Ertifferrah - Written By: Elay Understood - CHAPTER 4- A CHAT WITH THE GOVERNESS ---- Elay TV Content Creator

A year has gone by since that uncanny night

when the waters took wave

and caused her such fright.

It’s morning now,

The world’s not quite awake.

Though the sky is clear and bright, the sun hasn’t come up.

In her sleep attire, Ertifferrah, though exhausted, still presented herself in a manner more acceptable for her meeting with Lady Governess.

Ertifferrah gaze stretched upwards along the intensely enormous pillars that appeared to graze the sky. Standing in front of Lady Governess quarters was an exciting way to start the day and welcome in the sun because, in her opinion, it was here where it shined best.

The need to confide in the Governess was dire. She simply could not see herself getting through the rest of the day without it.  Using her fingers as a comb, Ertifferrah did her best to smooth back her long black hair after remembering that she had forgotten to fix it.  Her thin sandals were in good shape, and the pale blue nightgown indeed passed as day-wear. No makeup this time, it was obvious that that wasn’t on her mind for the instant she woke up, she brushed her teeth and rushed here, knowing that the Governess wouldn’t mind her underdressed appearance one bit.

The length of the wait to enter the quarters depended on the flow of the sun. The Governess liked it this way. If it was partly cloudy, she’d open for half a day, and if it was bright and sunny, office hours presumed as usual. She too liked the sun and matched her moods with, but never had she not opened; simply because there has never been a day without sun.

The guards drew the massive doors open and Ertifferrah rushed in. Ruben, a guard she knew, greeted her. “Ah, Ertifferrah! Here early today?”

“Yes, Hello, Ruben, and how are you?” She asked, running by.

With a smile, Ruben picked up his long staff and headed outdoors to stand a post.

Since she was considered as the Governess adopted daughter, there was no need for her to bring a gift or stop in at the guestroom to sign in. But, it was always fun for Ertifferrah to peek inside the gift room to see all Lady Governess had received since her prior visit. The Governess would even let her choose a gift to take home after the visit. “It wouldn’t hurt to set aside what I like.” She thought.

“Dear, you may go in now,” Announced a female servant from the guestroom.

The woman startled her, “oh, yes, okay. Thank you” She entered the room and found the Governess taking something out of a drawer and placing it on a glass shelf.

 “You’re here early today.  What’s wrong?” Spoke Lady Governess”

“My Lady, I don’t even know where to start or even how.”

“Begin anywhere. I’m quite sure we’ll come to a conclusion we both understand.” Her voice trailed off as she extended her arm and directed Ertifferrah to a pastel-violet, chaise that matched the walls of her spacious office. The lights were off, but the daylight from outside was sufficient. The subdued atmosphere of the room matched the mood of Ertifferrah.

“So tell me,” Governess proceeded.  “What seems to be the problem?”

I haven’t been able to sleep and it’s affecting me, It’s hard for me to make simple decisions; I can’t focus on my classes or on my studies.”

“Is there something going on causing you to lose sleep, my love?”

“Yes, and I know what it is, but telling you, makes the whole thing seem meek.”

“What is it, my love?” Governess coaxed.

Now that I’m almost through my eleventh year in school, I’ve been faced with a lot of issues and have no one to talk to. Oh, please take no offense when I say this but it would be a delight if I had someone to talk to and spend time with who was my own age.

Governess’s eyes filled with sympathy.  “Yes, I know my sweet.”  She shifted on the couch and continued: I’ve noticed that you haven’t been by to visit for quite some time to talk with me. Could how you feel have something to do with you not coming by?

Yes, my Lady, yes. I thought that maybe if I spent time alone to figure things out then…I wouldn’t have to run to you with every problem. 

“You’ve had your sixteenth birthday and have become a woman. Is this also another reason why your visits here have fallen off dramatically?”

“Yes…in a way, I realized that I should try and find my own way to solve problems.”

“This is still causing you to lose sleep.” She stated. “Resting the body is important, for it gives us the strength to function. Final exams will be underway soon and from the looks of it, you are in no condition to take them. How long has this been going on, Ertifferrah?

 

Not wanting to tell her that it has approached a year and roughly a month and a half to date, she mumbled “Uumm, for quite some time. I can’t even remember.

“Then it has been too long!”  She said sternly.  

Why, yes, yes, it’s true. You always seem to know when something is wrong with me.

Of course, aren’t you my daughter? She said with a warm smile. I knew that once you become a woman, you’d relax with your visitations, but I never planned for it to be so sudden and for so long.

I know it can be hard not having a companion who is your peer. The things you’re going through right now appear to be more personal; therefore, wanting to be with someone of your own age is natural. There are events in life that are simply more fun to go through with a friend.” She smiled again.

There was a knock at the door, Ruben, the door guard entered bowing. “Excuse me, Lady Governess, but there is someone who wants to see you. She says that she has traveled many days just to speak with you.” 

With an exasperated sigh, Governess shifted off the cushioned window ledge, which doubled as a bed on those days when she was too busy to tear away from governmental affairs and escape to her actual living quarters, which were clear across the other side of the massive domain. 

“Huuuh, thank you, Ruben. Tell her that I’m finishing a conversation with my daughter. Then, invite her into the guestroom to be checked in, please.”

Yes, certainly, Lady Governess, right away.” Before leaving, he glanced over at Ertifferrah, and winked. He made eye contact with the Governess, bowed, backing out, and closed the door behind him.

As the door closed, the violet window sheers that crossed the back of the door fanned in opposite direction, causing the room to be fragranced with the smell of fresh flowers. Lady Governess always kept her window sheers sprayed with scented oils.

“My love, first things first – we must get you back into working order, then, we will continue on with part two of your dilemma to see about finding you a good friend.”

“Okay,” Ertifferrah softy replied. 

“Here, take this potion.” Handing her a long triangle glass with jewels encrusted into the three-pointed cross that rounded at the edges. The bejeweled topper concealed a thick, purple elixir. 

“Take one cupful before you turn in for the night. You will rest peacefully and your dreams will be as sweet as your first kiss!” 

“Thank you.”  Ertifferrah blushed at the thought of the potion being sweet as her first kiss because that was something she had not yet experienced.

“What about school?”

“Don’t mind that. I’ll send one of my ladies over to pardon you for three days, and if you need more time, say the word. As far as your studies, concern yourself not, for I will appoint a tutor for you after the bed-rest period. So there, you’re set! No excuses about inadequate sleep and homework for you.”

Okay. Ertifferrah answered. 

Oh, yes, please stop by the gift room and choose two gifts for yourself. When you get home, don’t hesitate to take the potion.

“Thank you, Lady Governess.”

“My pleasure.