maria
Full Member
That spitfire American!
Posts: 114
|
Post by maria on Jun 3, 2012 15:29:17 GMT -5
Her eyes danced from the table to him several times. Always keeping a smile. Strange as it was. Feeling a sort of uneasiness, almost anxiety. The good kind actually. But his acceptance of her asking questions made her perk up more with a raised brow and more confidence. There will indeed be questions, perhaps not now but there will be some later. She couldn't help but notice his smile. Strange as it was. Those lips puffier the closer to the mask and disappeared under it. Made the smile a little odd, almost like that of a clown. A happy one at that.
"An reply is still an answer to a question, Mister Lenoir." Smiling at him with that slight trivial smirk. "I'm sure I'll have plenty of questions to ask you." Glancing at herself, "But I think I need to clean up before I can even be given that tour." Looking at him now. "Is there somewhere to freshen up? I do want to make a good first impression when I sing."
|
|
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
|
Post by Erik Lenoir on Jun 3, 2012 22:00:58 GMT -5
Maria had quite evaded the question that she had posed just a few moments earlier. She had wanted to know something, asked if she could propose a question for him and he had told her it would be all right. But now she evaded it...how odd. He was curious. What could she wish to ask, that perhaps she was afraid to ask? What was under the mask? Who he really was? He would not volunteer that information.
He noticed her eyes on his lips when he smiled. That made him a bit uncomfortable. His eyes and his lips were the only thing he could not hide under the half mask.
"A reply is still an answer to a question?" he repeated. "That is indeed a bit cryptic, my dear. Perhaps you would care to explain exactly what you mean."
"Indeed there is a place to freshen up. Everyone who has appeared here has a particular place to stay, one that is uncannily like a place they've lived before. In the dormitories, my dear, you will find a complete suite for yourself. Your name will be engraved on a small plaque on the door. I can take you there and then wait for you and take you to the opera house. Let me clear the table. " Erik took the dirty dishes and piled them next to the sink. "There is no need to wash them, Miss Gianelli, that too seems to be taken care of for us."
Erik then opened the door for Maria and followed her to the large wooden doors at the other end of the beautiful dining room. He held one of those also, then took the lead through the corridors leading to the dormitories.
|
|
maria
Full Member
That spitfire American!
Posts: 114
|
Post by maria on Jun 5, 2012 15:28:27 GMT -5
"Words are better than silence, Mister Lenoir." Having known many who gave her the silent treatment not wanting to hurt her feelings or something else. It only made her annoyed with them. A response was better than nothing, she always thought.
Each person with a room of their own? This more than bewildered her. How could that be? Was someone expecting her? Perhaps the one who kidnapped her. In which case, she will get to the bottom of it. For a fleeting moment she began to wonder if it was Lenoir who did this. But realized, if she remembered, he was a bit lost as well. Or so he said. She would keep him under suspicion nevertheless. Keep him under her watchful eyes.
Getting up and following Lenoir, she will be glad to finally be a bit more presentable. Right now, she felt horrible. Cold, disgusting, soiled, exhausted. Strolling along, glancing about. "This is a strange, nice place." Curious as to who the Master of the Manor was and why they were here now.
|
|
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
|
Post by Erik Lenoir on Jun 5, 2012 18:53:27 GMT -5
When Maria said, Words are better than silence, Mister Lenoir..., Erik smiled cryptically." I do not completely agree with you, my dear. There is most definitely a time to speak and a time to keep silence. Would you care to ask me the question to which you earlier wished to hear the answer? If it is something that I am able to answer, I shall be delighted to do so. However, I must hear the question first." Erik wondered if she indeed did have a question or if she was just testing him.
Maria called the house a strange, nice place. "Strange?" repearted Erik. "Most definitely. Nice? I think not. I find my quarters comfortable, and most of the people here do not disparage me, but nice is not a word I would use to describe it. Some of the rooms are lovely, likt the dining room we just left. Others are in deplorable shape. And then the fact that we have been brought here without our consent. Definitely not a pleasing thought, added to the fact that we don't know who has brought us here." Erik kept silence for a moment, then added, "There are definitely some very odd happenings in this place. Perhaps later I can tell you about them. "
They walked on a bit further. After traversing several corridors, Erik went to a large door and opened it. Behind the door was another corridor, much friendlier looking and with many doors on either side. "Go, my dear, find your suite. " Erik pulled out his pocket watch and consulted it. "I shall return in one hour's time. Will that be sufficient? Then I shall show you the opera house." He looked expectantly at her for an answer.
|
|
maria
Full Member
That spitfire American!
Posts: 114
|
Post by maria on Jun 7, 2012 16:55:22 GMT -5
Philosophical words from Lenoir caused a curious reaction in her. Raising her brows as she glanced at him with surprised delight causing those exotic eyes to sparkle. Both of them no doubt quite inquisitive which did in return spread a smile upon her face. "I don't have a question right now. Yet. But I'm sure I'll one or more in the future." Smiling back at him.
A bit bewildered that he spoke of this place in such a way. She wasn't sure if he fancied living here or despised it. "Yes, you mentioned the state that it's in." Again glancing about, "It's a far better place to stay unlike most I have lived in."
Even though he was not the Master of the Manor, he appeared as though he were. Or at least, a very kind and humble one. Showing her where her ... suite? A suite? Again, this brought out quite a stunned reaction from her. She'd not living in such a place of elegance and now, she felt like royalty! Smiling at him, "One hour," then left down the hall to find that supposed suite that belonged to her.
As she moved down, glancing back at her 'tour guide' a moment with a smile then turned back around to look over the doors. They were strange. Many names that were the same. Eventually she came to a door that had her name upon it. Blinking, she stood there a moment. Reaching for the door and opened it. Walking inside she was stunned to see lovely living quarters. In awe of it's splendor she had to reprimand herself for time was of the essence. Drawing a bath, in a tub with the indoor plumbing that was a grand delight, she stripped of the dirty costume and sank into the warm waters to bathe. Ridding her body and hair of the undesirable grime and feeling. After the relaxing bath, she got out and dried. Curious what attire there was if any, she worried for a moment that she would have to put back on that horrible costume. But upon opening the waredrobe she saw only one dress - a peach sort of chiffon dress. It was a bit odd and much just to go visit a run down place or even continue on a tour of the Manor. But, it was the only thing to wear. And so, she took it out with a simple corset, and undergarments. Dressed. Then did her best with her slightly damp but mostly dry hair. Pulled back mostly and allowed most of it to cascade down so as to cover her shoulders. This was simply not right for just a simple tour. Someone was playing a cruel trick. She'll HAVE to find some better attire for this.
An hour had passed. With a heavy intake of air, she left her chambers and made her way back down the corridor to meet back up with Lenoir. Feeling so very much over dressed.
|
|
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
|
Post by Erik Lenoir on Jun 9, 2012 15:37:34 GMT -5
Erik didn't want to frighten Maria with his tales of ghosts, whether evil or good ones. And some of the people here had taken a definite dislike to Erik. He had made at least two enemies here. But he wasn't going to delve into that. The poor woman had been frightened enough, the way she had entered the mansion.
Maria said that it was a better place to stay than most places she had lived. Erik raised his visible eyebrow. "What types of places have you lived in, Miss Gianelli? Of course this is a beautiful lush place, but many of the rooms are in terrible disarray, although others are not. And then there is a third option. Some of the rooms go from being beautiful and new to being disapidated and in ruins in the space of a few minutes. I have not yet started to understand that. But I shall of course discover the answer in time."
"I see you look a bit stunned at the thought of a suite. Surely it is strange, for most of us find familiarity in the suites assigned to us. How could anyone know that much about us. It disturbs me."
As Erik left her, he decided to take a short walk in the garden. He found it a good place to think...and he liked to walk as he thought. After some time had passed, Erik checked his pocket watch and found he had five minutes in which to meet with the lovely Maria. He started back to the mansion and down the corridors to the dormitories again.
Erik entered the large doors to the dormitory area and found the one with Maria's name on it. He knocked and said, "It's Lenoir. Are you ready?"
|
|
maria
Full Member
That spitfire American!
Posts: 114
|
Post by maria on Jun 10, 2012 1:15:24 GMT -5
Now appearing before Lenoir was the refreshed vision of Maria. Though she was given an hour, that still was not enough time to do everything. The bath took the majority of the time.
So there she stood before him, her lengthy long hair cascading down and slightly pulled back at the crown away from her eyes at least wearing a peach chiffon late Victorian/early Edwardian evening gown. "It was all that I found," she said modestly and smiled at Lenoir with nearly a blush. Feeling quite overdressed for just a simple little tour of the Manor ... and this Opera.
|
|
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
|
Post by Erik Lenoir on Jun 10, 2012 12:38:12 GMT -5
When Maria opened the door, Erik smiled. "You are indeed a vision of loveliness. " She made the excuse that the dress was all she could find. "It's perfect, Miss Gianelli. Just perfect. I am sure there will be more clothing just perfect for you if you will only be patient. As for now, you are suitably attired." He smiled again in appreciation. Her long hair was lovely and fell down her back in lovely curls.
"it's this way to the opera house, my dear." He led the way through several long corridors to a set of large wooden doors, carved beautifully. He pushed open one of them. "Here is is, Miss Gianelli. We have quite a lot of work to do." The cobwebs had been cleared away and the carpets swept and the stage mopped. So it looked better than it had when Erik had first seen it. But the carpets were in terrible condition and the red velvet stage curtains were in shreds as were the curtains in the various boxes.
"We have only done a bit of work on it, mostly cleaning. It is going slowly. The stage is clean though, So don't be afraid to ascend. " Erik led the way down an aisle to the front. The audience seats were still in bad condition, but the orchestra pit had been cleared of the trash that had been there.
"Go ahead, my dear. I should be happy to hear you sing. I am sorry, there is no piano as yet to accompany you, so you have no choice but to sing a capella. What is your pleaseure to sing?"
|
|
maria
Full Member
That spitfire American!
Posts: 114
|
Post by maria on Jun 10, 2012 16:06:56 GMT -5
Dropping her head a little trying not to blush but she was. There was no mistake about that. Lovely and perfect. His words were very flattering even if she didn't try so hard to look lovely, she was anyway. "You're too kind, Mister Lenoir." Looking back up at him with her head down just slightly. Walking with Lenoir to the Opera. Apparently it was the first place upon the tour. Her mixed eyes danced about the Opera with delight and a wondrous smile. Seeing the potential this place had off the bat. "It's... extraordinary!" Looking like a child at Christmas morning. Turning those exotic eyes to Lenoir with that charming smile before ascending to the stage, glancing about before turning back to face him. "Faust is my favorite Opera. Perhaps one of Marguerite's little arias?" smiling down at Lenoir. This was curious and yet, she felt such delight. Almost giddy really. In a good way. And so, she sang something from Faust, something of Marguerite. OOC: link to the song she sings here, is also the one she sang that won her the role in Faust. Starts at 7:35 into this Part. www.youtube.com/watch?v=vq9RoQXSCm8
|
|
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
|
Post by Erik Lenoir on Jun 15, 2012 21:27:02 GMT -5
Maria looked quite excited seeing the dilapidated old opera house. She obviously could see its potential as well as Erik could. She smiled and her odd eyes danced with delight. He was fascinated by her odd coloured eyes, as they were as beautiful as his odd eyes were strange.
When he asked her what her pleasure would be to sing, she decided on an aria from Faust, stating that it was her favourite opera. He waited and she stepped up on stage. Erik sat in the front row to listen. Her voice was beautiful and she executed the song perfectly. She sang with grace and with feeling, with emotions that brought out the personality of Marguerite.
Maria sang with such feeling that it touched Erik and made him excited that he had found her. "You will indeed be an asset to our opera company when we become more organized. We have much work to be done on the interior of the building itself, before we can even think of putting on any productions." Erik paused. "Maria, why don't you come down here. I would like to hear your opinion on something."
|
|
maria
Full Member
That spitfire American!
Posts: 114
|
Post by maria on Jun 16, 2012 13:41:55 GMT -5
Singing with all her heart and was eager to hear what he thought. She knew she was good. But instead of a praise on her voice he was excited to add her to his company. A company? Her brows rose with a slight turn of her head. Now she was curious. He planned on creating an Opera Company? With what?
Striding off the stage and down towards him, she could tell he was thrilled. This only spurred on her curiosity. Descending from the stage, the skirting of that light peach chiffon trailing behind her and her long brunette hair swayed and bounced as she moved gracefully. Glancing about as she walked up to him then turned her gaze back to him. "A Company is a good start." Curious to know what he wanted her opinion on.
|
|
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
|
Post by Erik Lenoir on Jun 22, 2012 1:09:23 GMT -5
Erik waited until Maria had descended the steps of the stage and come over to him. He nodded to indicate he wanted her to sit in one of the seats near him.
"Maria, your voice is lovely and it will be a perfect asset to the company which I am planning to put together. I have been auditioning on and off, but it is too early really. We have much work to do with the physical building. I am planning to renovate the place to the point where we are able to use it for rehearsals and performances. I am planning to finance this part of it myself. Then when we can hold performances, and have enough people idn the company to put on a full blown opera, we can charge admission. The admission price will go towards more renovations and we shall advertise it that way. And each time someone comes to the opera or other show...I plan to have ballet and concerts with works by the great masters...they will see what has been accomplished since the last time they were here."
"I have been to the village and they are indeed in need of some culture. And we shall be able to give it to them. My assistant will be in charge of advertising. My question to you is ...do you think this opera house worthy of your talents and the talents of the other wonderful singers whom I have auditioned...or should we build something new...take this one down and build someting of perfection...of the most exquisite quality. I am excited by the prospect of this...I am an architect, you know and would be more than capable of designing a greater opera house than this." Erik's eyes rather sparkled at the thought for he could see visions in his imagination of what it would look like...He almost forgot Maria for a momont, so caught up was he in his thoughts of grandeur...
|
|
maria
Full Member
That spitfire American!
Posts: 114
|
Post by maria on Jun 22, 2012 10:12:37 GMT -5
Covering the last couple paces then sat down, as he indicated, next to him. Listening to what he had to say. Rather curious to know what it was all about.
Without a sound, she sat there listening to him, often her face would show reaction to his words with either a pinched face and narrowing of the eyes in bewilderment or raising her brows as though astonished. "Yes, this place is in need of a lot of work," she began, having glanced around again before returning her gaze to him. "I hardly think my opinion matters much as compared to the opinion of the owner of this place. What do they have to say about it?" Curious for the answer. But either idea truly sounded good to her. Once again looking around. Perhaps restoration of this Opera was not too far fetched. "Though it's worth a shot to redo this Opera." And smiled at him.
|
|
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
|
Post by Erik Lenoir on Jun 26, 2012 22:32:24 GMT -5
"My dear Miss Gianelli," said Erik, a bit arrogantly, "the owner of this place has not shown his face for six months, the length of time I have been here. I have it on good authority that he may be deceased and that there are no heirs to take the place over." This last Erik guessed, having talked to a young villager whose tales may not be completely correct, but certainly not complete speculation.
"So I have taken it upon myself to make any repairs and take over the opera house as my own. For my own was taken away from me when I was brought here," he said with a bit of bitterness.
"I shall go on with the refurbishing project then. I do hope that you will be willing to lend your lovely voice to my opera house. There will be many chances for you to sing a lead part, I am sure. What are your thoughts on that? Would you be willing to do it?" Erik was not planning to force anyone to sing as he had done with Christine. That had only ended in disaster. This would be a chance to redeem himself and he was terribly excited about the project. He had even invited some of the Eriks to join him in the project as partners. Of course Erik would be the main partner, but it would all work out, he was sure. Now if only he could persuade Christine Svenna to sing for him again...
|
|
maria
Full Member
That spitfire American!
Posts: 114
|
Post by maria on Jun 27, 2012 11:55:40 GMT -5
Glancing about as she listened to his words before turning her sights back to him, raising a brow with that slight smile. "Well then, Mister Lenoir." She began cheerfully, "I would say you have full reign here to at least rebuild this Opera."
Tilting her head down slightly with still that raised brow gaze and smirk then leveled her head again with a rather bold smile. "I hope I can do more than just lend my voice for your productions, Mister Lenoir," she smiled with a slight snicker. "I have two capable hands," and offered them so to speak as though like she were awaiting something to be given to her. "I'm more than just a pretty face." Again, presenting that charming Gianelli smile.
|
|