Erik Castagne
When you sing, the angels weep...
When you sing, the angels weep...
Posts: 87
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Post by Erik Castagne on Dec 19, 2012 0:25:10 GMT -5
Erik had thought about the gift exchange and he was rather excited that he could give something. He didn't care as much about receiving something. But he had not had the chance for years to give anyone else a gift. After all, who did he know to give a gift? And Christmas parties? Since he was a child and celebrated Christmas with his mother, Erik had not received a gift nor gone to a party. This was exciting, but also somewhat frightening to him. Erik was not used to being in crowds either.
He wrapped the gift carefully and donned his red waistcoat and tie which looked rather festive. He was wearing the cap to cover the top of his head. He left his home after locking the door, and placed the package carefully in the bottom of the gondola, and picking up the long oar, he pushed out onto the lake. It was as smooth as glass today and as dark as a mirror looking up at a night sky. Ripples went forth as he plied the cold waters over to the other side of the lake and to the long winding staircase that led up to the opera house. Well of course it led to the back of Christine's dressing room, but Erik had found something that hadn't been in the Paris Opera House. It was the fact that the there was a set of stairs that branched off before he arrived at Christine's room. It led to a large double wooden door and from thence out into the hall, where there were two metal doors which he had discovered opened into a moving room and would take him vertically down through the floors to the main floor. He had heard it was called a "lift."
Erik stepped out of the lift and walked toward the large room that was being used for the event. He walked slowly, not really knowing what to expect. There were quite a few people in the room, most he didn't know. He saw King William whom he had met. There were several other women and several men and a boy. One of the men he noticed was wearing a mask, just as he did. Except that it was a half mask. He didn't want to stare, but it interested him. He thought he was the only one to wear a mask here. Although, someone may have mentioned that there were others with masks here but Erik had just never met them or even seen them.
He put his package under the tree with the person's name on it. He didn't really even know the person at all really. Maybe he would meet them tonight. He silently went to sit in a quiet corner where he could watch and not have to engage in a lot of conversation.
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Adina Gillespie
Some things belong on paper, others in life. It?s a blessed fool who can?t tell the difference.
Maid of the manor
Posts: 320
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Post by Adina Gillespie on Dec 19, 2012 10:20:50 GMT -5
Adina had been so caught up with seeing the kind Christine Svenna again that she didn't even notice the other people who had come into the room. Raoul and Lenoir had arrived! And then there was another Phantom- at least, that was what she assumed- who had silently slipped in and had taken a seat further back in the room. At least it wasn't that frightening man, that Claude who had called himself the Devil. It sent a shudder through her before she turned to greet some of the other people.
"Merry Christmas, monsieur de Chagny," She curtsied to Raoul and smiled before realizing Lenoir had come over to her by a gentle touch of his hand upon her shoulder. She flushed a little when he took her hand and kissed it. "Merry Christmas, Erik. I hope this is a lovely holiday you are having..." But then Adina paused and went over to the other man. It was not right for someone to be alone on Christmas, let alone Christmas Eve. She politely bowed and smiled to him. "Joyeux Noël, monsieur."
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Post by King William Leverich II on Dec 19, 2012 19:30:10 GMT -5
”King...?” Christine repeated, surprised, and oh, oops. Will had forgotten he’d never actually told Christine his position here. But it didn’t really matter, he just felt a bit guilty... he looked away from her and smiled when she called herself ‘de Changy.’ Oh, wait - he knew this Raoul. He’d not met him in a very long time, but... Oh, that meeting had not gone well... He tried not to shrink in his seat a little.
"A-A pleasure to meet you... Will. Oh! M-My name? Oui! My name! A-Adina Gillespie, mon roi." Adina shook his hand, and he nodded politely at her.
“The pleasure’s all mine,” he replied pleasantly, though his attention wavered as more people came in, including dear little Gustave. William had never directly interacted with the boy but he thought he was ever so sweet. He watched as his father came down, along with other people he recognized but had never spoken to...
"Do I say, Good day m'Lord or do I say Hello, Will?” Will looked up from where he had been staring awkwardly at his hands, trying to be inconspicuous in an ‘I can’t see you, you can’t see me,’ manner. It was Lenoir, and Will had somewhat conflicted feelings about seing him. Lenoir gave him a polite, somewhat joking little bow.
“Hello, Erik,” Will smiled back, and decided he was pleased to see Lenoir after all. He was a charming fellow, if not a bit tempered. He saw Castagne come in quietly, and gave the boy a quiet nod.
Will was getting a bit nervous with all the people here; perhaps it was crynic of him, but all the potential... fighting... He watched Gustave with his mother and father silently, a smile playing on his lips. He had always wanted children, but had never married. At his age, it had been really quite unacceptable for a prince, but he’d wanted a son, not a wife. Women were complicated and Will never understood what they wanted. He’d never been very charming either, and his first arranged marriage, and all subsequent ones, had failed miserably, either due to death or divorce. He supposed it had something to do with him, but he couldn’t think on it too much. Besides, he’d been happy with his friends; Marcus.
He wondered if they would start the presents soon. Little Gustave was first, as the youngest. He couldn’t wait to see his face when he realized who he’d gotten...
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Post by Gustave de Chagny on Dec 19, 2012 22:35:59 GMT -5
Gustave was so excited in his inspecting all of the presents beneath the tree that he hardly noticed his mother and father entering the room. He was anxious to see what he got. In fact, he didn't notice at all, until his father placed a hand on his shoulder. The little boy looked up from his present he was shaking to see his father and listened to his question.
Gustave, do you know if your mother is coming down soon? Let's wait for her. I hope she's in a happy mood tonight
“I don't know, father,” the boy admitted honestly. “But father, why wouldn't mother be happy? It's Christmas Eve...”
The little boy then nodded when his father asked him if he had put his gift underneath of the tree. “Yes, father. I hope they like it....”
They did not have to wait long at all before his mother entered the room. She certainly seemed happy to Gustave, which made the ten-year-old quite happy as well. “Happy Christmas Eve, mother,” he said, smiling brightly and the returning his attention to the presents beneath the tree. He spotted another one with his name on it, but this one didn't say who it was from. This must have been his 'secret' Santa gift.
“Oh! Oh!” he exclaimed, picking it up with excitement. “May I open it? May I, please?”
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Christine Daaé
The Swedish Nightingale and Fairy of the North
If when the time comes, I refuse to go with you, well then, Raoul, you must carry me off by force!
Posts: 1,592
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Post by Christine Daaé on Dec 19, 2012 23:16:57 GMT -5
“An Honor to meet you as well, Mademoiselle Gillespie,” Christine replied when the young woman introduced herself. Her attention shifted though when a rather loudly dressed woman entered the room. Christine recognized her briefly from the wedding, but did not know her very well. She was one of the many other Christines in this place, and bore a rather striking resemblance to Christine Emilie, although from what the young blonde woman knew of her, she was rather more... bold? Perhaps this was a keen example of the saying that people tend to mature. One thing was for sure though. She certainly did seem to be getting along well with the shift in time. Although she had tendency to make up names for people, which Christine found to be a bit.... irritating. She and Adina seemed to have previously met, as when she entered, Adina was immediately taken by her and rushed to greet her.
William did not directly reply to her sort of question at the word 'king' when it came up. She supposed that it must have been something he preferred not to keep extremely public, and she could understand why. After all, it must be stressful having people judge you immediately based upon a mere title. She knew that Raoul had suffered some from the same issue, and so she decided to just let it be for the time being. If he didn't wish to discuss it, then she would not pursue (though she really was curious to hear the full story from him eventually).
Then Raoul Edouard entered. He had been one of Raoul's groomsmen at the wedding and was the husband to Christine Emilie. He looked at Christine (she supposed trying catch her eye), and she smiled graciously at him. She saw that he was with his son, Gustave, whom had been the ring bearer at the wedding. She hadn't even noticed the boy enter, although she supposed it must have been because he went straight to the tree for presents. At his age, she couldn't really blame him. It was only natural for a child to be eager to want to start opening gifts.
More and more people were coming in by the minute, it seemed. She had not seen so many signatures on the sheet when she had signed up. She had figured that there must have been a good many people who had signed up after she did. Erik Lenoir entered and greeted both William and her. She smiled as he kissed her hand. “A pleasure to see you as well, Monsieur Lenoir. Thank you so much for being a part of the ceremony. Monsieur de Chagny and I cannot possibly thank you enough.” She nodded when he asked her to excuse him for a moment. “Of course...”
Another man entered, whom she did not recognize at all, but she assumed from the mask that he was wearing that he must have been another one of the many people here named 'Erik.' They all seemed to wear masks (albeit some masks quite different than others) and she could only assume that it was for a similar reason as well.
There were already a good number there and Christine wondered how many more could be coming. She knew that some of the names of people she had seen on the list, including Érik, were not here yet, so she assumed that they would wait a bit longer before getting started on the actual gifting. She hadn't had too much trouble finding a gift, though she still was eager to see the expression on the face of the recipient. After all, one of her greatest loves in life was to know that she could make someone happy...
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Christine Svenna Daaé
Twisted every way, what answer can I give?
Screw being ladylike; Imma Pageboy!
Posts: 230
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Post by Christine Svenna Daaé on Dec 20, 2012 2:23:50 GMT -5
“Joyeux Noël!” Svenna shouted joyously as she hugged Adina back. It was so good to see familiar faces around the holidays. Then Adina said that she was human again. “Really!? That's wonderful! I suppose this means no more magic strawberries then?” she said, chuckling.
More people continued to enter the room. It was certainly becoming quite the party! A good number of them she recognized from the wedding, though she had never formally met them. She couldn't remember all of their names even if she had tried.
It wasn't long before Erik entered. He bowed before her and kissed her hand, to which she gave a light chuckle. “Good to see you too! I'm not sure if he's coming, actually. I ope that he does, but he hasn't mentioned any plans of attending... Oh! That reminds me! After this whole Secret Santa spiel is over, I have something to give you. I went Christmas shopping earlier on and bought some gifts for a few people.”
Lenoir excused himself and then spoke to Adina. Christine watched. It was good to see friends getting to know friends. She only wished that everyone she'd met in the manor could be that way.
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Post by King William Leverich II on Dec 20, 2012 11:27:31 GMT -5
Being the only one aside from Gustave's parents watching the boy, William knew that the others didn't see the little boy finding his present under the three, eager to open it. Will hesitated, knowing most of the characters here didn't really know him, but he wasn't going to let a bit of silly timidness ruin the boy's special moment, so he stood and said in a loud but not very confident voice, "Everyone, Gustave's found his present! Shall we begin the exchange?"
He smiled nervously before sitting back down on the couch arm, look towards Lenoir because, well, it was a familiar face. He could nearly feel himself getting a bit less corporeal with shyness. It then occurred to him that Gustave might wonder why he knew his name, but Oh, well, children were easier than adults to handle anyways, if need be. Everyone was not here yet, but they would file in soon enough.
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maria
Full Member
That spitfire American!
Posts: 114
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Post by maria on Dec 20, 2012 14:00:48 GMT -5
If there was any time that made her long to be around her family more, it was Christmas. Being Italian, Maria was big into family and traditions. This was rather strange for her to be so far and completely absent from any family she knew. Despite the somber feelings she still clung to the hopes that knowing she was among friends. Dressed in a festive outfit, a plaid long skirt and black sweater with her hair pulled and up mostly into a mop of curls practically in a hedgehog style.
With gift in hand, she made her way to the living room. Striding seeing a good number of people already, some whom she's never met before but there were a couple she knew such as the blonde Christine who married recently, even Castagne and Lenoir. Smiling, she placed her gift under the tree for the person she had never met, the strode over to Castagne, greeting him with a smile, "Merry Christmas, Mister Castagne."
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destler
Full Member
Everyone dies. I only choose the time and place for a few.
and yet... you blame me
Posts: 201
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Post by destler on Dec 20, 2012 16:12:59 GMT -5
Usually not one for celebrating Christmas since he felt that he had been shunned by God for what had happened long ago, this year he decided he'd at least attempt to partake in the festivities. Feeling a bit of a change over him already and he'd been working very hard with the prosthetics and was quite successful with them as of late. Perhaps now, Teressa would see the further value in him. He continued to adore her. There was no gift he could think of that could ever compare to the Goddess he believed her to be.
Making his way through the halls then entered the large room where people had already begun to gather. Wincing upon the sight of Lenoir whom continued to be a thorn in his side. But he also noticed the golden hair girl whom he swore up and down looked exactly like the Carlotta he knew. And she did! Which was quite strange. Noticing gifts under the tree and he glared at them for why ever in the world would someone give a gift to someone they did not know? It was madness to even attempt to conjure up a gift or create one. He slightly smirked for he had a gift hidden and would give it to Teressa Christmas morn.
For now, he strode in, wearing a mock turtleneck with a elegant scarf and jack, fine shoes and trousers. The greatest change of all was his face which did not look scarred or open wounds or missing nose, but looked like a normal face! Smooth and absolutely normal! Wearing glasses and the dirty blonde hair, he glanced about as moved to a table with holiday treats.
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Mister Y
Ten long years... living a mere facade of life...
Posts: 46
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Post by Mister Y on Dec 20, 2012 16:50:47 GMT -5
Erik strode down the hallway, checking his new pocket watch for the time. When he'd gone to get the present for his Secret Santa, he'd stopped by a nice store, filled with jewellery and watches and spotted this little beauty. He slipped the watch back into his pocket. He hoped they hadn't started without him...
When he entered, there were plenty of people already, many of which were talking to each other. In the large group of talking people, he spotted Svenna and Emilie....And Raoul...Ugh, great. Hopefully, he wouldn't have to talk to the man at all. It would be quite unfortunate if a spat broke out between them here, in front of all of these people...
Quietly, he slipped behind everyone so he stood on a nice blank stretch of wall. He saw a small boy by the Christmas tree. He smiled a little, wondering whose little boy that was...He shrugged. It didn't matter. At least he could celebrate Christmas and have some presents to keep him entertained in this huge manor. Erik hadn't seen any other children.
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Post by Christine Lucinda Dallas on Dec 20, 2012 19:05:09 GMT -5
Lu felt slightly out of place with all of these quite fancy people. But she had several beautiful dresses from which to choose, so that she wouldn't look out of place at a party such as this. She was excited about the Secret Santa gift exchange and so she took special care with her appearance tonight. She piled her dark hair on her head and put on a green satin dress with black lace and bows. She thought it looked quite festive. She had a black lacy collar with dangling beads that she put about her neck. Her feet were clad in black high button shoes with a small flared heel.
Lu powdered her face to make it look even. She had wrapped her gift carefully and took a last glance in the mirror before she picked up the package and left the room for the party. Just before she arrived, she bit her lips a bit to make them darker and pinched her cheeks as she had seen her mother do as a child, to eschew wearing bright and gaudy makeup.
She entered the room and there were many people here before her. She saw Adina and smiled at her, "Hello, Adina. Nice to see you again." Lu tried to pronounce her words clearly and speak well. She saw Lenoir and nodded at him. He stared at her as if he couldn't place her. She laughed inwardly. This was the first time since coming to the mansion that she had worn a Victorian gown. And she had put her hair up. She noticed Edouard de Chagny sitting on a couch with his wife, Emilie, and there was a young boy with them whom she assumed to be their son.
There were several other men with masks whom she didn't know and a couple in the corner, a small blonde young woman with a nice looking young man. Lu sauntered over to Emilie to say hello and to be polite she nodded to Edouard. She really didn't like him very well, but Emilie was very nice. She noticed that the boy was looking excited and she thought perhaps he was ready to open his gift. She laid her gift under the tree and then noticed another man she had not seen before who seemed to be coordinating the event.She sat down in a chair where she could say a few words to Emilie.
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Erik Castagne
When you sing, the angels weep...
When you sing, the angels weep...
Posts: 87
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Post by Erik Castagne on Dec 20, 2012 19:41:30 GMT -5
A pretty red haired young lady approached Erik. Joyeux Noël, monsieur. she said. He stood up and smiled behind the mask. He bowed formally and said, "Et vous aussi, Mademoiselle. I am Erik..." he began, then realized that there was more than one Erik, so he added his last name. "I am Erik...Castagne. Erik is pleased to meet the young lady." He paused. "Erik only knows a few of the people here."
His last sentence was an opening for the lady to perhaps introduce herself and to tell Erik who some of the other people were. It would be good to know. He only knew Maria, really and hadn't been able to speak to her yet. He wondered if his Christine would come...
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Post by Philippe Maurice de Chagny on Dec 20, 2012 21:49:40 GMT -5
Philippe was rather nervous to attend this Christmas Eve event, especially since he knew next to no one at the manor. His being such a recluse was uncommon for him, but it was because of the overwhelming experience of being taken from his home and forced into a place full of strangers with no concept of class or decency. The place had reduced his brother to a labor worker who wanted to marry a singer, for god's sake (though that last bit was still slightly present before their predicament).
He wondered if he'd see his brother at the event, but Christopher's time seemed to always be spent in town learning the law or going on dates with Christine. He was fearful for his brother's sanity at this point, but then again Raoul always had been the defiant one... He reminded him so much of himself that it truly terrified him, and with his impulsive nature who knew what might happen...
Philippe shook his head as he walked down the hall, too caught up in his own thoughts to realize he'd passed the room the gift exchange was being held in. He watched a woman in green enter through, so he followed her in. He straightened his also dark green tailed velvet jacket. He wore a nice contrasting dark red cravat with a diamond pin. He slicked back his already gelled hair, and entered the room with a gulp.
He surveyed the area and tried to find someone he knew... Unfortunately, he found her. Her wide smile and infectious laughter was easy to pick out among the bunch, as well as her obnoxious and most scandalous outfit! He hid his astonishment well, however, as he moved over to her to greet her, as it was common courtesy. Especially for his brother's sweetheart. Before he reached her he caught the eye of the other Christine he'd met the other day. He quite liked her. She at least behaved properly, and was a very traditional girl. He smiled at her.
However, Philippe had to turn his attention back to Svenna. He put that smile on his face that people loved so well, and was determined to be kind on Christmas Eve. He did not hate the girl, merely found her totally unsuitable to be his brother's bride. He didn't want to give her any ideas.
"Merry Christmas, Mademoiselle Daaé," he began with a slight bow of his head. "It is good to see you again, after all these years. You remember me, don't you?" He wasn't so sure she did...
The Comte glanced about the room as he spoke to her, and saw a man who looked eerily familiar sitting with a woman who also looked compellingly like someone else... His eyes narrowed, but he focused his attention back to the opera singer... unfortunately.
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Post by Alfred Worthington on Dec 20, 2012 21:57:10 GMT -5
Alfred knew the Christmas event was taking place tonight. He wanted everything to be perfect. Dressed in his tie and tails, he had picked up his gift as he left his suite. He went to the pantry and brought several trays of food that he had earlier made up and put them on a silver cart adorned with lacy cloths and doilies. Alfred had hors d'oeuvres, a large punch bowl with cut glass cups and a lovely holiday punch made bubbly with tonic water. There was egg nog, tiny sandwiches, les petits gâteaux, tarts, petit-fours and some mixed nuts.
He pushed the cart to the door of the room and entered, quietly putting his gift under the tree. He then greeted the guests, one by one, and asked if they would care for some Christmas treats. He served them from the cart, offering them the punch or egg nog and any of the treats which were served on small plates. There were many people he did not recognize, but it was no different than his days as a butler for the de Chagnys, for they had many parties and events that Alfred took care of and he rarely knew all the guests. They were often different every time. He hoped that everyone would come to the event tonight ...
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Christine Svenna Daaé
Twisted every way, what answer can I give?
Screw being ladylike; Imma Pageboy!
Posts: 230
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Post by Christine Svenna Daaé on Dec 20, 2012 22:08:24 GMT -5
A few more people entered the room. One of them, Svenna recognized as the man who had helped her to pick berries in the forest several weeks before. She had recalled having thought him to be Erik Lenoir, but now... Two Erik Lenoirs? It seemed rather bizarre.
But then, someone entered, whom she recognized, but had not seen in a good many years. Could it possibly be... “Philippe! Philippe, is that you? Oh, it seems like it's been forever!” She rushed to him and gave him a friendly hug. “Of course I remember you! Why wouldn't I? Raoul never told me that you were here. Oh, it's so good to see you again...”
She gave him another night squeeze before she spotted Alfred behind him and let go, giving a squeal of delight. “Alfred, you're here!” She rushed over to Alfred as well, though refrained from hugging him, as she did not wish to run into the cart. She turned back to Philippe. “Oh, if I had known that you were coming, I would have gotten a present for you too... Alfred, I have something to give to you later. Merry Christmas!”
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