Leni's Chamber

A girl was sitting at the window in the living room, sewing. She looked a little younger than Eva, perhaps around twenty.

“Leni,” the patriarch turned to her, ”we have a guest. She will sleep in your room. Show her where she can put her things.”

“Yes, grandfather.”

The peasant girl wore a simple, long dress made of sturdy dark blue woolen fabric that reached to her ankles. A simple petticoat peeked out from underneath, providing additional warmth and giving the upper dress a little fullness. An apron made of coarse linen fabric protected her dress from dirt and stains. She had braided her hazel hair into a neat plait, which was concealed under a headscarf. She wore thick stockings and simple, sturdy wooden shoes on her feet. Her face was tanned from the wind and sun and her hands were rough and chapped from the hard work on the farm.

She had lowered her eyes and assumed a humble posture. But Eva was sure that Leni was studying her closely out of the corner of her eye. Although she was dressed plainly and inconspicuously compared to her former life, Eva assumed that she must look like a high-ranking person to the simple farm girl. She resolved to correct this false image and make friends as soon as possible. Especially if they were to share a room from now on.

Leni led the guest up a narrow, steep staircase and along a dark corridor. A low door led them into a tiny chamber with sloping walls directly under the roof. Faint daylight filtered in through a small window. A narrow bed with a straw mattress was built into niches in each of the walls to the left and right. Linen sheets and several layers of warm blankets lay on top to keep them warm during the cold nights.

“That's mine,” Leni explained, pointing to the right, ”you can sleep there. There are drawers under the bed where you can put your rucksack and whatever you have with you. Do you need anything else?”

The girl continued to look shy and embarrassed and didn't face Eva. Eva held out her hand and put an encouraging tone in her voice.

“Hello, I'm Eva. Thank you, Leni, for letting me stay here with you. You don't need to be afraid of me. I'm just a normal young woman like you.”

At that moment, Eva meant what she said, even though she was aware that they were worlds apart. However, she wished she could share Leni's secluded and carefree life. She fervently hoped that she had left her demons behind her and could start anew and find peace here in these simple surroundings.

Leni hesitated briefly, then tentatively stepped in and shook the outstretched hand. For the first time, the two looked at each other directly. Leni's eyes were bright blue, like her grandfather's, but they looked frightened, as if the girl wanted to flee any second. Eva couldn't make sense of where such a deep-seated fear of her would come from. But perhaps there would be an opportunity to talk about it once they knew each other better.

For now, she was content with this first small step towards each other.

“It's all good. I don't need anything at the moment. Thank you.”

Leni withdrew her hand and closed herself off again.

“We'll eat in the kitchen when it gets dark,” she said to her guest, turned and left Eva alone. She stepped to the window. Through the narrow peephole, she could make out a wooded slope, but nothing else of the surroundings.

She sat down on the bed. She realized how tired and exhausted she felt after the strenuous climb. Her legs were leaden and aching. She would have preferred to sink onto the mattress on the spot and fall asleep. But she was determined to take part in the evening meal. Not only because she was hungry, but also to meet the rest of Julius' family. Having been granted hospitality, it would be rude not to introduce herself to them.

Until then, she just wanted to rest a little, took off her shoes and lay down.