Strange happenings at the CS
The CBB -> St Clare's House
#1: Strange happenings at the CS Author: Elzbie, Location: London PostPosted: Fri Nov 05, 2004 2:08 pm

Sorry to add to the number of these on the board already, and I hope I'm not queering anyones pitch. Not sure how this will turn out, and sorry for what will probably be many inaccuracies.... Here goes........

The wind howled across the mountainside, uprooting several small trees along the way, and the sky was as black as pitch. It was a night for locking your door, hiding any sharp objects and crawling under the table... but not for some..... Anyone out on this Godforsaken night would have seen a tiny pin-point of light glowing right at the top of the highest peak. A little closer, and they would see the flames of a roaring fire, which was burning suspiciously straight considering the wind. Closer still, and they could probably make out the shapes of three figures, widely differing in shape. And if they got really close, what they heard would have suprised them greatly....

"It's bloody freezing up here", said a voice which sounded like it had been beaten by a large amount 80% proof over the years.

"Shut up." A second voice.

"I won't shut up. You know my joints seize up in this kind of wind. Even my wind seizes up in this kind of wind!"

"Ermmmmmm... tea's up?" Nanny Ogg and Granny Weatherwax turned to look at the third voice, their latest recruit. Agnes had been a nice girl, fantastic voice and, of course, very good hair, but this new one was something very different. The two older witches had the feeling- not voiced, but nevertheless there-that this one was hiding something. Not only that, but she had a name that most girls who wanted to be witches would have killed for! Granny especially felt this as a personal insult. In her opinion, witches did not need silly names, and it was damn unfair of life to provide her with one that had had one from birth. She felt that someone up there was laughing at her.

"Why are we here anyway, Esme? You still havn't tole us about this Swizzerlan' place, all I knows is, its bloody freezing." Nanny tried to get as close as she could to the fire without burning the toes of her boots off, and took a swig of rum.

"It's happening again, Gytha. Silly girls giving themselves silly names"- at thsi point she glared at Theodora, who stared back in her usual insolent manner- "and playing with things they don't understand. This time they got... edjurcation, too. We got to stop it." She waved a hand over the fire, and all at once the three witches saw a shimmering picture wavering in the air, of a wooden building with little balconies, in fact a whole complex of them. There were fields with strange markings on them... home of the occult, no doubt!- and as they watched a long line of young girls troop out of the door in gentian blue coats and hats.

"It's a school, Esme- how'd you think we're getting in?" Nanny looked confused.

Granny smiled at her, her face the picture of innocence, but there was a glint in her eyes. "We're not going in Gytha...." She turned again to look at Theodora, and Nanny followed her gaze..

"Ohhhh.." Theodora looked wildly and a bit hopefully behind her, but new with a sinking feeling what was to be. "Ooooohhh noooooooo.....!"

 

#2:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England PostPosted: Fri Nov 05, 2004 2:14 pm

Elzbie, don't apologise for giving us something else to get hooked on... Laughing Liz

 

#3:  Author: Nicci, Location: UK PostPosted: Fri Nov 05, 2004 2:30 pm

I'm intrigued to say the least. This looks good. Please may we have some more?

 

#4:  Author: Charlotte, Location: home yey! PostPosted: Fri Nov 05, 2004 4:49 pm

oooh! yes!! deffinatly more please!!!

 

#5:  Author: Kat, Location: Swansea PostPosted: Fri Nov 05, 2004 5:30 pm

Very intrigued... only solution? MORE! Wink

 

#6:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Fri Nov 05, 2004 5:41 pm

Don't see any need for an apology, but do have a desparate need for some MORE!

 

#7:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Fri Nov 05, 2004 8:09 pm

Oooh!!! Goodie! A Pratchett crossover! And a Witches one at that!!! More please Elzbie!

 

#8:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Fri Nov 05, 2004 8:12 pm

Want more please Elzbie! Laughing

 

#9:  Author: Laura, Location: London (ish) PostPosted: Fri Nov 05, 2004 8:15 pm

Definately more needed please Elzbie! Very Happy

 

#10:  Author: Kelly, Location: Auckland, New Zealand PostPosted: Fri Nov 05, 2004 8:16 pm

*Intrigued* Don't apoligise, we're all looking forward to more Very Happy

 

#11:  Author: Elzbie, Location: London PostPosted: Fri Nov 05, 2004 9:52 pm

You are all very kind! Kiss Off to a wedding tomorrow, so more on Sunday!

Theodora stomped down the mountain the next day grumpily. It had been bad enough to be told that she was going to have to go to school with lots of stupid girls- she'd contrived to get kicked out of a few so far, and had been secretly ecstatic when her dispairing mother had at last handed her over to the witches- but the uniform was frankly ridiculous, not witchy at all, and her hair was worse than ever today. It tended to be like that when she was angry now, it stood in spikes all round her head, like a bog brush dipped in soot.

Of course, she'd had no choice in the matter. Once Granny and Nanny got the same idea there was no stopping them, they became deaf as the old crones in the village they pretended to despise. And then she'd had to endure a night in the smelly woodcutters hut with Granny's boots up by her face, and Nanny's happy little snores drowning out the howling of the wind outside at least ther'd be no more of that at the Chalet School. Well, she'd bloody well show them. She wasn't like Magrat, or even Agnes with her 'good hair'. She had more power than the lot of them put together, and once she'd sorted out the daft bints at the school- "playing at magic, hrumph"- then it was back to Lancre to pick up her stuff and off to somewhere where they'd teach her real magic. And where she'd never, ever have to drink tea again.....

Thoughts like this are useful while walking, and she found she was nearly at the school gates. She slipped in, and went towards the group of girls standing smartly by the front doors. That was one of the first things they taught you, how to.... well, fade.... and it came in useful then, although the girl at the back of the line looked very confused when she stepped heavily back on Theodora's foot.

"Sorry", she exclaimed, but quickly turned her chestnut head away when met with one of Theodora's special glares.

Theodora fumed quietly at the back of her head. "They will all pay for this." The thought whispered through her mind. "Oh yes. I will show the lot of 'em...."

 

#12:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Fri Nov 05, 2004 10:40 pm

this is great Elzbie!!!! Sunday for the next bit did you say?

 

#13:  Author: Dawn, Location: Leeds, West Yorks PostPosted: Fri Nov 05, 2004 10:58 pm

fandabulous - more TP/EBD

 

#14:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Fri Nov 05, 2004 11:02 pm

Excellent - thank you! Laughing

 

#15:  Author: Josie, Location: London PostPosted: Sat Nov 06, 2004 1:13 am

Hurrah, you posted a drabble Ela! And a Pratchett crossover at that! Looks fab and looking forward to next bit Maybe I should take your advice and wait til there's more pages though, otherwise will get impatient for more! Hope the wedding goes well and there's no fireworks mishaps! Confused Wink

 

#16:  Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US PostPosted: Sat Nov 06, 2004 3:00 am

Ted, a rebellious young witch! What next? ROFL More, please! Would especially like to see this Theodora's reaction to name-changing a la Joey, not to mention Hilda the hairdresser. Smile

 

#17:  Author: Elzbie, Location: London PostPosted: Sat Nov 06, 2004 8:26 am

Woke up this morning with a young cold brewing, so have filled myself with drugs and decided to give you more drabble.... (and Josie.. I've started reading yours avidly now! Mind you, you could finsh yours, THEN read mine! Wink )

Theodora found herself in a warm hall, surrounded by identikit school girls in pig tails and tunics. She was attracting a few looks, not least because of her hair, which was now emitting sparks from the tips, and had taken on a queer blue tinge. Glancing around, her gaze fell on a smaller group of young ladies, who were standing at the foot of the stairs with an air of immense self importance, especially one tall girl with short golden curls and a chin you could break rocks on.

Ted felt a shock of power run through her... "Silly girls.... playing..... I see....Like that, is it?" The girl turned and looked Theodora full in the face, and smiled. It was not a nice smile, more the smile of a cat who has the mouse and realises it is going to have lots of fun with it.

Before...what? Theodora was glad when a lady spoke from the front of the hall, and she dragged her gaze away from the tall girl. Her speech done, the headmistress, who was apparently called Miss Annersley, led the way through to the school proper, but Theodora felt a gentle tugging on her arm.

"Excuse me", said the chestnut headed girl, "I'm Len Maynard, and Mamma would like to see you in the office."

Theodora stared. "Why? What have I done?" was her understandable reaction. Len just shrugged- she had got her full quota of glare for the day, and did not want to repeat the experience. The sooner she got this freak of a new girl off her hands the better- her mother would deal with her. Theodora allowed herself to be led off to the office, but her brain was whirling. Who was the golden headed girl? And why was she summoned to the office so early- it usually took at least a few fags and an attempt to slaugter half her form for that to happen?

And more to the point... what did Granny know? Theodora knew that Granny'd written a letter to the school to introduce her- what she did not know was what it said. It would not have been glowing, that's for sure. Something very strange was going on here, and it was her mission to get to the bottom of it. She just wished the older witches had told her what it was.

Oh well, she thought, coming to a standstill outside the office door, I'm going to find out, arn't I. She turned the handle and walked into the room.

 

#18:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Sat Nov 06, 2004 8:30 am

Thanks Elzbie - hope the cold eases for you! Looking forward to the scene with Joey! Laughing

 

#19:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Sat Nov 06, 2004 4:42 pm

Thank you Elzbie!!! Looking good so far! *sends lemsip*

 

#20:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Sat Nov 06, 2004 4:53 pm

Sends Olbas oil, so we can have some more of this lovely new take on Theodora! I loved the hair emitting blue sparks!

 

#21:  Author: Elzbie, Location: London PostPosted: Sun Nov 07, 2004 7:11 pm

Slightly hung over post.. great wedding, and my kilted boyfriend indulged in some CS style heroics when the bridesmaids napkin caught fire! Anyhoo, more of this....

The first thing she saw was a tall slim woman, with dark hair and the darkest eyes Theodora had ever seen. “Come in! Welcome to the Chalet School!” She cried, and Theodora heard the most beautiful voice she had ever heard. She looked into the dark eyes, and felt the world spin... “Oh dear, you look startled!” said the golden voice. “I’m Mrs Maynard, the first pupil of the school, and I thought I’d come and welcome you for my self. Now do sit here and may I ask you something? Must we call you Theodora? How about making it Ted?”

Theodora stared into the face in front of her, her brain fuzzy. Of course they could change her name... after all, what’s in a name. She could be Ted. Ted would be different......... With a wrench, Theodora brought her thoughts back under control. A voice at the back of her mind screamed “It’s her, she’s doing it! Don’t let her!” Theodora looked puzzled the golden voice was speaking again, telling her all she could be as Ted....... “Remember what Granny said before you left!” The scream inside her mind was back, stronger this time, but still struggling to be heard. “What’s in a name? A name’s all you’ve got, missy, and don’t you forget it... they’ll try to take away your identity.” Theodora shook her head to clear her thoughts, and saw the dark lady, looking at her eyebrows raised, though a small smile was on her lips. Theodora blushed when she realised that she’d spoken aloud.

“So, they sent someone with a little power did they?” Mrs Maynard gave Theodora an amused glance, and her tones seemed more normal now light and clipped, and businesslike. Then she looked her full in the face, and there was no laughter there now. Theodora shrank back. “You will be Ted, and you will change- it may be slow, but it will happen. You may have a bit of talent, but those old ladies on the mountain- yes, I know all about them- they have no idea what power we have here. Or how much control. I wonder how they thought a girl like you could deal with this after all, all you want to be is normal, don’t you... I know what you think..... and I know that the temptation will be too much for you. And I will be waiting, and we will see what fate we can devise for you. An accident, perhaps? Don’t make it hard for us.. Ted... just accept it.”

Theodora looked straight ahead, no expression on her face, but inside all the old feelings of self hatred bubbled to the surface. Why did they not want her? Everyone always sent her away...... A name’s all you’ve got, missy, and don’t you forget it.” Granny was right. That was all she had. She squared her shoulders, and glared her best glare at the woman watching her. “No”

“No?”

“No. It’s mine. All I’ve got.” Theodora stood up, and put her hands on the desk. “And I’m keeping it. I’ll show you all....” Suddenly feeling sick with fear, she spun round and fled out of the door, half blinded by tears. As the door swung shut, all she could hear was the golden laughter mocking her as she ran.

 

#22:  Author: Xanthe, Location: London/Cambridge PostPosted: Sun Nov 07, 2004 8:30 pm

*giggling* thank you Elzbie, this is great Very Happy

 

#23:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Sun Nov 07, 2004 8:31 pm

Oooh! An intriguing twist! Thank you Elzbie!!!

 

#24:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Sun Nov 07, 2004 9:38 pm

Oooohhhh! Thanks Elzbie.

 

#25:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Sun Nov 07, 2004 10:08 pm

Like it, and can see a power struggle coming.

 

#26:  Author: Josie, Location: London PostPosted: Mon Nov 08, 2004 9:55 am

Very Happy Very Happy Very Happy Looking forward to this battle of wills!

 

#27:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Mon Nov 08, 2004 12:13 pm

This is looking very interesting.....thanks Ela!

 

#28:  Author: Elzbie, Location: London PostPosted: Mon Nov 08, 2004 2:03 pm

A lunch time post... how addictive is this?!!?!

Theodora was brought up short by an arm flung out by Len as she went carreering past. "Steady there, Ted- slow down! We can't run along the corridoors hear you know!"

Theodora stared at her. "What did you just call me?"

"Ted. You're name, isn't it? Come along- we'll be late for Abendessen if we're not careful, and I can tell you, we do not want that on our first night!"

Theodora followed meekly, but her mind was working furiously. She stole a glance at Len, but could see no nothing in her face which looked bad. just to make sure, she felt with her mind, trying to see whether she could feel any sense of malice in Len. But no, there was nothi.... no, there was something, a shadow at the back, but it slipped away from her probing. Theodora withdrew her mind, and frowned to herself. At least Len was innocent, but she had called her Ted. A certainty was forming in Theodora's mind- and she knew that she would have to be very, very careful. "It's all you've got..."- she had to remember that, never forget it, although she knew she was weak.... as she walked, Theodora struggled with the memories that plagued her.

Len watched the new girl as she slouched along, her black brows drawn together, her hair seeming to stream back in an invisible breeze, her lips moving. "I was right, complete freak," she thought to herself. "I know Mamma can be a bit overwhealming, but really...! Oh well, we shall just have to try and make her into a proper Chalet School girl......" They reached the refectory at this point, and the rest of the evening passed in a whirl of introductions and explanationas for Theodora. But, she reflected as she went to bed, it was just as she had begun to expect everyone, even the staff, had called her Ted.

 

#29:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Mon Nov 08, 2004 4:03 pm

Oh dear! Poor Ted! I mean Theodora!!! Joey's powers even have me doing it!!! Wink

 

#30:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Mon Nov 08, 2004 6:49 pm

*Find myself hoping Theodora will tell everyone to use her proper name - and force them to do so!*

 

#31:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Mon Nov 08, 2004 8:13 pm

Why should she change her name if she doesn't want to? Sending her an anti-Joey spell.

 

#32:  Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans PostPosted: Tue Nov 09, 2004 6:07 pm

*giggles* Another great cross over (and I'm imagining Joey v. Granny, a battle of headology right now). *cheers Theodora on*

 

#33:  Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle PostPosted: Wed Nov 10, 2004 2:28 pm

Have never read these books but this looks like a very interesting crossover.

 

#34:  Author: Elzbie, Location: London PostPosted: Wed Nov 10, 2004 6:15 pm

Susan- have a read of Terry Pratchett, he's great fun (if a little odd!). Theodora spent the first week getting her bearings at the school, and correcting everyone when they called her Ted. Not that it did any good- they simply looked puzzled for a moment, and then happily said "Sorry, Ted!", and that was that! Theodora raged inside. He had been the only one to care for her, and he was dead. Now they wanted to rob her of even this comfort- his name. Everyone else just sent her away.... nobody understood her oddities, her peculiar way of making things happen, and there had been real fear in the village they used to live. Her mother had thought she was too young to realise, and had sent her away again and again, school after school, to quiet the rumblings and rumours. It was a huge embarrasment for Mrs Grantly, Theodora knew this. "I just wish," she thought, "that she had cared more about me". It had eventually got downright obvious- during the holidays people would run inside when she aproached, and she had heard people saying that she, Theodora, had glared at Mr Wooleys sheepdog and it had died from the fear. Fear. That was all she had ever come across in her short life. The way she knew things, or questioned things...... Theodora had always been alone, and it was this well of lonliness which rose when she thought about Mrs Maynards words. "I just want to be normal.."- this was often her last thought before falling asleep at night, and she dreamed of playing with the others, having friends to share secrets with, and of people laughing and calling her Ted. Of course, she had been keeping her eyes open, as Granny and Nanny had said, but after her run in with Mrs Maynard she knew she was being watched, and did not want to run the risk of contact yet. But she could sense something wrong with the atmosphere of the school. There was no rebellion, and everyone was so damn nice! Theodora had let her mind wander, while she lay in bed at night, and all she could feel was... contentment. No questions. It was what she had seen in Len that first day- an absence of original thought. And of course the shadow... Theodora shivered now, just thinking about it. She did not dare let her mind out too far at present, and had found out little. Everyone in her form and dormy felt the same, and acted the same. All except for one person......

 

#35:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England PostPosted: Wed Nov 10, 2004 6:19 pm

Thanks Elzbie *wondering who the one person is* *hoping to find out soon* Liz

 

#36:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Wed Nov 10, 2004 8:50 pm

Thanks Elzbie! This is great! Especially since I'm reading Discworld at the moment.

 

#37:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Wed Nov 10, 2004 8:50 pm

I wonder if it is Margot, thinking back to Theodora, if the crossover parallels the EBD anyway.

 

#38:  Author: Elzbie, Location: London PostPosted: Wed Nov 10, 2004 9:54 pm

Full marks to Carolyn P! One of the first things Theodora had found out upon arriving in the common room on her first day was that Len was one of triplets- in fact it seemed strange to her that people carped on about it constantly. Len and Con were both in the same mould as the rest of the girls, going their way uncomplainingly, almost stereotypes of what older sisters should be. their third, however, had been withdrawn, and as the week went on it became clear to Theodora that the youngest triplet was hiding something. Her mind took no notice at all of Theodora's night-time delving, but seemed to be occupied with something, or someone, else. There was none of the cow-like simplicity that Theodora had seen in the rest of the girls, although the shadow could still be detected. Margot's mind was a whirl of emotions to the new girl, and Theodora had pulled away sharply upon realising that what she sensed in Margot was what she sometimes felt herself. The other girl had not noticed the probing, so, Theodora reasoned, she could have no real power of her own- after all, this was a simple excercise to Theodora. But Theodora often felt those blue eyes on her, in a glare to match her own at its best, and wondered.

 

#39:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Wed Nov 10, 2004 10:19 pm

Ooooohhhh, very clever! Thanks Elzbie! Laughing

 

#40:  Author: Josie, Location: London PostPosted: Wed Nov 10, 2004 10:30 pm

*wanders in and finds more - yay!* Cheers Ela. starts very quiet chant for next bit.....

 

#41:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Thu Nov 11, 2004 11:09 am

Thank you Ela!!! Very clever and still intrigued... *joining Josie's quiet chant*

 

#42:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England PostPosted: Thu Nov 11, 2004 12:32 pm

*slightly increasing the volume of the chant* Liz

 

#43:  Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle PostPosted: Sun Nov 14, 2004 6:22 pm

Thank you Ela, looking forward to more soon.

 

#44:  Author: Dawn, Location: Leeds, West Yorks PostPosted: Mon Nov 15, 2004 1:14 am

*slightly increasing the volume of the chant*

 

#45:  Author: Elzbie, Location: London PostPosted: Mon Nov 15, 2004 2:34 pm

All right, I can hear you! Sorry for the delay, been away without t'internet.

The strong wind of Theodora's first days at school had then given way to torrential rain, and today was the first day that the staff would countenance an out door expedition. Theodora herself was glad that at last she could go out. It had been a hard couple of weeks, and the claustrophobic atmostphere of earnestness and obedience within the school was really beginning to mess with her head. She had even found herself responding to people when they called her Ted, although she usually remembered to correct them... not that it made any difference now. In a way it was quite relaxing, those times when she let herself go and became a part of what was going on around her but she knew what was going on, and fought every day to keep control of her mind. The shadow that she had seen elsewhere had prodded her a couple of times, but was easy enough to counter... in fact, Theodora was suprised that there was not more power behind it. She was also glad to get out of range of Margot, who was beginnning to get seriously on her nerves.

The walk was to take the form of a 'ramble', and the form set off with a mistress or two in tow, and a couple of prefects. It so happened that the tall girl with the short curls who had been watching Theodora on the first day was among them. Theodora had since learnt that her name was Mary Lou (a bloody stupid name, she thought), and that she was a power in the school, and seemed to be in cahoots with Mrs Maynard at every opportunity. It was just her luck, Theodora grumbled to herself, that she should be chosen to walk with this monster today.

They made their way into the up a mountain path, Theodora slouching along with the prefect. She had no worries about her fitness levels- bodies were there to be controlled, and she was not going to let her legs tell her brain that they hurt! However, she soon noticed that everyone was puffing and panting, and whinging about the steep climb, and also noticed that the prefect, who was panting far less, was giving her some very odd looks. She decided that it might be best to comply with the masses, and took her cue from them. It had not gone un-noticed, however, and Mary Lou said to her in an undertone: "That's probably a good idea... Ted. You surely don't want to make anyone... suspicious?"

Theodora rolled her eyes. She liked her name, and thought that Granny Weatherwax was a bit hung up about that and other things, but this was one point that they did agree on. There was no room for ameteur dramatics in witching, and all these pregnant pauses and mysterious grimaces just annoyed her. "Listen, Mary Lou, or whoever you are, stop calling me Ted, and be a bit more straight forward. Just what have you got to do with any of this? I saw the way you looked on the first day. You obviously know who I am. But for Om's sake, will ya just leave me be!"

Mary Lou mugged in an alarming way, and screeched (in an undertone), "Ha ha ha ha.... you will find out Ted, oh yes! There will be no resistance here... we will control you.... mwa ha haha!!!!!"

Barking, thought Theodora. Just what we need. She could sense a bit of power there, but it was pulsing and blurred under her gaze. It was not strong...... now why should that ring a bell? Unfortunately at this moment she was distracted by a shout up ahead, and both she and Mary Lou raced up to where the rest of the party had reached a small and tumbledown woodcutters cottage. A small child was crying outside, and the rest where trying to decipher what she was sobbing.

Theodora, however, could smell the fear and illness that was seeping out from the hut. She broke away from the rest, and went in, to find a man and a woman lying in a makeshift bed, both pale and their breathing shallow. Theodora blanched. She didn't know enough to deal with this... she didn't know what herbs to use.... she hadn't known then, and he had died... she couldn't let that happen again.... 'Help me!' she screamed in her mind, as she ran wildly out of the door..

"Lawks, we are just old ladies out for a stroll with this 'ere our pig. Isn't that right, Esme?" Theodora came sliding to a standstill, faced with the picture of Granny and Nanny in typical mountain dress. She stood, horrified, and Nanny sidled over to her while Granny kept the others busy.

"Wotcha", she said out of the corner of her mouth, "why're you lookin at us like that?"

Theodora took a deep breath, and replied, "Nanny, you look fine, the dress is very complete and authentic"

"That's alright then" said Nanny, "No-one will ever suspect."

"But Nanny... I think they might suspect that you aren't men....."

 

#46:  Author: Josie, Location: London PostPosted: Mon Nov 15, 2004 3:03 pm

Laughing Laughing Laughing Thanks Ela! Good to see this back

 

#47:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Mon Nov 15, 2004 3:10 pm

Really glad to see this back, Ela.

 

#48:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Mon Nov 15, 2004 4:06 pm

LOL Ela!!!! More soon please! Love the image of Nanny and Granny dressed as men!

 

#49:  Author: Elzbie, Location: London PostPosted: Mon Nov 15, 2004 5:27 pm

Seem to have lost the 'work' part of my brain somewhere in the drabbles... if anyone finds it, I would like it back before tomorrow if possible!

Nanny looked down at her leather Lederhosen in surprise, and took a puff of her pipe. "You're right, my girl- they might believe Esme's a bloke, but not me, that's for sure!" She grinned proudly at Theodora over her still rather prominent bosom.

"I heard that, Gytha Ogg." Granny appeared beside them, and scowled at Nanny. She was displaying amazingly good legs in her Lederhosen, although this was somewhat spoiled by the sensible black hob-nails and at least four pairs of thick socks. Granny had been very firm that black was the only colour for a witch, and her black leather shorts were rather tight- in fact, the shop keeper had winked at her!She had also not wanted to leave her hat, but had compromised and stuck a feather in it. In fact, she looked like an extremely angry transvestite on haloween, and Theodora felt her lips twitch- she was extremely glad that at that moment

Miss Ferrars strode over. "Theodora, do you know these...er.... gentlemen?" she snapped, "because if not then you should not be talking to them, and you are holding up the group. We shall have to get help for the peasants further up the alm, but we must be going. Good day to you gentlemen!" And with that she strode off again, leaving Granny staring after her in fury.

"What did she mean, 'gentlemen'? Who's she calling a man the snobbish little troll. I'll give her what......"

Nanny winked at Theodora and grabbed Granny, who was flexing her fingers in a menacing way. "Don't you worry Esme, I can explain..." turning to Theodora, she said, "You get on, and we'll be in touch soon. We'll deal with the couple in the hut, and the kiddie. Don't let them get to you, Theodora."

With that, she led Granny across the shelf, and Theodora could hear Granny muttering even as she ran to catch the rest, "Doesn't she know who I am? I'll learn her. Why didn't she notice the hat?" Theodora sighed as she trudged after the others, and noticed Mary Lou staring suspiciously back at the witches. This was not going to be as easy as Granny had thought, and Theodora suspected that there was a control here that nobody realised.

* * * *

 

#50:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England PostPosted: Mon Nov 15, 2004 6:15 pm

Excellent! ROFL ROFL ROFL ROFL ROFL If I find the work part of your brain Elzbie I'm going to hold it ransom for more of this... Liz

 

#51:  Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans PostPosted: Mon Nov 15, 2004 6:30 pm

It's fantastic Elzbie. *can't get the image of the witches dressed as men out of my brain*

 

#52:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Mon Nov 15, 2004 8:42 pm

Wondefully sinister and hysterically funny! Thank you!

 

#53:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Mon Nov 15, 2004 8:54 pm

I've just wiped the tea from the screen, but the keyboard will never be the same again!

 

#54:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Tue Nov 16, 2004 1:32 am

I think it may be time for a chant........

 

#55:  Author: Josie, Location: London PostPosted: Tue Nov 16, 2004 9:53 am

Very Happy Very Happy Very Happy That was hilarious - has cheered me up no end!

 

#56:  Author: Elzbie, Location: London PostPosted: Wed Nov 17, 2004 11:11 am

***************************************

Back at the hut Nanny had succeeded in calming down an irrate Granny, having had experience of this before. "It's just like when you had to dress up as a lady in Ankh Morpork, Esme, only shorter. And the gentlemen have all been very impressed with your legs"

"I can't be having with it, at my time o' life," Granny muttered, but she was secretly quite pleased that the lederhosen suited her so well. "It's not appropriate for a witch, you saw what happened with that teacher, she had no respect- and if you ain't got respect..."

"Yes Esme, I know." Nanny rolled her eyes, "But we are up here for a reason, and we'd better see what we can do for those poor souls in the shed over there."

The witches walked over and through the door, Granny giving her customary greeting 'Blessings be on this house', as she walked through the door. She'd found it often helped in Lancre as a deterent against armed robbers and/or small children. They were brought up short, however, when they saw the figure sitting on a stool next to the bed.

AH, LADIES. I WAS WONDERING WHEN YOU WOULD JOIN US said the tall and quite literally bony figure in black. The hood turned in their direction. I TRUST YOU ARE BOTH WELL, AND YOUR CAT AND FAMILY MRS OGG?

"I'll be telling you nothing about my family if you don't mind Mr Death. I'm surprised to find you here. I would imagine that a simple case of scarlet could be treated easily enough. So why are you here?"

Death sighed, and wondered why the witches never appreciated his polite enquiries. He was just trying to put them at their ease, after all. It was enough to make one very annoyed, although Death seldom got that excited, lacking certain things needed for that activity. USUALLY YOU WOULD BE RIGHT MRS OGG, BUT THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG WITH THIS CASE, IN FACT WITH THIS WHOLE AREA. THERE IS SOMETHING INTERFERING WITH REALITY, AND BENDING IT TO FIT A PATTERN. I CAN'T SEE HOW, I JUST SEE CONSEQUENSES. BUT THESE PEOPLE ARE FATED TO DIE. THE YOUNG LADIES FROM EARLIER WILL NOT BE AFFECTED BY THE DISEASE, JUST THESE PEASANTS. THERE IS NOTHING YOU CAN DO.

Granny glared at Death. "We can fight you, you know- play games we've had a round or two of Cripple Mr Onion before I recall? We can do it now."

Death shook his cowl, and looked as sorry as a skeleton dressed in a black robe could. THERE IS NO RESCUE FOR THIS PAIR. WHY DON'T YOU TAKE THE CHILD SOMEWHERE SAFE, SHE WILL NEED YOUR HELP. TAKE HER TO THE VILLAGE, THEY WILL TAKE HER IN, LET THEM KNOW. I DO MY WORK, YOU WILL DO YOURS. NOW GO.

"But..."

GO. NOW.

The words seemed to boom around the hut, and the mountain shelf, and the witches found themselves propelled outside. They looked at eachother, and both carefully decided it was probably best not to speak about what had happened. Ever. They found the small child who was still brokenly sobbing, and led her off to the small village nearby. The villagers took the girl, but looked upon Nanny and Granny in fear. Granny frowned at the reception the got. There was something familiar here she felt as though she had seen this kind of fear before- the locking of doors and windows, the stench of terror seeping from every pore. But for the life of her she could not remember where.

 

#57:  Author: Josie, Location: London PostPosted: Wed Nov 17, 2004 11:18 am

Shocked Shocked What is it?! Loved that Esme was secretly pleased with the lederhosen!! Hope you're feeling a bit better today and the prawn effects have worn off.

 

#58:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Wed Nov 17, 2004 12:43 pm

Lovely, I hope there's more soon.

 

#59:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England PostPosted: Wed Nov 17, 2004 1:44 pm

For a nanosecond I wondered if the tall bony figure in black was a certain Mrs Maynard! Thanks Elzbie Laughing Liz

 

#60:  Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans PostPosted: Wed Nov 17, 2004 2:47 pm

Hmmm I have at least two theories now I suspect they'll both be wrong so I'll just settle for a good chant of more please Very Happy

 

#61:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Wed Nov 17, 2004 5:29 pm

Glad you're back on form for writing today Ela!!! Looking forward to finding out a bit more about the mystery!

 

#62:  Author: Elzbie, Location: London PostPosted: Thu Nov 18, 2004 12:44 pm

The girls, meanwhile, had been marched straight back down the hill by Miss Ferrars, who had a vague notion that what they had seen might affect their nerves. After all, these were well brought up young ladies, and the sight of tumbledown wood huts which were actually occupied- rather than those empty ones in which they were often forced to reside during a storm or something- might give them funny ideas about the world. As for the lederhosen.... well, her brain was steadily building up a resistance, but she doubted whether she would ever look at the village boys in the same way again. Leather!

The trip back to school was a godsend to Theodora, who felt she needed time to think. Mary Lou muttered beside her, but Theodora had her written off as a bit of a wannabe. In fact, she probably kept a pair of black lace gloves in her dormy. She was certainly not one to be worried about, although she could report back to who ever was behind all this, and she was almost certainly helping- that weak shadow in the minds of her form mates could only be Mary Lou.

The more Theodora thought about it, the more she thought that there must be someone else within the school who was controling everything. Mrs Maynard..... Theodora did not want to cross her, and was afraid that the woman might bring up all her worst points again, but she was outside. How could she have such an effect on the others, if she, Theodora, could not feel any outside influence coming into the school. No, it had to be someone in there, but for the life of her Theodora could not decide who...

 

#63:  Author: Kate, Location: Ireland PostPosted: Thu Nov 18, 2004 12:58 pm

*very confused, but still enjoying this* Thanks, ELzbie! Smile

 

#64:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Thu Nov 18, 2004 8:19 pm

Who could it be? Who could it be? Matey? Loving this! Laughing

 

#65:  Author: Lisa_T, Location: Belfast PostPosted: Fri Nov 19, 2004 2:17 am

Or Hilda? Don't forget there's the hairdressing episode to come. Very Happy Very Happy

 

#66:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Fri Nov 19, 2004 5:58 am

True - I'd forgotten that! Laughing

 

#67:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England PostPosted: Fri Nov 19, 2004 7:54 am

I wondered about Matey as well. But then I thought 'has Rosalind made an appearance yet?' Liz *still wondering*

 

#68:  Author: Josie, Location: London PostPosted: Fri Nov 19, 2004 9:23 am

Laughing chees Ela! Have a good weekend mate! Very Happy

 

#69:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Fri Nov 19, 2004 7:54 pm

May we have some more soon please Ela?

 

#70:  Author: Elzbie, Location: London PostPosted: Mon Nov 22, 2004 10:08 pm

The stress began to tell on Theodora after the ramble, although she was finding it easier to deal with her bovine classmates and the constant 'Teds'. It was the wondering that did it. Mary Lou had kept her distance since then, and Margot's baleful stares were no more than irritating, although the latter was beginning to look really ill. No, what Theodora hated most was the fact that Granny had asked her do do this thing, and she was getting no further. She would yet again be a disspointment to everyone. She was sleeping badly and her hair was a permanent birds nest. Magrat, a witch back in Lancre, had had recalcitrant hair, but Theodora's was downright misbehaving, and nothing she did made it any better. She was therefore less than surprised when the head-mistress, Miss Annersley, called her into the office, ostensibly to 'chat' about her work, but obviously to deal with her hair, as the Abbesses eyes kept straying tp Theodora's gently wiggling locks.

 

#71:  Author: Josie, Location: London PostPosted: Mon Nov 22, 2004 10:13 pm

Quote:
although she was finding it easier to deal with her bovine classmates
Loving this phrase! Laughing Laughing Fab as usual Ela Cheers 'ears Very Happy (still wondering who's controlling things....)

 

#72:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Tue Nov 23, 2004 4:25 pm

LOL! More soon please Ela!!!

 

#73:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England PostPosted: Tue Nov 23, 2004 5:29 pm

love the 'gently wiggling locks' almost Medussa-like Laughing May we have some more please, Elzbie? Liz

 

#74:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Tue Nov 23, 2004 8:20 pm

Definitely looking forward to the next scene! Laughing Thanks Liz.

 

#75:  Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle PostPosted: Fri Nov 26, 2004 3:28 pm

Thank you Ela. Would quiite like to see the scene inside the study soon,

 

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