Time for Tea (Lenoir)

[Erik Lenoir]

Adina seemed dieturbed by Erik's threatening of the American woman. He would never hurt her, but surely a threat, done correctly, would make his words have much more weight. And Lu had returned the locket to Adina, but a little warning would hopefully ensure it would not happen again. Lu was visibly intimidated and that was the effect Erik wanted.

Adina gently touched his hand and pleaded that they should leave. Erik glanced at the two women as he slowly put the menacing blade back in its sheath and hung it in place at his waist. "Yes, indeed, we should let Miss Dallas sleep so she will be lovely in the morning." Erik almost smirked at the thought. She would have to sleep an awfully long time to be lovely in the morning....

He turned and walked with Adina through the door. Erik turned as they reached the corridor. "Au revoir, madamoiselle, remember what I said." He walked with Adina down the corridor after picking up an oil lamp and lighting it. The soft glow gave the corridor a ghostly glow. He was getting a bit cold. The corridors were not heated, except by the sunlight that came through the large windows during the day. But now it was night and the stone that formed the walls, ceiling and floor of the corridors were as cold as death. Erik shivered. He would be happy to be in his warm underground lair.

Then Adina stopped to look through one of the windows to the cold world outside. It was snowing and the wind seemed to be swirling a bit. She turned to Erik and said, Erik? Could we go outside to see the first snowfall of the season? His heart sank. He didn't even have his hat and cape with him. "Adina, you don't have a cloak with you, will you not be cold?"

But Adina seemed so insistent and so joyful at the sight that he nodded and smiled. He liked to see her happy and excited. He supposed he could brave the cold for a bit. He hoped she wouldn't want to stay long.

"It's this way. We have to exit the dormitories first and walk to the staircase to the main floor and thence to the outer door." He still held Adina's hand. He hoped she wouldn't want to stay out long. They walked down the long cold marble staircase and down the hall to the outside door. He saw, in the flickering light, something standing near the door. He frowned. From a distance it looked like two people ready to exit the door to the cold outside. But it was not...

There was a coat stand right next to the door. On it was a man's black full cloak with a shorter cape about the shoulders and a hood. Next to it was a dark red woman's cloak also with a hood. "It looks as if we can borrow these..." He wondered whose cloaks they were. The materials were heavy winter material. Erik thought perhaps he should find a heavier cloak like this for the winter. He donned the cloak, and pulled the hood up on his head, then helped Adina on with hers. Then he looked at both of them. Who could have put these cloaks here. Erik's cloak fit perfectly. It was not too long nor too short. Many of the resident phantoms were much taller than Erik and yet it seemed made for him.

Likewise, little Adina's cloak fit her perfectly. It was as if one of the ghosts put them there for Lenoir's and Adina's use exclusively. "The cloak looks lovely on you, Adina. Shall we go outside?" He held the door for Adina.

[Adina Gillespie]

Adina's shoulders visibly relaxed when she saw Erik put away the knife at his side. It made her feel much better now that it was out of sight. As the saying went, 'Out of sight, out of mind.' And, indeed, the thought of Erik even using the knife was gone from her thoughts. Now she was feeling much better.

She watched as Erik retrieved an oil lamp and lit the wick. The light gave her much comfort… So warm and glowing softly as it gently illuminated parts of the manor. But when she saw the tumbling snow outside, Adina's heart lifted with such joy. She had not been able to enjoy snow since the many years after her untimely death. She felt tears of joy well up in her eyes as she looked to Erik, almost begging him like a small child to go out and see the snowfall. Her heart felt so happy as she wrapped one arm around Erik's.

The two shared a leisurely walk down the corridors and towards the stairs, his hand gently holding hers as they walked. She looked up at him and his face seemed much gentler with the soft glow of the lantern.

But then her smile faded into a small, yet understanding, frown of sadness. Erik was right. It was dreadfully cold outside. He was so kind to be thinking of her wellbeing; she would probably catch her death of cold in just her dress and shawl.

Suddenly, she noticed Erik looking at something at the front entryway of the manor. She stopped and noticed the cloaked figures and stared for a moment. No, not figures, just cloaks! "Do you suppose one of the ghosts overheard our conversation and left them there for us? It seems rather convenient that there is one for a man and another smaller one for a woman." Her once saddened frown now lifted again to that of a cheerful smile.

She turned around and lifted her hair as Erik helped her with the cape. She pulled the soft fabric over her shoulders and looked at it. It was a lovely deep red and soft, like velvet. And so warm. She giggled and wrapped herself in the delicious feeling fabric for a moment before letting it go. Then Erik held open the door for her and she smiled at his kind gesture. "Thank-you, Erik." She moved through the threshold and down the steps to the front courtyard…

Oh, it was so beautiful! The soft, swirling white snow drifting from the darkening sky. The snow beneath her feet crunched softly and she began to dance. She spun and twirling around, giggling happily with her arms extended outwards. "Belle nuit de l'It par! [It is a beautiful night!]" She exclaimed happily. Suddenly, she slipped on a wet patch of snow and fell backwards, giving a soft yelp as she fell right on her little bottom. She only laughed and laid down to make a snow angel where she had fallen.

[Erik Lenoir]

The cloaks were mysteriously welcome. Erik felt something in his pocket and pulled out a pair of men's warm, black leather gloves. He put them on and they fit his long, slender fingers perfectly. It was all right now. He still would never like the cold, but the soft wool cloak and hood kept out the cold. "I found gloves in my pocket...did you look in yours, Adina?"

Erik very much liked when Adina held hands with him or wrapped her arm about his. She was so sweet and kind. He was happy to see her enjoying the sight of the snow.

Adina mentioned that perhaps one of the ghosts heard their conversation and provided the cloaks for them. Erik smiled. "Just as I was thinking, my dear. And the red suits you well."

Suddenly, Adina stated to dance in the snow. It was lovely to see, thought Erik. He was glad he had come out here with her and not selfishly insisted on going home instead. She was having too wonderful a time. Oui, c'est vraiment une belle nuit! he said, echoing her sentiments. She continued to dance, giddy as a child. Then she slipped and sat down in the snow. Erik extended a hand to her, but she stayed there and made angels in the snow. He smiled. Her enthusiasm was catching.

"Would you like to get up now, ma petite, so we can resume our walk?" He offered a hand to her again. He glanced over at the lagoon, now partially iced over at the top. He had had visions of himself drowning in it only a few weeks ago. But that sombre life seemed a long time ago, after this lovely sojourn with Adina. Even if it included her lovely locket being stolen. He had retrieved it, and also his dagger and de Chagny's watch. De Chagny would no doubt be happy to see it again and Erik would look forward to the Vicomte being in debt to him...

Yes, it seemed so long ago. It was amazing how one lovely experience with a lovely person could erase weeks or months of sadness and melancholia...

[Adina Gillespie]

Adina was glad that she and Erik had happened upon the cloaks. It still seemed so strange that they fit so perfectly and that just the two of them had been left hanging on the coat rack. No more, no less. Erik asked if Adina had found gloves in her pocket. She nodded. "Oui," She responded but left them in the pocket. "I do not mind the cold. But I will keep them in mind should my fingers get too cold."

She blushed a bit and smiled. "And you look rather dashing in your cloak. I-If you do not mind me saying so." She added quickly, looking away as she blushed. She was so happy to hold Erik's hand, he was so nice to her.

As Adina danced in the snow, she felt a overwhelming desire to sing. And so she did. She began to sing a more modern song- one she had discovered in the music section of the library- but in French:

"Bonsoir, Mesdames douces …
[Goodnight, sweet ladies…]
Bonne nuit, doux amis ...
[Goodnight, dear friends…]
Vous mentez, mais dormir
[You lie but sleeping]
Un jour nous nous reverrons, Mesdames douces ...
[Someday we shall meet again, sweet ladies]
Bonne nuit, doux amis ...
[Goodnight, dear friends…]
Vous mentez, mais dormir
[You lie but sleeping]
Un jour nous nous reverrons
[Someday we shall meet again]

Avec le romarin vert et lumineux
[With rosemary green and bright]
Vous n'êtes pas oubliés, la lumière éternelle
[You're not forgotten, eternal light]
Ne peut pas disparaître de votre mémoire, votre lumière faible
[Can't fade your memory, dim your light]
Vous avez fait une différence, vous avez gagné votre combat
[You've made a difference, you've won your fight]

Nous élevons nos succursales et si nous pleurons
[We lift our branches and though we weep]
Aucun décès n'a pu conquérir, vous ne dormez.
[No death could conquer you, only sleep.]"

She opened her eyes, tears shining within them as she smiled and reached out a hand to take hold of Erik's. She felt such a rush of happiness after singing the sing. She no longer thought about her father or the pain she had suffered. Only comfort and joy filled the empty place in her heart.

Adina suddenly hugged Erik. "Oui, Erik. I would like to continue our walk. It is so nice." She didn't even feel cold anymore. She was so happy, the chill seemed to just melt away. Her eyes met his and then she quickly stood on tiptoe and gave Erik a peck on the cheek. "You are so nice. To me, that is. And I am so glad to be sharing this lovely evening with you."

[Erik Lenoir]

"Dashing?" said Erik, smiling. "I expect not, but thank you for the compliment nonetheless. And of course I don't mind you saying so. What man would not delight in a such a kind word from a lovely lady?"

Then Adina continued her dancing and she started to sing. With her pretty voice, she sang a song in French, one that was new to Erik; he had not heard it before. He He enjoyed her singing and dancing, a spontaneous burst of joyfulness. He was glad that this girl, who had had so much pain in her past, could find such delight in something so simple as a snow shower.

With his gloved hands in the pockets of his cloak and the hood over his head, Erik felt comfortable, though not warm. He slowly paced back and forth, watching Adina dance and sing and he smiled. She truly brought joy to his heart .

When she finished the song, she came close to him and took his hand. And then, she gave him a little kiss on the cheek. It delighted him so much he kissed her back and hugged her.

The warmth she created inside of him took at least some of the chill of the outside world away and he felt good. "Yes, let's continue our walk. I expect you are more familiar with the grounds than I am, from having worked here. However, I have taken a great many walks about the place. The gazebo, I must admit, looks lovely in the moonlight with the snow sparkling about it. The lagoon with its lacy edging of ice looks like a fairy pool. The weeping willow tree, its bare fronds still draped in the water." The tree had good memories for Erik; it was under that tree that he and Teressas had confessed their love to each other. It was Teressa's favourite tree and had become Erik's also.

"And there is the stable." The stable had a negative memory for Erik, for that is where the infamous kiss had taken place. He nodded past the stables to a dark palce which could hardly be seen from where they were, near the lagoon. "The graveyard and mausoleum. I have walked there many a time in silence, not a sound to be heard. I met my mother there. It was in early spring." Erik had met his mother there and she had followed him to his lair. But it had only been her ghost...

[Adina Gillespie]

"Thank-you, Erik," Adina responded with a slight blush. She was flattered by the compliment, though she did not feel as lovely as Erik had said. She was just a maid and he was far too handsome and nice. She saw past his deformity and looked at the man beyond both mask and flesh.

After Adina had finished her song she fell down once more in the snow. Brushing off the white flecks of ice, she went over and gave Erik a tender kiss upon the cheek. She hoped that he would not mind the gesture of kindness. Then he returned the kiss and a hug as well. At first Adina ws a bit shocked. Erik had given her a kiss? Not the passionate kind, but rather a tender and kind one. Even if it had been on her cheek, still… Her first kiss. She smiled inwardly and closed her eyes. It was so good to be held again, to forget the pain of her past and just take in these moments of pure happiness.

The two continued on their walk outside the manor and Erik explained to her about his many walks outdoors. He told her of a lake and a gazebo. She had seen a gazebo before, but only once. It looked a bit like a birdcage but much bigger. "I would love to see the lake sometime, Erik. It sounds beautiful. I do not recall a lake before when I was alive." There were so many different and new things that Adina had not seen around the manor before. She had not seen the willow tree or the lake. It saddened her a little when she thought how how much she had missed in her life. But not now. Not anymore. She had to be positive. Why was she even thinking about all this? Shaking her head, she held onto Erik's arm as they walked.

There were so many different things she had not seen yet. There were stables built near the manor? Oh how she would love to see a horse up close! She had seen them from a distance from her time, pulling carriages and carts behind them. They were truly magnificent creatures. Perhaps one day, she and Erik could go horseback riding… "A graveyard?" She repeated, tilting her head a little. She felt a shiver run up her spine. Then Erik said he had met his mother there. His mother?! He had seen her ghost? She felt a pang in her stomach. Erik had told her about his mother. She hoped that it was not to terrible an experience for him. But now she held his arm more tightly, hoping to distract him from those unhappy memories. She did not like seeing Lenoir sad.

[Erik Lenoir]

When Erik kissed Adina, she seemed a bit shocked. He realized she had not shaken the fact that all her life she had been a servant, and not able to fraternize with those of higher class, as Erik was. But to him, class was nothing. It had never helped him out in life for in a sense his face had prevented it. So what use was it to be in a higher class? True, he had received an advantaged education, but considering his intellect, he could have learned those things on his own with time. But now, he should not disparage his mother. Although she had not been kind to him, when she had come back earlier in the year to speak to him, it had seemed very different.

"Why don't we walk to the lake, Adina and take a look across. It will not be frozen yet. I expect the younger people will be out here with their ice skates, dancing to their heart's content." Then he looked at Adina. "Pardon me, I have forgotten you are also a young lady and would probably delight in that, considering your lovely dance in the snow just a bit ago. When the lake freezes over, later in the winter, we shall see what will happen. I expect perhaps a skating party. And yes, perhaps I would take a turn or two with you on the ice, if that's what you're thinking." He smiled.

"As to my mother, when I met her here in the graveyard, it was very strange. I was certainly not expecting her. At first I was angry. She insulted me immediately, telling me I had grown taller, but was no better in looks or demeanour. Of course it was true, but it did not make me more wel ldisposed to her. We had a few more words and I walked away from her and made my way to my home. When I arrived, I sat down at the table and she appeared. I wanted her to leave and she said she would after she had said what she wished to say. She apologised to me. She actually said she was sorry. I was quite astonished. She told me the circumstances of my birth and why she had not loved me as a child. Then she told me to take off my mask and she kissed the deformed part of my face. She actually hugged me. As I hugged her back, she became as mist and disappeared."

Erik's voice became soft and gentle. "For a period of time, I thought it had been a dream, but then I found a photograph of my father which had not been in my home before. Because of where I found it and a letter that was with it, I believed her story and knew it had not been a dream, but a visit from my mother. She truly did wish forgiveness...."

[Adina Gillespie]

A light rush of pink crossed Adina's cheeks and she looked down, hoping Erik would not notice her blushing. It was a tender kiss and her very first. The one he had given her on her head back at the Opera house did not count… Should she tell him? She looked up at Erik finally and smiled, watching the snow fall all around them. She hugged him again and smiled before taking another spin in the beautiful white powder. Everything just seemed so wonderful. Was it because she was alive again? If it was, she didn't want to go back to being a ghost. She was too overjoyed to be alive and living her life with someone new and wonderful people.

She smiled and gently bowed her head. "Yes, Erik, I would love to walk to the lake." Erik was so nice; he even flattered her about her dancing! She blushed again and looked away. "Oh, Erik. N-Non, I am not a lady. Just a maid..." Then her eyes widened. Ice skating?? He was joking, surly!… Wasn't he?

She was a bit nervous about skating. She had never done it before; how could she learn to skate in a short amount of time? The months were going by so quickly, she was wondering how long she would be around? But then Erik said that he would possibly like to skate with her on the ice… Had she really thought that? Did she say it out loud and not realize it? She smiled and shook her head. "I could not ask that of you, Erik. You've done so much for me as is."

Adina frowned sadly as Erik told her about meet his mother in the graveyard… It saddened her not only because of how poorly she had greeted her son but because Adina herself had never met her own mother. She began to absent-mindedly reflect upon how her life would have been had her mother been alive? Would things have been better for her? Or would her mother have turned her back on her own daughter, leaving her at the mercy of her father? Her attention was brought back to Erik's tale when he told her how she- his mother- had visited him in his home. She had apologized to him…

This made Adina tilt her head in amazement. His mother was actually sorry? She could hear Erik's voice change a little when he had said that he thought it had all been a dream. The maid's mouth opened slightly in a silent gasp of astonishment, tears welling up in her eyes. Was it really a dream, or had he really been visited by his mother? This made the girl wonder if perhaps she would see her own mother one day. Was it possible? She reached out and touched Erik's hand, gently squeezing it. "Your account moves me, Erik. It gives me hope that I may very well put my own pain behind me and forgive my father. Perhaps I will one day be visited by my own mother?" She half asked, half thought outloud.

[Erik Lenoir]

Adina blushed slightly when Erik kissed her. He smiled. The blush put a lovely pink in her cheeks which was quite becoming. She seemed shy about it. He wondered if the kiss was a good thing or not. His last kissing of a woman here had rather been the start of a bad situation. He apparently sometimes was a bit too free with his kisses. "Have I been too bold with you, Adina? I hope not, for I should fear to disparage you in any way..." It seemed that it was not upsetting to Adina, she seemed happy and almost euphoric as she danced in the snow.

"You do not like ice skating?" I learned as a child, but on my own and at night most of the time. Here in the manor, it is different. I feel sometimes a part of a family. It's odd. I hated it at first, but I have become very familiar and have quite embraced the manor with its foibles and oddities. Perhaps it is because I have my own foibles and oddities. In any case, it is too soon to even know if the lagoon will ice over. It may not be thick enough to skate on, unless we have some very cold weather. And," here he laughed. " I expect we will find out if I even remember how to ice skate..."

Adina was greatly moved by Erik's story of his mother. "It was such a surprise that I should see her again. I thought I never would see her. I had left home at quite an early age, so a considerable amount of time had passed." He listened to her hopes about meeting her own parents again. "If it would be a good thing for you, I do hope it happens."

They reached the large lagoon, which was almost large enough to be called a lake. Indeed, some referred to it as a a lake. It was still fluid except at the edges where it was very shallow and usually lapped up on the shore.

Erik looked across the lake. "Yes, Adina, it is a lovely sight. I don't care for the cold normally. Ice and snow do not sit well with me. But this night, it seems special and lovely. Perhaps because of the snow falling with no sound, and perhaps because this cloak is so warm. But I think it is more likely because I have such lovely companionship..."

[Adina Gillespie]

Erik was such a gentleman; he had given Adina a rather tender little kiss. And she liked it. She looked away and smiled. Then Erik asked if he had been too bold; she shook her head and giggled softly. "No, Erik… In fact, it was rather nice." Did those words really come out of her mouth? No, that would have been too bold of her! Oh dear, oh dear, what was she thinking?

"No! No, I mean, that is not what I meant to say," She was so tongue-tied, poor thing! She blushed again and looked down at her feet. She still wore her flats, but her toes were not cold. In fact, it felt as though nothing could freeze her spirits, not while she was sharing this beautiful snowy evening with Erik. She looked back up at Erik and took his hand. "It is not that I do not like skating, I never had the opportunity to do so… It seems everyone has their own 'foibles and oddities' about the manor. I suppose mine is my snappish temper. I do not mean to be so sharp, but it was how I learned to get things done swiftly and without procrastination."

Adina smiled at Erik when he gave her encouragement that he too hoped she would meet her parents once more. Perhaps this time it would be under better circumstances that she should see her father again. Perhaps she would not be so bitter towards him and properly forgive him. She took a deep breath and nodded to Erik. "I am glad that you did see her again, Erik. And I am glad that it was a good meeting and parting of ways, so to speak."

The lagoon was so lovely with the snow surrounding it. Adina looked down and saw some ice crystals starting to form around the edges. She smiled and inhaled deeply then exhaled upwards, watching as the fog of her breath became as a gentle wisp and danced upon the air. It was such a beautiful night and she was glad to be enjoying it wish such a gentleman as Erik.

'But I think it is more likely because I have such lovely companionship…' Adina looked up at Lenoir and blinked. That was the kindest thing anyone had ever said to her… 'Companionship.' Oh, what a nice and heartwarming thing Erik could say! She smiled at him and took hold of his hand, gently squeezing it as she looked into his eyes. "Shall we go back inside now? It would be quite terrible if you caught cold from being out here too long."

[Erik Lenoir]

When Adina said his kiss was rather nice, he smiled with pleasure. He liked her so much. She seemed to look up to him and count his friendship valuable. Friendship...when had he ever had that before the mansion? Erik had been so alone for so long....no close friends, no family...now he could call several people his friends and many more his acquaintances. He had even made peace with his mother and learned a bit about his heretofore nonexistent father.

Adina was so shy and retiring except when her temper flared. He found her fascinating for both those reasons. And now she seemed quite shy and flustered. That was endearing too. She looked down at her shoes which seemed to be old and worn out. He hadn't realized she didn't have boots or warmer shoes. Then she spoke about skating again. Don't concern yourself, Adina. If the lake freezes over completely, I myself shall show you how to skate, unless you would rather not do so."

He laughed when she mentioned her snappish temper." Have you never seen my temper? If you had, you would know why I would not disparage anyone with a temper, for mine is far worse than most."

"And yes, the meeting with my mother was lovely. Strange, but lovely. I find myself thinking of her now and then, since that incident, and in some odd way, wishing I could see her again, as she was that day..."

[Adina Gillespie]

Adina smiled. She was so happy to have met Lenoir; he was really a gentleman. She did feel safe around him and thought of him as a very close friend. She had opened up to him about her father and had even shown him her scars. She would never have done so if she did not feel comfortable or safe around him. It was strange that he had been the first man to actually be so polite and courteous around her. She valued her friendship with Erik and hoped that nothing would get in the way of that.

She looked up at Erik… Had she really heard him say that? That he would show her how to skate? "Oh! No, Erik, I could not trouble you to do that. You've done so much for me already…" Her voice trailed off as she shivered from the cold and pulled the cloak around her shoulders. She looked at Erik again and bit her lip. "Perhaps we can go back inside now? It's getting frightfully cold. We could start a fire and have more tea.. Or cocoa, if you prefer."

Once more, Adina blushed again when Erik spoke of his own temper. She still felt badly about her sharp tongue and how it had been her ultimate downfall, resulting in her death. She had heard of New Year's resolutions and looked at Erik with a smile. "I believe this will be as good thing for me to work on; to learn to be less snappish and resolve to be more amiable and tolerant."

"I am glad for you, Erik," She smiled and took his hand. She really was happy for him; if she did not get the chance to see her father again, perhaps she could forgive him in her heart. And her mother? Well, it would be incredible if that chance meeting ever took place, but what would she say? How would she react if her mother ever visited her one day? Those were questions for another time; now Adina only wanted to focus on living her life as it was meant to be, and sharing this time with people who she could now call her friends, including Lenoir.

[Erik Lenoir]

Erik smiled at Adina again. "I truly appreciate whoever it was who so kindly left us these coats. I am going to take mine with me and use it whenever I venture out in the winter. And you? I think you should keep your coat also. Whoever put it there, and I suspect a ghost, wantetd us to have it. See how they fit us perfectly? And they remembered gloves for my cold hands. I appreciate that."

"And it certainly is not difficult to teach you to skate. We will first have to borrow a pair of skates, or perhaps buy one in the village. Come to think of it, I will need some too. You know, I haven't skated since I was a child, and then only by myself. I must admit I took a few spills out there by myself until I learned how to do it correctly. You must be prepared for at least a few of those." Then he smiled again. "I wonder if I'm still up to it... it may take me a bit...it's been a year or two since I was a young fellow..." Erik was almost embarrassed thinking that he might fall on the ice too, in front of Adina. It had been a while since Erik had skated...it had been quite a while...

"Perhaps we should go back inside the mansion. I am beginning to be a bit cold, in spite of the lovely coat. Perhaps a turn in the sitting room, next to the fire would take the cill away. We can still see the snow coming down through the large picture window..."