A New World

[Duffy]

I've been working on this for a bit, have a few more chapters written, and have a bunch more planned. This first chapter is really just a teaser... Comments are always welcome!

As always, these stories are not in any way about real people places or events, and do not involve real children in any way.

1.

Sonya’s mother cried as she hugged her, and her father’s hand shook as he placed it gently on her shoulder. It was early September and the orange-gilded edges of the leaves hanging just past the Corinthian columns vignetted their green centers, and to Sonya, these colors seemed truer and more vibrant than any she had ever seen. Later it would seem to her that it wasn’t her mother’s tear-stained cheeks or the pale, grim look of determination that wrinkled its way across her father’s mouth that she most remembered from that day, but those greens highlighted by oranges, and the ornate capitals of the colonnade.

Looking back, she wished she had paid more attention to the words her father had used when he’d told her he loved her, and remembered more details of that last hug with her mother before they’d climbed into the back of their Maybach and left Sonya, all thirteen years of her, watching them disappear around a bend in the dirt road that crisscrossed her uncle’s estate. Someone must have led her inside and said comforting things. Someone must have told her about her impending appointment with the Count, and yet, Sonya could never remember those moments. She had steeled herself for these moments so thoroughly, rehearsed them so vigorously, that she could not separate the rehearsal from the actual moment no matter how hard she tried.

Everyone said that Sonya was a very grown-up little girl, and commented on her fortitude.

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The Count sat behind his big desk with an air of authority and entitlement that only good breeding can impart. He took off his wire-rimmed spectacles and examined the thin, dark-haired girl in front of him with benevolence and severity, his stern face hiding what seemed to be the hint of an ironic smile.
“Well Sonya,” he said, “sit down, my dear.” He blew on the lenses of his glasses, and absently rubbed them on the cuff of his shirt and Sonya sank uncomfortably into one of the armchairs across from him. “You’ve seen off your parents, have you?”

“Yes sir,,” Sonya managed to squeak out. With some hesitation, she added, “Your Excellency.” The Count knew very well that Sonya’s parents had left; he’d witnessed the whole thing.

“Please my dear, you don’t have to be so formal. Call me Uncle or Alex, or anything you please.” He tried to smile as she nodded and ease the awkwardness of the situation, wondering if she knew the seriousness of their conversation. “Now, do you understand that your parents have left you in my care until you turn twenty-one, regardless of whether or not you choose to continue your training?”

“Yes, Uncle.”

“Good,” he said, as his face softened. “It’s for the best you know dear. There was no way they could have taken you with them to Transnistria.” Sonya nodded again, and as he spoke the Count seemed to become livelier and more at ease, while Sonya seemed to sink deeper and deeper into her chair. “Yes, imagine, a thirteen-year old girl on the front lines of battles between Sylphs and Chthonians… But never mind that, my dear. The question is, do you wish to continue your training?”

For a moment, Sonya considered saying no. Did she really want to endure the suffering? Did she really want to live her parents’ life? And she thought, for just a moment, that she might really give it all up, until she heard herself whisper softly, “Yes, Uncle Alex.” It was a surprise to her that she’d spoken at all, and as she felt herself disappearing into the deep leather cushions, she heard her uncle speak to her.
“Good,” he said finally, as though he were immersed in some stream of thought so immense that her answer, ever her mere presence, was an afterthought, “very good indeed.” He opened his top left desk drawer and removed a rather large scroll. He unrolled it with a flourish, and, without being told, Sonya rose trembling and held out her right hand to him. Slowly and deliberately, he drew a small knife from his jacket pocket, and lacerated her index finger in a single, fluid motion, and held her hand over the scroll. As a few drops of blood scattered on the paper he dropped her hand, which limply fell to her side and, almost without realizing it, Sonya began to cry.

The Count moved around to the front of his desk, his manner far more kindly than it had been at the beginning of their interview, and he hugged Sonya with an unexpected warmth. “It’s a lot for one day, I know,” he said, “but you’ve been very brave…” She let her head fall against his chest and her tears flow freely into his shirt. He rubbed her back and comforted her gently. “Don’t worry my dear,” he kept saying, “everything will be fine…”

When she’d finally calmed down, the Count rang a buzzer on his desk. “Fae will be here in a moment and will take you to the nursery.” His face had regained some of its severity, and Sonya merely nodded. By the time the old housekeeper entered the study to take her away, Sonya had regained control over her emotions. “I’ll see you tomorrow for your lesson,” the Count said almost casually, and dismissed them both with a slight motion of his hand.

[Duffy]

See what I mean? It's just a teaser. I'll post chapter two for your reading enjoyment also tonight, in the hopes that you'll be intrigued and possibly hooked. And this one has diaper content in it! Hurray! Again, comments are appreciated!

2.

Natasha lay back on the changing table as her governess snugged up her fresh diaper with a practiced ease. She sighed impatiently as she looked up at Maria, who smiled down at her. “Almost done Tasha, hold on just a second,” Maria said, running her fingers around Natasha’s thighs, checking for gaps between the diaper and her legs. “Alright, all done,” she said, apparently satisfied. Natasha held out her hands and Maria helped pull her into a sitting position. “Let’s go wash out hands,” Maria said. As Maria bundled up the dirty diaper and threw it in the diaper pail, Natasha noticed her cousin coming through the door of the nursery with Fae, the head housekeeper.

“Sunny!” Natasha yelled, leaping off the changing table. “You’re here!” Natasha bounded across the room, her dress catching the breeze from the open bay windows and billowing behind her. Sonya barely had enough time to look up before her cousin pounced on her and hugged her tightly.

“Oh Tasha” Sonya said, “oh I’m so glad you’re here.” As the cousins hugged, the housekeeper and the governess exchanged looks. How would Natasha react when she found out? The hug lasted for what seemed an eternity, and even when they finally stopped hugging, they were reluctant to let each other go, looking each other over carefully.

“I’m so glad you finally made it!” Natasha yelled exuberantly, and the two cousins began hugging one another all over again, followed by both of them talking, yelling, and laughing all at once.

Maria gave a reproachful clearing of the throat. “Inside voices girls,” she said. Neither cousin seemed to take notice, but they both quieted down. “Also, I’m sure that Fae has other work to do today.”

“Indeed,” said Fae. “May I show you to your room Miss Sonya?”

“Oh Fae,” said Natasha, “really, it’s not necessary. I can show her around.” Natasha beamed at her cousin.

“Well in that case, I take my leave of all of you. Good day.” The girls began to talk again in that special language that can only exist between two good friends who have been absent from each other’s company for far too long. Again, they were interrupted.

“Tasha, come wash your hands. You’ve just had your diaper changed, and I don’t need you spreading germs all over the nursery,” Maria said. Natasha blushed slightly, and Sonya looked away, embarrassed.

“ALRIGHT, fine, I’m coming,” Natasha said. She started walking towards the sink next to the changing table.

“Nataltyia…” Maria began. The girl rolled her eyes, even though she could tell she was starting to push it. “Don’t talk back, and don’t roll your eyes at me.”

“I wasn’t talking back, jeez,” Natasha said, “I just said that I was coming.” Natasha washed her hands.

“And Natasha,” Maria said, “remember that your math tutor expects you in an hour.”

“But Maria, can’t I have a holiday from math, just for today? Please?” Maria seemed to be considering the proposition, and so Natasha pushed on. “I mean, Sonya just got her, and I have to show her to her room, and besides…”

“Ok, ok, I’ll speak with Thomas. But you’ll have to make it up later this week!”

“That’s ok! I’ll do it, honest!”

“But remember to come find me after dinner so I can change you… And I’ll be in my room if you need one before that.” Natasha nodded excitedly. “That reminds me,” Maria said, “do you need a change Sonya?”

Sonya blushed a bit and looked down. “Umm… no, that’s ok.”

“But surely you must at least be wet after such a long trip!”

Sonya blushed a deeper shade of red. “No, I’m not… because… well…” and with an embarrassed smile, Sonya lifted up the front of her skirt to reveal a pair of slightly thick cotton panties. Natasha squealed and Maria gave a little gasp. “I do kinda have to go potty, though,” she said.

[MaryBush]

An excellent story Duffy.

[Duffy]

Thanks for the positive feedback! Glad you enjoyed it!

[MaryBush]

Keep it up Duffy.

[Duffy]

Chapter 3 is here! Chapter 4 is almost done, but I need a little more time to get that finished. Hope you enjoy it!

3.

The nursery was an atrium near the end of the wing of the house that provided entry into the children’s rooms and, above on a balcony, rooms for their governess and tutors. Sonya and Natasha were sitting in Sonya’s room, where a maid was unpacking her trunks.

“I can’t believe you got potty trained!” Natasha said, for what must have been the tenth time. “Especially ‘cause I’m three months older!”

“I know…” Sonya said, blushing again, “my parents said that they wanted to do it early, since they probably wouldn’t be back by the time I was supposed to be trained.” The way she looked at the floor implied the unspoken: maybe they wouldn’t be back at all. Tasha sensed this, and tried to respond comfortingly.

“It’s brave what they’re doing. And kinda romantic, too.” Sonya nodded, and the two girls sat there in silence for a few moments, and Natasha built up the courage to ask the question that had been bothering her ever since she found out Sonya was out of diapers. “So,” she asked as casually as she could, “did Daddy give you a key?” Sonya nodded again, and Tasha bounced up and down on the bed. “Let me see, let me see, let me see!”

Sonya pulled a key on a brown string out of her shirt. It was rather thick, and Natasha’s eyes almost glittered as she saw it. She took it from Sonya and all at once, let out a sigh. “I can’t believe Daddy trusted you with a key!”

“I know, it’s so exciting!”

Natasha gave the key back and, to hide her jealousy, changed the subject. “So did you have to go through a new ordeal?”

“Not a whole ordeal, but I did have to sign a new contract. Look…” Sonya held her hand out to her cousin and showed her the angry cut on her forefinger.

“Ouch,” Natasha said, examining the cut. “He didn’t cut you any slack there.”

“But…” Sonya paused. Should she tell her about her doubts? Should she tell anyone, ever? Sonya motioned for Natasha to follow her into the nursery, and said in a voice just above a whisper, “I wasn’t sure that I wanted to.”

Natasha’s eyes widened in surprise. “Like, you mean, you thought about quitting?”

“Yeah… And now I feel horrible about even considering it, because I know what it would mean for my Sylph,” Sonya said. The girls’ eyes met meaningfully for a second and then they turned away. “Oh Tasha, don’t think I’m a bad person! I’m not a murderer! And I said yes, that’s what matters, right?”

“Well of course that’s what matters! But I can’t believe you hadn’t decided before Daddy asked you.”

“Well,” Sonya said a little bit defensively, “I hadn’t. I mean, that’s why there are ordeals and contracts, right? To make sure you’re committed. I mean, you’ve thought about quitting, right?”

Natasha was silent for a moment. “I mean, I guess so,” and Sonya realized what she’d been implying. Everyone knew that once a child began to train, they could only quit if their master left them or died. Had Natasha really thought about her father abandoning her and what she would do?

“That’s not what I meant, Tasha.”

“No, it’s ok…”

There was an awkward silence for a moment. “So…” Sonya said, only to be interrupted by a little boy in nothing but a diaper and a t-shirt jumping into her lap.

“Hi Sonya!”

“Michael!” Natasha yelled, “God, you are so annoying!” Michael was only eight, but he idolized both his big sister and his big cousin.

“Hi Mikey!” The little boy snuggled into Sonya’s lap.

“Nataliya,” said a man from behind them, “why can’t you be nice to your brother?”

“Sorry Thomas,” Natasha said, rolling her eyes a little.

“It’s not me you need to apologize to, young lady.”

“Sorry Michael,” Natasha said.

“And by the way, it’s wonderful to see you again, Sophia,” Thomas said, squeezing her shoulder. Sophia smiled at him. “Why don’t you join me and Nataliya for maths tomorrow?” Although the children made fun of him behind his back, Thomas always called his subject of specialization “maths,” as if there was more than one.

“That would be great,” said Sonya.

“You don’t mind, do you Natalyia?” Thomas asked with a grin. Everyone, from Thomas and the Court down to the children of the lowliest servants knew that math was Natasha’s least favorite subject.

Natasha made a face. “Of course not!”

Thomas left the nursery and Michael began to tell the girls about the secret fort he was building just outside of the formal garden. Sonya listened contentedly to his story, while Natasha seemed a bit annoyed, until Maria came into the room and asked if anyone needed a clean diaper. Michael said that he did, and even though Natasha said she was fine, Maria reached under the girl’s skirt to check how wet her diaper was.

“GOD Maria, I said I don’t need a change,” Natasha said angrily.

“I know dear, I just wanted to make sure,” Maria said. She looked at Sonya questioningly.

“I should go potty,” Sonya said, and rushed down the hall.

Natasha watched as Maria changed her brother’s diaper, ignoring what Maria was telling him about Sonya’s potty training. ‘I can’t believe that Daddy gave her a key,’ Natasha thought to herself.

“Tasha, hand me one of your brother’s diapers, would you?” Natasha looked at Maria holding her brother’s legs up in the air with one arm and wiping his bottom with the other and sighed. She grabbed one of his diapers from the head of the changing table and unfolded it for Maria. ‘And I can’t believe what a show-off she is, going off to go potty every time one of us gets our diapers changed. Jeez.’ Somewhere deep down, Natasha knew that Sonya wasn’t showing off, but she didn’t want to admit, even to herself, how jealous she was of her cousin.

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After dinner, the children were allowed to watch TV in the television room adjoining the nursery. Natasha asserted her right as the oldest to choose the channel, and they watched several episodes of Hannah Montana as a result, but even Michael, who was a bit reluctant, enjoyed it immensely. A little bit before eight thirty, Maria came in and got Michael for his bath. About half an hour later, Michael came back in his night diaper and his Spiderman PJ top. “Your turn,” Michael said to Sonya. Sonya sighed, but got up and went to the bathroom.

Twenty minutes later, Natasha and Michael heard some commotion in nursery. “…but I don’t need a diaper,” Sonya was whining.

“Well if you’re dry at night for a week then you won’t have to wear them.”

“But I’ve BEEN dry! I don’t need them!” Sonya’s voice was getting louder, and Michael and Natasha exchanged a look.

“Sophia,” Maria said loudly, “if you don’t get up on this changing table and cooperate RIGHT NOW…”

“Ok, FINE!” Sonya huffed. Five minutes later, Sonya came into the TV room with a long nightgown on, wet tears on her face, and a bulky night diaper underneath. Natasha smirked a little when she saw her cousin, but she didn’t say anything as Sonya sat down in an exasperated, crinkly motion. Natasha got up, took her bath, and was put in her night diapers, all with a little smile at the corners of her lips. ‘That should bring her down a peg or two,’ she kept thinking.

Natasha returned to the TV room in high spirits, and in a much more forgiving mood. She begged Maria to let them sleep in one room, “So Sonya won’t get lonely,” and finally the governess relented. After all, what was the harm? And when Maria checked on the three kids before she got ready for bed herself and saw them all snuggled together fast asleep, she couldn’t help but smile.

[baby628]

wow 123 r great i cant wait for 4