Founding of Cîteaux Abbey
Abbot Robert and his band of Benedictine monks are laying the foundations of Cîteaux Abbey, establishing a new monastic order dedicated to strict adherence to the Rule of Saint Benedict. They are join
Setting
A clearing in the dense Burgundian forest, with freshly hewn timber beams and stone foundations marking the beginnings of Cîteaux Abbey. The site is surrounded by young spring foliage and the distant sound of a brook.
Characters
Abbot Robert
primary
A tall, gaunt man in his late 50s with a deeply lined face that speaks of years of ascetic devotion. His piercing blue eyes are set deep under bushy gray eyebrows, and his nose is long and slightly hooked. His hands, though calloused from work, move with precise grace. His posture suggests a lifetime of disciplined prayer.
Brother Stephen
primary
A tall, lean man in his late 40s with sun-weathered skin and deep-set gray eyes that reflect both wisdom and weariness. His tonsured head shows streaks of gray amidst the brown, and his hands are calloused from years of labor and prayer.
Novice
secondary
A slender young man in his late teens with short-cropped brown hair and a clean-shaven face, his pale complexion marked by a few freckles across his nose. His hands are rough from recent labor, and his posture suggests both humility and eagerness.
Local Woodsman
secondary
A rugged man in his late 30s with broad shoulders and a wiry frame, his skin deeply tanned from years of outdoor labor. His hands are calloused and strong, with a few old scars from axe work. He wears a short, untrimmed beard with streaks of auburn amidst the brown, and his keen green eyes often squint against the sunlight.
Monk Scribe
background
A middle-aged monk of slight build, with a thin but wiry frame that suggests years of disciplined living. His hands are ink-stained from long hours of writing, and his face bears the quiet intensity of a scholar. His tonsure is neatly trimmed, and his eyes are sharp with observation.
Dialog
Abbot Robert
Benedicamus Domino, Brother Stephen. These timbers shall be as the ribs of our spiritual house, protecting the marrow of our devotion.
Brother Stephen
Indeed, Father Abbot. The foundation stones lie true as the Psalmist's plumb line. With God's grace, we'll raise walls to echo His perfection.
Local Woodsman
Beg pardon, holy brothers... this green oak'll twist like a startled hare come winter. Should cure proper first?
Brother Stephen
Your wisdom honors us, good man. Yet we must build while summer favors our labors. The Rule teaches patience with green wood and greener souls alike.
Abbot Robert
As the vine must bend before it bears, so shall this wood season in service. We trust Providence shall keep it straight.
Local Woodsman
Aye... though mayhap we'll brace it with iron, just till Michaelmas?
Abbot Robert
Wisdom often wears a smith's apron. Do as your craft instructs, and we shall pray it suffices.