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 Jan 26, 2013 17:34:55 GMT -5
Erik had found a little note as he left his lair today. It was an invitation to a party, a birthday part for someone named Erik Lenoir. Oh yes, he remembered. One of the masked fellows, he had seen him at the Christmas party, the gift exchange. He remembered that he had kissed a pretty red haired girl under the mistletoe. He didn't remember much else. He wondered why Ana would invite him. Perhaps it was her thought that he should become more familiar with the people in the mansion. Erik wasn't sure he wanted to do that.
He pulled out his watch and checked the time. The party was in the Opera House and had just started. Should he go? Perhaps if it were a small gathering, it wouldn't hurt. He would peek in. If the entire place was filled with people, Erik would surely panic and back out immediately. But it couldn't hurt to have a peek, as he was curious. Lenoir, because he wore a mask, perhaps he had something in common with Erik. He decided to go and see what the party was like.
Ana seemed like a very nice person, so he suspected that was why she was doing this party for Lenoir. She said it was a surprise party. And Castagne had no gift. But he didn't know Lenoir, so how could he possibly find a gift for him. He would simply come.
He took the lift up to the main floor and turned down the long corridor to the Opera House. Pushing open the wooden door tentatively, he saw that there were very few people there. Three women and two men to be exact. He would make it an even six. Erik stepped inside the doors and waited to see what was happening. The four people were singing a birthday song to Lenoir, who was on stage with Ana. He saw that the little redhead was there, the western woman and one of the tall Eriks. This one was blond and wore a three quarter mask. He watched to see what would happen.
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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 21:16:47 GMT -5
Adina tilted her head a bit. So it was a party for Lenoir. This was wonderful news! The woman said something about a 'birthday song'... This confused Adina greatly; there was a song for birthdays? It must have been a modern thing that she did not understand. She smiled at Ana and then looked at the one phantom, Carrier. She inhaled deeply then walked over to him... She needed to apologize. She gently tapped his shoulder before curtsying, keeping her head down.
"M. Carrier?" She asked, finally looking into his eyes. "I just wanted to apologize for how rude I was towards you the night that M. Lenoir was..... Well, ill, I suppose. I did not mean to be so harsh, you did nothing wrong and I humbly beg your forgiveness, monsieur."
Soon, Ana came back with Lenoir. Adina smiled and tried to sing along with the small company, her voice soft but clearly distinguishable by her French accent. She gently clapped afterwards and smiled at Lenoir. It made her giggle a bit when she saw his happy, almost child-like expression. His happiness seemed to radiate all around and made everyone else happy.
After the song was over, she looked around and saw another man come into the Opera House; it wasn't Lenoir but a different Phantom. The one that seemed to speak in the third-person- which Adina thought was rather odd- calling himself 'Erik' instead of 'I' or 'me'. "Do excuse me," She said to Carrier before curstying and going over to the other Erik. She smiled and gently touched his arm. "Bonne journée, monsieur." She nodded to him and nearly radiated with happiness. "I am very pleased to see you again. Did you have a good Christmas?"
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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 Jan 26, 2013 21:48:33 GMT -5
The little red haired lady came up to Erik to speak to him. She was very pretty up close but Erik shied away just a bit. He had hoped to observe from a distance. Yet, there were only five other people here. He was a bit tense, but he nodded politely when the lady said in perfect French, Bonne journée, monsieur at which he replied quietly, "Bonne journée, mademoiselle." Every word of course made the cloth attached to the bottom of his mask move in and out.
"This is the birthday celebration for Monsieur Lenoir?" His brown eyes glanced at Adina. "And what may Erik call the lady?"
"Erik hopes that M. Lenoir will not be upset by the fact that Erik has not brought a gift; for Erik has just discovered this note a few minutes ago...Erik is wondering, why was he invited?"
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Erik Carriere
For I am blackness itself...
"When you sing, I live in the heavens, and when you do not, down below." ~ Erik Carriere
Posts: 359
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Post by Erik Carriere on Jan 27, 2013 16:07:45 GMT -5
Birthday song? Erik wondered for a moment if Ana was only introducing the song because they were all connected to music, but he had a feeling that it was a modern tradition since he had learned many things from here that were more modern. He then turned and looked at the red head who had tapped on his shoulder for his attention and he gave it promptly.
She apologized to him for the night they had met and... well... the meeting wasn't quite fun at first but now that he looked back on it. The little explosion was almost amusing. "It's quite alright, Mademoiselle. I also don't believe we had quite the most proper introduction, I am Erik Carriere." He said with a slight incline of his head, even though she already seemed to know his name, he did not know hers. Erik then nodded when she excused herself to talk to another masked man. He remembered seeing that masked man at the Christmas party but he never had the chance to speak to him before.
He then walked to Lenoir with a bright smile. "Happy Birthday my friend. I would have been ever so sorry to have missed this." He then went searching through his pockets for a moment before his hand clutched to what he was looking for. "Ah, and if I would have known a little earlier, I would have gotten you something much better. But here-" Then promptly produced the gift for Lenoir. It was a vintage copy of The Phantom of the Opera. Well... to them it was closer to their time period. It was a copy from 1930. "I heard that you had been in search of this book and wasn't sure if you had gotten to read it or not. Happy Birthday Lenoir." He said with a smile, hoping he had gotten a good gift for his friend.
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anastasia
Senior Member
Making a point is a matter of opinion. I'd rather make a difference
With me? Expect the unexpected!
Posts: 285
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Post by anastasia on Jan 27, 2013 16:41:31 GMT -5
Ana was thrilled to see Castagne had arrived to celebrate this day. In the back of her mind, it was a definite need to know everyone's birthday at least. It would only be right to make them all feel more... human. And loved.
Standing back as she watched Adina and Castagne talk then Carriere giving Lenoir a gift, she smiled while watching them interact. It was a happy moment and made her feel like she did some good for once. This was Lenoir's moment to shine so she stayed back and moved to his cake to look over how to serve it up. In the meantime, she glanced at the door wondering if anyone else would be arriving to at least wish the best to Lenoir on his special day. Hoping this was not all who would at least stop by, surely there were more people he knew!
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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 22:30:20 GMT -5
After finishing the birthday song, Erik noticed that Erik Castagne had come in the opera house. Adina was speaking to him. And she spoke with Carrière as well. Erik wasn't quite sure what you were supposed to do for things like this. It' was his forth-sixth birthday, but his first birthday party. This was very lovely of the people here. And last year at this time, just before he came to the mansion, a mere three days in fact, Erik would never have thought it possible. He had been a wanted criminal back then, now he was a cherished friend. He felt a bit odd about that. His heart and mind had changed so much in that year. Erik was actually happy! An odd thing, He had rarely been happy in his earlier life. Of course not every day was completely happy here, but it was certainly better than being a hunted criminal.
Then Carrière came up to him. He had a gift. It was a vintage copy of Leroux's The Phantom of the Opera. How many times he had tried to read that book in the past year and every time, he had been interrupted. "Thank you, Carrière. This is very thoughtful. And no, I have not had the pleasure of reading it. 1930, you say?" He laughed. "Nearly fifty years in the future...how strange. But how strange are our lives since we have come here. How very strange, and yet how happy my life has become. It is something I never expected. Thank you for the book, my friend, I must greet our new guest,"
Referring to M. Castagne, Erik walked toward him. Having only seen him at the Christmas party, he had not studied the strange mask that he wore. It was very different from any of the other Eriks. "M. Castagne, how very pleased I am to finally meet you." Erik held out his hand to the man. "I am sure you know that I am Erik Lenoir. And thank you for attending my party. It was completely a surprise and it is heartening to have a new acquaintance attend this event. It's all Ana's doing. Do you know her? She is a very different modern woman, but very sweet and kind."
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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 Jan 30, 2013 20:47:50 GMT -5
Erik watched as Lenoir spoke with the tall blond Phantom, Carrière, who gave him a book. Erik assumed it was a birthday gift. The two spoke briefly. Then Lenoir strode over to Erik. Lenoir greeted him in a friendly manner, saying he had only seen him at the Christmas party. Erik bowed in greeting. Lenoir was not impressively tall, as many of the other Phantoms were. He was just about Castagne's height. But he was much more talkative. And friendly. Castagne was slightly overwhelmed at all the words which issued from the other Phantom's mouth. He spoke about Ana.
"Oui, Erik has met the lady. She had indeed been kind to Erik." He paused while Lenoir mentioned that Ana was a "modern" woman. "Tell Erik please, what does M. Lenoir mean that she is a "modern" woman? Perhaps her clothing is a bit different."
Erik wanted so much to ask if Lenoir had seen Joy, his Christine. But it was not the time. Better to make a friend and ask him later. After all, this was Lenoir's day. "Erik is most pleased to meet M. Lenoir." He bowed again and hoped there would be less talking.
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Post by ladybarbossa on Feb 2, 2013 18:33:12 GMT -5
She'll be fashionably late but not because she was that sort of person but because she was a wife and mother. Granted Lenoir was like family to her but there were other priorities. However, Lenoir was still a priority in this day for her. Emilie made an effort to at least stop by the little strange party and knew it had begun. Hoping that dear Lenoir was still there. She had no gift to give him. What ever could she give an Angel of Music?!? Yes, after all this time, and despite all that happened, she still considered him that. After all, he helped her in more ways than just music to become the woman she is today! Even if he never knew it! His life NEEDED to be celebrated! She needed to show him that. He meant more to her than perhaps he thought.
Coming to the doors of the Opera, pausing a moment as she inhaled deeply through her nose before releasing the air as she opened the door and strode inside! Her eyes befell several people who were already here. Recognizing Carriere .... ahh, she saw Adina! There he was! Lenoir! A smile spread upon her gentle face as she strode further into the Opera with her usual grace, that of a former Dancer and now as a woman of married-into Nobility. He was talking with another masked man she's not met yet and that struck her curiosity. She will have to meet him soon enough. For now, Lenoir was where her attention was focused upon. She would not interrupt him at all so she awaited as she smiled while watching him, glancing around at the others - nodding to Carriere and Adina. She saw Ana finally as she seemed out of the way. This baffled Emilie to some extent. How was it that this woman was still.... here? What connection did she have with Lenoir. Looking her over, in the interesting style of fashion that was by no means scandalous this time but rather conservative. How odd. This woman was a conundrum it seemed. At least to Emilie it appeared that way.
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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 2, 2013 23:16:49 GMT -5
Erik was still speaking with Castagne when he became aware of the door opening and closing. He glanced over and saw that it was Emilie."Monsieur Castagne, come with me, I would like you to meet the rest of the people here. They are all my friends, as I hope that you are."
He approached the stage near where everyone was gathered. "I'd like to introduce Monsieur Erik Castagne to anyone who doesn't know him, " said Lenoir in a voice loud enough so all could hear. "He is a fairly new resident and doesn't know many of us. Please make him feel at home." He said to Castagne, "Please excuse me, Monsieur, I must greet another friend."
Erik walked toward Emilie with a smile. "Emilie my dear, I have missed you." He unabashedly gave her a hug and a small kiss on the cheek, a kiss of friendship. He hoped to perhaps see her later and perhaps give her a kiss upon the lips in more than friendship. He had missed her, not having seen her really since the Christmas party. He whispered, as they were still embracing, "I've missed you."
He took the steps two at a time and stood on the stage, speaking to the tiny crowd.. "I expect you all know each other now. And it's Miss Goodwin-Hart, or Ana as I believe she prefers to be called, who is the "instigator" ....here he laughed..." of this little birthday party. And I do thank her. Shall we give her a round of applause?" Erik started clapping in Ana's honour. He was so pleased and tickled with the thought that someone had actually remembered his birthday and thought to treat him as a normal person, which of course he knew he could never be, but still it was a lovely thought...
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anastasia
Senior Member
Making a point is a matter of opinion. I'd rather make a difference
With me? Expect the unexpected!
Posts: 285
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Post by anastasia on Feb 6, 2013 23:59:49 GMT -5
She watched Lenoir socialize with a smile upon her face. Staying rather 'in the shadows' so that Lenoir could be out there 'in the limelight' to enjoy this special day. He very well deserved it. This made her content that he was given such a new opportunity. He deserved it.
Preparing the cake so to speak to be enjoyed by all. In her mind, Lenoir would get the biggest piece to make up for all the years he didn't have a birthday party. At least, she thought he never had one. He deserved it.
When he placed the focus upon her, looking at him then at others with a deer-in-the-headlight look then in a shy smile she wanted to step away from the focus. This was not her time to shine, it was Lenoir's! What ever in the world was he doing? Silly darling of a man! With nearly a blush - what her blush? - she stood there tilting her head down and occasionally looking at Lenoir wondering what ever was he doing? Was he so shy that he didn't want the attention? With shy but warm grin, she slightly rolled her eyes and then rose her brows as she barely shook her head glancing about then at Lenoir. She will get him back for putting her in the spotlight like this. In a good way that is. "It wouldn't have happened if you never existed, Lenoir. I think the applause is all for you," wanting to call him 'sweetie' or hun', but refrained from doing so. Not in front of all these people. She would at least keep her mind and wits about her. "To Lenoir! A very wonderful Happy Birthday to you! And may there be MANY more!" Grinning at him.
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Teressa Lavalais
Fine. You?re rehired. Now shut up or I will run you through.
Posts: 248
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Post by Teressa Lavalais on Feb 7, 2013 18:35:49 GMT -5
Teressa ran down the corridor, wearing a dress that she'd found in her closet. She picked up the hem of the skirts, taking her run to a sprint. She was late, horribly late; her hair was flying out of its braided bun, and she was sure her necklace was askew. She thought perhaps Lenoir would like this dress, but she'd lost track of the time trying to put it on. She finally ran up to the doors, taking a moment to catch her breath. She pushed her flyaway curls out of her face, then pushed the door open.
With a proud little smile, Teressa walked into the scene, looking straight at Lenoir, and only at Lenoir. She was embarrassed, for sure, that she'd taken so long to get ready, but she was also happy that Lenoir was celebrating his birthday today and she got to be part of it. Her first courtier in seventy years, and she got to take part in his life. She couldn't claim that about Dmitri.
"I'm so sorry that I'm late, darling...I lost track of the time..." Teressa reached out to Lenoir as she approached him. She took his hands, grinning widely at him.
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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 7, 2013 20:51:30 GMT -5
After the applause for Ana had quieted, she seemed a bit embarrassed to be in the limelight. Why would she be embarrassed? he wondered. She had put this whole thing together. His attention was on her as she spoke and he smiled. This was so lovely all his friends from the mansion were here now, the ladies, Emilie, Ana, Adina, Lu and his best male friend Carrière and Castagne, who seemed as if he could be a friend. But there was one who was missing. ..his Teressa. They had made up after the holidays, but he had not seen her much. He wondered if she really still cared for him, even though she said she did...But he decided to put it out of his mind.
Still on stage, he vaguely heard the door opening and saw someone running down the aisle. It was Teressa! She was here! He almost flew down the steps from the stage and ran to greet her. "Teressa! You came! You came to my party! Now my birthday is complete." She took his hands and he hugged her and gave her a kiss on the cheek. "Come, my dear, meet my friends, you must already know some of them..."
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Erik Carriere
For I am blackness itself...
"When you sing, I live in the heavens, and when you do not, down below." ~ Erik Carriere
Posts: 359
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Post by Erik Carriere on Feb 9, 2013 18:15:19 GMT -5
Erik smiled, relieved that Lenoir liked his gift. 50 years into the future... he had been here for a while and he still wasn't exactly sure how time worked here except that day was day, night was night, summer was summer, and winter was winter. "I am glad you like it. Go ahead." He said happily, watching as his friend went to speak with the other guests.
He saw another masked man had entered and even a masked lady the he thought he might have recognized from the Christmas party. He nearly recognized everyone here, either from personally speaking to them or having seen them at the party. He watched from the sidelines as his friend seemed to be enjoying himself. Good, he deserves it. He thought and smiled. He then saw Lenoir go to the stage and request that the group applaud for Ana, she apparently having put together this party. He gladly applauded her, anyone who could make Lenoir feel good like he looked now also deserved the applause. He smiled and watched as the applause quieted down and the party continued on.
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Teressa Lavalais
Fine. You?re rehired. Now shut up or I will run you through.
Posts: 248
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Post by Teressa Lavalais on Feb 11, 2013 16:22:08 GMT -5
Teressa surveyed the room. There were people that she didn't know...a LOT of people that she didn't know. Lenoir was there, yes, but she wasn't sure who any of the other people were...Except...that brunette one in the funny clothes looked terribly familiar. She held tight to Lenoir's arm, hoping that perhaps he'd introduce her to a few of the people in the room.
She was quiet, observing each of the people in turn. There were quite a few people in masks, which made her feel more comfortable. Although, the more she thought about it, she seemed to be the only woman who wore a mask around this place...All of the other masked figures here were male.
Who WAS that woman? It irked Teressa that she couldn't place a name for that face...she felt as though she should know, that she should make a move toward her...But the face...that wasn't what was so familiar. GOD, this was going to bug her for the whole party until she thought of it...
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Post by ladybarbossa on Feb 11, 2013 19:16:05 GMT -5
Delighted when Lenoir greeted her. Though she restrained herself to be a bit more civil and only lightly embrace him while enjoying the little peck upon her cheek. She smiled. Rather thrilled that he missed her. And truthfully, she missed him. How could she not miss her 'Angel'? She smiled warmly at Lenoir.
She followed him to the stage - an almost ironic moment for it was he who helped put her onto the stage and spotlight. She owed it all to him! On stage her eyes went from Lenoir to the brunette he pointed out and praised being the one who did this little gathering for him. Holding her eyes upon the other woman a moment and applauded, barely a smile. It startled her to a different level of wonder that her 'Angel' was no longer the reclusive man he once was. This made Christine feel rather... old. Almost unwanted. And yet, she couldn't let him go and nor could he it seemed. Yes, that greeting a moment ago told her that he still had a fondness towards her. Glancing down then turned her eyes to Lenoir who had gone to greet another woman. A tall platinum hair woman with a dancer's figure and who wore a mask. Why? This more than baffled her and from the looks of it as he led her about, stabbed at her heart for they appeared to be more than just mere friends. Now she knew how he felt oh, those many years ago when she was upon Raoul's arm when they were Lovers and Engaged. What goes around, comes around. And Fate now laughed at her. Her choices made she would at least ensure that Lenoir was happy and his remaining days would be the best ever. Somehow.
Her attention was drawn to a family masked face and so she strode over to- "Monsieur Carriere," she smiled at the tall fair hair Phantom. "It's good to see you again."
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