that way. Carrie has kissed me once, and ohhh, she is passionate! When she gets to deciding I'm not too good to kiss -- sigh.... And Diary, just between you and me, that girl knows how to use a paddle! She and I are going to the soda fountain Monday afternoon. Good thing I'm blonde. I don't have any money for treats, but brunettes have to pay! Well, I'd better get back to working on those drawings. Jinjur J. Quinbury 115 From: Serendra Serelique Date: Sun Sep 12, 1954 0:24pm Subject: This evening Miss Maybridge will unfortunately be unable to preside over tonight's I.R.C. test, so I shall be taking her place. I hope all your technical things are in order as I wish to see as many of you as possible. If you still have questions, you may still address them to Miss Maybridge. I shall be teaching you when term begins, so I should like to have a look at you all - and no doubt *vice versa* Serendra Serelique 116 From: Serendra Serelique Date: Sun Sep 12, 1954 3:18pm Subject: Today's "class" part 1 I am enclosing the transcript of tonight's class in I.R.C. both as elektrapost and as a file. It is very big. I should be grateful if pupils can report to me whether they have received it satisfactorily and in at least one readable form! * * * *** MissSerel (SerendraSe@212-46-129-89.saturn.ispc.net) has joined channel #avendale *** Users on #avendale: MissSerel jinjur malena12 elena sabrinaMc @vbellemon * sabrinaMc makes sure she is staning nice and straight curtsey deep * elena is still standing and drops another, deep curtsey Hello again - as you see, I am not Miss Maybridge Sit down, girls sits down a bit noisy (sits) * elena sits as directed * sabrinaMc sits slowly and gracefully (sits) It is nice to see you all so early What were you discussing? (raises hand) yes, jinjur Everyone was giving me good advice, Miss. * sabrinaMc raises hand We are informal just at the moment - you need not raise your hands to speak Yes, Miss. sabrina? Miss Veronica was giving me some ideas on works of liteture to read Good. That seems very improving. raise hands Yes, Miss. I recommended Edmonda Rostand and Frederica Schiller. My name, as I think you know is Miss Serelique Excuse me, Miss Serelique. Did you indeed, Veronica. You have advanced tastes. Yes, Veronica Thank you, Miss Serelique. If you find my speech a little strange that is because I am from Novaria (perks up because she has never seen a Novarian) As you know, Novaria was settled by Amazonians about three hundred years ago * elena thinks - I have heard of Novaria and listens intently * elena nods Now, how many blondes have we here, Veronica? Only two, Miss Serelique. Well, yes or three including me We are going to play a little game Excuse me, Miss Serelique. I thought you meant pupils. Yes, I understood that. (sits quietly) It is a silly game, because we are going to debate a point to which there is no answer and should be none * sabrinaMc listens intently pen poised to write But it is a nice game for the beginnig of term * elena , too, is listening attentively We are going to debate whether blondes or brunettes are better. Each of you will say something on the subject. Who would like to begin? (raises hand) Veronica, you may begin Thank you, Miss Serelique. As a Southerner, it is clear to me that blondes are better than brunettes. They are the flowers of civilization, while brunettes are merely the stems and roots. In blondes Dea and the Golden Order -- it is no coincedence that blonde hair is golden -- are most purely manifested. Brunettes were created -- oh, I am not a thealogian, but still -- I think brunettes were created to provide support for Dea's masterpiece. That is all, Miss Serelique. * sabrinaMc raises her hand Thank you, dear. That was very good indeed (smiles, pleased) Now, who would like to propose the opposite view? * elena raises her hand shyly I would Miss Thank you, Elena, please begin. Yes, Miss Serelique. Actually, I must tell you that my view is not precisely a diametric oppisite, but still, rather different. That is all right. It is my view, Miss, that neither is better than the other, but, seen properly, each part of the great Wholeness that comprises All-That-Is. (cannot help nodding) Dea made blondes and brunettes in such a way that one would complement the other. Each is not complete without one another. We blondes - well, we are not always practical and given to flights of fancy and are ever so tender and emotional. * MissSerel smiles to see that Elena can only tell the truth and not adopt a view for the sake of debate And Dea made brunettes to be more stolid - more practical - more down to Earth. They keep our little blonde feet upon the ground when we would float off. And we- we blondes help them to soar when they would otherwise be bogged down in day-today life. ::drops a curtsey:: That is all, Miss. That is very good, dear, and very true. * elena smiles nervously, hoping she did well. Th-thank you, Miss. But now I should like some one to argue for the superiority of brunettes * elena sits quietly I would like to MIss Serel Please do, Sabrina thankyou MIss I fell that the brunettes are better because they are the roots and stem...the flower may fall off, however the roots are still there... Brunettes don't take to flights of fancy and falling apart so they can work throught things and get them done Thus helping the world to keep turning and moving (compresses her lips angrily, but is decorously silent) This is my beliefe in the contect of this assiment...than you Miss *** carrie_b (~CarrieBin@212-46-129-89.saturn.ispc.net) has joined channel #avendale * carrie_b comes in quietly (flutters lashes and gives Carrie a shy, girlish smile) Thank you very much, Sabrina (smiles shyly at Carrie) raise hand *** katie_w (kwteacher@m...) has joined channel #avendale Yes, Malena * sabrinaMc gracefully sits back down May i try Miss Serelique? * katie_w cursteys unpon entering Yes, please do stands up Good vening Miss - class Good evening Katie. I think its important to se contrasts in life You may sit And you too Carrie my little sister once asked thank you Miss * carrie_b sits Why isnt it christmas day always? * katie_w its at the front * carrie_b smiles at Jinjur and tries not to look at her too much (puts finger to lips to tell Katie to be quiet) Then my grandmother said then it would not be any joy with christmas * elena smiles discreetly at Katie, remaining silent * carrie_b smiles at Malena its the contrast that makes christmas so nice *** ariadne (ariadne@c...) has joined channel #avendale Same with us together we get beautiful * katie_w smiles at elena and slides over to sit next to her friend * katie_w waves at carie * ariadne enters softly. contrast make us grow all..... Thats all Miss.... * elena also smiles at Ariadne... * carrie_b waves back at Katie - perhaps a bit too vigorously look nervously * ariadne returns Elena's smile Thank you, malena Thank you Miss Serelique sits quieter this time Now, I should like those of us who were present for the debate to vote for which view you think was best expressed. Not the one you agree with - but the best-put one. It will be hard, because all of them were very good. (Jinjur dimples at Carrie) well, just because I was not present should not keep me from voting! * elena thinks it will be difficult to judge who was best, for they each spoke a piece of the Truth... Ariadne, stand in the corner until we have finished the vote. Me? Yes, you. (Stands) Girls! This is an informal class, but let's keep order. Be quiet. Miss Serelique, what do you wish us to do now? Um, but... are you are prefect? Is that a sash? Carrie - what are you doing? Are you in charge of this class? * elena 's eyes widen in surprise - she thinks, Oh, Ariadne, do not get yourself in trouble... and whyever is Carrie ordering her about so? I'm sorry, Miss. You see before you came I was classroom monitress * katie_w giggles at the thought of Miss Carrie the teacher * sabrinaMc sits quietly contemplating how she will vote Well, we shall see about that. also thinks of assignment Anyway, even if you were Veronica outranks you. (Jinjur does her best to look impressed at Carrie's former rank) * ariadne raises hand Yes, Ariadne Um, am I late, Miss? thinks why should this messup so good lesson However, you were right, Carrie. No, Ariadne, you were not late. Every one was early. But you cannot possibly vote when you have not heard all the debate And you spoke out of turn in saying you could O, I see! Thank you, MIss Serelique. One is not punished for being early, I suppose. I am very sorry, Miss. I wanted to vote on principle. Now, *if* we may proceed to the debate. raise hand * vbellemon sits straighter Ariadne, if you were listening to me, a vote on principle is precisely what we do *not* want. We are voting on who put forward her case most elegantly. Now any one who interrupts again will be punished. I wish us to have the vote Well, Miss Serelique. I was trying to listen, but I misunderstood. Ariadne sit. Girls who were present for the debate stand. * malena12 stands * elena stands quietly * vbellemon stands * jinjur stands Malena, your vote *** Signoff: katie_w (Read error to katie_w[modem-57.androstenedione.dialup.pol.co.uk]: Connection reset by peer) * ariadne appears puzzled, furrows brow, wonders how so much business could have been concluded before Study Hall has officially started I vote for elena Miss she had a good philosophical point Thank you. one vote for Elena Elena? * malena12 smiles admiring at elena Miss, everyone spoke Truth, but I feel Miss Veronica spoke it best. *** Signoff: sabrinaMc (Ping timeout for sabrinaMc[ppp26.pm1.day-oh.siscom.net]) * elena smiles shyly at Malena and blushes * vbellemon lowers eyes, pleased One vote for Elena, one for Veronica Veronica *** katie_w (kwteacher@m...) has joined channel #avendale * ariadne removes compact from bookbag, snaps it open and commences inpecting make-up from various perspectives. I must vote for Elena, Miss Serelique. She expressed herself beautifully. Two votes for Elena and one for Veronica (sorry Miss computor froze) Jinjur * elena 's eyes go very, very wide and her little face growns very red and hot.... (grins) I must vote with Veronica. With such a true point of view, how could she not argue wonderfully, Miss Serelique? * ariadne snaps compact shut with loud click. perhaps * vbellemon gives Ariadne a warning look Though it is not her point of view we are judging * ariadne smiles beatifically at Veronica * elena breathes a silent, fervent prayer to the Angel of Order that her friend, Ariadne will not do something foolish... two votes each for Elena and Veronica Yes, Miss Serelique. But I think she argued the best, besides that I agree with her. * malena12 look at Miss Serelique and understand her point! That is all right then * katie_w stares at Miss Veronica, I think it is love! Sabrina should have the casting vote. *** sabrinaMc (krstrob@p...) has joined channel #avendale Ah, Sabrina. Just in time * vbellemon obliviously searches the room for Elspeth, who is not present sorry Miss We have two votes for Elena and two for Veronica. Whom do you vote for? * ariadne removes packet of breath mints from bookbag. Commences to unwrap one. Sound of cellophane being unwrapped. (veronica see other window next to avendale) I would like to vote for Miss vbllemon because her analogies were so well put to the subject Ariadne, you may stand in the corner now. * elena bites her lower lip...could Ariadne be doing this a-purpose?? Without discussion please, Ariadne. * vbellemon looks awkward But.... why, Miss? I am waiting for the Study Hall to begin. * ariadne stands and walks to corner just the same. I said *without* discussion. * elena thinks, oh no - here it comes.... * malena12 stunned at ariadnes disobedience *** Mode change "+o katie_w" on channel #avendale by vbellemon Veronica wins May I say that I consider the result the correct one. * elena gives her a congratulatory smile. All the contributions were very good * malena12 blushes but feel Im learning lots here in school Veronica's and Elena's were the best. * malena12 smiles more now It is hard to choose between them, but I should have voted for Veronica because she kept to the rules of the debate. Thank you, Miss Serelique. * elena thinks, Oh my - truly? Me? One of the best? * ariadne becomes aware of large black spider hanging from ceiling in corner. Elena's view was true, but we were supposed to be arguing for blondes or for brunettes. * katie_w knew Miss Veronica would win, natural justice. But I am very impressed with *all* of you. *** Louise (mabu@p...) has joined channel #avendale * elena nods, now understanding better what Miss Serelique meant. You are right, Miss Serelique. I think I was right, but in a higher sense, Elena was righter. Yes, she was. I told you at the beginning it was a bit of a silly debate. * elena thinks, oh please, Miss Veronica - I can feel my silly face growing hot again... because neither blondes nor brunettes are really "better". New here, is this working ok? * ariadne watches in horrified fascination as large black spider starts to to descend on a gossamer strand it is secreting... * elena glances at Ariadne, wondering what she is staring at... *** Louise (mabu@p...) has left channel #avendale * katie_w wonders if she was real pupil? Ariadne, resume your place quietly, please. * ariadne displays delicate beads of perspiration on forehead, upper lip. * katie_w whispers to elena "I love Miss Veronica" * elena thinks, why she seems afraid of something - what can it be? Surely not the Mistress? * vbellemon wonders if Ariadne is about to faint. Perhaps she should fetch a glass of water? * malena12 whats happening? * carrie_b is very quiet, still deeply embarrassed at her gaffe. * katie_w raises hand Please, Miss Serelique, I think something is wrong with Ariadne. yes, Katie * elena catches her lower lip at Katie's whisper and flushes again, giving Katie wide eyes... Please Miss What is the next Lesson? * ariadne shrieks, knees buckle, collapses in corner. Ariadne, is there something wrong? Oh! * vbellemon is mortified that she spoke out of turn, but in the service of a blonde all is all right * sabrinaMc writes down her answere as well as the other ladies answeres so she may go over them later to see where she went wrong raise almost * ariadne offers no response * vbellemon runs to Ariadne * katie_w stands up and looks around Get water! Get smelling salts! * katie_w screams * malena12 runs to to Ariadne Veronica, please assist ariadne aghhhhhhhhhhhhhhh * jinjur runs for water * elena is frozen in her seat - she espies te spider! shall we fetch schoolnurse Miss? * sabrinaMc walks over to the spider, picks it up and drops it out the window Can any one tell me what is wrong with Ariadne? Good heavens, biggest spider I've seen outside of Texas. (steps on it) No wonder the poor thing fainted, Miss Serelique. Oh, Miss - the spider!! * katie_w thinks with elena's spelling the next lesson is french! * ariadne shows signs of returning consciousness. Eyelashes flutter. * jinjur arrives with water ooooh a spider poor Ariadne.... * katie_w clutches her heart * MissSerel sits down feeling faint. To think she has been teaching with that huge spider in the room. what a brave act Miss Veronica, a true herione Aw, shucks, that's what brunettes are for. * ariadne thrashes head side-to-side. Lips part. Moans. yes that was resolute acting Miss veronica Ariadne? It's all right. It's gone. * vbellemon offers her water. * ariadne now fully alert (such as only she can be "fully alert"). (faintly) Thank you so much Veronica. You acted splendidly. Thank you, Miss Serelique. That spider, remarks Elena, was the size of a tal.... * sabrinaMc goes to sit back down, since no one noticed she threw the spider out the window La! That's what I get for being on time! * malena12 sighs relieved Ariadne? Speak to me. * vbellemon cannot help but burst into laughter I hsall make every effort to be late from now on. * jinjur giggles Elena, I think it might be better if we do not discuss the size of the spider. Some of the - um - younger blondes may feel a little queasy. *I* think it was most unfair to start class without me! laughing relived..... *** malena12 (newmalen1@d...) has left channel #avendale Oh, yes, Miss - I shall not mention it to anyone! I promise! * MissSerel is glad the girls are laughing as it relieves the tension. * elena is a little white and trembly - she is terrified of that-which-crawls... * jinjur thinks, "That Elena is just too good." * katie_w sticks her chest out. this blonde is brave It's all right, everyone, Miss Serelique. The spider is no more. May I resume my seat now, Miss Serlique? The floor in the corner is rather hard. * katie_w raises hand * elena thinks that is Ariadne is still feeling faint, she ought remain on the floor yet longer. Yes, do resume your seat. If you had done so when I first told you to you could have got away from the spider. * vbellemon helps Ariadne up and walks her to her chair But I can't blame you if you were too distracted by the awful thing to hear me. Thank you, Miss Serelique. Now, every one back to her place, please. me/ resumes seat, while blushing crimson * vbellemon resumes her seat * jinjur looks around nervously for more spiders * elena gives Miss Veronica an admiring glace - how brave she was - not like me, who remained in her seat, frozen with fright. Now, for the sake of you who came on time - there were so many girls early that we began a little exercise before class officially began. * katie_w raises hand Yes, Katie? Please Miss What is the next Lesson? We aren't having *formal* lessons as term has not quite started. Oh goddie This was really a meeting in which we could all get to know each other. shall we all tell each other who we are Miss * jinjur shifts in her seat, letting her hem ride up just a little, waiting for Carrie to notice. * ariadne appears to have just remembered something. Starts to write note with frantic haste. * ariadne folds note. Katie, that is a good idea. Now that we are all here, let us each tell the class who she is, her age and sex and anything else she would like to say * elena notices Ariadne's frantic scribbling and wonders what she's up to now... * ariadne passes note to elena while Miss Serelique's back is momentarily turned. * vbellemon wonders why Ariadne is getting a sweet girl like Elena into mischief * carrie_b wants to tell Ariadne about the note, but she is not a monitress any more * ariadne is not *quite* quick enough, however, to escape Miss S.'s sharp eye. * elena 's eyes widen in fright. She takes the note, but does not read it. Her face is very white and her eyes wise... um, that should be "wide" Ariadne, stand up please. Me, Miss? * elena thinks....oh dear..... Yes. Take that note which you have just given to Elena and read it aloud. * ariadne looks about in unfeigned innocence. * elena hands is meekly to Ariadne, hand trembling Well, Miss Serelique, it is of a private nature... * jinjur leans forward in anticipation of the secret This is an open class. It is not meant for private communications. You will share the contents of the note with the class. *** Signoff: katie_w (Ping timeout for katie_w[modem-36.ytterbium.dialup.pol.co.uk]) * ariadne glances outsie window, sees thin wisp of smoke arising from kitchen windows below. * elena has placed the forefinger of her right hand and had commenced to chew, delicately and nerously - a habit of extreme agitation... Well, Miss Serelique, the note says: "I forgot to turn the oven off... did *you* turn it off?" Ariadne. Stop admiring the view and do as I say Elena, did you? * elena suddenly remembers *** katie_w (kwteacher@m...) has joined channel #avendale * vbellemon closes her eyes and takes a deep breath and tries to remember her own arguments for blonde superiority 117 From: Serendra Serelique Date: Sun Sep 12, 1954 3:18pm Subject: Today's "class" part 2 (try again) Oh , Miss, I - that is, we - thought the kitchen maids would deal with it. At least, so they told us... * elena hangs head and thinks, oh dear... * ariadne -- and others -- see thicker dolumn of blacker smoke rising... Well, there appears to be smoke coming from the kitchen. Ariadne - run down and see to it Miss Serelique, may I go and see if there is any situation that needs to be dealt with? * elena sees it too, now....oh no... No. I take that back. Veronica, you go. Thank you, Miss Serelique. (hurries out) Yess, Miss Serelique >hastily leaving< (veroncia op me agian please) >belay that< Ariadne there is no need - sigh - she has gone. * elena thinks, now where is Ariadne off to? 'Twas Veronica Mistress sent... *** Mode change "+o katie_w" on channel #avendale by vbellemon (thank you) Now, if we may proceed. As Katie suggested each girl in turn shall introduce herself. * ariadne returns just as Fire Alarm starts to sound. Katie, you begin. I fixed it. I pulled the alarm. Yes Miss * vbellemon enters, looking annoyed * katie_w stands up and walks out to the front of the class She certainly did. Everyone form a line, girls. Sabrina, as a brunette, you bring up the rear. My name is Katie Webster * sabrinaMc thinks that this ariadne could keep us in school for ever with her antics Carrie, go to the headmistress and tell her Ariadne has set off the fire alarm. She will have it turned off. I am blonde and proud of it! * elena is developing a sick headache, foreseeing nothing but trouble in this Yes, Miss I am 12 years of age * carrie_b is glad to be given a position of responsibility I play the piano, resonable well Something in the oven has burned, Miss, but it should be all right. I was HeadGirl at Greenlands my Primary school Thank you, Veronica. But the dining hall will smell of smoke for some time, Miss Serelique. and I am in Love with Miss Veroncia * katie_w giggles Should we go outside for fire drill or sit back down, Miss Serelique? thank you, any questions? * elena glances at Veronica and prays she does not think less of her for it...Elena feels like a very silly blonde just now. * vbellemon gives Elena a reassuring smile, noticing her nervousness It is a false alarm, so there is no need for drill. I am hoping Carrie will be quick in getting it turned off. Yes, Miss. Everyone sit back down. Thank you Katie * elena notes Veronica's reassuring smile and feels better. She returns the smile and seats herslef, along with the other pupils. * ariadne raises hand *again* (!!!) thank you Miss Are there any questions for Katie? * carrie_b rushes into the room at top speed mission accomplished, miss. * vbellemon wants to ask Katie what she meant by being in love with her, but thinks that would not be delicate yes ariadne Well, this is a general, um philosophical question... Should blondes pull fire alarms when they see smoke? * katie_w realises that Miss should have ask her to speak, it is the breeding of a former HeadGirl Ariadne, that is not a question for Katie * elena is past wondering what mischief Ariadne is up to...she shakes her head slowly. if saves my life, err yes!! * elena raises her hand If there are no questions for Katie we shall move on to Elena Yes, Elena. * katie_w looks at elena Yes, Miss. I was simply going to ask Katie to tell us of Greenlands - just a little verbal sketch, perhaps. * sabrinaMc wonders in her head if everyone is alowed to get away with the behavior adriadne has shown * katie_w nods * carrie_b thinks it is silly that monitresses are temporary in this school. A school needs brunette monitresses of 14. It is set in the wandering meadows, hence the name Greenlands * jinjur tries again to catch Carrie's eye the schol is elite, of course as well as lessons you can ride * carrie_b smiles shyly at Jinjur - trying not to look shy play the piano about 250 pupils you can wear casual clothes * jinjur is satisfied and looks away from Carrie not school uniform *** Signoff: sabrinaMc (Read error to sabrinaMc[ppp2.pm1.day-oh.siscom.net]: Connection reset by peer) It is for blondes only!! and I was HeadGirl Casual clothe, dear - even for lessons? clothes sorry Miss I bit I did not like was senior girls using juniors as Maids until I was a senior girl, that is! that is all Miss * vbellemon smiles indulgently Thank you Katie. * katie_w sits down next to Miss Veroncia * jinjur raises her hand Senior girls can sometimes use junior girls as maids here - but usually it is a voluntary arrangement. Yes, Jinjur * katie_w stands I wanted to ask Katie about being in love with Miss Veronica! * jinjur giggles *** sabrinaMc (krstrob@p...) has joined channel #avendale In Greenlands it is unoffiaial, but you dare not refuse * vbellemon widens her eyes and turns pink Gosh, did Katie say that? I miss all the fun. Carrie! * jinjur gives Carrie a dazzling smile she is wonderfull carrie * vbellemon raises hand I think we should move on to the next girl. * katie_w stares at Miss Veroncia as juniors do Elena, stand up. * vbellemon breathes a sigh of relief * elena is bright red, head lowered. Oh my stars! Katie sit. Yes, veronica. Yes, Miss (stands) * katie_w thinks No, veronica will do for me Excuse me, Miss Serelique. I was going to ask that we move on, but then you did. * katie_w sits down Thank you Veronica. Elena, please tell us about yourself. * vbellemon tries to concentrate on the charming Elena, and tries to ignore Katie's worshipful gaze Yes, Miss. My name is Elena Dierrian, and I am 12. I am newly come to Quirinelle. I hail from the far Eastern lands in Amazonia. * katie_w looks at front of the class I am ever so delighted to be here, among you. :) * jinjur shifts restlessly in the prolonged silence * vbellemon smiles kindly at Elena * katie_w looks at carrie remember to say you are blonde, dear. Of course we all know, but it is a formality Oh, thank you, Miss - I am sorry. Yes, I am blonde, Miss. I have one elder sister, a brunette. She is currently a Cadette back home in Sithia. She is 17. * ariadne appears somewhat distracted. Yawns. Commences to inspect nails. Have you finished now, Elena? That is all, Miss, unless someone wishes to ask questions... * elena smiles nervously You see, this is my first time in a classroom * ariadne inspects one nail with intensity. Thank you. All of you remember you must say when you are finished. * elena sits quietly Does any one wish to ask Elena any questions? Reaches into bookbag, extracts nailfile with tortoise-shell handle. * elena hesitates in "mid-sit" * elena then remains standing * vbellemon gives Ariadne a warning look, which is no more effective than the earlier one Ariadne, I want you to sit still and quietly. If there is any more fiddling I shall punish you. Me? Oh, yes, Miss Serelique. * elena sighs quietly, wondering why Ariadne is courting disaster If there are no questions for elena we shall pass on to Sabrina. * katie_w thinks good a punishiment maybe on the way. Elena, you may sit. Sabrina, please stand. * sabrinaMc stands and walks to the front of the room Tell the class about yourself, Sabrina * elena sits Thank you, Miss Hello I am savrina McCloud of the clan McCloud I am a 14 year old brunnette from the Scotish Highlands actually I am sabrina and I hope to become an actress someday That is all thankyou * elena thinks Sabrina has a lovely way of speaking - different than Miss Veronica's but with a charm all its own * vbellemon raises her hand Thank you is two words, Sabrina. Veronica? I am sorry MissSerel thank you What sort of actress would you like to be, Sabrina? Stage or screen? Dramatic or comic? I should think that I would like to be a Stage actress Miss Veronica and do both dramatic and comitic acting * katie_w raises her hand Katie? what was your Primary school like? I am afraid that my primary school was not much of a challenge, so I did not work up to my full potential. That is why my mummies sent me here. * vbellemon nods approvingly that figures!! * katie_w put hand over her mouth Katie. * ariadne , reaching a hand behind herself to scratch impossible-to-reach spot on back, accidentally brushes the nailfile off her desk. It falls to the floor with a little metallic clatter. Heads turn. There was to much time for day dreaming at my primary school You may think I am not noticing these little remarks, but I am. * elena thinks, uh oh - here it comes... mentally braces herself for impact * vbellemon wonders why other girls *will* do these things * katie_w blushes Brunnette mummy says there is a time and place for daydreaming, however school is not the place Very true. * elena feels rapport with Miss Veronica...why are they doing these things? * vbellemon glances at Elena, sitting very demurely and properly. Why aren't all the blondes like that? * katie_w raises her hand Yes, Katie Please Miss I have a piano lesson, May I leave * ariadne tries to draw nailfile closer to her with toe of her shoe, but it is *just* a little out of reach. [elena] Miss Serelique - please excuse me, but I, too, must depart. [katie_w] go to go * vbellemon widens her eyes in disbelief at such insubordination Yes, you are dismissed Katie you have done well - apart from that slip * vbellemon is relieved that evidently the early dismissal was pre-approved Yes Miss. sorry sabrina -> elena you may leave * elena bites her lower lip, anticipating imminent disaster. Oh, Ariadne... * katie_w rises and leaves *** katie_w (kwteacher@m...) has left channel #avendale [elena] Thank you, Miss. :) Thank you for a delightful morning. -> elena thank *you*, dear. * elena remembers that Katie had set her up with an audition for the Voice Mistress. Ariadne please come to the front of the class * ariadne extends one leg even farther, supporting herself on edge of seat with her hands. * elena raises hand yes, elena * ariadne falls smack on her *derriere,* stocking tops briefly exposed. * elena is relieved to be leaving soon Might I sit down Misstress * vbellemon makes a mental tally of how many strokes she will give everyone later yes, please sit down Sabrina * jinjur is thrilled at the glimpse of Ariadne's stocking tops * ariadne draws herself to her feet, advances to front of room. * sabrinaMc goes and sits in her sit gracefully Miss, please forgive me, but...I recollect that Katie set me up with an appointment with the Voice Mistress, and I do not wish to be late. You may go too, elena Yes, Miss Serelique? * jinjur watches her leave enviously * sabrinaMc hopes to herslef that she has not done anythhing to upset Miss Veronica * carrie_b raises hand * vbellemon thinks, "What, another one?" * ariadne remains standing, smiling expectantly Yes, Miss. Thank you, Miss. ::stands, curtseys deeply to Miss Serelique, then her classmates yes, Caroline Thank you, Miss and everyone else, for a delightful morning. Thank you, elana *** Signoff: elena (Leaving) I'm afraid I've an appointment too, though I might be able to whizz back later. * MissSerel tries not to laugh. Whizz away, caroline * vbellemon ponders whether she should use the paddle or the strap on everyone who has disrespected the mistress Thank you. It was topping. Goodbye for now everyone. * jinjur wiggles her fingers in a goodbye wave Um, Miss Serelique, I suddenly remembered I have an appointment, too. An overdue library book... * carrie_b takes a last look at Jinjur surreptitiously on her way out *** carrie_b (~CarrieBin@212-46-129-89.saturn.ispc.net) has left channel #avendale * vbellemon wonders if Ariadne is a sufficiently sturdy blonde to be paddled Ariadne. You will stay. But, Miss Serelique... the fines will mount! There are other punishments than fines, Ariadne, and I think we should explore them now. * vbellemon chivalrously suppresses a smile of satisfaction O, Good! Is this a test then, on alternate forms of punishment? I have been studying... * jinjur wets her lips, her breath coming a little faster in anticipation I read the whole chapter on straps, hairbrushes and canes * sabrinaMc makes a mental note to tell her mummies that if this young lady ariadne can stay in school there is no reason to fear that I should be kicked out And I wrote down all about them in my little red alligator leather notebook... That is very interesting, Ariadne Yes, and I even underlined the important bits. But this is just a test, right, Miss Serelique? *** Annalinde has joined channel #avendale lagging [evidently] A test. Yes. A real-life test. * Annalinde enters quietly Oh, that sounds even better. Not written, then? You are very late, Annalinde An oral quiz....? I am sorry, miss Pray, when do we start? I had an appointment elsewhere I thought better late than never. We can start now. Bend over my chair. Put your hands on the seat, tummy over the back But, Miss, that will make it hard to answer questions! I thought this was a test! You won't need to answer questions * sabrinaMc thinks that MIss Veronica will have a long night ahead of her O, you mean, you will give me the answers, then? I am testing my strap. Annalinde, position her for me, please. * ariadne thinks this is an odd way to conduct a school test, but complies none-the-less. * Annalinde cheerfully steers Ariadne over the chair. * ariadne has neglected to wear her maroon knickers.... but is certainly *not* knicker-less. Lie this? Like this? * jinjur watches anxiously, hoping the mistress will not be too hard on Ariadne, who is a blonde despite her naughtiness * jinjur opens her eyes wide at the site of Ariadne's non-regulation knickers * sabrinaMc tries to feel sorry for the girl, but can't muster it up seeings how the girl has seen fit to be a nucince the entire class Ariadne - what are those underclothes * ariadne is wearing frothh French knickers, ivory-white, with rows of frills. frothy * MissSerel omens desk drawer and gets out her strap. An old black one, shiny with use. Quite an effective implement * jinjur is enviously enthralled with Ariadne's lovely knickers O, La, those are *my* underclothes, Miss Serelique. Would you like to know where to buy them? They are not school underclothes. * vbellemon wishes that the mistress would use her hand. Ariadne is only a delicate blonde, after all. Um, noooo..... I certainly did not anticipate anyone noticing.. two strokes, ariadne, and one for coming to my class in those - garments. O, please, Miss Serlique..... * vbellemon winces in sympathy * ariadne starts to struggle. * MissSerel draws back the strap, aims carefully and lets it fly. She is very accurate and the CRACK! resounds round the room. * jinjur 's eyes glisten * ariadne emits a sharp squeal. * ariadne struggles more.... * MissSerel smiles * vbellemon wills Ariadne to bear it bravely * ariadne 's eyes a wide in shocked surprise and pain. are wide * jinjur is entranced * ariadne 's eyes fill with hot tears.... Hold her tight Annalinde No! Please, not again! It hurts, doesn't it dear. It is meant to. Just one more. * ariadne tries to kick free.... cannt escape the grip... * MissSerel delivers the final stroke, a little harder than the others. * vbellemon 's heart goes out to the helpless blonde * ariadne yelps loudly, starts to sob. You can stand up now, sweetheart. * sabrinaMc is mystified by how a blond would struggle so hard against what she needs and deserves Annalinde help her up * jinjur sighs sensually * ariadne , blubbering and sniffling, hangs her head. There. It is all over now. Will you try to be a better girl for me? * ariadne turns to go, having said nothing. Yes, Miss. * vbellemon pulls out a handkerchief for Ariadne Good girl. Go back to your seat now. Ariadne you help her back. - I mean Annalinde help her! >between sobs< But I don't know what I did that was wrong! Veronica. I should like you to talk to Ariadne later. See if you can explain. Thank you for the hankie, Veronica [blows nose with a trumpeting sound] Yes, Miss Serelique. * vbellemon knows that it is wrong to disagree with a mistress, but surely this punishment was harsh and confusing to Ariadne * vbellemon is, however, respectfully silent * sabrinaMc thinks it is hard to believe that such an inteligent looking girl could be so daft * ariadne returns to place, sits gingerly, occupting only an outer sliver of the chair. occupying Now, we are getting a little late. Would you like us to finish our introductions or shall I close the class now. You may stay here and chat. * sabrinaMc thinks that the blonds hear must be allowed to run around like wild ladies * vbellemon hopes that today is not making a bad impression of Avendale on the new girls Please, Miss, I believe it might be best to close the class. Yes, Miss. Please *do* >snuffle< I agree with Veronica * sabrinaMc thinks that Miss Veronica is a very smart lady. I will have to learn from her * jinjur hopes that the mistress takes Veronica's suggestion Very well. Class is ended. * vbellemon stands Thank you, Miss. You may talk among yourselves if you wish. * sabrinaMc stands * vbellemon waits for the mistress to leave the room * jinjur stands goodbye girls. Thank you for attending. Goodbye, Miss Serelique. Thank you. Thank you, Miss. Good-bye, Miss Serelique. Um, Thank you. * vbellemon nods approvingly at Ariadne Thnsk You Miss Serel Thank You *** MissSerel has left channel #avendale 118 From: Nicola - 3rd Year Avendale Date: Sun Sep 12, 1999 3:46pm Subject: Carrie Binks Carrie - Oh I feel so ashamed standing here having made such awful faux par on this my first full day although on at least one of them my guardian will be so pleased. You see she is so terriably disappointed she so longed to raise me to follow in her footsteps into the rough and brutish world of the city, I do believe that she would prefer me to be a brunette instead of as she sometimes calls me a "silly" blonde. Calamity appears to be-set me the moment, when I arrived yesterday I wore a red sash, I did wonder why I recieved such quizical looks from some of the girls and it was only when I re-read the school rules I realised the awful mess I had got myself into. I feel sure my guardian instructed me to do so on purpose , I think its so jolly hurtful to be so cruel. I will be fifteen in November, by the way who was that young brunette girl at supper last night I feel sure I saw here place something from her plate into her pocket very odd. There seam's to be lots of odd things here, I think I may have seen some Ghost's on one of the back stairways, they looked like a two blondes a first former and a prefect only they were both all white and powdery, Oh I do hope its not haunted. Also I'm sure I spied a brunette tipsy like my guardian is sometimes after one of her important business lunches. I think its awfully kind of you taken so much time helping me a blonde bunny and I think the term bunnies is rather sweet Nikki Bradford 119 From: Date: Sun Sep 12, 1999 0:42pm Subject: Dear Diary I went to my first class today and believe it or not I wasn't late - but I felt late because everyone else was so early that it was all under way by the time I got there. It was a jolly sort of class because term hasn't started properly, So Miss Serelique was just doing sort-of fun things like a debate about whether blondes or brunettes are better and getting every one to introduce herself. Jinjur was there, and Malena, Sabrina, Elena, Katie, Veronica. I only heard Malena's contribution to the debate and that was so good the winning ones must have been utterly ripping if they were better. I was a bit glad I wasn't there at the beginning or I might have had to speak and I shouldn't have been anywhere near as good. Ariadne was dreadfully naughty - I can't tell if she does it on purpose or not. She was so bad that I forgot myself and tried to send her to the corner as I did when I was a monitress in my old school, but I'm no here, of course, so it was *terribly* embarrassing. Anyway in the end she got sent to the corner and all the blondes got scared by a spider - even Miss Serelique, I think, though she pretended she wasn't. And Ariadne and Elena had left something in the oven and Ariadne set off the fire alarm, so I had to run and tell Miss Maitland it was a false alarm so she could get it turned off. That was one of the two most swindlous things of the day. Because Diary two dreadfuly swindlacious things happened to me. This first one was that while I was rushing to get the alarm turned off Katie Webster told the whole class she was in love with Veronica. Gosh, I wish I'd been there. The other Big Swindle was that I had to leave early and after I'd gone Ariadne was strapped. I'm not surprised. I mean, she was asking for it all along. And anyway every one was talking about it because she was wearing the most unschooly frilly panties. I think I'd really like to have seen that. Apparently she got a pretty good whack. Not many, but hard. I think it puzzled her a bit - but gosh, she's got to learn. She's nearly 19, so imagine my saying that about her. If I was appointed a monitress, perhaps one day . . . I wonder what her underclothes looked like. I wonder if Jinjur ever. . . Dear Diary. I think I'd better put you away. 120 From: Nicola - 3rd Year Avendale Date: Sun Sep 12, 1999 4:40pm Subject: Miss Serelique Miss Please accept my profound apolgies for my absence from todays class, I can offer no excuse other than that of a poor blonde bunny becoming lost in attempting to find the classroom. Please do not judge me harshly for this, although I from what I can understand from the homework I must confess to being jolly glad I was not there oh how I loath spiders (the very thought of them makes my skin crawl) yours truely Nicola Bradford From: Date: Sun Sep 12, 1999 1:01pm Subject: To Nikki Hello - did you get to Miss Serelique's class or not? I got quite confused with all the goings-on. I hope you *didn't* see ghosts - though as likely as not it was some of the girls playing the fool. As for the tipsy brunette. You are quite right. That was Emily. Joan and Suzanne told me - they seem to know everything. It seems she arrived as tight as the proverbial owl and Annalinde shuffled her off into her room to have a little sleep, so as not to cause too much of a row. But Suzanne says Annalinde will deal with her later, and Joan showed me the marks where Lindie caned her the other day. Not bad for a blonde, I thought. I hope you are starting to settle in. Do tell me if anything troubles you. I'll help if I possibly can. Carrie 122 From: Nicola - 3rd Year Avendale Date: Sun Sep 12, 1999 5:16pm Subject: Carrie Brink Carrie oh you are really a good sort for a brunette, no I never made it to class I just hope I'm not punished.. You really are very kind and I hope that you and I will become close friends Nikki 123 From: Date: Sun Sep 12, 1999 1:41pm Subject: To Nikki Yes, let's be friends. I am making some lovely friends here. But gosh, I'm not Carrie Brink! I'm Carrie Binks. My full name is Caroline Veleda-Binks but I much prefer to be called Carrie. I know its confusing, because on my letters it says Carriebink - but that is because I can only fit ten letters on the top of my post, so I have to leave the S off. What a swindle. I mean, would another letter break the bank? But I can't get it. Carrie Binks 126 From: thorny Date: Sun Sep 12, 1999 9:27pm Subject: Sabrina considers the days class I set down at my desk and pull out my notebook from class. I read the answers that all the girls gave to the hypothetical question who is better blonde's or brunettes and why. I read Miss Veronica's answer carefully....."a blond is like a beautiful flower....the brunette in just the stem and roots". I think to myself that this is a wonderfully colorful analogy and showed exactly what she was saying. I on the other hand only used her analogy but for my own use. I see that I needed to come up with my own clever analogy's. I sit looking out the window thinking of how I can better represent my thoughts in class. I also take out a clean sheet of paper and practice writing thank you properly. thank you thank you thank you and so on till both sides of the paper are filled. Sabrina 127 From: Date: Sun Sep 12, 1999 11:38pm Subject: Jinjur and Carrie By Sunday night Jinjur had finished her drawings and some red was beginning to show in her hair again. During lunch on Monday she distributed them with nicely worded apologies. Most of her victims were ready to forgive her. Their hair had either been colored to a more appropriate shade or else the inadvertant color was nearly washed out, and everyone felt sorry for her on account of her lovely nightdress. Tawny's rather dark blonde hair was almost back to normal. Jinjur's drawing for her was of a lion, its mane the same color as her natural hair. Joan had of course colored her hair deliberately and so did not deserve an apology, but Jinjur did not want to arouse suspicions, so she drew Joan of Arc with Joan's face. When it came to Veronica's drawing, Jinjur could not resist a sly joke; remembering Ariadne's imaginative but spirited description of Veronica as a puppy dog following at Elspeth's heels, she drew a little black Labrador puppy. Veronica obviously did not suspect any repartee and thanked Jinjur sincerely. For Carrie, Jinjur drew nothing other than a depiction of her new nickname, the Whirlwind Bunny. A most charming rabbit with its limbs in a whirl, like a Quirrie cartoon about the Tasmanian Devil. Carrie was delighted at the picture, even if she did find the "bunny" epithet a little annoying. "It's tradition, so we mustn't mind it, you know," she said. But much of her conversation during lunch was complaining about how on Sunday, she had missed all of the most interesting things that happened during class the day before. She hadn't heard Katie Webster declare that she was in love with "Miss Veronica", and she had missed Ariadne's strapping. "I heard that her knickers were all frothy," Carrie said. "You'd think she would behave herself while she was wearing something like that. If she gets punished, the knickers will be found out, and then she'll be in for it." Carrie had come back to the subject of Ariadne's knickers quite a few times. Always in a proper way such as this, but still she returned to the subject. It gave Jinjur an inspiration. She lowered her eyes and asked in a low voice, "Do you think that wearing unschooly knickers is such a dreadful offense, Carrie?" "Oh, hardly dreadful. I mean, it only merits one extra stroke most of the time. But everyone knows they're not supposed to wear them." "What if a girl hasn't done anything else wrong, and she's just being punished for her knickers? What sort of punishment should that be, do you think?" "I wouldn't exactly know," Carrie said, "since I'm not a prefect or anything, but I'd guess that it would call for a really thorough hand spanking." A flush came to Jinjur's cheeks that had nothing to do with embarrassment. "I think you had better punish me again, Carrie," she murmured, eyes on the table. Carrie's eyes widened and her breath became heavier. After a minute she managed to say, "You mean...?" Jinjur dug her nails into her palms to stop herself from smiling. "I didn't think it mattered, since no one was likely to see them." Jinjur could almost feel the warmth rising from Carrie. "Perhaps it doesn't matter so much," Carrie got out. As if by accident, Jinjur let her knee brush against Carrie's under the table, ever so briefly. "Of course it matters! I've been naughty again, Carrie. I just can't behave myself." She looked up, into Carrie's eyes. "I need your help, Carrie." She held her glance for a long moment before lowering her eyes in a flurry of lashes. At last Carrie spoke. "Perhaps we should go on a walk after school today," she said breathily. "We can settle it then." "Yes, Carrie," Jinjur said meekly. The school grounds and immediate vicinity had several little nooks where parapets, trees and shrubberies created a degree of privacy. Jinjur, of course, knew them all. Carrie poked at her food for the rest of lunch, preoccupied. Jinjur enjoyed the spectacle immensely. The chemistry between them was crackling. Jinjur was not going to let Carrie start thinking that she was a fast blonde, but on the other hand, today Carrie was going to give her more than just half a kiss. Jinjur was determined on that point. There was just time between lunch and afternoon classes for Jinjur to hurry up to her room. There, Jinjur removed the regulation maroon school knickers she was wearing and replaced them with the laciest pair of pale green satin knickers she had. 128 From: Date: Sun Sep 12, 1999 10:04pm Subject: A Brief Note to Miss Annalinde Miss Annalinde, Again, I must beg for a moment of your time. I am dreadfuly confused about Ariadne's behaviour in class today. She was dreadfully naughty, and had it not been for my appointment with the Voice Mistress, I fear I might have witnessed something dreadful. As it was, I heard she was strapped, which was certainly dreadful enough for me. Perhaps you can explain why she behaved as she did, because I simply do not understand. I do so dreadfully want to be friends with other girls here at school, but if Ariadne continues to be so very naughty, I just know my Mummies would not approve, and yet, I would never want to offend her or be rude to her, for she has treated me very kindly, and whatever shall I do? I was sorry to have missed seeing you again. It went well with the Voice Mistress, and I cannot believe it, but she wishes me to sing in the Avendale School Choir - me! Katie Webster, I know, will be pleased, for she is a Pianiste, and we can perform together. Thank you for listening to a confused little blonde, who, at this moment, feels more like a 9 year old than a 12 year old. Elena Dierrian 129 From: Date: Mon Sep 13, 1999 0:35am Subject: Ariadne, Discipline and Things - to Elena Dear Elena, Congratulations on being accepted for the school choir. Avendale seems to have acquired two very talented musiciennes this term. Do you want to sit on my lap again? Sometimes you seem like a very little girl to me too. But don't worry. That isn't a bad thing. About Ariadne - I wasn't present during her bad behaviour, but I can well imagine the sort of thing. I was about to discipline her myself the night the lights went out - but it was at that *very* moment that they did go out.To tell the truth I suspected Ariadne had something to do with it. She just seems to be that kind of girl - but I now realise those suspicions were unfair. I can't quite understand Ariadne. She seems very sweet and she gives the impression she doesn't understand what is going wrong. Veronica believes her completely, of course but I think no one behaves that badly without knowing something about it. I mean, I was told Miss Serelique told her quite plainly that she would be punished if she went on fiddling with things in class and she did start fiddling again a few minutes later. Now that can't be accidental, can it? Sorry - I shouldn't really be criticising her to you, but you did ask what I thought. And the answer is, I'm not quite sure. I believe she is genuinely a sweet girl who likes a lot of attention (especially brunette attention). I think she sort of *needs* to be punished and sort-of knows it. Although she acted very surprised last night (I was there for the punishment, which you weren't. In fact I held her, which after my last failure in the Ariadne-discipline line was, I confess rather satisfying) I think she got what some part of her actually wanted. Or perhaps what she wanted was a rather milder spanking. I think Miss Serelique got it just right. Very short, but very sharp. I think it will make A tread more carefully - at least with Miss S. As for you and Ariadne, I think you should be friendly to her still. She *is* a nice girl and you might be a good influence on her, and there is a good chance hat discipline will improve her. Not that she won't always be rather dippy. She is the sort of blonde that makes brunettes think blondes are featherbrains. Of course, if you get to the stage where you feel you are doing wrong by your mothers in associating with her, then we must do something. Come to me then, and I'll help you do it in the most tactful way. Annalinde 130 From: School Girl Date: Mon Sep 13, 1999 7:45am Subject: Photo I sat through first two lessons of the day until playtime. As the bell went and after we were dismissed Elena and I went off to chat about our music. "Elena what will you sing?" She went into deep thought, " I will let you know Katie" I stopped dead in my tracks at the sight of Miss Veronica, I still cannot believe I actually told the whole school that I am in love with Miss Veronica. "Do you think she will give a keepsake, Elena" I asked "Absolutely no way" Elena told me "Then I will have to get one from her study" I told my chum. The bell went and we made our way to the next lesson History, boring I thought. However the gods smiled on me "Katie" said Miss Churchill I sat up straight "Yes Miss" Be a good girl and take the register to the school office for me, and tell Mrs Hornby I forgot" "Yes Miss" I sad The chance to get out of lesson was great, as I did not want to know about Vikings and things. The school was deserted as all the staff and pupils were in class. I slowed down as I neared the school office. Mrs Hornby is the secretary it is rumoured that when the school's heating breaks down, she breaths fire into the pipes and the whole place is like an oven. "Yes child" a voice boomed from the office window. "Pleesseeeeeee Mrs Hornbyyyyy I have Miss Churchill's register" I put into her hand and made my leave quickly. As I walked back to class I decided to take detour via Miss Veronica's study. I sneaked in and had a look around. Everything was very neat and tidy. On her desk I spotted an old photo of her so I took and ran back to my own dorm and hid it inside my pillow. Unpon returning to class Miss Churchill gave me an essay to write on Vikings. Oh well I will with Miss Veronica tonight............... 131 From: thorny Date: Mon Sep 13, 1999 11:28am Subject: Sabrina goes to the Libary I check myself in the mirror one last time to make sure that my uniform is in order and not wrinkled. When I am sure that it is as should be, I get my things together. I put my pencil and note book in my satchel and head out the door. I walk along the sidewalk admiring the beautiful grounds of the school. I see the library up ahead and continue on my way. Once at the library I quietly open the big doors and steep in. I take a moment to adjust my eyes to the dim light of the library. I put my scuttle down at a table and go and find a copy of Rowenia and Juliet............ Rowenia, Rowenia where for art thou Rowenia. Deny thy Mother and Refuse thy name, or if thou won't be but sworn my love and I'll no longer be a Capulet. 'Tis but thy name that is thy enemy. Thou art thou self though not a Montique. What's Montique? It is nor hand nor foot nor arm nor leg nor any other part belong to women. Rose by another name is still a rose. So Rowenia would were she not Rowenia called retain that dear perfection which she owes without her name. Oh Rowenia doth thy name and for thy name which is no part of the take all myself. I close the book and quietly drift of into space day dreaming about how wonderful it would be to play the part of Juliet. I wonder if I will ever find my Rowenia. sabrina 132 From: Date: Mon Sep 13, 1999 11:45am Subject: Re: Dearest Blonde Mummy.... Avendale School for Young Ladies Flanchford Road Avenbridge Quirinelle Aristasia September 12, 1954 Dearest Blonde Mommy, So much has happened in the last week that I hardly know where to begin! So to begin with, I have some bad news and good news, so I shall give you the good news first and the bad news afterwards. The first bit of good news is that my red woolen socks arrived, so thank you for them but they are now quite unnecessary as a blonde prefect named Annalinde showed me how to get hot water for my hot water bottle by giving a penny to the maid. I tried to give Annalinde (who is a pretty little thing) a penny for her advice but she merely glowered so I offered her a Half Crown instead but she merely glowered all the more, said she was happy to help and stalked off. Some more good news is that the girls here at Avendale school are rather nice, especially the brunettes of which I have already befriended a goodly number, at least two or three dozen. That is not to say that there are not nice blondes here too for there are. I have already told you about my room mate, Elspeth Elsvetta, who is fifteen. Then there is Jinjur Quinbury, who is sixteen and had strawberry blonde hair at one time but now it is quite a bit darker due to a prank with shampoo which mis-fired. Another blonde is twelve-year old Katie Webster who bashes about at top speed and plays piano pieces by Greeg which she plays on the piano. But my favourite blonde is a new girl named Elena Dierrian who is also twelve but she arrived from Amazonia in a long, black car with a liveried chauffeuse and she is actually a princess but does not want anyone to know it and guess what, she knows how to cook! But more of that later under the Bad News. Well that ends the Good News so the first Bad News is there was a hair dryer blackout and I got pinched on my whereabouts but it was in the dark because of the blackout so I could not tell who did it, but I suspect it was this Annalinde who has never stopped glowering at me (until tonight as you will see). The next Bad News is that Jinjur Quinbury's anteek night-dress got spoilt and *I* did it with my shampoo which was not really shampoo but dye that I poured on the nightdress to take out an ink stain so it turned it a horrible brown colour and now the Headmistress, Miss Maitland has the night-dress and some girls are even offering prayers that the stain might vanish. Well it turns out the shampoo was not my fault, for it was Jinjur Quinbury who put dye into *lots* of shampoos so quite a few of the girls quite suddenly had different colour hair as a consequents which caused rather a stir but it is now washing gradually out so even Jinjur's hair which got dyed as punishment is showing a few streeks of strawberry blonde. A little more bad news is that when little Elena showed me how to bake tea cakes we spattered dough on the kitchen ceiling which angered the maids and we got all covered in dough ourselves and also flour so we had to go to clean ourselves up. So on account of being covered with more flour than Elena, she got to last evenings class early. So did lots of other girls, but I was right on time. But the Schoolmistress, Miss Serelique, had already started the class with a debate on the merits of blondes and brunettes which of course I did not attend, but when I came in they were taking a vote on which girl disclaimed the best. Just because I did not hear the debate Miss Serelique would not let me vote! Which I thought was rather unfair. So while they were voting I touched up my make-up, had a breath freshener and was made to stand in the corner for crinkling cellophane. But, Mummy, the maids at Avendale School are careless, for they left a cobweb in the corner in which was hiding a great black spider, so I did what any respectable blonde would do and swooned but not without dutifully screaming. When I revived, I was the only one with enough presents of mind to see smoke outside the class room window! So I remembered the oven and the tea cakes and passed Elena a note to ask her if she had forgotten to take them out of the oven, but I had to read the note to the whole class so by then the smoke was quite a bit thicker and Miss Serelique sent me out of the room to deal with it, so I did what any blonde would have done, I pulled the fire alarm, of course, which *I* thought would bring everything under control. But for some reason the smoke continued until Veronica whos a brunette prefect went down to the kitchen and took the cakes out of the oven and got the fire alarm turned off. The kitchen maids could have done it, so I think they were trying to get even with Elena and I because we got dough all over their kitchen. But now is the really Bad News, Mummy. I got paddled for dropping my nailfile! I was trying to retreeve it discretely when I slipped and fell, so Miss Serelique made me bend over a chair in front of all the other girls, and Annalinde, no longer glowering but with a grim smile on her face, held me down and she is quite wiry and strong for a blonde. She when I was bent over the chair and Miss Serelique folded back my gymslip, it was apparent to all who had eyes that my knickers were not, well, were not those dreadfully dull maroon ones us blondes have to wear, but as I thought no one would ever find out, I had worn frilly French ones instead (I have been all along!) So Miss Serelique must not be too clever a schoolmistress, for she asked me what kind of underclothing I was wearing when everyone could plainly see! So I guessed either Miss Serelique needs spectacles or else she had never seen frilly French knickers before so I was about to enlighten her when --- *SMACK!* down came the paddle on my whereabouts and then *SMACK!* and a *third* SMACK! O, Mummy, did that paddle hurt! I could not sit properly for the rest of the day and I am in fact writing this letter lying on my bed on my tummy. Now I must end, for I am to report to Veronica in just a few minutes, for she is to tell me why I was punished for dropping a nail file and why I should thank Miss Serlelique. Kisses from your loving daughter, ARIADNE 133 From: Date: Mon Sep 13, 1999 2:38pm Subject: My first classlesson Dear diary My first schoolday ended and my first meeting with other girls in school and my first lesson with Miss Serelique. I was so nervous to miss time so i was in schoolroom 40 minutes before and waited together with two other girls......brunettes of course...we always come early and are eager to do our best. I met ariadne and elena two nice girls and they helped me and comforted me I felt much better after seeing this nice girls.School will be nice when good friends like them around and then Veronica came one of our prefects also a very fair nice girl that seemed very experienced and wise. We chatted and waited until i got call to go to Miss Maitland. I returned just before class started and now I met a lot of te other girls and I must say I am pleased. So many nice girls in this school.Sabrina a scottish lass that seems fair and nice and jinjur came and were nice though jinjur was all time talking of some drawings she should make....she probably good at painting....she seems to have been in trouble already for doing pranks..i dont know if she been caned for it....she seemed sorry for it anyway.Carrie was also there a girl I like very much she seems nice and I think I will ask her over for a candy after dinner as I hidden my candies under bed. Then miss Serelique came...and yes she was quite strict not awful strict but I felt she was serious and strict and she gave us some assignment a debate where we each should debate a view about blondes and brunnetes. I did my best but oooh some other girls older girls were so good Veronica for an example but then I heard elenas view and ooooohh she was so wise though she is 12 like me. I admire her so and I voted for her when Miss Serelique told us to vote for best debatepoint. Veronica won but I envy elena that could do so well and she seems so nice and kind girl I hope she likes me and that we can be friends. Seems as we brunettes can be a good gang here and do some good work. Talking about work.....yet no homework and no assignments....seems to very quiet here in beginning.....mostly walking around doing nothing...but it will maybe change..........? malena Franklin 134 From: Date: Mon Sep 13, 1999 2:51pm Subject: First schoolday Dear diary I have just finished first schoolday and first lesson. Feels so goodtoday,yesterday I was early to not miss time for first class and first met ariadne and elena two brunettes outside classroom nice fair girls that comforted me and made me feel more relaxed. Yee three brunettes in good time of course.....smiles Soon Veronica a nice prefect girl came and she was also fair helping me. jinjur came then and talked alot about drawings she would like to make....didnt understand but I guess she is good at painting. Sabrina a scottish lass joined and she seemed nice girl.Then carrie came a girl I liked much and also felt sympathy with.Ill ask her over to my dormroom tonight and offer her a candy from my hidden sweets under bed....smiles. Then Miss Serelique came and she was strict and very good teaching ,enjoyed it so....we had to debate different points and I did my best but elena and Veronica were so good..... Veronica won competition though i voted for elena. I admire elena much she seems to be so wise and good genuinely good girl. I got no vote and felt smal besides other girls but I will learn!!! This will be a good year lots of nice girls and teachers good though maybe little strict. But no homework yet and little assignments and no chores to do.....feel luxuary wandering round here and doing nothing ....smiles..... Teachers have maybe not started yet...but so far very quiet... Im happy to be here goodnight dear diary 135 From: Date: Mon Sep 13, 1999 11:29am Subject: Re: Elena's Reply to Miss Annalinde Elena Dierrian, to Miss Annalinde Chelverton [giggling self-consciously] When you asked if I wanted to sit upon your lap again, I must confess I was of two minds - yes and no. No, because I'm 12 after all, and a young lady, but Yes, because you've an awfully comfortable lap, and to tell you the truth, I do so miss my blonde Mummy, and you seem to remind me of her. Oh, Miss Annalinde, you should see her! She is so very small - just five feet - and so very delicate. When I was a very little girl, I used to think she was a fairy! And she is so very, very wise. I do not understand Ariadne, either, and I glad you think it is well to remain her friend. Friends are so very precious - each seems like a box of treasure. Surely a girl cannot have too many. I promise to never repeat what you said of her to anyone else, of course. I think I understand full well what you mean when you say she needs attention. I feel that way too, sometimes - indeed, many times. [another self-conscious little smile and blush] Somewhat like the time you spanked me for being out of bed - it was...not enough to settle my heart, if you know what I mean. That was why I had to confess to you, even though my deed might have otherwise gone unnoticed. So...- [it is evident the girl is thinking very quickly here, for she speaks hurriedly, and in a slightly breathless tone] ...perhaps dear Ariadne feels unsettled in her heart and so feels she must attract negative attention to herself so she will receive the discipline she needs to make her heart feel settled once more? Is that the answer, do you think? Although...if she *wants* a spanking or such, why cannot she simply approach one of the mistresses or a prefect such as yourself and request it? I am sure they would not mind, once she explained her heart's desire to them. I am worried about one thing, and I hope you will not think me too silly or foolish for voicing my concern: everyone here seems to think I am gifted with some sort of divine wisdom and practically perfect in every way. I am not. I am just a girl - altogether human, and prone to err - all too often, it sometimes seems. I fear I will give the other pupils a disgust of me because some of the girls (like Miss Veronica) *will* hold me up as an example to them (as she did with Jinjur), and you know what happens then - "Oh, La, here comes Elena the Perfect - lah di dah!" and no one likes a stuck-up little prig goody two shoes (which I am not). Yet... I feel I am sort of Ambassadress here in the West. What will people here in Quirinelle think if they see me, and I am acting like a spoiled little brat? And then there is the matter of being accepted here at Avendale, which is accounted to be the *best* school anywhere? How can I justify the Headmistress' acceptance of me if I am not on my best behaviour? Oh, Miss Annalinde, I have been trying very, very VERY hard to be a good girl this last week... [sigh] [girlish smile] I do wish you could visit my home someday, though I expect you are rather old to play with dolls. I have quite a large collection, many of which are very old, handed down from my mother's foremothers. Some I cannot play with, but only admire in their cases, but there are many more I *am* allowed to touch. And do you like cats, Miss Annalinde? [Elena grins broadly, showing even, white teeth] We have a great many of them at home. They are held to be sacred, you know, in another part of what is known as Amazonia by the folk here in Quirinelle. The land of Egypt, which is ruled by a great Dynasty of Queens. It is dry there, and sandy, and they build great cenotaphs for their departed called 'pyramids'. Ah - but I prattle too much. I must let you attend to other things. [Elena suddenly kisses Annalinde's cheek, to her surprise, and slides gracefully from her lap. Once standing, she curtseys.] Thank you again. I shall speak to you at once if Ariadne's behaviour causes me too much concern. 136 From: Date: Mon Sep 13, 1999 0:47pm Subject: Another Spanking for Jinjur So much seemed to be happening. Carrie had almost forgotten about missing the fun last night. She consoled Nikki for her gaffe about coming to school in a red sash - which, of course only a blonde prefect may wear. Privately Carrie thought Nikki's guardian must be an absolute beast if she deliberately sent Nikki to school with that sash, but she didn't say so as one shouldn't criticise other people's people. Then Malena invited her to have some candy. It was nice pink and white coconut candy, and Carrie enjoyed it very much. Poor Malena seemed very worried about the food here. Carrie hoped she would enjoy it. It was pretty good for school food but not very sophisticated, it is true. Carrie herself could enjoy most things unless they were horrid. But all this was overshadowed by Jinjur. Carrie had become sort of hot and giddy when Jinjur told her she was wearing non-regulation panties. And then when she said that she wanted her to spank her again! Actually she had spanked one or two girls before as monitress at her old school and that was barely legal - but disciplining an older girl in a school where she had no authority seemed a risky business - but still It was probably good for Jinjur if Jinjur thought so. And besides, Carrie found an overwhelming urge to spank her. Jinjur led her to a safe place in a little-frequented area of the grounds. "This will do," said Jinjur. "I hope you will not be offended by seeing my non-regulation underwear." The reminder that she was about to see those underclothes had a curious effect on Carrie. "Not at all," said Carrie trying to be nonchalantly brunette in a sightly strangled voice. Carrie had made certain Good Resolutions today. 1) She would not raise Jinjur's petticoat. She would no doubt see something of her underclothes through the thin material and that was certainly enough. The girl had a right to some modesty. 2) she would not spank her so hard - she felt she had got carried away last time and overdone it. Well, she had reason to be angry with Jinjur then, but this time she must use moderation. 3) if she were allowed to kiss her afterwards, it should not be as passionately as last time. These rules which Carrie intended to impose on herself were important. Jinjur, though older than Carrie was an innocent blonde who was trying to improve herself through voluntary discipline. It would be beastly of Carrie to take advantage of her in any way. "I am ready now," said Jinjur shyly - though rather unnecessarily, almost as though she were impatient of the small delay. "Good, said Carrie. Come over my knee." Jinjur did so. Carrie lifted her skirt and her first resolution evaporated immediately. "Jinjur," she said, "you are not wearing a petticoat." "Oh, I am *so* sorry. I must have forgotten to put it on. How dreadful! I was hoping you would not raise it, too. I suppose you'd better punish me for that as well." "You realise," said Carrie a shade faintly, her eyes transfixed by the pale-green satiny panties, "that it is very wrong not to wear regulation school knickers?" "Oh, yes," said Jinjur. "I really have no option but to punish you," said Carrie - aware that this was not really true. It seemed the right thing to say somehow." "I do understand," said Jinjur. "Carrie began to spank her. Not too hard. Jinjur wiggled gently, her satin knickers catching the sunsheeny in fascinating ways, her long legs also glitering as the nylons reflected the bright rays. Only her white thighs were matte. It was a somehow thrilling effect. "Just a *little* harder thought Carrie. At least I am only using my hand this time. "Carrie," said Jinjur suddenly. "Yes," said carrie. Am I hurting you too much?" "No," said Jinjur. "Carrie. . ." "Yes." "Carrie - could you use this?" From somewhere Jinjur produced a charming little sequined blonde slipper with a thin but very hard leather sole. Carrie took the slipper. "Carrie, I want you to spank me really hard the way you did before. That's why I asked you, Carrie, because you are so *good* at it." How could one resist that appeal? Especially when one didn't want to? Carrie's second resolution evaporated and she began to spank Jinjur in earnest, raining sharp blows of the hard little slipper on the blonde's satin knickers and her creamy thighs until the latter were a fiery red. Jinjur wriggled, moaned, parted her legs slightly, gasped and generally did things that, while she could not know their effect on Carrie, caused a storm of passion in the young brunette's breast and encouraged her to spank even harder. Finally she finished and gently folded the gymslip back into place. "Stand up now," she said. Jinjur was noticeably taller than Carrie and there was a curious thrill in spanking a girl so distinctly senior to herself. "Won't you kiss me now to show everything is all right?" asked Jinjur meekly. Carrie kissed her cheek and Jinjur rolled her soft face about to present her lips. Carrie smelt her scent - it was an expensive one that she had bought secretly at Avenbridge, called Desire. If the advertising was anything to go by . . . it was a very good scent. Carrie was trembling. Her third resolution vanished like the morning mist. Later Carrie was dressing in her very best uniform - the one that she hadn't yet unpacked from its cellophane since it came back from the dry cleaners. She looked fondly at the lovely picture Jinjur had made of her as the Whirlwind Bunny. She would have that picture framed to stand on her little bedside cabinet. She looked at it fondly but guiltily. She had not done right by Jinjur. Was she turning into a Bad Brunette? Today was the day of their date. She was taking Jinjur to Delmonte's. Only the best for Jinjur. And after this afternoon she would be *sure* to keep her new resolutions. After all, there would be no spanking. Far less temptation. She met Jinjur outside the blonde dorm and escorted her down the school path. Jinjur was looking lovely in *her* best uniform. "I trust you are wearing the correct underclothes now," joked Carrie. "Oh, I don't think it matters too much out of school, do you?" said Jinjur. "I am wearing something more *eveningy* - you know, more lacy. I hope that is all right." Carrie found herself becoming strangely warm again. "Oh, Jinjur, Jinjur," she thought silently, "I hope I am not becoming a Bad Brunette." 137 From: Joan Date: Mon Sep 13, 1954 11:02pm Subject: Let's Dance "Jinjur," said Joan urgently, "everyone's hair is starting to turn back to normal. We've got to put my plan into operation before it's too late." "You never told me what your plan was," replied Jinjur, "and I'm not interested any more." "But you *promised*." "That was before all sorts of things. Before my nightdress was ruined all because of you before - oh, before lots of things. I am a different girl now." "But I've made great preparations - and got myself caned in the course of them. You can't break your promise now." "I can." "That is simply dishonourable. Just like a blonde. Well I won't let you." "You can't stop me." "Oh yes I can." Jinjur looked nervous. "You wouldn't use force on a blonde?" "Of course not. I'm no cad. But I would do something else." "What?" "Write a red-hot letter to Carrie telling her all about some of your little adventures with me - and Suzanne. She won't think you such a pure little blondie after that." "Carrie? What's she got to do with me?" "Maybe nothing. Then you don't mind if I write to her?" "I'll deny it. She'll never believe you over me." Jinjur was bluffing. She knew that if Carrie received such a letter it might make her see certain events of the past few days in quite a different light. "We'll put it to the test, shall we?" "No! All right. I'll come do what you want. But then you must promise never to send any such letter ever." "I promise. And the word of a brunette is worth something." Jinjur rankled at that gibe. She was letting her sex down. But what horrid situations she managed to get herself into - either break her promise or do something awful with Joan. "Now come with me. There's no time to lose." Joan hurried Jinjur down the school path. "I haven't an exeat," said Jinjur. "I can't leave the school." "When did that ever bother you before? Anyway you don't need an exeat where we're going." The girls ran to the little Avendale railway station. Joan bought tickets and they boarded a train. "Why did you say I didn't need an exeat? We're leaving Avendale." "You don't need an exeat, dear blonde because we are going to Maryhill. Specifically to the *Palais de Dance* in Maryhill, known to the local hoi polloi as the "pally". And that, as you know, is so wildly out of bounds that a whole sackful of exeats wouldn't make us legal." "You've gone batty. We'll be spotted in out Avendale uniforms and reported immediately." "Trust your Auntie Joan. She thinks of everything. We shall not be in Avendale uniforms. You don't think I am merely taking you out for an illicit dance do you? My plan goes much deeper than that. In fact I am not taking you to a dance at all." "Then what are you doing?" "Me? I'm doing nothing. You are taking me." "What do you mean?" "Take this into the lavatory at the end of the corridor and change into it. I shall change in the one at the other end. When we come out, things will be clearer even to a blonde brain." She handed ginger a brown paper parcel obviously containing clothes. Jinjur locked herself into the lavatory and opened the parcel. It contained a black suit - smart jacket, snappy pencil skirt, crisp white blouse. In fact it was Joan's best suit. She put it on, and with her still-dark hair she looked like a very dashing brunette. Nervously she emerged into the corridor and saw Joan in the dress she had purchased in Avenbridge. Joan looked like the perfect young blonde. "My escort!" said Joan. "Thank *heaven* you've come. I was so *frightened* waiting alone in this carriage." "Don't be an idiot, Joan." "Is that the way you talk to your blonde, you brute?" "Oh *really*." "Come on, Jinjur. You can't have got *that* dull. You're doing this now. You might as well play up, properly and have the fun." It was true. This was a topping rag. One might have to pay dearly for it, so one might as well enjoy it. "Would you like a seat by the window, my dear?" asked Jinjur. "Thank you kindly," said Joan. * * * The "pally" was a large pseudo-Art-Neo establishment, expensively furnished but a little vulgar. It was teeming with blondes dressed to kill and slick-haired brunettes. They were jiving to the strains of *Sweet Little Sixteen*. Jinjur pulled joan onto the floor and started to dance with her. A brunette much taller than Jinjur cut in and started dancing with Joan, making her spin so her skirts flared. Jinjur was really in the spirit of things now. She quickly picked up a giggly little blonde shop-girl and made *her* spin to the sounds of *Good Golly, Miss Molly*. She flirted outrageously, playing the suave brunette. She kissed several blondes - and from the squeals to be heard it may be conjectured that she pinched them too. After a time a breathless Joan caught up with her. "How can you kiss other blondes like that?" That brunette got me into a corner and I felt *terrible*." Joan tried to smooth her dishevelled blonde hair. "Oh, aren't you enjoying it?" asked Jinjur sympathetically, "I'm having a *wonderful* time." "You'd better look after me now," said Joan. "You are my escort, you know." They danced together and soon Jinjur noticed that Joan was teasing her. Spinning wildly so that her wide skirts and layers of petticoat flew out, showing her stocking-tops and suspenders, her thighs and even . . . Jinjur became warm. She pushed Joan into a corner. Of course Joan could have lifted her up with one hand if she'd wanted too, but she played the frail blonde, unable to resist the forceful brunette embrace. Jinjur began to kiss Joan and pinch her. "Please, you're hurting me," said Joan blondely. "Don't you like it?" said Jinjur roughly. Joan sighed and gave way to superior strength. Jinjur took - well a number of liberties.. * * * The journey home was ecstatic. The thrill of their role-reversed naughtiness lifted them to the clouds and they giggled and chattered - Joan very blondely and Jinjur very brunettely. As the train neared Avendale they changed back into their uniforms and prepered to sneak back into the School. 138 From: Date: Mon Sep 13, 1999 7:52pm Subject: Annalinde to Elena Annalinde Chelverton to Elena Dierrian Why doesn't Ariadne ask for a spanking if she wants one? Well, perhaps she doesn't *know* she wants one. That happens quite often, you know. But you mustn't be self-conscious about sitting on my lap. You aren't the first girl to miss her blonde Mummie, and you aren't the first little blonde to come and sit on my lap. And - I'll tell you a secret - there have been a few little brunettes too. Prefects aren't just here to punish girls you know. We are here to help them and look after them. Veronica does that in her brunette way and I do it in my blonde way. So if ever you feel a bit sad and lonely and miss your Mummie, you just come to see me. Here. Would you like a sweetie? "I hardly ever eat them, Miss Annalinde, but may I take it for Malena? I've an idea she would like it." Of course. Here it is. Now, as for girls thinking you a prig - I don't think anyone thinks that. Most of the girls seem to like you very much. There is nothing wrong with being good, and don't let anyone ever tell you there is. I should love to visit your home some day if I were allowed to go so far. Who knows what may happen? It is true I do not play with dolls often, but I still have one doll that is very dear to me. I shall show her to you one day. Goodbye, dear. Remember, I am in charge of the blonde dormitory. When my blondes feel worried or sad or confused, they can always come to see me. 139 From: Date: Tue Sep 14, 1999 4:07am Subject: Hidden sweets I look around noone in dorm and I open my little secret bag under my bed. Ohhhh full of sweets and I take one. So good...didnt like that food at dinner and got away with eating so little as I didnt like it. Ohhhh so good with sweets..and have a nice lonely moment here. I wonder if Carrie dare coming and have one....we'll see she seemed so nice and I really want to be her friend. Very quiet yet in school no chores or assignments but it will probably soon come and rain over me. Smiles this school seems to be good you can have some privacy and nice girls. Really enjoyed lesson with Miss Serelique i met her in corridor and she praised my work...ohh felt so good I was warm all inside and really wants to work with her hard......though she can probably be strict and firm too if you dont behave or work properly.I feel so good and happy with my start at school. Ohhhhhhh someone coming.....quickly i hide my bag of candies under bed..... malena Franklin(brunette) 140 From: Dorothea Maitland Date: Tue Sep 14, 1954 4:59am Subject: IMPORTANT - Very New Girls To those very new girls who have joined Avendale but have not yet introduced yourself to the school - please do so quickly now. You should introduce yourselves within 24 hours of joining. Most girls do so much sooner. Avendale is for active members only. Those who do not participate will be removed from the school. Please do not feel daunted. The school is very friendly and you will soon feel less new and confused. Just write telling us a little about yourself and describing your arrival at the school. Remember also that if other girls then greet you or include you in their story lines, school etiquette demands that you reply promptly. Looking forward to meeting you at Avendale. Dorothea Maitland 141 From: Serendra Serelique Date: Tue Sep 14, 1954 5:13am Subject: To Malena Oh, hello again, Malena - were you eating something? - never mind. There is something I want you to do for me. Find me a short poem that you like. Write it out and send it to me. Then I want you to learn the poem so that when I next see you in class you can say it to me without reading it. Can you do that? Good girl. Serendra Serelique 142 From: Date: Tue Sep 14, 1954 9:21am Subject: (no subject) Hello to all mistresses and fellow pupils at Avendale! Please let me introduce myself. My name is Georgina de la Falaise and I am a twelve year old Blonde newly arrived at Avendale. I must admit to have been feeling really jolly nervous as my Brunette mummy was driving me through the beautiful country town of Avenbridge and on towards Avendale School where it had been decided I was to be a boarder. My previous school, Abbeville, was academically highly thought of but both my blonde and brunette mummies felt that the discipline there was not nearly strict enough for a young lady whose three sisters had all attended Aristasian schools renouned for both their discipline and academic excellence. My mummies had heard about Avendale from some close friends whose daughters had all attented some years previously. They had had nothing but high praise for Avendale's ethos and methods and felt their daughters had emerged from their experience there as jolly well-mannered and mature young ladies. This was enough to persuade my mummies that this was where I should go to complete my formal education. My background, I would have to admit, is quite a privileged one. The family home is a large sprawling affair set in the heart of the countryside about ninety miles from Avendale.. We have a full staff including six maids who live in. Despite our comparative privilege, my mummies are what could be described as very strict and have made sure that all four of their daughters (three blondes and one brunette), are brought up to be well-mannered, polite, courteous and respectful to others. If either or both of our mummies feel we have have not lived up to these qualities, we are subject to spankings. If any of us are really naughty or disrespectful, we receive a sharp dose of the cane and gosh that can really sting!!. Our home however is an extremely happy one, filled with much music and laughter. All four daughters have been taught to play the piano so it is very seldom a quiet house. If it isn't the piano being played, one of us is listening to one of the latest recording hits on the gramophone. The first thing that struck me as we approached Avendale School in the car was its sheer, forboding size,enough tio make any young blonde feel a little nervous! What if I got lost? How the deuce would I find my way around? I hope all the girls and mistresses are friendly! As we got out of the car, my brunette mummy reminded me to show the proper respect to any mistress or senior girl we may encounter. On entering the reception area, we were greeted by a girl who introduced herself as Katie Webster. She smiled warmly and asked if I was the new girl they had been expecting. My mummy confirmed this and Katie then said she would show us the way to the Headmistress Miss Maitland's study. Katie really seemed jolly friendly and I must say I felt slightly less nervous as a rasult. We were ushered in to meet Miss Maitland who greeted us both with a handshake and cheery smile. I curtsied as I had been reminded by my blonde mummy to do before leaving the house that same morning.. Miss Maitland seemed so very kind and welcoming but I got the distinct impression she could also be very stern if the situation merited it. As I sat down on an upright wooden chair as instructed, I became very aware of the newness of my school uniform which felt rather stiff and starchy. I had been told by blonde mummy that from what she could tell from the Avendale propectus, while blonde girls under 14 years old have to wear white knee-length socks, blonde girls over 14 are allowed to wear flesh-coloured stockings. Oh what it is to be fourteen!! Miss Maitland and my mummy had a long chat and seemed to have an awful lot in common regarding shared beliefs on the education of young ladies. I was beginning to become a little bored as the grown-ups continued their conversation and passed the time looking at the beautiful pictures adorning the walls. I also noticed hanging in the glass-fronted oak cabinet three school canes of varying sizes. I decided not to interrupt Miss Maitland's and mummy's conversation under the circs! Fortunately, a delicious tea with cakes and buns was served by a maid who curtsied respectfully to Miss Maitland and mummy on entering and leaving. After about another half an hour, Miss Maitland said she would arrange for one of the senior prefects to show me round the school and introduce me to some of my fellow pupils. I walked with mummy to the car and although I was heartbroken to see her leave, I was definitely starting to feel less nervous about things. Mummy kissed me on both cheeks and said, "Behave and work hard. Make both your mummies proud of you". With those words she kissed me again and got in to the car. I waved goodbye as the car disappeared down the long drive and finally out of sight. I made my way back inside and headed once again for Miss Maitland's study as I had been told to do. Waiting outside the study was an extremely striking looking brunette who introduced herself as Veronica Bellemont. She looked about eighteen, (I subsequently found out she was in fact fifteen). She shook my hand and asked me what my name was. She really seemed so awfully grown up and mature. I think I felt a pash coming on!! She then showed me round the different parts of the school and kept assuring me that I would soon get used to finding my way around on my own. What really jolly well perked me up was when she made a point of saying that if I had any problems or questions, I should come and find her at any time and she would do whatever she could to help. I wanted so desperately to say something intelligent and impressive as we continued our tour but I ended up saying things like, "That's jolly nice" or "Oh, how super!". I really felt such a ninny and was really dashed cross with myself. Further on, we encountered Katie Webster running along the corridor near the music room. Veronica told her to stop immediately and said, " Katie, you know full well you are not aloud to run anywhere inside the school buildings". Katie replied that she had to meet a friend outside the assembly hall and that it was very important. Veronica was clearly not impressed and said in a very stern voice, "Katie, you will write 200 lines to be delivered to my study by 6pm tomorrow evening.. Come to my study after evening meal and I will inform you of what form the line will take". Veronica then asked Katie to take me to the junior dormitory so that I may unpack my things. It turned out that Katie was also a twelve year old blonde so we had something in common immediately. On entering the dorm Katie introduced me to Caroline Neville (also a blonde) who was lying on her bed reading a copy of Blonde Girls Weekly. She told Katie she had just been spanked by Annalinde Chelverton for not handing in a 600 word punishment essay on time. Despite this, she offered to lend a hand with my things which I thought jolly kind of her under the circs. By the time we had finished unpacking and chatting, Katie said we had better hurry up or we'd be late for the start of evening meal. Luckily, we arrived just in time though we did have to run a littls. Good thing Veronica or any of the other prefects or mistresses weren't about! Soon after, Miss Maitland, accompanied by several other mistresses whom I had not yet met, entered and made their way gracefully to High Table as though setting an example to all the pupils. All chatter suddenly stopped and all the girls stood up in double quick time. I caught Miss Maitland's eye and she smiled warmly at me. The meal was jolly delicious and, I have to say, a marked improvement on the food at my old school, Abbeville. When everyone had finished, Miss Maitland stood up and motioned for silence. In a strong, clear voice she said, " Girls, we must all offer an extremely warm welcome to our new Avendale girl who arrived this afternoon. Her name is Georgina de la Falaise and I trust you will all make her feel most at home and come to her rescue if she encounters any difficulties or problema". Everyone turned to look at me as Miss Maitland continued." Please stand up Georgina so that everyone can see you". I have to say I felt so jolly well embarassed and could feel myself beginning to blush as I am by nature quite shy. Before we left the dining hall, Miss Maitland introduced me individually to the other girls and some of the mistresses including Miss Maybridge, Miss Prism and Miss Serelique. They all seemed so friendly and encouraging. Katie, Caroline and I made our way back to the junior dorm with Katie having to make a slight detour to Veronica's private study in order to get the exact wording for the lines that she had to write as a punishment for running in the corridor. On entering our dorm, it was obvious that most of the junior blondes had already returned from the dining hall and junior blondes being junior blondes, we were greeted by much laughter, shreiking and a a great amount of excitement. Several of us gathered round and started looking through Katie's copy of Blonde Girls Weekly. Much fun was had trying to decide which brunettes pictured were the most fanciable and which ones the most fashionably dressed. I was then informed that as a new girl, I had to stand up on one of the dorm tables and sing a song of my choice. I have to admit to not knowing an awful lot of songs all the way through but finally managed to remember a couple of verses of "The Brunette of My Dreams". It's conclusion was greeted with thankfully loud applause and shouts of "Encore!, Encore!!" I'm sure they were just being kind.. Suddenly, Veronica popped her head round the door and said that if we were not in bed and ready for lights out in ten minutes we would all be punished. Katie said that Veronica was always true to her word and that the last time the junior blondes had not been ready for bed on time, each girl received three strokes of the dormitory cane over her nightdress whilst lying on her bed. Veronica returned in exactly ten minutes. Luckily, we had all managed to rush to the bathroom,wash, brush our teeth and change into our nightdresses before she got back. She wished us all goodnight and sweet dreams and then the lights were turned off. Several of the girls carried on chatting and a little later when all was quiet, Katie piped up and said she had managed to smuggle some sweets, cakes and lemonade in to the dorm and why didn't we have a midnight feast. We spent the next twenty minutes eating and drinking and trying desperately not to make too much noise in case one of the mistresses or prefects came in. We would definitely get punished if that happened!! When,at last, we all settled down again, I remember thinking life at Avendale might just be an awful lot of fun after all. I was asleep as soon as my head touched the pillow. Sweet dreams oh sweet dreams of Avendale. Georgina de la Falaise 143 From: Date: Tue Sep 14, 1999 9:59am Subject: re assignment Dear Miss Serelique I chose a poem that will reflect what i feel for this schoolwork. There are many troubles that will burst like bubbles there are many shadows that will disappear when you learn to meet them with a smile to greet them with a smile is better than a frown or tear. You can smile - when you cant say a word you can smile when you cannot be heard - You can smile when its cloudy or fair You can smile anytime anywhere. Writer A.H. Acklev This reflects an attitude I will take in my work here and thinks it helps me in becoming a girl that school and teachers can be proud of. Yours sincerely malena Franklin 144 From: Date: Tue Sep 14, 1999 10:38am Subject: Our candymeeting Oh im so glad Carrie came and chatted in my dormroom and we had some candies. She seems to be like me a candylover and so nice talking too. Noone came and we could be for ourselves for a time. I think she and I will get along so well. So good with some friends that dare break some rules here. I asked elena but she didnt dare to come and eat candies. She should need to be a bit naughty as she seems to lack that experience. Smiles maybe I can get her with me doing something later on.....because she seems to be nice but need some training in being a little naughty. Yes we all have our experiences to do here in school. I just been doing my assignment and Miss Serelique seemed pleased....so I think i made it......not so demanding work here...smiles maybe it will be easy here... strict but easy work..... I better take a candy now before dinnertime....... malena Franklin 145 From: Date: Tue Sep 14, 1999 5:37pm Subject: Re: Welcome to avendale@onelist.com Thank you for accepting me to the Avendale School. As I am, of course, new here, please let me know where I shall send my formal introduction. Thank you for you prompt attention to this matter, Alexis Harrington 146 From: thorny Date: Tue Sep 14, 1999 10:04pm Subject: Alexis Alexis you send your introduction to the seem place that you sent your question. I can not wait to get to know you. My name is Sabrina and I am a brunette. I am 14 years old and I am from the Scottish Highlands. If you are a brunnette I do need some one to be my roommate. Sabrina McCloud 147 From: Date: Tue Sep 14, 1999 7:34pm Subject: Re: Welcome, Georgina! [a note, left upon Georgina's pillow, together with a sweet which was graciously donated by Malena Franklin] Dearest Georgina, Welvome to Avendale. My name is Elena Dierrian, and I am also a 12 year old blonde, like yourself. I am sure you will love it here, as I do. Everyone is very, very nice, and I am sure you shall soon have many friends. If you enjoy music, come join my friend Katie Webster (another 12 year old blonde) and I - she plays the piano most exquisitely, and I sing a little. Our prefect, Miss Annalinde Chelverton, is simply wonderful, and should you need someone to talk to, she will help you. I cannot wait to meet you face-to-face, Georgina. I know this will be a fun school year! Love, Elenan Dierrian 148 From: Date: Tue Sep 14, 1999 7:47pm Subject: Kitchen Angels, Part Two Kitchen Angels, Part Two -or- Just Desserts Elena Dierrian and Ariadne Di Naxos did indeed manage to retire to their respective quarters to tidy up before once again presenting themselves to Avendale. Uniforms once again pristine, they returned to the main areas to resume their normal routines. The kitchen maids would know what to do with the concoction, one it had finished baking, for that was, after all, their function. The two girls did not give the matter too much more thought, for that is the way of blondes sometimes. And so, when a strong but delicious smell began to waft through the corridors nearest the kitchen, they paid it no mind. The aroma continued to grow stronger, and several girls began to remark upon it. "Oh," one would say, "I do wonder if we are having cinnamon rolls after supper?" Another would remark, "I wonder what the special occasion is?" And another commented, "What a divine aroma! I feel famished simply inhaling it." The mistresses smiled at one another, thinking very complimentary thoughts about the kitchen staff, their already high opinions of the cook and her girls elevating considerably. The Headmistress, Miss Maitland, inhaled deeply, remembering her own long-ago girlhood and the wonderful aromas that used to issue from her own mother's kitchen. "My," she thought, "but that takes me back. Could those be raisins I smell?" Meanwhile, the two responsible for the improved overall mood of Avendale headed for the first informal meeting of the autumn term. Elena, ever punctual, arrived first. There, she met Malena Franklin again, as well as Veronica Bellemont and Jinjur Quinbury, as well as a new girl, a pretty brunette Highlander named Sabrina McCloud. They were soon joined by Miss Serelique (Miss Maitland found herself unable to tear herself away from her administrative duties and had, therefore, assigned Miss Serelique to teach in her stead). Miss Serelique turned out, to the girls' surprise, to be Novarian. Miss Serelique soon had the young ladies engaged in debate over which sex was superior - an exercise she dismissed as 'a silly game,' but whose actual intention was to test her pupils' facility for logical thinking, and show how articulately and fluently they expressed themselves. Veronica went first, declaring that blondes were superior to brunettes. Her argument was both rational and eloquent. Elena spoke next, stating that neither blondes nor brunettes were superior to the other, each being part of the great Oneness of Creation and the Golden Order. Miss Serelique smiled; she had the distinct feeling that the young blonde was too truthful to adopt an argument for the sake of debate. Still, the child spoke well, and after all, debating was a learned skill. There would be plenty of time to hone her debating skills as the year progressed. Sabrina McCloud went next, adopting the view that brunettes were superior (which caused the chivalrous Culverienne to purse her lips in annoyance). Katie Webster and Carrie Binks then joined the class. Katie immediately sat next to Elena. The two girls, sharing a love of music, had become fast friends. Not too long after Katie and Carrie, Ariadne Di Naxos glided into class. She was feeling, perhaps, a tad out of sorts and so Miss Serelique's pronouncement that only those who had heard the actual debate would be able to select who had debated best set Ariadne's nose out of joint even further. Her petulant mood assisted by young Carrie Binks (formerly a Monitress at her old school, Greenlands) ordering her to stand in the corner for speaking out of turn. An increasingly irritated Miss Serelique finally ordered Ariadne to the corner. Ariadne soon discovered she had an unwelcome companion - a very large, very black spider who seemed intent upon pursuing a closer acquaintance with Miss Ariadne! She did as any sensible blonde would do in her situation: she screamed and fainted, whilst brave Veronica ably dispatched the offending arachnid. Class returned to normal after that; Miss Serelique decided it would be a good thing for the young ladies to introduce themselves to one another. It was during this exercise that she espied Ariadne passing a note to Elena. Of course, Miss Serelique demanded that Ariadne read the note aloud - something about turning off the oven. Whatever, thought the blonde mistress, would two pupils be doing in the kitchen? Still, one could now discern an ever-thickening, very dark column of smoke arising from the vicinity of the kitchens. Veronica and Ariadne both dashed out of class to see about the imminent disaster. Meanwhile, Elena's heart was doing half-gainers inside her narrow bosom. Fire? In the kitchens? Oh, she thought in dismay, we ruined all that dough…and wasted all those ingredients… Not to mention endangering girls and staff…and made a mess the poor kitchenmaids will need days to set to rights… Miss Annalinde will be ever so disappointed in me… The fire alarm shrieked, having been set off by Ariadne, who, of course, was only doing as she thought any sensible blonde might, faced with the situation of a conflagration in the kitchens. Miss Serelique then sent Carrie down to inform Miss Maitland that it was naught but a false alarm. (This information, though gratefully received, did nothing for that lady's incipient headache, exacerbated by concern for her school and her girls, and by the smoke wafting through the panelled corrdors and the wail of the fire alarm.) Elena then remembered, distracted as she was, that dear, dear Katie had set up an appointment for her with the Voice Mistress. She begged for Miss Serelique's leave (given, of course) then made her way, decorously, but as quickly as she could manage, to Miss Darnelle's study. The audition itself did not take long (and is a tale to be told elsewhere). Miss Darnelle, delighted with the new talent she had discovered, did not notice that she who possessed said talent kept glancing nervously in the direction of the kitchens, save to remark, "Oh, child, you must be famished. Supper will be served very shortly. Do run along and wash up, now." Elena bobbed a curtsey and departed with a grateful, "Yes, Miss. Thank you, Miss." Her next goal was to reach the kitchen (hopefully undiscovered) and see what sort of disaster awaited her. Then… Oh, then, she must confess. How disappointed Miss Annalinde would be with her, not to mention the far more formidable figure of the Headmistress. Her mind conjured up terrible punishments, which included being sent straight back to her Mummies 'In Disgrace,' the embarrassment of their two nations. When she arrived at the kitchens, Cook had her assistants had just returned and had already ordered the kitchenmaids to set up two very large electrical fans to force the smoke from the kitchen and dining hall. Then Cook began to exclaim unhappily about, "…the unholy MESS in the ovens…" Elena could bear to hear no more, and slow tears started down each cheek. The ruined food, the mess… Before she could slip too far into despair, a warm hand on her shoulder distracted her, and she looked up into the bemused eyes of Annalinde Chelverton. "So here is where you were headed. I suspected as much from those darting glances toward the window. What have you been up to, little one?" Elena's green eyes grew wide, and she gave a gasp. "M-m-m-miss Annalinde… Oh no! Do whatever you must - beat me, cane me, but do not let them send me away, please! I beg you! I-I am ever so sorry, and it…it will never happen again, I promise. Oh please-" Annalinde quickly steered the distraught girl into a small closet. "Beat you? Send you away? Whatever are you talking about? Oh, dear - you ARE upset, aren't you? Here," and Annalinde proffered her hankie. "Dry your eyes and blow your nose. It would never do for you to be seen in such a hysterical state, you know." Elena did as instructed, blowing several times. Her eyes, though red, were now dry, and she gazed up at Annalinde with a miserable, yet resigned expression. I must get to the heart of this matter, and quickly, thought Annalinde. We do not have much time before supper. "That's a good girl," she said. "Let's retire to my study so we can discuss this, shall we?" Once in Annalinde's study, she sat the junior girl upon her lap, then took Elena's pointed chin in her slender hand and said firmly, "Listen - you must tell me everything and begin from the beginning. Leave nothing out." "I… That is, we… It was Ariadne and I…but it was not her fault, for I would have to boast. We - that is, I… Oh dear…" Ariadne again, thought Annalinde. She simply said to Elena, "Please continue, my dear." "I was talking with Ariadne in the Study Hall - just the other night. I told her I knew how o cook - just sweets, mind you, but I do cook a little. She and I - we, I mean - I thought I could concoct a treat for the girls and the teachers. It was a little something I remembered how to make - a sort of spiced raisin loaf. But… Oh, Miss Annalinde - I am such a little fool. Nothing is the same here. Everything is different - the measurements, what things are called… And I am used to only making enough for myself, my sister and my Mummies - not an entire school's worth of girls. We-we made a LOT. Enough for everyone, I'd hoped. We also made a mess. Ariadne introduced me to a contraption she called a 'mixer', but the beastly thing had a mind of its own and would spray gobbets of sticky dough hither and thither! Oh, Miss Annalinde - even on the ceiling! The kitchen maids could not help but do as we ordered, and Cook was at market. Oh, how could we have neglected to set the oven properly? It is all burned, and it is all wasted! I am so ashamed. I have made a fool of myself and caused the maids extra work, and ruined all that perfectly good food…" Annalinde's heart went out to the distraught child. Poor little thing! Her first inclination was shower the dear little thing with hugs and kisses and reassure her that all would be set right. But the girl clearly felt terrible over what had happened, and Annalinde felt her course was clear. "I see," she replied. "Well, try not to worry - things may not be as bad as they seem. Cook and her staff are very good at salvaging kitchen disasters. Now as for you, my poppet, I am afraid you have been rather naughty, would you not agree?" Elena nodded fervently. "Here-stand up." Elena stood obediently. "Yes, Miss Annalinde." "Are you very sorry for venturing into the kitchen without Cook's permission and for making a mess?" "Oh, yes, Miss Annalinde - ever so sorry." "You will be sorrier yet before I am finished with you, my dear. Do you see that wooden hairbrush upon my nightstand?" The girl nodded. "Bring it here to me." Elena immediately retrieved the brush and handed it to Annalinde, who found herself enjoying this little ritual of punishment more than she expected. "Now, come across my lap, for I am going to spank you - very long and hard." Yes, Miss Annalinde…" Elena lay herself across Annalinde's lap. The blonde prefect then carefully lifted the junior girl's gymslip and petticoat, folding them neatly over her back. Annalinde raised her arm and struck, aiming the brush for the middle of Elena's maroon knickers. The brush impacted with a firm smack, and Elena gasped. Annalinde, though blonde, had a good arm. She could feel the blow through Elena's body to her own and ajudged she had made a good beginning. She continued the spanking for several minutes, feeling Elena stiffen slightly, at first, then relax in submission to the chastisement. She was fairly quiet during the course of the spanking but could not help but emit delicious little sobs as Annalinde's hairbrush turned her derriere pink, then crimson beneath the knickers. Annalinde thought she could discern the supper bell, so she gave her charge a final, ferocious thwack with the brush, then allowed the girl to compose herself before she stood. "There," she declared, with the air of an artiste who has just completed a masterpiece. "All over, dearest. Now, I want you to take two hundred lines for me, my dear - 'I must not venture into the provinces of others without their express permission,' and please draft a nice letter of apology to Cook. I will want to peruse the letter before you submit it, of course." Elena nodded. "Oh, yes, Miss Annalinde." Suddenly, she hugged the prefect tightly. "Thank you - ever so much, Miss Annalinde." Annalinde smiled and caressed Elena's bright hair gently. "Now, you must wash your face and hands and go down to supper. I shall wait for you." The two girls, prefect and junior, walked down to supper, hand in hand. Annalinde reflected that she had much to discuss with a certain Miss Ariadne Di Naxos when next they met. Epilogue: Fortunately, the kitchenmaids had removed the spiced raisin loaves from the ovens before they could burn to cinders, but the silly maidservants had neglected to notice where the sweet dough had overflowed onto the floor of the oven. This had caused the column of smoke which had so alarmed Miss Serelique's class. Several of the maids, upon the following morn, sported very tender bottoms, thanks to the sound application of Cook's wooden spoon upon their backsides. That night, at supper, Mistresses and pupils were treated to a delightful surprise, Spiced Raisin Loaf with a creamy vanilla sauce. As good luck would have it, there was just enough for everyone. "My, but this brings back fond memories," declared Miss Maitland to Misses Maybridge and Serelique. "Yes," agreed Miss Maybridge. "Cook has certainly outdone herself this time." Miss Serelique nodded in agreement. Overhearing the mistress' conversation, Elena and Ariadne flashed one another sidelong smiles. Ariadne was quite pleasantly surprised, for when she saw the column of smoke, she was certain their labors were for naught. She was not sure why the blonde prefect, Annalinde, kept looking at her in that shapr way, but she was certain of one thing - it forboded no good for Miss Araidne Di Naxos. As for Elena, she had her lines, her letter, and her very warm seat to keep her company through the night. -finis- 149 From: Kadorienne Date: Wed Sep 15, 1999 0:50am Subject: Veronica writes home Dear Aunt Rosemarie, You know the Quirrie song, "I'm Gonna Wash That Blonde Right Out Of My Hair"? It's taken on new meaning here at Avendale. Tonight I finally washed the last traces of yellow out of my hair. When I received the prefect's badge, I never thought that my duties would include becoming a blonde! Thank goodness that's over. The school year is truly under way now, with all the problems that go with it. Yesterday, for instance. I scolded a young blonde pupil, a girl I didn't know very well. She listened with stony indifference -- so I thought -- and so I scolded harder. Next thing I knew, she transformed into a veritable torrent of blonde emotion. Aunt Rosemarie, it turns out she's been nursing a schoolgirlish admiration for me from afar, and losing my good opinion amounted to the end of the world for her! So I set her on my knee -- not *over* it, you understand -- and told her how many wonderful qualities I saw in her, which was true by the way, and that just because I disapproved of one thing she did didn't mean I despised *her*. I finished by hugging her and kissing her forehead, and the little darling lit up like the fireflies on a Georgia summer night. She left happy and reassured, but let me tell you, I felt like an absolute cad for making her cry. I had no idea she cared for my opinion so much, you see. Of course, it isn't unusual for new girls, especially blondes, to get crushes on older girls. I hope you won't think I'm conceited, but quite a few of them get crushes on me. I'm sure it's just because I'm a prefect. And of course, blondes often become infatuated with brunettes who spank them. I don't pay it much mind, but this past Sunday a junior blonde announced in front of the whole class that she was in love with me! I'm going to have to talk to her, I suppose, and tell her that it's just a crush, and so on. I wish you would tell me what it is they say about redheads, Aunt Rosemarie. We have one here named Jinjur who is causing no end of trouble -- she's the one who dyed everyone's hair -- and the information might be useful. On Sunday we had a debate about whether blondes or brunettes are the superior sex. I argued for blondes, of course. Some other brunette was actually scoundrel enough to argue that we brunettes are superior. If you can imagine. But a most charming little blonde, an Easterner named Elena -- and incidentally, she's a redhead too -- argued that the sexes are complementary in the Golden Order. (I actually used the Golden Order in my argument; it's no accident that blonde hair is golden, if you ask me.) She argued very well, and I think that I was right, but she was right in a higher sense. So I voted for her. And she voted for me! But she is a very modest blonde, and would never vote for herself, no matter how obvious it was that she was best. But I got the most votes, even though Elena argued better. Oh, and the care package arrived -- thank you ever so much. I get to miss grits and boiled peanuts more than you can imagine when I'm here. Your niece, Veronica Bellemont 150 From: Date: Wed Sep 15, 1954 4:54am Subject: Katie Webster Dear school, I am sorry to inform you that Katie Webster is in hospital. She has spent some time in hospital over the past week with a gastro fever. Yesterday she rushed in after a relapse. Please pray for her speedy recovery Dorothea Maitland From: Date: Wed Sep 15, 1954 6:38am Subject: Lessons Dear School, Lessons will be held on I.R.C. at 5:30 G.M.T (6:30 British Summer Time) on Friday and Sunday. If any one needs technical help with I.R.C., please write to Miss Maybridge. Newcomers should go first to: http://www.aristasia.com/avendale/irc.html Where full details are given both of connecting to I.R.C. and of Avendale's I.R.C. protocol and etiquette. Dorothea maitland 152 From: Date: Wed Sep 15, 1954 6:42am Subject: (no subject) I have received news fro the Laundry at Avenbridge. Jinjur Quinbury's nightdress has been fully restored to its former state. They tell me that Ariadne di Naxos' hair shampoo actually did loosed the ink stain and that its prompt application was helpful even though it contained hair dye - the hair dye proving easier to remove than a fast ink-stain would have done. Jinjur may reclaim her nightdress at the end of term. Dorothea Maitland 153 From: Date: Wed Sep 15, 1999 3:02am Subject: Very New Girls Hello, Georgina. It is very nice to have you at the school. I hope you are settling in and making friends. Do come to see me if you have any problems or even if you are just feeling a bit lost and lonely. To alexis and all you other girls who have not yet introduced yourselves - if it feels easier you can just talk to me. Just click "reply" to this letter and tell me about yourselves - your age, sex and full name - any pet name you prefer to be known by. Tell me how you feel about your new school and perhaps a bit about your background. The whole school will then know you are here and know who you are, and other girls will be able to talk to you. Hurry along, dears - time is running out! Annalinde Chelverton - prefect 154 From: Date: Wed Sep 15, 1999 4:34am Subject: Re: Very New Girls Miss Annalinde, Thank you for your kind welcome. I must admit I am a bit nervous about starting school here at Avendale. My name is Alexis Harrington and I am 15 years of age. I am a blonde. I am from Altalia where I live with my blonde and brunette Mums. I have no sisters, only my mums and my imagination for company. It was decided by my mums that I should be sent to Avendale School to help me become a "proper young lady". I do believe they think me a bit too precocious for their taste lately, hence the decision to send me to Avendale. Please don't get me wrong, I am not a "bad girl"...it's just that sometimes I forget myself and find myself in hot water more often than I'd prefer! Although I shall miss my mums greatly, I do look forward to school ever so much. I wonder who my roommate shall be? Alexis Harrington 155 From: Date: Wed Sep 15, 1954 9:11am Subject: Friday's lesson The lesson will be on Aristasian Money. For preparation, please go to http://www.aristasia.com/avendale/money.html If any of you find this a difficult time, please tell me, as this is quite an important lesson and if Friday is difficult for many of you I may give this lesson on Sunday instead Serendra Serelique 156 From: Malena Franklin Date: Wed Sep 15, 1999 3:06am Subject: Re: Katie Webster Dear Headmistress Couldnt we send som paintings and greetings from our class to katie at hospital?I feel so sorry for her. If we work together we could make an album with paintings and some nice poems too. malena franklin 157 From: thorny Date: Wed Sep 15, 1999 11:53am Subject: Lesson on Friday Dear Miss Serelique: I can make the class on Friday, yet I can not make the class on Sunday. However if I am the only one that can not make class on Sunday perhaps I could write you a report on the subject. I have looked up the site that you suggested and I am going to reviewing in a few moments. My problem is that my r/l self is American and could use some suggestions on a place to find a conversion chart. At the moment the chart I have be given is a foreign language. For example for all I know a candy bar may cost say ten pounds. Then again that may be the most expensive candy bar in the word. Please advise me on what I should do to remedy this both of these problems that I am having. Thank You, Sabrina McCloud 158 From: thorny Date: Wed Sep 15, 1999 0:13pm Subject: Dear Miss Veronica I go to my desk and I pull out a sheet of my writting paper and my Silver pen. I am still not sure why Miss Veronica seemed angry at my answer to the possed question during Sundays lesson. Dear Miss Veronica: I noticed on Sunday that when I gave my answere to the teacher you seemed disturbed by what I had said. I was wondering if you could please tell me where I went wrong so that I will not make the same mistake twice. I so, want to do well in school, however I don't want to do well if it will make me seem like a rude perosn. I need to find a balance between doing well in school and doing well in life. I hope that it is not out of line for me to ask you this question, it's just that you seem so very all togeather, and I so want to be like that. Thank You, Sabriena McCloud I fold the note and walk to Veronicas room and slip the note under her door. I then go back to my room and start to study the book on money that will be used in the lessons this week. I can not make another blunder. 159 From: Malena Franklin Date: Wed Sep 15, 1999 6:37am Subject: Re: Friday's lesson Dear Miss Serelique I saw sabrinas excellent idea and can also offer to do essay or other work for missing fridays lesson on Aristasian money or answer tasks on subject writing. Sunday i will try to participate in. Yours truly malena Franklin 160 From: Date: Wed Sep 15, 1954 1:56pm Subject: Re: Lesson on Friday Dear Sabrina, Ahem - I hope you will do better than this in class. If you had read my notes more carefully, you would have seen that I told you that an Aristasian pound is worth between 30 and 40 dollars. This allows you to calculate rough values. If a pound is forty dollars, then since there are 20 shillings to the pound, a shilling would be two dollars. Two dollars is 200 cents. A pound has 12 x 20 = 240 pence thus a cent is worth something under a penny. Perhaps (since $40 is a high estimate) around a halfpenny. A candy bar at ten pounds would cost between three and four hundred dollars. So probably it *would* be the most expensive candy bar in the world. Serendra Serelique 161 From: Date: Wed Sep 15, 1999 9:56am Subject: Georgina and Alexis Two new girls! what fun - both blondes. Gosh we need some new brunettes to help the balance. Alexis - you've met Annalinde I hear. She is a sweetie mostly, but she won't hesitate to punish you if you deserve it. She hasn't punished me yet, so I can't report on her technique, but Joan said she is pretty effective and Joan is a brunette and no weed. Of course, I don't mean blondes are weeds - In fact blondes are flowers. Veronica says so (she's a brunette and another prefect. You'll like Veronica - I do). I hear you get into hot water - so do I. I was a monitress at my last school, so I was keeping other girls in order, but I still got in quite a bit of trouble myself. Funny, isn't it? I don't mean to misbehave. Sometimes I just dash about without thinking. And I chatter too much - as you can see! Georgina - gosh, don't apologise for coming from a decent background - you're supposed to here! I'm glad you listen to the latest recording hits. What do you like? Joan keeps humming *Sweet Little Sixteen*. I love that, don't you? I like *At the Hop* too - All the cats and chicks Gonna get their kicks At the hop "Cats and chicks" are blondes and brunettes, you know, though I don't think it'd go down well if I started calling you blondes "chicks", would it? Or would it? Carrie Binks 162 From: Kadorienne Date: Wed Sep 15, 1999 3:52pm Subject: Re: Dear Miss Veronica Dear Sabrina, It seems I must tone done my brunettishness! All week whenever I expressed the slightest irritation girls have jumped to the conclusion that I was in a carpet-biting rage and thrown themselves to the ground in supplication. My dear, you did not break any school rule or act in any way inappropriately. There is no reason in the world for you not to express your opinions in class. It was not the prefect you disturbed, but the chivalrous Southern gentilmaid. Really, how could you say that brunettes are the superior sex? To be sure, we are the more practical sex, perhaps more useful, but also less important. You turned my own argument against me when you said that blondes might be the flowers, but a plant can live without flowers, but needs its stems and roots to survive. I hope, dear Sabrina, that you have not fallen into the error of thinking that necessity is more important than luxury. Now, here I must use luxury as meaning anything that is not necessary to physical survival. This would include art, philosophy, and beauty. Certainly, one could live without these things -- but would one wish to? Without the flowers, the stems and roots have no purpose, no reason to exist. You do not eat merely so that your body may function long enough for it to reach its next meal, do you? Of course not. You eat so that your body may take you to the cinema and the soda fountain and the library and a pretty blonde. Without necessity, luxury would die -- but without the prospect of luxury, necessity would be... unnecessary. Now, Sabrina dear, do let us be friends. A philosophical disagreement should never come between friends, should it? Let's find Carrie and Julia and a few other brunettes and play baseball. What? You don't? >sigh< I should have known. Well, then, perhaps we could get together a soccer, I mean football, game. Veronica Bellemont 163 From: Tanya Date: Tue Sep 14, 1999 5:30pm Subject: Re (Avendale) Note on pillow from Elena From Tanya@c... Dear Elena, It was such a sweet thought of yours to leave such a kind note on my pillow with the sweet from Malena. I too can't wait to see you face to face. I'm really so jolly pleased we have already got so much in common, being the same age and everything. Your suggestion about getting together with Katie Webster to play some music is such a super one. I can't wait!! I say, isn't it a shame abuot Katie going down with gastric flu. I do hope she gets better soon. She was the first girl I met when I arrived at Avenden and she was so n friendly and welcoming. I really think she's going to be a great friend. At dinner last night, I was introduced to our prefect Miss Annalinde. She was so encouraging and said if I was feeling at all lonely or homesick, I should come and knock on her door and have a chat. I think I might just do that as I am missing my mummies a little. Miss Veronica was so kind to show me round the school on my arrival. She really is a corker don't you think? I'm pretty sure I'm getting a big crush on her already!! Elena, I think I'm already in a bit of trouble. As I was coming out of assembly, Miss Serelique called me back and told me off because my stocking seams weren't straight. She said she'd noticed they weren't straight at dinner last night but as I was a new girl on my first day, she let it pass. She told me to report to her study after lessons this afternoon so that the matter could be discussed further. Do you think she'll punish me or will she just tell me off again Elena? I must say I'm a bit worried about it. Despite this, I think I;m going to really love being at Avendale. Anyway, must dash or I'll be late for English!! Love Georgina de la Falaise 165 From: Date: Wed Sep 15, 1999 0:20pm Subject: Dear Diary 15 September 1954 Dear Diary, Well, here I am, sitting under a lovely tree on the vast campus of Avendale School! I can hardly believe I am already here. Everything is so wonderful! My arrival is somewhat bittersweet, however, because I shall miss my mummies ever so! This morning, while I was finishing packing the last of my belongings, I must say I was quite a nervous wreck. In fact, I was even a bit short of temper with Blonde Mummy. She merely came into my room to make sure I had every last item I could need, and like a naughty girl I snapped at her for "treating me like a little girl"! I told her I could pack myself, and that I did not need her assistance. I don't know what got into me, Dear Diary! Well, Blonde Mummy would hear none of that! Before I knew it, she had put me across her knee, pulled down my knickers, and proceeded to soundly spank my poor bottom! Oh Diary, she whacked my bottom with her hand so very hard. I was crying so that Brunette Mummy came to see what was the matter. When she saw me with my poor bottom being punished, she went to the dresser and picked up the dreaded hairbrush and handed it to Blonde Mummy, telling her to make sure that I do not forget my manners while away. Blonde Mummy smartly spanked my bottom and thighs so very hard! Diary, I certainly shall remember to be on my best behavior here at Avendale! After my spanking, I was sent to the corner with my bright red bottom on display for what seemed like an eternity, while both Mummies scolded me. Then they left me alone in the corner for a while longer. Soon, Blonde Mummy returned with a bar of soap and promptly sat me on my bed and inserted the soap into my naughty mouth. "This will remind you to think before you speak, little one," she lectured me. Finally, she said I could remove the soap and rinse out my mouth and wash my tear-streaked face. Oh, Diary, I know it was very naughty of me to behave that way this morning. However, I know that both mummies love me very much, and I shall miss them dearly. I hope to make them so proud of me! Both mummies rode the train with me to school this morning. They were in awe of the beauty of the campus, as was I. The autumn is so lovely, trees with brightly colored leaves, the fresh smells in the air. I love every second of it! When we arrived to my dormitory, we found my sleeping quarters. The dorm was rather quiet; there was no one about. We moved my things in, and mummies said their good-byes, and I could tell Blonde Mummy was fighting back tears. After they left, a lovely blonde prefect named Miss Annalinde came in to check on me. She told me where to find some of the important buildings on campus, and also informed me that "All Avendale girls are expected to be on their best behavior at all times" or they shall be punished. I felt my face blanche when she said that! I hope she did not notice, Diary! I have rambled on enough for one entry, Dear Diary! I do look forward to meeting some of the other girls and the mistresses as well. We'll see if the rest of today brings any adventures, Diary! Alexis Harrington 166 From: Date: Wed Sep 15, 1999 0:24pm Subject: Re: Georgina and Alexis Carrie, Thank you for your kind words! I do look forward to getting to know you and the other girls! How long have you attended Avendale? Did you feel a little homesick when you first started here? I do miss my mummies! What do girls do for fun around here? Alexis Harrington 167 From: Date: Wed Sep 15, 1999 4:46pm Subject: Re: Katie Webster When Elena Dierrian heard of Katie Webster's sudden illness, it was all she could do to keep sobbing hysterically. What she DID do was go immediately to a private place, kneel down and pray. She begged the Angel of Healing to minister to her dear friend and promised to be especially good. Then, she went to fetch some paper and ink and wrote Katie a small get-well note, which Elena then embellished with flowers and scroll-work. When the card was complete, she timidly took it to Miss Maitland and asked, "Miss Maitland? May I speak with you a moment, please?" "Of course, my child. What is it?" Elena bit her lip and took a deep breath. "I-I have a small card here for Katie, and I...I was wondering if there were a way it could be forwarded to her. Oh, I hope she will be all right! I am ever so concerned for her, Miss!" Miss Maitland smiled gently and placed a consoling arm around the girl's shoulders. "Why, that was very thoughtful of you, my dear. We shall certainly pass along your well-wishes. I am pleased to tell you that a great many girls here at Avendale have expressed similar concern for Katie, as well." Elena smiled, still looking periously close to tears, but somewhat calmer. "M-miss Maitland...might...might we be able to visit Katie whilst she recuperates?" Miss Maitland replied, in as gentle a tone as she could, "I think we shall have to wait and see how Katie does. It is my understanding that Katie's physicienne has prescribed rest and quiet for her. But do not despair - I am certain Katie will be fine, and when she is strong enough to receive visitors, I shall let everyone know. You must be brave my dear, for Katie's sake." "Oh, yes, Miss, I shall. I said a prayer for her, you know..." Miss Maitland smiled and placed one arm about Elena's slender shoulders. "An excellent idea. Oh - and it will please you, I am sure, to learn that the laundresses were able to restore Jinjur's nightdress." "Oh, Miss! I am so very happy!!" "Never underestimate the power of prayer, Elena. There is great strength and comfort to be found there." Elena nodded fervently. "I must ask you to run along now, as I have many things to accomplish before tea." "Yes, Miss. Thank you, Miss." Elena bobbed a respectful curtsey and departed. Miss Maitland smiled after her. 168 From: thorny Date: Wed Sep 15, 1999 9:15pm Subject: My Apollogies I apologies Miss Serelique I had thought that in my note to you I had said that I was getting ready to prepare for the class. But, that I hadn't been able to do that yet. Once I did sit down and read the notes I was able to write myself out a conversion chart from what you had given in your writings. I will make sure in the future to write out in my notes much more clearly exactly what I have and have not done yet. Thank you for your help. Sabrina McCloud 169 From: thorny Date: Wed Sep 15, 1999 9:21pm Subject: Dear Miss Veronica Oh Miss Veronica I know see where I have gone wrong. I didn't really believe those things that I said. I said them for the sake of the argument. Since you had taken blondes to be the best and Elena had taken both, I felt I should take brunettes for the sake of the argument. I think that Elena's was the best type of answer. However yours was the best in the contact of the argument. What I was hoping for was that you could teach me how to speak as eloquently as you do. Also, I would love to play those game with you. I also must confess to liking brutish from a brunette. Have a Wonderful evening, sabrina McCloud 170 From: Kadorienne Date: Wed Sep 15, 1999 10:00pm Subject: Re: Dear Miss Veronica Dear Sabrina, Actually, Sabrina, it was entirely appropriate for you to argue for the sake of argument in a classroom debate. I wasn't really angry, you see. I just couldn't stop my natural chivalrous reaction to hearing blondes being made light of. Whoops, unintentional play on words. And thank you for complimenting my eloquence! I really think Elena spoke the best. I don't really know where to begin to teach someone to speak, but I encourage you to practice here at Avendale. If your efforts are less than could be wished, everyone will be sympathetic to you, and if they are more, everyone will be so proud and admiring! Hm. What did you mean, "Liking brutish from a brunette"? Sincerely, Veronica Bellemont 171 From: Date: Wed Sep 15, 1999 6:02pm Subject: Re: Very New Girls Hello, my name is Sarah Jane Callier, and I am a 17 year old blonde. I am from the Scottish highlands and I have been sent to Avendale by my mommies to receive a formal education and to learn dicipline. I have 2 sisters, a brunette and a blonde, whom I will miss very much as well. I am very close to my brunette sister, Jocelyn, but am distant with Cornelia, my blonde sister because when I do something naughty, she always tells on me and gets me into trouble with my mums.I am so excited to be here at Avendale. The campus is so beautiful and I can not wait to get involved in classes and to meet the other girls. I am nervous about the high demands and strict dicipline here at Avendale but feel that I can suceed if I keep the ideals of the school in front of me at all times. I am very excited about meeting the other girls. I wonder who my new room mate will be? Lessons start soon and I look foreward to them with much anticipation. I have to go unpack now and tell my mommies, who have come to drop me off, good bye before they leave to go home. I do think I shall come to love Avendale so very much! 172 From: thorny Date: Thu Sep 16, 1999 0:09am Subject: Dear Veronica I just meant that I like how you can be so forceful yet eloquent at the same time. I think that is a very admirable quality to have in a brunette. By brutishness I suppose that I mean t the ability to take control of a situation. Yes, that's what I meant I am sure of it. You are so right in the fact that I must always strive for the best. sabrina McCloud 173 From: Date: Thu Sep 16, 1999 0:02am Subject: A Very Short Diary Entry Elena Dierrian settled down to write a very short entry in her Diary. After all, she had 200 lines to write for Miss Annalinde, so she decided she had better concentrate all her writing into her punitive assignment rather than something "fun" such as a Diary entry. But, she rationalised, this bit of writing will loosen my hand so I may write my very best for Miss Annalinde. For Elena, being just twelve and not yet very aware of such matters as yes, was well on her way to developing a considerable crush on Miss Annalinde Chelverton. "Dear Diary," she wrote, very carefully crafting each letter, "Miss Annalinde is the most Wonderful and Special Prefect in all Dea's World." She smiled at her sentence, the carefully embellished each letter with a small curlicue, accented with stars and hearts. Then, she wrote the same sentence in the tongues of her Mummies (being Illirenne and Sithienne). She then continued, "I do not understand it entirely, Diary, but my thoughts are full of Miss Annalinde. When I go to sleep at night, I think of her, and when I wake up in the morning, I think of her. "Diary, it is not as though Miss Veronica, the Brunette Prefect is not also wonderful, for she is. She says the very nicest things about me, and she says them in such a way that I want to be a very good girl and make them come true, just for her. Miss Veronica has such a lovely way of speaking - when she speaks, it is like a song. "Miss Annalinde, though, seems to have taken up Residence in my thoughts. And I find I cannot seem to stop talking about her....or writing about her. And speaking of writing, I had best complete my lines, lest she have cause to spank me again." Elena found herself smiling suddenly. She briefly, for just a second, pondered disobedience, if only to find herself across Miss Annalinde's warm, comfy lap once again, but then quickly banished that thought, for she would never, ever wish to disappoint her heroine. She sighed wistfully, then began to write, "I must not venture into the provinces of others without their express permission." 174 From: Date: Thu Sep 16, 1999 0:31am Subject: Alexis and Sarah Jane Hello dears. Are you settling in well? Alexis - at 15 you probably won't have a roommate - you will be in the big blonde dorm with the middle school girls and I will be your dormitory prefect. You will have a bed with curtains round it so you can be private and a bedside cabinet for keeping the things you like close to you, and also a locker in the locker room for other belongings. You will have a key for this (a locker room does not mean a "changing room" here as it does in Culveria!). Sarah Jane, being 17 you will probably share a room with one or two other older girls, though you will sleep in the blonde dorm till something is arranged. Oh, and Sarah Jane - I am sure it is unnecessary to tell you this, but just in case there is any misunderstanding I shall. At 17 you are older than I. That makes no difference to the fact that I am a prefect and if you misbehave in any way I shall punish you for it. I can even punish Ariadne, and she is nearly 19 - and I am not *quite* sure why she was admitted, since she is nearly too old to be here. Still we sometimes have older girls here. In some ways Ariadne is quite young, but in other ways . . . Oh dear. I am gossiping! Anyway, you will like Ariande, I am sure. Have either of you any questions, confessions, requests or anything else? Annalinde Chelverton (prefect) 175 From: Tanya Date: Wed Sep 15, 1999 5:46am Subject: Re Annalinde's invitation From Tanya@c... Dear Miss Annalinde, Thank you so much for your note of welcome. It's only my second day here at Avendale but I think I've already made two new friends in Katie Webster and Elena Dierrian (both the same age as me). I was so sad to hear that Katie had to go into hospital . I hope, as Miss Maitland says, we can perhaps go and visit her there when she's feeling a little better. I'm going to do a drawing for her and get some nice flowers to put on her bedside table. Elena is really freindly and also interested in music and playing the piano so I hope we can play together and perhaps do a duet at the Avendale Christmas conert. Annalinde, I think I'm already in a spot of hot water with Miss Serelique for not having my socks pulled up properly and also for my tie not being completely straight. I,ve got to see her this afternoon after lessons. I know I should evpect to be punished but I hope she isn't too severe as I'm a new girl. I know that's not really an excuse!! I must confess, I do miss my mummies quite alot despite everyone's kindness. I suppose it's only natural considering this is my first time at a proper boarding school. At my last one, I was allowed to go home at weekends. Would it be alright if I accepted your kind invitation and came to see you for a chat?. You seem so kind and understanding and someone I feel I could talk to. Yours sincerely Georgina de la Falaise 176 From: Tanya Date: Wed Sep 15, 1999 8:12am Subject: Reply to Carrie From Tanya@casablancajones@f... Hi Carrie, Thank you for writing and telling me about your favourite recording hits. I too love "Sweet Sixteen" and "At The Hop". My current favourite is "Blueberry Hill". Have you heard it yet? It starts, " I found my thrill, on Blueberry Hill". I can never make out what the next line is but the song is a real corker !! During the summer, when our mummies had gone out, my sisters and I would play it on the gramophone really loud and sing and dance along and generally making an awful din and racket. On one occasion, we didn't hear them return from their trip and on discovering us, we were sent straight to our bedrooms where eventually we all received a sharp dose of the hairbrush whilst lying across Brunette mummy's lap. She told us it was very unladylike to behave in such a fashion. In addition to the hairbrush, we were pprohibited from using the gramophone for a whole week and each of us had to write a composition entitled, " The qualities of being a well-behaved and obedient young lady". Carrie, do you know if there's a gramophone at Avendale? Maybe we could borrow it and have an evening listening to some of our favourite songs. Do you think the mistresses would allow us to if we promised not to have it too loud? Hope we can meet up soon and chat soon !! Love Georgina de la Falaise 177 From: Malena Franklin Date: Thu Sep 16, 1999 2:56am Subject: catastrophe for malena! Dear diary......sniffing upset on bed Today my secret with candies was discovered. At 07.30 Miss Veronica entered my dorm and ordered inspection. Some rumors have been that i have hidden candies in room. She searched and inspected all lockers and finally asked me to turn over my bed. My bag with candies was discovered and red with shame I had to confess that it was I who had given away candies to other girls. Miss Veronica was very upset and she was of course so right pointing out how unacceptable i had behaved. Redfaced I was scolded and then miss Veronica told me I should have my hands strapped and that I had to write 100 lines for her. "I will never more take candies into school without permission." She fetched a leatherstrap and I was told to hold out my left hand. After taking good time and fixating me in eyes Miss Veronica let strap fall on my open hand. It was awful such pain! I had tears in my eyes after first strap and then she coldly told me to hold out right hand. A new fixation and suddenly my right hand exploded with throbbing pain.I had tears running down my face now and I was really regretting this bag of candies. -Left hand malena! Again i was forced to hold out my aching burning trembling left hand and look Miss veronica in her eyes and recieve another throbbing burning painful reminder. -Other hand malena! Crying with hands burning like fire i had to hold out right hand for another blow. Crying and hardly able to hold hand out I did it again and another painful blow hit my poor hand. Both hands were now so sore and blistered i had to blow and jump from feet to feet crying. Miss Veronica who i like so much looked at me and asked me if I had learned my lesson? Crying I explained how sorry i was and that i never ever will do it again.Ohhhh ashamed and with tearstained face I was informed that Miss Veronica should report this to Miss Mailtland as I had violated an essential rule of spreading candies. I nodded scared and was told to wash my face and go to class and to write my 100 lines before saturday evening.Ohh so shameful all other girls in dorm and nearby rooms had heard this starpping and my crying and when enetering class all girls saw that I was redfaced and tearstained. Writing in school was so hard taking notes a pain all day and my hands reminded me all time of my starpping. red lines were visible all over hands. Ill never do this again...i promise myself. malena Franklin 178 From: Date: Thu Sep 16, 1999 6:23am Subject: To Georgina *Strawberry Hill*? Oh, yes, I know it like anything. I can't remember the line after the first two - if I could make it out. I'll listen next time I hear the song. I had the same trouble with *Macke the Knife* - do you know that? I mean after that list of girls - Jennie Diver, Sukie Tawdry and all ending with Sweet Susie Brown, what is the next line? It took me ages to work it out. Actually it is "The line forms on the right, dear" - line being Culverian for queue. Just before term I saw a wonderful film called *Play it Cool* with Billie Fury - she is an Altalian singer who is - well - profoundly influenced by Elvira Presley. It was terribly good. Well, actually the film *wasn't* all that good, but sensibly it spent nearly all the time showing performances by Billie and other artistes, so it *was* good, if you see what I mean. There is a wireless set in the Common Room, but you need permission to turn it on and usually we are only allowed to hear *Children's Hour* and the Third Programme. I don't know if there is a gramophone anywhere. Actually I am really quite new myself - still a bunny. I have heard there is a juke box at Maria's in town. Perhaps we should go there some time. Apparently you meet what is called a "cross-section of the population" there, but it isn't actually out of bounds. What do you think? Sayonara Carrie 179 From: Nicola - 3rd Year Avendale Date: Thu Sep 16, 1999 10:00am Subject: Re: Friday's lesson Miss I have never really been very clever with maths and things and my guardian has told me numerious times that even a silly blonde like me should understand money so of course I will be in class on Friday and hopefully by this time I will be able to find the classroom. Yours Nikki Bradford From: Nicola - 3rd Year Avendale Date: Thu Sep 16, 1999 10:10am Subject: Letter to Murial Murial Gosh seems like I have been missing all the fun how lucky you was seen the Queen, is she even more beautiful in real life than in the pictures of her ?, do you think its true what they say about her and Queen Viktoria ? my guardian spanked me when I asked her the same question. So hows the new term at Monicas going, I never really realised what it was like for you there being a day girl but now I understand so much more. By the end of every day I find I can contain the tears no longer and cry myself to sleep oh how I miss everything so, how do you always remain so cheerful so far from your home ? The only girl I have really met is a young brunette Carrie Binks who has helped me try and settle in, although she is a little forward she is rather fun if a little young. It was so embaressing having to take advise from a brunette like that. Murial old chum I must go now before I soak the paper with my tears yours true friend Nikki 183 From: Date: Thu Sep 16, 1999 8:07am Subject: Nicola- and other new girls Dear Nicola, I do understand how you feel. And you have given me an idea. When you said how you miss tea in the nursery, I thought - why don't we have a tea, especially for all the new girls who may be feeling a bit lonely? We could have it here in my study. Perhaps Ariadne and Elena could bake some biscuits or something for us, and perhaps Veronica would allow Malena to bring some of her sweets. We can have tea, and I'll see if I can get some Cream Soda too. Does that seem like a nice idea? You can help me to organise it if you like. Annalinde 184 From: Malena Franklin Date: Thu Sep 16, 1999 5:09am Subject: Re: Lesson on Friday Dear Miss Serelique I have telephoned my mom and told that Your lesson is of greatest importance to me and that I want to be excused from feast. She has allowed me to stay in school and join your lesson Miss. Mom is not pleased with me but I insisted on the edge of being rude..mom will have a talk with me about this next time I came home. (ouch....sounded not good) Anyhow i am so glad I can join your lesson I was so angry when mom tried to force me away from school. Yours sincerly malena Franklin 185 From: Date: Thu Sep 16, 1999 8:15am Subject: To Georgina Dear Georgina, Of course you can come for a chat just whenever you like. Nicola and I have had a good idea. We are thinking of holding a little tea in my study for the new girls - especially those who may be feeling just a little bit lost or homesick. Would you like to come? Of course that is not *instead* of coming to see me privately. Of course you are always welcome to do that. I doubt if Miss Serelique will punish you *too* severely for the sock offence - but don't repeat it! Oh, and "a lot" is two words, not one. Miss Serelique would have something to say about that too! Annalinde 186 From: Kadorienne Date: Thu Sep 16, 1999 4:16pm Subject: Re: catastrophe for malena! Dear Malena, Your 100 lines have been received and approved. Now Malena, please don't go thinking that just because I punished you means that I do not like you. Of course I like you, dear. That is why it is important to me that you behave properly. Grow into a proper brunette and I will like you even more. I do not usually punish girls on their hands, by the way. Dea gave derrieres a lot of cushioning for a reason. But I knew that yours had recently been punished and thought that it might be too tender. Now, Malena dear, candy itself is not against the rules. You may go to the soda fountain or the five-and-ten during any afternoon and buy some, and even eat and share it on school grounds -- outdoors. But storing it in the dormitory is absolutely forbidden. It could attract insects. You wouldn't want to be the cause of your classmates having to sleep with insects, would you? Of course not. Oh, I know Annalinde keeps a jar of candies, but prefects have special privileges, and besides, she keeps them in a sealed-tight jar. Prefects can be trusted to take such precautions, but a new little girl such as yourself might or might not. There, there, Malena. All is forgiven. Tomorrow, won't you join me and some other brunettes -- Carrie, Julia and Sabrina -- at the soda fountain? Yes, they're older than you, but the blondes outnumber us this year, we've all got to stick together. Sincerely, Veronica Bellemont 187 From: Date: Thu Sep 16, 1999 0:01pm Subject: Re: Friday's lesson Miss Serelique, I should very much like to attend lesson on Friday. I seem to have misplaced my schedule, however. Could you please remind me of the time of the lesson and where (and how) I might find the classroom? As a new "bunny" (as the other girls say), I have not yet mastered how to get to the classroom (on IRC -- I have downloaded it, however). Thank you, Miss. Alexis Harrington 188 From: Date: Thu Sep 16, 1999 4:19pm Subject: Dear Miss Maitland Dear Miss Maitland, Thank you so much for having my beautiful antique nightdress restored. I know I was very naughty and don't deserve for it to be fixed, but I am very very grateful just the same. And thank you for letting me look at it before putting it away in your office. I don't know how I would have waited to the end of term to get it back if I hadn't gotten to see it back to normal. I am very sorry for the trouble I caused, and if I think of anything else like this, I promise I will try not to do it. Respectfully, Jinjur J. Quinbury 189 From: Date: Thu Sep 16, 1999 11:57am Subject: Re: Nicola- and other new girls In a message dated 9/16/99 3:24:28 PM Eastern Standard Time, AnnalindeC@a... writes: << why don't we have a tea, especially for all the new girls who may be feeling a bit lonely? >> Miss Annalinde, Tea sounds like a simply wonderful idea! I should very much like to get to know the other girls. Might I join you? Alexis Harrington 190 From: Kadorienne Date: Thu Sep 16, 1999 4:36pm Subject: Veronica and Carrie, Brunette to Brunette Hello, Carrie. I'm glad I ran into you. There's something I want to talk to you about. Oh, don't look like that. You aren't in trouble. No, I just thought perhaps we should have a brunette-to-brunette talk about Jinjur. I am very glad to see her spending so much time with you. Jinjur needs the steadying influence of a level-headed brunette. It's that influence I want to discuss with you. Hmm. Let's walk over here, away from the blondes. They don't need to overhear this. You're old enough to know something about, well, about brunette instincts. I hope I don't have to be more blunt. I don't? Good. You know what I'm talking about. Well, a proper blonde will... well, will keep matters in line, shall I say. Blonde modesty, endowed in them by Dea and cultivated by their rearing, will keep them so demure that brunette instincts are, ahem, sufficiently kept in check. But, well, some blondes, without being improper, are still somewhat less... that is... well, blonde emotions are very strong, you know, and it's in their nature to yield to someone forceful. So you see, some blondes might be... swept away... by their, well, emotions. And so with blondes like that, a brunette must be careful not to be swept along with them. It is our duty to protect blondes, including, if need be, from themselves. Unless one wishes to be a Rough Brunette. Oh, don't look like that. I certainly wasn't accusing you. Merely warning you. At your age, you need to hear these things. You see, Jinjur is such a spirited girl. I shouldn't be surprised if she was the type to be swept away, if you understand me. She's a redhead, and I think that what they say about redheads has something to do with that. And so you must make sure to exercise self-control in spite of your brunette instincts. Do you follow me? Good. Now, enough serious talk. Tomorrow afternoon, we're having an all-brunette outing to the soda fountain. Oh, I need you to deliver these two notes for me. This one is a get-well note to Katie Webster. Since she fancies herself in love with me, maybe a note from me will be just the tonic for her. Just hope she doesn't have a relapse when I have to explain to her that it's just a crush like lots of new girls get. And this is a note to Miss Maybridge, explaining that I might not be able to attend the upcoming classes, but will if it can be arranged. All right? Good. Thank you, and see you after school tomorrow! Veronica Bellemont 191 From: Kadorienne Date: Thu Sep 16, 1999 5:01pm Subject: Re: Nicola- and other new girls Dear Annalinde, I think your tea is an excellent idea. I will attend if you like, or if you think the bunnies would like to be with just you -- and who could blame them for not wanting any distraction for such a charming blonde -- I assure you I will take no offense. I will, however, undertake to supervise Ariadne and Elena if they do any baking. Elena is rather young, and Ariadne isn't the level-headed sort of blonde who can be trusted with things like ovens. Oh, yes, I had a chat with her. It was a challenge, let me tell you. She's a very nice and charming blonde, of course, but it was hard to make her understand. I told her to listen to the teacher as attentively as she would to a brunette she especially liked, and she told me that she always listened to brunettes the way she did to Miss Serelique, because it doesn't do to let a brunette be too sure of you! And when I tried to explain to her that she shouldn't put on makeup during class, she asked, "What if my nose were shiny?" I told her that a becoming manner was a blonde's most important adornment, but somehow I don't think she believed me. And she told me Jinjur says that I spank blondes like I'm petting a kitten, and asked if that were true. Well, of course I don't spank blondes as hard as I do brunettes. They're so much more delicate and sensitive than we are. I couldn't be such a brute. But Jinjur's saying that made me think perhaps I should spank *her* harder. Maybe redheaded blondes are hardier. Which reminds me: Whatever you said to Jinjur, good show. She's ever so much better behaved now. I do think she's really trying. Her nightdress almost getting ruined seems to have knocked some sense into her. I haven't seen her with Joan or Suzanne at all, except once the other day. I caught her and Joan sneaking back onto school grounds when they had no business being gone. Apparently they just sneaked off for a sundae. So I strapped them and gave them some lines, and Jinjur's been avoiding Joan ever since. You know, about Ariadne, she did the oddest thing while we were talking. She kept trying to turn the conversation around to her roommate. I'm sure I can't think why. What? Oh, yes, she rooms with (throat suddenly tight) Elspeth Elsvetta. No, no, I'm all right, I think I just need a drink of water. But I don't understand why she kept bringing her up. Have they been having trouble getting on? No? Then I don't understand it. What? Me? No, I haven't had any trouble with Elspeth at all. None. Actually, I hardly know her. Only spoke to her once, and that was when my hair was yellow, and she stared at me a little. Well, I'm sure she couldn't help it. How often do you see a blonde brunette? Everyone was staring at me all day. No, I haven't had any trouble with Elspeth. Ahem, anyway, I confiscated Malena's candy. I was going to turn it in to Miss Maitland, but if you'll keep it in your glass jar so it doesn't attract bugs, of course you can have it for your tea. (Annalinde squirms slightly at the mention of bugs) Good luck with your tea. Veronica Bellemont 192 From: Date: Thu Sep 16, 1999 6:50pm Subject: Re: Heads and Tails Dear Avendale Girls, I never told you I was a muninmatiste! But I am.... so here are a few silver and copper Coins of the Realm from my small little collection, to help you with tomorrow's lesson. Can you all see the litte "A" stamped on the face of each coin? I forget what it means, but I do not doubt it's something important. ARIADNE 193 From: Date: Thu Sep 16, 1999 5:01pm Subject: Alexis' Diary 16 September 1954 Dear Diary, Well, Diary, I have been here a whole day now, and the homesickness has not loosened its grip on me yet. I do miss my mummies and my own room so! However, it is not so bad... There are some very lovely girls who share my dorm. There is a sweet girl named Sarah who is also new here, I think, and her bed is right near mine. I haven't had much chance to talk to her yet, but I do intend to do so! Dearest Diary, I do have a horrid confession to make. I was so very bad today, but no one knows about it....yet. I pulled a little prank on our prefect Miss Annalinde. It was actually a joke that my brunette cousin Cindy and I played on her blonde sister Emily some summers back. I don't know what came over me this afternoon, and I am truly sorry that I went through with it now. I put a little bull frog in Miss Annalinde's bed today! I don't think it's been discovered yet, as I haven't heard any ruckus about it. However, I had the oddest feeling that someone saw me sneaking out of Miss Annalinde's room, but I can't be sure. I looked everywhere and couldn't find a soul. Oh Diary, what was I thinking when I pulled such a foolish prank? I guess I was just so homesick, and thinking about Cindy today, well... It seemed like a good idea at the time. I pray that the little frog hopped out there before it was discovered! But Diary, I do have a bad feeling about this in my stomach. I really should get back to studying now, Diary. Until next time, Alexis Harrington 194 From: Date: Thu Sep 16, 1999 7:54pm Subject: Re: Nicola- and other new girls Note left for Miss Annalinde Chelverton by Elena Dierrian: Miss Annalinde, Thank you for the lovely Invitation. I shall most certainly come to tea with you and the other new girls. I agree that having tea together is a splendid idea, and I can hardly wait. Please tell Miss Veronica that I would be very grateful for her supervision in the kitchen, as part of what confounded me during "The Affaire of the Spiced Raisin Loaves" was trying to convert one measuring system to another. Dear Ariadne assisted as best she could, but was of no assistance whatsoever in making the proper conversion. I would be ever so grateful for Miss Veronica's help with that (and yes, I will be sure to ask Cook, FIRST, before beginning). Fondly, Elena Dierrian 195 From: Date: Thu Sep 16, 1999 7:58pm Subject: Re: Nicola- and other new girls Note left for Miss Veronica Bellemont from Elena Dierrian: Dear Miss Veronica, Miss Annalinde is having a tea for new girls, and she suggested that I bake some special treat. I understand you are to supervise me whilst I bake, and I also understand that you are considered very Competent with fractions and other mathematical conversions of measurements. I am very, very pleased you will be there to provide Guidance, and I am sorry to take you away from more important Matters. Sincerely, Elena Dierrian 196 From: Date: Thu Sep 16, 1999 8:02pm Subject: Note Left for Jinjur Note left for Jinjur Quinbury from Elena Dierrian: Dearest Jinjur, I was delighted to learn from Mistress Maitland that your Beautiful Nightgown is restored once again. I do not say this to be smug or priggish, and I sincerely hope you will not take it that way, but now, perhaps, you see the Power of Heartfelt Prayer, and I *know* that Dea heard YOUR prayers, too. :) Chin up, Jinjur! It's going to be a *fun* year! -Elena Dierrian 197 From: Kadorienne Date: Fri Sep 17, 1999 0:25am Subject: Re: Nicola- and other new girls Dear Elena, Nonsense, honey, no need to apologize. That's a prefect's job. Not to mention that I'll get to spend a couple of hours in the company of two very charming blondes. In Culveria we call that a fringe benefit. Veronica Bellemont 198 From: Date: Thu Sep 16, 1999 8:09pm Subject: Re: Letter of Apology to Cook A Letter of Apology, written by Elena Dierrian at the Direction of Miss Annalinde Chelverton, Prefect (left in Annalinde's Study for her Inspection and Approval) Dear Cook, Please accept my Sincerest Apologies for making a mess in your Beautiful Kitchen. I promise that from now on, whenever I seek to concoct a Confection or anything else, I will seek you our and obtain your Permission before proceeding. I also wish to apologise for leading the maidservants astray. I understand that because I am a Young Lady and they are but maidservants, they will obey me if you are not there to contradict me, and I should have had more Thoughtfulness on their Behalf. I think you are a Wonderful Cook. Everything you prepare is Delicious, and I know you have a lot to do, cooking every day for two hundred pupils and the Mistresses. It was wrong for me to invade your domain and give more work to do when you are already extremely busy. Sincerely, and with Heartfelt Contrition, Elena Dierrian 199 From: Tanya Date: Fri Sep 17, 1999 3:24am Subject: Re Miss Annalinde's Tea Invitation Dear Miss Annalinde, Thank you so much for your invitation to me and some of the other new girls to come and have tea with you. It's a really super idea and will give us all a good chance to get to know each other. I'll ask cook if I can perhaps bake a cake to bring along. Do you think she'd allow me to do that? I would also still very much like to come along to see you for a private chat. Would later this evening be convenient? Miss Annalinde, you were right in your guess that Miss Serelique wouldn't be" too" severe with me regarding my uniform shortcomings. She has told me to write a hundred times, " A schoolgirl's uniform must at all times be presentable and well cared for". Oh, and sorry about my mistake on "a lot" Two words not one !! The English teacher at my old school was always reminding me of this !! Yours Georgina 201 From: Date: Fri Sep 17, 1999 1:16am Subject: To Veronica Thank you for offering to help with the little tea party. I should be glad to have you there. I thought of it as being especially for the younger blondes of my dormitory, but it is not an exclusively blonde affair - nor exclusively for the younger girls. Any bunny who wants to come is welcome. I am restricting it to new girls, though, because - well it *is* for the ones who are feeling a little unsure. If there were confident established girls there, it would feel just like being in the refectory or something, wouldn't it? It was when Nicola mentioned missing Nursery Tea that I had the idea. I want it to be a bit like Nursery tea. Nice and reassuring. I am sure the girls will like to have you there. We could sort of be blonde and brunette Mummie for them, couldn't we? Oh! That is a silly thing to say - I hope you don't think me too silly. Anyway, thank you and welcome. As for spanking blondes - you will find a *good* spanking never hurts us when we need it - I mean it *does* hurt us, but - oh, you know what I mean. And that goes double for Jinjur. I am glad I've had a good effect on her. I did try, though I wasn't sure at the time how well I was managing. Elspeth seems a very nice girl. Quite the opposite of Ariadne - I don't mean Ariadne isn't nice I mean, Elspeth is so quiet and shy while Ariadne is so outgoing. Perhaps they'll be good for each other. Joan - you know I caught Joan doing the *oddest* thing the other day. She was wearing a blonde uniform - you know, when here hair was blonde - and she was going to the blonde dormitory. You may have heard about it. I made her keep the gymslip on for a while as a punishment. I was sure she was up to something but nothing seems to have come of it. Perhaps she dropped whatever it was when I caught her. Annalinde 202 From: Date: Fri Sep 17, 1954 5:29am Subject: Re: Heads and Tails Dearest Ariadne, Thank you so much for posting the "heads and tails". You know we tried to make a photograph of coins but our camera seems to *hate* close-ups. We tried the old digi-camera too but we couldn't find the software for plumbing it up! So I *am* glad you came to the rescue. With another kiss, Somebody else 203 From: Date: Fri Sep 17, 1954 8:57am Subject: Katie Webster Katie Webster is coming out of hospital today. She has lost 13 lbs and will be joining the school when she is able. If you wish to send her private good wishes, please direct them to: schoolgirl11@h... Dorothea Maitland 204 From: Malena Franklin Date: Fri Sep 17, 1999 2:02am Subject: To Miss Veronica from malena Dear Miss Veronica I am so happy I am forgiven and that You accepted my lines. I am ashamed of my behaviour and feel You did so right in punishing me. I do want to be Your friend and admire You so.... I would love to join You and other brunette girls Carrie and Julia and Sabrina at soda fountain. i will come with joy in my heart. I like You very much and want to be a good girl in Your care and feel so much for You and want to be Your friend. Yours regretting but glad malena 205 From: Malena Franklin Date: Fri Sep 17, 1999 2:09am Subject: to Miss Serelique Dear Miss Serelique I am sorry to say I might miss lesson today. My mother have made an angry call to Miss Maitland and requested I be present at birthdayfeast for family member. I dont want to go but mom is very firm and say I must come home for this. She will have a serious word with me before feast tonight..ouch....I dont like that.... If I miss lesson Miss Serelique I am prepared to do extra work for You to compensate this important lesson. Please let me know what i shall do..... Yours very sorry malena Franklin 206 From: Malena Franklin Date: Fri Sep 17, 1999 2:45am Subject: Dear Miss Veronica Dear Miss Veronica Could my confiscated sweets be used for that lovely teaparty please? I think that would feel so good if we used my stupid idea of bringing candies in for something so nice as a teaparty to make friends with all girls. I love that idea to know other girls that way. Yours loving malena Franklin 207 From: Date: Fri Sep 17, 1999 11:47am Subject: Yolande Allenby arrives The lights of Maidenhead disappear, and it's only the stars in this night of New Moon. Darkness gathers again, and I close my eyes as the repetitive sounds of the train lull me... This train heading West... Away from Arcadia. Away from Erein House. I see Yvonne, my French governess... "We don't want to be spoilt, do we Miss Allenby?" "No we don't, Yvonne". "And Avendale is the best school for young ladies you could hope for, is it not? Extend your left leg." As she ensheathes my leg in a black stocking, I reply: "But why must I leave Arcadia? Why must I leave Erein? I am sorry for breaking the Chinese vase at the season ball, Yvonne, but..." my voice just a trifle too keen. Her eyes set on mine, her hand lifting my chin: "Milady knows well that is not the matter. Milady will face responsibilities soon enough. Decorum is expected from milady. The house of Allenby..."-but something doesn't quite hold in her voice, and she draws me to her, a hand on my nape, her lips in my ear..."Yolande, vous savez bien que cela m'afflige autant qu'à vous... Vous êtes une belle promesse, mais ça ne vaudra rien, rien, si vous ne devenez pas la fleur que nous tous attendons..." Her words so poignant, my hands around her neck, my eyes lost in the haze of the morning, moving over Erein's meadows... "Assez!" A sudden noise interrupts my slumber. Avendale Station salutes me, the only passenger in this late train. As indicated in Miss Maitland's letter, the school's hackney is waiting for me. While it covers the short mile to the school, the high clock tower seems to greet me in quiet strokes. As in a dream, the carriage stops noiselessly and I am taken by the service maid to the dormitory where I shall spend this term. A note lies on my bed: "Dear Yolande, I hope your journey has been agreeable. Being 16, you are expected to share a dormitory with other junior girls. Don't let that annoy you: many of them are also blondes, and I am sure they will help you adjust in your first days. Tomorrow you shall report to my office, where you shall be informed of the form and class you must attend and duly introduced. Good night for now. Miss Maitland, Headmistress." Good night Miss Maitland -I whisper. 208 From: Date: Fri Sep 17, 1999 11:51am Subject: Yolande Allenby arrives The lights of Maidenhead disappear, and it's only the stars in this night of New Moon. Darkness gathers again, and I close my eyes as the repetitive sounds of the train lull me... This train heading West... Away from Arcadia. Away from Erein House. I see Yvonne, my French governess... "We don't want to be spoilt, do we Miss Allenby?" "No we don't, Yvonne". "And Avendale is the best school for young ladies you could hope for, is it not? Extend your left leg." As she ensheathes my leg in a black stocking, I reply: "But why must I leave Arcadia? Why must I leave Erein? I am sorry for breaking the Chinese vase at the season ball, Yvonne, but..." my voice just a trifle too keen. Her eyes set on mine, her hand lifting my chin: "Milady knows well that is not the matter. Milady will face responsibilities soon enough. Decorum is expected from milady. The house of Allenby..."-but something doesn't quite hold in her voice, and she draws me to her, a hand on my nape, her lips in my ear..."Yolande, vous savez bien que cela m'afflige autant qu'à vous... Vous êtes une belle promesse, mais ça ne vaudra rien, rien, si vous ne devenez pas la fleur que nous tous attendons..." Her words so poignant, my hands around her neck, my eyes lost in the haze of the morning, moving over Erein's meadows... "Assez!" A sudden noise interrupts my slumber. Avendale Station salutes me, the only passenger in this late train. As indicated in Miss Maitland's letter, the school's hackney is waiting for me. While it covers the short mile to the school, the high clock tower seems to greet me in quiet strokes. As in a dream, the carriage stops noiselessly and I am taken by the service maid to the dormitory where I shall spend this term. A note lies on my bed: "Dear Yolande, I hope your journey has been agreeable. Being 16, you are expected to share a dormitory with other junior girls. Don't let that annoy you: many of them are also blondes, and I am sure they will help you adjust in your first days. Tomorrow you shall report to my office, where you shall be informed of the form and class you must attend and duly introduced. Good night for now. Miss Maitland, Headmistress." Good night Miss Maitland -I whisper. 209 From: Date: Fri Sep 17, 1999 1:55pm Subject: Hello Yolande Hello. I am Carrie Binks. Caroline Veleda-Binks if you must - but don't. I prefer Carrie Gosh, what a marvellous dress. Of course you'll have to wear school uniform here - but maybe one day - that dress would go down a wow at Delmonte's! Oh gosh, I do rattle on, don't I? Listen, are you a blonde or brunette and how old are you? Carrie 210 From: Date: Fri Sep 17, 1999 2:25pm Subject: Horror in a Blonde Corridor A terrifying shriek resounded through the senior blonde dormitory corridor, bringing blondes in every stage of bedtime preparations to their doors. Again and again the terrible sound pierced the air. "Is it Ariadne?" asked some one. "No. I'm here." "It's Annalinde. Something must have happened to her." The blondes rushed to Annalinde's room whence the shrieks continued to proceed. Annalinde was backed into a corher, her hands over her mouth, her eyes wide with terror. "What is it?" was the general import of a dozen different questioners. Annalinde pointed mutely at her bed. The covers were turned back and among them - as frightened as Annalinde was a bullfrog. Several more screams added to the confusion. "Some one had better move it. Ariadne, you're the oldest." Ariadne, however had already fled the room. After what seemed an age and was perhaps three minutes Veronica appeared. "Calm down, girls. Please don't crowd Annalinde like that - and *please* put on your dressing gowns." Authority and embarrassment mixed in equal proportions in Veronica's tone. The less-dressed blondes scattered at once in search of the aforementioned garments. This lessened the confusion considerably. Veronica quickly understood the trouble and gently removed the frog. "What an idiotic thing to do," she said. "I imagine it was one of the middle-school brunettes." "It wouldn't have been a blonde," said Elspeth shyly. "I can't imagine any blonde carrying a thing like that." "Perhaps it was Joan," said some one. "Annalinde caned her and made her stay in her blonde uniform recently." "No, Joan never bears grudges over punishments." "I shall put a note on the noticeboard," said Veronica, "appealing to the brunette decency of whoever did it to confess. This sort of behaviour among my brunettes is something I will not tolerate. Elspeth turned to Annalinde, her shyness melted by her sympathy. "are you a little better now dear? Shall I get you some water? Would you like me to stay with you while you get into bed?' It was a curious way to talk to a prefect, but in certain blondes the blonde protective instinct can at times take precedence over all other considerations. Veronica said, with a curious catch in her voice, "If y'all are settled now, I think I'd best be going." Elspeth, whose protective blondeness had made her - so unmistressly at most times - the mistress of this situation, replied gently, "Thank you so much Veronica. I think we *can* manage now." She cast her eyes down and smiled. Did her cheeks colour just a fraction? She turned immediately to tend Annalinde. From: Date: Fri Sep 17, 1999 2:26pm Subject: Re: Hello Yolande Hello, Yolande, and welcome to Avendale. My name is Elena Dierrian, and I am 12 years old and blonde. Don't let the red hair fool you! I am sure you will like it here, as everyone is very pleasant. I understand you are from the land the West refers to as "Arcadia." I am two realms located in the Far Eastern section of Amazonia, called Sithia and Illira. I was born in Sithia, but as my blonde Mummy is an Illirenne, I prefer to say I hail from both realms. I would love to hear more about Arcadia, if you do not mind telling me about it. If you are blonde, then your prefect is Miss Annalinde Chelverton, and she is absolutely wonderful. She reminds me a little of my blonde Mummy, and she is ever so wise and sweet and kind. If you are brunette, you prefect is Miss Veronica Bellemont, who hails fron Confederate Culveria and has the most *charming* accent! She is very brave and dashing. If you enjoy music, then you must come join Katie Webster and I - Katie plays the piano. Poor Katie! She took ill and is in the hospital, but the Headmistress says her condition is improving. I can't wait to meet you! -Elena Dierrian 212 From: Date: Fri Sep 17, 1999 9:27pm Subject: Re: Horror in a Blonde Corridor Alexis Harrington was busily putting her books in order on her nightstand when she heard the shreiking... the unmistakable sound of a badly frightened blonde. Her dorm-mates immediately dropped what they were doing and ran toward the source of the screaming -- Miss Annalinde's room. Alexis did not move. She knew with a sinking feeling that the little bullfrog didn't escape before Miss Annalinde returned to her quarters. It had, unfortunately, been found. "Oh, no, please no!" was the thought in her mind as the gravity of the situation struck her. Would she possibly get off without being found out? Why did she ever pull such a foolish prank? She remembered that odd feeling she had of being seen pulling the awful prank. Would someone tell on her? Or maybe, just maybe, Miss Annalinde will think that the poor little frog hopped into her quarters on his own! But that was too much to hope for. Some of the girls began filing back into the quarters in the various states of undress in which they had fled. "What happened?", Alexis dared to ask. "A bullfrog was left in Miss Annalinde's bed! Can you imagine?", someone volunteered. "Oh, my!", was the only reply Alexis could muster. Alexis crawled into her bed, pulling the covers way up over her head. If only she could block out the chattering of the other girls over the horrid discovery... If only she could return to the recesses of her imagination. But she couldn't. She soon fell into a restless sleep. 213 From: Date: Fri Sep 17, 1999 9:43pm Subject: Aftermath Like Elspeth Elsvetta, Elena Dierrian was terribly concerned for the blonde prefect, Annalinde Chelverton, after her too-close encounter with the frog. Cheerfully did she run and fetch the water at Elspeth's direction. She was next sent to gather a cool, dampened washcloth with which to bathe the victim's wrists and forehead. Oh, Poor Miss Annalinde, thought Elena as she went about her errands. Who could have done such a mean thing? She pondered this for a moment as she waited for a maidservant to bring up a fresh pot of tea. And most blondes, 'tis true, would not wish to touch the horrid thing. And the Senior brunettes would be far too chivalrous to perform such a prank (and especially to a blonde prefect). And one of the new brunette bunnies would be too timid. Elena agreed with the conclusion that one of the middle brunettes must, in fact, be the culprit. As she assisted her friend Elspeth, she found herself wanting to linger over bathing the prefect's brow. She found she could not help but notice how beautifully shaped Annalinde's lips were, or how her golden hair shone as it lay upon her pillow, or how fair and fresh was her milky skin. And she bore the aroma of flowers - a light, sweet scent that made Elena think of Springtime and rainshowers and fresh, fragrant, beautiful gardens. Long after Miss Annalinde retired, sending Elspeth and Elena forth with many smiles, kisses and whispered thank you's, Elena lay awake in her bed, thinking of Miss Annalinde - wonderful, precious, perfect Miss Annalinde. 214 From: Tanya Date: Sat Sep 18, 1999 2:24am Subject: Letter home From Tanya@c... Dearest mummies, I thought I just had to write and let you both know how I'm getting on at Avendale.. The first thing to say is that I miss you both terribly and how are my dear sisters Amanda, Clarissa and Rachel? How did Clarissa get on at her singing competition? I bet she really wowed them all !! Avandale is such a beautiful school and one really gets a feeling of its' tradition and history as soon as one arrives. The grounds are so vast and harbour so many different and beautiful varieties of tree, shrub and flower. As for the school itself, I think I'm just beginning to find my way around without having to ask someone for directions at every turn. Everyone has been so very friendly and welcoming but you were right dearest mummies, it is very strict and much, much stricter than Abbeville. Despite this, I really do feel jolly at home here. Miss Maitland and the other mistresses keep a very tight reign on us girls but they always show such kindness and understanding. I'm afraid I got in to a bit of trouble with Miss Serelique for my uniform not being satisfactorily presentable and had to write a hundred lines for her, but apart from that, I've not had occasion to be ponished. I always try to remember what you taught me dearest mummies about always being obedient and showing respect to all mistresses and senior girls. Talking of senior girls, my prefect's name is Annalinde Chelverton and she's been really helpful and reassuring during my first few days, She's arranged a tea party for all the new girls at Avendale and I hope to be baking a cake for it although I don't know if I'll be allowed as some of the girls recently used the kitchen without permission and nearly burnt it down !! I do hope you are both well and please send lots of hugs and kisses to my sisters and say "hello" to the maids for me. I miss you all so much !! Love Georgina 215 From: Malena Franklin Date: Fri Sep 17, 1999 8:19pm Subject: rumors in brunettes dorm Dear diary Something terrible has happened. Some girl have placed a frog in Miss Annalindes bed and that was awful done. Poor Miss Annalinde! I feel that it was a very mean prank. Rumors are that some brunette girl did it and that Miss Veronica will call us all to a meeting and press the guilty girl to step forward. I feel so scared and everyone talks all around in dorm about what Miss Veronica will do to get thruth on table I remember with a tremble that hand strapping I recieved the other day and I guess this time the guilty girl will not only have that but a sound spanking and maybe a caning too...... So sad when we were planning soda meeting and teaparty and then this shadows all school. malena Franklin 216 From: Ulalua Melenelia Date: Sat Sep 18, 1999 5:03am Subject: Test - please ignore This is a test 217 From: Date: Sat Sep 18, 1954 5:55am Subject: Ulalua Melenelia and N.P.C.s You may have been surprised to see the little test message from Ulalua Melenelia. Miss Melenelia, I must explain, is the Hereditary Postmistress to the Lesser Divisions of the Royal Court. What has that to do with Avendale, you may ask. Well, when Avendale was founded by Queen Anna Maria it was originally attached to the Court and was, indeed primarily intended for the education of the daughters of courtiers. It taught court manners and cutlure to future members of the court - and since such members are of both sexes it was a mixed school. While that is no longer the school's primary purpose, and while the attachment between the school and the court is now little more than an historical relic, Avendale is still comes within the province of certain Court Officers. What all this means in practical terms is that should a player wish to animate a non-player character, rather than send the letter from her usual address, she should send it through the Court Post Office - to which the School still has the privilege of access according to its Charter. Players who wish to do this should contact Miss Maybridge for details. Dorothea Maitland 218 From: Date: Sat Sep 18, 1999 2:08am Subject: The Brunettes' Club Dear Diary, How nice it was going to Delmonte's with Veronica and the other brunettes. There weren't many of us but we were a very jolly party. Veronica is great fun and we all had lots of jokes, and they play nice music there too. We seem so outnumbered by blondes this year, it was nice to be all brunettes together for a little while. If any one had told me last year I should be at a mostly-blonde school I'd have shuddered, but actually I like it very much, though I could wish there were a *few* more of us brunettes! Malena and Sabrina are fine girls. Malena absolutely loved the ice-cream sundaes. Well, we all did, but Malena just looked as if she was in Heaven. I've never known any one like her for sweet things. I was explaining about the games we play here, I mean I don't know about Avendale but generally in this part of the world girls play netball, claquey, lacrosse, tennis, sometimes cricket and there is something a bit like baseball called rounders, but I don't know if Culverians would be too impressed by that. Still, we thought we might try it if we were allowed.. It was a very jolly outing and I hope our Brunettes' Club can meet again some time soon. I must confess, though - I kept thinking about what Veronica said about Jinjur and I. I mean, I *do* want to be a good influence on her and I'd *hate* to be runette. So I must protect her from herself. Well, I shall try. I hope it isn't too unbrunettely to have the little sneaking thought - who is going to protect me? 219 From: Date: Sat Sep 18, 1954 6:17am Subject: Sunday's Lesson Owing to the - ahem - rather poor attendance at Friday's lesson, I shall be teaching the Money Lesson on Sunday. I sincerely hope it will be better attended this time. Those of you who have not yet done the preparatory reading will find it at: http://www.aristasia.com/avendale/money.html Please come prepared to answer questions on it. 220 From: School Girl Date: Sat Sep 18, 1999 8:51am Subject: Thanks Dear School, Today is my first day out of bed for sometime. I sat here and read through all the emails from school, I cried at the way you have all taken to me from within the school environment, I was simply stunned by the messages, the cards and your thoughts. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I will return to casses, but not this week. Love to all Katie. XXX XX X 221 From: Nicola - 3rd Year Avendale Date: Sat Sep 18, 1999 9:58am Subject: Re: Thanks Katie Katie although I do not as yet know you I'm so glad that you are better and recovering well, I know how beastily it can be being ill yours Nikki 222 From: Nicola - 3rd Year Avendale Date: Sat Sep 18, 1999 10:15am Subject: Annalinde bunnies tea party Miss Annalinde what a super idea and so very kind of you offering to hold a tea party perhaps we can have it tomorrow (19th) before lessons if thats acceptable with you. Of corse it would be lovely to meet all the other bunnies in a informal gathering, the very idea has lifted my spirits greatly you are so very kind. I hope that last evenings disagreeable incident has not upset you to much (surely the prank of some brunette) , I can not imagine such a horrid thing happening, the very thought makes me feel quiet faint trusting you have recovered your spirits I remain yours truely Nicola Bradford 223 From: Tanya Date: Sat Sep 18, 1999 2:12pm Subject: Dear Diary Diary entry for Georgina de la Falaise September 18th, 1954 Dear Diary, I think I've invented a simply super new game. The basic aim is to think of apposite adjectives to describe the sainted Miss Veronica Bellemont, especially after last evening's heroics vis a vis the "frog incident" in Miss Annalinde's bedroom. The rules are perfectly simple. You have to come up with a different adjective using each letter of the alphabet in its' proper order.. I'm usually not very good at this kind of thing but here goes anyway; The adorable, brave, chilvalrous, divine, elegant, fearless, gallant, heroic, irreplaceable, jolie, kittenesque, luscious, miraculous, noble, ornate, photogenic, quintessential, rare, strict, true, unflappable, valiant, wondrous, xcellent (sorry about that one), youthful and zupendous Miss Veronica Bellemont. I think I'm most definitely in love !! She is, of course, dear diary, all these things and more. I must try hard to think of a pretext upon which to go and see her in her room or perhaps do something which merits my being sent to see her for some infraction of the school rules. I knew I had a pash coming on the very first day at Avendale when she showed me round the school. Anyway, dear diary, I must close now as I 've got to be in bed in ten minutes when Miss Annalinde comes in to turn out the lights.. 224 From: Date: Sat Sep 18, 1999 11:51am Subject: In the Corridor Alexis awoke after a restless night's sleep with a start. She remembered the previous night's excitement -- "the frog incident", as the other girls called it -- and her stomach lurched. Tiptoeing so as to not awaken the other girls, she started out into the corridor, just to walk the halls and clear her head for a few moments before the rest of the dorm awoke. Without realizing it, she found herself standing outside Miss Annalinde's quarters. She stood there quietly, pondering how she could have done such an awful thing. So deep in thought was she, that she didn't hear Miss Annalinde stirring in her room, getting ready for the new day. Suddenly, the door opened, and the guilty blonde stood face-to-face with her victim. "G-Good morning, Miss Annalinde!" she muttered. "Well, Good Morning, Alexis! Is everything alright? What brings you here so early this morning?" queried the prefect. "I-I-I was just...umm...stretching my legs before getting dressed, Miss Annalinde" Alexis lied. "I see. Perhaps you should be hurrying along then. You don't want to be late for breakfast!" "Yes, Miss Annalinde...Umm, Miss Annalinde?" "Yes Alexis?" "I heard about what happened last night. Are you alright? Do you know who did it?", ventured the nervous Alexis. "I was a bit shaken, but I am fine now, dear. No need to worry about me. We haven't yet caught the culprit, but let me assure you, when we do find her, she will be punished quite thoroughly! We can't have this kind of unladylike behavior rampant in our school, and we shall make an example of the culprit!", Miss Annalinde exclaimed. "Yes, Miss Annalinde. I am g-glad to hear that you are well after the incident. I had better be going now.", said Alexis as she hurriedly made her way back to her quarters. "Goodbye, Alexis" Annalinde called after her. 225 From: Kadorienne Date: Sat Sep 18, 1999 5:42pm Subject: Veronica to Annalinde Dear Annalinde, Thank you so much for your invitation. I would be happy to attend your "bunny tea". I don't think you're at all silly for suggesting that you and I might stand as blonde and brunette mother for the bunnies. The situations do have a certain similarity that I'm sure many girls will sense, and having a blonde and a brunette older girl with authority will probably make them feel more as if they were at home. And don't worry about that frog. I've been questioning certain brunettes -- as Claudia Rains would say, "the usual suspects" -- and sooner or later we will discover the culprit. I have also allowed certain rumors to begin about what I will do to anyone who commits any "copy-cat" crimes! I understand Katie Webster will be back in school next week. Annalinde, I must talk to her. She went and declared that she was in love with me in front of everyone! You and I both know that bunny crushes on older girls, especially prefects, are not unusual, but stating it publicly like that is going too far. I will have to explain to her that it's only a crush, and so on. It seems awful to have to tell her this right after she's been ill, though. I was wondering if you could give me any blonde advice about how to talk to her about this. I'd greatly appreciate it. Sincerely, Veronica Bellemont 226 From: Date: Sat Sep 18, 1999 9:39pm Subject: Miss Joans' Art History Class (Miss Elizabeth Joans glides into the classroom. The pupils stand up respectfully. Miss Joans waves airily at them and they are seated. (Miss Joans dresses in the formal style of any schoolmistress, but with a few touches that set her apart. Her skirts are longer and more flowing. While other mistresses wear short necklaces with small, understated pendants or perhaps watches, Miss Joans wears long strings of many-colored beads. Like most mistresses, her blonde hair is pulled back in a chignon, but it is parted in the middle, in the style of a Spaniard. (As Miss Joans speaks, she gestures dramatically with her hands, which are adorned with long painted nails and many rings.) Now girls, you must all listen and open yourselves, because in my class today you are to experience Art. Art is the highest manifestation of Maid. It is what sets her apart from Dea's other creatures. Some of you, with the half-formed cleverness of youth, may temporarily believe that Art is unimportant because you do not need it in order to physically live. But with maturity you will realize that without Art, in its lower manifestations if not its higher ones. Carrie, darling, I know that you are a bundle of young brunette energy, but kindly put that energy into listening to what I say and not into fidgeting in your seat. The lower manifestations of Art are the ones which we encounter the most in everyday life, and they are the ones which will likely be the most appealing to most of you, since you are young and your tastes have not been especially rarefied. Understand, darlings, I am not maligning your youth. The lesser manifestations of Art are worthy of respect. Not everyone may create or appreciate the highest Art in every moment of life. Every cinema and soda fountain cannot have the works of Micah Angela on its ceiling. But you find the appearance of cinemas and soda fountains pleasing, do you not? Of course you do. Such design is a lesser Art, and if no one knew that and mastered it the trivia of everyday life would be grim and ugly indeed. Lower Arts -- so also are popular songs. And the design of everyday clothes, as opposed to formal wear. And cosmetics. My darlings, every morning when you paint your fresh young faces, you are being Artists. But Ariadne, this moment is not the time for you to be an Artist. Put your lipstick inside your desk and attend me. As to the higher manifestations of Art -- they are what this class is about, and they are what you all probably think of when you hear the word Art. Lesser Art is the music of Benita Goodman; higher Art is the music of Rachmaninoff. Lesser Art is a soda fountain; higher Art is the Great Pyramid. Lesser Art is a magazine advertisement; higher Art is the work of Leonarda da Vinci. Jinjur! Will you sit properly in my class! Come up here at once! (Jinjur obediently adjusts her skirt, which has ridden up to expose rather more leg than necessary, and walks to the front of the class.) Jinjur, what in Dea's name is the matter with you? You have the talent to be a fine Artist yourself. When will you begin to apply yourself? Have you no reverence for the divine creative force with which Dea has been kind enough to endow you? And you squirm in your seat and allow your uniform to become disarranged while the sacred subject of Art is being discussed! Bend over my desk! (Jinjur bends over the desk. Miss Joans snatches up her paddle, grasps the hem of Jinjur's gymslip and tosses both skirt and petticoat up over Jinjur's back. Without deigning to comment on Jinjur's non-regulation pink satin knickers, which transfix the brunette half of the class, with the exception of Veronica who gallantly looks out the window, Miss Joans delivers several furious smacks to Jinjur's bottom. Jinjur cries out under the blows a number of times. When her fury is abated, Miss Joans tosses the paddle back onto her desk.) Go and sit back down, child, and hope that you are one step closer to being hammered and fired into a worthy vessel for your Art. (Jinjur straightens, smooths her gymslip back into place, and puts her hammered and fired bottom back into her chair.) I expect better behavior from all of you in two weeks. Because in two weeks, my darlings, we will all be visiting the Llangollen Museum of Art in Marybridge. We are very lucky to be so close to such a noble institution. Some of the finest works of Art in the Empire are housed there. It includes Art from every province. This will allow you to compare the purity of works from Amazonia with the complexity of Western Art. Now, darlings, you are all to read the first chapter in your Art History book tonight. Those of you who are also in my drawing and painting classes --- are you listening, Jinjur? -- will find that contemplating the works of the Great Mistresses of Art will add depth to your own work, humble as it may be. Class is dismissed. (Miss Joans sinks into her chair, ignoring the girls as they file out of the room, rapt in contemplation of the subject of Art.) 227 From: Date: Sat Sep 18, 1999 10:01pm Subject: Jinjur's Diary Dear Diary, My nightdress is saved! Of course, Miss Maitland, the old dragon, is insisting on keeping it for herself until the end of term. But I'll get it back then, and the horrid stain is gone and my nightdress is as beautiful as ever! I think that when I get it back I'll take it home and leave it there. I would just die if anything happened to it again. Elena said I should write Miss Maitland a thank-you note for getting it fixed, which I did, but I never would have thought of it. Most blondes think of things like that. Why don't I? I'm starting to think that maybe I shouldn't be a blonde. When Joan and I went dancing with our hair colors reversed, I really enjoyed dancing with all the blondes, and kissing them. And pinching them. I don't generally like blondes all that much unless I can pinch them. Most of them are so soppy and wishy-washy, scared of their own shadows. Elena is kind of like that, but it's different somehow. I guess that when she says all those really sweet things, she really means them, but most blondes just like the way they sound. And Diary, it's so unfair. I didn't want to risk getting into big trouble again so soon by going out with Joan, and I don't really like her anymore anyway, but she blackmailed me! She said that if I didn't do it she would tell Carrie all about the things I've done with her and Suzanne. If Carrie knew, she wouldn't have anything more to do with me, I know it! And I'm finding that I like her more and more. She's fun and smart and good-looking and I like the way she treats me. If I let her even kiss me, she thinks that it's a privilege. I guess that's what they mean when they say that brunettes don't respect blondes who let them take liberties. They start taking you for granted and don't do anything nice for you. I never paid much attention to all that guff about a blonde's reputation, but now I'm beginning to see what they mean. A reputation has the very practical purpose of controlling brunettes. But why does it have to be that way? A brunette can press blondes to let her take liberties all she wants, and she might get her face slapped (or even get caned if Veronica the Straight-Laced catches her at it), but it won't do a thing to her reputation. Everyone just says, "Ah, brunettes will be brunettes." But if a blonde lets her take any of those same liberties, she's a fast blonde and brunettes think they can do whatever they want with her. Oh, it's beastly unfair, but I can't change it, so I'll just have to play the game and do my best to fool everyone into thinking I'm a demure little blonde. Jinjur J. Quinbury 228 From: Ulalua Melenelia Date: Sun Sep 19, 1954 4:32am Subject: A Physical Manifestation Hello. This letter comes by kind permission of the Royal Postmistress (I think that is her title, Lady Melenelia. But I am not her. I mean, I am not she. She just sends these things. Well, I don't suppose she does really, but some office that she probably visits once a year does. I mean, I doubt if Ulalua, Lady Melenelia sits in an office redirecting letters to Avendale. It wouldn't be quite the thing, would it? Anyway, all that is by the bye. My name is Linda and I wanted to tell you about something rather interesting. Some of you may know that we have plans for some *physical* meetings of Avendale for those in England, Telluria. They aren't imminent (though if you want to know more about them, do ask Miss Maybridge - don't send letters back to Ulalua Merevendra because goodness knows *where* they'll end up. But anyway, that is only by way of preamble. I wanted to tell you about a small Avendale encounter that happened on the physical rather than the Elektraspatial plane, if you know what I mean. To go for a moment behind the scenes (which is always dreadful, but it will help you understand), we set up a little cafe in the drawing room. We put on some Quirinelle music and no one knew what characters they might encounter. So I was Linda, a sixth-form girl from Avendale, and the cafe was Lucia's. Not my usual cafe, I should say, but it was late in the evening and nothing else was open. I had missed the school meal (I was out on an exeat for an interview) and wanted something to eat before going back to bed. I had been to Lucia's by day before, but never at this time. Fortunately it was quiet, but it had a strange, rather depressing atmosphere [curious how, once you arrange a "set" for Life Theatre it takes on an atmosphere of its own which you may not have planned]. One other customer entered. A tall brunette. Not at all a Lucia's customer. She asked to sit at my table, though there were others free - but they looked so bleak I did not blame her for gravitating toward company. She did not look at all like a predatory brunette, so I agreed. We ordered burgers. I had a milk shake and she a hot chocolate. The milk shake was not a thick whizzy one like those at Delmonte's. Just flavoured milk, but quite pleasant. The other customer complained about the chocolate to me. She said it tasted thin and peculiar [it was a new brand we had tried and turned out to be not very pleasant]. The service was also poor. On more than one occasion we had to go out to the kitchen ourselves to get things. It all added to the rather tawdry atmosphere. My companion asked me about myself. I was out of uniform and I don't think she knew I was a schoolgirl. At first I hedged. When she asked if I lived near here I told her no, but I was staying here. I almost wanted to tell her an interesting story about myself, but then my nerve failed and I told her the truth. I was at school - but I was old enough not to be. I was going on to Milchford. She liked the food, though said it wasn't really her sort of thing. I said it wasn't mine either. We both said we were only eating here because nowhere else seemed to be open. She paid for me without asking me about it - just settled with the waitress - and then left with a pleasant goodbye. I wonder if we shall meet again. It was a curious encounter with a very powerful atmosphere. And the first physical manifestation - not of Avendale exactly, but of something in its vicinity. 229 From: Date: Sun Sep 19, 1999 10:01am Subject: Miss Poindexter and Ariadne Miss Poindexter was in heaven. Finally, the young blonde she had been longing for was with her, here, in her room. Ariadne and she were alone, together. Holding the girl's hand, she gazed into her eyes, stroked her lily-white skin, and kissed her gently on her tender lips. Her heart was full of love and passion and desire and oh- it was almost painful how much she adored this girl. And finally they were together. After so long. So much waiting and yearning - she would take Ariadne away, they would be married, they would be together - she would delight in her love, always, she would care for her and be close to her. No more lonely days and tortured nights, the passion welling up within her breast, hurting, - oh how much it could hurt. Lost in the sea of Ariadne's beautiful eyes, these were Miss Poindexter's thoughts. This girl, so beautiful to behold, so innocent, so charming... again their lips met, her embrace became more passionate, her love flowing, strongly, tenderly.... It is of moments like these that dreams are made... "Ring, ring, ringgggggg" "Ring, ring, ringgggggg" Miss Poindexter awoke with a start. She looked around her, confused, - frightened, almost. And then she sighed. A dream. All a dream. When she closed her eyes she could still see the image, the divine image of Ariadne, Ariadne, her one and only, slowly fading... "don't go," she begged, "please don't go..." Another day. How would she survive. With an aching heart she attended to her *toilette*, and made ready for the day ahead... 230 From: Date: Sun Sep 19, 1954 11:35am Subject: I.R.C. Protocol I hope most of you will be able to attend tonight's lesson. Please remember the protocols for naming yourselves. Also, a point which will be added to the protocol page is that whenever players are on channel #avendale - even when class is not in session - they should stay in character. For example if some one asks where you come from the answer is where your character comes from in Aristasia, not where the player comes from (should they incorrectly ask where you are, the answer is "at Avendale, of course!). Private messaging should not be used except for urgent out-of-context matters. Whispering to other characters can be done as an action - and is obviously at one's own risk when a mistress is presiding. If girls are still having trouble with I.R.C. they should contact Miss Maybridge. Dorothea Maitland 231 From: Date: Sun Sep 19, 1954 2:17pm Subject: LOGS 19/9/54 - Money Lesson I shall call the register again ariadne Present! Miss S. * malenaF looks worried and push note deeper in blouse Elena Present, Miss. Annalinde Present, miss Malena Present Miss Good. We all seem to be present *and* correct. Very well. Who can tell me how many shillings are in a pound A pound of what, please, Miss Serelique? * elena_d raises hand raise hand elena There are twenty shillings to the pound, MIss. good. And Malena, how many pennies in a shilling * ariadne blushes, mumbling, "O, *that* sort of pound! There are twelve pennies to a shilling Miss good girl * malenaF push note deeper in So if we buy some sweets for 9d and give a shilling to the shopkeeper What change will she give us? Malena what is that in your blouse? * elena_d raises hand elena * malenaF raise hand * ariadne raises hand WOuld she give us 11d in change, Miss? * malenaF deep red in face Oh, no elena Malena * elena_d turns red and bites lip thnking, oh dear... 3 peenies Miss * malenaF blushes so * ariadne wriggles hand in the air Yes Malena And how do we write it? ariadne? * malenaF look at note discreetly Malena - I have asked you before. What are you fiddling with? Well, *I* should have said 12 Farthings, Miss. It looks like more and jingles more in one's purse. redfaced.....hands takes out note Ariadne - I wads coming in a moment to what coins we might receive. But I am glad you got the number right. Good girl. * malenaF ashamed Malena. This is very silly of you. Bring that note to me and come to the front * elena_d is mortified at having given wrong answer and carefully reads Miss Serelique's lesson again. Now who can tell me how we should write three pennies - say if it were on a price tag. * ariadne raises hand * elena_d raises hand elena ::nervously:: Miss, we would write it as '3d' Yes, that is right elena * elena_d gives Miss Serelique a big, relieved smile and feels ever so much more clever. Now, Ariadne has correctly told us that we might receive twelve farthings. How else might 3d be paid? Malena - hold out your hand please. * ariadne raises mand ariadne A thruppenny, Miss? Yes, that is right. Elena tell me another way. Malena, I am waiting. * elena_d raises hand elena *** malena12 (newmalen1@d...) has joined channel #Avendale back Miss tears in face malena, hold out your hand * malena12 holds out left hand trembling * MissSer takes out her strap and delivers a surprisingly hard stroke on Malena's hand aaaaaiiiiiii jumps from feet to feet hurts so Miss, one might pay it with a tupp'nce and a penny... That is all Malena. Please sit down. And no more fiddling. *** Signoff: malenaF (Read error to malenaF[d212-151-241-68.swipnet.se]: Connection reset by peer) * malena12 tears in face walks back tears running * elena_d bites lower lip in sympathy for Malena's pain No, Elena. There is no such thing as a tuppence. Tuppence is a sum, but not a coin. I am sorry, Miss... * malena12 sits down and left little hand aches so and shame in face Try again. Three pennies, Miss? Yes. Three pennies Malena can you give us another way of paying 3d? * elena_d thinks that Western money is harder than it would first appear... * Annalinde raises hand swallow Yes Annalinde. 6 halfpennies Miss....tearfilled voice Please, miss - I have not been answering as I have been here a long time and I think I know the money. Is that right? Yes dear. We are very rudimentary at present. I shall ask you something later. Malena - yes, that is right. * malena12 blushes more of pride now then tears Good. I think you all have the general idea. If I say seven and six, what do I mean? * ariadne raises hand Yes, Ariadne. * malena12 raise hand Um, Seven shillings sixpence? * elena_d raises hand That is right. Have you had a lot of experience at our local shops? elena? * elena_d thinks, oh good - I DID have it correct. Very little, Miss Serelique. Now, how do we write seven shillings and sixpence? Miss, I would have also said seven shillings, six pence - 7/6d * malena12 feels throbbing pain from strap on left hand Correct Elena. Can any one give me another way? * ariadne raises hand ariadne Seven and six, Miss S. Yes, ariadne - I really meant in figures though How would you write seven and six in figures (I mean, exactly that) raise hand * ariadne raises hand malena 7/6d Miss Serelique We have already had that malena. Ariadne? 7/6, Miss S * malena12 blushes Yes - literally seven and six - as opposed to 7/6d which is literally seven and sixpence Now, I don't think it was in my notes, but if we wanted to write literally seven shillings and sixpence, what would we say? I mean write! Annalinde, would you like to answer? 7s6d, miss Yes, 7s 6d (there should be a space between) So there are three ways of writing that sum - or any sum of shillings and pence. Now if some one gives us a florin, a shilling, three pennies and three halfpennies, what sum have we? raise hand * ariadne rasies hand Malena 3s 6d Miss Serelique no, malena - you weren't far wrong Ariadne * malena12 bite lip Three shilling thruppence hay'pni shillings Yes, Ariadne * malena12 look admiring at ariadne The sum is right, but the expression not idiomatic. Who can tell me how to say it? Elena, can you try? Yes, Miss - 3s 3d 1/2d ::hopes this is correct:: Elena - two comments here. ::thinks, oh dear...:: Yes, Miss? Oh - by the way, the sum *wasn't* right - but we skhall continue with this amount for now Now I wanted idiomatic speech not notation. The notation is *nearly* right. but we do not repeat the d. It should be 3s 3 1/2d But how do we say it? Annalinde Three and thruppence hayp'ni, miss * elena_d is feeling quite stupid right now... Yes. You see, ariadne was nearly right - and curiously the only bit she got wrong was the thing we had just been discussing. Remember seven and six? Just an "and" between shillings and pence in speech. Now who can tell me the correct answer to the sum? * ariadne raises hand raise hand remember, one florin, one shilling, three pennies and three halfpennies * elena_d raises hand malena 3 s 4½d Miss serelique Correct malena * malena12 smiles Elena, was that what you were going to say? Miss, I was going to say, three and fourpence hayp'ni. good. Both sum and idiom. * elena_d could see the 1/2 on her ordinator * elena_d smiles, feeling a little less dumb and confused Now I am pleased with all of you. * malena12 looks at red hand We are having a few problems, but I think you have the gist of this. * ariadne raises hand ariadne Miss Serelique. I noticed there is no mention of Guineas. I thought Gentilmaids paid their debts in Guineas. They do indeed A guinea is not a coin or a note raise hand But it is used as a unit in certain transactions - horse auctions, for example, and expensive dress shops. malena? * elena_d is taking notes may i be excused Miss? i have meeting with schoolnurse However, I deliberately did not mention guineas as they might make things even more confusing. You may go Malena. Thank you for attending. * elena_d smiles at Malena as she departs thank You Miss for lesson and I am sorry........ * MissSer smiles at Malena. I was so nervous You did very well, dear. Who can tell me what a guinea is? curtsey blushing Goodbye *** malena12 (newmalen1@d...) has left channel #Avendale * ariadne raises hand ariadne * elena_d shakes head sadly, having only vaguely heard the term before It is a pound with an extra shilling tacked on for good measure * elena_d 's pen is poised, ready to write... Don't look sad, Elena. It isn't part of the lesson - just an aside. Yes. a guinea is twenty-one shillings. At one time there were guinea coins. They were pure gold. But we no longer have them * elena_d remembers having read of such... Golden Guineas Who can think of another coin we used to have? It is quite easy, because we still have half of it! * elena_d raises hand elena ::smiling:: Would that be a Crown, Miss? A crown, that is right. And how much would a crown be worth? * ariadne raises hand. ariadne? Five shillings, Miss? That is right. * ariadne raises hand again What relation has five shillings to a pound? * elena_d raises hand elena Miss, would that be one quarter of a pound? ::hope I'm right:: Yes, a quarter of a pound. * elena_d grins and catches lower lip ::whew!:: * ariadne 's hand still raised. In old times a pound was a great deal of money. People often dealt in crowns. Ariadne? Miss. S, what is the difference between a sovereign and a pound? A sovereign is a pound. Is that like a quid, then, Miss S.? But sovereign really refers to another coin we no longer use. The gold sovereign. That was in use until quite recently, unlike the crown and the guinea. And we still find gold sovereigns in Arcadia and parts of the east. Quid is slang for a pound. Sovereign is not slang. * ariadne raises hand Ariadne? * elena_d remembers reading of golden sovreigns, too. Were not the imperial mints very busy, then, Miss S? Producing so many different kinds of coins at once? Are not? They would not have had all the coins we have. They did not have the florin, for example. Or the threepenny piece though at one time there was a fourpenny piece called a groat. * elena_d remembers reading of 'groats' too In fact there is an Arcadian joke you may enjoy. If Arcadia were to become a republic, who would lose most - the queen or her people? The answer is - the people would lose most. The queen would only lose a crown, but they would lose a sovereign. * ariadne begins humming "Mairsy Groats and Dosey Groats" * elena_d laughs Ariadne, class is nearly over, but please do not sing until it is. * elena_d thinks, and of course, there are buckwheat groats, but that is a cereal... Sorry, Miss S. One last question for Elena Yes, Miss? Back to our five shillings - hoe would we say that in slang terms? how Miss, would one say, "Five bob"? That is right, Elena. Thank you girls. I am pleased. You have clearly done your prep well. * elena_d grins very broadly at Miss Serelique *** MissSer has changed the topic on #Avendale to ClassDismissed Class is dismissed now * ariadne stands * elena_d breathes a sigh of relief, feeling far less stupid * elena_d stands, too Thank you, Miss Serelique. ::curtseys:: Now, has any one anything to ask me before I leave? No, Miss Serelique. Ought I to have? No - only in case you had! Goodbye girls. Goodbye, Miss S. Good bye, Miss. Thank you very much. Thank you, too. Goodbye, miss Thank you *** MissSer (MissSereli@212-46-129-105.saturn.ispc.net) has left channel #Avendale Goodbye, Elena. Alas, I, too must depart. *** Signoff: ariadne ([Ariadne departs]) Goodbye, Elena Good bye, Miss Annalinde. 232 From: Date: Sun Sep 19, 1954 2:23pm Subject: Miss Poindexter's Dilemma Miss Poindexter was more miserable than usual today. She was beggining to feel that there was no point to anything anymore. She passed Ariadne, who was laughing with her friends, and wondered, "what would this child think if she knew my torment?", she watched her perfect lips forming their words, her voice, like sweet music, haunting her, her blonde hair, oh - how she longed to touch that hair. When Ariadne said "hello, Miss", Miss Poindexter's heart missed a beat at those words, like the caressing hands of a lover, so perfect, so beautiful, she muttered, "hello, Ariadne, behaving?" Her answer, amid silvery laughter, "but of *course*, Miss". Miss Poindexter wanted to faint. She hurried on, to prepare her next lesson. Tears came to Miss Poindexter's eyes as she pored over her books. Her mind was unclear, her hands shaking. Was this really *love*, and if so, why is it so terrible? The vision of Ariadne haunted her every moment, in dreams and in waking. There was no escape. As if under a spell, this girl owned her, and there was no one to tell, no one to turn to. Sometimes Ariadne was her reason for living, she thought of what it would be like if Ariadne were to notice her, to come to her one day... how she would take the girl's slight frame in her arms... The daydreams were endless.. she was lost in her thoughts of this girl, she could hear her voice, hear her laughter... Miss Poindexter suddenly sat up. This would not do. This would not do at all. She had been in love before, and she had gotten over it. -Oh, but this is different. Ariadne is different, she is a young lady, not a mere *girl*. She is perfection and beauty personified, she is the only one, the only one, and yet she knew nothing of Miss Poindexter and these impassioned thoughts. She was merely another Mistress, and not a very interesting one, to boot. "Very well," she said to herself, "if I am not going to forget her, I must make her love me, she must notice me, she must feel drawn to me. Yes, I must make her love me. I care not for the consequences, nothing can be a more bitter hell than this torment". This resolution made, Miss Poindexter sat down to her books, and quickly prepared her next lesson. Then she wondered what she would do. Should she tell the girl? Perhaps that would seem too forward. Should she write a letter to her? Maybe that would be best. It wouldn't put the girl in such an awkward position. A letter. She would write it tonight, when she was gripped by her passion, when the desire became so strong that she felt her heart would burst forth from her breast. That is when she would write to the girl. Until then, she told herself. Until tonight. 233 From: Date: Sun Sep 19, 1999 2:25pm Subject: Miss Poindexter's Dilemma Miss Poindexter was more miserable than usual today. She was beggining to feel that there was no point to anything anymore. She passed Ariadne, who was laughing with her friends, and wondered, "what would this child think if she knew my torment?", she watched her perfect lips forming their words, her voice, like sweet music, haunting her, her blonde hair, oh - how she longed to touch that hair. When Ariadne said "hello, Miss", Miss Poindexter's heart missed a beat at those words, like the caressing hands of a lover, so perfect, so beautiful, she muttered, "hello, Ariadne, behaving?" Her answer, amid silvery laughter, "but of *course*, Miss". Miss Poindexter wanted to faint. She hurried on, to prepare her next lesson. Tears came to Miss Poindexter's eyes as she pored over her books. Her mind was unclear, her hands shaking. Was this really *love*, and if so, why is it so terrible? The vision of Ariadne haunted her every moment, in dreams and in waking. There was no escape. As if under a spell, this girl owned her, and there was no one to tell, no one to turn to. Sometimes Ariadne was her reason for living, she thought of what it would be like if Ariadne were to notice her, to come to her one day... how she would take the girl's slight frame in her arms... The daydreams were endless.. she was lost in her thoughts of this girl, she could hear her voice, hear her laughter... Miss Poindexter suddenly sat up. This would not do. This would not do at all. She had been in love before, and she had gotten over it. -Oh, but this is different. Ariadne is different, she is a young lady, not a mere *girl*. She is perfection and beauty personified, she is the only one, the only one, and yet she knew nothing of Miss Poindexter and these impassioned thoughts. She was merely another Mistress, and not a very interesting one, to boot. "Very well," she said to herself, "if I am not going to forget her, I must make her love me, she must notice me, she must feel drawn to me. Yes, I must make her love me. I care not for the consequences, nothing can be a more bitter hell than this torment". This resolution made, Miss Poindexter sat down to her books, and quickly prepared her next lesson. Then she wondered what she would do. Should she tell the girl? Perhaps that would seem too forward. Should she write a letter to her? Maybe that would be best. It wouldn't put the girl in such an awkward position. A letter. She would write it tonight, when she was gripped by her passion, when the desire became so strong that she felt her heart would burst forth from her breast. That is when she would write to the girl. Until then, she told herself. Until tonight. 234 From: Malena Franklin Date: Sun Sep 19, 1999 8:51am Subject: to Miss Serelique Dear Miss Serelique Thank You for so good lesson on Aristisian money. I learned a lot and felt so ashamed for taking that note with me. I was so nervous for lesson so I did this stupid thing. I did deserve that hard strap on hand Miss. I understand that was cheating now Miss. My hand is still throbbing of pain when sitting here writing this letter of excuse but my heart more of shame of my stupid acting. I really learned a lesson and I will never do it again. If You want me to write lines on saturdays free time please tell me if You feel I deseve it. Yours regretting malena Franklin 235 From: Date: Sun Sep 19, 1999 5:20pm Subject: (no subject) Alexis sat munching a delicious apple in the shade of the willow tree. It was a perfect day. The sun shone and a gentle breeze blew. She observed several handsome brunettes as they passed her on the dirt path. It was a perfect day, yet her heart was heavy -- heavy with the guilt of her crime. She tried not to think about it. She thought of being at home, spending time with her cousins. She remembered with a smile baking biscuits with Blonde Mummy's help. Oh, to be back home right now, with no worries. Alexis was still rather homesick. A tear ran down her cheek. Lost in thought, Alexis did not notice the brunette prefect approach. "Are you alright?", the prefect inquired. Recognizing the uniform of a prefect, Alexis rose to her feet. Hastily wiping her cheek, Alexis responded, "Yes, I am fine, ummm...?" "Veronica Bellemont", she replied, anticipating Alexis' next question. "And you are?" "My name is Alexis Harrington. It is nice to meet you, Miss Veronica." "And it is nice to meet you, Alexis. If you need anything, please let me or Miss Annalinde know. Are you rather homesick?" "A little, Miss Veronica." "I'm rather certain that the homesickness will pass very soon, dear. Keep your chin up!" encouraged the prefect. "Thank you, Miss Veronica." "I must be going. Remember what I said -- we're here if you need anything." The prefect continued on her way. Alexis sat again under willow and gazed upon the shapely form of the prefect. Alexis' thoughts did not return to home that afternoon! 236 From: Tanya Date: Mon Sep 20, 1999 4:13am Subject: Alexis' Dilemma From Tanya@c... An angry black rain cloud appeared in the Avendale sky and Alexis decided she would return inside the main building as the temperature suddenly began to drop. She had forgotten to take a cardigan with her. She made her way to the dorm and lay down on her bed hoping against hope for some inspiration whereby she would be able to resolve her dilemma incurring the least amount of collateral damage. She knew she had done wrong and she knew she would have to be punished but was there a chance she just might be able to get away with it?.She then remembered with a shudder that she felt at the time that someone had seen her. In any case, did she really want to get away with it? Would it not be better to own up and admit it was indeed she who had placed the frog in Miss Annalinde's room? If she followed this course of action, would not her ultimate punishment be less severe for having admittet to the crime? If, on the other hand, she waited only to be found out later, her punishment would surely be greater. There was also the ignominy of being considered a coward by her fellow pupils for not having owned up, not to mention her headmistress and the other mistresses. As she stared up at the high ceiling, another thought occured to her. In her heart, she knew she really needed to be punished as a way of cleansing her heart and conscience of her guilt. She knew from her own experience that each time she had received chastisement for her misdemeanors, she had felt purified in some strange and arcane way. Her soul had been cleansed and the proverbial slate had been wiped completely clean. She had felt a sense of spiritual renewal, indeed one which enabled her to once again embrace the world and all its' wonders and joys. At least an hour had passed and Alexis thought she had come to a decision. Yes, she resolved to go and confess all to Miss Annalinde and brave the consequences. She got up from her bed, washed, tidied herself, checked the seams of her stockings were completely straight and made her way along the corridor to where Miss Annalinde's room was. On reaching her destination, she stopped and hesitated. She could feel her heart beating so very fast. "Oh, what to do?", she thought. 237 From: Date: Mon Sep 20, 1999 4:54am Subject: A Letter to My Sister A Letter from Elena Dierrian to her Sister: Dearest Elder Sister, Hugs and kisses from your younger sister, Elena. I am here at Avendale School for Young Ladies here in faraway Quirinelle. It is a strange land, to be sure, but also very beautiful. One find the most amazing contraptions here - marvels one would not think possible. I would purchase one with my speding money and send you one, as I know how you love to tinker, but I am told that the devices of the West will not operate in the East. There is this thing called a 'mixer.' It is used for mixing ingredients together. There seem to be two types: a small one that one uses by holding in one's hand, and a very large one that sits upon the countertop. I have actually utilised the small one, for the other day, a friend I have made here and I baked a version of Spiced Raisin Loaves. They turned out passably well, though I fear we made a dreadful mess of the kitchen. The small mixer consists of three parts: a smal, boxlike body, which has a long tail protruding from its behind. At the front are two small holes. The tail is plugged into a pair of parallel slits in the wall. A tame form of lightning issues from these slits. I have not yet grasped how this works, dear Sister, nor do I know if I ever shall. When I asked my good friend, Ariadne, if they had, perchance, captured a blue dragon and ensorcelled it to produce electricity, all she did was laugh. I do not think she was laughing at me, for that would have been frightfully ill-mannered of her, and Ariadne is very well-mannered. But for some reason, she seemed to find the very notion of producing electricity by means of a chained and ensorcelled dragon to be a great source of mirth. That is, until she asked me if we commonly had such creatures as dragons wandering about. When I described the size, might and malice of a dragon (such as our brunette Mummie has had to deal with on occasion), the poor creature turned very pale and immediately thereafter, turned our discussion to other topics. But back to the topic of the mixer: as I said, the tail is attached to the wall. One place two small whisks into the holes in the front. Then, one operates a small dial that regulates the speed at which the beast's front appendages rotate. They rotate very rapidly - far faster than even a very strong-armed Cook's Assistante. One must be careful with the self-rotating whisks, lest one sprays batter all over the kitchen. You would like Ariadne, Elara, for she is very, very pretty. She is quite a bit my elder, being eighteen. I do not think she is yet betrothed. Likewise, there are many beautiful blondes here at school. The fairest of all is a prefect called Annalinde Chelverton. She is sixteen. She seems rather like unto our blonde Mummy, and I love her already. There is another prefect, a brunette, called Veronica. She is fifteen, and from a land called Culveria; she has the most musical voice imaginable. There are girls my age, as well. I have made a friend of Katie Webster, a blonde just my own age. She is a very talented Musicienne and plays piano. She coaxed me to audition for the Voice Mistress, so now, I am in the Avendale Choir. She has been ill recently, but they tell me she is recovering, so soon, she will be back among us. Then, there is Malena Franklin, a brunette my own age. She is the daughter of Ambassadresses and is very fond of sweets. The other girl my age here is Georgina de la Falaise. She is blonde and very pretty, but very quiet (unlike myself) and I do not yet know her very well. She seems, however, very pleasant. My other good friend is named Elspeth Elsvetta. She is fifteen and very pretty. I think you would like her, but you would have sore competition for her hand, for I have heard it said that MIss Veronica, the brunette prefect, is smitten with her. Jinjur Quinbury is fifteen and blonde. She is a red-head, like me. Some say she is a Fast Blonde, though when I have observed her, she seems to move no more quickly than anyone else. I asked Ariadne what they meant, but all she did was giggle and mumble something about how I would understand later. In that, dear Sister, she is just like you. Do not fail to write back to me, Dearest Sister. I wish to hear how you fare in the Cadettes. Have you slain any dragons or rescued any fair damsels? You must tell me how Darathe fares, as well as Krisale and Leta. May Dea bless you and give you strength. I remain your obedient and loyal sister, Elena Dierrian 238 From: thorny Date: Mon Sep 20, 1999 11:51am Subject: To ariadne I put the finishing touches on the little pink drawstring purse I have been making for ariadne. I then take my embroidery floss and sew an A into the side of the purse. I then take out my pen and my paper and write a small note to put into the purse. Dear ariadne: I wanted to thank you so much for helping me to better understand the money system here. I must confess that I was so very confused. Any how please, except this little purse that I made as a token of my gratitude. I thought that since you taught me about money I would give you something that you could put your money in. Thank you once again I hope that you have a lovely week. sabrina McCloud I put the note into the little pink purse. I then take it to ariadne room and hang it on her door. I think that the pink will look very nice next to her Blonde hair and oh so pale skin. 239 From: Date: Mon Sep 20, 1954 0:59pm Subject: The Letter to Ariadne After dinner, Miss Poindexter hurried through her marking, and then drew herself a long, hot bath, with a little scented oil. She undressed slowly, and lit a candle for herself. Once in her bath, she shut her eyes and breathed the scent and thought... Tonight was the night. She would write to her beloved and tell her, tell her of the yearning that was with her day after day. Her beautiful beloved, Ariadne, Ariadne, Ariadne... her name was like a mantra, transporting Miss Poindexter into another, more aetherial land. As her lips whispered the girl's name, over and over, her mouth became dry, and she knew that this was the time... She dressed in a silken nightgown, and sat down at her desk, and began to write. My dearest, darling Ariadne, You cannot know of the feelings I have for you, my child, of the love in my heart that is only for you. You are young, you have seen little of life, and I know not whether you have felt love yet. To me you are but a divine creation, you are the most perfect being- I have dreamed of you, dreamed of the softness of your touch, of the warmth of your embrace, of the sweet taste of your kiss. Your image haunts my every moment, you cannot know the desolation that is being without you, you cannot know the desperate lonliness that is with me day and night. My love for you grows stronger day by day. I want to take you in my arms, my child, and hold you, now and forever, I will be gentle with your tender heart, I will teach you to love me, I will protect you from all that threatens you and show you joy and beauty and love. Oh, how difficult it is for me to tell you of my feelings. How can you know the pain of passion and desire? My love for you is my very life-blood, coursing in my veins, it keeps me alive, it keeps me from the darkness. It is joy and light to me, and yet it is the most profound lonliness. This love transcends all earthly things, it is eternal. It is noble and pure, it is gentle and honourable, it is passionate and, at the same time, it is painful. Can you understand such things, beautiful child? My heart aches with a burning - a fire, burning inside of me, I never know when the flames are going to rise so high that they take over my soul, completely, utterly. How can anyone love another this way? Come to me, dear child, let me show you what love is. Let me show you love from tender innocence to the multitudinous passions of an ardent lover. Let me hold your hand, stroke your beautiful hair, hear your soft voice, and gaze into your eyes. Oh how I have dreamed of the the moment when you will come to me and be my own. When you will let me into your precious heart and show me the secrets of your soul. I will protect your soul from all that may hurt it, I will treasure you my love, with a devotion you never dreamed possible. I will take you to the moon and the stars and show you the magical, aetherial world that is the world of lovers. I will worship you, and be true to you until the day I die and beyond. I will give you everything you wish for, and more... Be mine. Be mine forever. I cannot bear this wanting, this need in me, for one, only one, that one so perfect, I will never let you go. I can never let you go. ** Miss Poindexter's eyes filled with tears. She could not give such a letter to her beloved. What was she to do? She read her letter once again. How desperate she sounded. How terribly desperate. What *would* the girl think of her? No, this would not do. She fetched a match, and reading it once again, she lit the corner and watched the flames engulf her words... Miss Poindexter, desolate, got into her bed, and sobbed... Ariadne, where are you? Ariadne... Ariadne... Ariadne... Ariadne... From: Date: Mon Sep 20, 1999 2:23pm Subject: A Curious Observation Elena Dierrian was a fairly sensitive and perceptive child, having inherited her blonde mother's phenomenal empathy. And so, when the red-headed child of the East saw Miss Poindexter's face, she *knew* something was terribly amiss. But what sort of disaster could have left such signs of suffering upon the brunette Mistress' visage? The poor lady looked as though she had been up late into the night (indeed, as if she had not slept at all), and her normally rosy cheeks were pallid. Her eyes were red-rimmed, and why, if one looked closely, one could see that she had been weeping. Elena's tender heart went out to Miss Poindexter, for she hated to see anyone suffer. But what could she, a twelve year old child, and a bunny, at that, do to comfort a Mistress? Surely whatever troubled poor Miss Poindexter was clearly none of her business! Elena pondered this for a moment. She did not think it appropriate to approach the Headmistress on the matter. Not did she feel she knew dear Miss Serelique well enough. One could not approach Miss Poindexter directly! She would have considered telling Katie, Malena or Elspeth, her three closest companions, but she did not wish to be seen as a girl who gossips about the Mistresses. What *was* a girl to do? Finally, she decided upon a course of action. Elena first went into the garden, but alas, there were few flowers blooming, for it was autumn. She went back to her desk and settled for drawing a flower - a bright yellow one - upon a sheet of notepaper. She then wrote: "Miss Poindexter, "My heart goes out to you, for it is clear to me you are suffering greatly. Trust in Dea to comfort you. I pray all will be well. -signed, Elena Dierrian" (She decided to sign her name only after some soul-searching. She finally came to the conclusion that anonymous notes were dishonourable and, therefore, signed her name.) As she exited her dormitory room, she espied the blonde prefect, Annalinde, entering her own small study. There lay salvation! Annalinde was very wise - *she* would know what to do! Elena approached Annalinde's study with a firm step, note still clutched in her long-fingered hand, and rapped lightly on the door... 244 From: Malena Franklin Date: Tue Sep 21, 1999 3:45am Subject: malenas desire tuesday 21 sept 1954 Tuesday evening: After supper I went to my room.......ohh I longed so for some sweets. I didnt like food and had great problems at dinner to leave food. Matron dont like that we girls dont eat up and I really hated this dinner today. Too fat and not good.....I really felt sick looking at plate with steak and beans and potatoes..not my food at all and then this control. Miss Serelique and Miss Maybridge like bees in diningroom controlling everyone that we eat calmly and that we eat everything on plates. I knew it would be impossible to leave food when leaving plates as Miss Serelique surely not would have accepted it. I sat until all other girls left at my table and happily saw the pot with flower on floor. Ohh thats my possibility. When Miss Serelique and Miss Maybridge were chatting in other part of room I quickly let all food on plate glide down in pot and then quickly up sitting eating final piece on plate. I smiled to myself and went leaving my plate and glass and Miss Serelique was of course around checking and asked me if I liked food. I smiled and said I enjoyed every bit of it..... So happy I fooled her. She and Miss Maybridge are easy to fool as they wander around so much in diningroom. Only problem now Im hungry and no sweets as Miss Veronica confiscated all my sweets so I must probably try to collect courage and sneak out one afternoon and buy some new. I know its strictly fobidden to leave schoolarea but I think noone of our Misses will notice. I think I ask elena if she wants to join me. She needs a bit training in being disobedient smiles inside...she is sweet always sweet but I think she needs feel of being naughty too sometimes. I think I buy lots of salt sweets and chocolate and some bags of other nice sweets to have here in my room. I look in my purse have some Aristasian money as mom gave me some change. I think it will do.....now I better go ask elena if she dares to follow me out tomorrow evening..... malena Franklin 245 From: Kadorienne Date: Tue Sep 21, 1999 0:11pm Subject: Veronica's picture For the moment, no members of the fair sex needed to be rescued from blackouts, spiders, kitchen fires or bullfrogs, and so Veronica was left at a loose end. She was spending the empty time sitting alone on a bench in the courtyard. Oblivious to the covertly admiring gazes of Georgina and a few other blondes, and a couple of the younger brunettes, she was instead brooding over the words of another blonde who was not present. "Thank you so much, Veronica. I think we *can* manage now." What had Elspeth meant by that? Saying they could manage without her. All the emphasis on the word "can" -- was Elspeth being sarcastic? Oh, surely not, Elspeth wouldn't know how to go about being sarcastic. Yet it did sound as if she were saying the blondes had been able to manage all along and that Veronica had been an unnecessary brunette intrusion. But that couldn't be it, because all the blondes had been hysterical over that frog, as blondes should be. They couldn't possibly have managed without her. Or without some brunette, at least. How could Elspeth have dismissed her so readily, so carelessly? Thank Dea that Elspeth had already had her dressing gown on. If Veronica had seen her indeshabille, she would have perished of embarrassment. Or of other emotions from which she quickly turned her mind, not to besmirch the sublime Elspeth with such thoughts. Veronica was stopped from her uncharacteristic futile musings when Miss Maitland passed through the courtyard. The girls who were there all stood up. Noticing Veronica, the headmistress stopped. "There you are, Veronica. I was going to summon you later, but as long as I've found you... Katie Webster should be back in class soon." "Oh, good. I am so glad she's better, Miss Maitland." "Yes. Now, Veronica, I heard about the child's rather embarrassing revelation in class last week. Did you give her a picture of yourself?" Veronica stood still, her eyes widened. "A picture from my first year at Avendale? Oh, no. I've been looking everywhere for it, miss." "I was afraid of that. I came across it when I was choosing which of Katie's clothes the maids should send to the hospital and was a little suspicious. You may collect your picture from my office. And when Katie returns from the hospital, I think you'd better deal with this misdeed yourself." "Very well, miss." Veronica went straight to her study and wrote a note. 246 From: Kadorienne Date: Tue Sep 21, 1999 0:12pm Subject: Veronica to Katie To Katie Webster Dear Katie, I must ask you to report to me as soon as you are well enough to attend school again. Miss Veronica Bellemont 247 From: Date: Tue Sep 21, 1999 8:06am Subject: Two Blonde Visitors There was a small knock on Annlinde's door. She not unwillingly put aside her mathematics and said "Come in." Elena entered and smiled shyly. "Hello, dear," said Annalinde. "What can I do for you." "Oh, Miss Annalinde - I just couldn't help noticing that Miss Poindexter looks so terribly unhappy. I wanted to find some flowers for her, but I couldn't find any. So I wrote this note - and when I saw you I thought I should show it to you. Do you think I should give it to her?" Annalinde looked at the little note with its pretty picture of a flower and wondered. "Perhaps Miss Poindexter will be embarrassed that any one has noticed she is unhappy," she said. "And yet, if she *is* suffering - perhaps a member of her family has died, or her ancestral home has had to be sold or something. Perhaps she feels very alone here with no one to tell her troubles to. She is very new, you know. Perhaps a friendly note will make her feel a little better. Yes, on balance, Elena, I think it might be nice to deliver your note." "Oh, I *am* glad." "But, Elena - I don't think you should mention this to any one else. Miss Poindexter might not like to think people are *talking* about her." "Oh, no, of course, Miss Annalinde. I shall be very discreet." "Good. I do hope it will cheer her up a bit." As Elena left she nearly bumped into another girl hovering outside the door. "Hello Alexis," she said, "were you waiting to see Miss Annalinde?" "No, not really," said Alexis, "I was just going actually." "Oh, don't be shy," said Elena. "Miss Annalinde will be happy to see you. Miss Annalinde - Alexis is here to see you." "Come in Alexis," said Annalinde. Alexis came in looking very embarrassed. "Elena, you may go," said Annalinde. "Now Alexis, what did you want to see me about?" "It was nothing really." "It must have been *something*. Don't be shy. You can tell me." "Well, it was about the bullfrog." "Oh, that old bullfrog. What about it?" "I did it." said Alexis quickly, before she could stop herself. "*Really*?" said Annalinde. "That was a very odd thing for a blonde to do. What made you do it." "I'm not sure. I supppse it was an impulse. A terribly silly one. I'm awfully sorry, you know." Annalinde shook her head. "What am I going to do with you?" "I don't know Miss Annalinde." Annalinde thought. One was tempted not to deal too severely with an offence against oneself. But surely the right thing was to try to deal with it exactly as if one were not involved. She did not quite want to cane a new girl, yet a serious punishment was in order. Suddenly she remembered the long Culverian paddle that Veronica had lent her. Perhaps this was the time to try it out. "Bend over my desk," she said. Alexis did so. Annalinde left her gymslip in place, but she felt sure the girl would feel it through the protection. She swung the heavy implement, getting its feel and then brought it hard against the girl's behind. The noise sounded like an explosion. Alexis yelped. "Six," said Annalinde. That was number one. Alexis gasped and wondered how she would manage five more. Annalinde delivered them slowly and accurately and with no lessening of force. When Alexis stood up she felt weak and giddy with pain. "All over," said Annalinde. "Now, I shall just tell Miss Veronica the matter is settled. I think it better if you do not begin your school carreer with this matter generally known." "Oh, thank you, Miss Annalinde." "Now, next time you think about that sort of prank, you think about my paddle first." Alexis rubbed her bottom. "I will, Miss Annalinde, and I really *am* sorry." "We are all friends again now," said Annalinde. You will feel better for having confessed. Alexis walked down the corridor. A lot seemed to have happened since she had walked the other way, yet it had only been a few minutes. Other than physically, she *did* feel better. Much better. 248 From: Tanya Date: Tue Sep 21, 1999 10:19am Subject: Note to Elena From Tanya@c... Note left on Elena's bedside table Dear Elena, This morning, whilst en route to our History class with Miss Poindexter, I passed the object of my extreme admiration Miss Veronica Bellemont by the fountain. She really looked so jolly dapper and stylish and I couldn't help noticing what a beautiful figure she had as she made her way across the grass in front of the assembly hall. She really is " a real corker" as my elder blonde sister Clarissa always says on spying a young brunette who takes her fancy. I wished her "good day",and she returned my greeting. A few moments later, she called out in a stern voice, " Georgina, come over here at once. I would like to have a word with you" I quickly caught her up and almost melted as she gazed at me in that beautiful way that she has. " Georgina, I think you've been here long enough now to know that the top button on your shirt should be done up at all times. I've been informed that you've already been punished by Miss Serelique for similar faults. I would therefore like you to come to my study after lessons this afternoon so that I may discuss this further with you". I blushed and affirmed that I would attend at the requested time. Well Elena, I have to admit I wasn't entirely crestfallen about having to report to her as I've been secretly hoping to get an opportunity to spend some time alone with my brunette heroine. I'd really like to find out what she's really like !! Can any one single brunette really be that beautiful and dashing? Did you notice how pale and sad Miss Poindexter looked during our History class? I do hope she's alright. She looks like she's had an emotional upset. Do you think there's anything we can do to help? I've really sensed an atmosphere in the school these last two days ever since the "frog incident" in Miss Annalinde's room. You get the feeling that until whoever commited this crime either owns up or is found out, this rather strange, tense atmosphere will continue. I do jolly well hope it's all sorted out soon !! Anyway, I just want to finish by thanking you so much for helping me settle in here at Avendale during my first few days. You've been so friendly and it really feels like we've known each other for years. I think I'm definitely going to like it here even though it's much stricter than my old school. I don't think I could have done it without you, Katie and all the other girls. Isn't it smashing that Katie's feeling better and could be back at Avendale soon? Love Georgina 249 From: School Girl Date: Tue Sep 21, 1999 3:44pm Subject: Re: Veronica to Katie My Dearest Veronicia, I will of course report to you, but it will be next Monday as I still in the sick bay. Yours forever Katie 250 From: Thelma Roberts Date: Tue Sep 21, 1999 5:13pm Subject: Introducing Thelma Roberts Hello chapettes! Please allow me to introduce myself. My name is Thelma Roberts, age 14 and a half, and I am a new student here. As you can see, I am very blonde, and quite tall, too, at five feet ten inches. The hem on my maroon gymslip stops quite a few inches above the knee, so I think I will make some alterations before anyone mentions it. Speaking of school uniform, it was absolutely pouring rain in buckets when I arrived, so naturally I had my gaberdine mac on, and my knee-high green wellingtons. My patent leather t-straps were in my book bag but one of the teachers looked quite askance at my waterproof footwear as I came in. My parents have embarked on a world-wide voyage, and decided to board me here for two years. I was previously home-schooled by blonde Mummy so it will be quite an adjustment, having classmates, living in a dorm, having real teachers. I hope the discipline is relaxed here (although I heard it is not) as I am a free spirit according to blonde Mummy. Brunette Mummy says I might have to write lines or even get "the strap" if I misbehave but surely such methods are not used on girls. And anyway, I intend on behaving. My biggest hope is to make new friends here at school. So if you see me in the hall or at dinner, please say hello. 251 From: Date: Tue Sep 21, 1999 5:31pm Subject: Marianna arrives at Avendale Earlier this evening Marianna Rossini arrived at Avendale School. She is a little confused about the new building, the rules she has to follow, her classmates she doesn't know. Marianna is a 12 years old blonde and comes from Italy, where she attended a private Catholic school run by nuns. She is shy but she hopes to find good friends here and a good teaching too. Marianna is a little worried about her new uniform as her old one was quite different from this, but she will get accustomed to it. She looks around at the corridors and the stairs trying to understand where the different rooms are. She looks at the other girls and greets them all with a little smile. At last she goes to bed, still feeling a little uncomfortable but saying a little prayer that in the next days she will understand more about everything at her new school. 252 From: Date: Tue Sep 21, 1999 1:47pm Subject: Re: Note to Georgina from Elena A note, from Elena Dierrian to Georgina de la Falaise: Dearest Georgina, I hope all goes well with you and Miss Veronica. Do not worry - all will be well. She seems strict, does she not, but strictness is not always a bad thing. Both my Mummies (especially my brunette Mummy) are quite strict, yet I love them dearly. Miss Annalinde is strict, too, but I know she is strict because she cares abput us. I know a very gentle and kind heart beats within Veronica's breast, and she *is* ever so gallante, is she not? The other day, a large, black spider in the Common Room frightened us all - especially poor, dear Ariadne, who nearly had the awful creature drop on top of her. Fortunately for us, Miss Veronica saved the day by dispatching the offending arachnid. I must confess I would not have dared approach the thing, but Veronica was very brave. I think she and my elder sister, Elara, would get on famously did they chance to meet. I think we can help Miss Poindexter, but we must be very discreet. I talked over the matter with Miss Annalinde, and she pointed out that Miss Poindexter might not wish her personal affairs discussed all over the school, but since you mentioned it to me, I think there is no harm in our discussing it, especially saince we both wish to cheer her up. I wonder what it can be that has disturbed her so, Georgina? Could she be ill? In any event, I wrote her a brief little note, which I plan to present to her. You may do as you wish. Oh, don't bother to pick any flowers - I looked, and there are none in the garden. Maybe a coloured leaf collage, though? Maybe one of theose pretty greeting cards they sell in Avenbridge (oh, but however can we manage to get to Avenbridge? Perhaps one of the older girls would take us if we asked nicely - and got permission first, of course). I know what you mean about the tension inthe air. The pette who did it really ought to confess her sins and take her medicine. One feels better afterward, and it's the only honourable thing to do, after all. I was happy to help you settle in here, and the best way to thank me would be to do a kindness for someone else. Pass it along, as my blonde Mummy says. Besides, we "bunnies" need to stick together - especially us little bunnies. :) Oh, Georgina - to be sixteen! I can hardly wait sometimes! Stockings and make-up and maybe even real dates! How can I wait four years? But of course, as with all maids, wait I shall. My blonde Mummy says she will speak to me again of these matters once I am all grown up, and she said, with great mirth, that she will ask me if I still yearn so to be older. My brunette Mummy laughed, ands I am still quite puzzled as to what they were laughing about. It is indeed a blessing that Katie is recovered. I was frightened for Katie, but Miss Maitland said we must have faith and courage. Georgina, if you sing a note, you must come see Miss Darnelle and audition for the choir. Then we could spend more time together. I am having a wonderful time here at Avendale, and I'm glad you are too. See you soon, Love, Elena :) 253 From: Date: Tue Sep 21, 1999 2:02pm Subject: Re: Marianna arrives at Avendale A flower-decorated note for the newly-arrived Marianna, left by Elena Dierrian: Dear Marianna, Welcome to Avendale, or pehaps I should say, "Benvenuto a Avendale." (There - that is about all the Italian I know, thus far.) My name is Elena Dierrian, and I am also twelve years old and blonde. I am glad you are here. Avendale is a lovely place, and I am sure you will like it, too. There are several girls our age here: Katie Webster is blonde and is the most marvelous pianiste. She plays like an angel. Then there is Malena Franklin. She is brunette and very fond of sweets. Then there is Georgina de la Falaise. She is very nice, too. (Of course, I must tell you that *everyone* here is nice.) Take care, and I'm looking forward to meeting you very soon. Love, Elena Dierrian 254 From: Date: Tue Sep 21, 1999 6:23pm Subject: HEATHER BEAUCHAMP (NEW ARRIVAL) Hello everyone - I'm Heather, a 17 year old brunette and just arrived here. I would like to meet some other girls around my age; and I don't know who my housemistress is yet. It's all very confusing. What do we get up to when lights are out! Will some pretty young thing like to show me. Heather 255 From: Date: Tue Sep 21, 1999 2:30pm Subject: Re: Elena Delivers her Note to Miss Poindexter Elena slipped quietly along the corridor after finishing her note to Georgina. She located Miss Poindexter's study and rapped quietly - once, twice, thrice - upon the door. No answer came from within. Elena hesitated, then called out softly, "Miss Poindexter? Are you within?" The child knocked again, with more force; still, there came no answer. Finally, summoning her courage, Elena tried the door. The doorknob turned easily in her hand, and the door swung open. The chamber was semi-dark, and there was a sweet smell in the air, like ceremonial oils. Elena called out again, "Miss Poindexter? Are you here?" Elena did not wish to be seen as having entered a Mistress' study without an invitation, so she carefully laid down the note on the brunette mistress' desk and quietly withdrew, closing the door behind her. It read: "Dear Miss Poindexter, My heart goes out to you, for it is clear to me you are suffering greatly. Trust in Dea to comfort you. I pray all will be well. -signed, Elena Dierrian" Elena next went to see Miss Annalinde to report that the deed was done and that Miss Poindexter had not been in her study. For no reason she could name, Elena felt a flash of alarm and concern for the history mistress. As Elena approached the prefect's quarters, she saw Alexis Harrington departing. Alexis bore the unmistakable stamp of a girl who has just been spanked (and quite a sound spanking, at that!), and she wondered what Alexis had done. None of my business, she told herself. At her knock, Annalinde bade her enter. "I delivered my note, Miss Annalinde," she reported. Annalinde nodded. "I am glad. Perhaps it will cheer her." "Miss Annalinde..." Elena hesitated. "What is it," asked the blonde prefect, sensing Elena's tension. "I-I am worried for Miss Poindexter," the girl blurted. "I knocked upon her door, but she was not within. Oh, please do not think me foolish, but I feel worried for her, Miss Annalinde. Could...could you ask one of the other mistresses to check up on her, please?" "You seem quite distressed yourself," remarked Annalinde, as she rose from her seat. "I will go see if I can find Miss Maitland." And so saying, she departed, moving gracefully, as always, but with a growing sense of urgency.... 256 From: Date: Tue Sep 21, 1999 2:36pm Subject: Elena's note to Thelma Dear Thelma, Welcome to Avendale. My name is Elena Dierrian, and I am 12 years old and blonde (red hair notwithstanding). I am glad to see another, smiling face here at school. Goodness, but you're tall! :) My brunette sister is as tall as you, and they tell me I will be tall, as well. I like being tall. :) We're going to have fun this year - I can tell. If you sing or play an instrument, come down to the Music Room. I am in the Choir, and my friend, Katie Webster, plays the piano like an angel. I can't wait to meet you. Love, Elena Dierrian :) 257 From: Debbi Date: Tue Sep 21, 1999 0:41pm Subject: Arrival It is a sunny day at Avendale as I climb down out of the bus. Smoothing the wrinkles from my gymslip, I pause to take in the entire experience. At 16, I don't have much with which to compare the inspiring sights and sounds surrounding me. I set my battered suitcase on the ground and look around. Its been a difficult journey. When I first heard of the scholarship to the exclusive Avendale school, I never believed that I would be chosen to attend. My previous school on the outskirts of my hometown is a far cry from the exclusive community of Avendale. Because my parents are working class, and not well educated, I'm not sure how to take this new environment. They are hoping that I'll learn to think before I speak and I'm just hoping I fit in. Pushing a stray blonde strand back behind my ear, I remember the testing and the questions I had to endure to get through the scholarship trials. I wanted so much to be accepted, to become part of the Avendale community, and the trials seemed to take forever. Now I'm here, finally, standing on the steps outside the school. I've heard that the girls here are all well-bred, from good and wealthy families, while my family is far from wealthy or high-class. Butterflies churn in my stomach as I worry about the humiliation and shame I may be forced to endure if I don't fit in with my classmates. Stepping over the threshold, I enter a new world...a world much different than my own. I feel flush with excitement, and a touch of trepidation... Luv, Deb 258 From: Delores Maybridge Date: Tue Sep 21, 1954 8:15pm Subject: Introductions ON THE NOTICEBOARD Girls, A warm welcome to the new girls who have introduced themselves today. I hope you will all be happy here. >tapping switch on hand< It has come to my attention that *again* we have some young ladies on the list who have not introduced themselves yet... Girls, come along, it is about time you said hello, or we will be discussing your stay at Avendale with a strap... Take this as fair warning, maidens, and stir yourselves! Delores Maybridge 259 From: thorny Date: Tue Sep 21, 1999 9:47pm Subject: Hello Heather Hello Heather welcome to Avendale. I am only 14, however I am a brunette. I hope that you like going to school here. It is always nice to meet new girls. I hope that you do not become homesick. If you do and need someone to talk to you can talk to me. sabrina McCloud 260 From: Kadorienne Date: Tue Sep 21, 1999 11:16pm Subject: Veronica and Georgina "Come in!" Veronica called at the knock on her door. A young blonde entered, a trifle nervous, and Veronica stood because a blonde had entered the room. "Hello, Georgina." Georgina glanced curiously around at the room before her eyes fastened themselves on Veronica. Veronica's room was Spartan in its neatness, as might have been expected. A cane was propped in one corner, to remind visitors of Veronica's authority. Only her desk was at all cluttered, because she had schoolbooks open for homework. Georgina's gaze was drawn back to the desk. "You read Amazon poetry?" Georgina's tone was surprised, though not rude. Veronica blushed as if she had been caught reading a racy book. "Well, not usually. Of course, I read the works of Sappho in literature class. You'll be reading them this year, I'm sure. But, ehm, I just recently got interested in it. Wanted to see what it was about. That's all." In fact, the book she was reading was one she had noticed Elspeth carrying. The poems filled her with despair; anyone who would read such books must be aetherial indeed, and uninterested in such earthly things as going to the cinema with a prefect. Taking hold of herself, Veronica gave her best firm prefect face; not angry or forbidding, but very matter-of-fact. "Stand straight. I want to examine your uniform." Georgina obeyed, though now it was her face which turned pink. She stood stock still under Veronica's meticulous gaze. "Your buttons are all done up -- that's good. Your socks are not pulled up as tightly as they could be. They're not wrinkled enough to be nonreg, but we should always do our very best, not just enough to get by, shouldn't we?" Georgina nodded mutely, unsure whether she should pull up her socks or not. She decided to stay still until she was told otherwise. "You obviously ironed your uniform just enough to get by, too. I will expect you to do a more thorough job from now on. You'd better comb your hair more often, as well." Finally Veronica sat down. Had she been examining a brunette, she would have verified that the girl was wearing regulation petticoats and knickers, but she would not intrude on a blonde's modesty so. "Georgina, it looks like your entire uniform is only as good as it has to be and not one speck better. That inclines one to think that you don't really care about doing a good job. Is that the impression you want to give?" Georgina's eyes were wide. "Oh, no, Miss Veronica! I want you to be proud of me!" Veronica smiled at that. Unlike some prefects, she only insisted on being called "miss" if someone had behaved very badly. But many girls gave her the honorific of their own accord. Some, such as Elena, did it because of a respect for authority in general. Some did it because they were always in trouble and hoped to stay on her good side. (It didn't work.) And some, such as Georgina here, did it out of admiration for her. Veronica couldn't deny that it was flattering. "Then keep your uniform neat, and I will be," Veronica answered good-naturedly. "Now, we still have that unfastened button from earlier to deal with. Come over my knee." Georgina obeyed with alacrity. Veronica nearly always punished blondes in this nurturing, maternal posture, while she expected brunettes to stand on their own two feet and bend over her desk. The little blonde felt the prefect's strong hand resting on her back. But to her surprise, instead of loosing a volley of spanks, Veronica began to lecture her. Veronica had a theory that girls listened better when they were in the proper pose for a punishment. For several minutes Georgina lay face down on Veronica's lap and listened to a lengthy discourse on the importance of a neat uniform and of presenting oneself well in general. Then at last the spanking began, and after lying there helplessly for so many minutes it was almost a relief. It was far from the hardest spanking Georgina had ever received, due to Veronica's respect for blonde delicacy, but it stung enough. Besides, it was intimidating, being under the hand of such a powerful brunette. Veronica had considerable physical strength as well as personal authority. Why, if she had wanted to, she could easily have beaten a girl black and blue, or taken all sorts of liberties, or done anything, and the girls she punished felt very aware of this. A blonde lying over Veronica Bellemont's lap knew that Veronica's chivalry was her only protection, and that feeling affected most of them far more than the actual physical pain they experienced. Georgina moaned and wiggled through the spanking. At length Veronica stopped, and Georgina tried to stand, only to be restrained by Veronica's hand on her back. "Did I give you permission to get up?" Veronica asked. "No, Miss Veronica," Georgina whispered. Veronica applied a few more slaps to the back of Georgina's gymslip. Then she paused for a long moment. Georgina was immobile over the prefect's knee until at last she heard the words, "You may get up now, Georgina." "Yes, Miss Veronica." Georgina stood and smoothed her gymslip, eyes on the floor. "Thank you for correcting me, Miss Veronica," she whispered. "Now sit at my desk," Veronica ordered. The blonde went to the desk. "Mayn't I stand?" she asked, giving her derriere a little rub. "Didn't you hear me the first time?" Veronica's voice was mild, as if she were mentioning a matter of no import. She knew that the sting of the spanking she had just given would not last long and must be taken advantage of. Georgina sat down. "Now take the pen there and write: 'I must always... keep my uniform... in perfect condition... to show my respect... for the Golden Order.' Good. Take that to your room and write it ninety-nine more times." Georgina looked at the prefect wide-eyed. "Yes, Miss Veronica." On a sudden impulse, Veronica sat back down in her second chair. "But not just yet. Let's chat a while, shall we? There are a good many new girls this year. Are you making friends with many of them?" Georgina's smarting derriere was relegated to the back of her mind, and she spent the next half hour chatting with her idol, asking questions about the school and getting good advice. She even dared to ask a question or two about Veronica herself. When she went back to her room to write her lines, she did so humming and smiling to herself. And Veronica turned back to her library book of poetry and let it lie open and forgotten while she reviewed in her mind a hundred times the way Elspeth's hair had moved when she had pushed it back from her face in class that day, and the unbearable sweetness of her smile when she had answered a question correctly and the mistress had praised her. 261 From: Date: Tue Sep 21, 1999 7:45pm Subject: Arrival at school Rebecca nervously checks the slip of paper in her hand as she approaches the gate of the school. "Yes, this is the place." Rebecca walks to the front door and sets down her suitcase. She looks around for a clue as to where she should go. Unsure, she gathers up her suitcase and opens the front door and walks inside. She casually glances around for a friendly face. 262 From: Date: Wed Sep 22, 1999 2:35am Subject: Welcime to Marianna From Tanya@c... Dear Marianna, I would like to poofer a very warm welcome to you as you begin your new school career at Avendale. My name is Georgina de la Falaise and I too am a blonde and twelve years old.I've been here just over a week and I'd like to reassure you about your initial worries. Everyone here is so very friendly and kind. You'll soo feel quite at home. Don't worry about your uniform either, you will soon get used to it. I felt exactly the same when I first arrived. I hope we can get together later and have a good chat!! Love Georgina de la Falaise 263 From: Date: Wed Sep 22, 1999 4:54am Subject: Alexis' Diary Alexis stood before the mirror, looking at the reflection of her face. A few tears had escaped. The sting in her bottom reminded her of her misdeed, and the correction she had received from Miss Annalinde. She splashed some cold water onto her face. She then opened the drawer to her nightstand and removed her diary, and climbed into her bed. She lay on her tummy, reached back and rubbed her throbbing bottom for a moment, and opened her diary. 21 September 1954 Dear Diary, Well, I am not here even a week, and already I managed to earn myself a spanking. When will I learn to think before I speak or act? My mummies were so right in sending me here, I believe. I only hope I learn my lessons sooner rather than later! I must admit, however, that Miss Annalinde was very kind to me, even after the "frog incident". She displays such dignity and grace. I do hope that I shall be able to emulate her behavior. Well, Diary, I shall keep this entry brief, as I am still nursing a sore bottom! Til next time, Alexis Harrington Alexis reread her entry, then closed the book and returned it to the drawer. With a final rub to her rear, she laid her head on the pillow for a brief rest. 264 From: Date: Wed Sep 22, 1954 9:43am Subject: The Note to Miss Poindexter Miss Poindexter entered her study, and the first thing she noticed was something on her desk.. she went over to pick it up. Her head was swimming, had Ariadne noticed her and decided to send *her* a letter? Was this a declaration of love from her one-and-only? If so, the girl would not be disappointed. Could it really be, after these dark and desperate days, that Ariadne had come to *her*? She thought of the lovely girl, the delightfully innocent young lady, and wondered if finally her prayers had been answered. Dea had come to Miss Poindexter's rescue. She would resign, she would take up residence near the school to be close to her beloved until the day that they could be married... she would take things slowly, she would declare her love and then in a short while, she would propose. She did not want to rush things, after all, the girl is so young and delicate. She must find a ring, the diamond ring she had dreamed of. The most perfect diamond for the most perfect girl... Practical thoughts prevailed in Miss Poindexter's mind, she was planning, planning the future - the future, a real future with her beloved... Closing her eyes, she held the note to her heart, and thought of the young lady she yearned for. She thought of her crystal-clear voice, her silvery laugh, her soft white skin and tender lips... These thoughts in mind, Miss Poindexter opened the note, slowly, carefully... and read it. That done, she sat down. Her face was white, her brow damp... 265 From: Malena Franklin Date: Wed Sep 22, 1999 2:45am Subject: To Georgina Hi Georgina! So glad You started school. I am also in your class for 12 years old girls. I am a brunnete but would love to have a blonde friend. Maybe we could do something together. I feel important that we younger girls stick together and have some fun. I like music and maybe we could ask Miss Serelique if we could borrow recordplayer and be in gym for some dancing and even ask all other in our agegroup to join. Maybe we must ask Miss Veronica and Miss Annalinde to supervise this minidance but maybe they will....... I have some records...... Hope we can be friends malena Franklin 266 From: Date: Wed Sep 22, 1999 5:46am Subject: Re: Arrival Hello Debbi, and Welcome to Avendale! I'm a blonde just like you, but I'm only 15. I do hope that we could become good friends! I am new here too and do not know too many of the girls yet. What do you like to do for fun? Alexis Harrington 267 From: thorny Date: Wed Sep 22, 1999 0:08pm Subject: Hello Rebbecca Hello Rebecca it is nice to meet you. I am Sabrina McCloud. I am a 14 year old Brunette. Are you a Brunette or a Blond? Sabrina takes Rebecca laguagge for her and leads her to the Head Mistress's office. I put down her suitcase outside the door. "Just go in there sweetie and You can introduce yourself and find out where your room is. I hope that you like it here." Sabrina McCloud 268 From: Thelma Roberts Date: Wed Sep 22, 1999 1:46pm Subject: Diary entries, Thelma Roberts' first day Dear Diary, My first afternoon and evening at Avendale was better than even I had hoped for. I'm all unpacked and settled in. The dinner was not quite like home cooking, but the portions sure were ample! I loved the trifle they had for dessert. I noticed one sort of chubby girl didn't get any dessert; apparently she is being deprived of sweets for a while. Maybe it's just a diet she's on. I've met lots and lots of girls, all very nice, and Elena Dierrian even invited me to the Music Room after dinner where we sang ballads while her friend Katie Webster played the piano. Elena told me she has a sister as tall as I, but I forgot to ask her if her sister goes to Avendale. I'll make sure I ask when I see Elena again. Just as I headed off to bed, I ran into Sabrina McCloud, who told me to see her if I get homesick. Actually, she seems like such an attractive girl I would like to see more of her even if I am not homesick! I never realized I harboured these impure thoughts before. But I must just put it all out of my mind and concentrate on tomorrow's classes. I wonder if Sabrina who is a brunette, has the power to discipline me? Gosh, I would just melt if she was annoyed at me. Well, I must hop in under the covers and get some shut-eye. I forgot to shine my leather school shoes for tomorrow but hopefully none of the mistresses will care that much about my uniform. After all, I'm still new. 269 From: Date: Wed Sep 22, 1999 10:51am Subject: Noticeboard: The Bullfrog Incident Dear School, I am happy to report that the Bullfrog Incident is now closed. The culprit has confessed to me and has been suitably chastised. I think it better not to disclose her identity publicly, but I am sure she will do nothing of the sort again. I think we should all forget the matter now. Annalinde Chelverton Prefect 270 From: Date: Wed Sep 22, 1999 10:51am Subject: Noticeboard - Bunnies' Tea As some of you will know, I have been planning a small tea party in my study for the newer girls. The ones who have joined us just lately will be very welcome. It will take place on Friday. All new girls are very welcome. I hope to help you feel at home, and I am very pleased to announce that Miss Veronica will be there to help me as Brunette Hostess. If any one wishes to ask me anything about it beforehand, please contact me. Annalinde Chelverton Prefect From: Date: Wed Sep 22, 1999 10:51am Subject: In the Headmistress's Study Annalinde considered Elena's suggestion that she should report the matter of Miss Poindexter to the headmistress. She did not wish to appear to be fussing; but it did trouble her, so, since she has to see Miss Maitland about some other matters anyway she did say, as a sort of aside: "I'm sure it is nothing miss, but Elena feels that Miss Poindexter has been looking rather sad and worried lately - and when she went to deliver a note to her she wasn't in her room. . ." It did sound rather lame just stated like that. "Your concern is appreciated," said Miss Maitland, "but really, there are all sorts of reasons why a mistress may not be in her room at any given time. I am sure Elena means well, but I do not want you girls starting silly rumours over nothing." "No, miss." said Annalinde. "I asked Elena not to talk about this for that very reason - only it is true - Miss Poindexter *doesn't* seem quite herself lately." "You are doing a very good job of looking after your young blondes," said the headmistress, "but it is hardly apprpriate for you to bring the mistresses under your solicitous eye." Thus rebuked, Annalinde left the head's study. Miss Maitland, however, did not quite dismiss the matter from her mind. 272 From: Date: Wed Sep 22, 1999 11:25am Subject: Note to Miss Annalinde Alexis slides a note under the door to Miss Annalinde's room. It reads: Dear Miss Annalinde, Thank you ever so much for keeping my confession between us. I am, again, frightfully sorry for my misdeed. It shan't happen again. I hope this unfortunate event does not sour your feelings for me. I know I did not get off on the right foot with you, and I pray you will be able to look past it in the future. Would it still be alright if I attended the Bunny Tea on Friday? Respectfully Yours, Alexis Harrington 273 From: Tanya Date: Wed Sep 22, 1999 4:24pm Subject: Georgina's Diary From Tanya@c... Diary entry for Georgina de la Falaise September 22nd 1954 Dear Diary, I'm having to make this diary entry whilst lying on my tummy as my bottom is still quite sore and tender from the spanking Miss Veronica administered to me earlier. It wasn't as severe or as painful as some of the spankings my mummies have given me in the past but gosh, it jolly well stung and it would have to be said that Miss Veronica's technique is extremely thorough. It was, I have to confess, no more than I deserved given that this was my second breech of the rules concerning proper presentation of school uniform. Suffice to say, I feel much better for having got it over and done with. It's always such a release when one knows one has been fairly and justly punished and one feels all misdemeanors have been paid for !! As to Miss Veronica herself. In spite of the punishment, she succeeded in not only living up to my expectations but effortlessly surpassing them. She truly is one of the most charismatic, beautiful and gallante brunettes it has been my privilege to set eyes upon. If I thought I was in love with her before, then the time I spent with her confirmed that I now "know" I am most definitely in love !! Talk about having a pash !! This is definitely a pash to the power of ten. When I initially entered her study,. I noticed she had a book of Amazon poetry on her desk which I commented on. From how she reacted, I don't think she wanted anyone to know she was reading such a thing, but I wouldn't of course dream of telling anyone, unless that is, she wanted me to. It will remain our little secret. After my spanking, I expected to be summarily dismissed but can you believe this, dearest diary, Veronica invited me to sit down with her and have a chat. Even though it hurt quite a lot to sit down, I did so and soon forgot about my throbbing derriere. She was so friendly and addressed me almost as though I was her equal. We spent a good half hour talking about school, the mistresses and all the new girls who have recently arrived at Avendale. My only compkaint would be that the time passed by far too jolly quickly for my liking ! Before I left her study, she instructed me to write one hundred lines as the second and final part of my punishment but even this could not prevent me from exiting her study feeling as though I was walking on air. I think I'm going to sleep well tonight. Goodnight, dearest diary ! 274 From: Date: Wed Sep 22, 1999 5:24pm Subject: Janet Dolan arriving The bus stopped. Janet descended from throught he back door, carrying her suitcase. She felt funny wearing the uniformshe was told all brunettes wore in this school. Coming from Florida, in the Confederacy of Culveria, she was not used to uniform at all. She shuddered feeling the drizzle of the rain. This was nothing like home... She pulled her suitcase and started walking towards the gate. "This is it... I worked so hard to get the scholarship and come here... All those exams, all of mom's yelling she will never make it here...Her brunette mother missing for so long and her blonde mother unable to pay even for the trip here..." She paused at the gate. So different from the one storey wooden school building in her home town... "Well, I'll show them all! All those who laughed at me saying Avendale was not for us, Miss Phylis the teacher who said to her paddling her on her last day in school' you will just count the strokes in a different accent girl, there is nothing there', well, I got the scholarship and here I'll stay!" She walked through the path and to the door. She paused once more and looked back: "Such a long way to go, I must succeed. I can't go back crestfallen" Straightening her back she rang the bell. A new life beginning for Janet Dolan. 275 From: Date: Wed Sep 22, 1999 5:51pm Subject: Re: Hello Rebbecca Hello Sabrina. I am a brunette and I am 13 . Thank you for assisting me. Rebecca knocks on the headmistress door and awaits for her reply. 276 From: Tanya Date: Thu Sep 23, 1999 4:32am Subject: Georgina;s reply to Makena From Tanya@c... Note left on Malena's bed Dear Malena, Thank you so much for your note. In answer to your question, yes, I would just love to be your friend. As you quite rightly say, we twelve year olds must stick together. I, like you, absolutely love music and am planning to go and see Miss Darnelle later to ask if I may audition to join the choir. I've also been learning to play the piano for about six years and although I don't think I'm particually good, other people tell me I play quite well. Have you met Katie Webster? Unfortunately, as you probably know, she's away from school at the moment due to illness, but she is just the most incredibly talented pianiste !! When she returns, we plan to get together and play on the grand piano if we can get permission from Miss Maitland. You'd be ever so welcome to join us. Malena, your idea about asking Miss Serelique if we could borrow the gramophone is an absolutely chipper one. I don't think she would give us permission unless she knew either Miss Veronica or Miss Annalinde was supervising us but it really is a fantastic idea. What records do you have Malena? My favourite at the moment is "Blueberry Hill". Have you heard this one yet? Anyway, you're right, if we do get permission, we should invite all the other girls in our age group and anyone else who wants to come. It would. I'm sure, be absolutely ripping fun !! Perhaps we could meet up to discuss this further. If I see Miss Serelique today, I'll ask her about the gramophone. Bye for now Love Georgina 277 From: Tanya Date: Thu Sep 23, 1999 6:10am Subject: Enquiry to Miss Serelique From Tanya@c... Dear Miss Serelique, Malena Franklin and I were wondering whether it would be at all possible to borrow the school gramophone as, pending, of course, permission from yourself and Miss Maitland, we had the idea of organising a dance and get-together for the juniors in the school assembly hall. We have some gramophone records to play and we were planning to ask whether it would be possible for either Miss Annalinde or Miss Veronica to supervise us. Do you think this would be at all possible to organise? Respectfully Yours Georgina de la Falaise 278 From: Date: Thu Sep 23, 1999 6:45am Subject: To Malena Hi Malena I have seen your note. I am another 12 year old brunette from your class. (I think I forgot to mention this on my entrance note). I am 5'7" and growing fast and I do love running around, playing baseball, math and science. I hope we can be friends. I hope you will be able to guide me around. This place is so big, cold, and so different from my native Confederacy of Culveria. Wishing for a quick and positive reply from you Janet 279 From: Date: Thu Sep 23, 1954 7:38am Subject: Re: Enquiry to Miss Serelique Dear Georgina, Yes, it will be quite in order for the girls to use the gramophone providing one of the prefects will volunteer to supervise. Perhaps each of the girls who wishes to come will tell us which record(s) she would like to bring. Miss serelique 280 From: Date: Thu Sep 23, 1999 4:28am Subject: Records Dearest Georgina, Unfortunately, I do not own any records (yet), nor do I have a very good idea of the music here in Quirinelle; it is quite different than the music of my homeland. Ihave heard some melodies played that seem very interesting, though I do not know the titles. There is one about a Janey B. Goode who plays a guitar. It is Culverian, I believe. Then there is the one about the girl who is referred to as "Sweet Little Sixteen." Then there is one about an Earth Angel. I am sure I will learn more, the longer I am I here. This is going to be a lot of fun! -Elena Dierrian 281 From: Kadorienne Date: Thu Sep 23, 1999 9:20am Subject: Confederettes Veronica Bellemont and two other brunettes were passing by the school's front entrance when they spied a young brunette, clad in an Avendale uniform, standing next to a couple of suitcases. As they drew near, Veronica was about to offer assistance when the girl spoke first. "Excuse me, can y'all tell me where the brunette dormitory is?" Veronica stopped, a grin of delight spreading over her face, and pressed one hand to her heart. "Bless my stars, that is music to my ears! I've always been the only Confederette in school! I love Avendale, of course, but I get so homesick for the sound of a Southern accent. What's your name, honey?" Looking a little taken aback, the girl answered, "Janet Dolan." She didn't smile. The poor child must be intimidated, Veronica thought sympathetically. And small wonder, being so far from home at only twelve years old. Veronica would do her best to make the girl feel welcome. "I'm Veronica Bellemont. If there's anything I can do to help, you just let me know. It's my job to look after all the girls here, but I can tell you, a fellow Confederette will get special treatment!" Veronica lifted one of the girl's shabby-looking suitcases and one of the other brunettes with her took the other. "I'll show you where brunette bunnies your age burrow." The girl looked at Veronica quickly. "Oh, bunnies is our little nickname for new girls. Hope you're not going to take offense at it, because everyone's going to call you that for the next three weeks." As they all made their way up the stairs, Veronica continued to chat to try to draw the girl out, but she mostly received one-word answers, until she remarked that she hoped Janet would make her brunette mother proud. "Netty's been missing for years," the girl said flatly. The prefect turned to her, embarrassed. "Oh, honey, I'm so sorry." The girl's accent marked her as being of a lower caste than Veronica, but Veronica wasn't going to let that stop her from her duty as prefect to help the girl. Besides, any Confederette deserved her loyalty. Changing the subject, she said brightly, "Well, I hope you're a good student." Janet stood up straighter and lifted her chin. "I'm here on a scholarship." Veronica looked at the girl with new respect. Culveria had always balanced the elitism of ancestry with admiration for those who pulled themselves up by their own garters. "All right, here's your bed. Now, come to the door. You see that door at the end of the corridor? That's my room. If you have any trouble, or if you just want to talk to somebody who says 'y'all', I don't want you to hesitate to knock on that door, hear?" Janet nodded silently. Veronica went about her business, wondering if she had made the girl feel at all at home. The child seemed to have a chip on her shoulder, but who could blame her? Veronica hoped that she could help the girl feel like she belonged here at Avendale. 282 From: Date: Thu Sep 23, 1999 5:40am Subject: Gramophones and blueberries I should be glad to supervise the girls' record session. I hope older girls who are keen on music can come too. I shall bring some favourite records including *The Single Blonde* which always find delightful. By the way, I hear there is some confusion about the opening words of *Blueberry Hill*. I think they are fairly clear - as I recall they are: I found my thrill On Blueberry Hill, On Blueberry hill Where I found you. The moon stood still On Blueberry Hill And lingered until All my dreams came true. Oh, and I think the next bit - the "middle eight" goes: The wind in the willow-glade Loves sweet melody But all of the vows we made Were never to be. Annalinde 283 From: Malena Franklin Date: Thu Sep 23, 1999 5:10am Subject: To Janet Hi Janet! So glad you saw my note. Im so eager to show you around here and I also just got note from Georgina another lovely girl here that are in our agegroup and she is so brave!!!!! She already asked Miss Serelique if we could borrow grammophone. She has some records too. Ohhhh we could have so fun listening to music I have some Frank Sinatra records that georgeous american guy that sings so nice. Dont worry about this schoolhouse it sems cold but its quite nice girls are nice and Miss's not so strict...I outsmarts them I think... Ill take you on guided tour this evening after supper. For sunday dance we also should ask some of the 12 years blonde girls. Elena is a nice girl and I think there are some more.... Best hugs malena 284 From: janet dodan Date: Thu Sep 23, 1999 5:19am Subject: Re: Confederettes Janet Dolan sat on her new bed and looked around. The big dorm, with all the beds and the strange girls around, each one having her own locker was so big and cold. She didn't mind the dorm, she was used to sleeping with her blond sister and 3 younger cousins (2 brunettes and a blond) in an area given to 2 beds in Avendale. But the cold weather depressed her. "I should be happy being here, getting away from all the things I hate, going up in society, getting an education". She knew well enough that if she did not win the sholarship she would be out working in the marshes helping out her brunette aunt Eudora setting traps to alligators and killing snakes in rich people gardens, maybe rowing for them when they went fishing, bowing her head and mumbling thanks for small tips. Girls like that prefect Veronica, who usually didn't even look who was there under the huge straw hat. " She is so nice to me now, I'm sure she knows I'm low class, she smiled at my accent, but she is so nice, She really made me feel wanted" Janet smiled. "I wonder if she will spank me if I get in trouble, the rule book says prefects are allowed to spank and cane here. I don't think anything can be worse than mom or aunt Eudora paddling my bare bottom in the living room in front of all the other kids, like they did the night before I left". Janet wished she could look like Veronica, her uniform are so well aranged. "Mine are hopeless" she thought trying again to push her shirt tail into her skirt, only succeeding in setting her tie crooked and pushing her pettycoat lower than her skirt. She pulled once more at her left knee sock, always falling to mid leg. "I am not used to these uniform at all". I hope she will forgive me if I am not up to her standards. Forever the practical girl, Janet started unpacking and within 30 minutes had all her belongings aranged in the locker and the closet. She put a picture of her blond sister and her 3 cats in the drawer and covered it with her beloved book "The battles of General Nathanya Forest". Her physics, biology and math books were aranged in their place. She sat down in the cold dorm and looked around. "I am happy" she said to herself, "I am happy", wiping angrily the big tear that rolled on her cheek. 285 From: Malena Franklin Date: Thu Sep 23, 1999 5:26am Subject: Malena loves brave and wonderful Georgina Hi Georgina! I am so glad you answered positive and I just heard you asked Miss Serelique. I like so much that you dared do it as I hesitated as I got strap last lesson. She is very fair and I like Miss Serelique very much she is the type of teacher you really respect and like. Ohhhh Im so glad and maybe .....maybe we can dance some of the new dances from other side of Atlantique......I heard about new music played by young white boys with such a rythm....and you dance in quite different way then traditional. Ohhh i see myself dancing with you Georgina and our skirts flying.... I just met Janet a nice 12 years old girl here..very nice and she loved idea too....and Elena is coming too...she dont have so many records but that doesnt matter.....ohhhh I hardly can wait... now just pray and hope Miss Veronica and Miss Annalinde will supervise us....I pray they will....ohhhhh so fun!!!!! Your friend malena 286 From: Date: Thu Sep 23, 1999 10:11am Subject: Note for Janet Dolan A note, left for Janet Dolan, by Elena Dierrian: Dear Janet, Welcome to Avendale. I am glad you are here. If I can help you in any way, please let me know. There is no need to feel lost or alone here - everyone here is very nice and friendly. I am 12 years old, and blonde (red hair notwithstanding). I hail from the far Eastern lands of what is called "Amazonia" here in the West. I am in the school choir, and my dear friend, Katie Webster, plays piano. If you like music, some to the music room sometime. You are from Southern Culveria, so I am told. If so, then you must be very pleasant, indeed, for Veronica Bellemont, the brunette prefect, is also from there, and she is so nice! She is very gallante and brave, too. Are all Culverian brunettes as brave as she, I wonder? I would love to hear all about Culveria some time. Perhaps I may even visit there, someday. I know you will have a great time here and make a lot of friends here. If you ever need a friend, I am here. Love, Elena Dierrian 287 From: janet dolan Date: Thu Sep 23, 1999 2:27pm Subject: Re: Note for Janet Dolan Dear Elena Thank you for your wonderful and friendly note. Are we allowed to be friends? I am a brunette and you are a blond, I mean, is this allowed? Am I supposed to carry your books? Please explain things to me. Are we allowed to e-mail each other directly or is everything have to be posted? Thank you for being a friend Janet 288 From: Malena Franklin Date: Thu Sep 23, 1999 7:31am Subject: correction from blushing malena to Georgina,Miss Serelique Dear Miss Serelique and Georgina I have a record of Francine Sinatra that wonderful young american woman.And we can dance that new girldances that are so popular among girls other side Atlantigue Im very sorry for my rude and stupid mixing of names...Im sorry malena.....blushing of shame realizing her mistake 289 From: Date: Thu Sep 23, 1954 3:46pm Subject: Technical points ON THE NOTICEBOARD For the benefit of new girls, the following should be noted. There is no such thing as "e-mail" in Aristasia, it is elektrapost, please. All interaction between characters at the school is to go on through the list. It will become clearer as things go on, why this is necessary. If anyone has any questions, please do ask. Delores Maybridge 290 From: Date: Thu Sep 23, 1999 0:39pm Subject: Hello from Carrie Hello Janet - it is nice to see another brunette about here. We've *so* many blondes this year. My name is Carrie Binks - Caroline Veleda-Binks for long, but Carrie will do nicely. Gosh, you talk like Veronica - have you met her yet? She is rather topping, I think. Do you say "y'all" too - I just love it when she says that. I hope you'll feel at home here - at least the uniform is grey! Have you any records here? There is going to be a gathering with the school gramophone. I shall bring my record of Kiki lia Caerelinde singing *What Lola Wants*. I wonder if any of the blondes will scream the way they do when she is really present - Miss C, I mean. I wonder how a brunette comes to have that effect on blondes. Though it might be a touch unnerving, mightn't it? Oh, hello Rebecca - are you blonde or brunette? Or will I have to play *Lola* to find out? 291 From: Date: Thu Sep 23, 1999 1:13pm Subject: Arrival at school Rebecca continues to knock on the headmistress's door. She patiently awaits a response. 292 From: Tanya Date: Thu Sep 23, 1999 5:51pm Subject: Welcome to Janet and Rebecca From Tanya@c... Dear Janet and Rebecca, Just a short note to welcome you both to Avendale. I've only been here for a short time myself but if there's anything I can do to help you both during your first few days here, please don't hesitate to ask me. I know just how jolly strange everything seems when one first arrives and doesn't know one's way around. All the mistresses and other girls here are so very friendly and accomadating. You might have already met Miss Annalinde or Miss Veronica. They are both senior prefects and although they're both jolly strict, they are also great fun too !! We heard this afternoon that we have been given permission to have a "gramophone party" this coming Sunday. You are both ever so welcome to come and join us. Love Georgina de la Falaise 293 From: Kadorienne Date: Thu Sep 23, 1999 10:57pm Subject: Veronica to Annalinde, Janet and the young bunnies Listen, pettes, we absolutely must have our bunny tea tomorrow. Elena, I shall see you and Ariadne in the kitchen directly after lessons. And Janet, you must be certain to come, for the same reason that we must have our tea tomorrow. That is: I just got a care package from Aunt Rosemarie! That's right, she sent me some Southern delicacies. There's muscadine jelly, pickled artichoke hearts, boiled peanuts, grits, Aunt Margie's special cookies, and a few other items. I know all the girls will like to sample Confederate cuisine -- though I bet most of you will only taste the artichoke hearts and boiled peanuts, foreigners never seem to like those things -- and maybe Janet won't feel quite so homesick! But these goodies won't keep forever, so none of you forget to report to Miss Annalinde's room for tea tomorrow! Tea -- that reminds me. I'm going to have Cook make us some tea to drink the Confederate way, as Dea intended: *iced*. Veronica Bellemont 294 From: Date: Thu Sep 23, 1999 6:48pm Subject: Emma Eilise Bradbury arrives.... A short, petite brunette stepped one foot, and then the other gracefully out of the streetcar that had delivered her to her "new school". She arched her head slightly upward, pointing her nose into the air as she studied the surroundings. She was pretty, by anyones standards; with golden eyes framed in long, dark lashes, high cheekbones, and a warm, inviting smile. However, at 16 Emma Eilise Bradbury was very aware of the power of her looks, and often used this to her full advantage. This was the 6th school she had attended since the tender age of 12 when her Mother finally decided that something needed to be done with her little daughter. Emma was a nice enough child, but she had a streak of independence and stubbornness that was a bit larger than the average girl. To add to that, Emma was a bit more bright and crafty than need be, and was continually inventing schemes and plots that resulted in her dismissal from the other "proper" schools. After being thoroughly reassured that Emma would not be asked to leave the school within the month, but rather "molded into the proper young lady that she could be"; Emma's mother sent off the enormous tuition check, and her daughter in the hopes that this would not be yet another disappointment. Emma picked up her suitcases and proceeded to the front door, looking around while on the way there for girls that look like they might make good allies (and maybe even partners in crime!) Hhhmmm...it looks like there are a great deal of 12 year old (babies).... I wonder if any can be corrupted.... =) Emma Bradbury 295 From: Date: Thu Sep 23, 1999 7:36pm Subject: Elena's Reply to Janet Dolan Elena Dierrian's reply to Janet Dolan: Dear Janet, We are allowed to be friends, I think. But you do not have to carry my books unless you are feeling very chivalrous, and I would not *ask* it of you. I have seen many types of friendships here at Avendale, both between blondes and brunettes and between older and younger pupils. The older girls here are very kind and do not treat us like babies, for which I an ever so grateful. My older sister, Elara, is brunette, and sometimes she treats as if I am still a toddler. I expect that is the way of older sisters sometimes. Do *you* have any older or younger sisters? We are *all* friends here, Janet, and sometimes I like to think that in a very special way, we are part of a Sisterhood - the Sisterhood of Avendale. When I meet you in person, I shall give you a big, welcoming hug. Love, Elena :) 296 From: Date: Thu Sep 23, 1999 7:44pm Subject: Elena's Reply to Veronica Miss Veronica, I shall be in the kitchen bright and early, and I cannot wait to sample your Culverian delicacies. There is a saying from China, that a year is added to one's life for every new kind of food one tastes. :) Eagerly awaiting the Bunny Tea, -Elena Dierrian 297 From: Date: Thu Sep 23, 1999 8:03pm Subject: Welcome, Emma Elena Dierrian was, once again, writing a note of welcome for a newly arrived girl. She had watched from a window as Emma Bradbury arrived. At first, Elena had taken this latest arrival to be not much older than herself. The catlike smile that crossed Emma's lips as she surveyed her new school caused Elena to realise that Emma was merely petite. Still, Elena enjoyed her self-imposed duty of welcoming new girls. She was not always aware of new arrivals, but her goal was to try and send a note to each new girl. She was, of course, careful to have her homework finished before sitting down to write. She carefully "clicked" the up-to-date ballpoint pen that Ariadne had given her ("Silly little darling, there is no need for a messy dip pen when you can use one of these modern contraptions. *Do* give it whirl," Ariadne had declared, placing the slender writing implement in the younger girl's hand.), and commenced to write: "Dear Emma, "Welcome to Avendale. My name is Elena Dierrian. I am 12 years old and blonde. I am glad you are here, and I cannot wait to meet you. I am from the far eastern part of what the West refers to as 'Amazonia'. "Avendale is a lovely school, and I am sure you will have many new friends in no time. Everyone here is so friendly! "Take care, and welcome, "Elena Dierrian" There, she thought. Now, I shall deliver it. Elena carefully carried the note toward the brunette dormitory. Part of the way there, she encountered the brunette prefect, Veronica Bellemont. Elena smiled and dipped a respectful curtsey. "Good day, Miss Veronica." "And a good day to you, Sugar," said Veronica with a smile. She did so like to see a younger girl as well-behaved as Elena. "What have you there?" Elena coloured, as she often did in Veronica's presence. "It-it's a note...a note for the latest new girl, Emma Bradbury." Veronica nodded. "Would you like for me to give this to her?" Elena smiled a brilliant smile up at Veronica. "Oh, yes, Miss Veronica, please would you?" "It'd be my pleasure, Sugar." Veronica smiled back and placed a very sororal about the younger girl's shoulders. "How do you like it here, so far?" "Oh, I love it! Everyone is so kind, and I have lots of friends, and I am learning so much!" Elena's enthusiasm was as warm as a ray of golden sunshine peeping through the clouds. Veronica thought to herself that a pette could almost warm her hands with that smile. This little lady's going to break hearts some day. At that thought, a vision of the fair Elspeth drifted through Veronica's thoughts and she felt her own face growing warm. "I'm glad to hear you're settling in so well." Veronica patted Elena's should and turned back toward the brunette dormitory. Elena curtseyed again. "Thank you, Miss Veronica." "My pleasure," she replied. 298 From: Tanya Date: Fri Sep 24, 1999 4:21am Subject: Georgina thanks Elena From Tanya@c... Dearest Elena, Thank you so much for your kind note of two days ago. I followed your advice, plucked up not a small amount of courage and went to see Miss Darnelle about the possibility of auditioning to join the choir. By lucky chance, she had just finished marking some exercise books and said she had five or ten minutes to spare. Would I like to audition there and then? Her enquiry certainly took me by surprise but I reasoned that it was probably a good idea to get it over with as it would mean I didn't have time to get too nervous ! She asked me if there was any particular song I would like to sing and I asked her if it would be acceptable to try "The Flower of Quirinelle". She smiled and replied that that would indeed be most appropriate. She played the first note of the song on the piano and I began to sing, a little shakily at first, but with increasing confidence. This is a song blonde mummy taught all four of her daughters and though I say so myself, I know it like the back of my hand. On cmpletion, Miss Darnelle said, "Bravo Georgina, that was most delightful. I would like you to attend your first choir practice next Tuesday afternoon. Try not to be late dear". Elena, I truly felt so happy as I didn't really think I stood any chance at all of being invited to join the Avendale school choir. What this also means of course is that we'll get to spend more time together. I just can't wait for next Tuesday to come !! Elena, I fully understand what you say vis a vis Miss Poindexter. I do think your idea about going to Avenbridge to get her one of those lovely cards a dashed good one. Shall I ask Miss Veronica if she will accompany us. I'm sure she'll say yes if she isn't too busy. Did you see Miss Annalinde's note saying that the pette who put the bullfrog in her room had owned up to her crime and had been "suitably chastised"?. Oh, Elena, my insatiable curiousity desperately wants to find out who it was. I wonder if there's aay way of finding out. What a weekend in store! Tomorrow we've got the bunnies tea party with Miss Annalinde and Miss Veronica and on Sunday, the "gramophone party". I do feel this is perhaps more excitement in one weekend than any self respecting bunny really has the right to expect !! Yours as ever with love Georgina 299 From: janet dolan Date: Fri Sep 24, 1999 6:09am Subject: Re: Hello from Carrie Dear Carrie I would be glad to come to the gramophone party, but I do not have any records, and my dancing... Well, this is what I am here for, to learn. Just don't laugh at me please Janet Dolan 300 From: janet dolan Date: Fri Sep 24, 1999 6:14am Subject: Re: Veronica to Annalinde, Janet and the young bunnies Dear Miss Veronica. Thank you for inviting me to the bunnies tea which I'll be sure to attend. I want to apologize ahead of time if my table manners are found lacking. As you probably noticed, I did not get your kind of upbringing... I'd love to partake of those delicacies and have some mmmmm iced tea.. One more thing, you said you will take special care of me, being a confedette like yourself. Please Miss Veronica, if I need to be disciplined, discipline me like everyone else. Could I come and talk to you over the weekend? Please tell me when it will be convenient Janet Dolan From: Date: Fri Sep 24, 1999 3:53am Subject: Elena's Reply to Georgina Dearest Georgina, Congratulations on being selected for the choir! I had a feeling you would do well, for you have such a pretty speaking voice. If you like, perhaps we could practice a duet for the holidays. I have heard the older girls speak of carolling in the town, too. Music is the language of the angels, you know. I hopw you won't think I'm *too* silly for saying so, but it is something I have always thought. Yes, let's do ask Miss Veronica if she would be willing to accompany us to Avenbridge (provided she is not too terribly busy). Being a prefect must be very hard - you have your own schoolwork to do, of course, but then, you have to look after so many other girls, as well. I hope Miss Poindexter will be all right. I have been saying a prayer for her every night. Yes, I saw Miss Annalinde's note about "The Bullfrog Incident." For my part, I must confess that part of me is *very* curious, but I also feel rather naughty for it, as Miss Annalinde specifically said that the matter was over and was to be forgotten. I think this weekend will be fun, too, and I anm looking forward to it. A warm hug from, Elena Dierrian 303 From: Date: Fri Sep 24, 1999 4:06am Subject: Arrival at school Rebecca grows weary from waiting for the headmistress. She gently picks up her suitcase and begins walking thru the building. She hopes to find a friendly face to help her. She grows tired and longs for the comfort of a bed. Rebecca~13 304 From: Kadorienne Date: Fri Sep 24, 1999 8:37am Subject: Re: Veronica to Annalinde, Janet and the young bunnies Dear Janet, There's no need to apologize in advance for your table manners. Didn't you know that there are ettiquette classes here at Avendale? By the end of the year you'll be eating like a duchess. Don't you miss iced tea already? I always do! I'll never forget my first year here. I was offered some tea, and when I got that little cup of hot liquid, I said, "Um, thanks.... Where's my tea?" And you needn't fret that I'll withhold discipline from you when you need it. I wouldn't let down a girl that way. But I'm going to look out for you, too, one Confederette to another. Tell you what. On Monday morning, before classes, come to my room and I'll inspect your uniform, make sure it's shipshape. Of course you can come and talk to me anytime, honey. I will be gone part of the weekend, actually, to visit relatives, but I'll let you know when I'm back, all right? Veronica Bellemont 305 From: Date: Fri Sep 24, 1999 5:05am Subject: Rebecca Elena Dierrian saw the forlorn-looking brunette girl making her way from the Headmistress' office toward the brunette's dormitory. She was brand-new to Avendale, Elena surmised, so her errand to Miss Maitland's office was merely one of introduction rather than discipline. My, but she looked sad! Elena sped up her pace to catch up with the new girl. She found it very difficult to maintain decorum as she tried to catch up, but somehow managed to reach the young brunette's side without looking *too* childish. "Hello," Elena said, sounding just a little out of breath from the sudden exertion. The girl turned to regard her. "H-hello," she replied. The girl who stood before her was as tall as she, with long, fiery red hair that cascaded past her waist. At present, it was unbound. She wore the maroon gymslip and beret of a Junior blonde and had the most engaging smile on her face. "My name is Elena Dierrian. Welcome to Avendale." She extended one long-fingered hand and clasped Rebecca's warmly. "If you do not my saying so, you look a little lost." "I-I was waiting for the Headmistress...for my first interview with her? But it appears she is not in her office. I-I have been waiting there for several minutes. Another girl - a brunette - helped me carry my luggage, but she is gone..." "I will show you to the brunette dormitory, which is just this way," Elena offered. "I am suer Miss Maitland will be along very soon. Being Headmistress, she is usually very busy - she does, after all, have 200 of us to look after." Rebecca nodded slowly. "I suppose you are correct." "I have an idea - let me conduct you to the brunette's dormitory, and you can put away your traps. By then, I am certain Miss Maitland will be ready to speak with you. She has a secretary, you know. I'll find her secretary and ask if she will let Miss Maitland know to expect you." Rebecca's face lit. "Oh, would you?" "Of course. We are all sisters here, you know." "Sisters?" "Yes - well...not in the 'normal' way, you know - not as if we each had the same Mummies or anything - but sort of a Sisterhood. It is really quite wonderful, you know, and we share that with every other maid who has attended Avendale. It is a sort of spiritual bond, if you will..." Elena's smile was bright and engaging. Rebecca could not help smiling back, thinking to herself that surely this was a blonde. Who else would think such thoughts? "I think I see," she faltered. "Here we are - 'Brunette Dormitory." I should not go inside, of course, so I will go find the Headmistress' secretary for you, Rebecca." The younger girl suddenly and impulsively placed an arm about Rebecca. "I am glad to meet you, Rebecca. I am sure you will like it here. I hope things go better for you..." "I have met one other girl so far; she introduced herself as Sabrina McCloud." "Yes, I know Sabrina. She is very pleasant. Oh - your prefect is Veronica Bellemont. She is from Southern Culveria - The Confederate States of Culveria, they call it - and she is ever so nice. She has the most musical voice imaginable. The blonde prefect is Annalinde Chelverton. She is marvelous!" declared Elena with brightly shining eyes. "Oh, there is another brunette from Culveria here, as well, and her name is Janet Dolan." "It-it will take me a while to learn everyone's name," remarked Rebecca. "I expect so, but do not feel too badly about it. It is hard, at first, for us 'bunnies'." At Rebecca's questioning look, Elena explained, "'Bunny' is what they call a new girl. It is not meant in a bad way, though." Rebecca nodded, smiling shyly. "I-I know. It's....it's sort of cute, isn't it - being a 'bunny'." Elena giggled softly. "Yes, I suppose it is." Rebecca opened the door. I should be ready to see the Headmistress very soon. I should not want to keep her waiting." "I will tell her secretary to expect you in half an hour, then? Will that be enough time for you?" "Yes." Just before the door closed, Rebecca said, "Thank you, Elena." Elena smiled and replied, "You're ever so welcome, Rebecca." 306 From: janet dolan Date: Fri Sep 24, 1999 10:10am Subject: Janet to Veronica Dear Miss Veronica Thank you so much. I'll be glad to come to your room early on Monday morning so you can inspect my uniform. I admit I find the petticoats extra complicated. Another thing, it's so cold here. I am not used to it. Last night when I undressed for bed, I shivered. I noticed some girls looking at me and whispering when my tanned legs, but I told them right away I'll lose that colour soon. I put on my night gown and found out that my knee length gowns are no good in this weather. I put on my socks and went to bed, teeth knocking...I was so tired I slept well anyway. It is funny to be called a bunny. When in Culveria I used to hunt bunnies, and was pretty good at it. My Aunt Eudora said "I was an asset to huntin' an' shouldn't waist ma time on useless schoolin'" but I want more than being like her, I want to continue learning, and give to society more than bunny meat and alligator skins. I had to fight my way here, and will be able to fight more if needed. I want so much to find my place here. I don't want to be homesick, there is nothing there for me now, yt I am. You really cannot give up your origins. Why is it? I'll wait for you to call me Miss Veronica Thank you again Janet Dolan 307 From: Malena Franklin Date: Fri Sep 24, 1999 3:12am Subject: To Elena: note under pillow Hi Elena Its me malena I wonder if You would like to sneak out this friday evening with me to town. If we try quite late around 23 I think we can go without being noticed. There are no lessons and Miss Veronica will be gone over weekend to visit relatives and Miss Annalinde is in other part of house.I know you live in same corridor as her but she use to read books so late so it should be safe if you could sneak out and meet me outside house. Its a splendid oppurtunity to run to open railwaystation and buy some candies. Miss Veronica confiscated all my candies last weekend I really long for some new which could come handy on sunday when we have grammophoneplaying. I long sooo for some chocolate and some salt candies..... Please,please Elena join me and do this..you need to have some excitement......and I think we wont have better chance then this evening. Hopeful malena ps. otherwise I do it myself....... 308 From: thorny Date: Fri Sep 24, 1999 10:45am Subject: Tea Party Miss Veronica I too would like to come to the tea party. My manners are quite good, though I am sure that there are many things that I will be able to learn from the more sophisticated students. I would also love to hear some of the grand music that will be played. Will we just play new tunes or may we also do a waltz or two? Do you need me to bring anything to the tea party? If so just let me know and I would be happy to do that. sabrina McCloud 309 From: thorny Date: Fri Sep 24, 1999 10:48am Subject: Re: Arrival at school Sweetie are you a blond or a brunnete? sabrina McCloud 310 From: thorny Date: Fri Sep 24, 1999 10:59am Subject: Elena Sabrina looks out her window and see's Elena stanging outside the Brunnette Dormitory looking so sad. I check myself in my mirror to make sure that my uniform is straight then I go down the stairs to go and fetch Elena. "Hello, Elena how are you today?" "Well, I don't have a room yet" the sad girl replied. "Well, here let me take your bags and you can come stay in my room. I have been ever so lonely." I take her bag and the I take her hand and I lead her up to my room. Once in the room we put away all of her things. Sabrina McCloud 311 From: Date: Fri Sep 24, 1999 10:23am Subject: where do I go?.... Emma strolls up the walkway, suitcases in hand and approaches the large building in front of her. Just as she's about put down her belongings and open the door, it swings open and out walks a sweet looking brunette. Emma tilts her head ever so slightly to the left while studying the girl, and utters a "hello". "Hi!" the other girl replies, "Im Malena. Welcome to Avendale. Can I help you get your things settled?" Emma is slightly taken back by this girls open display of extreme friendliness. "Wow!" thinks Emma.... I bet it's going to be really easy to make tons of new friends if everyone is as friendly as this girl! "Sure! I would love some help! Im Emma Bradbury. How old are you?" 312 From: Malena Franklin Date: Fri Sep 24, 1999 7:35am Subject: Re: where do I go?.... Hi Emma! A smiling me greets new girl Emma. " Hi Im malena and I am a 12 years old brunette girl Ill help you find everything here." Malena looks with envy at Emmas beautiful look and confident attitude...and swallows..I really hope I can be her friend.She is 16...ohh 4 years older then me.....I really would like to be her friend.... swallow deep..... Elena has not answered yet from my note but if she doesnot maybe I could ask Emma to sneak to railwaystation this evening and buy candies. Or we could do it all three together. Oh i wish she likes me....friendly I help Emma to find dorm and show her around school. In end of guiding I decide to whispering tell Emma that I plan to sneak out this evening to buy candies at railwaystation. "Will you join me? and maybe another girl will come too I dont know.. Its rather safe as Miss Veronica away to visit her relatives....thats our prefect....in brunettes dorm.....please Emma will you join me?" My brown eyes look pleadingly and admiring at Emma....... malena 313 From: Date: Fri Sep 24, 1999 10:42am Subject: Re: Re: where do I go?.... Emma is immensly relieved to hear Malenas plan for sneaking out this evening. She was secretly afraid that although the girls at this school would be nice, and there was no question that she would have friends.... she thought the girls might all be "rule followers, or proper young ladies".... and lack the sense of adventure and daring that she had. "I would simply LOVE to go out with you tonight!! And, of all the places to go..... I absolutely adore candy and sweets!!" beamed Emma. "Thank you so much for inviting me!!" What time shall I meet you, and where?" 314 From: Date: Fri Sep 24, 1999 11:07am Subject: Overheard Alexis was walking alone near the dormitory when she saw a young brunette she recognized as Malena, and an older, beautiful brunette girl whom she didn't recognize. The older brunette girl looked to be at least Alexis' age, 15, or maybe just a little bit older. "I would simply LOVE to go out with you tonight!! And, of all the places to go..... I absolutely adore candy and sweets!!" beamed the new brunette girl. "Thank you so much for inviting me!! What time shall I meet you, and where?" "Hi", Alexis ventured, wanting very much to get to know this pretty brunette girl. "My name is Alexis Harrington. I don't think we've properly been introduced. You are Malena, right? I've seen you about. But I don't think I've seen YOU before", she said to the new girl. "No, I've just arrived here at Avendale, actually. My name is Emma Eilise Bradbury", she crooned, tossing her locks back with practiced ease. "Welcome to Avendale. I'm rather new here myself. I don't know too many people yet. It's nice to meet someone close to my own age. I do hope we can get to be very good friends!" gushed Alexis. "I'd like that very much", Emma replied. "Well then..." Alexis said nervously, having run out of small talk. "Um, I overheard a bit of your conversation as I approached. I hope you are not upset with me! You are going somewhere tonight?" Malena looked nervously at the blonde Alexis, hoping that her plan would not be discovered and brought to the attention of the prefects. "Well, Emma and I were just..." "We were just talking about sneaking out tonight for some fun! Won't you join us?" Emma interjected. "Don't tell me you're a goody-two-shoes, now, Alexis!" "N-No, not at all!" Alexis stammered, taken aback. "I'd love to join you! What time and where shall I meet you?" Both of the older girls looked at Malena. 315 From: Date: Fri Sep 24, 1999 11:18am Subject: Re: Overheard Emma is getting more excited by the minute!! Group sneak outs are so much fun!! Of course, one realizes that the chances of being caught increase with each girl included....but that is what makes it half the fun- the suspense of trying not to be caught. Emma briefly wonders what would happen should the girls be caught. Although she doesn't want to make a bad impression on her first day here....the temptation to be sneaky is just too great to pass by. The most that probably will happen is an hour or two in the solitary room, or maybe early bed with no dinner.... not much to worry about really. Emma always wondered why the other girls at her other schools were always so well behaved when these were the only consequences one ever received for misbehavior. Although Mother did say that this school would be greatly different from all the other ones Emma attended, and Emma should try to behave; the temptation was just too good. Besides, they probably wouldn't get caught anyways. Curiousity getting the best of her, Emma asked the others "What do you think the consequence will be, should we somehow be caught sneaking out tonight? Does anyone know?" 316 From: Malena Franklin Date: Fri Sep 24, 1999 8:28am Subject: Sneaking out..... Ohhhhhhh I say about 23.00 but we must be careful. I swallowed.....i had not planned we be so many...and Elena had not answered yet.....and now this 2 older girls...Alexis too she so advanced......with me....yes I was honoured but also scared.....would we get away with it when so many maybe 4...girls......I really hope rumor was true about Miss Veronica away. Swallow more and only hope Miss Annalinde away in her books dreaming......and hope no Miss's out....this would not be seen with kind eyes from them......ooooohhhh.....i hope they sleep.......and grammophoneparty on sunday but I cannot stop now i must go with them.....if only Elena answered? malena 317 From: janet dolan Date: Fri Sep 24, 1999 3:29pm Subject: Wood carving Janet is a little bored. She has been reading the school manual for hours and cannot concentrate. The good weather outside seems a little too much to waste. She jumps up and collects her physics book and her knife, given to her by her Aunt Eudora on her 12th birthday. The handle is covered with alligator skin to prevent slipping and the blade is sharp enough to slash one. She goes into the garden, and quickly finds an isolated spot between the trees. Shepicks a suitable piece of wood, and while reading starts carving something out of the wood. The piece of wood is quickly getting the shape of a rowing boat, which she once saw in a book. she does not notice that splinters are covering her skirt, and her left knee sock is once more descending towards her ankle. She is absorbed so much in her book and her carving . Two figures aree approaching quietly, two older girls. Janet does not notice them and continues to carve the wood, absorbing the last rays of the automn sun. 318 From: Date: Fri Sep 24, 1999 11:31am Subject: Re: Sneaking out..... "Malena....why are you so worried? Relax!! Whats the most that could happen if we get caught?" 319 From: Tanya Date: Fri Sep 24, 1999 8:18am Subject: Re Sneaking out From Tanya@c... Dearest Malena, As I was passing the dorm earlier, I couldn't help overhearing you, Alexis and another girl whose voice I didn't recognise talking about sneaking out tonight to get some candy and generally have some fun. Is it too late to ask if I may join the "happy gang"? As you say, Miss Veronica is away and I don't think we'll get a better opportunity to stock up on your favourite sweets. Please reply as quickly as possible. Love Georgina 320 From: Malena Franklin Date: Fri Sep 24, 1999 8:33am Subject: Re: Sneaking out..... swallows.......pale... "We would probably be spanked by prefects and maybe sent to Miss Maitland.....swallow......" malena 321 From: Malena Franklin Date: Fri Sep 24, 1999 8:38am Subject: Re: Re Sneaking out Ohhhhh Georgina asking me too.....now we be 5...and I like her so much. stammers: "Yesssss Georgina....we sneak out at 23.00 I like you to come too......" Ohhhhh how will this end.....??? malena 322 From: Date: Fri Sep 24, 1999 11:46am Subject: Emma Alexis sat under her favorite willow tree, thinking about the delicious new brunette girl she just met. Emma. Such a beautiful face, and a lovely figure. A soft breeze swept Alexis' face, her eyes closed in daydreaming. She couldn't wait for tonight, when she and Emma and some of the other girls plan to sneak away from school for a romp in town. Thoughts of getting caught never crossed her mind... only thoughts of spending time with Emma. 323 From: Date: Fri Sep 24, 1999 11:50am Subject: Re: Re: Sneaking out..... "Excuse me?!" "You couldn't possibly have said 'spanked'..... I have NEVER been spanked in my entire life! Proper young ladies are not spanked." I have heard tales from some other girls at my previous schools talking about how their Mothers "tanned their hides"....but surely these must be fabrications, or at the least...very overexaggerated! The very idea of someone actually hitting my bottom with their hand, or some other implement!! Too much for me to fathom!" 324 From: Malena Franklin Date: Fri Sep 24, 1999 8:56am Subject: Re:Emma I just look at Emma and wonder.....never spanked...???? Look at my hands and remember Miss Sereliques handstrapping. And remembers Elena told me she been spanked by Miss Annalinde.....and knows several other girls thathas been spanked here in school. Emma would soon learn.....she maybe is not so advanced girl after all.....swallow...ooooohhh how will this end???? malena 325 From: Tanya Date: Fri Sep 24, 1999 3:57pm Subject: Point of departure? From Tanya@c... Hi Malena, Thanks for your quick reply. I'm already feeling jolly excited !! Please could you tell me where we are all meeting up at 2300? Oh, and don't worry, everything will be alright as long as we don't make too much noise. Everyone will be asleep by then !! Yours excitedly Georgina 326 From: Malena Franklin Date: Fri Sep 24, 1999 9:03am Subject: TIme has come! malena sneaks out I look up from bed in dorm....and see other girls asleep. Put shoes on and very quietly walks out and close door so quiet. Noone in corridor. Miss Veronicas door closed and dark under....ooooh she is away ......oooooh so well......walks faster down stairs and sees door and opens it and put...little book there...too keep door open and sneaks out and stands waiting for Emma and the other girls. Swallowing just praying noone will come....... malena 327 From: Date: Fri Sep 24, 1999 0:04pm Subject: Re: Rebecca "Yes,." Just before the door closed, Rebecca said, "Thank you, Elena." Elena smiled and replied, "You're ever so welcome, Rebecca." Rebecca goes in and sets her suitcase on the bed. She looks around the room. "Oh what a lovely room." She is hoping that all the other girls are as nice as Sabrina and Elena have been. Rebecca freshens up and proceeds to walk back down towards the headmistresses office. She approaches and knocks on the door. 328 From: Malena Franklin Date: Fri Sep 24, 1999 9:05am Subject: Re: Point of departure? Hi Georgina Schoolyard outside brunettes dorm at 23.00 Hsssssss dont tell anyone im so worried...... Hugs malena 329 From: Date: Fri Sep 24, 1999 0:08pm Subject: Dear Diary September 24, Dear Diary, Today, I met two new girls named Malena, Alexis, and a girl who's name I cannot remember right now. They all seemed so nice! We are planning a "sneak out" tonight....and I just can't wait! One thing I am a bit confused about though, is the consequence of getting caught. One girl said that she thought we would be spanked if caught!!! Can you believe it?!! I just keep thinking back to the stories from the Webster School about the girls who's mothers spanked them. Some told dreadful tales of their mothers raising their petticoats and lowering their bloomers to administer a spanking on the bare bottom....but these stories could not possibly be true.... no one would be so unkind as to expose a lady's bottom and cause pain through a spanking. Well, anyways...thats all for now. I just wanted to let you know that I am adjusting well to my new school.... Emma 330 From: Date: Fri Sep 24, 1999 0:33pm Subject: Georgina in the corridor Alexis sees Georgina in the corridor of the blonde dormitory. She is reading the Noticeboard. "Hello, Georgina!" "Oh hello, Alexis! How are you?", she replied, then in a whisper, "Are you really going to go through with sneaking out tonight? Malena told me that you were going to! I am most nervous about it!" "Me too, but I'm not too worried about it, really. Miss Annalinde will most likely be lost in her books and won't even notice that anything is amiss tonight!", the over-confident Alexis said. "I hope you are right. Alexis, did you see this notice about the 'Bullfrog Incident'? I am dreadfully curious about the identity of the culprit! Aren't you?", inquired Georgina. Blushing, Alexis said, "Well, I, um... Georgina, can you keep a secret?" "Yes, Alexis. What is it?" the very curious Georgina asked. "It was me." "You? Oh, you really must be joking, Alexis! Surely a blonde girl would not have pulled such a prank!' "Honest, Georgina. I did it." "Oh, my, Alexis! What did Miss Annalinde do to you?", the wide-eyed 12 year old questioned. Blushing again, Alexis nearly whispered, "She spanked me, with an awful paddle. She made me bend over her desk and she paddled me soundly. Promise you won't tell the other girls, Georgina? Please?" "Oh, no, of course not, Alexis!", she said quickly, as her mind whirled. Georgina couldn't wait to tell Elena this piece of news! From: Date: Fri Sep 24, 1999 0:35pm Subject: Re: Arrival at school Sweetie I am a brunette. Jamie 332 From: Date: Fri Sep 24, 1999 0:50pm Subject: Re: To Malena Dearest Malena, I implore you to do nothing dishonourable or disobedient. The rules that forbid us fron sneaking out are in place for our own protection. If you want to go out, then let us ask Miss Annalinde (since Miss Veronica is away) if she will escort us to town. You are my dear friend, Malena - please do not think I feel anything other than affection for you - but I regret that I cannot go with you. I feel it would be wrong for us to go out like that. I beg you to reconsider... With deepest concern, Elena Dierrian 333 From: Date: Fri Sep 24, 1999 1:07pm Subject: Bunnies' Tea Party Hello. Do sit down. There is acushion over there. Golly, there is hardly room in my little study, so many of you keep arriving. I think Elena will be here soon with something she has prepared especially for us. In the meantime, would you like some tea or some cream soda? Veronica is bringing some terribly interesting things. Does any one know what grits are? I don't think I've had a grit in my life, but I'm longing to try one. There are *so* many bunnies here at the moment, but it's sort of cosy being so crowded, isn't it? Shall we start by all holding hands round the room. Then we are all joined together; and if any of you are missing your homes and your families, remember you have another home and another family right here, to keep you safe until you see your real ones again. Janet - I bet you know what grits are, don't you? Now there's no need to look embarrassed, it isn't just a blonde affair - look, here is Sabrina and there's Malena. Malena, you've got a funny look about you - I *hope* you aren't up to something. And my little Georgina - how nice to see you again. I think we are all going to have a very nice time. . . 334 From: Date: Fri Sep 24, 1999 5:41pm Subject: to Elena and Georgina and the other girls of my form Thank you for your welcome. I really needed a warm help as everything in this school is so new to me. Bye for now...too much homework to do today... Marianna 335 From: Date: Fri Sep 24, 1999 1:44pm Subject: Re: Bunnies' Tea Party Alexis enters Miss Annalinde's study to the sight of the girls sitting in a circle holding hands. "Do come in, Alexis!" Miss Annalinde invites her cheerfully. Alexis can't help but remember what happened to her -- or more precisely, her bottom! -- the last time she entered this room. "Thank you!" Alexis moves in next to Malena and smiles at her. 336 From: laura Mertin Date: Fri Sep 24, 1999 10:51am Subject: Re: Welcome to avendale@onelist.com Head Mistress.. Monday will be my first day at school.. i will be preparing myself for this wonderful event all weekend.. See You soon.. ..laura 337 From: Date: Fri Sep 24, 1999 1:55pm Subject: No Subject Annalinde was asleep in her bed when a gentle knock came at her door. She was a light sleeper and came quickly to full consciousness, aware that one of her blondes might need her. She sat up in bed. "Come in," she called. The blonde who came was not as small as she had expected. It was Elspeth Elsvetta, looking rather frightened. "What is it?" asked Annalinde. "I couldn't sleep," said Elspeth. "I don't know why. You know how it is when you are awake in the dark and hear every sound. Well, I was listening in that way - and I am sure something is going on outside." "What sort of something?" "I don't know - animals perhaps. A lot of quiet crunching on the gravel. There is definitely something out there." Annalinde wished Veronica were not away. "Do you think we should go to one of the mistresses?" "I don't know. It may be nothing. But I knew you had a torch. If you shine it out of the window we may see something." This seemed a senmsible, safe course. Annalinde took her torch from her bedside cabinet and went quietly over to the window. Elspeth was right. There was definitely movement out there, though Annalinde was immediately doubtful of the animal hypothesis. She waited till her eyes became accustomed to the moving shadows and then shone on the torch on what she judged to be the right area.s she thought, there were a number of girls there. She recognised Malena Franklin, Alexis and a new girl. The girls froze in the light of the torch. "Stay exactly where you are," she called. "I am coming down." She turned to Elspeth. "Hold the torch on them. If any one tries to get away, tell me." In moments Annalinde was in the courtyard. "Malena," she said. "Georgina. Alexis - Alexis, you surprise me - so soon after our last little encounter. It seems I was too gentle with you. Now there was at least one other of you here. One was a very new girl. She must have arrived today as she hasn't been introduced to me. Now, I know you are all newish, but I am surprised at you leading such a very new girl astray like that. "All of you get to your beds. I shall decide what to do about this in the morning." 338 From: Ulalua Melenelia Date: Fri Sep 24, 1954 6:05pm Subject: Miss Poindexter composes herself Miss Poindexter composed herself. The note was not from her Love. Had she *really* thought it would be? Why would the delightful Ariadne be sending *her* a note? It was ridiculous. But her heart was heavy. She was deeply disappointed. She thought about it, and the more she thought, the more terrified she became. This Elena girl, a charming child, but what did she *know*? Were the girls gossiping, had she made her love for Ariadne so obvious that they all knew? All the staff, *everyone*? She shivered, though she was not cold. What if she were dismissed, would she ever see her darling Ariadne again. Oh what would she do. Her heart would simply cease to beat without the one she so loved and so desired. How did this Elena know? Was this meant as a warning to her? Was this Elena trying to tell her that they all know, and something is going to be done. Miss Poindexter was beside herself. What could she do. Oh dear, what could she do. Tears came to her eyes and she shook, shook with all the longing for the girl she loved and all the terror that she might be found out and disgraced. Disgraced in front of the girl she loved and wanted. Oh, Ariadne, Ariadne, how can I live without you? After a little while she got up. She thought more about the note. There was a possibility, a slim possibility that no-one actually knew anything. Perhaps this Elena, a very sensitive blonde, had simply seen that she was upset and wanted to be kind to her. Miss Poindexter prayed that was the case... 339 From: Delores Maybridge Date: Fri Sep 24, 1954 6:30pm Subject: Technical Points Girls, True to my word, those girls who have not introduced themselves, after due warning, have been removed from the list. May I take this opportunity to welcome the newcomers, and for their benefit, I should like to make some points. Firstly, I do not want to see "one-liners" on the list - I shall be very strict about this. It plugs up people's postboxes and makes it very difficult to read properly. Please make sure that if you contribute to the list, that you have something to say. When you are involved by other players in their narratives, it is essential that you respond. I have seen a few players not responding to those who take the time and trouble to include them. If you are asked questions, you are to answer them, and shortly. I shall re-iterate, this list is for *players*, not occasional readers. When characters refer to time, please use a twelve hour clock. We are not in the Army, girls, so 23.00 means nothing. 11:00pm, *please*. If anyone has any questions, please ask me, or one of the prefects. Everyone is very happy to help, here at Avendale. Delores Maybridge 340 From: Date: Fri Sep 24, 1999 2:45pm Subject: Rebecca "Yes,." Just before the door closed, Rebecca said, "Thank you, Elena." Elena smiled and replied, "You're ever so welcome, Rebecca." Rebecca goes in and sets her suitcase on the bed. She looks around the room. "Oh what a lovely room." She is hoping that all the other girls are as nice as Sabrina and Elena have been. Rebecca freshens up and proceeds to walk back down towards the headmistresses office. She approaches and knocks on the door. 341 From: Delores Maybridge Date: Fri Sep 24, 1954 6:55pm Subject: Re: Rebecca Miss Maybridge was just leaving Miss Maitland's study when she saw Rebecca there, knocking on the door. "The headmistress is engaged on some Important Business, girl, she will see you when she is ready. Hurry along now. If you have any trouble, go to one of the prefects, the headmistress is very busy, you know", she said to Rebecca, "why don't you run along to the bunnies' tea party, it is in Annalinde's study. You will meet the other new girls there". "Yes, miss" replied Rebecca meekly, hurrying off to look for Annalinde's study. 342 From: Ulalua Melenelia Date: Fri Sep 24, 1999 8:03pm Subject: The Bully The Bully Her name was Cynthia Annabelle Terwillinger. She was a fair brunette. She possessed a large, sturdy frame, but for all that, she was considered very pretty. She was sixteen years old. She was relatively new to Avendale, having arrived just last term. Cynthia was exceedingly proud of the fact that she was attending a prestigious school such as Avendale. In Cynthia's opinion, it was merely her due. She felt entitled, as a pupil of the one of the best schools in the realm, to a few amenities. One such amenity was the availability of younger girls to do her bidding. Cynthia longed for a prefect's badge and duties. If you asked her, she would tell you that she desired to make a greater contribution to the school and be as a mentress to other girls. But had you been able to look into Cynthia's unhappy heart, you would have seen a far different picture, for it is a sad fact that Cynthia simply desired to see herself obeyed and nothing more. It is difficult to say why Cynthia felt as she did - perhaps it was because her blonde Mummy had failed to spank her sufficiently when she caught Cynthia at misdeeds. Perhaps it was because her brunette Mummy's job forced her to travel, and so she was not always on hand to provide the strict discipline a young brunette requires to become a gentlebrunette. Or perhaps it was her Nanny, who, being blonde, was somewhat overawed of the young brunette as she grew older and found she could refuse the child nothing. Whatever the reason, it is another sad fact that young Cynthia had grown to her sixteenth year very used to getting and having her own way in most matters. Perhaps that was why her blonde Mummy, feeling something was very wrong, but being quite unable to put her dainty finger upon it, had decided to send her precious daughter to Avendale instead of the local academy. Cynthia, for her part, simply could not imagine why Miss Tuttle, the Mistress of her previous school, had not awarded her the coveted prefect's badge. That lady, like Cynthia's blonde Mummy, felt that something was out of sorts - not quite right - but could not make an exact summation of the problem, as Cynthia presented to her (and every other grown-up), a face as pretty and polite as a china doll's. Oh, the little creature's manners were nothing short of perfect...as long as adults and senior girls were present, that is. Once she was surrounded by juniors and those less in stature than herself, young Cynthia became quite a different girl. Cynthia was quite certain that *this* would be the term that she, Cynthia Annabelle Terwillinger, received the Pinnacle - the prefect's badge. And oh, what fun she would be able to have then! Soon, Cynthia thought, the new Headmistress - some old trout named Maitland - would appreciate her for the gem she was. Yes, she thought, soon they would all see! Once arrived at Fair Avendale, Cynthia quickly identified those who would best suit her purposes - girls of good scholastic ability but timid demeanor, who might be intimidated into completing assignments and running small errands for her. She did not spare the school staff in this, snooping about and learning which girls might have secrets - they would probably not wish to share with the Mistresses or prefects. Some were petty - minor violations of the rules that would have earned the guilty miss a writing assignment, or at worst, a strapped hand. Some violations were more serious and would have certainly resulted in a long and painful interview with the strap or the cane. Cynthia collected these transgressions as a numismatiste collects antique coins, storing them up in the treasure house of her unhappy heart and using them judiciously. First, there was Sally Dawes, a junior kitchen maid. Sally was young, having just turned fifteen, blonde, and pretty in a saucy way. She was not a terribly clever girl, but she was inclined toward high spirits and very impulsive. Cynthia discovered that Sally was a minor pilferess. Oh, she took nothing of great value, though she was plainly wrong. Had Cook or any of the senior kitchen staff discovered Sally's naughtiness, it is certain that buxom young creature would have had trouble sitting for at least week, not to mention being made to recompense what she had taken from her small wages. Cynthia, had she been an upright and righteous young brunette, would have reported Sally or convinced her to turn herself in for her own good. Alas, Cynthia was not. She coerced Sally, with a promise of continued silence, to smuggle her small treats. With great delight did Cynthia describe the direful whippings that awaited a thief, and Sally, as we have said, was not overly gifted with intelligence and believed her. In addition to the extra tidbits, Cynthia was more than happy to subject Sally to an occasional excess of civility, stealing kisses and caresses whenever she could. Bethany Claridge, aged sixteen, was a young gentleblonde of superior linguistic skill but very poor judgement. One dark night, Cynthia chanced to discover Bethany slipping back into the blonde dormitory after an assignation with a rough brunette in Avenbridge. (And perhaps it is better that the gentle reader does not ask what young Miss Terwillinger was doing abroad at so late an hour.) Had Annalinde or one of the mistresses found her out, Bethany would have ended the encounter with a very sore bottom, not to mention a weighty writing imposition about the expected conduct of a young lady of Avenbridge. Cynthia promised silence - if only Bethany would be *so* kind as to provide her with the answers to her English exercises. Then, there was Melisande Delaporte, a pretty, willowy brunette of seventeen. Melisande liked to smoke cigarettes - a decidely forbidden activity for a young lady of her tender years, and Cynthia made it her business to learn Melisande's secret and promise to tell no one in authority, provided Melisande would assist Cynthia with her mathematics, for Melisande was a formidable mathamaticienne. Finally, there was poor, dear, desolated Miss Penelope Poindexter. It was she whom Cynthia next fixed her hungry eyes upon, for if ever there was someone whose demeanor shrieked of secrets to conceal, it was Miss Poindexter. Cynthia watched carefully, noting how the brunette mistress' eyes fixed sadly upon the fair Ariadne. Cynthia heard her longing sighs. Cynthia marked well when the mistress' candle burned long into the wee hours of the night. "Now," she thought, "all I need is some sort of proof and Miss Poindexter (and good marks history - my least favorite subject) will be mine." Cynthia was cordially loathed by those who knew her reputation - actually a select few who had been unfortunate enough to come to her attention. They were too afraid of her to make a complaint against her. Alas, fear can make fools of even the wisest maids. It was during her campaign to spy upon poor, lovestruck Miss Poindexter that she first ran afoul of Veronica Bellemont, the brunette prefect. That upright young lady was taking a late afternoon stroll through the garden when she espied Cynthia's sturdy form, lurking near to where Miss Poindexter sat, forlornly, writing in a small book. The mistress appeared to be in the throes of heartbreak, tears coursing softly down her smooth cheeks. Veronica did not know what ailed the desolate Miss Poindexter, but she DID know that no pupil had any business whatsoever lurking behind the mistress in such a clandestine manner. Feeling all of chivalrous Culveria rising within her breast, Veronica carefully slipped up behind Cynthia, as quiet as an Indienne brave. She then placed a firm hand on Cynthia's shoulder and whirled her around. "Oh!" At Cynthia's exclamation, Miss Poindexter looked up from her journal; an expression of surprise, then mortified embarrassment crossed her fine features. Clutching her book to her breast, she fled the garden without looking back. "Might a body inquire as to what you were doing, Terwillinger?" As always when she was annoyed, Veronica's accent was especially pronounced. Cynthia looked left, right - anywhere but Veronica's set, angry expression. Veronica said, "I'm waiting, Terwillinger." "Um.....M-miss Veronica. H-how nice to see you. I-I was just......umm........looking in on Miss P-Poindexter......." "'Looking in on her?'" quoted Veronica, disbelief heavy in her voice. "Yes. Yes, that's right. I was looking in on her, b-because... because anyone in the world could tell she was troubled, and-and I was concerned, as any…any gentlemaid would be, Miss Veronica. I declare, you frightened me out of a year's growth-" Veronica considered the matter. The culprit's face was pale and damp with beaded perspiration. Veronica was certain that Cynthia was not telling her the truth, or at least all of the truth. But it was not genteel to call a pette a liar to her face. Veronica decided she would have to watch this one very closely indeed. She was also sure of one other thing: it was a violation of both ethics and etiquette to observe someone - especially a Mistress - without their knowledge or consent. "Well, Terwillinger, I am sure Miss Poindexter would be tickled to death to learn of your concern for her welfare." "Oh, one need not thank me, M-miss Veronica. I was only doing what was correct." Veronica smiled fiercely. "I declare I am glad to hear you say so, Terwillinger. Because you're going to write her a note that describes your actions today and the reason for those actions, requesting that she discipline you as she sees fit." Cynthia started to relax visibly, when Veronica continued, "and where I hail from, no one worthy of bein' called a lady would observe another lady, from hiding, as you were doing today. I have high standards for my girls, Terwillinger, and I will not have anyone in my dormitory behaving in such a way as to cast any aspersions on the character or reputation of my dorm." Cynthia nodded her head vigorously, looking for a non-existent escape route. "Y-y-y-yes... Of course, Miss Veronica. As you say..." "You see that birch tree yonder, Terwillinger?" Veronica pointed, and Cynthia nodded dully, disliking this sudden turn of events. "Run fetch me a couple of switches and don't be too long about it." Unhappily, Cynthia did as she was told. Since she was under Veronica's direct observation, it seemed there would be no reprieve. She pulled the switches from the birch tree and brought them back to the waiting prefect, who took them and began to strip them of leaves. That task done, Veronica turned her attention back to Cynthia. "See that bench? I want you to bend over and place your hands on the bench." Cynthia complied. "Good. Now, feet apart - excellent. Don't move." Veronica looked around; no one else was in sight. She then carefully folded Cynthia's skirt and petticoat over her back, exposing her white cotton knickers, suspenders and dark stocking tops. Cynthia's stockings were relatively short, so a goodly expanse of creamy thigh was exposed above the dark-welted tops of her stockings. "Now before I begin, Terwillinger, can you tell me why you find yourself in this embarrassing position?" "Um...because I was observing Miss Poindexter, out of my great concern for her?" "Because you were observing Miss Poindexter in a very clandestine manner, during what was obviously a very private occasion," corrected Veronica crisply. "And what will you do after I'm finished making your derriere smart, Terwillinger?" Cynthia bit her lip. If only this silly girl would only thrash her already and quit prosing on so. "I-I'm going to write Miss Poindexter a note, explaining my actions..." "...and asking her to punish you for those actions as she sees appropriate. Oh, and you will take 300 lines: 'I will endeavor, at all times, to comport myself with courtesy, honour and respect, as befits a Young Lady of Avendale.'" "Yes, Miss Veronica," Cynthia replied in a less-than-enthusiastic tone. Veronica thinned her lips in annoyance at the implied insolence in Cynthia's voice, drew back her arm and made a fierce cut with the switches across Cynthia's exposed thighs. Cynthia yelped loudly and jumped up. Gently, but with a steely firmness, Veronica pulled her back into position. Still holding her tightly, Veronica made several more well-aimed cuts with the dual switches across Cynthia's seat and thighs. The prefect smiled as Cynthia's feet began to do an involuntary dance to the rhythm of the switching. Cynthia was squealing in time to the strokes. "How long has it been since you've had a proper whipping, Terwillinger?" Veronica asked conversationally. "Seems to me like it's been a long spell. Well, now that you have come to my attention, Terwillinger, you can look forward to having your derriere well-tanned on a regular basis. Do you a world of good, in my opinion." Cynthia wailed as Veronica's next stroke crossed a weal. "I'm ashamed of you, Terwillinger - an almost grown brunette, crying like a mule." "Oh, it stings! It stings!!" wailed Cynthia, whose bottom and thighs fekt as if they were on fire. Veronica was a strong, healthy young lady in very good condition, and she had a strong right arm. "That's the idea, darlin'," Veronica said with a determined but satisfied grin. Despite her fair colouration, this was no delicate blonde, and for the first time in a while, Veronica felt she could give this naughty miss a really proper thrashing. The switch continued to rise and fall for the next several minutes, increasing in severity every time Cynthia cried out, protested or struggled. It took a while for Cynthia to submit herself to the chastisement and relax in Veronica's authoritarienne enmbrace. Finally, the prefect cast the switches aside. Her arm was quite tired, and the formerly white expanses of Cynthia's thighs were criss-crossed with fine, red welts. Cynthia started to rise; Veronica held her down and said, "Now, did I give you permission to stand, yet, Terwillinger?" "No, Miss Veronica." The formerly sullen voice was tearful and, most noticeably, respectful. Veronica proceeded to apply a dozen very firm swats to Cynthia's bottom and welted thighs. She took the blows quietly enough, to Veronica's satisfaction. The brunette prefect then took a moment to admire her handiwork. "I bet your tailfeathers are nice and warm," remarked Veronica in a good-humoured tone. She imagined could feel the heat from the spanking, as well as the small, raised weals from the switch. "I truly enjoy doing a task well," Veronica remarked. "You may stand, Terwillinger." She released Cynthia, who stood and carefully, gingerly readjusted her petticoat and skirt. "Th-thank you, Miss Veronica." Veronica smiled and pulled the girl to herself in a sisterly embrace. "You're more than welcome, Sugar. That's what I'm here for." As Cynthia turned to go, Veronica said, in parting, "Oh, I'll want to see that letter before you deliver it to Miss Poindexter." "Yes, Miss Veronica. Y-you shall have it." Veronica departed without another glance at Cynthia, who was left standing in the garden, as the twilight gathered around her. Her seat and thighs stung miserably, but for the first time in a very long time, she felt warmed inside. 343 From: Date: Fri Sep 24, 1999 8:15pm Subject: Caught! Georgina and Alexis whispered from their beds in their darkened quarters. Miss Annalinde had just delivered them to their beds and turned off the light after having caught them trying to sneak into town. "Oh, my goodness! We were so quiet. How did she ever know we were out there?", wondered a perplexed Georgina. "I don't know...all I know is, I don't want the morning to come!", Alexis chimed in. "Me either. What do you think Miss Annalinde will do to us?", worried Georgina. "I do not want to even so much as think about it right now!", Alexis said. A sleepy voice chimed in from across the room, "Shhh! Please! Some of us are trying to sleep!" "Sorry.", Alexis & Georgina whispered in unison. They both soon fell into a restless sleep. 344 From: Date: Fri Sep 24, 1999 8:18pm Subject: Elena's Sleepless Night Elena Dierrian delivered her reply to the note Malena Franklin had left under her pillow and returned to her own dormitory. She breathed a quiet prayer to Dea that Malena decided to be sensible and ask to be taken to town the next day. Elena herself had another matter to ponder. Surely, a right-thinking maid would immediately report this matter to Miss Annalinde or even, perhaps, a Mistress. For it was clear to Elena that sneaking out in the middle of the night was very naughty, not to mention unwise. Who knew what wild beasts might be abroad, or worse yet, creatures of Darkness and undead shadesthat preyed upon young maidens who ventured out in the dark of night. Still, Malena was a brunette, and young brunettes can be very brave - even foolhardily so. On the other hand, of course, Malena was a dear friend. To tell on her...would such an act be dishonourable or not? Elena was Sithienne enough to be very concerned with honour and with being honourable. Maybe, thought Elena, maybe Malena heeded my warning and stayed in tonight. She lay quietly in her bed, praying that this were so. Then she heard them outside in the courtyard. She willed herself to remain still in her bed. She could hear the scrapes of shoes upon gravel and girlish whispers and giggles. The she heard an unmistakable voice say, "Stay exactly where you are; I am coming down." Miss Annalinde! Oh dear! Now they're going to catch it, thought Elena unhappily. Not too long after that, she heard Annalinde's firm, light footfalls in the gravel. "Malena," she said. "Georgina. Alexis - Alexis, you surprise me - so soon after our last little encounter." Oh, no, thought Elena, with a growing sense of dread. Not Georgina, too! As for Alexis, Elena did not know her well, though she recalled meeting Alexis that day she went to Miss Annalinde to share her concerns for poor Miss Poindexter. "It seems I was too gentle with you," continued Annalinde, sounding both tired and disappointed. "Now there was at least one other of you here. One was a very new girl. She must have arrived today as she hasn't been introduced to me. Now, I know you are all newish, but I am surprised at you leading such a very new girl astray like that. "All of you get to your beds. I shall decide what to do about this in the morning." Elena could sense the culprits' growing sense of dread, almost as if it were her own. She wondered, should I tell Miss Annalinde that I, too was invited to go along on this escapade? Oh, what shall I do?? She lay awake a long while, pondering her next actions, until sleep finally overcame her. 345 From: janet dolan Date: Sat Sep 25, 1999 0:40am Subject: Wood carving Miss Veronica approached Janet. Behind her Janet saw another brunette who was walking slowly and had a definitely crestfallen appearance. Janet jumped up, knocking down her little boat and trying to hide her knife. "Janet! show me your hands!" said the breunette prefect. "Yes Miss Veronica". Janet felt so embaressed with her disarrayed skirt covered with wood slinters, and her troublesome left sock. She put out her hands, giving the knife handle first to Veronica. "Well bless my heart" said Veronica, once more letting her Culverian accent show, "a real piece of Culverian blade manufecturing, doing her maker real proud" She took the knife, weighing it in her hand." I've never seen one of those handles, is it alligator skin?" "Yes Miss Veronica, t'was given t'me by my brunette aunt Eudora when I turned 12, and she wasstill thinking I'll join her huntin... I'm sorry if I shouldn't have brought it here, but it's only for carving" "Janet,this thing is sharp enough to seriously injure you if you are not careful, what have you been carving?" Wordlessly Janet lifted the discarded boat from the floor and showed it to Veronica. Veronica turned to the other brunette and said coldly "You may go on to finish your lines and note now". The other girl turned awakwardly and continued to walk down the path. "Janet, this is beautiful, you are talented but I cannot allow you to have such a knife here. It might be abused, either by you or someone else, and is bound to get you in trouble dear. On the other hand, you may be allowed to carve, using more fitting utensils. Let me see what we can do about it." Janet looked forlornly at her knife and asked "Will I get it back when I go home?" "Sure thing sugar". Janet wanted to hug Veronica but stopped, not sure how the strict prefect would react. She pulled at her left sock trying to adjust it. Veronica looked at her with a smile and said: "well I can see why you are concerned about the uniform. I'll call you tomorrow and talk things over with you. I also have to consider your if this knife incident does not merit some attention to your rear end, just to make sure that you ask permission ahead of doin' things in the future. Now you run along to the dorm and get yourself ready to the bunnies tea party, and I'll deposit this here fine art object with Miss Maitland" Janet smiled and ran like a true bunny towards the dorm. 346 From: Date: Fri Sep 24, 1999 10:02pm Subject: Re: Elena's Sleepless Night Emma crept quietly back to her dorm room and snuck back into bed. "How could we have gotten caught so quickly?"...she was wondering to herself. Luckily, when she first saw that light shining on them, she ducked behind a tree....and avioded being outright caught. And further in her favor was the little fact that Miss Annalinde didn't know who she was yet....therefore, Emma might not be tied to the "sneak out". Emma drifted off to sleep, wearing a confident smile.... she wasn't worried at all. The chances of her being punished for the sneak out were slim; and even if she was punished too, it couldn't be as bad as the girls seemed to think... No, Emma wasn't worried at all..... 347 From: Malena Franklin Date: Fri Sep 24, 1999 8:09pm Subject: Catastrophe! OHHHHHH.....hands for face laying in bed and feeling so ashamed.... Why, why, didnt I listen to Elena.....ooooh why did this go wrong????? OOhhhhh why were we so many??? Regret,shame and fear mixed in Malenas mind laying in bed after this disgraceful minutes outside when Miss Annalinde came and caught the little group of girls. Sniffing in pillow and really feeling ashamed for this stupid idea. So humiliating to be scolded and caught and send to bed directly with Miss Annalindes stern face looking at them. Ohh and she was the girl who came up with idea.....oooooohh what will happen tomorrow....Miss Annalindes voice been so sharp and clear.... Sleepless....swallowing deep and with fear and shame glowing in face Malena lay looking in roof and hoping this was only a nightmare...but she knew...she would have to face consequenses tomorrow...... and she thought of how wise and good her friend Elena was....she should stick to her from now on and not listen to the older girls.... Malena PS to Miss Maybridge I apologize for my mixture of timescale...Im sorry Ill do better Miss! 348 From: Tanya Date: Sat Sep 25, 1999 3:30am Subject: Georgina's Dream Tanya@c... At a quarter to five on Saturday morning, Georgina awoke suddenly. She had just had the most terrible dream. In it, she and a few of the other girls had decided to sneak out after lights-out and make their way in to Avenbridge ostensibly to acquire some extra reserves of sweets for Malena's bedside locker. At just past eleven o'clock outside the bronette dorm, Alexis, Malena, Georgina and a new girl whose name Georgina did not yet know, had stood in the cool late-evening air trying desperately not to make any noise that might possibly awaken any of the maidens inside sleeping peacefully. The new girl was already beginning to have some second thoughts about their escapade after Malena had informed her that if they were, by any chance caught, they would almost certainly receive for their trouble, a severe spanking and quite possibly a caning from the headmistress or one of the senior mistresses or prefects.. The excitement and danger of their adventure however propelled them onwards as they tiptoed their way down the long school driveway and out into the surrounding Avenbridge countryside. Malena, too, had begun to harbour some reservations for what had started out as just a " two girl affair" had now turned into a "gang of four". She reasoned, and probably qoite correctly, that the more girls there were involved, the more chance there was of getting caught. Still, she knew she couldn't possibly back out now at the last moment and consequently lose face. Indeed, there was something of this feeling in all the girls' hearts but none of them could possibly admit to it. None of the four girls had remembered to bring anything resembling a torch so they were continually losing their footing on the less than smooth country lanes. They had forgotten the golden maxim "Good Organisation and Planning". Suddenly, some way off in the distance, they saw the headlights of a car coming towards them. Alexis shouted at the other girls to dive in to the bushes at the side of the road. As the car seemed to slow down and pass them but not stop, they hoped against hope that they had not been seen or worse still, recognised !! Should they turn back or continue on to the railway station as planned? After not a small amount of deliberation, they had decided to head back to the school hoping they could creep back in to their respective dorms without anyone being any the wiser. It was at this point in the dream that Georgina woke up. She initially remembered thinking, "Oh, thank Dea it was only a bad dream", but then realised with horror that no, what she had dreamt had been near enough exactly what had occured the previous evening. Yes, they had sneaked out. Yes, they had decided to go in to town. Yes, they had arranged to meet in the schoolyard at 11pm. Georgina realised that the only difference between the dream and the reality was that the schoolyard was as far as they had got. She suddenly remembered that a torch had been shined down on them from one of the upstairs' windows closely followed by the stern voice of Miss Annalinde saying, "Don't anybody move, I'm coming right down" As Georgina listened to the peaceful breathing of the other girls around her in her dorm, she suddenly felt extremely worried, How could she have decided to get involved in such a ludicrous escapade? What was going to happen later that day when Miss Annalinde had decided how she was going to deal with the incident? 349 From: Date: Sat Sep 25, 1999 1:10am Subject: The Reckoning - Part 1 The three girls stood in front of Annalinde. "Whose idea was this?" she asked. "It was mine," said Malena. "Thank you for being honest, Malena. But really, a brunette should be a little more responsible than to suggest such harebrained schemes to blondes. I am not saying that blondes have no judgement of their own - at least they ought to have" she looked at the other two meaningly - "but some have an unfortunate tendency to take their lead from brunettes a little indiscriminately." There was a knock at the door. A senior girl conducted a new brunette into the room. "Emma Eilise Bradbury, Miss Annalinde" said the senior girl. "The only brunette admitted in the last day or two." "And the right one," said Annalinde. "I did not recognise you last night, Emma. But when I say I did not recognise you, I do not mean that I could not make out your features. You are a rather distinctive girl" - Emma smiled despite herself - "I simply knew that I had never seen you before. Sad really, as I like to meet new girls under rather more pleasant circumstances. "I confess I did not realise you were so old - how old are you, Emma? - I was thinking you had been led astray by these others, but I begin to wonder about you. Very few girls try to leave the school illegally before they have even unpacked. And I hardly imagine you can have been overawed by these younger children. I think you will bear watching, Emma Eilise, and I shall watch you. "A girl like you can be an influence for good in this school, or an influence for ill. I hope you will decide to be the former. You will find it distinctly more comfortable." Emma's reactions were mixed. All this seemed rather more serious than anything that had happened at her previous schools. She was afraid, but at the same time there was something rather fascinating in seeing such an authoritative young blonde, She had never encountered one like this before." Now, I should like you brunettes to stand outside the room while I deal with the blondes. The two brunettes left and Annalinde turned to the blondes. "Georgina. I have thought of you as quite a sensible girl up till now. You realise this is quite a serious offence, don't you?" "Yes, Miss Annalinde." "Bend over my desk." Georgina obeyed. Annalinde delivered six resounding strokes with the large paddle Veronica had given her, over her gymslip. Alexis visibly shrank when she saw the implement. She has experienced it before. Georgina gasped, squealed, but managed to refrain from crying. She stood up biting her lip after the ordeal. It had been more intense than she had imagined it could be. Her face was deeply flushes and perspiration glistened on her brow. "You will take two hundred lines, Georgina. 'I must be in bed by lights out, stay in bed after lights out and never leave the school grounds without permission.'" Georgina hardly noticed the length of the line. All her concentration was in her throbbing behind. 350 From: Malena Franklin Date: Fri Sep 24, 1999 10:51pm Subject: Re: The Reckoning - Part 1 Ohhhhhh here we stand outside Miss Annalinde's door. So terrible hearing that awful sound of paddle on bottom. It was withuout question Georginas loud voice that was heard screaming. My hand goes to my backside and I wonder what I will get.... I had confessed that it was all my idea...... Now was quite different from earlier this evening when having tea and sitting here chatting and being friendly to each other. My stupid idea had put several girls in trouble and I sniff when i hear Georgina that I like so much cry and wail inside Miss Annalindes room.And what will miss Veronica say when she comes back???? Ohhh I bite my lip so hard for every smack of that awful paddle that can be heard thru door..... I look anxious at my friend Emma...I didnt wished her to be in trouble first day because of me...hands twisting so and shift from feet to feet so anxious and scared.....hands wandering from front to backside....all time anxious biting my lip and look at Emma ....she seems to take it rather calmly but she also so much older then me.... And will I be allowed to join musicsession tomorrow....or.....???ooooooh why did I come up with this stupid idea....??????Thinks of Elena and her wise advice......I must listen more to her....and swallow try to be more grownup.... Malena 351 From: Date: Sat Sep 25, 1999 8:10am Subject: Sleeping too well Janet woke up in the morning and sat up in her bed. This is the first real good night sleep she got in Avendale. She congratulates herself on her getting used to the colder weather so fast. There is a commotion around Malena and Georgina. They are both already dressed in uniform and look slightly pale. Janet comes over quietly and asks Malena what happened. She soon finds out about last night's escapade. She goes back to her corner and starts to get dressed. She is worried. Before coming here, Aunt Eudora told her she will lose all her instincts. She was so tired she did not hear the girls go out, something which never happened to her before. "Am I losing my hunter instincts? Might Aunty Eudora be right? Is it just because I was tired? and what will miss Annalynde do to Malena and Georgina? Will she cane them? So many questions? 352 From: Date: Sat Sep 25, 1999 4:43am Subject: Re: The Reckoning - Part 1 "Emma Eilise Bradbury, Miss Annalinde" said the senior girl. "The only brunette admitted in the last day or two." What about me?? I am brunette. I came to the school in the last 2 days. Rebecca~13 353 From: Date: Sat Sep 25, 1999 6:36am Subject: The Reckoning The next morning, Elena Dierrian washed and dressed as fast as she could, hoping against hope to be able to speak to Miss Annalinde first thing that morning. It was only after she was properly dressed that she noticed Georgina was already gone. Oh dear. As she made her way toward the blonde prefect's room, Elena felt a growing sense of urgency. As she drew nearer, she was certain she could discern the distinctive sound of an implement of correction upon tender, feminine flesh. Alas, too late! Too late for what, she chided herself. Ridiculous creature, even had you made it to Miss Annalinde's room well ahead of the others, what would you accomplish? Nothing can prevent Miss Annalinde from dispensing their just punishments for such an foolish venture. And was it not their *own* choice to disobey the rules and risk punishment? She could hear the voice of her older sister ringing through her head - dear, sensible, brunette Elara - only seventeen, but already a Senior Cadette. 'The trouble with you, Little Sister, is that you are *too* sensitive on occasion.' 'Too sensitive.' Elena sighed softly and stopped in her tracks. I will speak to Miss Annalinde later, when she is not busy. I must tell her how I feel and hope she will not think me a fool. But I must not loiter in the corridor outside her room, lest she or anyone else think me an eavesdropper. Purposefully, the twelve year old turned on her heel and headed herself in the opposite direction. 354 From: Date: Sat Sep 25, 1999 7:25am Subject: Re: The Reckoning Standing outside the door with Elena; Emma starts to nervously play with one lock of her long, silky hair. Long gone was that confident, assured feeling that no matter what the consequences they wouldn't be that bad. The new feeling, dread and regret mixed together, were fast taking hold with each "smack" sound followed by whimper that could be clearly heard from behind the door. Looking over at Elena only made it worse. Granted she was just 12, while Emma turned 16 last month.....but still, Emma was beginning to think that she had been gravely ingorant of the consequences for misbehavior at Avendale. And her mind was playing little tricks on her as well; for even as she was standing there and listening to what obviously must have been a spanking in the next room, she still could not fathom the idea that it would be happening to her next. Thinking back on all the stories she had heard in the past from other girls at other schools....Emma wonders if Miss Annalinde is using her hand, or a paddle or strap to discipline Georgina and Alexis. She also remembers vaugely of some girls mentioning that their petticoats were raised and bloomers lowered for a spanking....but surely that would NEVER happen at this fine school. That would be ultimately the most embarrassing thing ever imagined! Emma is jolted from her semi-daydream state when the door is jerked open by an angry and stern looking Annalinde; Georgina and Alexis depart, sniffling and weeping and rubbing their bottoms. "Come in girls" orders Miss Annalinde, "your turn has come." Emma and Elena grasp hands together in silent support and slowly walk in.... 355 From: Tanya Date: Sat Sep 25, 1999 2:34pm Subject: Note to Elena Georgina's Reckoning Aftermath From Tanya@c... Note passed to Elena during Avendale senior lacrosse match. Dearest Elena, I can honestly say I don't jolly well know where to begin. Suffice to say, today has not been the most illustrious of my school career to date. I know you must be aware by now of the events of the past twenty-four hours vis a vis the attempted "sneak-out" by myself, Alexis, Malena and the very attractive new girl Emma Eilise Bradbury. Malena told me earlier today that she had asked you if you would come along too but you had most sensibly declined. Oh Elena, if only I had possessed a fraction of your wisdom and common sense, I would never have become embroiled in this plainly absurd escapade. I truly don't know what came over me !! It's not really in my character to be so wilfully disobedient and I have never attempted anything of this nature before. Even now, I still can't believe I asked Malena if I could join her and the others. My only possible explanation is that having caught a brief glimpse of Emma in the corridor and knowing that she was to be one of the "sneak-out" girls, I was intrigued by what can only be described as her glamour and attitude I know this is no justification at all for what I did and I truly,truly hope that this does not compromise our friendship in any way. Even though I've been here for but a short time, I feel I have found a very wise and true friend in you. Please forgive me Elena. I am writing this letter to you lying on my bed on my tummy as my bottom is still so dreadfully sore and tender from the paddling I received from Miss Annalinde as a result of my "moment of madness". I can honestly say I've never seen her so angry even though Dea knows she had good reason to be ! For a blonde, she really knows how to punish a young lady in dire need of disciplinary correction. I thought only brunettes were capable of paddling, strapping or caning that hard !! And Elena, if that wasn't enough, Miss Annalinde also gave me 200 lines to write, and a very long line at that. It will take me forever and a day to complete them all. One thing I do hope is that my mummies don't get to hear about all this. If Miss Maitland informs them or they learn of it some other way, it would almost definitely mean a secondary punishment when I return home for the winter holidays and if I know my mummies in any small way, it would almost certainly mean a very sharp dose with one of the household disciplinary canes they keep upstairs in their bedroom. I can only hope and pray to Dea that they never find out. Anyway Elena, enough of my moaning and complaining. I've just remembered I've got something very exciting to tell you although you must promise not to tell anyone else because the girl in question told me in complete confidence. Yesterday, as I was standing reading some of the announcements on the school noticeboard, Alexis Harrington approached and we started chatting. When I commented on the notice put up by Miss Annalinde saying the girl responsible for the "frog incident" had "owned up and had been suitably chastised", she asked me if I wanted to know a secret. Well, you know me Elena, having such an insatiable appetite for gossip, I responded in the affirmative. The long and short of it is that it was she who had commited the crime. It's difficult to believe a blonde capable of such a thing. Another "moment of madness" I suppose ! I must take up no more of your time Elena, I do so hope we can still have the "gramophone party" tomorrow in spite of all that's happened and I do hope Malena, Alexis and Emma aren't as sore as I am ! Love Georgina 356 From: Date: Sat Sep 25, 1999 4:04pm Subject: Lynette Klaire's Arrival to Avendale Lynette Klaire felt so relived having all her belongings neatly tucked away. The travel had been exhausting for the 17-year-old brunette. All she could think of was her soft comfortable bed back at home. She looked over the books she brought from home and picked out one of the comic books. The slick cover comforted her and she thought of her thoughtful brunette mommy. You would have never thought her to be homesick, not even a hint of it showed normally. Lynette peeked over her comic book noticing the other brunettes in the room, taking care of their nightly rituals. She listened to them intently behind her comic book. They seemed to be well acquainted with some of the blond girls here already. Lynette would have felt ashamed of herself for spying like this, but gossip about blondes... is so interesting! 357 From: Date: Sat Sep 25, 1954 10:55pm Subject: IMPORTANT about Annalinde School, Unfortunately, Annalinde has been taken ill, and so will be away for a few days. The Girls reporting to her after the recent "sneak-out" are dismissed *for the moment*, but will be dealt with as soon as Annalinde is better. With the exception of Georgina, who has *been* dealt with. We all wish Annalinde a very speedy recovery, Dorothe Maitland (Miss) Headmistress 358 From: Date: Sat Sep 25, 1999 9:05pm Subject: Re: IMPORTANT about Annalinde Oh dear, Miss Maitland, I do hope that Miss Annalinde will be better soon! Please pass on our good wishes, Miss. Thank you, Alexis Harrington 359 From: Date: Sat Sep 25, 1999 10:14pm Subject: Elena's Reply to Georgina Dearest Georgina, Please - you do not need to apologise to me. I am just grateful that you, Malena, Alexis, and the new girl, Emma are safe and sound after your adventure. I know you'll think me strange, but I feel almost guilty for not having gone along with the four of you. I knew that Malena, at least, was planning to slip out, and while I knew that I should have told someone, I also felt it dishonourable to do so, but oh! had I told Miss Annalinde, perhaps you and Alexis and Emma might have escaped punishment. But would I have then been dishonourable toward Malena, who is also my dear friend? To tell you the truth, Georgina, part of me is very afraid of being naughty, and not simply because of any pain involved, but because I would not want others to think ill of me. And yet, I have heard that 'Goody Two-Shoes' and 'stuck up little prigs' are not well thought of by othe r girls. So it seems as though a girl (especially blondes, like us), must be good, and well-behaved and proper and so forth, yet, she must not be *too* good, lest her peers acquire a disgust of her; and yet again, if she is *too* naughty, then all the adults shake their heads and murmer about what a shame it is and how embarrassed her Mummies must be... Oh, Georgina, sometimes I am *so* confused! How can a girl be both good and naughty at the same time? One cannot walk both North and South, as we say in Illira. But perhaps this is something I should ask a Mistress or Miss Annalinde. Oh! Poor Miss Annalinde! Have you heard she was taken ill? I am worried about her, and I promised Dea to give up all my desserts and sweets for a month, if She will only heal Miss Annalinde quickly. Alexis told you that *she* put the frog in Miss Annalinde's bed? Oh, Georgina, are you *quite* certain? Perhaps she was bamming you... But no - you would not tell me such a thing unless you were absolutely sure. Oh my! That *is* startling intelligence. I swear to you, I will tell no one. I imagine, though, that Alexis had much to answer for, especially since Miss Annalinde was so frightened. I shall be at the Grammophone Party tomorrow. I have been spanked many times, Georgina, and I know it hurts, but the physical pain does go away, and I know Miss Annalinde would not have punished you if she did not care deeply for you (and the others, too). As I see it, in a way, Miss Annalinde stands in the place of a mother (as does Miss Veronica, as well as the Mistresses). And as we all know, a mother's discipline nourishes one's heart. It is a demonstration of love. Rather different than a hug or a kiss, but just as necessary. Take care, my dear friend, and may Dea send you sweet dreams until the morrow, Elena 360 From: Date: Sat Sep 25, 1999 10:31pm Subject: Elena Worries for Miss Annalinde As with Katie Webster, Elena Dierrian was devastated to hear of Annalinde Chelverton's sudden illness. When Miss Maitland announced that the blonde prefect was taken ill, Elena had turned large, tear-filled eyes to the Headmistress that had wrung that lady's heart. In a way, the girls at Avendale were like daughters to Miss Maitland, after all. The Headmistress was very careful, of course, to point out to the girls that what Miss Annalinde needed most, at this time, was rest and quiet. Concerned girls could, of course, send cards and letters through her office, and she would see to it that Annalinde received them. Miss Maitland was not terribly surprised that one of the first girls to forward a note of concern was Elena Dierrian, along with Alexis Harrington. "Please, Miss? Will Miss Annalinde get better soon," asked Elena in a frightened voice. "Of course she will be better soon, my child. She is being well cared for, and you must not worry. I must ask you to be brave - for her sake." The child nodded, and Miss Maitland smiled. "That's a good girl, then. You, too, Alexis. Alexis and Elspeth, please escort Elena back to her dormitory. Thank you." Miss Maitland then returned her attention to the rest of her pupils. Alexis and Elspeth walked Elena back to the blondes' dormitory. They chatted gaily all the way there, trying to distract the younger girl from her worry. They were somewhat successful in this, for when they reached their destination, Elena no longer looked as though she were on the verge of tears, though she was still quite pale. After Alexis and Elspeth left her, Elena sat up for a while, trying to compose a note to Miss Annalinde. Nothing she write seemed to make sense, so she left her writing and washed and dressed for bed. As her brunette Mummy would say, 'Morning shows more wisdom than evening, Little Daughter. Sleep now and think on the morrow.' From: Tanya Date: Sun Sep 26, 1999 3:32am Subject: Letter to Miss Maitland From Tanya@c... Dear Miss Maitland, I was so distressed to hear this morning that Miss Annalinde has been taken ill. I'm so worried in case my actions on Friday evening were in some way contributory to her current state. I don't mean for this to sound at all selfish, but I couldn't live with myself if I thought that what I had done had in some way caused her to fall ill. With your permission, would it be in order for me or any of the other girls to write to her or perhaps visit her when she begins to feel a little better? Respectfully yours, Georgina de la Falaise 362 From: Malena Franklin Date: Sat Sep 25, 1999 8:52pm Subject: Re: IMPORTANT about Annalinde Ashamed and with face glowing red of guilt, shame and regret I heard news of Miss Annalindes illness. Maybe she caught a cold standing in window calling us in. Maybe it had to do with her feeling responsible for all of us....and I who failed and started all incident feel so guilty. Tears running down my face,I even rather been spanked twice then having this news on my burden. Feel so guilty and Miss Annalinde that held this nice kind welcoming teaparty to all us new bunnies. I start this as a respons....so bad...so ashamed over it..... Ohhh Im so sorry for her...and feel so guilty....maybe ....I should walk over to Elena and talk sniff...with her....she is like a big sister for me ,a wise and sweet and always kind big sister and ask for advice how to do......sniffing with tears in eyes I walk over to Elenas dorm and look for my friend......... Malena very very sad and regretting 363 From: School Girl Date: Sun Sep 26, 1999 4:12am Subject: katie webster Update Dear School. Thank you for all kind notes. I am at hospital tommorow. I have a kidney infection which they are going to treat, I would like to wish Missd Annalinde a speedy recovery. I hope to be return to school this week, but because of limited fitness just the odd post. Thank you al once again. 364 From: Tanya Date: Sun Sep 26, 1999 5:38am Subject: Georgina's reply to Elena From Tanya@c... Dearest Elena, Thank you so much for a letter more understanding than I could ever have the right to expect from a dear friend.sadly let down. You were entirely honourable in the way you acted and have absolutely no reason at all to feel in any way guilty. I know exactly what you mean about trying to tread that ever so fine line between "being good" but not "too good". It really is, as you say, ever so confusing !! I loved your description of it being like "trying to walk both north and south at the same time". Absolute proof if any were actually needed that those of you coming from Illira are indeed most knowledgeable and wise. Like you, I was also shocked and worried to hear that Miss Annalinde had been taken ill. I do so hope it's nothing too serious and wasn't in any way precipitated by my foolhardy actions of Friday last. Miss Annalinde is so precious and only punishes us as you so rightly say because she cares so much for us and wants only that we try to learn the difference between right and wrong. While we are here at Avendale, she, along with the other prefects and mistresses are providing a maternal watchful eye to make sure we endeavour to follow the correct path at any given time. I feel absolutely no resentment towards her for the punishment I received. On the contrary, I feel my heart and soul have been considerably enrichened as a consequence. I must simply try much, much harder in the future to make her proud of me just as I do with my own dear mummies. May Dea speed her recovery so that she may be back amongst us soon. Elena, I hope to see you later at the "gramophone party" if we're still allowed to go ahead with it. Until later then, with love Georgina 365 From: Malena Franklin Date: Sun Sep 26, 1999 2:36am Subject: To Miss Maitland Collecting courage I do what I think only right thing to do. Before going to Elena I take all my courage and go and see Miss Maitland. My question to her will be ....can other girls have grammophone party? I am so aware that I should not be joining it after my disgraceful behaviour friday night but I hope the other girls can have it and not be punished for my stupidity. Its so awful to know that this meeting should be cancelled because of my acting. I will plead for Miss Maitland to let girls have it and I am prepared to stay in detentionroom all time if necessary or take other consequencse she decide...... I do hope Miss Maitland will see my point....ohhh thats the only fair way for me doing this.....even if I risque to face Miss Maitland personnaly ..sniff..ooooh but I must do it. I walk to our headmistresses door and knock........my legs shaking, my face is red and I tremble knocking...... Malena Franklin 366 From: Date: Sun Sep 26, 1999 7:15am Subject: Elena's Reply to Malena Dearest Malena, Please do not think I no longer care for you, myfriend, simply because you were naughty. Why, if that were the case, then no one would have any friends anywhere, for *every* maid, at some point in her life, has been naughty, and probably on more than one occasion. You are a dear friend, and a sweet, kind person, and I know you masnt no harm. You only wanted to have fun and enjoy some sweets. Love, Elena 367 From: Date: Sun Sep 26, 1999 7:20am Subject: Elena Replies to Georgina Dearest Georgina, I do not think that Miss Annalinde's illness was caused by anyone's naughtiness. The priestesses back home tell us that many illnesses are caused by small creatures, too tiny to see, or by things that go wrong inside one's body. I have read of a similar thing in the up-to-date science books you have here in Quirinelle. Be of good cheer, and if the party is still on, I shall see you there. Love, Elena 368 From: Malena Franklin Date: Sun Sep 26, 1999 4:31am Subject: Re: Elena's Reply to Malena Dear Elena! Im so glad to be your friend.I knew it in my heart you would answer like you did and it so good to ahve you supporting me in being better and more of a good girl. I will go and see Miss Maitland soon and ask if You other girls can have grammophonedance if I be in detentionroom same time. I dont want to spoil your sunday joy with my stupid act. I feel so guilty and feel so for Miss Annalinde.......oooooh Elena Im so unhappi for all this.......sits on your bed and tears dripping down for face and leans to you..........oooooh Eleeeennnnnna...... I wish I could help you and be as good friend as you are when you are in trouble..... Yours friend malena 369 From: Tanya Date: Sun Sep 26, 1999 11:35am Subject: A note from Georgina to Malena From Tanya@c... Note left on Malena's bedside table. Dearest Malena, I thought I just had to write and reassure you that neither I nor, I'm absolutely certain, Alexis or Emma blame you in any way for what happened on Friday night. It was quite simply not your fault !! We all individually took the decision to join you so you have absolutely nothing to feel guilty about. Please be reassured my dear friend. I do so hope Miss Annalinde isn't too poorly and will not be away from us for too long. The school seems so empty without her here especially with Miss Veronica away this weekend visiting relatives. Perhaps we will be allowed to send her some "get well soon" messages or even go and visit her when she's feeling a little better. Anyway, I must dash as I've got so much homework to finish before tomorrow. Your friend as always Georgina 370 From: janet dolan Date: Sun Sep 26, 1999 11:49am Subject: A note from Janet to Malena Dear Malena It's hard to see you so sad on your bed. I am sorry you got spanked, but we all know the punishment erases the crime and you can feel better. I am sure Miss Annalinde did not get sick because of you. It is just a coincidence. Please cheer up a little bit. I am not planning on going to the party today because I have no records and do not know how to dance anything but Culverian dances. I'll be glad to keep you company if you are not allowed to go or do not feel like it. Janet Dolan 371 From: Date: Sun Sep 26, 1999 7:57am Subject: To Malena I will go and see Miss Maitland soon and ask if You other girls can have grammophonedance if I be in detentionroom same time. I dont want to spoil your sunday joy with my stupid act. I feel so guilty and feel so for Miss Annalinde.......oooooh Elena Im so unhappi for all this.......sits on your bed and tears dripping down for face and leans to you..........oooooh Eleeeennnnnna...... I wish I could help you and be as good friend as you are when you are in trouble..... Oh! Poor, dear Malena! There - do not cry! All will be well. You *are* a good girl, and my good friend, as well. Miss Annalinde will be well; Dea will look after her, and surely with all our good thoughts and prayers flying out to her, Miss Annalinde will recover quickly. I am sure she would not wish us to worry so. Miss Maitland asked that we be btrave for her, and that is what you must do, even as I must. [So saying, Elena places a comforting arm about Malena's shoulders and offers her a hankie.] 372 From: Malena Franklin Date: Sun Sep 26, 1999 7:27am Subject: Re: A note from Georgina to Malena Dera Georgina! Thanks for your note. Loved your warm and friendly greeting. I feel much assured by it and it will be easier to face consequences tomorrow with it in my heart. My guilt I have to bear anyway but with friends like you much easier. I respect and appreciate your letter very much. I feel You are a good friend. Malena Franklin 373 From: Malena Franklin Date: Sun Sep 26, 1999 7:32am Subject: Re: A note from Janet to Malena Dear Janet Thanks for Your kind and friendly note.I appreciate it a lot. I have not been spanked....swallow yet anyway...only Georgina was paddled yesterday I still have to face consequences for my stupid act. I am scared and regretting and my stomach have lots of butterflies but I realize I deserve punishment for my act and I will gladly accept it only if Miss Annalinde gets well and dont have got in trouble because of me. I like very much Your offer to join me if Miss Maitland thinks I am to be restricted from grammophoneparty. I feel you are a very dear and kind empathetic friend. Hugs from Malena 374 From: Malena Franklin Date: Sun Sep 26, 1999 8:16am Subject: Re: To Malena A picture of two girls sitting on a bed in dorm at Avendale school. One of them crying with tears running down her face the other comforting her so friendly and kindly. I sob very regretting and my friend Elenas hand comforting me and she lends me her hankie to wipe tears. This is true support from a real friend. My heart so filled of warmth for this blonde girl so truly genuinely good.....I like her so much and my guilt and shame and regrets feel so much easier to bear with you giving me this support. I blink thru tears and lean my head against Elena....and whispers... "Thanks Elena...You are really a friend....." and bonds are made during this school that will last for long.....bonds of true friendship and bonds of helping each others in difficult moments and that make impression in young hearts of girls....... I feel so comforted and relaxed with Elena and it makes me collect courage to face whatever will come tomorow.....and then learn from my mistake and go on and try to do better here....to be a girl that friends can be proud of..... Malena 375 From: Date: Sun Sep 26, 1999 0:58pm Subject: my friend malena Dearest Malena, I would like you to know that I, in no way, blame you at all for the turn of events that transpired as a result of our sneaking out. I hold myself accountable for my actions...and their consequences. As for Annalinde, all we can do is say prayers that she is not seriously ill,and will be back with us shortly.... your friend, Emma 376 From: Kadorienne Date: Sun Sep 26, 1999 10:25pm Subject: Re: Janet to Veronica Dear Janet, I have returned to the school, so you can knock on my door anytime you like. I always go easy on the bunnies about uniforms their first week or so -- most of the prefects and mistresses do. We generally give you at least one correction about anything being amiss, uniform-wise, before punishing you for it. I know what you mean about the cold nights here. To get your hot-water bottle really, hot, you have to-- [Veronica stops mid-sentence, realizing that Janet probably does not have the means to tip the maidservant to heat her water-bottle properly.] That is to say, I'll speak to the maidservant about getting your hot-water bottle heated properly. It's natural enough to be homesick, honey, even if you weren't especially fond of home. After all, at least there you knew what was what and how to get along, and you were used to it. I think your desire to contribute to society and better yourself is very admirable, and I aim to help you do it any way I can. It was good to see you enjoying those grits and iced tea at the Bunny Tea. Can you imagine, that one blonde thought it was cream of wheat? I guess grits does look like cream of wheat, or porridge, but *I* think it tastes way better, especially with butter. Now, what questions about the school can I answer for you, honey? Or is there any other way I can help you? Sincerely, your fellow Confederette Veronica Bellemont 377 From: janet dolan Date: Sun Sep 26, 1999 10:51pm Subject: Re: Janet to Veronica Dear Miss Veronica I will knock on your door early this morning so you can examine my uniform and show me how to ge the pettycoat not to show below my skirt. I know I may be punished for the knife... Thank you Janet 378 From: Date: Sun Sep 26, 1999 7:49pm Subject: Elena Writes to Miss Annalinde and Ponders Love... Later on the same day she heard of the blonde prefect's illness, Elena Dierrian sat herself down to write a brief note to her heroine to cheer her and help her feel better. The composition of this note caused Elena to think long and hard, for at first, nothing she wrote seemed quite right. Silly girl, she told herself - this is taking too long, and Miss Annalinde would be the first one to tell you not to neglect your studies on her behalf. She began: "Dearest Miss Annalinde, I and the other girls here are ardently praying for your speedy recovery. We were all upset to hear you had fallen ill, and I know that concern for you occupies many hearts this night. "I must keep this brief so that you may receover your strength and return to us swiftly, but if there is anything that any maid here can do to help you feel better or comfort you, please do not hesitate to make your wishes known. "Love, always, Elena Dierrian" 'Love, always.' Elena felt her face grow hot, even though she was alone. She bit back a nervous giggle. Love... She had begun to wonder already about love and what mysterious magic attracted one maid to another, or caused girls to hold hands, sigh heavily and gaze wistfully into one another's eyes or colour at the approach of the beloved. Why, Love, of course, was at the Heart of the Universe and the Golden Order. Dea created the Universe through Her Divine Love, of course. And surely all the Queens and Empresses loved their subjects, and subjects, naturally, loved their Sovreigns in return. Mistresses loved their pupils (Miss Maitland, Elena thought here, most especially so), and vice versa. But how did Grand Love differ from that delicate, elusive feeling that so inspired the great poetesses to pen their verses or caused artistes to set brush to canvas to capture the image of a beautiful maiden? What of the Love that causes a brunette to swear to one, special blonde that she will love and care for her all their lives, until Death do they part? Was it Love that caused Jinjur Quinbury to giggle and tease so whenever a brunette passed by? Or Ariadne to avert hr eyes in that beautiful, feline manner when certain brunettes passed her in the corridor? Or Miss Veronica to become tongue-tied when a certain blonde entered the room? Why, then, were some Love songs so heart-rendingly sad? Was Love sad sometimes? Elena considered this. Love must be very said, indeed, if one could not be with one's Beloved. With a sudden flash of insight, Elena thought of poor, desolated Miss Poindexter. Why...of course the poor, dear lady is weeping - she has, somehow, become separated from someone she loves. Elena knew not who had stolen Miss Poindexter's heart, but she was sure that such a one must be very beautiful, indeed, to have captured the history mistress' heart. She must, thought Elena, be as lovely as Aphrodite herself! Oh, poor Miss Poindexter! Elena's heart went out to the heartbroken Mistress. "Oh, Dea," she whispered, "please-please-please comfort Miss Poindexter. And if it is possible, please let her love be requited." Neither of my Mummies behaves as the girls here at school do, thought Elena. I have *never* seen them giggle, blush, or pass each other little notes, as I have seen girls here at school do. But I *have* seen them exchange quiet smiles, especially when they think no one is observing them, and many are the nights they retire early to their private chambers, with strict orders not to be disturbed. Perhaps it is because they are grown-ups and we are merely children. Perhaps *that* is the difference. Oh, but I am so confused, she thought. Brunettes seem....different....this year, especially the brunettes here at Avendale. There is my sister, of course, but she is often swinish in a way reserved for older sisters, and too often, she is correcting me for some little thing or other. Not like Miss Veronica. Elena smiled to herself, feeling her face grow warmer yet. Miss Veronica was very pretty, of course, and very brave - but so gallante and so very, very courteous. She is even polite to silly little girls like me. Sometime, if I can ever muster the courage, I must ask Jinjur or Ariadne what it feels like to be in love. She carefully folded her note and delivered it to Miss Maitland's secretary for delivery to Annalinde. After that, she sought out Malena, Georgina and some of the other "bunnies" for a good-natured round of Scrabble in the common room. 379 From: Kadorienne Date: Mon Sep 27, 1999 1:10am Subject: The Reckoning, Part II: Veronica lends a hand Veronica returned to school from the bedside of her brunette grandmother with a peaceful heart. It would not be long, she knew, before Grandnetty was called to Dea's side, but the matriarch had lived a long, full and productive life, and she deserved the rest to which she was going. Veronica was glad that she had been able to see her again, and hoped her presence had provided some comfort. Her peace, however, was ruffled as soon as she returned. Several brunettes crowded into her room as she unpacked to catch her up on the latest gossip, and it emerged that a few girls had thought that her brief absence meant that the cat was away and the mice could play. The mice were Georgina, Alexis, Malena and a new girl named Emma. When Veronica heard that they had been caught attempting to sneak off school grounds, she ordered that they all be summoned to her study at once. Within half an hour, the apprehensive culprits were standing in a line before her desk. Veronica sat with her arms folded, regarding them all silently for a time. At last she spoke. "Malena, I understand you're the instigator of this fiasco." "Yes, Miss Veronica." "You realize you've gotten other girls into trouble? You're responsible for their getting punished." Malena's eyes filled with tears. "I'm sorry, Miss Veronica." "Not as sorry as you're going to be. Next time you dream up a hare-brained scheme like this, at least you could be considerate enough not to get other girls spanked for it." At Veronica's words, the new girl, Emma, a very attractive brunette, blanched. Veronica next addressed Georgina. "Georgina, honey, I'm surprised at you. Did you think that just because I took some time to talk to you, that you could get around followin' the rules?" Georgina looked as if she were going to burst into tears. "No! I'm ever so sorry, Miss Veronica! I didn't mean to let you down!" "Settle down, honey. It's not like I'm goin' to hate you forever, or even for one minute. I'm disappointed in you, is all. I hope you'll try to prove to me that this naughtiness is not normal for you. I understand Miss Annalinde already punished you." Georgina nodded anxiously. She had wanted to tell Veronica this, of course, but had been afraid that it would be seen as a fib to escape punishment. "Did she give you any lines?" "Yes, Miss Veronica. I am to write "'I must be in bed by lights out, stay in bed after lights out and never leave the school grounds without permission' two hundred times." "You other girls may do the same," Veronica instructed, "except for you, Malena. You may write it four hundred times. Georgina, since Miss Annalinde is ill you may turn your lines in to me. You may go now." When the door closed behind the tearful blonde, Veronica announced, "Since Miss Annalinde is ill, I'll take care of punishing y'all. Of course, there's a chance that when she recovers she might figure I've been too easy on y'all and add something of her own." Emma, who had been trembling more with every sentence, could endure no more. "Miss Veronica!" she burst out. "You aren't really going to spank us, are you?" Veronica stared at her in stupefaction. "Of course I am." "But it would be so cruel!" Veronica raised her eyebrows. "It'd be cruel not to give you correction when you need it. How else will you grow up to be a moral and well-behaved lady?" Emma was white as a sheet. "Are you going to lower our bloomers?" The prefect was so shocked that for a moment she could not speak. When she regained her voice, she exclaimed, "Certainly not! Bare bottomed spankings are strictly prohibited here at Avendale! That could lead to all sorts of immodesty." Emma took a breath, but seemed only marginally relieved. The prefect continued to stare at her. "Do you mean to tell me, Emma Eilise Bradbury, that you've never been spanked?" Veronica demanded. Emma shook her head mutely. "Great balls of fire," Veronica muttered to herself. Aloud she said, "Well, honey, you need it, and badly. But since it'll be your first one, I'll only use my hand. The others are getting the hairbrush. Malena, Alexis, you may wait your turns outside." The other two girls obeyed, and Veronica stood, arms akimbo, surveying her first victim. Emma looked as if she were going to be executed. Veronica decided she had better explain a few things to the girl. "You must always accept punishments with submission in your heart," she began. "Even if you think the punishment is too harsh -- and this one certainly isn't -- any discipline you receive will help to make you a better maiden. Do you understand?" Emma nodded, but Veronica doubted she had really taken it in; the girl was probably too awed to think. Well, all in good time. "Now, bend over my desk." Emma took a hesitant step. "You'll find that if you hesitate to fetch a disciplinary implement, or assume a punishment position, you'll get extra strokes, Emma." That sped the girl up a shade. She walked to the desk like a sleepwalker and bent over it. Veronica positioned herself behind the girl and raised her skirt, leaving her petticoat scrupulously in place. Emma shivered. Resting one hand on Emma's back to keep her in position, Veronica lifted her hand and applied the first smack to Emma's derriere. "Ohh!" Emma cried. Veronica let fly another spank, another pause, and then gave her several smacks in quick succession. Emma wailed aloud. "Good heavens, girl, take it like a brunette. You're crying like a blonde." At those words Emma forced herself to be quiet, but the next short volley of hard smacks had her wailing again. Veronica reminded her, "Everyone in the corridor can hear you. They'll know you're acting like a baby over a little spanking." Emma pressed her lips together, and for the next minute of the spanking only groaned -- very loudly. Veronica paused to let Emma catch her breath. The girl tried to rise, but Veronica's hand pressed her back down. "First off, Emma, if when you're being punished you break position without permission, you'll get extra strokes. Second, we're not done yet." "Not done yet? But I can't stand anymore!" "You're going to." Veronica fell into a steady rhythm of smacks, with pauses of several seconds in between. "No, I can't!" Emma wailed. Veronica's repeated reminders that her cries were overhead were ignored. Emma yelled loud enough for the whole floor to hear. Girls passing in the hall outside thought the culprit within must be receiving a cruel caning rather than simply a firm spanking. "M-miss Veronica, please, I can't stand anymore! I'll always be good, I promise! Ohh!" Veronica spanked her for another minute after this extravagant vow before stopping. Deliberately, she removed her restraining hand from the girl's back. Emma promptly bobbed up and began massaging her derriere fiercely. Before she knew what was happening, however, she was bent over the desk again, and her stinging bottom was being assaulted again. "Oh, no, please, you're killing me, stop...." Emma's voice trailed off into loud sobs. When she had stopped protesting, Veronica stopped spanking her. "Now, Emma, why are you getting extra strokes?" "I don't know!" Emma sobbed. "Great balls of fire, is your memory that faulty? What did I tell you just a few minutes ago?" The girl only sobbed. "Tell you what, your spanking won't be over till you pull yourself together and answer my question." "No!..." Emma gasped and sobbed for another minute. Veronica gave her two rather gentle swats, and Emma groaned. "It's because... because I got up!" "That's right. You don't get up until I give you permission. You got that this time?" "Yes," Emma sobbed, but Veronica knew she didn't. She would have said "yes" to anything at this point. Veronica applied a few more light smacks and then released her. Emma began to straighten, but quickly bent back over, crying. "Very good," Veronica approved. It wasn't, really, but for such an undisciplined girl it would have to do. She waited for a full minute before saying, "You may stand up." Emma shot upright and began massaging her derriere. "Sit down," Veronica instructed, pointing to the hard wooden chair. "Sit down? I couldn't possibly! I'll never sit down again!" Losing patience, Veronica seized her arm and steered her into the chair. The girl wailed as her derriere made contact with the seat. "When I give you an order, I expect it to be obeyed, and fast, you hear me?" Veronica lectured the girl for a few minutes, and Emma's sobs slowly subsided, though her squirming in the hard chair did not. Veronica gave a few final admonitions and sent the girl to her room, with instructions to send Alexis in. 380 From: Kadorienne Date: Mon Sep 27, 1999 1:32am Subject: The Reckoning, Part III: Alexis and Malena Veronica seated herself comfortably in her own chair. Alexis approached warily. "Fetch my hairbrush, Alexis," Veronica ordered, indicating her dressing table. Alexis got it and reluctantly brought it to the prefect. "Over my knee." The blonde obediently got into position. Veronica began her lecture. "Now, Alexis, generally I don't believe in spanking blondes too hard. Y'all are so delicate. But there are certain cases where you just have to make an exception. If a blonde has shown that a brunette can induce her to behave with bad judgment, then I figure she needs some help controlling herself. When Malena suggested this, did you know it was wrong?" "Yes, Miss Veronica." "Then why did you agree to go along, Alexis?" "Oh, I don't know! I just wanted to." "I see. Well, the next time some brunette suggests that you do something you know is wrong, I want you to think about this." With that, Veronica brought her hairbrush down on Alexis' gymslip. Alexis gasped. Veronica administered a few more hard blows, wincing almost as much as the blonde did. Inflicting this much pain on a blonde went against every chivalrous instinct she had, but she thought of the fate of blondes led astray by brunettes because their own morals were inadequately strong, and she paddled the little blonde on her lap with resolve. When she was finished and Alexis was crying quietly, she let the blonde get up and sit on the dreaded hard chair while she lectured her some more. Alexis wiped her eyes occasionally and answered politely, and when Veronica dismissed her, thanked her for the correction. Malena, the final culprit, was sent in. "I'm so sorry, Miss Veronica!" she exclaimed tearfully. Veronica put her hands on her hips. "Bend over my desk." When the girl had obeyed, Veronica asked, "You realize you've impeded the morals of two blondes, Malena?" Malena's eyes widened. "It is the duty of a brunette gentilmaid to give blondes responsible guidance. That is why Dea made us more forceful than them. Using brunette aggression to take advantage of those it is intended to protect is a violation of the Golden Order, and is the most shameful thing a brunette can do." Veronica reflected. "For the next week, Malena, you're going to carry the books of Georgina and Alexis, alternately, and every chance you get, you're going to be a good influence on them. If they make the least suggestion of doing anything wrong, I expect you to guide them rightly. You don't have the right to discipline them, but I expect you to use your powers of persuasion to make them behave. This is just practice for what a brunette should be doin' anyway. And you had better not tell them this, not if you want to ever eat sweets again, but if either of them steps out of line in the coming week, you're going to get spanked fo it. You understand all that?" "Yes, Miss Veronica," Malena whispered dolefully. "Good." Without further ado Veronica applied the hairbrush to Malena's derriere. As the ringleader, Malena got by far the harshest paddling, and she was sobbing long before it was over. When Veronica decided that at last the girl had learned her lesson, she gave her permission to rise and then sit in the chair. But by this time Veronica was tired of lecturing, so she simply ignored the girl and let her sit on her throbbing derriere for a while as Veronica did her mathematics homework. Veronica double-checked every equation, as was her habit. When it was finished, she dismissed Malena with a reminder that she had four hundred lines to write. When the door closed, Veronica drew a long sigh. How work did pile up when one was away. 381 From: Kadorienne Date: Mon Sep 27, 1999 1:41am Subject: Veronica to Annalinde Dear Annalinde, I am so sorry you are ill and hope you recover quickly. I assure you that you are greatly missed by all the girls, blonde and brunette. That lovely child, Elena, seems especially concerned about you -- she is such a sweet blonde. I didn't get a chance to tell you how glad I am that the rascal who planted that frog in your bed confessed. I am still shocked at the indelicacy of tampering with a blonde's bed, especially that of a prefect. I know you wish the identity of the culprit to be kept confidential, but if you think there is any chance of her crime being repeated, I hope you will tell me which of my brunettes did it so that I may keep an eye on her. However, I trust your judgment if you consider that she has learned her lesson. Since you're ill, I took the liberty of punishing the girls who tried to sneak off campus for you. I'm sorry I wasn't there to help you with them when they did it. Since you gave Georgina two hundred lines, I gave the others the same, except for the ringleader, who's writing twice that, and I paddled them all. Of course, if when you return you decide they need some more correction, I assure you I won't take it amiss, for I respect your judgment in all things. May Dea speed your recovery, Veronica Bellemont 382 From: janet dolan Date: Mon Sep 27, 1999 3:32am Subject: Morning inspection Janet was a little aapprehensive as she knocked on Veronica's door early Monday morning. She knew Veronica has told her to come so she can check her appearance before she went to class, but since then she had confiscated her knife, and told her she might consider a punishment. Janet heard the two brunettes getting spanked and was a little afraid. Veronica seemed to be a very able girl with a paddle, and she did not cherish getting a paddling from her. On the other hand, she heard how she made you feel better after the spanking, and longed to be taken over her knee, although she knew this privilege was for blondes only. She was frustrated with her pettycoat, once more showing below her skirt hem. She finally figured the knee socks out and they were impeccably arranged below her knees. Her tie was a little crooked, but much better than last week. (She had practiced yesterday). She loved the grits and the peanuts she had Friday. Veronica made sure she got an ample portion of everything, and she really enjoyed having the whole pitcher of iced tea to Veronica and herself, as no other girl wanted a taste. But right now, with butterflies in her heart she knocks on Miss Veronica's door. She wants so much to be like her, she is an idol for her, and she is afraid of disappointing her. knock knock knock 383 From: Tanya Date: Mon Sep 27, 1999 8:16am Subject: Quiet Reflections After The Storm From Tanya@c... As she made her way back to the junior blonde dorm after her "interview" with Miss Veronica, Georgina felt a mixture of relief and annoyance. Relief, because her idol Miss Veronica had seen fit not to award her extra punishment on top of that already received from Miss Annalinde for Friday night's sneak-out. Annoyance, entirely with herself, for not having thought of how her disobedient conduct would colour Miss Veronica's opinion of her. She wanted so very much to make everyone proud of her but the one person, above all, she wanted to impress was Miss Veronica Bellemont, her beautiful and chivalrous heroine and mentor. She decided she would have to think very hard about how she might begin to atone for her disobedience and rise, once again, in the brunette prefect's estimations. She was convinced it wasn't going to be at all easy. For the time being, she consoled herself with her idol's words during the "interview". "i'm not going to hate you...not even for one minute...I'm just disappointed in you, that's all..." Georgina kept repeating these words to herself as she entered the dorm and laiy down on her bed. They were of some comfort to her but for the first time since she arrived at Avendale, she just wanted to disappear in to the kind and protective arms of blonde mummy and have a very long and good cry. Emma Eilise Bradbury was more shell-shocked than anything else. Although the spanking she received had been extremely painful, what had hurt her most of all was the sheer indignation of having to have her skirts raised in such a manner. She was now beginning to understand what her mummies meant when they told her she would find her new school quite, quite different from her previous ones. Lying on her own bed, she had to admit to herself that despite the obvious discomfort, she did feel a lot better for having received her punishment albeit with not a little fuss. She couldn't, though, yet provide an adequate explanation as to why she felt this way. Perhaps it would all become clear in the fulness of time. Still holding her throbbing derriere, Alexis waited outside Miss Veronica's study for Malena. She could hear her friend's muffled cries and yelps as Miss Veronica punished her bottom with an extreme thoroughness reasoning that as she had instigated the escapade, she should receive a chastisement that much more severe than the others. As Alexis waited and wniced at the sound of each stroke coming from inside the study, she too felt that a certain release and cleansing had taken place deep within her. When, at last, Malena emerged from Veronica's study, she did so with faltering steps despite a supporting arm from the prefect. On seeing Alexis standing outside, Veronica asked her to escourt Malena back to the junior brunette dorm and make sure she was alright. Malena was quite obviously in some distress but kept on repeating through her tears, "Alexis, I'm so so sorry I got you and the other girls in to trouble, it's all my fault !!" Alexis reassured her that it was nothing of the sort and kept her arm tightly around her shoulder. Some time later, all four girls happened to meet up, all on their way to different parts of the school. They instinctively came together and hugged each other in turn. Once again, tears flowed as they each enquired as to whether the other was alright. At that moment, they all sensed a very strong bond had developed between them. A bond forged, they all knew, by dint of their shared experience and the fact that they all had an awful lot of lines to write !! 384 From: Kadorienne Date: Mon Sep 27, 1999 11:46am Subject: Re: Morning inspection Veronica thought about Janet Dolan as she dressed that morning. She was so used to dressing with precision that it required little of her concentration, and she was free to think of other things. She already thought of the young Confederette as her protegee. It was probable, indeed, that had they been at home the girls would never have spoken. But here, the only two Southerners among two hundred girls, she felt that she must stand by her. In addition, she admired the girl's Horatia Alger-like pluck and struggle. Janet's fierce battle to better herself in the face of powerful opposition made everything Culverian in Veronica's soul swell in admiration, and quite swept away any disdain she might have felt for the child's accent or grammar or etiquette. Veronica's toilette was almost complete when she heard a knock on the door. Glancing out the window at Old Liza, the prefect saw that her protegee was indeed an early bird. "Probably used to getting up with the chickens," she thought, and called, "Come in!" Janet entered, her eyes wide and solemn. Veronica noticed with pleasure that Janet had obviously taken pains with her uniform, though of course it wasn't as perfect as it could be. "Come over here and stand up straight so I can get a good look at you," Veronica instructed. Janet obeyed. "Much improved," Veronica remarked. Walking behind her, she found that just a touch of Janet's petticoat was showing. She pulled at the waistband of Janet's grey skirt and found that the petticoat was on properly. "Can you sew, Janet?" "A lil', Miss Veronica." "I see you know your calling customs. You're just going to have to shorten that petticoat. There's nothing wrong with how you're wearing it, it's just too long. I'll give you a couple of safety pins to use for today. "Thank you, Miss Veronica." The girl seemed a tad over-awed by her, the prefect thought. Well, no wonder. All her life she's been taught to stand aside for people like me, and here I am giving her all this constructive criticism. In time, though, I'll make her feel more at ease with me. It'll probably help when she's learned to do a few things here, like eat more daintily, so she has some more confidence in herself. "Your blouse isn't as neat as it could be. Did you put your skirt on first, and then tuck your blouse into it?" "Yes, Miss Veronica." "Thought so. From now on, put your blouse on first, then pull the skirt over your head on top of it. It comes out much neater." Veronica walked the rest of the way around her. "Your socks are perfect. Very good, Janet. Now, your tie is much better than it was, but it's still crooked. Untie it." Janet could not repress a small sigh as she did so; she had practiced so much the day before, and had worked so hard on it. Veronica untied hers as well. "Do what I do," she ordered, slowly tying hers again. Janet followed as best she could, but still it came out crooked. "Untie it," Veronica said, but there was no impatience in her voice. Janet obeyed, and then slowly retied it while the older girl watched. "Stop. Make it a little tighter there," Veronica instructed in the middle of the process. Janet obeyed, and the result was a knot that was only a fraction off-center. Seeing this in the mirror, a delighted smile spread across Janet's face, and another followed suit on Veronica's. "Now no one would guess you haven't been here a month!" "Thank you, Miss Veronica!" Janet exclaimed while Veronica was looking in a drawer for some safety pins. "Um... are you goin' to spank me? 'Cause of the knife, I mean?" Veronica stooped to help the girl pin up her petticoat. "Oh, just a few swats. I don't think it was all that naughty. Of course, I had to spend yesterday evening paddling a bunch of girls who tried to sneak out in the middle of the night. They were much naughtier than you. Bend over my desk." Janet hesitated at her first step in that direction. Veronica put her hands on her hips and raised her eyebrows. "Don't tell me you're hesitating to take your punishment, Janet." "Oh, no, Miss Veronica! That wasn't what I was thinkin' at all!" With that, Janet draped herself over the desk so emphatically Veronica almost laughed. She made herself stay stern, however. "So what were you thinking?" "I don' wanna be forward, Miss Veronica." "You're making me curious. What in the world is in your mind?" "Well -- it's just...." "Yes?" "You said as I was to tell you if you could do anything to help me." "I do hope you're not going to say that letting you off punishment would help you." Janet stayed bent over the desk as the words tumbled out before she could lose her nerve and stop them. Her slender hold on grammar slipped. "A' course not, Miss Veronica! I'd never say such a thing, please don't go thinkin' I would. I was just thinkin'... well, I'm the oldest at home, and so I never had no older sister before, and I hope you won't take it amiss if I say I feel almost like you're my older sister." Janet anxiously looked up to scan Veronica's face. Seeing no wrath at such presumption, Janet swallowed and went on, "I was wishin' you would... would spank me over your knee, like a big sister does. But I heard tell you only spank blondes that way, so I reckon you won't. But I couldn't help thinkin' all that, when you tole me to bend over the desk." With that Janet looked at the floor, embarrassed and trembling. Veronica wanted to savor the child's words in silence. But seeing how nervously Janet was waiting, she didn't have the heart to prolong her suspense. "Janet, that's right touching that you see me that way." The girl's tense muscles relaxed visibly, though she was still obviously nervous enough. "The fact is, I occasionally do spank a brunette over my knee. But that's always been because she was a self-important girl who was proud of being able to take canings in stride, and who felt that she was above being spanked like a child. Those brunettes are generally so embarrassed about it that they never tell anyone. Though of course if they're really naughty I make sure other girls see them getting spanked. Does them a world of good." Veronica sat down in her chair. "All right, little sister, come on over my knee." Janet's face lit up as she straightened, but she didn't quite have the courage to thank the prefect. She draped herself over Veronica's lap. "Now in the future, before you handle anything that might be dangerous, like a knife, you're going to ask permission, hear? Even if you've been accustomed to handling them at home. I don't doubt your ability, but you're our responsibility here, and besides, if we allow you to use a thing, we have to allow the other girls too, and most of them haven't learned how to handle knives and such like." Veronica then rained a few firm swats onto Janet's derriere. Janet took them without a murmur, being used to much harsher punishments. In fact, she was finding this spanking to be one of the most affectionate moments of her short, difficult life. "I hope I won't have to spank you harder than this anytime real soon," Veronica said, giving her a few more swats. "You may get up." Janet stood, her face flushed. Then she remembered a point of eitquette one of the other brunettes had taunted her with when she had announced that she was going to see Miss Veronica. "Always thank her nicely for tanning your hide," the brunette had jeered. The brunette had been trying to scare her, but she had given her a useful bit of information. "Thank you for correctin' me, Miss Veronica," Janet murmured, her eyes on the floor. "Happy to do it, honey. Come sit on my lap for a minute." Janet obeyed eagerly, and returned Veronica's hug. "You take your spankings like a brunette. You're goin' to do Avendale proud, Janet." "Do you really think so?" Janet asked anxiously. "I really want to. I'm so worried I won't be able to keep up, there's so many new things I have to learn...." "Honey, if you could get here from where you started, I'm tolerably certain you can do *anything*." "Oh, I hope I won't let you down, Miss Veronica." "I don't think you will, Janet. Really, every girl learns an awful lot her first year at Avendale. We all have to work hard to learn to keep our uniforms neat, and every girl has to take the first-year etiquette course. My mothers always endeavoured to teach me good manners, but even I learned a few things they'd missed; every girl does. And they'll give you a good solid grounding in grammar, too." Janet looked at the floor. "I reckon the girls'll make fun of my accent." Veronica's heart went out to the girl. The prefect was convinced that any girl who could get a scholarship to Avendale absolutely belonged there, but Janet must be so intimidated with being surrounded by rich girls with illustrious ancestors, and even some with titles. Veronica was first cousin several times removed to Culverian President Joan Adams, and the Charleston branch of her family had been among those who had not received that rakish brunette Captain Rhetta Butler, so she had never felt this way. "The girls tease me about my accent a good bit. Teasin' isn't quite the same as makin' fun." Veronica looked Janet squarely in the eye. "Anyway, these Altalians can't tell one Culverian accent from another." By this, she was hoping to let the girl know that her caste was not evident to all here. "By the way, today I'm going to speak to Miss Joans, the art mistress, about your carvin'." "I don't want to put you to trouble, Miss Veronica." "Nonsense! It's my job." Old Liza struck outside. "Sounds like it's breakfast time. There won't be any grits, but porridge is almost as good. Let's go." 385 From: Date: Mon Sep 27, 1999 11:34am Subject: Jinjur to Carrie Carrie, Well, you've certainly been busy, going to bunny teas and whatnot. No doubt meeting plenty of new blonde bunnies. I suppose that's why I haven't seen you in a few days? (pout) You're probably going to take one of those bunnies to the cinema this Saturday, aren't you? Oh, just to make them feel welcome, of course. Always selfless. (sulks) Well, I don't know how I'm going to behave without you to keep my bottom warmed, but I suppose I'll have to learn to get along somehow. (flutters lashes) Unless, of course, you can find time in your busy schedule of meeting blonde bunnies to attend to me? (shifts position so that just a hair of her dark stocking top shows) Your lonely, neglected, Jinjur J. Quinbury 386 From: Date: Mon Sep 27, 1999 7:35am Subject: Lonely Rebecca lies on her bed. She is so lonely. After not being very successful in finding the "Tea Party" Rebecca returns to her room. So far she has met two very nice girls. She wonders what else there is here at this school. She gets up off the bed, straightens her gymslip and walks out into the hallway. She begins to make her way up the hallway. 387 From: Date: Mon Sep 27, 1999 8:19am Subject: Alexis visits Veronica After breakfast, Alexis finds herself in the brunette dormitory, knocking on Veronica's door. The door opens, and a slightly surprised Veronica invites Alexis in. "Can I talk to you about something, Miss Veronica?" "You sure can." The prefect offers the blonde visitor a chair, then sits on the edge of her bed. "Miss Veronica," starts Alexis, looking at her hands to avoid eye contact with the prefect, "I just wanted to say how sorry I am for the trouble I caused you and Miss Annalinde with our silly plan to sneak out the other night. I am awfully sorry!" Veronica rises and puts her hand under Alexis' chin, gently forcing her to make eye contact. "Now you know, Alexis, that you've been punished and, as far as I'm concerned, the incident forgotten. Got that?" "Y-yes, Miss Veronica. It's just that, well, um..." Sitting back on the edge of the bed, Veronica prompts, "Go on." Nervously, Alexis states, "I need to tell you something else." "I'm listening.", the now curious prefect tells her. "Well, I wanted to confess something to you for a couple of reasons. I-I, well, do you remember the other night, when Miss Annalinde found that frog in her bed?" Veronica nodded. "Well, I put it there. I already told Miss Annalinde and have been punished for it, but I felt like I needed to tell you, too, because I know you figured one of your brunette girls did it, and, well, I didn't want you to be suspecting them and be angry that one of your girls withheld that from you." Veronica let the information sink in, then said, "That's mighty brave of you to come over here and tell me this." Alexis swallowed, "And Miss Veronica... I am worried. Do you think that I put such a fright in Miss Annalinde with my silly prank, that I caused her to take ill?" Alexis stared at the floor waiting for the prefect's response to everything she just confessed. 388 From: Thelma Roberts Date: Mon Sep 27, 1999 1:12pm Subject: Re: Lonely Thelma had sat in her room studying the material she had been given in her first day of classes. It all seemed so difficult, so different from the home-schooling she had received from her blonde Mummy. She felt the need for a break and decided to wander the halls in search of a friendly face. After making sure her tie was straight, she stepped out into the hallway and immediately encountered a girl. "Hi, my name is Thelma Roberts. I'm new here!" the 14 year old blonde said. "What's your name?" "I'm Rebecca" then other girl replied. "I tried to find the party but was unable to locate it. I'm so lonely." "Let's go and see if there's a place we can sit and make a cup of tea, then" smiled Thelma. 389 From: Kadorienne Date: Mon Sep 27, 1999 2:08pm Subject: Re: Alexis visits Veronica Veronica smiled a little. "Everyone seems to think Annalinde's illness is their fault. No, honey, I'm sure that didn't cause it. But I'm very glad to see that you're accepting responsibility like this." "How can you be sure it isn't my fault? Oh, I can hardly believe I did something so foolish." "But you confessed to Miss Annalinde, didn't you?" "Yes." "That was very brave. You did the right thing. I think you're on the way to being an upstanding young lady, even if you do get naughty impulses. But I hope that next time you get a naughty impulse, you remember this, and don't go carryin' it out. That frog certainly scared Miss Annalinde. And at Avendale, prefects are to be treated with respect, hear?" Alexis nodded vigorously. Before either of them could speak again, a slight sound at the door attracted their attention. An envelope was slid under the crack, and then came the sound of footsteps hurrying down the corridor. Veronica's impulse was to run to the door to see who had left the envelope, but some instinct made her instead walk normally over and pick it up. Inside was a letter, written on pale pink stationery, faintly scented. Veronica opened it and quickly scanned its contents. Alexis wanted to ask what is was, especially since Veronica looked rather grave, but felt that it would be intruding. Veronica looked at the note for a minute, sighed, and looked back at Alexis. "Honey, I'm sure you had nothing to do with Annalinde's illness. And I respect you for confessing all this to me. Now, are you going to do anything like that again?" Alexis shook her head vigorously. "Good. I don't want to have to punish you again. Now scoot. Remember you have some lines to write for me." With Alexis gone, Veronica reread the pink letter, shaking her head. 390 From: Malena Franklin Date: Mon Sep 27, 1999 7:17am Subject: To Miss Veronica from Malena Dear Miss Veronica Sniffing sitting in detention room on so sore bottom I write this lines tears dripping down my face….bottom so aching all time….all over bottom redbluish patches from that awful hairbrush that smacked my bottom so many times with such force every, inch of my bottom hurts and reminds me of my stupid acting…..I have to force myself to sit and write..it hurts as nothing I experienced before in bottom…so hard smacks I got…ooooooohhh sniffing.oooh what a terrible spanking I got..but also so fair of You Miss Veronica…..when spanking over……. no hard words...only trusting me to do better... …….I deserved this….. and yet you see hope and trusts me to do better....I blush... Ohhh but it hurts so….. I shift all time on chair feeling so vulnerable all time tears dripping on paper but in my heart I feels relief… I been punished…it hurts so…but I paid for my acting and then I have a new start…..Miss Veronica believes in me and thinks I can set other girls an example….ohhh..how will I be able to sit here and write this 400 lines…ohhhh Sniffing I let hand go to so sore bottom under skirt feels like fire there still and I screamed and cried so in Miss Veronicas room…everyone knows I been spanked and will know I was the girl that instigated all….but also nice having paid for it…my heart feels easier but my bottom hurts….. When I came out from Miss Veronica crying and both hands clutching my burning back my friend Alexis waited and helped me to dorm and then after crying a long time and rubbing my poor bottom laying on my tummy on bed I calmed….and all girls met and hugged…. Emma, Georgina Alexis and I and we felt a very special bond between us…so much feeling and so much pain suffered together make friends for life……and they all assured me that noone blamed me….so good friends…..and we cried and smiled thru tears……. Im so tired sitting writing all this lines….and Im really sorry for my acting….Ill promise never to do something as stupid and I promise to do other things with the 2 blonde girls during week.Carry their book and help them right. Please try to forgive me Miss Veronica and I really respect and admire You and want to do better from now on so instead You can be proud of me.....Please Im sorry for this.....I hope Miss Annalinde will recover soon.....and forgive me too..... Malena Franklin..... late in night after sitting up all night writing until hand aches From: Date: Mon Sep 27, 1999 3:52pm Subject: Emma's diary.... Dear Diary, Today was the worst day of my life! As I am writing to you, I am laying on my stomach on my bed because I just cannot sit upon my backside in it's current condition. I lowered my underthings and looked into a glass reflection...and it is just awful....my bottom is bright red!! And there are even a few places where I am positively certain that I can see that nasty, mean Veronica's handprints! As you have probably guessed, I have received my first real spanking today....and it was just dreadful. I had to "assume the correction position" as the witch put it and she even lifted my skirt too...can you imagine?! Well diary, I'll tell you...that is the very last time I willingly assume THAT position.... If there ever is a next time...I will NOT bend over her desk....I will stand proudly (and maybe even run). Also, the witch told me I have to write 200 lines of something...I don't even know what I was supposed to write I was so angry at her.... but one thing is for sure...I will not be writing anything, except what I am writing now. Holiday vacation can't come soon enough... my own mummy would never lay her hand on me and make my little bottom sting so.... Painfully, Emma 393 From: Date: Mon Sep 27, 1999 3:58pm Subject: Re: Lonely "I'm Rebecca" then other girl replied. "I tried to find the party but was unable to locate it. I'm so lonely." "Let's go and see if there's a place we can sit and make a cup of tea, then" smiled Thelma. "OK Thelma." Rebecca follows Thelma. Smiling because she found another friend. 394 From: Date: Tue Sep 28, 1999 7:21am Subject: Goodmorning Jinjur.. Lynette Klaire had tired of her breakfast and just pushed around the eggs on her plate quietly thinking. The girls here were very nice, but she hadn't had many interactions with them. She was so lost in thought, when the spunky blond sat next to her she didn't even notice. "Oh, hi... where did you..." She stumbled over her words quite startled. The blond leaned over and purred in her ear " You may call me Jinjur." Lynette smiled and politely introduced herself, then speaking so no one would hear them. Lynette asked "So what is there to do around here?" 395 From: janet dolan Date: Tue Sep 28, 1999 7:23am Subject: Re: Morning inspection Janet was sitting on her bed contemplating her day. The day started well enough, in Miss Veronica's room. She loved the attention and she felt the affection Veronica had for her. The spanking over the knee was the first one since her blonde mother declared her too big for that when she was 6 years old, and the first one from a brunette. The spanking was not a severe one in her book, considering she was used to bare bottom paddling by a strong brunette like her aunt. She knew she would never want to disappoint Veronica, even though she was not harsh on her. "How different it feels when a spanking is really to teach you better", she thought, even though Veronica had spanked her over some welts still left from her last punishment at home. She remembered the day the envelope from the Governess office came to their house. She got it first and opened it carefully. Inside she saw the certificate, the cheque and the order for her mother to make sure she will be in the education deprtment within 2 days. "I got it ma" she screamed happily "look, I really one the scholarship". Janet was shocked to see her mother was openly angry, but when she saw aunt Eudora's face she became scared. "What? who is this the government to cheat me outofa 'pprentice? Ah'll show you and the governess!!!" Janet felt her foul breath when she grabbed her and pulled her towards the living room, grabbing a belt on the way. "Janet, I told ya I'll whup ya if ya ever won that scholarship and I will do that now". Her mother added some sentences about her thanklessness, leaving her without help with her siblings. Her aunt pushed her over the desk and in two movements raised her skirt and pulled her panties down to her knees. She raised the belt and started to beat the 12 year old girl fiercely. Janet did her best to take the spanking like a brunette, but the injustice of it and the pain broke her down and soon she was crying and finally screaming in pain. As usuall with her aunt, the punishment ended with a few strokes over her thighs, after which her aunt threw the belt aside and left the house angrily. Janet remained crying over the desk until her mother came over, helped her raise her panties and told her to control herself. Suddenly she hugged her and said: "Baby, even though it will be mighty hard on me, ah'm so proud of ya. We have to be fast now". Janet followed her to her room, where she helped her pack her suitcases. "Quickly honey, I don't know what else she might have in mind, cm'on, you go to the education department right now". "I left the house like a thief, like I did something wrong..." thought Janet, "I can't respect Eudora, but I do respect Miss Veronica and want to be like her, and she didn't even raise my skirt...". Janet was sure that this day will come when she will have some severe discipline from Veronica or another prefect or mistress, but she will do her best to prevent it. She wanted to really belong. The school day went well. She loved math and science classes and was "a natural" in both subjects. In grammer class she got some criticism from the teacher for being too quiet, and was informed by Miss Prism that not participating will get her a sore palm in the next lesson. History turned out to be another weak point for her, as she has learned only Culverian history, (from the confederate angle). She went during the afternoon to the library to find a basic history book to study from, but could not find something to her liking. When she came out of the library, she was told by a blonde from her class that Miss Joans was looking for her. Janet went to see her and showed her the carved boat. She was delighted to follow Miss Joans to the workshop, where she was allowed to finish the boat and add a rower figure made from pieces of straw and cloth. She wrapeed the boat in tissue paper, and was waiting for the appropriate moment to go to Veronica's room. She did not want the girls to notice her going there with her gift, and to think she wants to be "the prefect's pet". She well knew that her southern temper will eventually get her into a fight if she was teased. Finally, not a lot of girls in the dorm. She still had 20 minutes before prep, and quickly she went to knock on Miss Veronica's door, forgetting to check herself in the mirror, and not noticing that her tie knot was once more crooked. "I hope she will like this little gift..." 396 Date: Tue Sep 28, 1999 7:32am Subject: From Annalinde Hello Every one, First of all let me tell you that I am quite well now. I had a severe but short-lived dose of poisoning due to eating something to which I have a bad allergy. I felt awful for a time but now I am much better. My darling bunnies who crept out that night - please do not worry that your actions had any part in my illness. I assure you they did not. You were very naughty, but I believe Veronica has dealt with the outstanding ones now (I have not read everything yet). The good thing sbout punishment is that once it is done we can forget all about your little crimes, so please don't think that I do not love you all as before. Of course I do. After being ill, my aunt unexpectedly arrived at school and asked permission to take me on a short trip to Southern Altalia, which is where I am now. I hope I shall have a chance to write and tell you a little about my adventures here. I shall be back quite soon. In the meantime, love to all of you from Annalinde 397 From: Malena Franklin Date: Tue Sep 28, 1999 3:23am Subject: To Miss Annalinde Dear Miss Annalinde So glad for Your letter! A big burden fell off my shoulders with Your words. I been hardly spanked by Miss Veronica and deserved it. I been writing 400 lines for her......and it was awful..hurt so both spanking and writing so hard work but worst was my worries for You Miss Annalinde and fear my prank caused Your illness. I apologize and promise to do better Miss.So glad for Your words that You dont hold anything against me after this...I am so glad for that... Hoping to see You soon...and that You will be fully recovered. Yours friendly Malena Franklin 398 From: Elspeth Elsvetta Date: Tue Sep 28, 1999 10:51am Subject: Annalinde Confesses Dear Elspeth, I am glad Veronica has punished those girls for me. I should not have liked them to be left too long. Causing them to worry was not part of the punishment I had in mind. Poor Malena. She is really a good girl and always so genuinely remorseful when she does something wrong, but she does seem to get herself into trouble. Georgina seems a nice girl. Alexis - well, I like her but this is her second offence in a very short time. I think she may need some watching. As for Emma - well, I don't know. I have to say she is a very attractive brunette, but I think she could be troublesome. I am sure none of the others is reall a bad girl. Emma, I just can't be sure about. I shall tell you a secret. But this really *is* a secret - I was rather looking forward to punishing Emma. Does that sound naughty of me? Well, it is true. There is something fascinating about punishing a brunette almost as old as oneself - older than Veronica. She is so tall. She could hold me helpless with one hand. It is rather delicious being able to punish her - knowing she must accept whatever I choose to do with her. Aren't I dreadful. Of course I should never abuse my authority. Still I fancy I shall have some legitimate opportunity to punish that rather fascinating brunette before *too* long. I must go now, but soon I shall tell you about my adventuees here. Annalinde 399 From: thorny Date: Tue Sep 28, 1999 11:10am Subject: Lonely Sabrina looks out her window wishing that she had some friends. She see's Rebecca and Thelma walking along the path outside. Sabrina checks herself in the mirror and makes sure that her uniform is in perfect order. Then she runs out the door, but halts immediately remember that a lady never tears around. She goes out of her dormitory and catches up with the two girls. "Hello ladies, if you don't remember I am Sabrina 14 year old brunette, can I walk with the two of you?" "Of course you can" says Rebecca. "Oh yes we are going to have tea." replies Thelma With that the three girls lock arms and continue on ward for there search of tea and friendship in a lonely place. sabrina McCloud 400 From: Malena Franklin Date: Tue Sep 28, 1999 5:16am Subject: Re: Lonely Hi Sabrina Saw you walking around alone.....dont be.....come to me and other girls in our dorm and read homeworks together.....smiles....I have problems sitting......but I can lay on my stomach chatting.....and we can talk about teadance that might come......or what You want... Malena Franklin 401 From: janet dolan Date: Tue Sep 28, 1999 1:38pm Subject: Re: Lonely Dear Malena I am so sorry to see you so sad. I am sitting on my bed not far from yours and my heart goes to you. Please let me come over and have a little chat together. I am new here and feel so lonely too. We can talk about school, other girls, or any other thing you want to talk about, ell, except Altalian history, unless you want to help me with this heavy subject *w*. Please be my friend Janet Dolan 402 From: Malena Franklin Date: Tue Sep 28, 1999 8:17am Subject: Re: to Janet Dear Janet Thanks for Your letter.I was feeling sorry for Sabrina that felt lonely but touched for Your concern maybe we can chat all three You I and Sabrina....... Loves Your friendly concern so.......kind.... Malena 403 From: Nicola - 3rd Year Avendale Date: Tue Sep 28, 1999 3:34pm Subject: lost bewildered and somewhat infatuated Nicola was slowly settling into school life although she had yet to make any real freinds of her own age she at least no longer was torn by the anguish of homesickness well at least not most of the time. Slowly she was bgining to find her way through the maze of corridors. Lessons where complex and she wished she had paid more attention in her previous school. As she wandered up the main staircase towards her dorm after tea Nicola was thinking how she would miss Miss Annalinde who had shown her kindness and understanding when bounding down the stairs towards her came a vision which made her heart leap a brunette the image of Carina Grant the movie star and thus her quest began. ............ 404 From: Nicola - 3rd Year Avendale Date: Tue Sep 28, 1999 3:38pm Subject: image of perfection Nicola sort out Carrie Brinks and asked her who the brunette was her name sure in the knowledge that Carrie would know and sure enough came the reply she sort her name was Lynette Klaire and she was seventeen. Nicola knew she just would have to meet her........ 405 From: Tanya Date: Tue Sep 28, 1999 5:29pm Subject: Georgina's Diary From Tanya@c... Dearest Diary, I'm so glad last weekend is over. In the end, Miss Serelique decided that it would be best to cancel the gramophone party due to "the wilfully disbedient behaviour of certain young ladies". I wonder just who she could ne talking about !! I really do though feel very ashamed of my own behaviour and must seek to redeem myself in some way, especially in the eyes of Miss Veronica. The one thing I really hope is my mummies don't get to hear about my involvement in the "sneak-out" as if they did, I could almost certainly expect a secondary round of punishment when next I return chez de la Falaise. Speaking of happier things, I had my first choir practice today with Miss Darnelle. She is extremely strict and pushes us really hard but she certainly knows how to get the best out of us girls. I must say that towards the end of the hour, we were making quite an impressive ensemble noise. It also gave me a chance to spend some time with Elena who, incidently, has the most divine and exquisite singing voice. She could quite easily become an extremely brilliant soloist in my humble opinion. Anyway, must close now as it's lights out in a few minutes. I've decided that I perhaps won't try and sneak out tonight !! Georgina de la Falaise 406 From: Thelma Roberts Date: Tue Sep 28, 1999 6:28pm Subject: Lonely Thelma and Rebecca linked arms with Sabrina, their new 14 year old brunette friend, and the three of them wandered past the Library into an alcove of the dining room. There, they plugged in a large chrome electric kettle, the first they had actually seen, and busied themselves locating tea, cups, saucers, sugar and milk. Once the water was boiling in the kettle, Rebecca poured it over the Orange Pekoe leaves at the bottom of a brown crockery teapot. They waited for it to steep, making small talk about their new school, when suddenly a sturdy but pretty brunette, aged at least 16, appeared. "What on earth are you girls doing? And one of you a brunette!" she exclaimed. "Er, who are you?" Thelma stammered. "Cynthia Annabelle Terwillinger, if it's any of your beeswax. Now I suggest instead of sitting around having a spot of tea on a school night, you all get back to your rooms and get some sleep. There's a full day of classes tomorrow and you'll need to be alert." Sabrina, showing the spunk that most brunettes have as a character trait, said "Are we not allowed even a cup of tea so we can get to know each other? We're all so lonely!" With that, Cynthia pulled herself erect and smiled. "I've been looking for a girl to mentor, one who will gladly do my bidding -- including write any lines I may have imposed on me. What's your name?" "Sabrina, Miss Terwillinger. Sabrina." "I'll keep you in mind for the position as my protege. Just remember, the hours will be long and the work will be hard. I pride myself on being able to make any girl obey me." With this, the three lonely new students headed off to their rooms, while Cynthia settled back to enjoy a piping hot cup of tea. 407 From: Date: Tue Sep 28, 1999 4:29pm Subject: Emma's defiance While on her way to her room for the evening, Emma saw her new friend Malena across the way and decided to catch up and say a quick goodnight. "Hello Malena!" she yelled. "Ssshhh!" Malena warned, "some girls are starting to begin their nightly rituals in preparation for their slumber.....it is quiet time now, remember?" "Oh" shrugged Emma, "I forgot. There are just so many rules to remember here! I really love it here and all, and I already have some new friends.....but honestly, the prefects and mistresses can't possibly expect me to remember everything all at once. And besides, the rules are just in place to guide us Malena, I'm sure of that. I don't plan on obeying every single rule, every single time...... how dreadfully boring that would be!" Malena was truly shocked. The idea of NOT obeying, or at least not trying very hard to obey the rules was a new concept to her.... a concept that she did not approve of at all. She wanted to be friends with Emma, and hoped they could be....but she would be following the rules as best she could, or at least trying very hard to! Emma continued on, "For example, Malena....you were told to write 400 lines!! Do you know how long that would take you?! And I was told to write 200..... but I will not do it. Really, I don't see the point of writing lines after I have already been punished. And that's another thing.... I know this is embarassing for you, so please pardon me for asking this blunt question, but did you have to bend over the desk to receive your punishment? Well, let me tell you....I DID, and I am absolutely sure that made the spanking hurt all the more. If, and I do mean IF...I am ever spanked again (although I do not plan on it)... I will NOT bend over the desk. I will just tell Annaline, or Veronica or whoever that I will stand (and be treated like a woman), not bend over!!" Emma realized that the more she babbled on, the larger Malena's eyes grew in apparent disbelief, and so she decided to end the conversation and get off to bed before the lights out signal. "Well, I'll stop babbling your ear off for now Malena...I just wanted to say good night! Thank you for being my friend! Maybe we can get together tomorrow afternoon for tea? Goodbye!" And with that, Emma was gracefully strolling back to her room to get ready for bed and write a quick note to her diary. 408 From: Kadorienne Date: Tue Sep 28, 1999 10:34pm Subject: Veronica's Secret Admirer Veronica accepted Janet's handiwork with delight and placed the little boat on her desk where it could easily be seen. She hugged the younger girl and thanked her and made her straighten her tie. Perhaps she should have spanked the girl for letting her tie get crooked, but truth to tell, Veronica was a little preoccupied. She asked Janet if there were anything she needed help with. "Altalian history," Janet said promptly. Veronica laughed. "I've always had to swot on that subject too. Just read your textbook over and over; that's all you can do. You know what they say here: 'Swotting or swatting.' So, Miss Joans is going to let you whittle in her class?" "Yes, Miss Veronica. She seemed awful nice. A little fancy, though." "Yes, she likes to be dramatic. Make sure you listen attentively to her, because she, well, has a bit of a temper. She takes her subject very seriously, and if you seem to disrespect art she'll get angry." "I'll try to listen good, Miss Veronica." "Good. Do you have any particular problems right now, Janet?" "No, Miss Veronica." "Then there's something I need you to do for me." "What is it, Miss Veronica?" Janet asked, eager to serve her mentor. "There's a thirteen-year-old blonde named Charlene. I need you to find her and tell her I want to see her." "Right away, Miss Veronica." Janet moved toward the door. Veronica stopped the girl for a last quick hug, touched at the smile that spread over her fellow Confederette's face at the affection. She smiled as Janet left her room. Then her face became serious again, and she sighed. Seating herself behind her desk, she opened the drawer, took out the letter on pink stationery she had received earlier and reread it. "Dear Miss Veronica, "I have yearned for you from afar. Paddle me until I swoon; I will bear it gladly for a sign of your favor. Kiss my forehead and I will never wash my face again.Tell me that my love is not in vain, or I shall die! "All the love in the world, "Charlene" Veronica shook her head. These crushes were really getting out of hand. 409 From: Date: Tue Sep 28, 1999 10:20pm Subject: Miss Joans to Janet Janet, My darling, what excellent native talent you have! Such clever little whittlings. I have never had a pupil whittle before, but you have clearly demonstrated that whittling is one of the Lesser Arts. I will keep your knife locked in my cupboard and you may use it in the studio, under my supervision. But you are not to let any other girl hold it, do you understand? Such a tool can be very dangerous. But my darling, you must not waste yourself on whittling! Oh, keep at it by all means, but you could perhaps turn your talent to a more serious Art form. Sculpture, perhaps. You are to begin making clay models in my class. If you progress at that, you will learn to chisel statues out of stone. Stop protesting, child, I am not going to take your blocks of wood away from you. Do you not wish to discover if your talent is fit for a nobler form of Art? Of course you do. Tomorrow you will spend the first part of Art class whittling -- oh, very well, you fussy child, *carving* -- and the second part modelling with clay. You will not be good at clay modelling at first, darling. But with practice, you may do great things in clay. It is important to learn these things, darling. Jinjur Quinbury, that impertinent child, could be as Artist of merit one day, but she prefers to run around after brunettes than serve her Art. She is lazy and thoughtless. I hope you will not prove to be the same. Yours in Art, Miss Elizabeth Joans 410 From: Malena Franklin Date: Tue Sep 28, 1999 6:33pm Subject: Re: Emma's defiance Dear diary Still having so tender and sore bottom....so hard sitting still and reminds me all time of my spanking and wrongdoing. I just talked to Emma and she will not write her lines!!!!!! Gosh after being spanked as I was I never do anything disobedient for long time....but she will probably be in trouble soon. I dont think Miss veronica will accept more then 2 days deliverytime for this lines. I saw Georgina give her lines a couple of hours ago and I think Alexis writing hers..but Emma !!!!!!??? i dont know how she dares. And she asked me if I was spanked bending over desk ....yes I was and she was too and she says next time she will stand....but I doubt that so hard Miss veronica spanked me with that hairbrush noone can stand taking it.. Although I like Emma very much she is a nice but a bit disobedient I tried to tell her she shouldnt be so...and I told her she better write her lines or she would get in much more trouble with Miss Veronica.......I rememeberd Miss Veronicas words that i was responsible for this girls behaviour during week....and swallow i would be spanked if they misbehaved...so i really tried to persuade Emma to deliver her lines..i can only hope and pray she does......I really dont want to be spanked again by Miss Veronica Malena 411 From: janet dolan Date: Wed Sep 29, 1999 5:37am Subject: Re: Emma's defiance Janet ran like a hare towards the blondes dormitory. Just as she was about to enter she remembered she was not allowed into the building proper. She looked and was happy to see Alexis, the blonde she saw waiting outside Veronica's room after the ungappy sneak out. She called her, and Alexis came over smiling. "Hi, I am Janet, and Miss Veronica sent me t'fetch a girl called charlene to see her, could you please help me find her?" Alexis answered she will, and invited Janet to sit down by the door. Janet sat looking around, and wished she had thought of bringing her history book. Two blondes hurrying in looked at her and she noticed a slightly older brunette standing by the door. "Bye Sabrina" They said, "We are sorry you got into trouble because of us" "It's not a problem" replied the brunette by the door. "Hello" she said looking at Janet, "Are you walking back to the dorm? I'd lobe some company" "I'd love it too" replied Janet "but please wait a few more minutes until they find Charlene her". They started talking after wishing Rebecca and Thelma good night, and Sabrina told Janet about their encounter with Cynthia Terwillinger. Janet listened and finally said: " Sabrina, I am younger than you, and new here, but believe me I know bullies when I see them, and what you found is a prize specimen. Now, there is only one good way to fght a bully, you got to talk to Miss Veronica". "Oh no, she will spank me for going out". Janet looked amazed. "First av'all" she said going back to her southern accent "I don't believe she will do so 'cause she is a rightous girl and does not punish hrashly for things which are not very naughty. And secondly, do u prefer becoming that Terwillinger's slave just to avoid a slap bottom you deserve?" At that moment Alexis came down with Charlene. The two brunettes, took their leaves from their friends and went to the dorm with Charlene, who was trying to find out from Janet how Veronica looked and sounded when she told her to fetch her. Janet replied she looked just normal, trying to avoid gosiping about her "big sister" as she called her in her mind. They deposited Charlene by Veronica's door and went into their room. Janet avoided Cynthia's Terwillinger gaze as she entered the room and went to her bed and History book. Her Math and science work was done hours ago, and she was happy to start swotting over her history. Sudenly she saw Malena's sad face and decided history could wait a few more minutes. She went over to Malena's bed and sat beside her. 412 From: janet dolan Date: Wed Sep 29, 1999 7:47am Subject: Malena and Janet Janet sat down by Malena and asked shyly "Do you mind?" Malena looked up and smiled "no, not at all". Janet looked at the sad older girl and asked: "Are you sad because you were spanked or because you feel you failed?" Malena looked at her wonderingly "Failed? well, yes in a way, and I feel bad about getting the others in trouble" "But Miss Veronica has forgiven you now that she has punished you, didn't she?" "Yes" replied Malena "But she still holds me responsible to the other girls and she will spank me again if anyone of them is involved in any mischief". Janet nodded and Malena told her about Emma's refusal to hand in her lines, "What can I do?". Janet sat deep in thought, finally saying "Well, you gotta put the fear of Dea in her as they say where I come from... Why not get some girls to tell her how Miss Veronica canes girls who do not obey her? She is so frightened of spankings that she might believe it and do the lines outta fear" Malena thought and said "Yes, you may be right Janet, you are bright" Janet blushed and mumbled her thanks, happy to see Malena smile. But then she whispered in Malena's ear "Let me tell you one more thing... I grew up with a hunteress aunt, and I know that when you went to go somewhere quietly, you do not walk on gravel like y'all girls did, you walk on the grass" Malena blushed and said "Well, if I ever think of of doing that again, which I don't believe I will, I'll remember this hunting hint" The girls laughed and Janet went back to her bed to dive in the depths of Altelian history. 413 From: Kadorienne Date: Wed Sep 29, 1999 11:27am Subject: Veronica's Secret Admirer, Part II Veronica opened the door to a young blonde still in knee socks who was trembling, her eyes wide as saucers and her face white as a sheet. Veronica put on a serious face. "Hello, Charlene." Charlene's pretty face fell. "Hello, Miss Veronica," she said, almost inaudibly. Veronica gestured for the blonde to sit down, then held up the pink envelope. "You wrote this?" Charlene nodded mutely. Veronica handed it to her. "I think you better hold on to it. Now, listen, Charlene. This is very flattering, but I have to tell you that what you're feelin' for me is not love." Charlene's big blue eyes welled up with tears. "Oh, but it is, Miss Veronica, I swear to you it is...." Veronica held up a hand. "Let me say my piece. You've heard all the blondes swooning and squealing over Elvira Presley and Kiki lia Caerilinde, right? You don't think all those girls are seriously in love with those two singers, do you? Love -- true love -- is a message from Dea that two pettes belong together. What you've got for me is a crush, which is very sweet of you, but it's not love. You're at the age where you're just starting to notice brunettes, these feelings are new to you, and you don't really understand them yet. It's not at all unusual for young girls to get crushes on older girls, especially prefects. I don't want to sound conceited, but several of the younger blondes here have crushes on me. I can't very well go with all of them, can I?" At this point Veronica had to stop, because Charlene was weeping stormily. Veronica handed her a clean handkerchief. How on earth did this happen? Ever since she became prefect, half the blonde bunnies always decided they were in love with her. And a blonde who could become enamoured so easily was not exactly the sort who would interest Veronica. Annalinde, pretty and authoritative as she was, didn't seem to have this trouble. Or maybe it was just more appropriate to have brunette bunnies chasing a blonde prefect than the reverse. Charlene was the second blonde to become sufficiently infatuated to throw aside proper blonde modesty and approach her instead of waiting decorously to be approached, as a blonde should. Charlene wiped her eyes and caught her breath enough to speak. "Oh, p-please, Miss Veronica, couldn't you give me a chance...." "Charlene, I'm sorry, but it's just plain impossible...." Charlene fixed her with enormous sky-colored eyes. "Are you in love with someone else?" In all her musings about the fair Elspeth, through all her attacks of awkwardness when that demure blonde was present, Veronica had never quite dared to use that word, even in the secret chambers of her own mind. Hearing the word transfixed her like a bolt of lightning. Her gaze moved past the weeping blonde before her and focused on an image in her thoughts, of flaxen hair and grey eyes and delicate features. Veronica's lips parted slightly, her eyes softened, and a gentle flush suffused her face. Young and naive as Charlene was, she knew well enough what that look meant. Learning so decisively that she had no chance with the dashing prefect made her own puppy-love passions shrivel inside her, leaving only a feeling of sadness and humiliation at having been so forward. She wiped her eyes again and stood up. The movement seemed to jolt Veronica into remembering the blonde's presence. Charlene summoned what dignity she could. "I suppose you're right, Miss Veronica. I'm sorry to have acted so silly. I hope that we can forget it." Still half-dazed, Veronica said, "Of course we can, honey. Are you all right now?" "Fine, thanks." Before Veronica could speak again, Charlene was out of the room. She felt very tired and empty, and years older than when she had entered it. A few days later, she would be transferring the stormy infatuation she had felt for Veronica to a certain brunette movie actress. But for the time Charlene was desolate indeed, and was only glad she had had the sense to declare herself privately, not in front of the whole school as Katie Webster had done before being taken ill. Charlene was leaving her infatuation behind. Veronica, left alone in her study, was just discovering hers. 414 From: Date: Wed Sep 29, 1999 0:22pm Subject: Re: Re: Emma's defiance Sitting propped up on her bed, Emma restlessly twirled a lock of shiny hair around a long, slender finger. She was pondering whether or not to start writing the punishment lines afterall. Although she had told Malena that she would not...she couldn't help but wonder about her decision after hearing some of the other girls warn that she may earn a caning for deliberately disobeying. Emma didn't think that either Veronica or Annalinde would use a cane on her...they were just too nice; not that she had any idea what a cane felt like anyways, having just received her very first hand spanking almost two days ago. Speaking of spankings...looking back on it, really, it wasn't that bad at all. Sure, it hurt a lot while Veronica was smacking her, and for a bit afterwards too; but then the pain and throbbing went away. By the next morning, Emma was feeling no ill effects of the punishment whatsoever. And Emma was thoroughly convinced that the reason her bottom stung so badly while she was being spanked is because of the position Veronica forced her to be in.... surely if she was standing upright the pain wouldn't be nearly as bad (and she'd have more of a chance of avoiding a direct hit from Veronica or Annalinde's hand). Well, her mind was made up...... she was not going to do the required lines afterall. It had been almost 2 days since the initial punishment anyways, and Emma was beginning to think that Veronica forgot all about assigning them! And she hadn't heard from Annalinde either, so Emma assumed that she didn't even know Emma had been punished in the first place. Having decided, Emma let the single lock of hair she was twirling finally fall, and got up to see if she could find her friends.... 415 From: Tanya Date: Wed Sep 29, 1999 4:29pm Subject: Note to Malena from Georgina From Tanya@c... Dearest Malena, It was so kind of you to offer to carry my books today but I really feel there was absolutely no need for you to do so. I understand fully that Miss Veronica asked you to do so as part of your ponishment for our disobedience last Friday, but I really feel you've been punished quite enough already !! For my part, I will be trying extra jolly hard this week to stay out of trouble so as not to risk you receiving extra punishment on my behalf. I'm sure Alexis will do the same. Emma, I'm not so sure about. She seems to be so resentful of any form of discipline and authority which, after all, is only in place for our own good so that we may become well-behaved and well-mannered young ladies. We'll really have to try and explain to her that any punishment she receives from the prefects or Mistresses is in the long term for her own benefit. I suppose one of the reasons she is a little stubborn is because she is simply not used to the same sort of discipline as we are. Having said all that, there really is something about her I really like but at the same time I can't quite put my finger on what it is. Perhaps it's that sense of danger she exudes. Do you think I'm being silly? Malena, I hope you're beginning to recover a little from the last few days as I know it's been so very hard for you in particular. It was such a pity Miss Serelique decided to cancel the gramophone party but perhaps it was for the best as I don't think any of us would really been in the mood for singing and dancing last Sunday ! Perhaps we will be allowed to have it some other time. Anyway Malena, I'll leave you now as I must dash for netball practice. Hope to see you later for a chat. Your friend as ever with lots of hugs Georgina 416 From: Date: Wed Sep 29, 1999 1:09pm Subject: Alexis and Emma Alexis was sitting under her favorite tree reading a romance novel, when she saw Emma. Alexis called her over. "Hello, Alexis" Emma said as she sat down next to the blonde. "Are you still sore from our little 'visit' with Miss Veronica?", Alexis asked. "No, not really. You?" "A bit. She really knows how to use that hairbrush!", Alexis said. "Hairbrush! Oh my!", Emma exclaimed. "Are you going to write all those rotten little lines for her?" "Well, I haven't started them yet..." Alexis mused, "And she hasn't said anything about it since, so I'm hoping she forgot about it, because I really don't feel like doing them. It's such a waste of time! I figure I'll see how long I can get away without doing them." "Well, I have no intentions of doing them at all!" Emma said with an edge to her voice. "Really? Hmmm..." Alexis looked at the beautiful brunette. 417 From: Date: Wed Sep 29, 1999 1:56pm Subject: Emma has questions.... Emma had forgotten that Veronica had mentioned on that dreadful day that the other girls would be getting the hairbrush....because it was her first spanking, the prefect had opted to use her hand on Emma instead. Turning to Alexis, Emma asked... "Alexis, do you think that the hairbrush hurts a lot more than Veronica's hand did? Have you ever been spanked by Veronica with her hand?" Emma continued on..."Do you think that Annalinde would spank as hard as Veronica? Do you think that she would use a hairbrush? Do you think Annalinde would make us bend over the desk too?...because I tell you, I will NOT bend over for a spanking again...I think that's what made it hurt so much!" I'm sorry to ask so many questions Alexis, but since I have decided that I will not do my punishment lines, I have been on edge hoping not to be discovered. 418 From: Kadorienne Date: Wed Sep 29, 1999 7:45pm Subject: Veronica Remembers Veronica passed Malena in the hall and stopped her. "Hello, Malena. Do you know if Alexis has finished her lines?" Malena began to look worried. "I'll remind her, Miss Veronica. I'll make sure she writes them!" Veronica patted her shoulder. "You're one of Janet's roommates, aren't you?" The younger brunette nodded. "Well, I hope the two of you are becoming friends." "I think we are.... Miss Veronica?" "What is it?" "I've tried and tried to make her, but... Emma won't write her lines. I had other girls tell her how terrible your canings are and everything, I tried to explain to her that it was for her own good. I think she just doesn't believe that she'll really get punished!" Malena's face was anxious. "Settle down, honey. It was your blonde accomplices I made you responsible for, remember? As a brunette it's your duty to give blondes guidance. But I knew that Emma was trouble; I wouldn't have made you responsible for a girl like her. I'm glad you tried to make her behave, though. By the way, a while ago I saw you walking with Alexis, and she was carrying her own books." "I tried to carry them, but she wouldn't let me. She said she thought I had been punished enough." "Tell her I'll be the judge of that. And you just carry her books regardless of what she says. Who's the brunette here, anyway?" "Yes, Miss Veronica." "Now just tell Emma I expect to see her in my room after the evening study period, with her lines. Light a fire under Alexis while you're at it. If I don't have those lines by the end of tomorrow, everyone's getting paddled. It's amazing how many new girls think they don't have to follow the rules, and at a school like this." "Yes, Miss Veronica." Malena, a little less worried, went off to find Emma and Alexis. 419 From: Date: Wed Sep 29, 1999 4:23pm Subject: Re: Veronica Remembers After the encounter with Malena, Emma was a bit less sure of herself, and a lot more nervous. Malena had told her that Veronica wanted to see her after study....and asked if Emma had finished the lines yet. Finished?.... Uh-oh. Well, thought Emma, "I'll just have to let Veronica know that I feel that writing lines for an incident that I was already punished does not really seem fair to me. And if I am spanked again, well then surely it won't be as painful when I am standing up. Also, by refusing the direction to write lines... I think I have shown Veronica (and hopefully Annalinde too) that I do not take orders well.... Hopefully they will take the hint and stop ordering me around...and just let me be like my dear, sweet mummy at home. Gracefully, Emma lifts an arm to Veronica's door and taps her long fingernails against it. She waits to be allowed in..... 420 From: Date: Thu Sep 30, 1999 0:33am Subject: Ghosts in the Library... Lynette twirled the pen in her graceful fingers. She had been in the library for hours now and it was getting close to bedtime. As she was packing away her papers she whistled softly to herself only then noticing the cold chill that hovered across the floor. Shivering, she gathered her books and started walking back. The cold seemed to seep into her shoes and brush against her legs up to her thighs. Lynette suddenly felt very uneasy and walked a bit quicker down the stairs. When she turned the corner of the building to head for her dorm she was moving so fast she didn't notice the delicate blond coming around the corner. Lynette greeted Nicola with a shower of books and papers in every direction! They both let out cries in surprise and tumbled into the grass. "Where did you come from!" Lynette exclaimed. Nicola blinked cutely covered in Lynette's papers. Lynette suddenly remembered her manners and helped Nicola to her feet apologizing profusely. " I am so sorry. I was in the library and..." Lynette trailed off. No one would think much of a brunette seeing ghosts in the library! From: Date: Mon Sep 27, 1999 3:52pm Subject: Emma's diary.... Dear Diary, Today was the worst day of my life! As I am writing to you, I am laying on my stomach on my bed because I just cannot sit upon my backside in it's current condition. I lowered my underthings and looked into a glass reflection...and it is just awful....my bottom is bright red!! And there are even a few places where I am positively certain that I can see that nasty, mean Veronica's handprints! As you have probably guessed, I have received my first real spanking today....and it was just dreadful. I had to "assume the correction position" as the witch put it and she even lifted my skirt too...can you imagine?! Well diary, I'll tell you...that is the very last time I willingly assume THAT position.... If there ever is a next time...I will NOT bend over her desk....I will stand proudly (and maybe even run). Also, the witch told me I have to write 200 lines of something...I don't even know what I was supposed to write I was so angry at her.... but one thing is for sure...I will not be writing anything, except what I am writing now. Holiday vacation can't come soon enough... my own mummy would never lay her hand on me and make my little bottom sting so.... Painfully, Emma 393 From: Date: Mon Sep 27, 1999 3:58pm Subject: Re: Lonely "I'm Rebecca" then other girl replied. "I tried to find the party but was unable to locate it. I'm so lonely." "Let's go and see if there's a place we can sit and make a cup of tea, then" smiled Thelma. "OK Thelma." Rebecca follows Thelma. Smiling because she found another friend. 394 From: Date: Tue Sep 28, 1999 7:21am Subject: Goodmorning Jinjur.. Lynette Klaire had tired of her breakfast and just pushed around the eggs on her plate quietly thinking. The girls here were very nice, but she hadn't had many interactions with them. She was so lost in thought, when the spunky blond sat next to her she didn't even notice. "Oh, hi... where did you..." She stumbled over her words quite startled. The blond leaned over and purred in her ear " You may call me Jinjur." Lynette smiled and politely introduced herself, then speaking so no one would hear them. Lynette asked "So what is there to do around here?" 395 From: janet dolan Date: Tue Sep 28, 1999 7:23am Subject: Re: Morning inspection Janet was sitting on her bed contemplating her day. The day started well enough, in Miss Veronica's room. She loved the attention and she felt the affection Veronica had for her. The spanking over the knee was the first one since her blonde mother declared her too big for that when she was 6 years old, and the first one from a brunette. The spanking was not a severe one in her book, considering she was used to bare bottom paddling by a strong brunette like her aunt. She knew she would never want to disappoint Veronica, even though she was not harsh on her. "How different it feels when a spanking is really to teach you better", she thought, even though Veronica had spanked her over some welts still left from her last punishment at home. She remembered the day the envelope from the Governess office came to their house. She got it first and opened it carefully. Inside she saw the certificate, the cheque and the order for her mother to make sure she will be in the education deprtment within 2 days. "I got it ma" she screamed happily "look, I really one the scholarship". Janet was shocked to see her mother was openly angry, but when she saw aunt Eudora's face she became scared. "What? who is this the government to cheat me outofa 'pprentice? Ah'll show you and the governess!!!" Janet felt her foul breath when she grabbed her and pulled her towards the living room, grabbing a belt on the way. "Janet, I told ya I'll whup ya if ya ever won that scholarship and I will do that now". Her mother added some sentences about her thanklessness, leaving her without help with her siblings. Her aunt pushed her over the desk and in two movements raised her skirt and pulled her panties down to her knees. She raised the belt and started to beat the 12 year old girl fiercely. Janet did her best to take the spanking like a brunette, but the injustice of it and the pain broke her down and soon she was crying and finally screaming in pain. As usuall with her aunt, the punishment ended with a few strokes over her thighs, after which her aunt threw the belt aside and left the house angrily. Janet remained crying over the desk until her mother came over, helped her raise her panties and told her to control herself. Suddenly she hugged her and said: "Baby, even though it will be mighty hard on me, ah'm so proud of ya. We have to be fast now". Janet followed her to her room, where she helped her pack her suitcases. "Quickly honey, I don't know what else she might have in mind, cm'on, you go to the education department right now". "I left the house like a thief, like I did something wrong..." thought Janet, "I can't respect Eudora, but I do respect Miss Veronica and want to be like her, and she didn't even raise my skirt...". Janet was sure that this day will come when she will have some severe discipline from Veronica or another prefect or mistress, but she will do her best to prevent it. She wanted to really belong. The school day went well. She loved math and science classes and was "a natural" in both subjects. In grammer class she got some criticism from the teacher for being too quiet, and was informed by Miss Prism that not participating will get her a sore palm in the next lesson. History turned out to be another weak point for her, as she has learned only Culverian history, (from the confederate angle). She went during the afternoon to the library to find a basic history book to study from, but could not find something to her liking. When she came out of the library, she was told by a blonde from her class that Miss Joans was looking for her. Janet went to see her and showed her the carved boat. She was delighted to follow Miss Joans to the workshop, where she was allowed to finish the boat and add a rower figure made from pieces of straw and cloth. She wrapeed the boat in tissue paper, and was waiting for the appropriate moment to go to Veronica's room. She did not want the girls to notice her going there with her gift, and to think she wants to be "the prefect's pet". She well knew that her southern temper will eventually get her into a fight if she was teased. Finally, not a lot of girls in the dorm. She still had 20 minutes before prep, and quickly she went to knock on Miss Veronica's door, forgetting to check herself in the mirror, and not noticing that her tie knot was once more crooked. "I hope she will like this little gift..." 396 From: Elspeth Elsvetta Date: Tue Sep 28, 1999 7:32am Subject: From Annalinde Hello Every one, First of all let me tell you that I am quite well now. I had a severe but short-lived dose of poisoning due to eating something to which I have a bad allergy. I felt awful for a time but now I am much better. My darling bunnies who crept out that night - please do not worry that your actions had any part in my illness. I assure you they did not. You were very naughty, but I believe Veronica has dealt with the outstanding ones now (I have not read everything yet). The good thing sbout punishment is that once it is done we can forget all about your little crimes, so please don't think that I do not love you all as before. Of course I do. After being ill, my aunt unexpectedly arrived at school and asked permission to take me on a short trip to Southern Altalia, which is where I am now. I hope I shall have a chance to write and tell you a little about my adventures here. I shall be back quite soon. In the meantime, love to all of you from Annalinde 397 From: Malena Franklin Date: Tue Sep 28, 1999 3:23am Subject: To Miss Annalinde Dear Miss Annalinde So glad for Your letter! A big burden fell off my shoulders with Your words. I been hardly spanked by Miss Veronica and deserved it. I been writing 400 lines for her......and it was awful..hurt so both spanking and writing so hard work but worst was my worries for You Miss Annalinde and fear my prank caused Your illness. I apologize and promise to do better Miss.So glad for Your words that You dont hold anything against me after this...I am so glad for that... Hoping to see You soon...and that You will be fully recovered. Yours friendly Malena Franklin 398 From: Elspeth Elsvetta Date: Tue Sep 28, 1999 10:51am Subject: Annalinde Confesses Dear Elspeth, I am glad Veronica has punished those girls for me. I should not have liked them to be left too long. Causing them to worry was not part of the punishment I had in mind. Poor Malena. She is really a good girl and always so genuinely remorseful when she does something wrong, but she does seem to get herself into trouble. Georgina seems a nice girl. Alexis - well, I like her but this is her second offence in a very short time. I think she may need some watching. As for Emma - well, I don't know. I have to say she is a very attractive brunette, but I think she could be troublesome. I am sure none of the others is reall a bad girl. Emma, I just can't be sure about. I shall tell you a secret. But this really *is* a secret - I was rather looking forward to punishing Emma. Does that sound naughty of me? Well, it is true. There is something fascinating about punishing a brunette almost as old as oneself - older than Veronica. She is so tall. She could hold me helpless with one hand. It is rather delicious being able to punish her - knowing she must accept whatever I choose to do with her. Aren't I dreadful. Of course I should never abuse my authority. Still I fancy I shall have some legitimate opportunity to punish that rather fascinating brunette before *too* long. I must go now, but soon I shall tell you about my adventuees here. Annalinde 399 From: thorny Date: Tue Sep 28, 1999 11:10am Subject: Lonely Sabrina looks out her window wishing that she had some friends. She see's Rebecca and Thelma walking along the path outside. Sabrina checks herself in the mirror and makes sure that her uniform is in perfect order. Then she runs out the door, but halts immediately remember that a lady never tears around. She goes out of her dormitory and catches up with the two girls. "Hello ladies, if you don't remember I am Sabrina 14 year old brunette, can I walk with the two of you?" "Of course you can" says Rebecca. "Oh yes we are going to have tea." replies Thelma With that the three girls lock arms and continue on ward for there search of tea and friendship in a lonely place. sabrina McCloud 400 From: Malena Franklin Date: Tue Sep 28, 1999 5:16am Subject: Re: Lonely Hi Sabrina Saw you walking around alone.....dont be.....come to me and other girls in our dorm and read homeworks together.....smiles....I have problems sitting......but I can lay on my stomach chatting.....and we can talk about teadance that might come......or what You want... Malena Franklin 401 From: janet dolan Date: Tue Sep 28, 1999 1:38pm Subject: Re: Lonely Dear Malena I am so sorry to see you so sad. I am sitting on my bed not far from yours and my heart goes to you. Please let me come over and have a little chat together. I am new here and feel so lonely too. We can talk about school, other girls, or any other thing you want to talk about,,,well, except Altalian history, unless you want to help me with this heavy subject *w*. Please be my friend Janet Dolan 402 From: Malena Franklin Date: Tue Sep 28, 1999 8:17am Subject: Re: to Janet Dear Janet Thanks for Your letter.I was feeling sorry for Sabrina that felt lonely but touched for Your concern maybe we can chat all three You I and Sabrina....... Loves Your friendly concern so.......kind.... Malena 403 From: Nicola - 3rd Year Avendale Date: Tue Sep 28, 1999 3:34pm Subject: lost bewildered and somewhat infactuated Nicola was slowly settling into school life although she had yet to make any real freinds of her own age she at least no longer was torn by the anguish of homesickness well at least not most of the time. Slowly she was bgining to find her way through the maze of corridors. Lessons where complex and she wished she had paid more attention in her previous school. As she wandered up the main staircase towards her dorm after tea Nicola was thinking how she would miss Miss Annalinde who had shown her kindness and understanding when bounding down the stairs towards her came a vision which made her heart leap a brunette the image of Carina Grant the movie star and thus her quest began. ............ 404 From: Nicola - 3rd Year Avendale Date: Tue Sep 28, 1999 3:38pm Subject: image of perfection Nicola sort out Carrie Brinks and asked her who the brunette was her name sure in the knowledge that Carrie would know and sure enough came the reply she sort her name was Lynette Klaire and she was seventeen. Nicola knew she just would have to meet her........ 405 From: Tanya Date: Tue Sep 28, 1999 5:29pm Subject: Georgina's Diary From Tanya@c... Dearest Diary, I'm so glad last weekend is over. In the end, Miss Serelique decided that it would be best to cancel the gramophone party due to "the wilfully disbedient behaviour of certain young ladies". I wonder just who she could ne talking about !! I really do though feel very ashamed of my own behaviour and must seek to redeem myself in some way, especially in the eyes of Miss Veronica. The one thing I really hope is my mummies don't get to hear about my involvement in the "sneak-out" as if they did, I could almost certainly expect a secondary round of punishment when next I return chez de la Falaise. Speaking of happier things, I had my first choir practice today with Miss Darnelle. She is extremely strict and pushes us really hard but she certainly knows how to get the best out of us girls. I must say that towards the end of the hour, we were making quite an impressive ensemble noise. It also gave me a chance to spend some time with Elena who, incidently, has the most divine and exquisite singing voice. She could quite easily become an extremely brilliant soloist in my humble opinion. Anyway, must close now as it's lights out in a few minutes. I've decided that I perhaps won't try and sneak out tonight !! Georgina de la Falaise 406 From: Thelma Roberts Date: Tue Sep 28, 1999 6:28pm Subject: Lonely Thelma and Rebecca linked arms with Sabrina, their new 14 year old brunette friend, and the three of them wandered past the Library into an alcove of the dining room. There, they plugged in a large chrome electric kettle, the first they had actually seen, and busied themselves locating tea, cups, saucers, sugar and milk. Once the water was boiling in the kettle, Rebecca poured it over the Orange Pekoe leaves at the bottom of a brown crockery teapot. They waited for it to steep, making small talk about their new school, when suddenly a sturdy but pretty brunette, aged at least 16, appeared. "What on earth are you girls doing? And one of you a brunette!" she exclaimed. "Er, who are you?" Thelma stammered. "Cynthia Annabelle Terwillinger, if it's any of your beeswax. Now I suggest instead of sitting around having a spot of tea on a school night, you all get back to your rooms and get some sleep. There's a full day of classes tomorrow and you'll need to be alert." Sabrina, showing the spunk that most brunettes have as a character trait, said "Are we not allowed even a cup of tea so we can get to know each other? We're all so lonely!" With that, Cynthia pulled herself erect and smiled. "I've been looking for a girl to mentor, one who will gladly do my bidding -- including write any lines I may have imposed on me. What's your name?" "Sabrina, Miss Terwillinger. Sabrina." "I'll keep you in mind for the position as my protege. Just remember, the hours will be long and the work will be hard. I pride myself on being able to make any girl obey me." With this, the three lonely new students headed off to their rooms, while Cynthia settled back to enjoy a piping hot cup of tea. 407 From: Date: Tue Sep 28, 1999 4:29pm Subject: Emma's defiance While on her way to her room for the evening, Emma saw her new friend Malena across the way and decided to catch up and say a quick goodnight. "Hello Malena!" she yelled. "Ssshhh!" Malena warned, "some girls are starting to begin their nightly rituals in preparation for their slumber.....it is quiet time now, remember?" "Oh" shrugged Emma, "I forgot. There are just so many rules to remember here! I really love it here and all, and I already have some new friends.....but honestly, the prefects and mistresses can't possibly expect me to remember everything all at once. And besides, the rules are just in place to guide us Malena, I'm sure of that. I don't plan on obeying every single rule, every single time...... how dreadfully boring that would be!" Malena was truly shocked. The idea of NOT obeying, or at least not trying very hard to obey the rules was a new concept to her.... a concept that she did not approve of at all. She wanted to be friends with Emma, and hoped they could be....but she would be following the rules as best she could, or at least trying very hard to! Emma continued on, "For example, Malena....you were told to write 400 lines!! Do you know how long that would take you?! And I was told to write 200..... but I will not do it. Really, I don't see the point of writing lines after I have already been punished. And that's another thing.... I know this is embarassing for you, so please pardon me for asking this blunt question, but did you have to bend over the desk to receive your punishment? Well, let me tell you....I DID, and I am absolutely sure that made the spanking hurt all the more. If, and I do mean IF...I am ever spanked again (although I do not plan on it)... I will NOT bend over the desk. I will just tell Annaline, or Veronica or whoever that I will stand (and be treated like a woman), not bend over!!" Emma realized that the more she babbled on, the larger Malena's eyes grew in apparent disbelief, and so she decided to end the conversation and get off to bed before the lights out signal. "Well, I'll stop babbling your ear off for now Malena...I just wanted to say good night! Thank you for being my friend! Maybe we can get together tomorrow afternoon for tea? Goodbye!" And with that, Emma was gracefully strolling back to her room to get ready for bed and write a quick note to her diary. 408 From: Kadorienne Date: Tue Sep 28, 1999 10:34pm Subject: Veronica's Secret Admirer Veronica accepted Janet's handiwork with delight and placed the little boat on her desk where it could easily be seen. She hugged the younger girl and thanked her and made her straighten her tie. Perhaps she should have spanked the girl for letting her tie get crooked, but truth to tell, Veronica was a little preoccupied. She asked Janet if there were anything she needed help with. "Altalian history," Janet said promptly. Veronica laughed. "I've always had to swot on that subject too. Just read your textbook over and over; that's all you can do. You know what they say here: 'Swotting or swatting.' So, Miss Joans is going to let you whittle in her class?" "Yes, Miss Veronica. She seemed awful nice. A little fancy, though." "Yes, she likes to be dramatic. Make sure you listen attentively to her, because she, well, has a bit of a temper. She takes her subject very seriously, and if you seem to disrespect art she'll get angry." "I'll try to listen good, Miss Veronica." "Good. Do you have any particular problems right now, Janet?" "No, Miss Veronica." "Then there's something I need you to do for me." "What is it, Miss Veronica?" Janet asked, eager to serve her mentor. "There's a thirteen-year-old blonde named Charlene. I need you to find her and tell her I want to see her." "Right away, Miss Veronica." Janet moved toward the door. Veronica stopped the girl for a last quick hug, touched at the smile that spread over her fellow Confederette's face at the affection. She smiled as Janet left her room. Then her face became serious again, and she sighed. Seating herself behind her desk, she opened the drawer, took out the letter on pink stationery she had received earlier and reread it. "Dear Miss Veronica, "I have yearned for you from afar. Paddle me until I swoon; I will bear it gladly for a sign of your favor. Kiss my forehead and I will never wash my face again.Tell me that my love is not in vain, or I shall die! "All the love in the world, "Charlene" Veronica shook her head. These crushes were really getting out of hand. 409 From: Date: Tue Sep 28, 1999 10:20pm Subject: Miss Joans to Janet Janet, My darling, what excellent native talent you have! Such clever little whittlings. I have never had a pupil whittle before, but you have clearly demonstrated that whittling is one of the Lesser Arts. I will keep your knife locked in my cupboard and you may use it in the studio, under my supervision. But you are not to let any other girl hold it, do you understand? Such a tool can be very dangerous. But my darling, you must not waste yourself on whittling! Oh, keep at it by all means, but you could perhaps turn your talent to a more serious Art form. Sculpture, perhaps. You are to begin making clay models in my class. If you progress at that, you will learn to chisel statues out of stone. Stop protesting, child, I am not going to take your blocks of wood away from you. Do you not wish to discover if your talent is fit for a nobler form of Art? Of course you do. Tomorrow you will spend the first part of Art class whittling -- oh, very well, you fussy child, *carving* -- and the second part modelling with clay. You will not be good at clay modelling at first, darling. But with practice, you may do great things in clay. It is important to learn these things, darling. Jinjur Quinbury, that impertinent child, could be as Artist of merit one day, but she prefers to run around after brunettes than serve her Art. She is lazy and thoughtless. I hope you will not prove to be the same. Yours in Art, Miss Elizabeth Joans 410 From: Malena Franklin Date: Tue Sep 28, 1999 6:33pm Subject: Re: Emma's defiance Dear diary Still having so tender and sore bottom....so hard sitting still and reminds me all time of my spanking and wrongdoing. I just talked to Emma and she will not write her lines!!!!!! Gosh after being spanked as I was I never do anything disobedient for long time....but she will probably be in trouble soon. I dont think Miss veronica will accept more then 2 days deliverytime for this lines. I saw Georgina give her lines a couple of hours ago and I think Alexis writing hers..but Emma !!!!!!??? i dont know how she dares. And she asked me if I was spanked bending over desk ....yes I was and she was too and she says next time she will stand....but I doubt that so hard Miss veronica spanked me with that hairbrush noone can stand taking it.. Although I like Emma very much she is a nice but a bit disobedient I tried to tell her she shouldnt be so...and I told her she better write her lines or she would get in much more trouble with Miss Veronica.......I rememeberd Miss Veronicas words that i was responsible for this girls behaviour during week....and swallow i would be spanked if they misbehaved...so i really tried to persuade Emma to deliver her lines..i can only hope and pray she does......I really dont want to be spanked again by Miss Veronica Malena 411 From: janet dolan Date: Wed Sep 29, 1999 5:37am Subject: Re: Emma's defiance Janet ran like a hare towards the blondes dormitory. Just as she was about to enter she remembered she was not allowed into the building proper. She looked and was happy to see Alexis, the blonde she saw waiting outside Veronica's room after the ungappy sneak out. She called her, and Alexis came over smiling. "Hi, I am Janet, and Miss Veronica sent me t'fetch a girl called charlene to see her, could you please help me find her?" Alexis answered she will, and invited Janet to sit down by the door. Janet sat looking around, and wished she had thought of bringing her history book. Two blondes hurrying in looked at her and she noticed a slightly older brunette standing by the door. "Bye Sabrina" They said, "We are sorry you got into trouble because of us" "It's not a problem" replied the brunette by the door. "Hello" she said looking at Janet, "Are you walking back to the dorm? I'd lobe some company" "I'd love it too" replied Janet "but please wait a few more minutes until they find Charlene her". They started talking after wishing Rebecca and Thelma good night, and Sabrina told Janet about their encounter with Cynthia Terwillinger. Janet listened and finally said: " Sabrina, I am younger than you, and new here, but believe me I know bullies when I see them, and what you found is a prize specimen. Now, there is only one good way to fght a bully, you got to talk to Miss Veronica". "Oh no, she will spank me for going out". Janet looked amazed. "First av'all" she said going back to her southern accent "I don't believe she will do so 'cause she is a rightous girl and does not punish hrashly for things which are not very naughty. And secondly, do u prefer becoming that Terwillinger's slave just to avoid a slap bottom you deserve?" At that moment Alexis came down with Charlene. The two brunettes, took their leaves from their friends and went to the dorm with Charlene, who was trying to find out from Janet how Veronica looked and sounded when she told her to fetch her. Janet replied she looked just normal, trying to avoid gosiping about her "big sister" as she called her in her mind. They deposited Charlene by Veronica's door and went into their room. Janet avoided Cynthia's Terwillinger gaze as she entered the room and went to her bed and History book. Her Math and science work was done hours ago, and she was happy to start swotting over her history. Sudenly she saw Malena's sad face and decided history could wait a few more minutes. She went over to Malena's bed and sat beside her. 412 From: janet dolan Date: Wed Sep 29, 1999 7:47am Subject: Malena and Janet Janet sat down by Malena and asked shyly "Do you mind?" Malena looked up and smiled "no, not at all". Janet looked at the sad older girl and asked: "Are you sad because you were spanked or because you feel you failed?" Malena looked at her wonderingly "Failed? well, yes in a way, and I feel bad about getting the others in trouble" "But Miss Veronica has forgiven you now that she has punished you, didn't she?" "Yes" replied Malena "But she still holds me responsible to the other girls and she will spank me again if anyone of them is involved in any mischief". Janet nodded and Malena told her about Emma's refusal to hand in her lines, "What can I do?". Janet sat deep in thought, finally saying "Well, you gotta put the fear of Dea in her as they say where I come from... Why not get some girls to tell her how Miss Veronica canes girls who do not obey her? She is so frightened of spankings that she might believe it and do the lines outta fear" Malena thought and said "Yes, you may be right Janet, you are bright" Janet blushed and mumbled her thanks, happy to see Malena smile. But then she whispered in Malena's ear "Let me tell you one more thing... I grew up with a hunteress aunt, and I know that when you went to go somewhere quietly, you do not walk on gravel like y'all girls did, you walk on the grass" Malena blushed and said "Well, if I ever think of of doing that again, which I don't believe I will, I'll remember this hunting hint" The girls laughed and Janet went back to her bed to dive in the depths of Altelian history. 413 From: Kadorienne Date: Wed Sep 29, 1999 11:27am Subject: Veronica's Secret Admirer, Part II Veronica opened the door to a young blonde still in knee socks who was trembling, her eyes wide as saucers and her face white as a sheet. Veronica put on a serious face. "Hello, Charlene." Charlene's pretty face fell. "Hello, Miss Veronica," she said, almost inaudibly. Veronica gestured for the blonde to sit down, then held up the pink envelope. "You wrote this?" Charlene nodded mutely. Veronica handed it to her. "I think you better hold on to it. Now, listen, Charlene. This is very flattering, but I have to tell you that what you're feelin' for me is not love." Charlene's big blue eyes welled up with tears. "Oh, but it is, Miss Veronica, I swear to you it is...." Veronica held up a hand. "Let me say my piece. You've heard all the blondes swooning and squealing over Elvira Presley and Kiki lia Caerilinde, right? You don't think all those girls are seriously in love with those two singers, do you? Love -- true love -- is a message from Dea that two pettes belong together. What you've got for me is a crush, which is very sweet of you, but it's not love. You're at the age where you're just starting to notice brunettes, these feelings are new to you, and you don't really understand them yet. It's not at all unusual for young girls to get crushes on older girls, especially prefects. I don't want to sound conceited, but several of the younger blondes here have crushes on me. I can't very well go with all of them, can I?" At this point Veronica had to stop, because Charlene was weeping stormily. Veronica handed her a clean handkerchief. How on earth did this happen? Ever since she became prefect, half the blonde bunnies always decided they were in love with her. And a blonde who could become enamoured so easily was not exactly the sort who would interest Veronica. Annalinde, pretty and authoritative as she was, didn't seem to have this trouble. Or maybe it was just more appropriate to have brunette bunnies chasing a blonde prefect than the reverse. Charlene was the second blonde to become sufficiently infatuated to throw aside proper blonde modesty and approach her instead of waiting decorously to be approached, as a blonde should. Charlene wiped her eyes and caught her breath enough to speak. "Oh, p-please, Miss Veronica, couldn't you give me a chance...." "Charlene, I'm sorry, but it's just plain impossible...." Charlene fixed her with enormous sky-colored eyes. "Are you in love with someone else?" In all her musings about the fair Elspeth, through all her attacks of awkwardness when that demure blonde was present, Veronica had never quite dared to use that word, even in the secret chambers of her own mind. Hearing the word transfixed her like a bolt of lightning. Her gaze moved past the weeping blonde before her and focused on an image in her thoughts, of flaxen hair and grey eyes and delicate features. Veronica's lips parted slightly, her eyes softened, and a gentle flush suffused her face. Young and naive as Charlene was, she knew well enough what that look meant. Learning so decisively that she had no chance with the dashing prefect made her own puppy-love passions shrivel inside her, leaving only a feeling of sadness and humiliation at having been so forward. She wiped her eyes again and stood up. The movement seemed to jolt Veronica into remembering the blonde's presence. Charlene summoned what dignity she could. "I suppose you're right, Miss Veronica. I'm sorry to have acted so silly. I hope that we can forget it." Still half-dazed, Veronica said, "Of course we can, honey. Are you all right now?" "Fine, thanks." Before Veronica could speak again, Charlene was out of the room. She felt very tired and empty, and years older than when she had entered it. A few days later, she would be transferring the stormy infatuation she had felt for Veronica to a certain brunette movie actress. But for the time Charlene was desolate indeed, and was only glad she had had the sense to declare herself privately, not in front of the whole school as Katie Webster had done before being taken ill. Charlene was leaving her infatuation behind. Veronica, left alone in her study, was just discovering hers. 414 From: Date: Wed Sep 29, 1999 0:22pm Subject: Re: Re: Emma's defiance Sitting propped up on her bed, Emma restlessly twirled a lock of shiny hair around a long, slender finger. She was pondering whether or not to start writing the punishment lines afterall. Although she had told Malena that she would not...she couldn't help but wonder about her decision after hearing some of the other girls warn that she may earn a caning for deliberately disobeying. Emma didn't think that either Veronica or Annalinde would use a cane on her...they were just too nice; not that she had any idea what a cane felt like anyways, having just received her very first hand spanking almost two days ago. Speaking of spankings...looking back on it, really, it wasn't that bad at all. Sure, it hurt a lot while Veronica was smacking her, and for a bit afterwards too; but then the pain and throbbing went away. By the next morning, Emma was feeling no ill effects of the punishment whatsoever. And Emma was thoroughly convinced that the reason her bottom stung so badly while she was being spanked is because of the position Veronica forced her to be in.... surely if she was standing upright the pain wouldn't be nearly as bad (and she'd have more of a chance of avoiding a direct hit from Veronica or Annalinde's hand). Well, her mind was made up...... she was not going to do the required lines afterall. It had been almost 2 days since the initial punishment anyways, and Emma was beginning to think that Veronica forgot all about assigning them! And she hadn't heard from Annalinde either, so Emma assumed that she didn't even know Emma had been punished in the first place. Having decided, Emma let the single lock of hair she was twirling finally fall, and got up to see if she could find her friends.... 415 From: Tanya Date: Wed Sep 29, 1999 4:29pm Subject: Note to Malena from Georgina From Tanya@c... Dearest Malena, It was so kind of you to offer to carry my books today but I really feel there was absolutely no need for you to do so. I understand fully that Miss Veronica asked you to do so as part of your ponishment for our disobedience last Friday, but I really feel you've been punished quite enough already !! For my part, I will be trying extra jolly hard this week to stay out of trouble so as not to risk you receiving extra punishment on my behalf. I'm sure Alexis will do the same. Emma, I'm not so sure about. She seems to be so resentful of any form of discipline and authority which, after all, is only in place for our own good so that we may become well-behaved and well-mannered young ladies. We'll really have to try and explain to her that any punishment she receives from the prefects or Mistresses is in the long term for her own benefit. I suppose one of the reasons she is a little stubborn is because she is simply not used to the same sort of discipline as we are. Having said all that, there really is something about her I really like but at the same time I can't quite put my finger on what it is. Perhaps it's that sense of danger she exudes. Do you think I'm being silly? Malena, I hope you're beginning to recover a little from the last few days as I know it's been so very hard for you in particular. It was such a pity Miss Serelique decided to cancel the gramophone party but perhaps it was for the best as I don't think any of us would really been in the mood for singing and dancing last Sunday ! Perhaps we will be allowed to have it some other time. Anyway Malena, I'll leave you now as I must dash for netball practice. Hope to see you later for a chat. Your friend as ever with lots of hugs Georgina 416 From: Date: Wed Sep 29, 1999 1:09pm Subject: Alexis and Emma Alexis was sitting under her favorite tree reading a romance novel, when she saw Emma. Alexis called her over. "Hello, Alexis" Emma said as she sat down next to the blonde. "Are you still sore from our little 'visit' with Miss Veronica?", Alexis asked. "No, not really. You?" "A bit. She really knows how to use that hairbrush!", Alexis said. "Hairbrush! Oh my!", Emma exclaimed. "Are you going to write all those rotten little lines for her?" "Well, I haven't started them yet..." Alexis mused, "And she hasn't said anything about it since, so I'm hoping she forgot about it, because I really don't feel like doing them. It's such a waste of time! I figure I'll see how long I can get away without doing them." "Well, I have no intentions of doing them at all!" Emma said with an edge to her voice. "Really? Hmmm..." Alexis looked at the beautiful brunette. 417 From: Date: Wed Sep 29, 1999 1:56pm Subject: Emma has questions.... Emma had forgotten that Veronica had mentioned on that dreadful day that the other girls would be getting the hairbrush....because it was her first spanking, the prefect had opted to use her hand on Emma instead. Turning to Alexis, Emma asked... "Alexis, do you think that the hairbrush hurts a lot more than Veronica's hand did? Have you ever been spanked by Veronica with her hand?" Emma continued on..."Do you think that Annalinde would spank as hard as Veronica? Do you think that she would use a hairbrush? Do you think Annalinde would make us bend over the desk too?...because I tell you, I will NOT bend over for a spanking again...I think that's what made it hurt so much!" I'm sorry to ask so many questions Alexis, but since I have decided that I will not do my punishment lines, I have been on edge hoping not to be discovered. 418 From: Kadorienne Date: Wed Sep 29, 1999 7:45pm Subject: Veronica Remembers Veronica passed Malena in the hall and stopped her. "Hello, Malena. Do you know if Alexis has finished her lines?" Malena began to look worried. "I'll remind her, Miss Veronica. I'll make sure she writes them!" Veronica patted her shoulder. "You're one of Janet's roommates, aren't you?" The younger brunette nodded. "Well, I hope the two of you are becoming friends." "I think we are.... Miss Veronica?" "What is it?" "I've tried and tried to make her, but... Emma won't write her lines. I had other girls tell her how terrible your canings are and everything, I tried to explain to her that it was for her own good. I think she just doesn't believe that she'll really get punished!" Malena's face was anxious. "Settle down, honey. It was your blonde accomplices I made you responsible for, remember? As a brunette it's your duty to give blondes guidance. But I knew that Emma was trouble; I wouldn't have made you responsible for a girl like her. I'm glad you tried to make her behave, though. By the way, a while ago I saw you walking with Alexis, and she was carrying her own books." "I tried to carry them, but she wouldn't let me. She said she thought I had been punished enough." "Tell her I'll be the judge of that. And you just carry her books regardless of what she says. Who's the brunette here, anyway?" "Yes, Miss Veronica." "Now just tell Emma I expect to see her in my room after the evening study period, with her lines. Light a fire under Alexis while you're at it. If I don't have those lines by the end of tomorrow, everyone's getting paddled. It's amazing how many new girls think they don't have to follow the rules, and at a school like this." "Yes, Miss Veronica." Malena, a little less worried, went off to find Emma and Alexis. 419 From: Date: Wed Sep 29, 1999 4:23pm Subject: Re: Veronica Remembers After the encounter with Malena, Emma was a bit less sure of herself, and a lot more nervous. Malena had told her that Veronica wanted to see her after study....and asked if Emma had finished the lines yet. Finished?.... Uh-oh. Well, thought Emma, "I'll just have to let Veronica know that I feel that writing lines for an incident that I was already punished does not really seem fair to me. And if I am spanked again, well then surely it won't be as painful when I am standing up. Also, by refusing the direction to write lines... I think I have shown Veronica (and hopefully Annalinde too) that I do not take orders well.... Hopefully they will take the hint and stop ordering me around...and just let me be like my dear, sweet mummy at home. Gracefully, Emma lifts an arm to Veronica's door and taps her long fingernails against it. She waits to be allowed in..... 420 From: Date: Thu Sep 30, 1999 0:33am Subject: Ghosts in the Library... Lynette twirled the pen in her graceful fingers. She had been in the library for hours now and it was getting close to bedtime. As she was packing away her papers she whistled softly to herself only then noticing the cold chill that hovered across the floor. Shivering, she gathered her books and started walking back. The cold seemed to seep into her shoes and brush against her legs up to her thighs. Lynette suddenly felt very uneasy and walked a bit quicker down the stairs. When she turned the corner of the building to head for her dorm she was moving so fast she didn't notice the delicate blond coming around the corner. Lynette greeted Nicola with a shower of books and papers in every direction! They both let out cries in surprise and tumbled into the grass. "Where did you come from!" Lynette exclaimed. Nicola blinked cutely covered in Lynette's papers. Lynette suddenly remembered her manners and helped Nicola to her feet apologizing profusely. " I am so sorry. I was in the library and..." Lynette trailed off. No one would think much of a brunette seeing ghosts in the library! 451 From: Nicola - 3rd Year Avendale Date: Fri Oct 1, 1999 11:53am Subject: Observations and "accidents" Nicola had laid awake most of the previous night, half listening to the contented breathing of her room mates, however unlike previous nights she was not racked with the pangs of homesickness, last night she thought only of Lynette. The day so far had been half remembered vague and surreal, Nicola never very bright with languages could never grasp why in French a chair was blonde and a table brunette , or was it the other way?. Free-time after tea had offered her the opportunity and careful she sort the object of her affection, to see Lynette. When it had happened, skulking across the quadrangle she turned the corner and woosh she fell crumpled in a heap besides Lynette. Dumb stuck Nicola could say nothing but smile coyly aware as her checks reddened as Lynette helped her to her feet, oh she even spoke, oh so sweetly so concerned so polite, the laddered stocking and grazed leg ignored by Nicola as she tried to avoid the eye of the devine brunette, embaressed Nicola could only fumble a reply and aware of her flushed checks ran away quickly. As Nicola sat on her bed in the dorm carerefuly removing the laddered stocking to bath her grazed leg Nicola scolded herself for being so foolish in running away like that, a golden opportunity squandered by her own silly actions. 453 From: Date: Fri Oct 1, 1999 2:56pm Subject: Jinjur meets Cynthia Jinjur and Carrie were clasped in a close embrace, kissing passionately. Jinjur's arms were around Carrie's neck, her fingers in Carrie's brown hair. Carrie's arms were wrapped around Jinjur's waist, and the girls' mouths were locked together. While such passionate kissing would have gotten them in trouble had they been caught, just the same they were doing nothing exactly wrong. To put it plainly, Carrie, despite a wealth of temptation, was following Veronica's advice to behave like a gentilmaid, and was determined to continue doing so. It was this that made her suddenly break away from Jinjur and retreat several feet. Jinjur, dazed from the embrace, at once took a step toward the brunette. "Oh, Carrie," she murmured, holding her arms out to the girl. "Don't! Jinjur, I'm sorry, but we mustn't." Jinjur stopped, uncomprehending. "Why not?" she asked, her tone full of disappointment. Both girls stood still, several feet apart, their breath coming fast and short, gazing at each other hungrily. "Because… oh, Jinjur, don't be offended, but -- you're so alluring -- if we keep on like this, I won't be able to help… trying to take a liberty." Jinjur stared. "Oh, please don't be angry. You know I respect you too much to ever do such a thing. But -- you don't know the effect a girl like you has on a brunette. It's best we stop for now." Jinjur's face was hot. She looked at the ground. The fact was that at that moment, what she wanted most was to be back in Carrie's arms, and she had been rather hoping that Carrie would take a liberty or two. But she was trying to convince everyone, Carrie especially, that she was a good and innocent blonde, so she could not possibly tell Carrie that she didn't mind a few liberties. If Carrie had just taken a few without talking about it, Jinjur would have had the excuse of being swept off her feet. All of her redheaded passions were making the blood beat in her temples, but Jinjur had no choice. "All right," she said at last. "Perhaps I'd better go back to the dormitory." With that, she turned and left, feeling irritated at all the desires that had been roused in herself which now would have no more outlet. When she turned a corner, however, Jinjur saw something that interested her very much. Two brunettes approached each other, glancing around furtively. Jinjur quickly ducked behind a bush. When she peeked again, she identified them. One was Melisande, the math swot. The other was Cynthia Terwillinger, a brunette in whom Jinjur had been taking an interest from afar for some time. Melisande was handing some papers to Cynthia, who took them quickly. Then both girls left, walking in separate directions, looking very casual. As luck would have it, Cynthia was heading in Jinjur's direction, so when she was only a foot or two away, Jinjur stepped out from behind the bush, smiling at the brunette knowingly. "Cynthia! I don't suppose that's your mathematics homework there." Cynthia scowled and put her hands on her hips, her standard intimidation pose. "What are you doing, spying on people like that?" "What are you doing, taking mysterious papers from mathematical geniuses?" "If you know what's good for you, Jinjur, you'll forget you saw that." Jinjur put a "considering" look on her face. "Oh, I might forget it. But you know that cheating is wrong. I don't think my conscience could allow me to forget it completely." "It'll allow you to - or else!" "Or else what?" Jinjur paused, pleased to see that Cynthia was at a loss once her bluff was called. "Tell you what, Cynthia. You just let me spank you for this little incident, and I won't feel any need to have Veronica or Miss Maitland cane you for it." Jinjur, it should be noted, was as fond of spanking girls as she was of being spanked. In the past she had not infrequently caught another girl in some misdeed and offered such a bargain. The girls were happy enough to take it; a hand spanking from a young blonde was far easier than a paddling or caning from a brunette prefect or a grown-up mistress, and Jinjur was too canny to make the offer to any goody-goodies who might turn themselves in from guilt, like that little Elena. But she had not had a chance to spank anyone yet this year. "Suppose I tell Miss Maitland what you just suggested?" Cynthia challenged. "Then I'll tell her what you and Melisande have been up to, and I'll get paddled and you'll get caned," Jinjur answered cheerfully. Enjoying being punished certainly had its benefits. "So what's it going to be, Cynthia? The cane from Maitland, or the hand from me?" Cynthia scowled as she considered. 454 From: Kadorienne Date: Fri Oct 1, 1999 3:36pm Subject: Veronica to Janet Dear Janet, There's no need to apologize for crying. It isn't as if you didn't have reason. Try not to fret too much over letting me treat you from time to time. You said you feel like I'm your big sister, so let me give you a few treats, like a big sister would. You know, I'm an only child, and it's kind of fun to have a little sister. You asked about the hot water bottles. Janet, I'm already tipping the maid to heat mine, so I just told her I expected yours to be hot too. It isn't costing me any more to get yours heated too. Well, I did give her an extra penny the first time I told her, and I'll do so from time to time again, but I always did give her an extra penny now and then, so it really isn't costing me anything extra. Well, not much. Anyway, I couldn't let a fellow Confederette freeze to death in this frigid climate! Running is not against the rules, Janet, except inside buildings, and of course in crowds. Cynthia was just trying to hornswoggle you. So you want me to spank you for your crooked tie? Do you mind waiting till next week? My arm's about to fall off, it's so tired from spanking bad girls. To be serious now, I told you that your first couple of weeks, I'd just correct your uniform, without punishing you. I figure new girls need a little time to learn. Which reminds me, on Saturday before we go into Avenbridge, come to my room. I'm going to watch you practice tying your tie. You're going to tie it ten times for me. After that, I think you'll have the hang of it! And never fear, in another week I'll be as strict with you over your uniform as I am with any girl. I'm not giving you any consideration I wouldn't give any bunny as far as discipline goes. I'm mighty obliged to you for wanting to help me with Cynthia, but you let me worry about her. I've got plans for her, make no mistake. But to be really effective, I have to wait for the right moment. Just calling her to my study and paddling her like I do every other girl won't have quite the effect I want. I have to discredit her. But I'll arrange that by and by. Don't forget that on Saturday nights, the entire school gets to go to the cinema! I hear that this week's movie is "The Mark of Zorra." It stars that dashing brunette, Tyronia Power. "Zorra" is Spanish for fox. Your "big sister", Veronica Bellemont 455 From: Ulalua Melenelia Date: Fri Oct 1, 1999 4:37pm Subject: Bully's Gambit Bully’s Gambit A sullen Cynthia Terwillinger trudged toward Veronica Bellemont’s study, fourth and final edition of her apology letter to Miss Poindexter clutched in her hand. She had tried, unsuccessfully, to foist the letter off on another, smaller pupil, but had not been quite successful in eluding observation. La Bellemont seemed to have antennae everywhere, and Cynthia was shrewd enough to realise she could not pull such a caper off undetected. And detection would most certainly mean another uncomfortable interview with Miss Veronica. Cynthia was beginning to thnk all Culverians and other foreigners were obstinate, thick-witted, insensitive and uncooperative. Why, just the other day, a mere blonde had talked back to her (and a very junior blonde, at that!), and that gutter-snipe, Janet Dolan had refused to write Cynthia’s lines for her and had even kicked her! Cynthia decided she would have to think of something really delicious to pin on Little Miss Janet for that stunt. She would learn, as would they all, that a pette just didn’t mess with Cynthia Annabelle Terwillinger! The letter read as follows: “Dear Miss Poindexter, I am writing to apologise for observing you in the garden without your consent or knowledge. It was a dishonourable and cowardly thing to do, and I am sorry for it. I am asking you to chastise me, for my own moral well-being, and I request that the punishment be of your choosing and that it be severe. “I promise that I will never again observe you or anyone else from concealment. “Sincerely, “Cynthia Annabelle Terwillinger, brunette” Cynthia had then written another, smaller note on a piece of foolscap, to be cleverly inserted into the letter of apology so that only Miss Poindexter would discover it. She would have to be very fast to be able to accomplish such a slight of hand, but then, Cynthia was very accomplished at such things. The other note read: “Dear Miss Poindexter, I have become aware of your Affections for a certain Blonde here at Avendale, as have other Persons at this school. If you do not wish your Passion to pass into Public Knowledge (especially that of the Headmistress and the delightful Creature whom you adore), I shall be expecting a few Considerations from you, especially as regards the study of History. “Please consider your decision Carefully, “(signed) The Bearer of this Note” Cynthia, of course, did not sign her name. As Cynthia saw it, if Veronica decided to take the letter from her and deliver it herself, Mss Poindexter might think Veronica originated the threat of exposure. And my! would not the fur fly, then? What a scandal – a prefect blackmailing a mistress? Cynthia smiled an unhealthy smile. Might La Bellemont be strapped? Might the proud Miss Veronica be forced to bend over and lift her skirts and petticoat for an appointment with the school cane? Cynthia imagined that slender instrument of correction striking home on Veronica’s round bottom and creamy thighs and licked her lips. Perhaps, even The Long Birch? And Oh! how many lines might the Perfect Prefect have to take to wipe out such great naughtiness? Might she even be sent packing, back to Culveria, in deep disgrace? The possibilities were too delicious to contemplate. And might not the Headmistress think that it were unfitting that a girl who would commit such an act be given the office of prefect? And might that office be then given to someone more worthy? Perhaps even Cynthia Annabelle Terwillinger? The idea had merit! So, with a step befitting a condemned prisoner, Cynthia approached Miss Veronica’s study and knocked at the door. “Who is there,” sang out Veronica. “It is I, Cynthia Terwillinger,” the other announced. “Come on in, Tewillinger,” invited Veronica. Wordlessly, Cynthia proffered the letter. Veronica took it from her and looked it over with a careful, critical eye. “Acceptable, Terwillinger - barely. I just hope your handwriting improves a mite as you’re writing those lines for me. I want those tomorrow, by the way.” Cynthia’s face flushed. ‘Acceptable. Barely.’ Just who did this….yokel, from the depths of an uncivilised place like Culveria, think she was. On the other hand, Cynthia had a keen awareness of the prefect’s authority, so she forced herself to smile – even to simper a little. “Oh, yess, Miss Veronica. I shall have the lines for you tomorrow, without fail.” “Good.” Veronica handed Cynthia the letter of apology and stood. “Shall I take this to Miss Poindexter now,” Cynthia asked, still maintaining her submissive attitude. Veronica smiled. It was a thin, knife-edged smile, and it gave Veronica a decidedly predatory appearance. Her eyes glittered. Why yes, indeed,” Veronica replied, her smile widening. “And I’d sure be proud to accompany you to her office.” Veronica gestured gallantly. “After you, Terwillinger.” Cynthia tried to control her dismay and responded with a smile of her own that was as wide as it was false. “Oh…Miss Veronica… I do not wish to impose upon you or take up your time. I-I know you must be very busy—“ Veronica grinned. “Oh, pshaw! Think nothin’ of it, Sugar. It’s always a pleasure to assist my girls in any way I can.” “Miss Veronica is too kind,” murmured Cynthia, trying to conceal her sour tone. As they walked toward Miss Poindexter’s office, Cynthia palmed the smaller note and surreptitiously placed it in the fold of the letter in such a manner that it would not be discovered until the letter had been fully opened. They arrived, and Cynthia, as Veronica’s direction knocked on the door. At first, there was no answer, but after the second set of knocks, a wan voce came from within, “If you please, who is knocking?” “It is I, Miss Poindexter, Veronica Bellemont. With me is Cynthia Terwillinger. Cynthia must deliver something to you.” “Please – one moment.” There was a soft rustling sound, then the door slowly swung open. Miss Poindexter opened the door and made a gesture of invitation. “Good day, girls. What can I do for you?” Cynthia stepped forward. Miss Poindexter was not certain, but she thought she recognised the fair brunette who had observed her in the garden as she wrote and wept. “I have a letter to present to you, Miss Poindexter,” and she carefully handed the document to the history mistress. Veronica stood quietly to the side. Miss Poindexter took the letter in her hands and unfolded it carefully. As her eyes moved down the handwritten page, they fell upon the smaller note that Cynthia had carefully inserted. Her eyes grew wide suddenly as the colour drained from her face… 456 From: Date: Fri Oct 1, 1999 9:56pm Subject: Re: Annalinde in the South Dearest Miss Annalinde, I have already posted your letter on the school noticeborad, as you requested, so all the other girls here can read it. I and the others have been praying constantly for your swift recovery. My goodness, though, you *must* warn us and the Cook what it was that caused you to become so very dreadfully ill so that no one will serve it to you by mistake. Bad enough to have you fall ill, but 'twould be ever so much worse to inadvertently make you ill by serving you food you could not tolerate. You sound as if you have been having a splendid time (once you were feeling better, that is), and we yearn to hear more about your travels in the South. Take care of yourself, and come home safe to us, Love, Elena Dierrian 457 From: janet dolan Date: Sat Oct 2, 1999 7:52am Subject: Janet to her blonde mother Dear Mommy I am now 2 weeks in Avendale and start to get used to the place. It is a grand place and I love it here. It is a good school, and I hope that you are happy for me eventhough I left you without a helping hand. I am good in my studies except altalian history and I am swotting hard on that. Math and science are just lovely and I am enjoying every minute. I am even in the arts studio, mainly doing carving (Called whittling here) and clay models. I have to admit that i did get spanked over my knife and you were right I shouldn't have taken it. The prefect spanked me mommy, and believe it or not she is from Georgia in the Confederacy. It wasn't too hard mommy, compared to aunt Eudora but it did sting and I never want to displease her again. she is such a nice, honest and good person. She taught me a lot and takes good care of me. She taught me to tie my tie properly, and is treating me this weekend when we go out. Anyway, how are things back home? Are all the children behaving? Did aunt Eudora accept the fact that I am gone? Please tell her that I will come home for the summer holidays and work my butt off to help her and you around the house. Please say hello to old Aunt Jemima who taught me to carve and tell her the art teacher here really liked my work. Mommy, I hope you will be able to send me some of the money you got for my care. It is really hard being here with no money, and I do not intend to accept favors for ever. I know you and especially aunt Eudora would want a Dolan to accept favours all the time. Please kiss everyone for me mommy... Love Janet 458 From: Malena Franklin Date: Sat Oct 2, 1999 5:46am Subject: Re: Annalinde in the South Dear Miss Annalinde I apologize for my stupid idea to try to sneak to town last week and for me making other girls to follow. i been soundly spanked with a hairbrush by Miss Veronia and I have written 400 lines. I am sorry for Your sake that You had trouble catching me. I apologize and hope You soon will be back to school. If You find it necessary to impose further punishment I will take what You decide. I hope You accept my apology! i really liked teaevening with You and have been feeling guilty for returning that kindness with my action. Hope I can show better attitude and gain Your respect again. I hope You will be back soon recovered. Malena Franklin 459 From: Tanya Date: Sun Oct 3, 1999 5:34am Subject: Thank you Miss Veronica Georgina de la Falaise Tanya@c... Dear Miss Veronica, I just wanted to write you and thank you so much for giving up such a lot of your free time yesterday afternoon to escourt us to Avenbridge. I think I can speak on behalf of all the other girls when I say you made the trip so enjoyable and informative. We were all still talking about it this morning at breakfast ! I do hope we were all sufficiently well behaved and that the good name of Avendale is still intact !! Respectfully Yours Georgina 460 From: Tanya Date: Sun Oct 3, 1999 5:34am Subject: Letter Home To Mummies Tanya@c... October 3rd, 1954 Dearest Mummies, I do hope I find you borh in good health and heart. It's Sunday morning here and I'm taking advantage of a few moments of free time to pen you some of my news. First thing to say is I'm settling in well here and am beginning to feel very much at home amongst a very friendly group of fellow pupils and Mistresses. As you warned me dearest Mummies, the discipline is very strict so in one way, it's really a home from home. But as you so rightly say Brunette Mummy, discipline and the teaching of obedience is the perfect and correct nourishment for a young lady's heart, mind and soul be she blonde or brunette. Yesterday, our brunette prefect Miss Veronica Bellemont, very kindly managed to find the time to escourt a few of us girls in to the beautiful town of Avenbridge so that we may partake of a little shopping and sightseeing. Amongst other things, I wanted to find a card to send to Auntie Katrina who, as you know, has been a little poorly recently. Well dear Mummies, we all had the most wonderfully enjoyable afternoon imaginable. As we were venturing outside school premises, we had to wear our maroon school beret (straw boaters for the older girls) and our white gloves. I must say, we did all look jolly smart as we set off on the half-mile walk in to town. As we made our way, Miss Veronica told us a little about the history of the town and how the ancient bridge, which divides the two halves of the town, gave Avenbridge its' name. The town itself has such a lovely ambience dearest Mummies and a delightful variety of different shops, teashops, soda fountains and places of entertainment. We went first of all to the greetings card shop which I had heard so much about from some of the other girls. It didn't take me long to find the most perfect card to send Auntie Katrina. I do so hope it cheers her a little ! As we were exiting, some of us were talking and laughing a little too high-spiritedly and Miss Veronica had to remind us that if we carried on behaving in such a way, she would cancel our planned trip to the cinema later that afternoon and instead, return to school where each of us would be invited to visit her in her study for some much-needed correction and discipline. Well, as you can both imagine, on hearing such a warning, we quickly quietened down ! As Miss Veronica said, we should remember , at all times, that while outside the school premises, we were representing the good name of Avendale and so should thus behave with the appropriate etiquette and decorum. After the girls had done all the shopping they required, Miss Veronica took us on a small guided tour pointing out, amongst other places, the largest cinema in town called The Light Theatre and a most impressive-looking Art-Neo soda fountain which went by the name of Delmontes'. At about half past three, our Brunette prefect asked us if we would like to experience a real treat. Not surprisingly, we all answered unanimously in the affirmative and were led to a wonderful old-world teashop called The Copper Kettle. I can honestly report to you dearest Mummies, that here I experienced what jolly well has to be the very finest cream tea it has ever been my pleasure to sample. Perhaps when next you come to Avendale, you could bring my three sisters and we could all go there for the culinary experience of a lifetime ! Miss Veronica then showed us, but didn't take us in to, Maria's Soda Fountain. which, she said, was not generally approved of by the school. Our tour concluded by passing Poppy's Cafe and the Golden Lion Inn both of which, Miss Veronica pointed out, were strictly out of bounds to Avendale girls. Our final treat was to see a film at the Gaumont, the smaller of the two cinemas in Avenbridge. The title of the film was "Brunettes in Trouble", and was the story of a group of young Brunettes who, whilst on holiday together, got involved in the most fantastic adventures including a treasure hunt and the strange disappearance of a large sum of money. It was all jolly entertaining and I think we could have all quite happily sat through it again but Miss Veronica reminded us that we should be making our way back to the school as she had told Miss Maitland we would be back no later than eight-thirty. It really was the most wonderful afternoon and it was so kind of Miss Veronica to give up so much of her free time to escourt us. I should really close now as I've got an awful lot of study to complete before the start of another school week. Please send lots of hugs and kisses to Clarissa, Amanda and Rachel and say hello to all the maids for me. I miss you all very much. Your Loving Daughter Georgina 461 From: janet dolan Date: Sun Oct 3, 1999 7:01am Subject: Saturday outing Janet woke up early on Sunday morning and sat upright in her bed. Eventhough it was a free day, she could not set herself free of her old habits. Veronica was right surmising she was used to waking up with the chickens, and even on Sunday she was expected to get the other 4 younger children in her family washed and dressed for the Sunday services. She looked around and smiled, everyone still asleep, no baths to run, and the world is hers alone. She looked out of the window to see a glorious day, and could not stop the urgency she felt to go out. She rose quietly, quickly did her toilet, removed her nightgown, put on her vest, blouse and skirt remembering Veronica's hint, put on her socks and shoes, and stood before the mirror to tie her tie. She got a perfect result in her eyes, though Veronica would have probably found something to say about it. She smiled remembering the practice she got the day before in Veronica's room. She had tied and untied her tie 10 times, losing her patience once in the process and earning a slapped thigh for her trouble, but her technique improved so much that you could not compare it to her knot of 2 days before. She quietly went out of the room taking her history book with her. She knew exactly where she wanted to be. A small wooden bench among thick bushes, where she noticed 2 birds she didn't know nesting. She sat there watching them from time to time and reading her book. She felt happy, and in peace with herself, a feeling she didnot experience for a long time. She was watching the birds, who seemed to be restless. "Must be preparing to their trip to the south" thought Janet and shivered thinking of the soon coming winter. She then thought about Miss Veronica and the outing they had yesterday to Avenbridge. She had so much fun walking around, laughing with the other girls, wandering into shops and looking at some little objets d'arts she had never seen before. Whenever saked if she needed anything she was careful to politely reply in the negative, but when she saw a small whittling tool in a store she couldn't resist the urge and asked the price. Alas, however low, it was more than the 2/6 she had left from her trip here. In the teashop, she sat studying the menu trying to find the cheapest cake when Veronica gently took the menu from her saying "Sugar, until you know what is good here, why don't you let me order for us both? You must trust my gourmet palate" Janet smiled remembering the good tea and the sweet pastry which almost reminded her of her mother's baking. Upon returning to Avendale Veronica see,ed to be preoccupied with some thoughts, did not laugh with the girls and seemed lost in thought. Janet walked close to her, trying to figure out what was troubling her "older sister". When they reached the dorm after seeing all the blondes to their dorm, Janet looked at Veronica and asked quietly "What is troubling you Miss Veronica? Is it this affair with Terwillinger?". Veronica put her arm around her thin shoulders. "Yes honey, I think she is into something much worse than I thought before, and I have to figure out how to deal with it". "Can I help in any way?" Veronica laughed with her silvery voice. "You are such a good girl Janet, but really, this is something way beyond your powers. I am waiting for Annalinde to come back and help me". Seeing Janet's disappointed face, Veronica hugged her and said "Don't worry honey, if I think of anything you can help me with, I will ask for your help. Aren't we fellow confederettes?" With that she pulled something out of her blazer pocket and gave it to Janet. Janet looked at the small parcel and saw the little tool she wanted. She looked amazed at her mentor who seeing her happy face laughed saying "No one could have missed your yearning for this little toy. Please accept it as my present". "I am so happy to have such good friends" she thought. Today she would study history most of the day and in the afternoon go wandering in the garden with her new friend Malena and perhaps other girls. "Life is good here". OLd Liza chimed the half hour. Janet picked up her book and rose. Time for breakfast and seeing her friends. 462 From: Malena Franklin Date: Sun Oct 3, 1999 8:55am Subject: Sunday promenade with Janet Sunday...... I woke up and for first day for several days my bottom felt more normal. All angry marks had now faded and I was feeling better. I had not been allowed to join Avenbridge and excursion with Miss Veronica. I had instead been assigned to helping cleaning library with Miss Serelique.But today I had free day and Janet came and we had a lovely sunday. We walked around in school garden and sat talking. Both of us liked school and even though I been disobedient and spanked I found school so good and found both prefects and teachers fair. We chatted and decided to help each other especially against this bully girl that had been pestering several of us bunnies. Maybe we could do her a prank and let her taste her own medicine....Janet and I laughed and had many ideas and we decided to see if some other girls in our dorm would join us.....maybe we should teach Miss Bully a little lesson... Glue in her shoes was one good idea.......locking her in some cellararea of school another......lots of ideas was flowing.....and we decided to see if more girls wanted to join in our little scheme.. All day went and I found Janet to be a real nice girland so good having her besides me together with other friends here. A school like this is really not only school its also a place for making friends for life...... Malena 463 From: Kadorienne Date: Sun Oct 3, 1999 4:30pm Subject: Veronica the poet To the inhabitants of Avendale School for Young Ladies, Veronica Bellemont appeared to be the most confident and self-assured of brunettes. No bully could intimidate her, no crawly critter rob her of her composure, no mischief put her at a loss. Girls of all ages went to Veronica with problems of all kinds, ranging from spiders on their bedroom ceilings to their paths in life, because Veronica always knew what to do. Due to all this, those pupils who knew of Veronica's infatuation with Elspeth Elsvetta were following her behavior toward that young blonde with much surprise and amusement. It was most entertaining to see the confident prefect reduced to trembling jelly by the affections to which all brunettes were susceptible, even the immaculate Veronica Bellemont. The pupils who knew were, for the most part, those who had seen the two together, and had observed Veronica's face pale, her voice grow choked, her hands tremble, her eyes follow the object of her adoration as if nothing else in the world existed. Yet Veronica fondly believed that no one had been able to detect her reaction to the fair Elspeth. The fact was that Veronica's reverence for blondes was, thus far, purely theoretical. The pure essence of blonde virtue was a vital part of her conception of the world, but in matters of romance Veronica was utterly innocent. She felt a chivalrous respect for all blondes, but no one blonde had drawn her -- until now. And Veronica had no idea what to do about it. Now that Charlene's pointed question had made the nature of her feelings clear to Veronica, she knew that she had to do something. What, she had no idea. She daydreamed endlessly. It was a pity, she thought, that they did not live in Arcadia, where blondes were regularly imperiled by fire-breathing dragons. Then she could slay one and rescue Elspeth and all would be well. But what was she to do here in Quirinelle at Avendale? Brunettes generally carried blonde's books for them, or escorted them to the cinema. When Veronica attempted to offer to carry Elspeth's books, she found her mind blank of what to say, and could not speak. The simple phrase "May I carry your books?" was always temporarily removed from her stock of sentences. And the cinema seemed entirely too mundane for a blonde whose beauty was as aetherial as that of an angel and whose rarefied nature was demonstrated by the books of Eastern poetry she read. It was this last that finally gave Veronica an idea. She would write a poem to Elspeth, and that would make an impression on the blonde's sublime soul. Veronica spent several hours in a secluded corner of the library -- she would have been disturbed in her own study -- hammering out lines. As the hours passed, the pile of crumpled attempts in the nearby wastebasket grew, along with Veronica's despair. What had ever possessed her to believe that she could write a poem fit for such divine eyes to read? In desperation, she went to the shelf and opened a volume of the great Amazonian poetess Sappho at random, hoping for inspiration. She is more than a heroine she is a goddess in my eyes --- the woman who is allowed to sit beside you --- she who listens intimately to the sweet murmur of your voice, the enticing laughter that makes my own heart beat fast. If I meet you suddenly, I can't speak --- my tongue is broken; a thin flame runs under my skin; seeing nothing, hearing only my own ears drumming, I drip with sweat; trembling shakes my body and I turn paler than dry grass. At such times death isn't far from me Veronica cast the book away and laid her head on her arms. Her own secret emotions had been perfectly captured by a woman in a faraway land. There was no possibility of her ever coming near such expression. 464 From: Tanya Date: Sun Oct 3, 1999 4:34pm Subject: Georgina to Malena Tanya@c... Note left by Georgina on Malena's bed Dearest Malena, I couldn't find you this afternoon but I just wanted to say that we all missed your smiling face and generous spirit during our trip to Avenbridge yesterday. The next time we are allowed to go will be even more enjoyable for your presence. Hope to see you later. Your friend with love Georgina 465 From: Date: Sun Oct 3, 1999 2:13pm Subject: Re: Re: lines for Veronica/Annalinde Emma sat on her bed weeping. Just to think of that terrible turn of events made her cry freely. She had gone to *Miss* Veronica's room with every intention of making the prefect see that writing lines was not deserved...but instead she left the room not only having to do 400 lines, but also having gotten the worst spanking she could possibly imagine! Veronica had paddled her little bottom so hard Emma couldn't even bear to sit down...and that is exactly what Veronica made her do before she was allowed to leave! How had everything gone so terribly wrong??? And now all the girls probably wouldn't even want to be friends with her, because she obviously must be a "naughty young lady" to be paddled so hard by a prefect. This was just terrible!! And the absolute, very worst was that in all her stubbornness Emma couldn't even remember the stupid lines she had decided she was going to write! Now it was time to present herself to Miss Veronica again, and she had finally decided that she would obey the punishment and write the lines and she couldn't even do it! And although Emma's bottom was still stinging from the terrible paddling, she knew that Miss Veronica would be doing it all over again tonight. Wallowing in misery and visibly weeping....Emma gracefully made her way to Veronica's study empty-handed. Knock, Knock, Knock..... 466 From: Date: Sun Oct 3, 1999 9:12pm Subject: Letter to Mama Dear Mama, Your little brunette has found an angel! I was escaping the dreaded library of doom and this angel of pure and sweet divinity flew into me! She did not even speak a word, but why would an angel speak lowly mortal words when they sing songs of enchantment and light. Oh, and if she would sing it would have made the brightest of days! Mama, I am in love with her. I must find this vision of beauty. I have searched everywhere for my little angel. I even went to the brunette prefect's room this afternoon to see if she knew of her! Sadly she did not, so my search continues. Oh, Mama... I will find my little angel and ... Oh, I do not know what I will do then? Surely she will know what to do? Love, Lynette 467 From: Kadorienne Date: Sun Oct 3, 1999 10:24pm Subject: Re: lines for Veronica/Annalinde Emma entered the prefect's room trembling. Veronica looked at her patiently. "Are your lines finished?" she asked, sounding as if she already knew the answer. A few tears trickled down Emma's cheeks. "M-miss Veronica... I do want to write them, I've decided to obey, but... I can't remember the lines!" Veronica watched compassionately. "Why didn't you ask Malena or one of the other girls who was punished with you?" Emma's eyes widened. "I... I didn't think of that." "Sit down at my desk," the prefect ordered. "There's some blank sheets there. Take one and write: 'I must be in bed by lights out,... stay in bed after lights out... and never leave the school grounds... without permission.' Write that another three hundred and ninety-nine times. But first." Emma shivered. The moment she dreaded had arrived. "You seem to have had a change of heart, Emma. Because of that, tonight I am only going to spank you with my hand. But I will spank you every night until your lines are finished, and if I see another show of defiance like the last one, you'll be getting the paddle again. Is that clear?" Emma nodded anxiously. "Good. Now bend over the desk. If I get any nonsense about hesitating or standing up before you're given permission, I'll get the paddle out after all." Emma wanted to protest that she couldn't possibly have written the lines since she had forgotten what the line was, but she was too afraid of getting the paddle if she did. The idea of another paddling on her sore derriere was unbearable. A hand spanking was bad enough. She bent over the desk. Veronica stood beside her and began to act on her long-held theory that girls listened better when they were in position to be punished. "Emma, sneaking out of school in the middle of the night is dangerous. Not only could you have been hurt or run into some unsavory characters, but even if none of that happened, your reputation would have been damaged. Decent girls don't run around town in the middle of the night. What would people have thought of you?" "What do you care?" Emma retorted sullenly, and was rewarded with the first slap to her derriere. "I care a great deal, Emma. I care about all the girls at Avendale, and so do the other prefects and mistresses. That is why we discipline you. You might be willing to risk endangering your reputation or yourself for some foolish whim, but we care about you too much to allow that. Are you beginning to understand me? If we didn't care, we'd let you remain uneducated, irresponsible, and weak. We'd let you destroy your life out of immaturity. But we do care. We discipline you because you matter to us. Is that clear?" "Yes, Miss Veronica." Emma's eyes were wide. The lesson might need to be learned several more times before truly being integrated into her stubborn mind, but the fact was that she did understand, at least at that moment. "You look like something's on your mind. What is it?" Emma felt ridiculous, talking while she was bent over the desk with her skirt up, but she didn't dare stand. "I was thinking... that all the girls probably think I'm naughty because you -- you paddled me so hard, and none of them will want to be friends with me anymore." Veronica moved a little more behind Emma so that she couldn't see her smile. If a firm paddling from Veronica Bellemont made a girl a social outcast, there would scarcely be a girl in school who wasn't one! But she would use Emma's concerns, if that would make the girl behave, until the girl developed enough of a moral sense to behave of her own accord. "Well, Emma, try to take your punishments with a stiff upper lip from now on. You're right, the girls won't respect someone who acts like a baby over getting spanked. After all, we all get spanked sometimes here." "Even you?" Emma exclaimed. "Of course, even me. But if you try to behave from now on, the other girls will notice and will decide that your naughtiness was just because you didn't understand Avendale ways. Now remember, don't get up until I give you permission." Veronica began spanking Emma. Emma pressed her lips together, trying not to make too much noise as tears rolled down her cheeks. She couldn't keep quiet; Veronica was spanking firmly, and her derriere was still very sore. But still, this spanking was nothing like the long, hard paddling she'd received the previous day. Veronica stopped after a time; this spanking hadn't been as long as the paddling, either. Emma sniffled quietly, holding position over the desk, her bottom tingling. She remembered how much it had hurt the previous day and she didn't want another paddling like that one again, ever. "Very good," said Veronica. "You may stand up." Emma straightened, and Veronica was ready with a clean handkerchief to wipe her eyes. Emma yielded gratefully to the gentle attention. "You'll get those lines written now, won't you, honey?" Emma nodded unhappily. "May I ask you something?" she asked tentatively. "Of course." "Promise you won't get mad? Because I couldn't stand any more spanking, truly." "Then ask respectfully," Veronica directed. "Miss Veronica, I would just like to know... what good does writing all those lines do? They're no use to you or me or anybody. So why do you make us write them?" Veronica smiled a little. "Do you think you'll enjoy writing the same sentence four hundred times?" Emma shook her head vigorously. "What if you had to write those four hundred lines every time you sneaked off school grounds. Do you think you would sneak off in that case?" "But couldn't you make me do something more useful?" "Writing lines is good exercise. It forces you to sit still for a long time even though your task is tedious. With this training, you'll be able to get a lot of work done when you're an adult, because you will have practiced working hard at something that bored you." Seeing that Emma was not enthusiastic about acquiring this kind of stamina, Veronica added, "This will allow you to achieve anything you want to when you grow up. You will be able to enter any profession and become as good at it as you wish, because your years of being disciplined will have given you self-discipline." Emma nodded slowly. Again, Veronica had the feeling that Emma had not truly accepted the need for discipline in her life, but at least she had a faint glimmering of understanding about why it was important. Veronica hugged the girl. "You took that spanking much better, and I know you must have been sore. And I'm proud of you for realizing that you have to write your lines. I hope you'll be a good girl from now on, because I truly hope I won't have to give you another hard paddling. But I will if you need it, understand?" Emma nodded tearfully and left the prefect's study with her line to write, feeling vastly relieved that she had not been paddled again. She went to her room, stretched out lying on her stomach on her bed, and began to write her lines. 468 From: Date: Sun Oct 3, 1999 6:48pm Subject: Emma's feeling sorry.... Tears dripped slowly down Emma's cheeks and fell one or two at a time onto the bedcover. The harder she tried to stop, the more she cried, until finally she had to get up and fetch the hankie her mommie had given her. While she was standing, she took a moment and rubbed her very sore bottom with her hands. Even though it was only a hand spanking this time, Emma still had not recovered from the severe paddling the night before; afterall this was only the third time in her entire life that her tender bottom had been punished. She kept thinking about the words that Miss Veronica had said tonight about caring for her, and needing to punish her because she (and the school) cared. That thought had never entered her mind before tonight....Emma thought they were merely trying to control her. Being allowed to do pretty much as she pleased throughout her entire life up until now, Emma did not take kindly to being controlled by anyone. Besides that, she had a stubborn streak a mile wide, and occasionally a serious case of bad judgement. There were so many things Emma still didn't understand... It had seemed like the other girls had all gotten a spanking or two (or maybe more) at home before they came to Avendale...were they spanked at home because their mommies cared about them? If so, did the fact that Emma never received a spanking for any misdeed, no matter how great, mean that Emma's single mommy didn't care about her? These thoughts brought fresh, new tears to Emma's eyes. And to make it worse, if Miss Veronica said she did care.... Emma had a terrible way of showing gratitude by saying such awful things and acting so badly during the dreadful paddling. Emma wondered if Miss Veronica would ever forgive her for that. Well, the best way to start was to try to be the good girl that Veronica said she could be.... and she would do that by sitting down (painfully) and writing those lines. Emma fetched her quill, tenderly lowered herself onto the chair and began to write.... 470 From: janet dolan Date: Mon Oct 4, 1999 9:51am Subject: Janet to Malena Dear Malena I really enjoyed our little trep in the garden on Sunday. I am sure we will be the best friends, and will never intentionally get each pther involved in any mischief. Therefore, I have reconsidered our conversation on Sunday. I think I understood that Miss Veronica is trying to catch Cynthia redhanded as we say in Culveria, so she can get her red bottomed as well. I think that playing any tricks on her will achieve the exact opposite. She will be the just one, and us, the culprits standing in line outside Miss Veronica's room, getting "our tail feathers warmed" as she says, and writing punishment assignments. No dear priend. The right way to go about it is by being model girls, staying out of this no good girl's way, and whenever she approaches anyone of us, tell Miss Veronica right away. So dear Malena, I implore you, don't get involved in any more trouble and do as I suggest. Thank you for your suggestion of help in History. I will come over to you tonight with all the difficult questions I have. I really felt miserable in class today sitting there unable to reply. Miss Poindexter warned me she will strap me if I am not ready to the next class. I really don't want that to happen since I have art immediately afterwards. With a strapped palm I'll be as good as useless in art, and will probably get another dose from Miss Joans. I will be glad to return your favour in kind by helping you in math and science if you need it. Real bunnies have tails to protect their rear ends. We have to bear it, I guess, and understand it is for our own good. I hope ot see you cheerful tonight. Your friend Janet Dolan 471 From: Nicola - 3rd Year Avendale Date: Mon Oct 4, 1999 10:58am Subject: letter to Murial Murial gosh so much has happened things have gone all topsy turvy but at least I no longer feel quiet so homesick, not that I don't miss you of course. Theres a totaly dashing brunette here who well shes wonderful, just looking at her makes me feel happy . Your never guess that the other day I just had to see her when I bumped into her and fell in a heap besides her. Oh she was so kind and gallant and although I hurt my leg and laddered my stockings I wish it would happen again just to be near wonderful Lynette. Lessons are very hard although thankfully I have avoided punishment (so far) although the teachers are by and large very nice. There is a awful bully although I think some of the girls intend to fix her good and proper has anybody fixed that awful Hilary Tempest yet, it makes me so cross thinking what she did too me and getting me expelled for it was really too much. Any way love to you and all the girls Nikki 472 From: Nicola - 3rd Year Avendale Date: Mon Oct 4, 1999 11:24am Subject: letter to nanny Dearest Nanny I hope you are well and that your rheumatisim isn't palying you up in the damp weather were having, gosh how I miss you so much and our cosy teas in the nursery. I fear that my guardian will be awfully cross with me as I have had to ask her to send me some more stockings I just wear a pair and they ladder and you know how slovenly my Guardian thinks that is, although I'm not sure if one gets punished here at school, although somehow I expect so they are awfully strict about uniform and things. All the girls bar one seem a jolly nice bunch and well you were so right nanny when you use to tell me that one day a dashing brunette would make my heart go aflutter, oh nanny i just don't know what too do she's seventeen and oh so wonderful she make me feel all funny and happy and sad and confused. Sorry to go on so I wish I could see you and explain everything until I can please keep yourself well and warm in the cold Autumn nights all my love Nikki 473 From: Nicola - 3rd Year Avendale Date: Mon Oct 4, 1999 11:32am Subject: Letter home Dear Aunt Sarah thank you for your kind letter, you will be pleased to know that as you told me I have applied myself to my lessons. I have made a few friend here although they all seem jolly nice. I can not wait to see you and everyone again and the thought of getting my first real Evening dress is so exciting, although I must confess that I desperately need some new stockings, no matter how careful I try to take them off they always ladder is it possible that I'm doing something wrong ? respectfully yours Nicola 474 From: Malena Franklin Date: Mon Oct 4, 1999 5:20am Subject: Re: Georgina to Malena Dear Georgina So glad for Your note. I was not allowed to follow You as I had to help Miss Serelique with cleaning work in library. But Im so glad You missed me and I love to join next time. Janet and I have also talked about doing something....about this girl that pester us..ill tell you about it when we meet.Maybe we can come up with some medicine for this girl........ Hugs from Your friend Malena 475 From: Tanya Date: Mon Oct 4, 1999 3:26pm Subject: Note from Georgina to Nikki Georgina de la Falaise Tanya@c... Dear Nikki, Just a note to say I've seen you in and around the school but have not properly introduced myself. I too am only recently arrived here at Avendale (three weeks ago to be precise), and I was wondering whether we might perhaps meet up for a chat and whatnot. Do you like music at all? I play the piano and sing a little bit and only last week auditioned to join Miss Darnelle's school choir. Luckily, I was accepted and attended my first practice on Tuesday last. It really was an awful lot of fun ! If you felt at all interested, why don't you ask Miss Darnelle if you may audition. She's terribly kind and patient and I'm sure she would find a place for you. I must say, I really do miss not having Miss Annalinde here at the moment. I hope she's making a good recovery and will be soon back amongst us. Did you see her letter to Elena on the noticeboard? It really does sound as though she's having a jolly beneficial convalescence period with her auntie in the south. I'm so looking forward to hearing more about it all when she returns to us. Lots of Love Georgina de la Falaise 476 From: Tanya Date: Mon Oct 4, 1999 3:26pm Subject: Note from Georgina to Nikki Georgina de la Falaise Tanya@c... Dear Nikki, Just a note to say I've seen you in and around the school but have not properly introduced myself. I too am only recently arrived here at Avendale (three weeks ago to be precise), and I was wondering whether we might perhaps meet up for a chat and whatnot. Do you like music at all? I play the piano and sing a little bit and only last week auditioned to join Miss Darnelle's school choir. Luckily, I was accepted and attended my first practice on Tuesday last. It really was an awful lot of fun ! If you felt at all interested, why don't you ask Miss Darnelle if you may audition. She's terribly kind and patient and I'm sure she would find a place for you. I must say, I really do miss not having Miss Annalinde here at the moment. I hope she's making a good recovery and will be soon back amongst us. Did you see her letter to Elena on the noticeboard? It really does sound as though she's having a jolly beneficial convalescence period with her auntie in the south. I'm so looking forward to hearing more about it all when she returns to us. Lots of Love Georgina de la Falaise 477 From: janet dolan Date: Mon Oct 4, 1999 4:13pm Subject: Janet to Veronica 478 From: Nicola - 3rd Year Avendale Date: Mon Oct 4, 1999 4:23pm Subject: Re: Nikki to Georgina Georgina hello well afraid muic not really my thng although I admire those that can. You are so rght about the loss od Miss Annalinde she was so very kind too me and is really a thoroughly good egg the sort that one should aspire to become. It must be jolly exciting visiting all those exotic lands in the far south although I fear I would be too frightened to do so myself although they do say that travel is very educational. So tell me Georgina what do you know about Lynette you know the devine brunette gosh shes so wonderful I think I may be in love........ 479 From: janet dolan Date: Mon Oct 4, 1999 4:45pm Subject: Janet to Veronica Dear Miss Veronica I want to thank you again for the wonderful present you gave me on Sunday. I really love it and will try to use it tomorrow in art class. That is of course if I am not strapped in history for failing. In case I am strapped on the palm, I am afraid it will be too sore for precise work in art class. Am I allowed to ask for a punishment on my bottom instead of my palm Miss Veronica? Miss Veronica, I am so sorry you are feeling bad about Cynthia and I wish I could help. I am trying to convince other girls not to get in trouble with her, but she does cause a lot of upheaval in the dorm. Apparently she tried to blackmail a lot of girls and some of them are very upset with her. Miss Veronica, I have something else to tell you. It concerns a naughty thing I did climbing a tree to look at a bird. When I did it I noticed Terwillinger down there, together with another girl who gave her some papers and then that blonde called Jinger appeared from behind a bush and confronted her. I stayed there quiet as a mouse (I really know how to hide) until Terwillinger went with Jinger. Miss Veronica, I was scared to tell you because you have told me I take to many liberties because I have good field experience. I thought not to tell, but when i see so many girls get in trouble over this no good girl, I know I must let you know about it. I know you will spank me and will be right to do so, but it is worth it. Miss Veronica, I am really worried about her. She has a black heart, like old aunt Jemima would have said. She will hurt a lot of people. Please make sure you stop her. I am waiting for you to call me to your study Miss Veronica. I took special efforts to knot my tie properly. I know I have enough coming from you without looking disarrayed. I will then tell you what the 3 girls have done and said. With respect Janet Dolan 480 From: Date: Mon Oct 4, 1999 9:08pm Subject: Poetry with Miss Veronica The morning sunshine beamed through the windows of the library imparting an ethereal state about the ladies as they studied. The fine tables burned passionately with a rich amber glow, no doubt wrought with the ancient care and talent of women long ago. Lynette watched as Miss Veronica caressed the book of Saphro's poems lovingly. Miss Veronica was on a quest for love, there was no doubt in that! Lynette paused before Miss Veronica on her way out. "Miss Veronica. What a surprise! I did not know you enjoyed poetry?" Lynette paused a moment to let the roses fade to normal in Miss Veronica's cheeks. 481 From: Kadorienne Date: Tue Oct 5, 1999 1:38am Subject: Veronica's evening As soon as Janet entered Veronica's study -- with a very neatly fastened tie -- she said, "I've got to tell you what Jinjur said to Cynthia--" "Stop." Veronica held up a hand. Janet did stop, looking surprised. "Sit down. Now, Janet, I know you didn't spy on purpose, but eavesdropping is not something a gentilmaid does. And listening to what eavesdroppers learn isn't, either. I know you want to help me with Cynthia, and I do appreciate it, but I don't want you getting on her bad side. She might hurt you, and I'd feel just awful. I've already decided exactly what I'm going to do about her, but just punishing her won't be enough. I've got to stop her from getting away with bullying the other girls. And to do that, I have to wait for the right opportunity." "I wish you'd let me help, Miss Veronica," Janet said earnestly. "I wouldn't care if she beat me up a hundred times if it helped you." Veronica smiled and clapped Janet's shoulder, brunette to brunette. "Thank you, honey. But *I* would care. And I don't need any help, just the right moment." "But I can tell you're worryin' about her somethin' fierce." Veronica stared at the girl for a moment. The fact was that she had been "mooning" over Elspeth a great deal lately. She had flattered herself that no one had noticed, and yet.... First that Lynnette had grinned at her so knowingly when she was rereading Sappho for inspiration, and now this child had observed her distraction and put it down to fretting over that bully. "Not really," Veronica said at last. "Prefects always have things to worry about. I hope you won't make me worry that you're going to get yourself in hot water with that Terwillinger." Janet hesitated. "Do I gotta tell you if someone just talked about doing somethin', but didn't do it?" "Do what?" "Well, some of the girls were talkin' about playin' a prank of some kind on Cynthia. I told 'em we shouldn't." "I'm glad you did. Please discourage these girls. Cynthia will never relinquish the grudge, even if I paddle them all within an inch of their lives, and I'll have to protect them from her forever. How many times do I have to tell you that I'll take care of Cynthia? When I get the chance, you'll see. You've got to learn to trust your big sister. Now, about her and Jinjur." Janet sat up straighter. "I don't want you to tell me what you heard. I'm just going to ask you three questions. First: do you know who the other girl was?" "She was a brunette, an older girl, tall and slim. Jinjur said she was a mathematical genius." Veronica nodded, turning this over. It appeared Cynthia had found some way to blackmail Melisande into doing her math homework for her. Veronica would tend to that. "All right. Second question: were Cynthia and Jinjur plotting to do mischief to some other girl?" Janet shook her head. "Third question: did it seem... well... do you think Cynthia was going to be taking some liberties with Jinjur?" Janet had to bite her lip not to laugh as she shook her head. She thought it was quite the other way round! "Thank you. Now, don't tell me or anyone else whatever you overhead. Eavesdropping's bad enough without gossiping about it, hear?" Janet nodded. "But I'm proud of you for telling me what you did. Now, come over my knee, little sister." Janet obeyed promptly. The fact was, Veronica did not really think Janet deserved a spanking, but the girl was so convinced that she needed one that Veronica had little choice. "You won't eavesdrop anymore, will you, Janet?" "No, Miss Veronica." "And you'll keep out of that no-count bully's way?" Whenever Veronica talked to Janet, she found Confederate expressions she never used seeping into her speech, including some her mothers would not have considered fit talk for a Bellemont. "Yes, Miss Veronica." "Good." Veronica began to spank Janet, very firmly, since the girl believed she needed it. Janet scarcely made a sound or a wriggle. "Your tie is perfect tonight," Veronica said as she smacked the younger girl. "Good thing, too. Because you've been here long enough for me to spank you for your uniform's being unkempt." "Yes, Miss Veronica." "But even though I won't let you tell me the details of what you overheard," Veronica said, still spanking, "I will use what little you did tell me. Just between us, I predict that Cynthia's math grades will be declining soon." And I had better clip her claws soon, Veronica thought. "All right, get up." Janet obeyed, and Veronica hugged the girl and pulled her to sit on her lap. "I'm proud of you, Janet. You're trying to help me, and you took your spanking like a brunette." Janet smiled at the praise. "Now let's see, wasn't there something else?" "I asked you if it was all right for me to ask the mistresses to spank my bottom 'stead of my hands." "Oh, yes. Well, if a mistress tells you to put out your hand to be smacked, you do it, understand? Once you've put your hand out like she says, *then* you say, 'Please, miss?' *If* she gives you permission to speak, you politely explain that you have art class and ask if she would be kind enough to spank your derriere instead." Veronica smiled. "I have to warn you, this can be dangerous. I think most of the mistresses will be obliging, but maybe with a little twist. They might give your derriere twice as many strokes as they would have to your hand. Or they might whip your hand that time, but give it to your derriere in the future." Veronica shook her head slightly. "Personally, I don't believe in hand spanking. Dea gave our derrieres all that padding for a reason." Janet laughed. Veronica grinned at her. A knock sounded at the door. Veronica said, "Janet, I'd love to visit with you some more, but my right hand has another appointment. Run along, and remember what I said." Janet skipped out and a pale, subdued Emma entered. She held out the lines she had completed. "I'll have the rest written tomorrow, Miss Veronica, I promise." "I'm glad. I'm very proud of you. You're being a much better girl already, Emma." At this Emma's eyes filled with tears. "Oh, Miss Veronica!" Veronica went over to the girl and hugged her. "What is it, honey?" "Oh, Miss Veronica, I'm so sorry! You spanked me because you cared about me, and I called you such awful names, and behaved so dreadfully.... Can you ever forgive me?" Veronica hugged her again. "Of course I can, honey. That's part of what punishment is for: so people can forgive you. And so you can forgive yourself." Emma blinked; this angle clearly had not occurred to her. "Once you've been punished for something, it's over. You start fresh." Emma sniffled. "I suppose all the other girls think I'm a spoiled baby." Veronica smiled. "Emma, most of the girls at Avendale were properly disciplined before they came here, but not all. You're not the first girl who couldn't take her punishments with a stiff upper lip and first, or who didn't understand why they're good for you. The girls will know you just needed to adapt, like a few others needed to." "M-miss Veronica... you said you punish me because you care about me.... My mother never punished me...." Emma couldn't bring herself to say more. Nor did she need to. Veronica clasped her arm firmly. "Emma, maybe she just didn't realize that you needed it. I'm sure she was just trying to be kind to you. But, well, when you were five, wouldn't you have liked to eat nothing but candy and ice cream, and never to eat your vegetables? But would it have been kind of your mother to let you do that?" Emma nodded slowly. "Good. Now bend over the desk." Emma obeyed, and Veronica stood behind her. "Emma, you'll find that if girls seem to recognize that they did something wrong, or if they confess to me, I'm much easier on them. So tonight you're just getting a light spanking. But don't let it spoil you. If you're naughty again, I won't hesitate to give you the paddle again, hear?" Emma nodded. Veronica spanked Emma, rather gently, but Emma's derriere was sore enough that she felt it. After that, Veronica forwent her custom of making her victim sit on her sore behind; instead she hugged Emma and sent her back to her room to finish her lines. After that, she curled up with E. Nesbit's *The Railway Children* for some much-needed relaxation. 482 From: Tanya Date: Tue Oct 5, 1999 3:51am Subject: Georgina to Malena Georgina de la Falaise Tanya@c... Dearest Malena, Thank you so much for your note. This whole problem regarding that beastly bully Cynthia Terwillinger has been playing on my mind these last two or three days. It's very difficult to know quite what to do. My first instinct, like yours, was to think up some cunning way of ensuring she gets her just desserts but on reflection, I feel this is a dangerous approach as if we are found out, there is a very high risk we shall once again be severely punished and get our "tail feathers warmed" as Miss Veronica might so elegantly put it. We don't really want to be red-bottomed again so soon after our last dose of the paddle. My feeling is that Miss Veronica is most probably extremely aware of the situation with Cynthia and will deal with her at the most appropriate time and in a most appropriate way. Our Brunette prefect is, I think, very clever and knowing and will almost certainly catch Cynthia out when she least expects it. In the meantime, I think we just have to sit back and be as patient as possible and, of course, have faith in the wonderful and divine Miss V. Your loving friend with hugs, Georgina 483 From: Date: Tue Oct 5, 1999 4:58am Subject: oh no...... Lynette stood in front of the mirror horrified. "This is so wrong!" she declared! Sighing softly she put her hand where her beautiful long hair use to be. "Meanness and jealousy, that is all there is too it!" she decided. Why else would that psycho-with-scissors have chopped off all her hair? " Eight inches is not a trim!" she said to the girl in the mirror. In truth the hairstyle was not bad, if you went for the short look, but it was drastic from the soft luxurious locks she went in with. Lynette leaned over to the mirror and applied a nice reassuring red to her lips. " I suppose this will have to do until it grows out!" On the way out she checked the message board for postings . There was a younger brunette standing there quietly looking the messages over. Lynette gave her a cheerful smile and introduced herself. She did not really know much about Janet , but something in her eyes made her feel better. It was almost like having an instant sister. Perhaps it was that she missed her own little brunette sister Ester. Without thinking much about it, Lynette asked Janet if she was headed to dinner now and if she would like to go with her... 484 From: Nicola - 3rd Year Avendale Date: Tue Oct 5, 1999 11:54am Subject: opportunity Nikki had watched in stuned awe as Lynette had entered the refectory for afternoon tea, Lynettes new hairstyle setting off her beautiful face and lush ruby lips she so longed to be kissed by. Nicola toyed absently with her hair curling it around her fingers wishing that it was Lynettes hand caressing her blonde hair. She pushed the scarcely touched sandwich away and waited anxiously for grace and dismisal a plan formulating as she waited. At last they were dimissed and seizing the opportunity she boldly strode upto Lynette and said "Gosh your new hairstyle really suits you" Flushing scarlet at her own impudence and forwardness she awaited her fate.... 485 From: Kadorienne Date: Wed Oct 6, 1999 1:10am Subject: Veronica Frees a Blackmail Victim It was not difficult for Veronica to guess that Melisande must have some guilty secret. What else could have induced her to do Cynthia Terwillinger's mathematics homework for her? It was blackmail, no doubt about it. It just went to show that being naughty was impractical as well as wrong from a purely idealistic standpoint. If Melisande and Cynthia's other victims had behaved themselves, Cynthia would have no power over them. Veronica had decided to observe Melisande and see if she couldn't discover what mischief she had been up to. If she could discover it and punish the girl, Cynthia would no longer have anything to threaten her with. Accordingly, at dinnertime Veronica made her way to a table where several of the older brunettes were sitting. As luck would have it, there was an empty seat beside Melisande. Veronica took it. The other girls stood up to show their respect for a prefect, or for the prefect's right arm, and Veronica promptly waved them back down. She had intended to draw Melisande into conversation and see if she could subtly draw out a clue as to the girl's secret. As it turned out, no such subterfuge was needed. As Melisande leaned a little closer to Veronica in reaching for the salt, Veronica's nostrils flared. "Excuse me," said Veronica, and taking a lock of Melisande's wavy hair, she held it close to her face. The scent was unmistakable. She looked at the usually well-behaved Melisande in shock. "Melisande, have you been smoking?" The brunette's eyes widened and she paled. All conversation at the table stopped, and everyone looked at Melisande in silent sympathy. They knew there would be no reprieve for her. "Yes, Miss Veronica," Melisande said at last, in a low voice. Veronica shook her head. "You know that's a serious offence. It calls for more strokes of the cane than a prefect can give without special permission. After dinner, Melisande, go and report yourself to Miss Maitland." Melisande nodded, her appetite gone. Being instructed to report yourself did not imply any choice of any kind. The prefect who instructed a girl to do so would later consult the mistress to make sure the report had been made. Melisande had no choice. Within an hour, she would be going to the headmistress for the cane. Veronica felt very cheerful. She had given a naughty girl the opportunity to at once cleanse her soul of bad behavior and escape the clutches of Cynthia Terwillinger. Cynthia, by extension, would be just a little bit less powerful. Now all the prefect had to do was wait for the opportunity to put Cynthia in her place once and for all. And the opportunity would not be long in coming. 486 From: Date: Wed Oct 6, 1999 9:49am Subject: Meeting Her Angel " Oh, why thank you...." Lynette said not realizing whom it was speaking to her. Then she stopped and *looked* Unable to breath she whispered "Please don't leave." Lynette was so scared her little angel would runway.... or that she was just hallucinating... Lynette touched her angel's arm softly making sure she was solid. She held her angel's hand and they walked out onto the grass away from the school building and under a lush tree. Lynette looked at her again, scarcely able to believe her eyes. " I thought I had dreamt you." She whispered softly " What is your name?" 487 From: Malena Franklin Date: Wed Oct 6, 1999 3:16am Subject: To Miss Serelique, Miss Maitland Best Miss Serelique, Miss Maitland When will next IRC-lesson be? I please wish we could have another in spite of some technical problems so educational and fruitful. I enjoyed it so. Please announce if something planned? Will there be midterms reportcards? I think that could be good guidance for us girls. Please forgive me for asking.....but its for my own good.... Yours respectfully Malena Franklin 488 From: janet dolan Date: Wed Oct 6, 1999 2:15pm Subject: Re: oh no...... Dear Lynette I really enjoyed our little chat when we went to dinner together. I guess you noticed I was a little preoccupied, but I think you would have understood had you known I was to report to Miss Veronica for a spanking that evening. Eventhough I am well accustomed to punishment, and that she had spanked me with her hand, her right arm is a strong one and I did feel it very well. I am very happy to know more girls as time goes on and really appreciate your friendship. Janet Dolan 489 From: Tanya Date: Wed Oct 6, 1999 2:38pm Subject: Georgina's Diary Georgina de la Falaise Tanya@c... Dearest Diary, It's turned jolly cold here at Avendale these last two days. I think I shall have to write home to my mummies and ask if they could possibly send an extra pair of warming bedsocks as my poor feet were so cold last night ! What would of course be fun would be to organise an ever such a small midnight feast for all of us in the junior Blonde dorm. When we went in to town last weekend, I took it upon myself to stock up on a few basic essentials necessary for this type of affair. When Miss Veronica was showing some of the other girls round the old clock tower, I quickly nipped in to the grocers' and managed to acquire some biscuits, sweets and chocolate bars. Fortunately, I rejoined the main party without anyone noticing that I had departed for a few short moments. The dilemma is whether to try and have "the feast" this week or to wait a while as it's not all that long ago that we got punished for trying to sneak off the premises. If I leave it too long, I just jolly well know I'll end up eating all the provisions myself or just sharing them with a few of my closer friends. Anyway, I'll sleep on that one ! At choir practice yesterday, two of the more senior girls Claire Greene and Annabelle Salastina, who had been continually giggling throughout the hour, were called out to the front by Miss Darnelle after having been warned twice and each awarded two strokes of the senior girls' strap. Gosh, Miss Darnelle really knows how to use that piece of leather as she had both girls in tears by the time each of their hands had been punished. In addition, she also gave them both one hudred and fifty lines to write. I felt quite sorry for them because although I haven't yet received a hand strapping here at Avendale, it's a punishment my three sisters and I often receive at home from Blonde and Brunette mummy for such offences as poor table manners, not washing one's hands before a meal and for being generally slovenly. You wouldn't necessarily think so, but oh how that strap can jolly well sting !! Neither Miss Annalinde nor Katie Webster have yet returned to school. I do hope they are both recovering well from their ailments and will be back amongst us soon. Even though I only met Katie briefly when I first arrived, I do feel we could become really good friends what with being the same age and having similar interests. It goes without saying that we are all desperately missing Miss Annalinde's calming influence on the junior blonde dorm. All the girls are always talking about her and it has become quite obvious how missed she has become. Anyway, dearest diary, must close as if I don't finish my Maths homework for tomorrow, I'm going to be reminded of just how much the junior girls' strap can sting !! 490 From: janet dolan Date: Wed Oct 6, 1999 2:44pm Subject: Janet's evening Janet went out of Veronica's room and was a little confused. She wanted her mentor to know about all the things she has learned, but on the other hand really appreciated Veronica's sense of honour and honesty. she once more made a resolution to be like her as much as possible. Her bottom was a little tender. Veronica has spanked her over her knee and with her hand only, but the she still felt the sting. She felt happy and in peace with herself, in spite of the discomfort in her derriere as Miss Veronica called it, because she was now absolved of her evasdropping sin. She went to her bed and took her history book. The dorm was noisy as most of the girls were there, and Janet decided to go to a quiet spot to read. She had to memorize all the empresses names, or get in trouble. She would try to ask for a bottom spanking but was afraid her request would be denied. She really like art and want to get on Miss Joans wrong side. Walking to a quiet corner in the building lobby she saw Elena and waved to her. Elena came in and sat beside her. "What are you reading Janet?" "I have to memorize the empress list for tomorrow, or I will be strapped". "But that's so easy" laughed Elena. "For you" said Janet "I only learned about our presidents. I hope I memorized the list well, could you examine me please?" Elena, as usual friendly and ready to help smiled and took the book. Janet stood and started to recite the list. She made only one small mistake, mispronouncing Empress Melisande's name. Then Elena spent another 30 minutes asking her a few questions about the Empresses and telling Janet a few more things about them. Suddenly Janet froze. She heard a familiar step, Terwillinger coming to the dorm. "Quick Elena, go. If she thinks you are my friend she will pick on you too" Janet moved swiftly to another chair and buried her face in her book. Terwillinger entered the building, and as she was reaching the stairs paying no attention to Elena who was going out, she noticed Janet. Terwillinger changed direction and went to Janet, looming above the thin younger girl like a shadow of doom. "Don't forget my warning you little rat, or I will get you kicked back home, to your hunting lessons" She said smiling a wicked smile. "You know honey, that knife of yours may disappear and do some damage around here. Then the owner will get the long birch and will be shipped home to the swamp". Janet looked at her with disbelief. Terwillinger looked at her and said "Well, if you help me out with some work, I might forget this idea. Let me know your decision tomorrow at breakfast, and don't even think about going to this prefect friend of yours, or I will get her in trouble too". She turned on her heel and went up the stairs. Janet looked in her book and seeing nothing, her eyes full with tears. All her fears have come back like a giant wave covering her and smothering her feeling of self assurance. She thought about going to the studio and hiding the knife but knew she would have tro break open Miss Joans' drawer for that. "This is what she wants me to do this no good black souled witch" she thought. "Only one thing to do, go to Miss Veronica. Maybe I'll wait till tomorrow morning before breakfast, she looked so tired". Janet went to her room, to sleep a fitful slumber, interrupted by nighmares of Terwillinger aiming her own knife at her. 491 From: Nicola - 3rd Year Avendale Date: Wed Oct 6, 1999 3:55pm Subject: dreams do come true Nikkis heart leaped with cartwheels of joy as Lynette gently took her hand and led her towards the gardens. As they stood below the gentle shade of a mighty willow time stood still, the distant autumn sunlight seemed warmer, Nikki believed she may faint with anticipation and after Lynette spoke to her Nikki could only whisper her reply through trembling lips.. Nicola ........but please call me Nikki as she spoke the word she clasped Lynettes hand tighter.... 492 From: Kadorienne Date: Wed Oct 6, 1999 5:01pm Subject: Veronica and Cynthia Cynthia swaggered into the Pupil's Common Room and marched straight to the most comfortable seat, one upholstered in soft dark green material, right next to the fireplace, currently occupied by a Charlene. "Blondie, when a prefect enters the room, you stand up and offer her your seat," she ordered. All the girls turned and looked at her. The blonde's eyes widened. "There aren't any prefects in here," she said, her voice shaking a little at being addressed so. "Maybe not, but I will be one soon, just wait and see. And then you'd better make sure you act respectful, or you'll be sorry. Now get out of my seat, Blondie." Charlene slowly rose and gave Cynthia her seat. She wished some older brunettes were around -- even Joan and Suzanne wouldn't have acted like this, or stood for this -- but of course there weren't. Cynthia wouldn't have tried this if that had been the case. Jinjur spoke up, smiling as if about to burst into laughter. "Why are you so sure you're going to be a prefect, Cindy dear? Did Miss Maitland tell you so?" Cynthia eyed Jinjur warily, warningly. "Not yet. But it's only a matter of time." She looked at Charlene, who was standing before her uncertainly. "Go get me a cup of tea, Blondie." Charlene poured a cup and handed it to the older girl. "Annalinde and Veronica never talk to anyone like that," one of the young brunettes said, trying to be brave. Cynthia stood up and advanced on the girl. "Is that so? Well, you're all just going to have to treat me with more respect than you do your present prefects." The brunette flushed, unable to back down. "We'll see about that when you *are* a prefect." The room seemed to grow even quieter. All the girls had been watching Cynthia breathlessly, for her reputation had travelled. But now somehow they were even more focused on her and her words. Conscious of her audience, she drew herself up. "I sugggest you all do what I say from now on, and hop to it, because if you don't, I'll tan your hides like you won't believe." "I don't think so." The voice wasn't very loud, but its tone carried authority. Cynthia whirled to see Veronica Bellemont standing in the doorway. The other girls had all seen her a moment ago and had been breathlessly awaiting what would follow. Veronica felt almost preternaturally serene. She had been waiting for the right moment, a moment when she would have an excuse to punish Cynthia in front of as large an audience as possible. She'd never be able to intimidate anyone so well after they'd seen her being whaled. "Cynthia, here at Avendale only prefects and mistresses have the right to 'tan hides' as you put it. And since I am a prefect, I see a hide that could use some tanning right now. Bend over the table, please." Cynthia's eyes bulged. "Can't we go up to your study?" "One extra stroke for hesitating. Over the table, Terwillinger." Cynthia looked around. The faces of the girls were eager. More girls were coming in, too, as if a signal of some sort had been broadcast. Melisande was coming in, looking very severe; she had gotten caned for smoking that day. Janet also entered, her eyes warm as she gazed at her "big sister". Veronica lifted Cynthia's skirt, but not her petticoat. Glancing around, she saw that one of the young brunettes had her books strapped together with a leather belt. "May I borrow that, please?" Veronica asked. The girl unfastened it and proffered it with alacrity. "Now, Cynthia," Veronica said sternly, "if you're really prefect material, you'll prove it by taking this strapping with a stiff upper lip." She lifted her arm and struck. Cynthia flinched and moaned, and all the girls seemed to sigh. Veronica gave Cynthia a really hard strapping. The girl needed it, and besides, Veronica was angry. This bully had threatened her own adopted little sister! Cynthia tried to keep quiet, but the blows were too hard and fast, and soon she was wailing aloud. It was a good thrashing, and none of the spectators envied Cynthia. When Cynthia had stopped wailing and was instead whimpering quietly, Veronica handed the belt back to its owner. "Now, Cynthia, wouldn't you like to write five hundred lines for me?" "What?" Cynthia exclaimed in outrage. "Oh, would you prefer a thousand?" Cynthia tried to sound meek. "Oh, no, Miss Veronica, five hundred would do nicely. I'd be delighted to do those for you." "Mmm hmm. Tell you what. The next couple of evenings, I'm going to spend evening study period in the library. You can go there with me so I can watch you do your lines. Won't that be cozy? You may stand up now." Cynthia stood up slowly, her face as red as her derriere doubtless was. She looked at the gloating faces around her and saw only one way to save face. "Thank you very much for disciplining me, Miss Veronica. I know I needed it." She looked around. "I hope all of y'all will forgive me." Veronica didn't put much stock in Cynthia's sincerity, and she was sure the "y'all" was a dig, but instead she said, "And Cynthia, I notice you have an awful lot of free time on your hands. It's making you... glum. I think you'd better join the cricket team. I'll take you to try out tomorrow." Veronica was trying to think of ways to put Cynthia under more supervision. If some of her time and energy was taken up with sports, she wouldn't have as much of either for causing mischief. Veronica put a friendly arm around Cynthia's shoulders. "You took that thrashing pretty well, Cynthia. I hope I won't have to give you another one. But I'd hate to see you ruin your chances of becoming a prefect by some silly little mistake, so I'll just keep an extra close watch on you, all right?" Veronica was being sly, of course. Everyone but Cynthia knew there was no way she would ever be made a prefect. But now Cynthia had been humiliated in front of everyone, and Veronica had given her a way to save face: to go along with the pretense that she wanted to be good and was glad to accept Veronica's help in the matter. "You're too kind, Miss Veronica," Cynthia murmured. She was feeling warmed inside from the strapping she had received, and Veronica's companionable arm around her felt unaccountably pleasant. Cynthia had received very few demonstrations of friendship in her life, and scarcely knew what they were. But now she was trapped! She was going to have to write all those blasted lines herself, and that barbaric Culverian was going to make her join the stupid cricket team! Now she was going to have to force herself to be completely good and sappy sweet to everybody for a while, until the Perfect Prefect was convinced she had reformed and left her alone. She wouldn't do a single thing that was even slightly naughty until Veronica's vigilance was relaxed, she promised herself. She set herself to the game at once. Little Charlene had resumed her seat by the fire. When Veronica released her and sat down, Cynthia poured some tea -- a pot and several cups were always kept on the table during the afternoons and evenings -- and gave it to Charlene. She tried to think of something gallant to say, but all she could come up with was, "Lemon?" Charlene declined the lemon. Next Cynthia brought Veronica a cup and sat on the floor next to her, listening to her conversation with Janet and the other brunettes, rarely saying anything. But even though for most of the afternoon she was quite consciously playing a game of being good, there were a few minutes here and there when Veronica made an effort to include her in the talk, and Cynthia forgot that she was only pretending and felt as if she actually belonged with these well-behaved, namby-pamby, goody-goody, happy, confident girls. Which was exactly what Veronica had hoped to achieve. 493 From: Date: Thu Oct 7, 1999 0:05am Subject: Angel of sunshine... Lynette sung softly as she made ready for bed. She had met her angel this afternoon. Her name was Nikki. Half-dreaming she bathed... her mind envisioning Nikki's sweet form emerging from the ocean under pale moonlight. Her wet hair caressing her divine shoulders. Lynette blushed.... these thoughts were not appropriate for Nikki. She was an angel of purity! Oh, but the way she walked! That angel conjured strong feelings of devotion and adoration mixed with a tempest of desire. Lynette wanted to know everything about Nikki, her family, her hobbies everything! Most of all she wanted to touch that golden hair that moved like spun sunshine. Sleep came easy for Lynette that night. She knew she would see Nikki in the morning. Perhaps Nikki would allow Lynette to carry her books to class? Lynette felt so shy and so bold. She was truly enchanted by this sweet girl. 494 From: Date: Thu Oct 7, 1999 4:13am Subject: Annalinde Home Again! Hello, everyone! Here I am again after my travels with my aunt! It is lovely to be here again and see all the golden leaves of our Avendale autumn, though I confess it feels quite chilly after the south. It was Autumn there too, but a warm, sunny Autumn - though apparently it gets cold once the winter really sets in there. I hope every one has been good while I was away. I have missed you, though I confess my unexpected holiday was truly delightful. I've lots of schoolwork to catch up with now, though! If any of you want to come and see me, please do - oh, and to Georgina and Malena, Alexis and Emma. Please don't worry at all about that little incident just before I left. It is all over now, and Miss Veronica tells me that Emma is getting *so* much better. Do come to my study if any of you have any problems. And now I *must* get on with all that piled-up schoolwork. That is the trouble with these unexpected vacations in the middle of term. I shouldn't have missed it for anything, though. Annalinde 495 From: Rebecca Fleming Date: Thu Oct 7, 1999 9:26am Subject: Rebecca Fleming Arrives (brunette, 16) "So this is the fabulous 'Avendale School For Young Ladies', huh?" 16-year-old brunette Rebecca Fleming said to no one in particular. "It doesn't look all that great to ME!" It had been a very long journey and Becky was tired and cranky. She was not at all happy about being sent to this strange new school called Avendale. She had been perfectly content attending the local school in her town. But her aunt had gotten tired of Becky's increasing unruliness and had located this school in faraway Quirinelle. Life had been rough for young Becky. Both her mothers had been killed in an airplane accident when she was 11. Her aunt took her in to avoid having Becky sent to an orphanage. Aunt Theodora was heiress to a large estate, and chairwoman of a number of philantrophic organizations. These took up so much of her time that she had little to spare for a growing girl. Most of Becky's care was delegated to a series of nannies and governesses. None of these workers stayed longer than six months. They all left in frustration, telling her aunt that Rebecca was undisciplined and unmanageable. At first, Aunt Theodora did not authorise the use of corporal punishment. At the pleading of Governess No. 5, she finally gave in. Becky was given an occasional spanking or paddling. However, she only changed her behavior slightly. Governess No. 5 finally quit in frustraton. The last straw occurred that winter. Becky had taken to climbing out of her bedroom window while the rest of the house was asleep. She was running wild with a very bad crowd. One night the police brought her home after catching her drinking with some of her teenage friends. Aunt Theodora was at wit's end. Becky's grades, which had once been very good, had recently slipped to C's and D's. This drinking episode was the last straw. When asked just what did she think she was doing, Becky's response was, "I don't CARE!" The prospectus for Avendale had stated that strict discipline and corporal punishment was used to control the girls' behaviour. It was this feature, along with Avendale's prestigious reputation, that caused Mrs Fleming to apply for Rebecca's admission. From Becky's point of view, however, she had been sent to prison. She stood at the entrance to the school, her suitcases at her feet, feeling very angry and very, very, alone. Finally, she picked up her suitcases and went to look for her dormitory. She wondered if the girls here were stuck up little princesses, or decent people. She supposed she would find out soon. ===== 496 From: Date: Thu Oct 7, 1999 7:49am Subject: Re: Annalinde Home Again! Miss Annalinde, It is so very good to see you home again and looking so well! We have missed you dreadfully! We have so enjoyed the letters you sent us telling us about all the wonderful sights and foods and everything you experienced! I won't keep you now, as I am sure you are busy with all your unpacking and catching up on your schoolwork. I just wanted to say Welcome Back! Respectfully, Alexis Harrington 497 From: Date: Thu Oct 7, 1999 9:27am Subject: Cynthia's Decision Cynthia’s Decision Cynthia regarded Jinjur Quinbury for a long moment. Jinjur, for her part, smiled pertly and gently clapped one of her hands against the other, pantomiming a spanking, then grinned and pretended to swing a cane. Cynthia’s scowl deepened. “Oh, and I just though of one other thing that might help you to decide,” said Jinjur in a light voice. “Canings from Mistresses are always noted in the Punishment Book. ‘The Ultimate Sanction,’ you know. Mummies do tend to learn of them.” Jinjur watched the brunette shifting from foot to foot, her brows knitted. She had to admit she enjoyed this little display of power, however small it might be. Here was a brunette, larger and stronger than she, yet helpless before her, her future in Jinjur’s little hands. Cynthia exhaled explosively. “Very well, you little demon, but I warn you—“ “Tut, tut, madame! ‘Little demon,’ am I? That will earn you extra strokes. Remember: we must submit ourselves to chastening to be cleansed of our iniquity.” The words Jinjur spoke were ancient wisdom, of course and the basis of a Solemn Truth of life, but Jinjur uttered them with a smile, and her green eyes twinkled mischievously. Cynthia almost smiled for a moment, so enticing was Jinjur’s expression. “When?” “’Do not put off a spanking tomorrow when you can spank today,’” paraphrased Jinjur, enjoying this situation more and more. “Where?” Jinjur put a dainty finger to her lips. “Follow me. I know a nice, private place where we are unlikely to be discovered.” So saying, Jinjur held out her hand to Cynthia, who hesitated for a brief moment, then clasped the proffered hand in hers. The appointed place was indeed secluded. It was out-of-doors and included a large, moss-covered rock and was surrounded by shrubbery. Jinjur seated herself ever so daintily upon the rock and beckoned to Cynthia. “Come across my knee, Cynthia.” She patted her lap in invitation. With a sour look, Cynthia came across Jinjur’s knee and settled herself. Jinjur took her time preparing the penitente before her, carefully drawing aside skirt, then petticoat, to reveal a white-knicker-clad derriere that filled the white cotton garment most charmingly. Cynthia was not slender, but she had a nice shape. Jinjur draped her left arm around Cynthia’s waist, raised her right arm and struck, bringing her hand flat and firm across Cynthia’s bottom. Cynthia suppressed a surprised yelp; blonde though she was, Jinjur was a healthy young lady. The first smack stung more than Cynthia had anticipated. Perhaps, she thought, this will be more than just a ‘dolly spanking.’ Jinjur continued that spanking, paying almost loving attention to Cynthia’s thighs, where she could still faintly discern the traces from where Veronica had switched her. “Oh, my! It does look as if someone was a naughty girl,” remarked Jinjur gleefully. “I shall spank you there, just to help you remember the previous lesson.” Jinjur then laid careful, deliberate smacks over the traces, and Cynthia really did yelp and flailed her feet helplessly. “Oh! That hurt, you--- ” Jinjur tsked, and said in mock-serious tones, “There seems to be a spirit of rebellion within you, Cynthia. We will have to beat it out.” “I have changed my mind,” the young bully cried in distress. She wriggled like a hooked fish, trying to flop her way off Jinjur’s lap. Jinjur held her fast, marvelling at her own new-found strength. “No matter how hard you wiggle, you naughty child, I can still find your bottom,” she declared gaily, with good-hearted mirth in her voice. “You must need this very, very badly, else you would not squirm so.” Jinjur aimed a volley of smacks on the seat, feeling the force of the blows reverberate through her own body. It was a long, leisurely spanking, and Jinjur enjoyed every smack, every cry and every wriggle her victime made. Cynthia was, by turns, angry, plaintive and finally, limp and unresisting across Jinjur’s lap. When Jinjur finally finished, her arm was very tired, almost aching from exertion, and Cynthia’s thighs were very red. Jinjur could only imagine what her bottom looked like! Carefully, delicately, she slipped one hand inside Cynthia’s knickers. Yes, she was very warm there, wasn’t she? Jinjur nipped with small, sharp fingernails on Cynthia’s inner thigh, drawing from Cynthia a distressed squeal. Jinjur felt herself almost swooning with delight. She held Cynthia on her lap for several, delightful minutes, feeling the brunette’s heat and savoring her submission. Finally, Jinjur declared, “There! That was utterly delightful. Ever so much better than the cane from dear Miss Maitland, ne c’est pas? You may stand.” She released her hold from the larger girl’s waist. Despite her sore seat, Cynthia had to agree. “I suppose so,” she murmured as she stood. She noted a sense of quiet and peacefulness within herself, the like of which she had not felt since Veronica had switched her that day. Jinjur was smiling up at her from her seated position, and the twinkle in her green eyes seemed fanned to a passionate flame. Something melted inside Cynthia suddenly, and she stooped and lifted the blonde into her arms and kissed her soft mouth. Jinjur lifted her arms and twined them about Cynthia’s neck, returning the kiss with ardor. Cynthia’s sturdy form felt hot against hers – hot and solid and comforting, and never before had Jinjur seen such an expression in Cynthia’s eyes before – warm, loving and loved, peaceful and content. “You see – a little spanking does a pette a world of good,” declared Jinjur with an impish smile. The girls held each other for a long moment before separating. Cynthia’s head was spinning with sensations. Her heart and mind felt full and content. Her breath came is short gasps, and her face was flushed. Jinjur was excited, too, and very, very pleased with herself. Take one bully, she thought, add a good spanking and a kiss or two, and all is well again. Jinjur Quinbury’s Secret Recipe for Bully Control! 498 From: Date: Thu Oct 7, 1999 9:42am Subject: Re: Annalinde Home Again! Hello Miss Annalinde! I missed you terribly!! I am so glad you are back now to take care of us. Miss Annalinde, I must confess...I behaved simply disgraceful while you were gone. I'm sure Miss Veronica told you of all the times she had to discipline me...and unfortunately, there will be one more night of punishment for me. I have written almost all of my lines but there are still 50 to go...and my hand is dreadfully tired. I have decided to accept punishment (I am hoping that Veronica goes easy on me again like last night) and finish the lines tomorrow. I wish you were here last week Annalinde....I bet you would not have spanked me nearly as hard as Veronica did...or forced me to write 400 lines either! While I realize now that Veronica was just correcting me for my own good because she cares about me (and I am greatful for that)...I still think she was very harsh on my tender bottom. Anyways....I digress.... Welcome back! Love, Emma 499 From: Date: Thu Oct 7, 1999 2:08pm Subject: Alessandra's Arrival Alessandra Kirrin had thoroughly enjoyed the long journey to Avendale. Her few travels in the past had been limited to rather short distances. Since her blonde mother's death many years before, Alessandra had had a very loving, if rather restrictive upbringing by her brunette mother in their sparsely inhabited hometown in Culveria. However, Alessandra was growing up, and her brunette mother had felt that it was high time that she be properly educated in her blonde mother's native land of Quirinelle. So strong were her brunette mother's wishes that Alessandra was actually allowed to make the long trek to Quirinelle all alone, as her brunette mother was much too busy to travel at this time. Although she was only twelve years old, Alessandra felt very grown up, traveling off to school quite on her own. However, once she found herself on the steps of Avendale, Alessandra suddenly felt very small, and very scared. She was not so grown up after all-- she was just a little blonde, miles away from home in a strange place. The large wooden front door suddenly appeared to be very forbidding. Looking up at it, Alessandra decided to walk about the grounds a bit to build up her courage before entering the school building. Grasping her valise tightly, she walked quickly down the stairs and across the grass, towards a large oak. Alessandra set her valise down and sat beneath the oak's broad canopy. She gazed about her in wonder for some time. She had always loved gardens, and Avendale had a splendid one. She especially loved the trees. They all seemed to have such different personalities. After a time, Alessandra reached into her valise and pulled out a leather-bound notebook and a pen. She opened the notebook and began to write, looking up every so often at a willow directly across from her. "A tall, slim tree, its branches raised like graceful arms to the sky. The higher limbs sway gently, independently of one another, yet also in a kind of overall order and harmony. The thin, wavy, white upper branches appear almost black against the blue sky. The fluttering leaves sparkle as they dance amid the sun's rays." A shadow fell across Alessandra's notebook. She looked up to see an older brunette in the school's uniform and wearing a badge towering over her. Alessandra instantly sensed an air of self-assurance and command about this girl. She guessed that this brunette must be a prefect. Alessandra shoved her notebook into her valise and jumped up quickly. She smoothed her hair and skirt anxiously, as she remembered, too late, that her letter of acceptance to Avendale had specifically directed her to report to the Headmistress' office promptly upon her arrival. The prefect smiled warmly at Alessandra. "Well, hello. My name is Veronica, and I am a prefect here at Avendale. What might be your name?" Alessandra looked up at the older girl and began nervously. "I'm Lexi-- uh, well, I mean-" She stopped and took a deep breath. "My name is Alessandra Kirrin. I'm twelve years old, and I'm very new here." "Well, I'm very glad to make your acquaintance. But why are you out here all by yourself? And you haven't unpacked yet, I see." Alessandra flushed guiltily. "No, Miss Veronica. I-- well, you see, I was supposed to report to the Headmistress, but I was feeling sort of… of sad, so I thought I would come and sit out here in the garden. I was brought up in the country, you see. The garden reminds me of home." Veronica put an arm comfortingly around the small blonde's shoulders. "It's all right to feel a bit homesick. Most of the girls feel that way at first. Don't worry, it will pass." "Thank you for understanding, Miss Veronica." Alessandra's grateful smile illuminated her entire face. It was as if a switch had been flipped. Veronica could not help giving her a big smile in return, as she noted that this new little girl was really quite adorable when she smiled. "You are very welcome, Alessandra. However, in the future, please remember that disobedience is against the rules at Avendale. You should not have gone into the garden if you were directed to report to the Headmistress' office." Alessandra ducked her head in shame. "Yes, Miss Veronica," she said meekly. "I am very sorry." "You may go and tell the headmistress so, then," said Veronica, guiding the younger girl back towards the school. "I believe she has been expecting you for sometime. You must explain your tardiness to her." Alessandra gulped. She had been so looking forward to beginning school-- what a shame to start off on the wrong note with the Headmistress by tardiness! "Is the Headmistress very stern?" she faltered. Veronica replied, "She is rather strict when correcting girls' faults; but when you have been at Avendale longer, I know you will find that she is very kind and just." She took Alessandra's hand, and led her inside. Alessandra knew that she would be very happy at Avendale, at least once she got settled in. As for the present, she hoped that the Headmistress would not be too cross with her for her tardiness… 500 From: Nicola - 3rd Year Avendale Date: Thu Oct 7, 1999 4:01pm Subject: confusion and anticipation Nicola awoke anxious the darkness of the night still hanging over the dorm, she had dreamt of Lynette, imagined her sweet ruby lips kissing hers, toying with her beautiful hair, touching her soft skin. Nicola could wait no longer she rose silently as her dorm chums slept the dreams of contented souls. Carefully she opened the heavy wooden door and stole along the passage to the brunettes dorm, heart pounding, lost in recklessness she opened the door looking for her prey. Like the barn owl of the night she swooped on the object of her desire, stealing a gentle kiss off Lynettes check, she longed too stay, to snuggle beside her but reluctantly she sped away. 501 From: Tanya Date: Thu Oct 7, 1999 4:24pm Subject: Welcome back Miss Annalinde Georgina de la Falaise Tanya@c... Dear Miss Annalinde, Just a short note to welcome you back to Avendale. This morning when I awoke and surveyed the day outside, I noticed that Dea had sent the most beautiful blue sky and I felt convinced something good was going to happen. It goes without saying that we've all missed you tremendously and hope you have now completely recovered. I'm pleased to report that since the events of just prior to your leaving, we've all made an extra effort to behave as young ladies should and generally stay out of trouble. Last Saturday, Miss Veronica very kindly escourted a number of us in to Avenbridge for a little shopping and a cinema visit. We truly had the most enjoyable afternoon and only wished you could have joined us. Miss Annalinde, I must tell you there's a real excitement in and around our dorm this evening knowing that you are back with us safe and sound. Respectfully yours, Georgina 502 From: Date: Thu Oct 7, 1999 0:42pm Subject: Re: Rebecca Fleming Arrives (brunette, 16) Emma strolled along, not caring about the lines still to write, or the homework to do, or the time passing by. She was content, if only for a few minutes, to be out enjoying the warm sun on this crisp, autumn day. Movement up ahead jolted her out of her temporary daydream, and Emma noticed for the first time a new girl walking toward her. More and more new girls were arriving daily! This one was different though. For starters, she wasn't wearing that perma-smile that most of the other girls that came to Avendale for the first time wore. In fact, she did not look happy *at all* to be here. Emma could relate to that feeling too....she didn't really jump for joy to find out she was being transferred to yet *another* new school either. Also, this girl seemed a lot like Emma, both having brunette hair like Emma's and being around the same age as well. Emma sauntered up and introduced herself. "Hi, I'm Emma." "I'm Rebecca" an unhappy voice mumbled back. "I don't mean to be nosy, but is something wrong ? I mean, you don't seem to want to be here at all. When I first came, I was the same way...I was kind of forced to be here. And I'm still not sure I like it....the girls are wicked nice, and even the prefects too I suppose, but the rules are SO strict here! I'm sorry...I always babble on so..." "That's ok." replied Rebecca, "Actually, I DON'T want to be here, but don't really have a choice." The two girls walked toward the front doors, chatting the entire way. They had a lot in common right from the start. Aside from being the same age and hair color, they both had very similiar attitudes and temperments. They also both admitted to causing an occasional amount of trouble for fun, and hating to be told what to do... Yes, Emma decided, they were going to be good friends.... 503 From: Date: Thu Oct 7, 1999 2:07pm Subject: To Emma Dear Emma, Thank you for your kind welcome. I should certainly have punished you if I hadn't fallen ill just at that moment, and I don't at all know that I should have been any gentler than Miss Veronica. However, I think you know now that I should have done it because I care for you, just as Miss Veronica does. I am very glad to find you so much improved in your understanding of things - you know, I was a touch worried about you before I left, but I think you will settle in very nicely. Do come and see me if you ever want help or anything. Being a brunette you are really Miss Veronica's bunny, but brunettes sometimes come to me. With love, Annalinde 504 From: Date: Thu Oct 7, 1999 2:07pm Subject: Hello Alexis and Georgina Hello my blonde bunnies. How nice of you to greet me. I am so glad you had such an enjoyable visit to Avenbridge - it is a darling little town, isn't it? I can still remember my first visit there when I was even younger than you are. A party of us bunnies (yes, I was one then) were taken in by an *adorable* brunette senior called Angela Myrtle. Oh I had *such* a crush on Angela in my first year. She has left the school now and she is at Milchford and has published a book of poems which are considered very good by the critics. I often wonder if I shall meet her when I go up to Milchers. I am so glad you are excited I am back. Did you ever have that gramophone meeting? Or shall we organise it now? Love to you both, Annalinde 505 From: Date: Thu Oct 7, 1999 6:08pm Subject: Annalinde Returns At Last! Elena Dierrian was beside herself with delight. Miss Annalinde Chelverton had returned to Avendale after a brief illness and a vacation. Now, she thought, if only my dear friend, Katie Webster would return, all would be perfect. She sat down at her little writing desk and began, "My Dearest Miss Annalinde," She stared at the paper for long while before crumpling it up and tossing it in the wastebasket. No, that would never do, Elena decided. Little fool, she is not ‘your’ Miss Annalinde. And calling her ‘Dearest’ is far too forward. What *were* you thinking? “Dear Miss Annalinde,” would have to do, though to Elena’s mind, it seemed to lack a certain affectionate tone. Oh, dear! I want to show her I care for her, but I do not want to be overly familiar, and yet, I do want to be a *little* familiar, because she is so very dear and sweet and seems to care so very much for me and knows my heart better than I do. Elena thought back to the time she had requested a caning for being out of bed after lights-out and for having contradictory thoughts. Dear, dear Miss Annalinde seemed to know exactly what was in her heart and administered a single, perfect stroke with her prefect’s cane that burned like fire, yet restored her inner balance so wonderfully. Surely that must be what the older girls refer to as “having a rapport” with senior girl or Mistress! I wonder, she thought if one girl can be en rapport with another but the other girl does not feel that way about the first girl? No, she decided, that would go against the Golden Order. If rapport existed, *surely* both girls must feel it. Did it ever happen that one girl loved another, but the other did not know? She continued with, “I am ever so glad you are returned to Avendale, at last. I have missed you so much, and I know the other girls have missed you, too. Avendale is sunnier for your presence.” Elena smiled with pleasure; ‘The world is sunnier for your presence.’ was a compliment her brunette Mummy used to her blonde Mummy, and Elena remembered that her blonde Mummy always blushed and smiled with pleasure when she heard it. “I have tried hard to be a good girl and obey the rules and study hard.” Fool, she chided herself, what *else* would you have done? Would you have misbehaved and shamed your school and your family simply because Miss Annalinde were not present? After more consideration, she let the phrase stand and continued with, “Please, when you are able and have time, I should like to hear all about your travels. I thank Dea for bringing you safely back home to Avendale, “Love, “Elena Dierrian” There – all done! Elena then took several minutes to decorate the note with carefully hand-drawn flowers. She then added a postscript, “In Autumn, the flowers in the Garden do not bloom. These blossoms do not smell as sweet at the ones in the Garden, but mayhap will bloom longer for you.” She carefully folded the note and made her way quickly to Miss Annalinde’s study to deliver the note. 506 From: Kadorienne Date: Thu Oct 7, 1999 6:52pm Subject: Veronica to Annalinde Dear Annalinde, Welcome back! I'm glad you enjoyed your vacation, but I'm glad you're back; my right arm was getting awfully sore. Emma's behavior and attitude are much improved. Still, she may need some more adjustment in time; do you know she was never spanked before coming to Avendale? I had to give her a thorough paddling, but I also lectured her about how we discipline girls because we care about them, and she seems to understand that now. But listen, I'm sorry to have to share unpleasant news so soon after your return, but as one prefect to another I absolutely must warn you about Cynthia Terwillinger. Keep an eye on her, because she is a bully of the first rank. Never mind how I know, but she caught one of the other girls in some mischief and blackmailed her into doing some of her homework for her! But I took care of that, and I won't give her victim's name because I don't want to stain her reputation now that she's been punished. Last night I strapped Cynthia in front of a whole room full of girls. I don't generally do that, as you know, but I know she's been bullying a lot of girls, and if they've seen her get a good thrashing, they won't be so easily intimidated by her. Afterwards, I tried to make Cynthia feel like part of the school, tried to draw her into the camaraderie. I think I did make a little bit of an impression on her, but I also think it's going to take a lot more to truly reform her, bless her heart. So please, help me keep an eye on her. Ah... if you notice any blondes keeping company with her, perhaps you could have a word with them. I'm certain Cynthia wouldn't be above, well, taking a liberty or two, if a blonde were imprudent enough to allow it. All the girls are so glad you're back. You don't know how missed you were! Oh, I got some candies for your supply this weekend; I escorted a lot of the younger girls into Avenbridge on Saturday. Look at this little wooden boat! My fellow Confederette, Janet Dolan, carved it for me. Isn't it good? Miss Joans got all excited when she saw it and declared that she had talent and is teaching her to sculpt. Young Janet's certainly full of potential, isn't she? Smart as a whip, too -- do you know she's here on a scholarship? Oh, I know her grammar isn't good, but I'm sure that by the end of the year she be speaking much more nicely. (Annalinde smiles indulgently at Veronica's bragging over her young protegee) Well, I suppose I'd better let you get back to your schoolwork. Let me know if you need anything, as always, and we're all so glad to have you back! Sincerely, Veronica Bellemont 507 From: Date: Thu Oct 7, 1999 5:04pm Subject: Re: To Emma Emma mindlessly picks up one lock of long, shiny hair and begins to twirl, as she often does when she is deep in thought. Rolling through her mind are the events that happened at Avendale since last week when she arrived. Over and over again her mind strays back to thoughts of the humiliating spankings she has endured this week. Now that the stinging and throbbing feelings have left her bottom, the spankings seem like a fuzzy memory. It's still almost hard to believe that they even happened. The problem with this is that now Emma has only written 350 lines, and just does not feel like writing the other 50. Emma realizes that they were due tonight; and also that Miss Veronica will come looking for them soon if she does not turn them in. But frankly, Emma feels like she has done more than enough writing for her punishment.....and honestly, another 50 lines won't mean the difference between learning the lesson or not learning the lesson. Still, Emma is feeling a bit uneasy about her open defiance yet again. She wants to please Miss Veronica, but at the same time needs to feel like she has control over the situation (by not writing the lines). She wants to be good, but can't resist the temptation of doing what she wants to do instead of what she is told to do. Emma suddenly thinks..."Maybe Miss Annalinde can help!" Maybe she will talk to Miss Veronica and tell her to forget about those last lines. Maybe she will tell Miss Veronica I have done enough. Even though she is not Emma's prefect, Emma can't help but feel some kind of connection to her somehow...and maybe Annalinde shares that feeling as well. With a renewed feeling of ease, Emma gracefully saunters over to Annalindes room and knocks confidently three times. Knock, knock, knock...... 508 From: Date: Fri Oct 8, 1999 2:15am Subject: First Kiss Lynette had slept very peacefully in her bed that night. She did not notice Nikki stealing in or the kiss but instead dream t it. You can imagine she was surprised to notice Nikki's lip color on her cheek when she washed before breakfast. Lynette's mind raced all day. When tea time came around she had a plan. Through out tea Lynette gave Nikki subtle looks. She could see Nikki growing anxious with each smile they shared. She though Nikki would let the cat-out-of-the-bag when she asked her how she slept last night! When they were dismissed Lynette calmly took her hand and suggested they go for a walk in the garden. Once they were out of sight Lynette gently caressed Nikki's cheek. She spoke of a theft last night in her dorm room; someone had broken in and tried to take something very rare and valuable. The thief had tried to take what was only to be given. Lynette traced her fingers across Nikki's petal soft lips. She asked Nikki if she knew what this was? Nikki blushed deeply and looked away. Lynette took Nikki's cheek in her fingers softly and looking deeply in her eyes whispered softly "I am going to give you what you were looking for now." With that she gently brought their lips together and gave her first kiss. 509 From: Tanya Date: Fri Oct 8, 1999 6:57am Subject: Georgina to Miss Annalinde From Georgina ds la Falaise Tanya@c... Dear Miss Annalinde, Thank you so much for your note. I saw you this morning briefly from the upstairs window overlooking the courtyard but couldn't attract your attention despite some frantic waving on my part. I must say you do look much refreshed after your break in the far south with your auntie. I can't wait to hear more about it when you have some free time. Unfortunately, we were not able to have the gramophone party after all. Miss Serelique felt that after the events of two weekends ago, we should not be allowed to have such a treat. Do you think it's too soon to ask whether we may be allowed to reschedule it for the near future? I do so hope we can as I know all the girls were so looking forward to it and I do feel in a large way responsible for it not having taken place because of my hare-brained involvement in the "sneak-out" Once again, I apologise for that. Respectfully Yours Georgina. 510 From: Delores Maybridge Date: Fri Oct 8, 1954 2:46pm Subject: Technical Points Girls, I see with my *all-seeing-eye* that some girls have set their preference to "WebOnly/No elektrapost" which means that messages from the list do not go to their postboxes, but they read them on the web. Or do *not* read them on the web. From now onwards, if anyone wants to have their setting as "WebOnly/NoEmail" or indeed "Daily Digest" they are to apply to myself or the headmistress, and permission will only be granted under special circumstances. So, will the girls who have recently changed their settings to this, please change it *back* to receiving ordinary elektrapost messages from the list, or it will be assumed that they no longer want to participate in Avendale. I have said before, and I shall say again, this list is for players *only*. Non-contributors will be removed. Delores Maybridge (Miss) 511 From: thorny Date: Fri Oct 8, 1999 3:54pm Subject: Dearest Mummies Dearest Mummies: How are the two of you doing? I miss you with all of my heart. I do not fell that I fit in here. I do not fell smart enough to be here. Mummies I want to come home to you so bad. I promise that if you let me come home I will do so well in public school. I will not get into any touble I promise. I miss our nights of sitting around the fire and reading great novels to one another. I miss listening to Blonde mummy play the piano. I miss everything about being at home. Please, mummies let me come home and I will become the best girl in the whole world. Your Daughter, Sabrina McCloud Sabrina flods the letter and puts it into an envlope. Then she lies on her bed and cries herself to sleep 512 From: Malena Franklin Date: Fri Oct 8, 1999 8:58am Subject: visit to Miss Annalinde Friday afternoon A very shaky me decides to go and see Miss Annalinde and welcome her back. I walk over to blondes dorm and knock quietly on Miss Annalindes door. I have butterflies in my stomach but keep myself certain this is what I shall do. I open and walks in and says how glad I am Miss Annalinde is back and that I am sorry for my behaviour before her departure and that I was so glad for Your letter telling me it was all over. I feel so happy we have two so fair prefects....My respect and admiration is real genuine.....thinks with so admiration of Miss Veronicas way of dealing with Cynthia...such a good example of leadership and Miss Annalinde Your so trustfully way of taking me up again after my shameful prank letting it be over and done with... I give You a welcome rose and wish I can prove to be a better girl and know You better.... Malena Franklin 513 From: Date: Fri Oct 8, 1999 4:22pm Subject: Lynette worries about Sabrina Lynette walked into the brunette dorm room very happy. Today was a day like no other. As she walked over to her bed at the end of the room, she passed by Sabrina McCloud's bed close to hers. Lynette thought she heard soft weeping sounds? Surprised and quite concerned she sat on the Sabrina's bed. Gently she put her hand on her back and rubbed it softly. Quietly she whispered "Do you want to talk?" Lynette felt ashamed of not noticing how Sabrina felt before now. She could hear her brunette mother's admonishments about being so selfish. She should have realized how lonely it would be for a girl so much younger. "Please... don't cry. Talk to me?" 514 From: Date: Fri Oct 8, 1999 4:26pm Subject: Caitlen's Arrival Caitlen Ramsey Ash stood just outside of the main door of the Avendale School for Girls taking in it's sweeping architecture and beutiful landscape. 'Perhaps this wont be so bad after all,' she thought. It was always a challenge starting at a new school, particularly mid-semester, but her mummies had been insistant that she be withdrawn from her former school after that scandal with Miss Alcott and Miss Arlington... no, it was better not to think of that now. Caitlen shook her head softly, chiding herself for the momentary lapse in her near fearless countenace, she was, after all fifteen years old, hardly a child anymore, not that she had ever really been your average child. Fearless and strongly independant she prided herself on never needing anyone, a major flaw in most other people she had met, no, Caitlen felt secure in the fact that there was nothing she couldn't get through on her own, including this. Straightening her posture, head held high she marched through the imposing front door of the school determinedly, then paused once inside, realizing she hadn't the slightest idea in which direction she would find the headmistress. "Ah, well," she spoke softly to herself moving off in an unknown direction, "I suppose I'll just wander around until I find it, I'm bound to run into someone..." 515 From: Date: Fri Oct 8, 1999 0:39pm Subject: Carrie doesn't quite bump into Sabrina Carrie Binks was challenging the land-speed record along the science corridor when she nearly ran into a brunette. She pulled up sharply, remembering her first encounter with Miss Veronica. She did *try* to walk along the corridors, but all her instincts were against it. The girl she had almost collided with did not utter a single "road hog" or "watch where you're going". In fact she did not seem to see Carrie at all, which made Carrie look at her all the more closely. It was Sabrina, and her eyes were red and puffy as if she had been crying. "Hello Sabrina," said Carrie. "Haven't seen you for ages." She knew that "are you all right?" is often the last thing you want to hear when you aren't, so she didn't say it. "Hello," said Sabrina without much animation. That was the trouble with *not* saying "are you all right?" "I say," said Carrie, "I know it's none of my business, but you don't look as carefree as you used to." "I don't feel carefree," said Sabrina. "Why not?" "I don't think I fit in here. I'm not smart enough. I'm not like the others." "That's silly. I remember your contribution to Miss Serelique's debate. I thought it was topping. I couldn't have done as well myself. Also I think you have dramatic talent. I mean, look at the way you carry yourself. You always impress." "Do I?" "I think so. You know I think now there are a few more brunettes about we should try to get some more of us together. Miss Veronica was always helpful about anything like that. Is there anything you would like us to do?' Sabrina considered... 516 From: Date: Fri Oct 8, 1999 0:40pm Subject: Annalinde to Veronica Dear Veronica, It is so nice to be back. I am glad Emma seems so much better now. I was wondering if she would be a troublesome type, but now she just seems to be high-spirited but a nice girl. Thank you for warning me about Cynthia Terwilliger. She always seemed very upright and well-behaved to me, which just shows you can't always tell. I shall certainly keep an eye on her. You know, that *is* a fine piece of carving. Janet certainly has talent - and she must be fairly hot intellectually too, to have won a scholarship in the first place. I don't doubt her grammar will quickly improve as she must have a fast mind. Thank you for helping with my share of things while I was away - I'll do the same for you one day! Sincerely, Annalinde Chelverton 517 From: Date: Fri Oct 8, 1999 0:41pm Subject: To Elaryn My sweet little Elaryn. Thank you for your most charming note of welcome. You know the flowers were still blooming in the South when I was there, but I wonder if any were as lovely as the ones you have drawn for me. "The flowers of the heart are sweeter than those of the soil". Ulalua Miralenhela said that hundreds of years ago, but like everything she said, it is always true. Soon we must meet and I shall tell you more about my travels. -- Annalinde Chelverton 518 From: Rebecca Fleming Date: Thu Oct 7, 1999 7:17pm Subject: Becky's first friend (Emma) "Emma," said Becky to the girl who has just befriended her, "Tell me about those 'rules' that are so all-fired important here, will you?" "Oh..the rules. Well, there are a lot of them," said Emma. "Your uniform has to be in order, or you will be punished. You can't go out of bounds. Swearing is completely against the rules. You must call the mistresses "Miss" and stand when they enter or leave the room..." Becky listens, nodding. "I guess I can remember to do those things." "Well, you will be punished if you don't," says Emma, recalling some of her own punishments. "Like...what do they do to you?" asks Becky. "Lines, spanking, strapping, caning, and for really terrible misbehaviour...the birch," replies Emma. "The mistresses _and_ the prefects can punish you." "That's only if you get CAUGHT, though," says Becky. "I won't get CAUGHT." She sizes Emma up, then decides the other girl looks trustworthy. She looks around to make sure no one else is within earshot, then whispers, "Hey Emma...do you smoke? Because I have a pack of cigarettes hidden here in my suitcase!" ===== 519 From: Date: Fri Oct 8, 1999 6:20pm Subject: Caitlen's Arrival...Continued After wandering the halls for a few minutes Caiten began to feel familiar with the seemingly deserted school. Losing herself in the impatience and excitement associated with a new place she began to twirl, a bag in each hand lending her balance as she flew through the halls, becoming increasingly dizzy and amused, soft trinkles of laughter follwing her whirlwind throughout the old school halls. Finally in a fit of laughter and dizziness she loses her balance and thumps against a nearby door, listening to the resounding echo of her impact fill the halls, greatly increasing the magnitude of her laughter so that she can hardly hear the word "Enter" ringing our from behind the door. Quieting herself she stands and takes stock of her location, noticing for the first time the bold letters reading "Headmistrss" on the door before her. the fact that she has managed to find her way to the Headmistress after all nearly sets her into a renewed frenzy of giggles, but she stiffles that urge and instead straightens her garments and carefully opens the door... 520 From: thorny Date: Fri Oct 8, 1999 9:41pm Subject: Lynette Talks To Sabrina "Oh my I am so embarrassed, it is terribly wrong for a Brunette to cry. Here I am carrying on like a helpless Blonde. I did not think that any one was in here." Sabrina swipes at her tears looking most embarrassed and feeling very dopey in deed. "It is quite all right Sabrina. All Brunettes let there guard down once in awhile. Even Brunettes are only human once in awhile. It shows what a sensitive heart you have." Lynette continued to rub the younger girls back oh so gently. Sabrina tears began to dry up and she began to feel a might bit better. Sabrina McCloud 521 From: thorny Date: Fri Oct 8, 1999 9:50pm Subject: Carrie Not Bumping into Sabrina Sabrina thinks for a few moments on what could be done to help her. She knows that Carrie is in a hurry to be somewhere so she doesn't want to take up her time. "Maybe you and i could get together over tea and talk." I have many poems I would like to read to the girls." I was thinking that we could put together a little poetry reading we could have tea and such. "Do you think that the Head Mistress would allow us to do that?" Carrie looks happy with the suggestion. "Certainly, that is a splendid idea. I must rush off right know, I am so very sorry. However, I will get together with you and we will discuses your plan." With those words Sabrina brightens up and Carrie scurries off. Sabrina McCloud 522 From: ashleigh butler Date: Fri Oct 8, 1999 10:03pm Subject: Re: Ashleighs first day Ashleigh Butler walked into the main hall of Avendale. She felt very nervous. One first impression it felt kind of cold, and it was way to quite for Ashleighs taste. She had a sudden urge to sing out as loudly as possible, since she loves to sing, and see how her voice echoed thru the halls. But, she decided not too. She reached in her pocket and took out a few hair pins and pinned her long blonde hair up in a bun and continued down the hall to the offices of the headmistress. She got to the door and stopped. She felt a big knot in her stomach. She finally got up her courage and tapped softly on the door. ===== 523 From: Tracey Austin Date: Fri Oct 8, 1999 11:24pm Subject: Tracey Arrives At Avendale The taxicab slows to a halt in front of Avendale School, disgorging its passenger, 14-year-old Tracey Marie Austin. The driver hands her two valises and drives away, leaving the girl staring at the front gate of the school. "Well, here I am...my first boarding school," Tracey says out loud. Summoning all her courage, she picks up her valises and walks inside. Her mothers wanted to accompany her but Tracey insisted she wanted to come alone. She wasn't a baby. Brunette mother had given her a lengthy list of instructions, which Tracey promptly lost. Blonde mother had simply fussed over her to the point where Tracey lost her temper and said, "Mother! Pleeeaaaseeeee!" Tracey Marie Austin, a brunette, is a typical early teenage girl: she is fanciful, impulsive, giggly, sometimes prone to moodiness, and would rather run and skip than sit down with some dusty, boring school book. She loves to read, but wants the books to be those of her choosing: adventure and romance books are her top choices. She is not a bad girl. She does not try to be naughty on purpose. But her natural impulsive nature sometimes makes her act without thinking or reflecting on the consequences of her actions, and gets her into some scrapes at home and school. She is bright but sometimes unmotivated to work to her potential, because she cannot see the forest for the trees. She wants to enjoy TODAY, not worry about the distant future. She is sometimes bold and brash, although she likes to look pretty and fuss with things like hair and lipstick. She makes friends easily due to her open and friendly personality. She never holds grudges and accepts most everyone at face value. She has not been subject to harsh discipline in her life, as her mothers did not often spank her. Her previous school did not use corporal punishment. She has heard that this school is strict, but she doesn't think such punishments will happen to her. Tracey walks through the gates into the school. It's so BIG, she thinks. She toured it several months prior with her mothers, but has quite forgotten where things are. Suddenly she wishes she HAD let her mothers come with her. "Go to the Headmistress' office when you arrive," brunette Mother had told her. But where was it??? Tracey spots several girls at the end of the corridor, talking together. She approaches them and says, "Hi, I'm Tracey. I'm new here. Uh...could you tell me where the Headmistress' office is?" The other girls look her up and down, sizing her up. Finally one points to the other end of the hallway. "Over there." "Thanks," says Tracey, picking up her valises and heading in tht direction. She pauses in front of the door. It's closed, with no window to peek through. Her heart starts pounding. What it the Headmistress is really mean? But she's _supposed_ to check in, right? She knocks once, and nothing happens. Just as she's about to knock a second time, she glances down and sees a big splotch on the front of her dress -- from the candy bar she'd eaten during the journey over here! She fumbles for her handkerchief and wipes frantically at the stain, Suddenly the door opens. "Hello," says an impeccably dressed woman, her hair in a neat bun. "What may I do for you, young lady?" Tracey stops in mid-wipe and stammers, "Uh..I...I..hello..I'm Tracey.." 524 From: Nicola - 3rd Year Avendale Date: Sat Oct 9, 1999 9:55am Subject: on meeting Caiten Nikkis heart bounded with joy as she recalled the events of the previous afternoon, oh she had been so afraid so afraid that Lynette thought her forward, brash, loose as her guardian would say, she believed Lynette knew her crime and was ready to confess all and throw herself at Lynettes mercy, she knew she would accept her punishment just to be near her love; relief had flooded over Nikki like the cool rain of a barmy August evening and then untold joy as Lynette had kissed her. Oh the joy as she laid on her bed finishing her geography assignment and thought of the free afternoon which she hoped she could spend with Lynette. Lost in a happy thought Nikki had been jolted back to sensibility by the crashing sound of the door flying open and a new girl entering, Nikki sat up hastily pulling down her maroon gymslip to cover her exposed stockings , looking up she said Hello my names Nicola ......... 525 From: Tanya Date: Sat Oct 9, 1999 11:09am Subject: Georgina's Confession to Miss Veronica Georgina de la Falaise Tanya@c... October 9th, 1954 Dear Miss Veronica, I knocked on your door a little earlier but to no avail. I've therefore decided to write you this note which, under the circs, is probably a better idea as I get so nervous and tongue-tied when I have something to confess. Last Saturday, when you so kindly escourted some of us younger girls in to Avenbridge, I commited what can only be described as a wilfully disobedient act. While you were showing some of the other girls around the old clock tower, I sneaked off for a few moments in to the grocers' to purchase some biscuits, sweets and chocolates to be used for a midnight feast in the junior blonde dorm later during the past week. I had no intention of doing this before we left for Avenbridge, but it was something I decided to do on a whim. I really don't know what comes over me sometimes. The word "impulsive" springs to mind for some reason ! Since our trip, my actions have begun to weigh very heavily on my conscience to the point where I now feel I betrayed your trust and kindness. Miss Veronica, I do rather feel as though I'm carrying around with me a lead weight of guilt which I know can only be discarded by making this confession to you. If this counts for anything at all, none of the sweets or biscuits have been consumed and are still residing in my bedside table locker where they await confiscation. I do feel very sorry for what I have done and am, of course, willing to accept the consequences of my actions.. Respectfully Yours, Georgina 526 From: janet dolan Date: Sat Oct 9, 1999 2:37pm Subject: Janet forgets Janet sat on her bed contemplating her day. It started well enough with math and sciences. She was happy in her class participating in the lesson and answering correctly, gaining smiles from her teachers. She was pretty happy about witnessing Cynthia's punishment by Veronica, though she was not yet convinced that this would transform her. Then came history. Janet started to feel confused the moment she saw Miss Poindexter, and noticed she was not in a good mood. As she feared, she was the first to be called up and asked to recite the Empresses list. Ellena smiled at her confidently, and Janet succeeded to finish the list without mistake. The problem arised when Miss Poindexter asked her something about Empress Georgina the second, and Janet mentioned the Culverian revolution, which was not exactly what the teacher wanted. When confronted with the Altalian point of view, Janet stammerred and decided that the best way out of her predicament was to admit she have not read that chapter yet. The reaction was not what she had expected. "Janet, I know you are trying hard, but I will not lower academic standards just because you are new here. Come out child". Janet stepped from behind her desk and came over to the teacher who took a strap out of her drawer. "Left palm Janet!". Janet put out her left palm, and remembering Veronica's advice said "Please Miss?". The teacher looked at her impatiently and said: "What is it girl?". "Please Miss, I have art as my next class and a strapped palm will make me useless there. May I please have it on my derierre?". "Very well girl, but since your palm is undressed, I will have to double your punishment". "Thank you Miss". "Bend over the chair girl". Janet bent over the chair which left her standing with her backside towards the class. She felt her skirt and pettycoat being lifted clear from her bottom, which was exposed covered in her white knickers. Her thin thighs were on full view. The teacher raised her strap and let it fall hard 4 times across Janet's beknickered derierre. The last stroke hit where her bottom met her thighs but Janet did not move a muscle or let out a sound. The teacher looked at her appreciatively and let her rise. Janet went back to her seat, her bottom throbbing. When she got out of art class, holding a small clay model of the Culverian eagle, she felt some belligerence was rising in her. "Why should I be strapped for admitting the truth? Is it my fault I went to school in Culveria?" She considred this and told herself she was not ready for class, and the punishment was well deserved, but still felt bad. She decided to run back to the dorm to let some of her frustration out, and to see if her "older sister" might have some advice to her. "Maybe I will give her the eagle" She thought.. Janet arrived running to the dorm and knocked on Veronica's door, once more forgetting to adjust het tie which was nor perfectly centered and not noticing that her blouse was not well tucked in her skirt. 527 From: Date: Sat Oct 9, 1999 3:01pm Subject: Request for Miss Annalinde Lynette desperately needed to stretch her legs out. She also wanted a reason to see Nikki again. Finally, she got up the courage to go see Miss Annalinde. She straightened her clothes, knocked on the door, and waited for permission to come in. Lynette didn't know the rules about going off the grounds and felt Miss Annalinde would be the one to ask. "Miss Annalinde, would it be possible for me to escort some of the girls the theater this afternoon? I have not said anything to any of the girls yet because I don't know if it would be allowable. I was thinking of asking Nicola Bradford, Sabrina McCloud, Elspeth Elsvetta, and Carrie Veleda-Binks. May I also invite the new girls Caitlen Ramsey Ash, Rebecca Fleming, Ashleigh Butler, Tracey Austin?" Lynette wanted to ask something else but hesitated a moment not wanting Miss Annalinde to think she was asking her out. "Miss Annalinde?" Lynette blushed softly. " I know you probably have lots of makeup work to do, but I know the girls would love for you to come along as well!" 528 From: Dorothea Maitland Date: Sat Oct 9, 1954 3:44pm Subject: New Girls "Enter," called Miss Maitland in answer to the knock on her door. Ashleigh entered nervously. "Do sit down, dear. I am very pleased to welcome you to Avendale. What is your name please?" "Ashleigh. Ashleigh Butler - miss." "Yes, of course. You must think it rather remiss of me not to know, but the fact is I am expecting another new girl too. . ." At that moment there came a giggle followe by a crash at the door. "Enter," called Miss Maitland unperturbed. Another new girl steps quietly in - rather flushed and bright-eyed. "Caitlen Ramsey Ash, I take it," said the headmistress. "Yes, Miss." "We have a curious custom here, Ramsey Ash. We knock at doors with our hands. Ramming them with other parts of the body is reserved for cases of dire emergency." "Yes miss.It was an accident." "Did any one conduct you here?" "No, miss, I found it myself." "So this fit of hilarity was purely a solitary affair?" "Yes, miss. I do sometimes get the giggles all by myself." "Well, have a care, giggles in the wrong place can lead to tears. But enough of that. You are new and nervous - both of you. You will soon get used to the school and its ways. Off you go and meet some of the other girls. But - reasonably quietly if you please." 529 From: Date: Sat Oct 9, 1999 1:00pm Subject: Malena and Lynette Annalinde smiled as Malena presented her the rose. "You are a very sweet girl, Malena. You know, I think you should cultivate your friendship with Elena. She will help you to be the sort of girl you want to be. I am sure we shall get to know each other much better as time goes on." There was a knock at the door. "Goodbye Elena. Let the new girl in, will you?" Elena ushered in Lynette who proceeded to tell Annalinde her plan for taking some of the new girls into town. "That seems a very nice idea," said Annalinde. "I should love to come - and indeed it is probably best that a prefect be present. How are you getting on with Nicola - I noticed that you seem to be friends." Lynette coloured deeply - "Oh, she is a very nice girl, Miss Annalinde." Annalinde laughed kindly. "Yes, I believe she is. And pretty too." "Oh, Miss Annalinde - " "I can see you admire her. Control your blushes or it will be all over the school." "It isn't wrong to - admire her, Miss Annalinde?" "Of course not - provided you are both good girls." "I always try to be good and Nikki is the *epitome* of goodness." "I am sure you both are. And we shall go ahead with the outing, shall we?" "Oh, *yes*, Miss Annalinde." 530 From: ashleigh butler Date: Sat Oct 9, 1999 6:35pm Subject: Re: Ashleigh and Caitlen leaving the office Ashleigh stood up very quickly and gave a little nervous nod toward Miss Maitland, and said "yes miss, thank you" and walked out. Once outside the door she began to talk to Caitlen. "Hi I'm Ashleigh. Nice to meet you. I am so glad I am not the only one who is new around here. I was so scared. What happened to you outside the door? Sounded like you were thrown into the door. Did you trip? haha. So what do you think about this place so far? Have you met anyone else. I think I see some other girls around the corner. I am anxious to meet the others. ===== 531 From: Tracey Austin Date: Sat Oct 9, 1999 7:56pm Subject: Tracey and Miss Maitland Tracey stares up at the woman she guesses must be the Headmistress, acutely aware of her splotched dress. She feels eight years old, not fourteen. "Hello," says an impeccably dressed woman, her hair in a neat bun. "What may I do for you, young lady?" Tracey stammers, "Uh..I...I..hello..I'm Tracey.." "Tracey?" the woman's eyebrows arch. "Do you have a surname, young lady?" "Uhhh...y..yes..Miss....Austin...Tracey Austin," Tracey stammers, flushing pink. "Ah, Miss Austin. We were expecting you. Come inside. I am Miss Maitland, the Headmistress." Tracey follows her, nearly stumbling over her own feet. She looks around in awe at the regal appointments of the Headmistress' study. Miss Maitland smiles slightly to herself, thinking this girl acts very blonde for a brunette. When she turns to face Tracey, there is no hint of a smile on her face. "Young lady, you seem to have a bit of a mess on your dress. Why is that, please?" "Oh..um.." Tracey's hands fly to her bodice, hiding the splotch. "A little..accident, Miss.." Miss Maitland sits behind her massive desk, her hands forming a steeple, at which Tracey fixes her gaze. The Headmistress begins to speak... 532 From: Date: Sat Oct 9, 1999 11:04pm Subject: RE: Ashleigh & Caitlen leaving the office Caitlen practically leapt from the headmistresses office after managing a polite nod and 'thank you.' Once outside she turned to Ashleigh, still supressing a slight case of the giggles, listening as Ashleigh rattled through what seemed like 20 questions. "Nice to meet you too, I just got here and haven't met anyone else yet. The door? Oh, I was twirling," at this she demonstrates, her skirts puffing up a little higher than one might think was decent, were one thinking, which Caitlen certainly wasn't, "one gets a little dizzy, you know." "How old are you, I'm fifteen." 533 From: Date: Sun Oct 10, 1999 2:15am Subject: Invitations to the theater. Lynette politely thanked Miss Annalinde and quickly went to invite Nikki to the theater. On the way to the blond dorm she went past Miss Maitland's Office. Sure enough there was two of the new girls chatting outside! Lynette introduced herself to Caitlen and Ashleigh asking how their trip was and where they were from. Sense they were both bunnies, Lynette offered to give them a little tour of the school after they had unpacked and seen their respective prefects. While showing them to their dorms, Lynette invited them to go to the theater with the other girls. As luck would have it, they happened to pass Carrie, Rebecca , and Sabrina en route. Lynette politely introduced everyone and suggested the other three girls go to the theater with them that afternoon also. After she had left the girls at their dorms she went looking for Nikki. Lynette felt so nervous about asking her to go to the theater. Inviting the other girls was easy enough, but inviting Nikki was something else. Lynette had a hard time finding Nikki. She finally found Nikki in the library frowning over her math book. Elspeth was trying to help her, but they both looked very flustered! Lynette came up quietly and stood behind Nikki's chair. Nikki looked up at here as she peeked over her shoulder. " Looks like you are having trouble." She whispered. Nikki looked up at Lynette almost in tears. "I just can't understand math!" She said. Lynette assured her that it was not impossible and after explaining a few of the problems Nikki had begun to grasp the basic concepts. Lynette spoke quietly to Elspeth while Nikki finished her work. When they were done and on the way out, Lynette invited them both to the theater that afternoon. Lynette brushed Nikki's hand softly when she left to go search out Tracey. 534 From: Rebecca Fleming Date: Sat Oct 9, 1999 7:56pm Subject: Smoking all alone Becky waits for Emma's response to her offer to share a cigarette. The other girl stands stock still, then says brightly, "Oh gosh, Rebecca...I nearly forgot..I have to go see the history mistress. Catch you later, okay?" "All right, Emma," says Becky, wondering if the appointment really exists. She watches the other girl run off. Boy, do I *need* a cigarette, she thinks. She checks to ensure the coast is clear and digs out the hidden pack, tucked into a pair of rolled socks. Ducking behind a nearby building, she again surveys the area and sees no one is around. She fishes her lighter out of her pocket and lights the cigarette and inhales deeply. "Much better," she thinks to herself, as the calming nicotine fills her lungs and she blows smoke rings out into the clear sky... ===== 535 From: ashleigh butler Date: Sun Oct 10, 1999 7:50am Subject: Re: RE: Ashleigh & Caitlen You seem very hyper Caitlen said. But hey If you can have fun in a place like this you can have fun anywhere. Ashleigh smiles. Besides, I cant say anything I wanted to sing in the hall, can you imagine the uproar that might have caused. haha. Im 16. I > was twirling," at this she demonstrates, her skirts > puffing up a little higher than one might think was > decent, were one thinking, which Caitlen certainly > wasn't, "one gets a little dizzy, you know." "How > old are you, I'm fifteen." ===== 536 From: Date: Sun Oct 10, 1999 10:19am Subject: An Arrival It was a glorious autumn day and Miss Leslie Jones thoroughly was enjoying the train ride on the back line from Marylebone to Avendale, just letting the sun-dappled leaves enrapture all her thoughts as she embarked back to her own school days in Culveria while imagining what it would be like returning to teaching at Avendale. She had been back in Culveria for such a long time and recognized that she must be especially alert to nuances of behavior she had grown so much less accustomed to encountering. Yes it would be wonderful having the time to explore literature--modern writing -- with these girls, but she recalled how they might test a new mistress. All very well to conjure up visions of Franzine Kafka or Marcelline Proust but Miss Jones well remembered how in her student days she went right along with her roomies as they shortsheeted the head girl's bed! And yes she knew there were Culveriennes at Avendale but she did know they were not from the northern realms as was she, the beautiful countryside most lovely now in the autumn when she was leaving to travel to Avendale. But Miss Leslie Jones was proud of her education, her degrees, and her experience in the world of affairs--and she looked forward to the chance to be outdoors more, why she had been quite the seam bowler when she played on her school side those years ago--yes, cricket would surely be a way to lighten her mind for what she faced. She did begin to wonder what her first encounter in person with the headmistress would be like. Would she be given clear class teaching and games assignments? Where did mistresses live at Avendale? Would Miss Maitland advise her of the tricks she might face as a new mistress in a land she had been away from for so long? Well, she knew they still made the girls do lines when they were naughty...oh she hoped they wouldn't feel they had to test her, for Miss Jones had learned to be strong during her years in ministries and public offices. She remembered the mistress who first gave her a thousand lines, yes, any girl silly enough to challenge Miss Leslie Jones would find a strong redheaded brunette fully able to deal with the foolish young lady... She arrived at the station and took a moment to freshen in the ladies loo. Her cream blouse still looked smart, and she thought her navy skirt and green blazer suited the day and the flashes of her red locks. The neatly-gartered seamed stockings lent her just that touch of school authority as she found a conveyance to take her to the school, and on this bright shiny afternoon, strode in and knocked crisply on the office door... 537 From: Date: Sun Oct 10, 1999 11:23am Subject: Caitlen meets Lynette, Carrie, Rebecca & Sabrina / Invitations to the theater Caitlen smiled and greeted Lynette, glad to have run into someone who knew their way around the school, she had been wondering how she'd find the brunette dorm. After she had recounted briefly her trip and accepting the generous offer of a tour & the trip to the theater, she querried Lynette on her age, how long she had been at Avendale, what she thought of thwe school, and any advice she might have. After finding her room within the brunette dorm she unpacked before heading off in search of her prefect, and once again some of the girls she had so briefly met. 538 From: Nicola - 3rd Year Avendale Date: Sun Oct 10, 1999 11:19am Subject: frustartion, enlightenment and more frustration As she sat in the library frustrated by the complexity of equalatral triangles and pythagoriases theory, Elspeth's coaching however well meant failing to clear the haze from Nikki's mind, she had almost cried out with joy at Lynettes gentle touch and soothing words. The thought of her stupidity in the eyes of her beloved was almost too much as she struggled to contain a out burst of emotion. Nikki had found it hard to concentrate as Lynette had sat beside her and cleared the mist from Nikkis mind making what was once impossible understandable. As Nikki finished her labours Lynette had spoke with Elspeth arousing mild jealousy within Nikki which quickly vanished at Lynettes offer. As they had left the library the briefest touch of Lynettes hand on hers had caused her heart to leap and spur her towards the dorm too prepare herself for the excursion. As Nikki quickly prepared herself disaster struck as she lifted her hem to adjust her seams a ladder developed from the clasp of her white suspender down to below her knee. Nikki searched frantically through her dresser aware deep in her heart her search was in vain, she knew she had no respectable stockings left. In her last letter her guardian had curtly told her too be more careful with things and pointedly omitted too send the requested replacements, finishing her letter with a suggestion that if she could not exercise more care then she would have to revert to knee socks as at her previous school. Nikki was heart broken she knew she could not possible leave school grounds improperly dressed and throwing herself on her bed buried her sobbing face in a pillow................ 539 From: Date: Sun Oct 10, 1999 0:41pm Subject: Lynette finds Rebecca Lynette was still out looking for Tracey when she smelled something. Curious she walked around the corner and found Rebecca Fleming smoking! Lynette watched the young16-year-old brunette as she quickly put down her cigarette. "What are you doing?" Lynette inquired. She waited a moment while Rebecca considered the gravity of her situation. Lynette could look away from some things her friends did, but smoking was not one of them. Lynette was so disappointed. " Rebecca, you know better then to smoke. How could you do such a thing? Smoking is one of the worst things to be caught at!" Lynette was so disappointed in Rebecca. " We were all going to go to the theater, but now you did this. If you didn't want to go then you could have said no. I wanted to welcome you and be such good friends, now you have done this. Don't you know you will have to report to Miss Veronica now?" Lynette watched as Rebecca grew pale. "Please don't do this again Rebecca." Lynette left the brunette standing there. Despite being so disappointed she hoped she and Rebecca could be good friends. Lynette still had to find Tracey! Where could she be? 540 From: Tracey Austin Date: Sun Oct 10, 1999 1:52pm Subject: Still in the Headmistress' study Tracey is still in the Headmistress' office, listening to a very long and very dull litany of rules and regulations. Unfortunately, it is taking a VERY long time. Too bad for the 14-year-old; if Miss Maitland doesn't dismiss her in time, she will miss the outing to the theater that some of the girls are organising. Her mind wandering, she gazes out the Headmistress' window and sees girls assembling in excited little gaggles and knows something is happening, but doesn't know exactly what. She wishes she could join the girls and make some friends at Avendale. 541 From: Date: Sun Oct 10, 1999 10:05am Subject: Re: Still in the Headmistress' study Emma wanders outside to find Rebecca. She is feeling very badly that she never responded to Rebecca's earlier invitation...but she has been working on a sneaky little sceme of her own. She wonders silently if Rebecca would be interested... Emma is jolted back to reality when she opens the outer door and notices a pluthera of new faces standing just outside the door. "Wow! There are a lot of opportunities for new friends arriving each day!!" Emma strolls gracefully over to a group of new girls chatting by the tree. "Hi! I'm Emma"..... 542 From: Date: Sun Oct 10, 1999 2:24pm Subject: Lynette worries... As Lynette was putting on her hat and gloves when she noticed quite a few of the other girls were already outside. Lynette smiled thinking about how beautiful Nikki would be. She looked out the window and noticed she wasn't there. Maybe she should go see how Nikki was doing? Yes, she knew this was silly, but she wanted to see her again. Lynette checked her impulses and waited outside with the other girls. When Ashleigh Butler arrived she ask her if she would check on Nicola because they were ready about ready to go. The picture "It Came From Outer Space" started in about an hour. 543 From: Date: Sun Oct 10, 1999 3:26pm Subject: Caitlen prepares After wandering the halls for a little while, getting acustomed to her new surroundings Caitlen went back to her room and prepared for the evenings outing. Looking at herself inn the mirror she carefully scrutinized the new uniform that would soon seem like a second skin. sure that nothing was amiss she left the dorms and walked the grounds before running into the group of girls outside. Caitlen paused a moment, seeing the large group of unfamiliar faces and gathered her courage, then walked briskly into the center of the group, greeting those girls she new already and introducing herself to those she did not. 544 From: janet dolan Date: Sun Oct 10, 1999 4:05pm Subject: Janet to Malena Dear Malena I couldn't help noticing that you seem sad and distracted. Is it something on your consience again? Did you do anything naughty? If you did, why don't you tell someone like myself or, even better, Miss Veronica? I am sure she will punish you, but you will feel better. Please tell me waht is wrong, maybe I can help. Waht about a "jolly old" trip in the garden today? Let's walk around or go running. It always helps me. In my town there was an old dark brunette called Aunt Jemima. She taught me to whittle and always said that little girls "had to run the devils out of them". Whenever I was frustrated with my carving in the beginning, she would send me running to the river and back. It sure helped... So let's put on our running shoes and go out... Your friend Janet 545 From: Georgina de la Falaise Date: Mon Oct 11, 1999 3:12am Subject: A Welcome to Miss Jones Georgina de la Falaise Tanya@c... Dear Miss Jones, I happened to be in the headmistress' secretary's office yesterday afternoon and saw you exiting. Like the inquisitive young thing that I am, I asked Miss Silverwood who you were and was told you had just arrived as a new mistress here at Avendale. I really just wanted to extend to you the warmest of welcomes on behalf of all of us girls and hope that your stay here will be a long and happy one. I myself have only been here just a month so know that things can be a little confusing at first, even for a mistress !! I must admit to having felt a little lost at first but everyone was so kind and welcoming and it didn't take long before I felt very much at home. One of the more difficult things is trying to find ones' way around but after two or three days one begins to get used to where things are and if you do happen to get lost, someone is always more than happy to point you in the right direction ! Respectfully Yours Georgina de la Falaise 546 From: Date: Mon Oct 11, 1999 9:42am Subject: Miss Jones to Georgina My Dear Georgina, I wanted to thank you for your kindness in welcoming me as you did. Avendale does seem such a delightful place and I do look forward to becoming better acquainted with everyone. You have helped make my first impressions quite positive. Sincerely, Leslie Jones (Miss) 547 From: m. j. Date: Mon Oct 11, 1999 11:26am Subject: Re: Technical Points Dear Miss Maybridge: I am asking permission to withdraw my attendance from the Avendale School. It is with a heavy heart that I do so, as I so looked forward to attending and participating. However, time constraints prevent me from pursuing this. Thank you very much for accecpting me into the school. Perhaps, in the future, I shall apply again when I can more fully devote myself. Sincerely, Michelle Johnson 548 From: Rebecca Fleming Date: Sun Oct 10, 1999 1:37pm Subject: Reporting to Miss Veronica "Report to Miss Veronica? Who's Miss Veronica?" Becky asked the girl who had just caught her smoking behind a tree, Lynette Something. "She's the brunette prefect, that's who," said Lynette, thinking how dumb this "bunny" was. "Why do I have to _report_ to her? Why should I want to turn _myself_ in? Are YOU going to report me?" asked Becky. "Because...if you don't....it will be much worse for you," said Lynette. "I shouldn't have to report you. You have to report YOURSELF." Strange rules at this school, thought Becky. So she's a prefect. That means she's just a girl like me. What's she going to do? It's not like she's a teacher or the Headmistress. "Fine, fine, I'll find her and report to her..." said Becky, thinking all this prefect will do is say don't smoke again. She hid the rest of the cigarettes back in her suitcase. It took some doing, but finally she found Miss Veronica's room. She knocked on the door and waited. ===== 549 From: Date: Mon Oct 11, 1999 8:53am Subject: Request for Miss Maitland Miss Maitland, Would it be possible to have an updated School List posted soon? We've had so many new arrivals over the past three weeks, and an updated list will help us ever so much! Thank you for your attention to this request. Sincerely, Alexis Harrington 550 From: Date: Mon Oct 11, 1999 8:59am Subject: Another Welcome to Miss Jones Dear Miss Jones, Georgina has informed me of your arrival, and I wanted to be among the first to say Welcome! Everyone is ever so kind and friendly here. I do hope you will enjoy teaching us! What courses will you be teaching? Will you also be moderating any after-class activities? If I can help you in any way -- help decorate your classroom or anything else -- please let me know! Sincerely, Alexis Harrington 551 From: Date: Mon Oct 11, 1999 10:01am Subject: Welcome, Miss Jones Desar Miss Jones, I wanted to write you a little note to welcome you to Avendale. My name is Elena Dierrian. I am blonde and twelve years old. I hail from the far eastern lands in Amazonia. I can hardly wait to meet you. I already know that if you were selected to be a Mistress here at Avendale, you must be very clever and wise. I have heard you teach literature. If I am correct, I am very much looking forward to having lessons with you, as I love to read. Books are windows to creation, don't you think, Miss? They show us the soul of the authoress, as well as the world without. If there is anything I might do to assist you, Miss Jones, please do not fail to call upon me. Welcome, welcome! -Elena Dierrian 552 From: Malena Franklin Date: Mon Oct 11, 1999 8:38am Subject: Re: Janet to Malena Ohhhhhh I love janet....she is so sensual and feels so quickly if someone down...and like me feeling guilty...I loved her asking me on walk in garden and joined her.....and it was so good walking and talking with someone....and be able to lift burden from my shoulders......I felt so bad about my revengeplans against Cynthia and...swallow felt so much admiration for Miss Veronica.....and now I already acted wrong......I took things in my hands before Miss Veronica....I glued Cynthias winter shoes with specialglue....and now I regret myself so.....seeing Cynthia so fair dealt by Miss Veronica.....and I....swallow did it my way....I talk to janet and she tells me to go to Miss Veronica and confess....I know thats the only fair way but I fear so what Miss Veronica will say.....and do.....lies on bed regretting my stupid act.....and finally decides to swallow......clean my heart and walks to Miss Veronicas door and knock..... malena 553 From: Nicola - 3rd Year Avendale Date: Mon Oct 11, 1999 4:44pm Subject: worrying behaviour Nikki had barely slept , she had for-gone supper and had stayed resolutely in the dorm crying on her bed. Her room mates had put it down too one of her silly moods and left her alone. Now it was morning and although surrounded by the sound of humanity at peace she felt quiet alone. She hated her guardian, the way she had spanked her over the scullery table when she had been naughty, how she missed her own sweet blonde mother and kind brunette mother, they would never had caused her such anguish. Her mean guardian for the sake of a few shillings had caused her too miss probably the most important thing in her life her outing with Lynette. Nikki could not face lessons she certainly could not face Lynette what could she do ? In a rash inspiration the solution to her dilemma struck her. Anxious not to waste any time she hurriedly dressed and crept out of the dorm and down the corridor. Pausing briefly to listen for potential pursuers she stole down the stairs and along towards the door. Nikkis heart raced as the heavy door creaked open on its heavy ornate hinges and at last she was free. Moving at a less than ladylike manor she sped along the gravel path through the side gate and was truly free walking along the road towards town............. 554 From: Dorothea Maitland Date: Mon Oct 11, 1954 5:19pm Subject: Re: Request for Miss Maitland Dear Alexis, With both illness and absence rife among our staff it has been difficult to keep up with all but the basics. We hope to have a refreshed school list soon (we do not use "updated" which is an anachronism). In the meantime I think it would be helpful if all girls would head or "tail" thir postings with name, age and sex. This will help every one to keep track of who is who. Mistresses need only use name and sex, wherefore I am, Dorothea Maitland (blonde) 555 From: Date: Mon Oct 11, 1999 3:09pm Subject: Annalinde meets Miss Jones Annalinde Chelverton, 16, blonde "Hello, Miss Jones. My name is Annalinde Chelverton. I am a prefect and am in charge of the younger blondes dorm. I have been here since I was twelve, so I suppose I know my way about the place. If I can help you in any way please ask me. "You have a study with an adjoining bedroom - like mine only considerably bigger! I'll take you there. Sorry you didn't find Miss Maitland. She has not been well these last few days, but I am sure she will see you soon. Veronica Bellemont is a brunette prefect and another old Avendale hand. You'll meet her soon, I'm sure. "If you have any trouble keeping the girls in line at first, do call on either of us." Miss Jones sat down and crossed her *chic* stockinged legs. The young blonde prefect could not help her eyes being drawn to the above-the-knee area so elegantly revealed by this rather sumptuos brunette mistress. "Does something interest you, child?" asked Miss Jones. Annlinde felt herself flush warmly, partly at being called "child" - she was nearly seventeen and a much-respected prefect - and partly . . . "No, miss." Miss Jones smiled a curious smile. "Thank you for your offer of help. I may well take you up on it, though I assure you I am capable of maintaining discipline myself. Perhaps I should give you a sample." "Me, Miss?" said Annlinde, feeling rather strange. 556 From: Date: Mon Oct 11, 1999 7:13pm Subject: Emma meets Miss Jones Emma, age 16, brunette Hello Miss Jones, We have not had the pleasure to meet yet, but please accept my sincere welcome to our school. I hope to meet you formally soon. Sincerely, Emma Bradbury 557 From: Date: Tue Oct 12, 1999 0:28am Subject: Morning exercise Lynette Klaire, br, 17 Lynette was out taking her exercising and enjoying the glorious sunrise. She had always liked morning exercise because it cleared her mind of worry. Right now she had too much on her mind. Why didn't Nikki come to the movies? She was not sure what to think. Mostly it just made her feel sad, perhaps she didn't like her any more? Lynette was at the road when she noticed something odd. Looking way down the road, she thought she could see one of the blondes from school? Lynette took off running after her. Something was wrong, very wrong with this. A young blond should never be walking out on the roadside alone. Lynette noticed the blond gave a start and even tried to run away! Fortunately, Lynette is the type of brunette that does not fail when she sets to something. She caught her like a wolf catches a rabbit and whirled her around. Only then did she realize it was Nikki! Lynette had quite enough of Nikki's misbehavior and took her strongly by the arm. They then marched briskly back to the school property. Nikki protested a bit, but became silent when she realized that Lynette was having none of it! As much as Lynette loved Nikki she was not going to accept this. She was so foolish as to try to run away from school. One does not put pearls in the mud before a horse and a well brought up blond does not endanger her life for no reason! Lynette took her over to the garden being quite thankful no one was able to see them. "Nikki, what is the mater with you?" she asked the crying mess of a blond. Nikki sniffled up at her and then started crying again. Lynette had never seen such a hodgepodge. Her hair would make a fine nest for any large bird, her clothes soiled with dirt and perspiration, and her stockings... she didn't even have on stockings! Calmly, Lynette said "Where are your stockings?" Of course Nikki broke into tears, but eventually sobbed out that she had ruined them all. Lynette looked at her stunned. "You mean this whole episode was for stockings!" Nikki just blinked watching Lynette. "I have a flesh colored pair that I will lend you. After school we will go to town and buy some that will fit you. I will also teach you how to repair them as you obviously don't know how." Lynette looked at her not wanting to say what she must. "Please bend over and brace yourself on the willow tree." Lynette exposed Nikki's knickers and reminded her not to make any noise. After giving Nikki ten good strokes with a switch from the tree she told her to stand. Lynette informed her that each time she ruined a stocking she would be punished with five strokes similar to the ones just administered. Lynette brought Nikki back to her dorm evading others' eyes. It would not due for them to be found in such a state! When she was more properly dressed she brought the flesh colored stockings to Nikki. Smiling sweetly at her, Lynette told her to hurry and meet her at breakfast. Lynette was almost done cleaning up her room when inspection was called. Her shoes were quite filthy from the morning's events and had left a good amount of mud on the floor. Miss Veronica was perplexed at the mess and not pleased at all. Lynette was not sure what would happen. She knew Miss Veronica expected more out of her and would not be easy on her... 558 From: Georgina de la Falaise Date: Tue Oct 12, 1999 7:56am Subject: Georgina to Elena From Tanya@c... Georgina de la Falaise, blonde, 12 years old Dearest Elena, I thought I must just write you a short note as I missed you earlier this morning after assembly. I expect you've heard about the arrival of our new Mistress, Miss Jones. Some of the other girls have been saying that she will be teaching Literature here at Avendale. Well, all I can say is what an attractive new addition to the Literature department she will undoubtedly make !! I managed to steal quite a good look at her when she first arrived and noticed what a very intelligent and wise face she has. I feel it would be such a privilege to be taught by her. I should also report to you in my capacity as fellow twelve year old blonde that she is, as my elder sister Clarissa is apt to remark, a real corker. She has the most beautiful, long and luxuriant red hair containing every shade, hue and colour that Dea ever bestowed upon autumn. But there's more dearest Elena. She is also blessed with the most exquisite and elegant figure imaginable and one which could, I'm almost certain, set many a young blonde's heart aflutter. I do so hope you get a chance to see her today. Do relay your thoughts to me. Elena, have you seen or spoken to Malena? When I saw her this morning at breakfast, she looked so sad but when I asked if she felt like talking, she seemed quite disinclined to do so. It's just so unlike her don't you think? I do hope she's alright but in any case, I shall try to speak to her again this evening and discover if there's anything a friend can do to help. I very much hope to see you at Miss Darnelle's choir practice later this afternoon. Perhaps we can have a chat afterwards. Your friend as always with love, Georgina 559 From: Date: Tue Oct 12, 1999 4:18am Subject: Elena to Georgina Elena Dierrian, blonde, 12 years old Dearest Georgina, I am sorry to have missed you, especially if you were seeking me, as it has been quite a long while since we last spoke. I'm afraid I have been rather busy with my studies. As with the girls from Culveria, I am in a foreign land, and your history is new to me. Miss Poindexter seems to be feeling a little better these days, and that is a blessing. For a while, I wondered if she were ill, but fortunately, that seems to have passed. I have heard of the arrival of the new Mistress; indeed, I sent her a small note of welcome. I understand she teaches literature. How exciting! I love to read, you know, and I am certain Miss Jones will have much to teach us on the topic of reading. Finding a new book is like discovering a chestful of hidden treasure, so I fancy Miss Jones could be likened to a veritable dragon's hoard. I have not chanced to look upon Miss Jones, as yet, but I am sure I shall see her soon. Now that you mention she is especially beautiful, I am more curious than ever for a glimpse of her. I have not spoken with Malena recently, either, but now my heart is filled with concern for her. I shall endeavor to speak with her or drop her a small note. I hope nithing is amiss. Perhaps she is simply concentrating upon her studies? Mayhap she is homesick? Well, I shall drop her a note or try and have a word with her. I shall be in choir practice, as always, and perhaps you and I can meet afterwards. Fondly, Elena Dierrian 560 From: Date: Tue Oct 12, 1999 4:28am Subject: Re: Georgina to Elena Elena Dierrian, blonde, 12 years old << Elena, have you seen or spoken to Malena? When I saw her this morning at breakfast, she looked so sad but when I asked if she felt like talking, she seemed quite disinclined to do so. It's just so unlike her don't you think? I do hope she's alright but in any case, I shall try to speak to her again this evening and discover if there's anything a friend can do to help. >> [A note, left upon Malena Franklin's pillow] Dearest Malena, We have not had the chance to speak to on another in quite a long while, so I thought I'd just drop you a small note to see how you are feeling. I realise we've all become quite busy with our studies, but we should never be so occupied that we cannot spend a little time together. I was wondering if all is well with you. How do you like Avendale, thus far? I must tell you I love it here, and I am not nearly so homesick as I was in the very first week. How goes it with you? I understand we have a new Mistress of Literature, Miss Jones. Georgina tells me she is very fair to look upon. Please come speak with me as soon as you can, dear Malena, or reply by return note, Fondly, and with Concern, Elena Dierrian 561 From: Thelma Roberts Date: Tue Oct 12, 1999 9:40am Subject: Re:Tracey Arrives At Avendale Thelma Roberts, 14 years old and blonde, emerged from her room where she had been swotting all day. "Phew," she thought, "who ever had the zany idea that studying Latin would be a good idea?" Just then a girl her own age, but brunette, came around the corner, carrying a few books and looking like she was new, lost or both. "Hi, I'm Thelma Roberts. Are you new here?" "Yes, indeed I am, and slightly confused too, if you can imagine such a thing" the pert brunette murmured. "The name is Tracey. Tracey Austin. My, you are a tall one. How tall exactly?" Thelma blushed. "Six feet tall in my school shoes, 5 eleven in stocking feet. Are you on your way to your room?" Tracey nodded in the affirmative, and then the oddest thing just, well, happened. Thelma blurted out words she had never known were even in her: "Please Tracey, may I carry your books for you?" Tracey, cool and collected, smiled at the thought and passed her books over to the blonde girl in front of her. They started down the hall towards Tracey's room, as the brunette said, in a strong but quiet voice, "Carrying my books will be the least of your duties, Thel. Just hope I never get sentenced to write lines." 562 From: Malena Franklin Date: Tue Oct 12, 1999 2:51am Subject: To Elena from Malena Dearest sweet Elena So glad for Your note and concern. This shows me I have true friends around me here in school. Its true I been a bit sad and withdrawn. I just talked to janet about it and I will tell you too. I did something stupid last week as Cynthia bullied around...and I ..swallow glued her wintershoes. I then saw how Miss Veronica dealt with her and regrets my stupid act so...and have been feeling guilty for so long now....but I have decided to confess all to Miss Veronica to get it off my shoulders. I pay Cynthis another pair of shoes..or clean them absoultely free from glue...and take my punishment... So glad You wrote I would like us to meet and walk in schoolgarden this week and chat about school and life. I like You very much and feel You are a girl I feel much for.....smiles...... Now I must look for Miss Veronica to get it all cleared up.... I too have seen miss Jones she is so beautiful but seems very strict....I rather not miss my homework for her....maybe we could chat about her too.....behind bushes in garden....? Hugs You and smiles malena 563 From: Nicola - 3rd Year Avendale Date: Tue Oct 12, 1999 10:50am Subject: the follys of youth Nicola Bradford 14 Blonde Nikki's relief as she walked towards town and her new found freedom had been brief. She knew little of Avenbridge having had only the briefest glimpse from the taxi from the station too Avendale. She had heard the gossip in the dorm about Marias Soda fountain and the common blondes, what where they called *chicks*, who congregated there. She had heard of the notorious Lucia's cafe perhaps she should investigate there after all if rumor was true well a pretty blonde was always in demand, perhaps from there she could become a famous Actress with a mysterious past. Her flight of fancy was interrupted by the sight of a brunette from school, she turned startled attempting to run away but was quickly caught by Lynette. Unable to contain her emotions, frustrated at her foiled attempt to runaway, ashamed at her pitiful state Nikki broke down into flood or tears, Oh as Lynette scolded her Nikki's sobbing was irreconcilable as she sobbed out the whole sorry episode and tale of woe of her ruined stockings. Nikki knew that now was the moment too face the consequences would she be reported to Miss Annalinde or oh woe betide her Miss Maitland. Nikki already ridiculous and belittled in the eyes of her beloved knew she would accept what ever punishment her beloved saw fit. Nikki was somewhat surprised as Lynette had led her from the drive towards a secluded part of the grounds. At her beloved command she had bent over and braced herself against the graceful willow as Lynette ordered her to remain quiet. Lynette had without ceremony lifted Nikki's gymslip and petticoat to reveal her regulation knickers and then the searing pain as she administered ten stinging blows with the rough switch. With each blow Nikki bit harder on her lower lip to stifle her screams tears streaming from her face, Nikki had never been punished so by one she held so dear, oh of course her guardian had punished her but Nikki did not have the depths of emotion for her and Nanny's punishment had been more symbolic than actual. As they sneaked back to the dorm Lynette's words of warning echoed through Nikki's mind *five* strokes every time gosh she would have to learn quickly how to be more careful. Nikki stood in the cold tiled bathroom standing on tip toe she inspected the ten vivid weal's crisscrossing her bottom. The pain had subsided into a dull numbness, paddling copious amounts of cold water over her swollen puffy eyes she slowly regained some semblance of external composure that was until she sat down. Sitting gingerly at the foot of her bed she had received Lynette's generous gift and she hoped forgiving smile with both relief and appreciation. Carefully Nikki took the stockings from the box and exercising great care put them on before proceeding to breakfast. Nikki eat ravenously at breakfast to the point that she attracted the attention of Miss Annalinde who scolded her for such poor table manors and instructed her to report to her study after breakfast. With a heavy heart Nikki stood before the solid oak door of Miss Annalinde's study and gently, hoping against hope it would go unanswered knocked the door..... 564 From: Malena Franklin Date: Tue Oct 12, 1999 8:36am Subject: Welcome, Miss Jones from Malena Dear Miss Jones My name is Malena Im 12 years old and brunette.I will join your class tomorrow and wonders if we have any homework to do this week? I already have lots of homework so I hope it wont be too much!? I like to plan my studies so please let me know what You expect of us... I welcome You to school Miss Jones respectfully Malena Franklin 565 From: Georgina de la Falaise Date: Tue Oct 12, 1999 4:22pm Subject: Georgina to Malena Tanya@c... Georgina de la Falaise, blonde, 12 years old Dearest Malena, I was so glad to spend a little time with you earlier this evening in the gardens. It was so beautiful watching the sun go down behind the Avendale trees as it caught the leaves in all their autumnal glory. We really are so lucky to be at a school in such a beautiful part of Quirinelle. I understand completely how you must be feeling about the "winter shoes" incident. I myself had to make a confession to Miss Veronica two days ago regarding some sweets and biscuits I had bought whilst in Avenbridge the weekend before last. I purchased them with a view to organising a midnight feast in the blonde dorm but then felt suddenly very guilty for having taken advantage of Miss Veronica's kindness and trust being as it was she who had escourted us all in to town. I must admit I feel much better for having told her the truth and suspect I will feel even more cleansed and returned to myself when she has finally punished me for my disobedience. Malena, I think you're absolutely right to tell her all. You will feel so much better for having done so. Wouldn't it perhaps be nice if we could go for another walk in the gardens tomorrow evening and invite both Elena and Janet as well Anyway, I do hope you're feeling a little better than you were earlier today. Your friend with hugs, Georgina. 566 From: Date: Tue Oct 12, 1999 0:24pm Subject: Elena and Malena Meet in the Garden Elena Dierrian, blonde, 12 years old Elena met Malena Franklin in the garden, feeling a great deal of trepidation. As Malena hove into view, Elena recalled her conversation with Miss Veronica, the brunette prefect, about 'tattling.' Malena was a dear friend, and Elena was very fond of her, and Cynthia Terwillinger had already made herself quite unpopular at Avendale, with Seniors, Juniors, blondes and brunettes alike. Surely few would blame the other girls -- especially the younger ones -- if they struck back at Cynthia with pranks. On the other hand, gluing a girl's shoes -- regardless of how much of a bully she was -- was wrong. As Malena approached into earshot, Elena quickly removed her right forefinger from her mouth (for her particular habit, when nervous, was to gnaw the forefinger of her right hand) and looked to ensure no one else was present. The two schoolgirls, blonde and brunette, embraced as only two very young schoolgirls can, then sat quietly together on a bench, arms entwined about each other. "Oh, Elena," Malena began, "I was so glad you said you wanted to meet me. I am so distraught..." "Georgina told me that you seemed sad, and I know we have all been busy with studies, of late. But, oh, Malena...did you truly glue Cynthia's winter shoes? Please, tell me you were only funning." Elena's vivid green eyes were wide with concern. Malena coloured and nodded silently, then raised her eyes to Elena's, her lips set in an angry line. "Yes. Yes, it is true, and I am torn apart with guilt for having done so, but-but... Elena, she is such a beast! She is a bully and a braggart and a cad and a--and a---oooohhhhhhh!" Malena simply could not think of enough bad things to call Cynthia Terwillinger. Elena made shushing noises and stroked Malena's hair gently. "She *is* rather dreadful. Almost pitiful, really. I wonder if her poor Mummies know of her behavior?" "You feel sorry for her? Really, Elena - I suppose it is because you are a blonde and tenderhearted, but I find it hard to feel anything besides dislike for her. You-" and Malena's voice dropped to a whisper, "you should hear the dreadful things she says about Janet Dolan or what she says about Miss Veronica behind her back. She is a monster in human shape -- completely awful!" "And if that *is* the case, then how very sad for her," Elena replied, her long fingers still twined in Malena's tresses. "Evil people are always sad." "Sad?" "They have turned their hearts away from the Light. They shiver in the darkness, cast out of home and hearth, to wander on the edges of the world, alone and afraid." Malena's eyes were wide. "Truly, do they?" Elena nodded. "Oh yes, they do. I am sure that in their heart of hearts, as they wander in the outer darkness, they wish someone would guide them home, back to the Light, back to the hearth, to the Familia. Sometimes, one does not value a thing unless one almost loses it." "If they value the Light so much, then why do they leave it in the first place?" "Well, I am not as learned as the Priestesses back home, but I asked them the same thing once. They told me that Dea gave Her children free will so that we could *choose* to serve Her and love Her and obey Her. If we did not have the free will to choose between right and wrong, Light and darkness, we would be as mindless puppets. Without free will, there would be no choice whatsoever. Most maids, thanks be to Dea, choose the Light. Oh, we all err now and again, but for the most part, we dwell in the Light." Malena nodded, trying to absorb what her friend had just told her. "I still do not understand why anyone would leave the Light, though. That seems foolish to me." Elena smiled a little. "We have all left the Light, upon one occasion or another. Have you *never* done anything naughty or worthy off correction? I can speak only for myself, but I know I have been naughty more than a few times." "You? Naughty? I do not believe it!" Malena said fervently. Elena giggled lightly and gave Malena a hug. "Oh, my true friend, you have no idea how naughty I can be atimes...just wait 'til you know me better! And then, you know what they say about we blondes -- we require much more correction than brunettes. "Why would a maid leave the Light? Because she is not thinking, or maybe because she feels angry or hurt, or perhaps because she truly does not understand that she had left it. Girls like Cynthia - I think she *wants* to be corrected, Malena. Truly, I do. I think she yearns to be pulled back to her proper place and shown that even she is part of the Golden Order. It is an old saying that maternal discipline is spiritual nourishment -- each stroke is as a drop of mother's milk. I think, perhaps, that Cynthia is very hungry." "I say, you *are* chap," declared Malena. Then she stared at the ground and blushed again. "I-I must go and speak with Miss Veronica and confess what I did to Cynthia," she said. "I must apologise to Cynthia and offer to either clean her shoes or else-or else buy her new ones." She clasped Elena's hands suddenly. "Oh, but I am afraid. What *will* Miss Veronica think of me?" "She will continue to care for you as she always does and admire your courage for confessing. She will also punish you," Elena said, her eyes twinkling, "but I expect you already know *that*. W-would you like me to walk with you to Miss Veronica's study, Malena?" Malena stood and pulled Elena gently to her feet, then leaned over and gently kissed her cheek. "No. No, thank you, Elena. I...I hope you won't be mad at me, but this is something I must do myself, one brunette to another. I-I hope you understand..." "Of course I do. Good luck, dear Malena." The two girls embraced one final time, and Malena squared her small shoulders and headed for Veronica Bellemont's study. 567 From: Date: Tue Oct 12, 1999 0:30pm Subject: Garden Meeting Elena Dierrian, blonde, 12 years old [Note to Georgina de la Falaise, Malena Franklin and Janet Dolan] Tomorrow afternoon, after tea, and provided we do not have lines or lessons, let us meet in the garden, near the large, red rosebush. It has been a while since we have had a nice coze. -Elena Dierrian PS: I shall send a note to Miss Annalinde and Miss Veronica, just to let them know what we are doing. 568 From: Date: Tue Oct 12, 1999 0:33pm Subject: Meeting in the Garden Elena Dierrian, blonde, 12 years old [Note sent to Miss Annalinde Chelverton, blonde prefect and Miss Veronica Bellemont, brunette prefect] Tomorrow afternoon, after tea, and provided we do not have lines or lessons, Georgina, Malena, Janet and I plan to meet in the garden, near the large, red rosebush, provided it is all right with you. It has been a while since we have had a nice chat together, what with lessons and all. If you do not approve, then please let us know. Respectfully, -Elena Dierrian 569 From: janet dolan Date: Tue Oct 12, 1999 5:18pm Subject: Janet to Ellena Dear Elena. I will be happy to come provided Miss Veronica allows it. You know I still have a paddling coming to me for unkempt uniform, and I may get lines too. Thank you so much. I hope she will allow it Janet 570 From: Dorothea Maitland Date: Tue Oct 12, 1954 5:08pm Subject: To Lynette Dear Lynette, Thank you so much for posting the School List. Would you like the post of School List Monitor. You seem a very sensible and reliable senior and if your studies allow you time it would be a great help to us if you could keep the school list up to date and regularly posted. Dorothea Maitland 571 From: Date: Tue Oct 12, 1999 2:05pm Subject: Nicola in Annalinde's Study There was an almost inaudible tap at Annalinde's door. "Come in," called Annlinde. Nikki crept in. "There's no need to look so scared. I just wanted a little word with you about the way you were eating your breakfast. Do you normally gobble your food like that?" "No, Miss Annalinde - I just . . ." "Just what?" "I well, I don't know." "Perhaps I do. After your little jaunt and with the relief of being back you felt rather hungry." "Um . . . yes. . ." "Yes, i do know about it.Lynette told me. She was a little worried about the way she took the law into her own hands and told me." Nikki looked worried. She did not want Lynette to be in trouble. "I told her she did exactly right. She is not a prefect, but she is a responsible older girl. It may be a touch unorthodox, but things are often done that way here. I trust you do not object." "Oh *no*, Miss Annalinde. Lynette helped me a lot, though she was very strict." "Good. I think Lynette may be a fine prefect one day. As for you - I want to tell you that I think you are doing very well here. I have been pleased with you. You must take care with your writing, though. Remember that when a word like 'folly' is plural the 'y' becomes 'ie' - so we say 'follies', not 'follys'. Also I want you to think about the difference between 'to' and 'too'. I want you to write me six examples of words where 'y' becomes 'ie' in the plural and write me a paragraph explaining the difference between 'to' and 'too'. Now, bend over my desk. Nikki obeyed and Annalinde lifted her skirt. "My, Lynette has done a nice job," she said, lifting the hem of the junior girl's knickers to admire it. She gave her a few slaps for her table manners. Not very hard as she guessed she was sore already. "Now, if you get worried about some big crisis like your stockings, instead of finding your own dramatic solutions, what do you think you should do?" "Come to a prefect, Miss Annalinde?' "That is right. You can always ask me about things. I won't eat you you know ." Nikki laughed. "Off you go, dear," said Annalinde. 572 From: ashleigh butler Date: Tue Oct 12, 1999 7:02pm Subject: Re: Ashleigh Ashleigh walked outside of the building and into the bright sunlight. She decided to try to get in some walking and exploring. She wondered how her time here would be. Since she was new she really did not know how to act, how people would respond to her. She had been invited to the theater which was very exciting. She loved the theater, she loved everything about it, the stage, the lights etc. But she really had not talked to anyone. As she approached the garden she saw some girls gathered there. She hid behind a tree and listened to their conversation. She did not know if she should but in or leave them alone. ===== 573 From: Date: Tue Oct 12, 1999 7:42pm Subject: Caitlen settles in Caitlen returned to her room after a full day of classes and flopped down on her bed. It had been a challenging day, not the classes really, they were the same subjects she had been studying in her last school, no, the hardest thing had been finding her way around the winding schoolhouse. Although she recocgnized some of the girls in her classes she had not spoken to anyone besides Ashleigh, Lynette, and Nicola, well, not really Nicola, she had said hello but that was about it. Hmmm...perhaps it was time to change that. Straightening her uniform Caitlen slid off the bed and went in search of Nicola... Caitlen Ramsey Ash, 15, brunette 574 From: Date: Tue Oct 12, 1999 10:10pm Subject: Miss Jones to Annalinde Leslie Jones (Miss) -- redhaired brunette (Mistress) My dear Annalinde, Thank you for your kind welcome. I have retired to my new rooms for a time, because I am overcome with the accumulated strain of the distance I travelled and probably the excitement of all the new places and faces. I shall rest so that I may join in the full life of the school as soon as possible. I do hope to be feeling well enough to call on Miss Maitland in a day or so. In the interim, I would greatly appreciate your conveying my thanks to Malena, Emma, and Alexis for their sweet welcoming notes. I would like to convene a small class early next week to consider how we might begin to study the works of Joyce, my personal choice for our finest writer of this century. I hope you will attend and I would ask you to extend an invitation to any girls you regard as ready to tackle this challenging writer's work. I will let you know the time and place soon. I appreciate your offer of assistance, dear, and also enjoyed your apparent pleasure at the sight of my stockings. I do not anticipate any discipline problems that I would not be in a position to handle once I feel my normal self again. And I would certainly not wish to discipline you who have been so kind to me. Cordially, Leslie Jones (Miss) 575 From: Date: Tue Oct 12, 1999 6:36pm Subject: Re: Welcome to avendale@onelist.com Ms. Maitland, I am going to be a bit delayed in completing my welcome assignment, as I had to care for a sick friend all day. Rest Assured everything will be completed tomorrow night. Sincerely, Genevieve 576 From: Nicola - 3rd Year Avendale Date: Tue Oct 12, 1999 10:44pm Subject: on meeting Caitlen Nikki closed the door to Miss Annalinde's study with a heavy heart, the spanking had been bad enough enflaming her already tender bottom but the extra Grammar, a subject she felt sure she was sure to fail was to much. Somehow she would have to discover the answers perhaps after lessons during lunch the library may hold the solution ? Lessons were uneventful if a little uncomfortable the hard classroom chairs offering no relief to Nikki's tender bottom. Nikki exercised great care over lunch insuring that her manners were impeccable although she was some what abrupt with the new brunette, lunch over Nikki hurried to the library in search of the solution to be confronted with, prepositions, verbs, adverbs gosh this was going to be even harder than she had thought. As the bell sounded for afternoon class Nikki was even more confused than when she started. The afternoons lessons fortunately were art followed by theology a subject which Nikki found absorbing if thoroughly confusing but the tales of Odena and Thorina made jolly exciting reading even if a bit far fetched. Lessons over Nikki retired to the dorm and sitting gingerly on her bed tried to make some sense of her scribbled notes taken in the library when the new brunette entered, Nikki looked up the words of Miss Annalinde fresh in her mind and tender in her bottom. "Hello, sorry I was so abrubt earlier, my names Nicola Bradford most people call me Nikki I'm so terribly sorry but I appear to have forgotten yours please forgive me but I really have had a *stinking* day I though you was Lynette when you first entered she is so wonderful and fair although somewhat strict" Nikki's animated speaking had reminded her swiftly of this fact, not allowing the poor girl chance to reply Nikki continued. "Sorry what did you say your name was ? do tell me all about yourself ?, I really should be finishing this irksome task but I'm sure I will have time after my trip to town with Lynette, did I tell you I was going into town with Lynette ? shes so nice she lent me these stockings" Finally given chance the patient girl replied "Caitlen" 577 From: Date: Tue Oct 12, 1999 10:52pm Subject: Miss Jones in Her Rooms Miss Jones felt unwell and even a bit faint as she reclined on her bed in her ample but still strange rooms at Avendale. She enjoyed meeting the prefect, Annalinde, but was slightly disconcerted by the prefect's seeming to think that Miss Jones would want to discipline her. Miss Jones actually was excited by the pretty blonde's apparent liking for the new mistress. She was feeling feelings she had not at all anticipated and was also disturbed by these. And she realized she had asked Annalinde to invite some of the girls who had written her such kind welcoming notes but had negelected Elena, whose note was really the cleverest of all. Miss Jones felt she was slightly discommoded and even a bit edgy all round. Elena clearly was the best candidate to shine at the class to consider how to approach the study of Joyce. She hoped Annalinde would use her discretion well and make sure to invite Elena to the class. In fact, Miss Jones smiled to herself and said that this would be a fine measure of how sage Annalinde truly might be. So the redhaired brunette mistress slowly rolled down her stockings, the ones she was a bit delighted at their ability to entrance Annalinde. And she slowly undressed for the first time in her new lodgings--slipping on a soft satin nightgown and leaving on only her lovely directoires beneath, she clambered into her bed and fell asleep quickly. 578 From: Nicola - 3rd Year Avendale Date: Tue Oct 12, 1999 10:50pm Subject: on meeting Caitlen Nicola Bradford 14 Blonde Nikki closed the door to Miss Annalinde's study with a heavy heart, the spanking had been bad enough enflaming her already tender bottom but the extra Grammar, a subject she felt sure she was sure to fail was to much. Somehow she would have to discover the answers perhaps after lessons during lunch the library may hold the solution ? Lessons were uneventful if a little uncomfortable the hard classroom chairs offering no relief to Nikki's tender bottom. Nikki exercised great care over lunch insuring that her manners were impeccable although she was some what abrupt with the new brunette, lunch over Nikki hurried to the library in search of the solution to be confronted with, prepositions, verbs, adverbs gosh this was going to be even harder than she had thought. As the bell sounded for afternoon class Nikki was even more confused than when she started. The afternoons lessons fortunately were art followed by theology a subject which Nikki found absorbing if thoroughly confusing but the tales of Odena and Thorina made jolly exciting reading even if a bit far fetched. Lessons over Nikki retired to the dorm and sitting gingerly on her bed tried to make some sense of her scribbled notes taken in the library when the new brunette entered, Nikki looked up the words of Miss Annalinde fresh in her mind and tender in her bottom. "Hello, sorry I was so abrubt earlier, my names Nicola Bradford most people call me Nikki I'm so terribly sorry but I appear to have forgotten yours please forgive me but I really have had a *stinking* day I though you was Lynette when you first entered she is so wonderful and fair although somewhat strict" Nikki's animated speaking had reminded her swiftly of this fact, not allowing the poor girl chance to reply Nikki continued. "Sorry what did you say your name was ? do tell me all about yourself ?, I really should be finishing this irksome task but I'm sure I will have time after my trip to town with Lynette, did I tell you I was going into town with Lynette ? shes so nice she lent me these stockings" Finally given chance the patient girl replied "Caitlen" 579 From: Date: Tue Oct 12, 1999 11:02pm Subject: Re: on meeting Caitlen Caitlen smiled softly as Nicola, Nikki, sped through sentence after sentence, hardly seeming to breathe. She nodded as Nikki complimented Lynette, a little too fervently Caitlen thought, for friendship to be the only aspect of their relationship. Finally, as Nikki wound down, the last of her questions trailing off, Caitlen replied, "My name's Caitlen, I'm fifteen and I just got here two days ago. It's a long story why I switched schools, suffice it to say there was a bit of a scandal at my last one, you know how parents are, just the hint of scandal and they pull their daughters out of one school and ship them off to another... Oh well, Avendale seems nice enough. Going into town huh? That sounds like fun, I really haven't seen much of the town myself, I should set aside some time later to go once I've caught up in my classes. What are you working on over there? Grammar? Oh, that's not so terribly hard once you get it straight in your mind...would you like some help with it? I'd be happy to work on it with you... So, how long have you been at Avendale? Caitlen, 15, brunette 580 From: Date: Wed Oct 13, 1999 1:04am Subject: School List Lynette posted the School List at the end of the hall. She thought that this may help some of the pupils get to know each other better. Perhaps it would be nice to add a few notes to the list. The list could include things like where everyone was from, and what activities they enjoyed. Perhaps the Mistresses would like to note what subjects they taught? Lynette requested that any mistakes would be brought to her attention. Students: Yolande Allenby, bl, 15 Caitlen Ramsey Ash, br, 15 Tracey Marie Austin, br, 14 Veronica Bellemont, br, 15 Emma Eilise Bradbury, br, 16 Nicola Bradford, bl, 14 Ashleigh Butler, bl, 16 Sarah Jane Callier, bl, 17 Emily Chambers, br, 15 Annalinde Chelverton, bl, 16 Elena Dierrian, bl, 12 Janet Dolan, br, 12 Elspeth Elsvetta, bl, 15 Georgina de la Falaise, bl, 12 Rebecca Fleming, br, 16 Malena Franklin, br, 12 Alexis Harrington, bl, 15 Lynette Klaire, br, 17 Sabrina McCloud, br, 14 Ariadne di Naxos, bl, 18 Jinjur Quinbury, bl, 16 Cynthia Terwilliger, br, 16 Caroline (Carrie) Veleda-Binks, br, 14 Katherine (Katie) Webster, bl, 12 Player-character Mistresses: Miss Maitland, bl Miss Prism, br Miss Serelique, bl Miss Leslie Jones, br Miss Maybridge, br Miss Maybridge mostly looks after technical matters Prominent non-player Characters Miss Poindexter, br Joan and Suzanne, br, middle school but exact ages not known. Joan is at present in an intermediate state, having been "animated" once so far. Her sex is brunette and her age not known. 581 From: Thelma Roberts Date: Wed Oct 13, 1999 1:55am Subject: Re:Tracey Arrives At Avendale Thelma Roberts, 14 years old and blonde, emerged from her room where she had been swotting all day. "Phew," she thought, "who ever had the zany idea that studying Latin would be a good idea?" Just then a girl her own age, but brunette, came around the corner, carrying a few books and looking like she was new, lost or both. "Hi, I'm Thelma Roberts. Are you new here?" "Yes, indeed I am, and slightly confused too, if you can imagine such a thing" the pert brunette murmured. "The name is Tracey. Tracey Austin. My, you are a tall one. How tall exactly?" Thelma blushed. "Six feet tall in my school shoes, 5 eleven in stocking feet. Are you on your way to your room?" Tracey nodded in the affirmative, and then the oddest thing just, well, happened. Thelma blurted out words she had never known were even in her: "Please Tracey, may I carry your books for you?" Tracey, cool and collected, smiled at the thought and passed her books over to the blonde girl in front of her. They started down the hall towards Tracey's room, as the brunette said, in a strong but quiet voice, "Carrying my books will be the least of your duties, Thel. Just hope I never get sentenced to write lines." 582 From: Thelma Roberts Date: Wed Oct 13, 1999 2:02am Subject: School List missing a name Thelma wandered down the hall, checked out the bulletin board as she was wo