Erik Lenoir
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Hide your face so the world will never find you...
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Post by Erik Lenoir on Jan 12, 2013 22:13:14 GMT -5
Erik hadn't meant to sadden Adina with the truth about himself, and he hadn't really told all of it, but he knew eventually, if they were to be close friends, she must know even the bad things about him. Perhaps he didn't need to go into detail. He dreaded telling her that he was a murderer. He felt that he wasn't one anymore, that was in the past. And he felt that he had changed. He hoped that he had changed. With his terrible temper, he had almost hurt Edouard at one point. And he also hoped that the people who did know about his past, would not speak about it. The only ones who knew really, were Christine Emilie, Edouard and Christophe. Possibly Meg knew. Giry of course would know, but she wasn't here and even if she were, he could count on her to be silent.
Then Adina spoke about music and Erik nodded. "Music does indeed have an effect on the heart and soul, more than we think. You are wise to know that, Adina."
"As for Christine, I have made arrangements to continue her singing lessons. She will meet me for that as she had done before, at the opera house. I hope to keep it quiet. I know she is in love with her de Chagny. I am not able at this time to tell her again how much I love her. You know that the time anomaly has allowed some of us to come here before certain events. She does not know what happened during the presentation of my opera. It was quite....ugly. I hope to take her fear away and have her trust me again."
"Monsieur de Chagny does tend to make the blood boil, Adina. I nearly killed him once...much to my chagrin, for it was in front of his dear wife." He paused, whether in same or not, it was hard to tell. "And yes, Adina, I think you should apologise to him. It would be better to have him feel kindly toward you than not."
Adina said it would not be a problem to sew the curtains in Box Five. "Excellent!" he smiled. "You may start whenever you wish. And yes,, you should be getting back to your suite and I am quite anxious to see your gift." Reversing the journey, they took the boat across the lake, climbed the dark bridges with the glow of his lantern, and exited the large doors. Walking to Adina's suite, he put his arm about her protectively. She was such a good friend. Soon they arrived at her door.
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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 Jan 14, 2013 19:47:37 GMT -5
Adina didn't wish to think badly of Erik and thought that if she could accept the good in him, then she must also accept the bad. She knew that there was more he wasn't telling her but she would not dare to bring anything up unless he brought it up first. She wanted to stay friends with Erik for she thought him to be a very wonderful friend towards her. The mere thought of something coming between their friendship was unthinkable and she wished it to stay that way. The only thing that worried her was his temper though she knew that he would never raise his hand to her unless she did something- which was most unlikely- to incur his wrath.
She smiled happily when Erik acknowledged her thought of the effect of music upon the soul… Sadly, she knew that all too well. She would often escape the pain caused by the hand of her father through song. She would close her eyes to block out the pain and think of her favorite French ballad or waltz. It helped her get through the suffering she had gone through and even now it still brought her much comfort.
She thought it was wonderful that Erik had arranged for more singing lessons with Christine. "I am very happy for you both, Erik. It is wonderful that you are teaching her to sing. Lord knows you have a lovely voice as you have shared it with me when we were in the Opera house."
Adina couldn't help but giggle again when Lenoir mentioned how de Chagney made his blood boil. She bit her lip and began to twirl her hair between fingers with anxiety. She hoped that she would never have to see Erik's emotional flare-ups even though she was too nice to even think of getting herself all worked up around him. He had never done anything to bring about her anger nor would she ever wish to show that side of herself ever again around him. "Oui, Erik. I shall apologize to M. de Chagney when I get the opportunity to see him again."
The little pigeon heart in the young maid's chest began to flutter with joy when Erik said that she could begin work on the curtains and that they should go back to her room so that she make present him with his… well, present! The two crossed the dark lake then left Erik's home. She liked the lantern that he held; the light gave her much comfort as they arrived at her suite. She opened the door and quickly turned towards Lenoir. "Would you be so kind as to close your eyes and hold out your hands while I retrieve your gift?" She bit her lip and giggled before going to her amour and pulling out the medium sized box- no bigger than a shoe-box- and brought it back to Erik. She placed the gift in his hands and tucked her own hands behind her back, her joyful smile never leaving her face. "You may open your eyes and unwrap your gift now."
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Erik Lenoir
Hide your face, so the world will never find you...
Hide your face so the world will never find you...
Posts: 1,241
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Post by Erik Lenoir on Jan 16, 2013 19:39:06 GMT -5
"Of course Christine has a wonderful voice to begin with. I could hardly teach her to sing if she had nothing to begin with, however she has not kept up her singing, and if she wishes to star on my stage, she will have to continue to exercise her voice. If one does not do that, the vocal cords, which are also muscles, loose their elasticity and must be exercised to make them strong and in shape again."
Adina seemed glad that she could sew the curtains for Box Five and he smiled. She and a few others were the only ones who seemed to want to put any hard work into making the Opera House beautiful again. Well, it would be, if Erik had anything to say about it.
When they arrived at Adina's suite, she asked him to close his eyes and hold out his hands. He laughed jovially, but did as she asked. She put a box in his hands. Erik opened his eyes and saw a medium sized box. She told him he could open it. He sat down in a chair and opened the top of the box. Inside, wrapped in some white tissue paper, was a pair of hand-made spats. Erik's eyes opened wide. He was touched at the gift, very heartfelt since it was made with her own hands. "These are wonderful, Adina. I assume it is your handiwork. " He looked at them closer. "Every stitch is perfect!" He smiled. "I think I shall try them on." He buttoned them on over his boots. "They fit perfectly!"
Adina was standing there, hands behind her back, smiling and looking like a little girl who had just given her first gift. He couldn't help but smile. She looked so happy. He walked over to her and hugged her. "Thank you, dear, that is a very sweet and useful gift. I truly appreciate it." And then he kissed her gently on the cheek.
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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 Jan 18, 2013 13:11:35 GMT -5
Adina smiled and listened to Erik as he spoke of Christine and how she needed to exercise her voice should she wish to continue to sing… This made Adina wonder if she should try doing the same thing. She did enjoy singing but not nearly as much as hearing Erik sing; his voice was simply entrancing and heavenly. "I suppose exercising one's voice is just as important as working on one's own overall wellbeing, yes? The voice is just as important as the muscles or the heart."
"I am very excited to help with restoring the Opera House, Erik, to bring out it's beauty within. I am so excited to see the material; knowing you, I am sure it is very fine and lovely." She smiled to herself and thought about carefully stitching the curtains and making them perfect for Erik's box.
She was nervous… She bit her lip though she smiled happily. Would he like the gift? She thought to herself. She hoped he would; she had painstakingly cut and sewn the fabric together to make the spats. Would they fit over his boots? Would they look good? All these thoughts ran through her poor mind as Erik opened the book… Her face seemed to stretch into a large smile in response to how pleased Lenoir was. "Oh, I am so happy that you like them, Erik! Y-Yes, I did make them myself… It took an awful long time to thread the material properly and…" She stopped herself from continuing to inanely babble. All that mattered was that Erik liked the spats and she was overjoyed at how pleased he was.
When Erik hugged her, she paused a brief moment before gently embracing him in return. She was so glad that he liked her gift. She felt as if someone finally took notice of her hard work and appreciated it. Tears welled up in her eyes and they threatened to run down her cheek just when Erik gave it a tender kiss. "No, Erik. No thanks is necessary. I am just so pleased that you are happy with the gift; and I too appreciate your gift as well. Perhaps I shall wear it to the masquerade."
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Erik Lenoir
Hide your face, so the world will never find you...
Hide your face so the world will never find you...
Posts: 1,241
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Post by Erik Lenoir on Jan 19, 2013 13:48:09 GMT -5
"Would you too, be interested in music lessons, Adina? I am hoping that everyone here who has some talent, whether to sing, play an instrument, dance or act would wish to be part of the productions I am planning to put on in the opera house once we are ready for that. And it is not too early to start....if that would be your wish."
"The curtains, take your time. Other things will not be ready for some time and there is no hurry whatsoever. I know they will be beautiful. "
Then she spoke about the necklace he had given her and that she might wear it to the masquerade. "That would be lovely, if it would go with your costume. What is the costume you are planning? I think it will be quite interesting to see what costumes people shall wear. I think perhaps it says something about them. Of course that's my own theory, but I think there is a modicum of truth in it." He paused a moment. "It was very lovely of you to go with me to the gift exchange party. I think we had a good time. Personally, I had never been to a Christmas party before. My mother held quite elaborate ones when I was a child, but I was never allowed to come down and mingle with the guests. I expect I would have upset them and horrified the ladies. So it is very heartening to be invited to a lovely party such as that. And, Adina, I do appreciate your friendship. He looked upon her fondly again.
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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 Jan 19, 2013 23:20:44 GMT -5
Would you too, be interested in music lessons, Adina?
The maid smiled and nodded to Lenoir. "Yes, I would love to learn. Well, to learn something. Perhaps I could try to sing again? Oh, but I have often relished the notion of dancing, as you saw when we went out into the snow." She gently embraced her own arms and smiled inwardly. Her eyes closed a moment, remembering how she spun beneath the falling snow just outside the manor.
"Yes, I cannot wait to see the material for the curtains. Oh, of course, Erik. I will do my best to make the curtains absolutely perfect for you."
What is the costume you are planning? At this, Adina smiled with such a joy; she was so excited to complete the mask for her costume and put the finishing touches on her gloves. "I am going as a kitsune, a Japanese fox spirit… That is- how do you say- ironic? That I used to be a spirit and now, at a masquerade, I am going to dress up as one." She smiled to herself and thought it rather humorous. She too was excited to see what the others have planned to dress up as. Erik then told her that it was lovely of her to go with him to the gift exchange on Christmas Eve… But then. Her smile faded when Erik said that he had never been to a Christmas party before… Never??
She frowned sadly and tears welled up in her eyes. Again, she felt a bit of anger within her soul. She was mad for Lenoir, for how poorly he had been treated as a child; being left out at gatherings that were supposed to be merry. But that was not merry, that was hurtful. The maid quickly wiped away the tears in her eyes and looked up at Erik when he told her that he appreciated her friendship. Yes, she needed to hear that, something to make her heart lift once more. She smiled again and realized that her shoulders had tensed with bitter hatred while Erik told his story. She allowed her shoulders to drop as she looked Lenoir in the eyes. "I too am very glad that we are friends as well, Erik."
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Erik Lenoir
Hide your face, so the world will never find you...
Hide your face so the world will never find you...
Posts: 1,241
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Post by Erik Lenoir on Jan 24, 2013 0:29:12 GMT -5
Erik smiled. Dancing. That was something that Adina had a true flair for. "Would that Mme. Giry were here to give ballet lessons. But she has not appeared in the year I have been here. Perhaps one of the Megs, there is one in particular, she's a bit older, you might ask her if she would be giving dancing lessons. Have you ever had formal dancing lessons? The Meg I am speaking of has a ....different....style of dancing that she has learned. It's from America. She danced there at Coney Island. In any case, I am hoping to have a variety of types of shows in addition to opera at the opera house. And singing, you can always come to me anytime if you wish singing lessons."
"The costume sounds fascinating. I am truly looking forward to the Masquerade. We have had so many celebrations here... a year ago, I would have been unwilling to join in such things. But time has changed me, I expect. I have friends now. It is an amazing thing. I never thought I would have this many friends in my life."
"My costume is quite elaborate. I had it made in the village. I am very pleased with it. I had a special mask made also for the occasion." When Adina seemed sad that Erik had never been to a Christmas party, he shrugged. "Don't feel bad for the past Adina. It's dead and gone. I 'm enjoying the here and now. In fact I would rather not go back to revisit those days. Mother, I have a different view of her now since meeting her in spirit last year. She would have been shunned too had she let it be widely known that she had a son as deformed as I am. It was bitter for her too. I don't know if she hated me. I know she resented me. I never really understood her. And the pranks I played on her did not help the situation either." At this Erik smiled. Some of the pranks had been very much fun!
"And of course I am proud to have you as my friend. I never trusted anyone very much before I came here, but a year has made a world of difference.." He smile,"Never feel sorry for me, Adina. I cannot go back to the past, but I can go ahead to the future. And the Manor has indeed made my future worth looking forward.
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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 Jan 26, 2013 14:38:27 GMT -5
When Erik mentioned one of the Megs, Adina instantly brightened. "Oh! Yes, I have met one of them. She's younger than me but she helped me to do a little ballet." She listened to Erik when he spoke of the other Meg; she was an older one and Lenoir said that her dancing was 'different', that it was an American style. Adina tilted her head. "Really?That sounds rather interesting. Is it at all like ballet?" She smiled and curtsied graciously to Erik. "Thank-you, Erik. I would love that. Though I fear that my voice may be rather tinny compared to yours; your voice is truly beautiful."
Adina stood at full attention, listening attentively to Erik as he described his masquerade costume. She was very glad that Erik had friends and that she was one of them. She was so grateful to be making friends in this new age as well. She had finally let go of the past and was looking forward to a future in the manor with people she could finally feel close to. When Erik mentioned the past- It's dead and gone.- that made Adina feel much lighter in her heart. She was finally free of her own past, which in her mind too was dead and gone. "You are right, Erik. The past? It belongs, well, in the past."
She looked up at Erik and forced herself to smile. Why were they dwelling on sad things? Like she said, the past belongs in the past. She did, however, feel a tinge of hatred towards Erik's mother even though she tried to suppress the feeling. She did not realize it, but her hands had become clenched against her dress and she was beginning to feel a bit of pain from gripping her fingers so tightly. She uncurled her fists and put her hands behind her back so Erik would not see.
"Oui, the future does sound like a more inviting thing now. When I first came back to life upon your shore, I was afraid of what my future held for me. But now I see that I am surrounded by wonderful people and that there are many wonderful things in store for me. Well, not just for me, but for you and everyone else in the manor." She smiled happily and looked about the room. "Well, I thank you so very much for the lovely dinner and the gift, Erik. It means so much to me." She cautiously stood up on tiptoe and gave him a small kiss on the cheek.
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Erik Lenoir
Hide your face, so the world will never find you...
Hide your face so the world will never find you...
Posts: 1,241
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Post by Erik Lenoir on Jan 29, 2013 22:05:44 GMT -5
Adina spoke of the young Meg who helped her do a bit of ballet. Then she asked about the older one. Erik laughed and put his fingers to his forehead in a quizzical gesture. "The other Meg. Well, I don't know. She's a strange one. When she and I first talked, it seemed that she knew something about my past that I didn't She had apparently lived more of the past than I did before coming here if that makes any sense. In any case, yes, she is a ...lovely...girl, but odd. I did not particularly get on well with her and that is undoubtedly because of our differing views on a few things. One of them was the vaudeville music. She wished me to have some of it in a show at my opera house. She demonstrated a bit of it for me. And no, it's nothing like ballet. Nothing at all. Not beautiful and graceful, but rather raucous and uncouth. Quite what one might think of as American. Not that Meg is uncouth. I do not mean that. I suspect you would have to see and hear the dance to understand. It's rather hard to describe, since it's a dance form I had never seen before. Perhaps some of the modern people would be interested in it... I don't know." Erik did not want to go into the strange confrontation he had with her when she must have thought him Mr Y.
"Thank you dear for the compliment on my voice. It is perhaps the one thing about me that is...beautiful, if I dare say that. " Erik did not say that with a lot of pride, but more that it simply was a fact. And I am glad that you are able to leave the past behind. It has molded us so we cannot always leave all of it behind, but we can remold ourselves to a brighter future.
"I am very pleased and happy with the fortunate event of you turning up on my shore. It h as led to a lovely friendship." Adina stood on tiptoe and gave him a small gentle kiss. He kissed her back and said again, "I had no idea how bereft I was before coming here, when I had no friends. I am so glad you are my friend."
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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 Feb 2, 2013 23:16:39 GMT -5
Lived more of the past? Adina thought it strange. There was so much that she had apparently missed in the past- well, the future that she missed out on- and all the new creations and ideals of centuries gone by. But now she was living in a much newer and far more exciting century and with interesting people. Then Erik spoke of how the Meg's style of dancing was more 'uncouth', American even. She often wondered what America was like. Perhaps- if she were still alive by then- she would one day travel to America to see what it was like. This made her smile to herself. It was strange that she was feeling more alive now than she ever had all those centuries ago. She smiled at Erik and nodes. "I agree; the way you describe the music, it sounds as though it would be much more appreciated in this time then from my own." She laughed softly and put a hand to her mouth as she smiled.
She nodded and smoothed out her dress. She did indeed think Erik's voice was beautiful and that he himself was, even if he didn't see that. "I believe that I should stop holding onto the past and look forward to the future. A brighter future, as you said."
"I too am very happy that we are friends, Erik," She said. "I had lost all of my friends in the past before I came to this era. I often wonder what they would think if they saw me in this modern age." She giggled and accepted the gentle kiss upon her own cheek. He was very kind and she appreciated such kindness. She looked around her room and then to Erik. "Perhaps I should retire for the night. Thank-you again for the lovely dinner. I hope that I can cook for you one day. Perhaps we could try something called 'high tea'; it sounds very delicious from what I've read about it. Well, anyways, goodnight, Erik. I'm sure I will see you around the manor again."
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Erik Lenoir
Hide your face, so the world will never find you...
Hide your face so the world will never find you...
Posts: 1,241
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Post by Erik Lenoir on Feb 3, 2013 18:34:02 GMT -5
Erik didn't want to go; they had had such a lovely time. And he was beginning to cherish the friends he had made at the mansion. It was what made life bearable there. Not that he was ungrateful for his own lair which he had built with his own hands and which had been strangely brought here from Paris, but friends were something he had never had, so he had never known what joy they could bring.
Adina, a little maid from an earlier time even than Erik, he felt kinship with her across the years. Perhaps neither of them belonged in this strange modern world, but the mansion in that way was a haven for them and they would never have to confront the modern world unless they wished to do so.
He walked to the door of her suite and turned. "Again, I thank you for the spats...you did a lovely job and a gift is even more special if it is handmade." He smiled. "And yes, it is time for me to leave, but I do expect to see you about the mansion, and not just once in a while. Do not make yourself scarce or hide away, for I certainly will wish to see you again. And a dinner or high tea certainly sounds brilliant." He put his left hand to his mouth, kissed it and blew the kiss to Adina. Then he pulled her door closed and walked soundlessly away.
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