Part 2  http://members.lycos.co.uk/thecbb/lesleynemesispt2.html

Part 3  http://members.lycos.co.uk/thecbb/nemesis3.htm
 

I think they do now, I'm using the old slow computer with the sticky keyboard. I keep missing letters and not noticing. Mind you I missed the .htm or .html off and that wouldn't have helped!  ;D

Having a rotten time with this keyboard and stinking rotten modems on the notebook that won't work at all. 
Carolyn.

Much was the subdued excitement throughout the house as the CBBers realised that help was very probably at hand. Affected by the buoyancy, Lisa had a sudden idea which she dragged Lisa_T to one side to discuss.
“What a brainwave!” Lisa_T punched Lisa’s shoulder appreciatively. “Quick, let’s tell the others so we can put it into play next time Elinor appears.”
By dint of waving, gesticulating and pulling at the sleeves of those nearest, the two Lisas managed to grab everyone’s attention without creating a ruckus that might have alerted Elinor. Lisa explained her plan succinctly and although a few of the CBBers looked a little wary, they were soon persuaded that the scheme required everyone’s input.
“Who do you think should start it off, Lisa?”
“It will depend on the question, Annie, but it should be quite obvious” Lisa was positive.
“How do you think she’ll react?” asked Carolyn P of Lisa_T sotto voce.
“I expect she’ll be furious” confessed Lisa,” But it should have quite a positive effect from our point of view. It’s bound to be a bit amusing when we start off and that should have a draining effect on Elinor. Also, it pulls us together as a team rather than separate individuals.”
“But she’s bound to retaliate?” Carolyn had any amount of fortitude but she did not believe in throwing herself heedlessly into danger.
“Of course and that’s a risk we have to take. The question will be whether she punishes us all or chooses a scapegoat. Unfortunately, I think it will be the latter – that would both conserve her powers and have more impact on us.”

Elinor herself appeared. Without a moment’s hesitation she pointed at Lesley who rose with dignity to her feet.
“I believe we have a little time in hand if your friends are travelling here from Melbourne. I have had the opportunity to re-appraise myself of the full details of Hilda Annersley’s escape and it occurs to me that I may have over-looked something. Although you wrote the scene, Lesley, it’s clear that the idea came from someone else. Who was it?”
Lesley had not been expecting this and gaped at Elinor in consternation. “No, Elinor, it was all my work …” she began but was interrupted by Rachael P scrambling to her feet. Those to the left of her saw Rachael drop one eyelid, out of Elinor’s view, to Lisa_T.
“Lesley, there’s no need to protect me. Elinor, I suggested it to Lesley. It was my idea.” She waited expectantly.
Elinor’s eyes flickered between the two women, as if suspecting a ruse but before she could react, Lisa_T had leapt to her feet.
“No, it wasn’t Rachael, Elinor, I suggested it to Lesley!” she declared firmly.
“No, the first idea was mine!” This from Carolyn, as she too, stood up.
“I did it!”
“No, I suggested it to Lesley!”
“Blame me, Elinor!”
One by one the CBBers rose to their feet and declared their responsibility for the idea in a moving display of solidarity. Lesley’s lips twitched as she surveyed the scene and she raised her eyebrows at Lisa who winked back with poorly disguised glee. Her plan was working. As the youngest CBBer jumped up and alleged that the idea was hers, in a rather squeakier voice than usual, everyone held their breath.
 

Looking forward to reading more of this but with some trepidation...

*it would be cool if me and xan were more like that it'd be cool, but i rememebr posting something along those lines about me and her in real life on a thread when i first joined*

Really good stuff.

Looking forward to this morning's installment.

Ray *tantalised*

A couple of curious glances were cast in Lesley and Rachael’s direction but most of the CBBers had turned towards Carolyn, Lisa and Lisa_T, straining to overhear their impassioned discussion.
“There’s no argument,” asserted Lisa, “It was my idea to antagonise her …..”
“I’ll do it,” Lisa_T was insisting, “I’m the one who realised how Elinor draws on us for strength. I had a hunch that by doing this we’d prove that I’m right about her need to feed, and we have done, but it was me who pushed Lisa into moving so fast with it. We now know Elinor would have punished us all if she was strong enough but she obviously isn’t which means we’ve gained an advantage over her. It’s my responsibility, Carolyn, I can take it.”
“Don’t be ridiculous, Lisa!” Carolyn was equally insistent. “Why should you take the flak for discovering her weakness? It benefits all of us. Look, if nothing else, I’m older than you and I won’t let you do it …”
“What’s age got to do with it?” argued Lisa.
“Well, … nothing, or not directly really, “Carolyn looked a little sheepish. “Look,  I’m genuinely scared about what she might do to me and worse than that, I can’t bear the waiting and wondering … knowing that I might be next … my courage is failing me, Lisa … please let me do it now so I can keep my self-respect.”
Lisa fell silent in chagrin, quashed by Carolyn’s pluckiness. She gave Carolyn a big hug.
“I’m sorry, I didn’t realise. I think it’s very brave of you to face your fears like this. With any luck, Elinor may not be as powerful as she was with Pat.”
“I’m not so sure” said Carolyn. It’s a very common fear. I don’t think it will take her much to have me screaming …”
Lisa_T ‘s brow puckered. “Can you tell me?”
Carolyn’s voice was practically inaudible but Lisa picked up the gist. Then, smiling sympathetically, she whispered something back which caused Carolyn to giggle.
“Do you really think it will help?
“It’s worth a shot.”

As Elinor reappeared, Carolyn strode purposefully forward. Fuelled by the combined might of the CBBers and their shared insubordination, she was ready for anything. Elinor paused, a steely glint in her eyes. A table appeared in front of Carolyn, on which was a large, transparent crate. There was one small aperture and Carolyn was compelled to step up to it and place her hand and lower arm into the opening. Shifting it casually, she realised it was impossible to remove. To all intents and purposes the crate was empty and the CBBers were baffled. What was Elinor’s intent? The majority of them edged closer, now realising that they could support Carolyn by their very presence. Instantly, they drew back amidst muffled squeaks from those who shared Carolyn’s complete horror of spiders. This was no lone arachnid scuttling across the base. A myriad of eight-legged beasts swarmed inside the crate: a seething mass of black and brown bodies scuttled and darted across the bottom, up the sides and along the top. Carolyn’s arm was pinned to the base with her fingers splayed, despite her attempt to clench her fist and the creatures were dropping on to her hand, nibbling at her wrist and scurrying in all directions. A wave of nausea swept over her and she fought against feelings of panic. Her legs wobbling, she seized the table for balance. Looking up, she saw Lisa_T who had prudently placed herself in Carolyn’s line of vision, trying to catch her attention.. It was enough to remind her. Searching for the largest spider, she sought out its face and visualised hard. Using her imagination, the tiny features seemed to change and grow, becoming almost human and taking on the characteristics of Elinor until in her mind’s eye Elinor herself was no more than a malevolent little spider. In spite of herself, a small smile began to form at the corners of Carolyn’s mouth and her shoulders relaxed. How could she be terrified if she could up conjure up images like this? At the same time, the number of spiders decreased and those that were left seemed smaller and less terrifying. Was she truly winning? 
 

*dismisses the idea*

Go Carolyn :) And, Go Lisa_T, too :)

Ray *shuddering inspite it all*

Ellie, we're stronger than you think!  :P :P

But I have to say, I am concerned about what Elinor will do to Hilda when she arrives ... will they be able to completely overthrow her or will Hilda have to sacrifice herself  :-/
And poor Nell - must be difficult being friends with someone that noble!

*assumes Elinor wouldn't be so stupid as to kill off Hilda *

*Lesley still here cos meeting with boss put back to this afternoon!!!*

Abi *trying to convince herself*

Ray *cowardly like that*

*resolving not to judge everyone by myself in future*

Ray *not good at conspiracy work*

Abi *remembering when she did this*

*decides Elinor will probably not be so stupid*

amy quick delete that before she see's it!!!

Amy, honey, I don't think it is wise to tell Ellie what your fears are.  It will give her ammunition.  The members at the meeting are going to have enough trouble as it is - please edit your post :o
Unless of course that is a red herring - in which case Smart Thinking ;)

This is SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO well written - I'm hooked!

**Come on Ellie, give it your best shot love!!**

“So what do you think that all meant?” enquired Pat of Lisa_T
“She’s called our bluff” responded Lisa gravely. “I may be wrong but I think that up until now she’s just been toying with us, enjoying a game of cat and mouse with our fears and emotions. Yes, she’s been able to draw strength from our reactions to nightmares but that’s not the main source of her nourishment. I didn’t realise it but it’s genuine pain and the reactions of the spectators that really feeds her. She inflicted grievous amounts of pain on Hilda Annersley and became all-powerful until Hilda was rescued and that source removed. We rescued her, or rather Lesley did but we all helped, and I expect she intends to return the favour. I don’t think we’ve even begun to see what vile things she can do …”
Pat’s eyes widened at the thought of even greater suffering than her own experience. Lisa continued.
“And with an audience providing more … more sustenance … for her, well, the worst of it is, she’s just going to get stronger and stronger, perhaps even invincible There’s no way that we can control our emotions if we’re forced to watch her doling out mindless brutality. Did you feel the surge of anger that accompanied Carolyn being thrown against the wall? It rippled round the room. Elinor’s probably feasting on it right now.”
“Who do you think will be next?”
“I have an awful feeling that we’ve riled her and that she’s going to start on Lesley …” she lowered her voice, “… through Rachael …”

Lesley and Rachael themselves were having much the same conversation.
“She must be seething after that” Rachael was despondent.
“Yes” Lesley looked at her friend with some concern.
“You know the thing that really worries me? I’ve never experienced any pain, not real pain. I couldn’t even tell you what my pain threshold is as I’ve never had any - no accidents, no broken bones, no childbirth. I have no idea how I’m going to react and that alone frightens me. What a coward.”
“Rach, a coward would run away” Lesley tried to be consoling.
“If that was an option, I would. I’d probably leave you high and dry.”
“Nonsense! And as it’s not an option, you’re in no position to predict your hypothetical actions.”
“Lesley, look at my hand.” It was shaking. “I’ve had a sick feeling in the pit of my stomach for the last few hours and I just don’t know what I’m going to do if she picks on me. God, she can probably smell my fear from wherever she is …”
“She may not select you …”
“She may not, I know but … but I was psyching myself up to confront my worst nightmare, willing myself to believe that whatever it was, was only an image, something I could control if I only put my mind to it. This is totally different …and I have no idea how to deal with it.”
Lesley said nothing for the very good reason that there was nothing to say. Her hopes that Hilda might arrive at any moment were dwindling rapidly.
 

Though, I have to say, pain is something I can deal with - particularly with an audience. 

Ray *suggesting Ellie brings it*

I agree with you Ray - up to a point - but having to endure myself would be more acceptable than seeing someone I care about being punished instead - as Lisa seems to be suggesting.

*Lesley really riled at the way Elinor's mind works!*

I know what I'm letting myself in for.

Particularly given that Ellie seems alarmingly determined to borrow some of my 'better' writing tricks.

Ray *doing what she can*

*Plus of course none of us actually have any say in the matter except ******* Elinor! >:(*

It's just occurred to me!!  The times of The two postings - Ellie's and mine - are exactly the same.  I don't think it's possible even logged in as two people, to manage that!!  Proof it's not me!!!

Xanthe shot her a grin in return, before pulling out her papers. “If these are accurate, then there should be some kind of trapdoor behind the altar.”
Kathie was nearest and yanking back the corner of the rug that was there, she cried, “It’s here! Nancy come and help me lift it.”
The two women rolled up the rug and placed it carefully to one side, then with a mighty heave, as the trapdoor had clearly not been lifted in years, it was open.
“Where are the torches?” demanded Kathie.
Tassie_Ellen and Kathy_S shone their lights into the darkness.
“Look! There’s a fixed ladder!” Kathie swung her legs over the edge and climbed nimbly down.
Xanthe passed her a torch and Kathie swung the light round, taking a few steps in each direction and peering intently into the gloom.
“Yes, it looks like there’s a number of passageways. Which one do we want Xanthe?”
“North-east”, Xanthe had a compass in her hand and she pointed in the right direction.
“It looks clear ahead,” came back Kathie’s muffled tones. Moments later, her head appeared at the opening and she looked at Hilda.
“Let’s do it!”

Without further ado, Kathie and Xanthe hustled down the tunnel, pausing every now and then for Xanthe to refer to her map.  They went in silence and after about ten minutes, Xanthe pulled at Kathie’s sleeve indicating that she should stop. The passageway had opened up slightly and another, very dilapidated ladder stretched upwards. 
“This is it” Xanthe held a torch steady for Kathie to clamber up. She was quick and agile and in a few seconds was fumbling around the roof of the tunnel, looking for an edge or a hatch.
“I think I’ve got it!” 
“Will it open?”
“No, we’re going to have to knock to see if we can attract someone’s attention.”
“Let’s hope Elinor isn’t nearest!” Xanthe suppressed her fear with a nervous joke.
“OK, shush now” Kathie gave three soft taps and waited.
There was no response and so she tried again, twice more.

Inside the house, the CBBers had been summonsed once again and were grouped towards the front of the room listening intently. @ustria@my, one of the youngest, was at the back of the group because the eldest were still doing their utmost to protect the younger ones.  Turning round, she listened carefully. There it was again, a rapping noise which seemed to be coming from the fireplace. Checking that she was out of sight, she ducked and crept towards the fireplace. Stooping down, she tapped SOS gently on the stonework. The reply was immediate and Amy groped blindly beneath the fireplace, searching for any kind of switch or lever.  A couple of times she had to stifle a screech as her hand brushed against cobwebs. Then she found it and turning the rusty knob slowly so as to reduce the risk of any creaks, she eased back the slab of stone. She found herself face to face with Kathie Ferrars who had her finger over her lips. Kathie spoke quickly in the low undertone that years of experience had taught her was less likely to travel distance than a whisper.
“Amy, thank God you’re all here! There isn’t time to explain now but we need you to keep this entrance clear. There’s more of us and the others will be arriving shortly. It’s imperative that you don’t tell anyone that we’re on our way. We mustn’t let Elinor found out …”
As abruptly as she had appeared, Kathie was gone, leaving Amy dazedly wondering whether it was for real.
 

Ray *amused by the lockpicking*

Is it just me, or does anyone else find this rather hopeful installment makes the difference between Elinor the poster and Elinor the evil character quite psychologically confusing? 

*on tenterhooks for more*
 
 

I did have a thought though - we've no proof that Ellie is a human!  Could she be a plot bunny?

If she's not human I fear she's something considerably less benign than a bunny!

Won't they just be giving Elinor more victims? :-/

Ray *now petrified in case it IS a plot bunny*

Nope - it's not just you - I was finding it confusing earlier, when the CBBers were working out how to defeat her mind games.

*Chewing fingernails worrying about what's going to happen next.

*enjoying this, but remaining a little disconcerted*

And to Elinor the author, excellent work! This is moving along wonderfully quickly. Can't wait to see where you take us next!

“You! Come before me!” The command echoed chillingly round the room.
The CBBers turned in horror towards Lesley, too shocked to imagine what might happen next. But the figure was looking slightly to the right of Lesley, at Rachael P, who seemed rooted to the spot. One long tremor seemed to flow through her body. Then she stirred and placing one leaden foot before the other she made her way slowly to the position indicated. All colour had drained from her face. She felt almost faint with fear and her stomach was churning. As she stood, helplessly exposed and more vulnerable than she had ever been in her life, she willed herself to be strong and to find that same resilience which had helped Jennie, Pat and Carolyn.
As the CBBers watched, Rachael’s wrists appeared to be bound behind her, much as Jennie had been restrained so many hours before. Rachael was taking fast, shallow breaths to control her rising panic.
“I think perhaps some humility should be shown. On your knees!” the voice instructed coldly.
Rachael stared steadfastly ahead but flinched visibly as Elinor took a step towards her.
“Kneel!” the order came again.
Rachael braced herself but the blow still took her by surprise and she staggered to one side before regaining her balance.
“Do I have to ask you again?” The voice was deathly quiet and a shiver ran up Lesley’s spine.
Smarting from the first knock, Rachael tensed once more and was sent reeling in the opposite direction.
“More defiance – how unoriginal” the voice goaded. “Perhaps you require some … persuasion?”
This time it was as though Rachael had been punched in the abdomen. Doubling up in agony she tumbled forwards, unable to break her fall. Lesley made as if to go to her aid but was shoved back to her place by a hidden force.
“Leave her”, the words oozed cruelty. “Your penance is to watch, Lesley. Are you … enjoying … the show?”, this last spoken vindictively.
“You sadistic b*tch!” Lesley would have taken the words back if she could.
Rachael had managed to pick herself up with some difficulty and was on her knees single-mindedly concentrating on the floor by Elinor’s feet. At Lesley’s outburst she was sent sprawling again. This time her efforts to rise were excruciatingly slow.

“Elinor, please, I’m begging you …”  Lesley implored in vain.
“That is exactly my intention, Lesley.  To have you begging for my mercy, just like Hilda Annersley pleaded with me.”
“Then torture me instead …”
“Very noble,” Elinor mocked, “But my pleasure is in watching you. Your misplaced loyalties, your horror, your suffering at your friend’s suffering … do you honestly think I would gain anything by physically torturing you? Believe me, your mental anguish is much more entertaining.  And Lesley, I’ve only just begun. It’s still very early days. Soon she’ll be snivelling and sobbing for respite. I wonder how you’ll react then?”
For the first time, Elinor laughed, an evil calculated laugh, devoid of soul. Lesley heaved and had to turn away from the group to retch dryly at one side, much to Elinor’s open amusement. Looking first across to Rachael and then back to Elinor, Lesley knew she was helpless. Utterly bereft of hope, all she felt was a vast emptiness as Elinor returned her attentions to her prey.
 

Actually this makes we wonder seriously whether Rachael isn't Elinor, how on earth is she going to face Rachael otherwise after beating her up?!?!  Although having said that she's been pretty nasty to everyone, but still - physical violence?!?!
 
 

Ray *awaiting more*

I see your point Catherine but I'm with Ray - I think I'd cope better with a few knocks than psychological torture .... and I haven't been thrown against a wall!
I actually feel sorry for Lesley - this seems to be her torture and it must be hugely awful to see that happening to a friend ...

Elinor - I'm still standing so  :P
Elinor, the author - where do you intend to stay in March?  ;D

I hadn't read this since I archived it, mainly because I'm still having computer problems, which will hopefully be solved tonight, (If parcel force deliver the broadband modem when Tiscali told us they will.)

Strangely emough the other reason I haven't been here is an outsized headache. I thought it was withdrawel as I've stopped my anti-depressants, but now I know, it's really because Elinor threw me against a wall. 

My scene with the spiders had me shuddering, but I love the idea of treating them like boggarts (HP). I must remember that one.

Seeing other people suffer physically is a hard one. The only thing I can think is this too will pass, and the biblical quote, "Weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning." We need to remember that it is not us who are causing the pain, whatever Ellie says, she is responsible for her own actions, not us, not Lesley, not her victims, she alone bears the responsibility for her actions.

Love and hugs to all who are currently suffering her wrath.

When I had my first child, I was in labour for six days, with the final day in excruciating pain, a dangerous delivery which took nearly three hours, I almost bled to death, and guess what? It left me with a weakened heart.

So, you want to keep us all alive so we can suffer? Well, you'll have to take damn good care that you don't kill me. One less for you to torture and, seeing others suffer puts an emotional strain on me, and therefore on my heart. 

I'll make damn sure I'm near anyone you want to torture. Dare you carry on?

Remember, all the CBB'ers will be extremely concerned for me, and that's a form of love. Remember,  love conquers hatred.

You're just a windbag, a turnip dressed up in a sheet to frighten the young ones.

Yah sucks boo to you, Ellie.

*suddenly paranoid - is this  a come-uppance for gloating at sneak previews of Real CS on a Friday?  :(*

MORE PLEASE!!

I take it that it wouldn't be a good idea to point out that I don't have a scooby how to type out SOS?

*unsure if meant to start the chant*

*trying to make light of very nasty situation*

I always wondered how a knock could be long or short, a raap of the knuckles is just a rap of the knuckles. Light and bleeps yes, but how knocks or taps??

When will tonights episode be, I'm sat here biting my nails and my cuticles are beginning to hurt!

Ray *prepared to duck and run*

I only got back from London after 6.00 tonight.  then i had tea and phoned Mum, and since then I've been catching up on the days postings!

Ray *well aware she has no room to talk on the subject of timely postng to her own drabbles*

Whoever is writing this is pretty good on psychology because I would definitely feel worse about a friend being hurt because of me, than be hurt myself.

Sorry don't agree with everyone's descriptions of nasty - as far as I'm concerned Elinor the character is vindictive, spiteful, evil and malevolent. The thing that makes it worse is that I first invented her.

Elinor the writer - this is powerful and rather disturbing stuff - please post again soon.

That's why I suggested trying to picture her looking like a clown!

I've just checked the archives, and she posted at 9.40 last Friday, UK time.

(Not a serious suggestion, even if she isn't here tonight!)

*I think she has lost her nerve!!*

Ray *done enough of this sort of writing to feel some sympathy*

Ray *realises this is making her sound like something of a fruitcake*

Ellie we appreiate you, and I will do so even more if you post before I log off.

Ellie where are you!

Actually I think I was more surprised by how it made me feel - both writing about Bill's reaction and posting that scene with Hilda and EBD. Even though I knew that she'd be rescued it didn't stop me feeling terrible!

Elinor the writer must be feeling something of the same - let's hope she has also got a happy ending! And that she posts soon!

*BTW Catherine - was that a late night or an early morning ;D*

:P :P :P

If it's part of the torture - it's working! ;D

*Agrees with Lesley - if it's part of the torture it's DEFINITELY working*

Writer's block's always a good possibility.

Ray *waiting Ellie [im]patiently*

Ray *wondering who thought all this present malarky was a good idea...*

*Emma wishing that she had got her shopping done before she started her job as now she can only go into Birmingham  at the weekend!!  >:( *

*nods vigorously* I know what you mean, Emma - I used to work in the city centre so I could do my Christmas shopping in my lunch hour or I could hang on after work on a Thursday and do the late night thing. I now work five miles out from the city centre and weekends are more or less the only time I can do it.  *shudders*

I think my boss has the right idea: All her family get things that can be ordered online. I think I've probably signed for a good half of her Christmas shopping in the last week!

Ray *will take a leaf out of the boss' book next year!*

Ray *had far too many bad experiences in both stores recently* *and with appologies to anyone on the board who works for either firm elsewhere in the country - or even in Bristol; I know both stores do have some worthwhile staff* *they just seem to be on vacation at the moment*

No for once she's in good health she has been coming on line but fairly kate at night  :) 

she'll be glad though that you seemed to be missing her presence on the board.

Ray *ducking rapidly*

Ray *is glad Pat had a good afternoon, though*

Annie - I haven't been away! I've been quite good, and tried to post every day! :)

*Sends something to Ellie's PB just in case it's not co-operating to try and get more story*

Ray *;)*

What do you want me to back you up in Lisa? 

Elinor continued. “Well Hilda, how very opportune. Now that you have graced us with your presence, it reminds me that I do have a present for you, a small welcome gift shall we say, to remind you of our time together. I wouldn’t want you to underestimate my power.”
She motioned towards Miss Wilson. With a shrug and a glance at Hilda, Nell took her position in the spotlight. She had no idea what would happen and the CBBers were unable to communicate with her.
“I have something rather special in store for Helena Wilson” Elinor’s eyes bore into Hilda. “Something I think you’ll appreciate the irony of given your grand entrance earlier. I imagine her old fears have been rekindled and one memory, in particular will be at the forefront of her mind.”
The wall blurred until some hazy figures could be seen emerging from a tunnel. It was the flight from Spartz. It was clear that the figures were Joey, Nell herself, Hilary, Jeanne, Maria, Lorenz, Evadne, Cornelia and Daisy. Then they were joined by Gottfried, Jack and Robin, whilst Daisy was passed to the safe-keeping of a goatherd. The images continued, re-playing the story that everyone knew so well. It was glaringly apparent that Miss Wilson was suffering by being forced to relive the most traumatic time of her life. But as the images continued, and horsemen caught up with Joey, Jack and Robin, the story deviated. As Joey ran out to hold out her hands for alms and calling to them in Romany, one of the riders paused. Dismounting, he caught at Joey, pulling her hair from the plait wound round her head and inspecting her hands. This was no peasant woman. They were caught!

Nell groaned, her handsome face turning grey.
“Enough, Elinor!” Hilda’s voice held no inflection. She appeared to be the only witness to this display who retained the power of speech. “You’ve made your point. Allow me to speak to you alone.”
The images dissipated
Lesley was the first to reach Nell. Hilda herself was locked in a battle of wills with Elinor.
Helping her back to a seat Lesley asked Nell why Hilda wanted to speak to Elinor in confidence. In response, Nell shut her eyes although not before Lesley saw them darken in despair.
“What is it Nell?” she urged, a sense of doom prevailing over her.
Nell replied in such a low undertone that it was lost.
“What?” Lesley persisted.
“Greater lover hath no man than this, that he lay down his life for his friends …”

Ray *on the edge of her seat* *and also wondering if she's the only one who thinks she might have missed an installment?*

*Also sitting on the edge of her seat..................................................................................................and promptly falling off!!*

*very very very concerned about how this drabble is developing*

Please tell me Hilda's got something up her sleeve beyond her arms! Please!

Ray *speechless*

*also hopes that Hilda has something cunningly stashed away because she is my favourite Chalet character and I couldn't cope if anything happened to her*

Sorry can't think of anything to say!

Of course, Advent Drabbles are so satisfying to write; so tempting, so many people to include, so much fun to twist and turn the plots.

Yup, decision made. Advent Drabbles here I come!   ;D

She's still logged in.  This must be the longest she's ever stayed, isn't it?

I have just had a dreadful thought. Hilda rescues us by allowing Ellie to take her. We then rescue Hilda, which makes Ellie seek revenge, Hilda is retaken again and so on ad infinitum......NO NO NO NO NO!

Lesley, I don't know what determines the order of the names of those logged in, but Elinor's comes immediately after yours on my screen!!! 

Yes, we can't let Elinor get away with this!!

Well Pat on my screen the order is 

Lesley, Nicolette. PatW Emma_N. Elinor

So I don't think there can be much significance!

*Want more posted NOW!!!*

A hush fell upon the room. Had Elinor really gone? Were they free or was this some ghastly hoax? A fresh torment?
“What … what happened?” Nancy was the first to recover her senses.
“She’s gone.”
“But how? And will she come back?”
“No.” Ray seemed to have an understanding of what had just occurred and tried to explain. “Elinor will not be returning. Not now … not ever.” Her face was very grave. “I don’t know what you said to her Hilda, I mean Miss Annersley, but I think she must have met her match  in you and it destroyed her.”
“Miss Annersley asked Elinor to accept herself in return for the release of the rest of us”, Miss Wilson offered despite Hilda’s restraining hand on her arm. 
There was a concerted intake of breath.
“I thought so,” Ray smiled. “I don’t think you realised it Miss Annersley, but your action was perhaps the noblest thing you could have done … the ultimate sacrifice. You offered her an alternative, an option that was less heinous but she refused to take it. She was consumed by hate and greed and she wanted it all, she wanted us all. What she forgot was that good, in its highest form will always triumph over adversity. Hilda did not think about herself. She was prepared to give up everything to save the rest of us. Her actions, by virtue of their selflessness and purity overcame Elinor. In some weird way she’s been annihilated by her own evil,” then with a knowing wink, “Or you could say, she was hoist by her own petard!”
Crossing the room, she opened the curtains and threw open a window, ushering in some welcome fresh air. “See, we’re free!”
:But what’s actually happened to her?” asked Lesley curiously.
“I think she has met her Maker,” Nell interjected solemnly, “And if that is the case, she will be facing a Judgement which we could never effect in this world.”

Looking at the stricken faces before her, Hilda deemed it prudent to change the subject.
“There is little point in us dwelling on things we know little or nothing about. I rather think that we have cause for celebration. Where’s Rachael? Do we have anything that we can use to make a toast?”
“I’m here!” Rachael had slipped out to retrieve several bottles of champagne from the fridge. Several willing hands relieved her of her burden.
“Ahem”, a couple of aggrieved people cleared their throats pointedly. “I know you’ve all forgotten all about us” pronounced KB mournfully, “But we’re back!”
“Vikki! KB! You must have been unfrozen at the same time as Elinor was obliterated. How marvellous!”
“Marvellous? We’re teeming with things to say, we’ve been able to see and hear everything and …and … ” Having been mute for so long Vikki was clearly champing at the bit.
“Victoria, Katherine,” the Head’s tone suggested that she would tolerate no dissent. Even Vikki judged it wise not to gainsay Miss Annersley’s use of the full name. “This is not the time.”
Both women made themselves look very small. Hilda relented.
“You may chat as much as you like in a few minutes. For now, I would like to propose a toast.” She raised the glass that Kathie had handed her. “To the CBB and the Chalet School, three cheers!”
These were given by a will, followed by a rousing version of  ‘For she’s a good fellow’ as instigated by a very relieved and emotional Lesley.
 

She's gone!!  Logged out!! 

Ray *applauding* *and in case people think I wouldn't, Ray's last comment in the drabble is the sort of thing I'd do...* *not so sure I'd have guessed the rest though.............*

*Lesley very emotional here too!*

Now is the author going to take a bow? ???

*Joins in applause

PLEASE say who you are who ever wrote it!

Time to fess up now though please? Or are you going to milk this for all it's worth first?  ;)  Wouldn't blame you if you did - great story!

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