maria
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That spitfire American!
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Post by maria on Jul 22, 2012 14:11:41 GMT -5
Lifting her head up slowly, "I see," as she was pondering what he said about a book. Perhaps she'll have to go to the Library to have a look at this book he mentioned. Smirking about his inquiry of operas being haunted. "Well, I only know what I've heard. I've never really experienced any hauntings really." Ending with a slight sheepish smile since she really didn't believe in such things. "Though..." pondering as that smirk melted away into a bewildered visage, "I was visited by a strange masked man who in turn helped teach me to sing better. Not that I wasn't a horrible singer to begin with. I would not have gotten a role if I wasn't good." smiles a little arrogantly yet warmly at him.
That eventually melted away into a bold expression of surprise. "1882?!?" and laughed, "It's 1917!" Wasn't long before she was even more bewildered when he mentioned futuristic things from attire to vehicles. Thinking aloud, "We shall see, won't we?"
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Erik Lenoir
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Post by Erik Lenoir on Jul 25, 2012 23:50:12 GMT -5
Erik smiled when she spoke of haunted opera houses. He thought it would be a lark to perhaps "haunt" her a bit when she was alone in the opera house and see what she would do. He had so enjoyed haunting the Populaire and he missed playing pranks. They never hurt anyone and it was a way that he could get what he needed form the opera house managers and others. They simply would not have listened to him if he would have demanded, in person, that Christine DaaƩ sing the lead in all of the operas. He had to put a bit of fear into everyone and bend their wills toward his, and of course he was right. He was always correct. It was only common sense...
In any case, he started thinking oof Christine. It had worked rather wellin the beginning until that meddling de Chagny poked his nose in. He hadn't seen that fellow for a while at the mansion, except in passing, and thank goodness! But Christine...where was she? He missed her. Even thought she still seemed a bit afraid of him...He didn't like that and he would do anything to remedy that...He wanted most people to be afraid of him, but not Christine. Oh it would be a sad thing if she wound up in de Chagny's arms twice...
He heard Maria tall of a masked man who had taught her to sing. Erik was immediately interested. "What was he like? What was his name? Has he come to the mansion?"
They had almost arrived at the village. One could see it from the edge of the forest, across a large, strange street filled with bizarre vehicles. Erik stopped the carriage at a small lake and untied the horse so it could drink. Then he tied on a feed bag and let the horse wander a bit. He knew it wouldn't go far.
Erik offered Maria a hand to dismount from the carriage. "You say it's 1917? Interesting. When I first came here, I would have said you were quite confused. But now, well, I am inclined to believe you. You will understand once you have seen the village."
"Now crossing this street is a bit strange. One must stand at that corner and wait for a light in that pole to turn on. You stop if it is red and walk when it is green. If you try to cross elsewhere, all ths strange vehicles...that seem to race down the street....well, you put yourself quite in danger of being run over...."
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maria
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That spitfire American!
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Post by maria on Jul 27, 2012 12:56:58 GMT -5
"I don't know his name. He never told me," then looks at Lenoir just slightly bewildered. "He only wore a mask, every part of him was covered." Now that she came to think of it, it was a bit disturbing! But he offered to help her and indeed help her he did - making her a better Opera Performer. Twisting a little towards Lenoir. "I just arrived, I don't know if he's here or not." Again, his questions now began to stir a little worry in her. Not that she wasn't keen about her Teacher in the first place, but... She let her thoughts trail off.
Watching Lenoir after the carriage had stopped and as he took care of the horse. Wondering why they stopped here. As she got up, was messing with the flouncy skirting of the dress, she will be glad to be rid of this awful garment! As she was just about to step down, there he was offering her assistance down out of the carriage. She smiled," Thank you," and took his hand as she made her way off the carriage. Never again will she wear something that was NOT meant for a carriage!
Looking back at him rather baffled beyond comprehension, he seemed to speak in riddles that she did not quite get the grasp of. Raising her brows as she watched him. "What other year would it be, Mister Lenoir?" Jokingly she chided, thinking he was messing with her.
But once they got to the Village, he wasn't messing with her. Or... perhaps he was. She was a little confused now. This was NOT what most places looked like in 1917. The automobiles were... much different. Everything seemed more organized, more portioned, more.... futuristic! "They are automobiles, Mister Lenoir. But..." looks around at them, the area, and even seeing some people in a changed style, the denims she rarely saw on some men were more worn now and by both men AND women! More fashionable! She was in awe ever so slightly. "This is definitely very different!" Glancing around, seeing some of the latest in stores.
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Erik Lenoir
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Post by Erik Lenoir on Jul 27, 2012 21:26:43 GMT -5
"Your teacher never told you his name?" Erik mulled that over hin his mind for a bit. "I suppose that makes sense." Erik had never told Christine his real name until they came here. She knew him only as the Angel of Music. "And your teacher was masked also? This is an interesting coincidence," said Erik, although he was beginning to become used to those similar stories. They were quite familiar.
"And if he is not already here, I should not be surprised if he shall come to the mansion at some time in the near future." Erik smiled. He was sure the man would show, sooner or later.
"I have found, since coming to this mansion, that time is a fluid thing. It runs fast, sometimes like the water in a running stream that turns into a waterfall. Other times, it is as still as a river on a calm, breezeless day. Then there are days when it moves, but slowly, as if there were many small stones and obstacles in its path, and the water bubbles over them slowly and happily." Erik laughed. "That probably makes no sense now, but I assure you, it shall when you experience it yourself."
"Automobiles? Is that what you call them? They are a bit frightening for their speed, but as I said, they will wait at the corners now and again." As Maria and Erik emerged from the forest and could see the street more clearly, the strange sights amazed Erik again. Not surprised, for he had seen it before, just amazed at its strangeness.
The woman and men alike dressed in blue denim. It looked like the rough material that was more fitting for farmers. He didn't like it at all. And even less, the styles of shirts being worn.by many of the men...undershirts with sayings printed on them. And the women's clothing...or lack of it...some of it almost made Erik blush. He looked away when he first cast eyes on them, for proprieties' sake, but then glanced at them again in curiosity and more than a modicum of interest, from the corner of his eye. He hoped Maria didn't notice.
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maria
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Post by maria on Jul 28, 2012 21:17:45 GMT -5
Shaking her head," No." Then looked at Lenoir a little oddly but at least did not mention it further. A masked man that teaches her not giving her his name was simply strange but then again, going to an abandoned house to live there and train, among other things was mighty strange, too. She wanted to put that to rest. It was all in the past now. No need to relive it. Part of her was hoping that her teacher was NOT here!
Now Lenoir was confusing her more. If not making her a little uneasy with his riddles. She only looked at him oddly as they walked through the streets of the village. "That's what they are called. I didn't come up with the term, Mister Lenoir," smirking at him then turning her gaze back in front of them.
Her sights upon the fashions made her feel more and more out of place. Desperately wanting to get rid of this blasted dress! Her eyes fell upon a store with some women's fashion. "If you don't mind, Mister Lenoir. I'd like to... change?" Looking at him with a bit of a warm intensity to let him know she was really wanting to get rid of this dress and get into something more comfortable. Smirking as she noticed his awkward behavior at the appearance of the local fashion.
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Erik Lenoir
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Post by Erik Lenoir on Jul 29, 2012 16:13:03 GMT -5
Maria gave Erik a strange look when he spoke about how time moves in the mansion. He knew she wouldn't understand now, but later, surely she would after having experienced some of the strange time anomalies in the mansion.
"Automobile? Actually it's a very logical word for that vehicle. The first part comes from the Greek, autos...meaning self. The second part is French, mobile....moving. Self-moving. Very apropos." At the corner, they were able to cross the street.
In addition to Erik looking amazed at the strange fashions about them, he noticed both he and Maria were being gazed at rather strangely. Erik had forgotten the interest that he and Christine had caused when they came to the village. When Maria assked if they could take refuge in a clothing shop, Erik nodded and held the door for her. "Anything you wish, my dear. I have money. But, perhaps, I would only ask one thing...that it not be something that will make me embarrassed to walk with you. I mean something in which more of your skin shows than the dress or whatever you call it..." Erik was slightly embarrassed as he said it, but really, he did not care to be seen in public with a half naked woman.
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maria
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That spitfire American!
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Post by maria on Jul 29, 2012 20:59:36 GMT -5
Glancing sideways at Lenoir as he rambled on about the definition of 'automobiles'. The look that flashed upon her face was that of annoyed amusement. Was he for real? So naive? A smirk curled her lips for a moment before it disappeared.
"Very generous of you, Mister Lenoir. But if I can, I'd rather buy. But if I can't, then I will repay you. No arguments." As she strode inside, listening to his plea and snickered. "Oh, don't worry, Mister Lenoir. I don't plan to look like a lady of the night." Smirking at him as she strode about to look at the fashions. She was kinda taking a liking to the denims. They seemed to be better than what she remembered seeing some in. Some of the outfits looked gawdy and as Lenoir put it 'showed more skin' than what was likable. Working with an associate there. She was able to discard that horrid overdone dress and tried on some clothes. Denims being the main dish of attire, it would wrap around that for sure.
Finally striding up to him wearing denims that was formfitting but comfortable, with a light blue blouse that was a perfect mix of form fitting around the waist and hips yet loose around the upper chest and arms, long sleeved with a light hint of matching lace at the wrists and neckline. Wearing black low-medium one and a half inch heel fashionable shoe. "So? What do you think?" She posed for him, hands upon her hips with a curious but bold look as she watched for his reaction.
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Erik Lenoir
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Post by Erik Lenoir on Aug 6, 2012 18:44:42 GMT -5
Erik removed his hat when he came inside the clothing store with Maria. He knew she would be happy to shed the extremely fancy dress that had been the only clothing available to her in the mansion. Why there was nothing more suitable, Erik thought strange, for most of the other people who had come to the mansion had been provided with clothing in the style they were used to. But perhaps for some reason, it was known that Maria would be comfortable in clothing like this. For some reason those who had pulled Erik and his fellow residents into the mansion, seemed to know a considerable amount of information about each one of them, rather more than Erik was comfortable with.
Maria said she would rather buy her own clothing or at least pay him back if she did not have enough money with her. Erik thought it odd that she wanted to purchase her own clothing. But he didn't care one way or the other. He smiled. "It's fine; whatever you wish to do..." She had told him that she was from a future era, obviously not as far into the future as this village, but he wondered if women had suddenly become independent and on their own. Not that it mattered. He didn't care one way or the other. It just seemed strange.
Maria went into a room with a sales woman to try on some clothing and Erik sat down outside the dressing room. He realized that he was a bit out of place. Several young girls walked by and giggled and waved. They acted like Roselin. Maybe they were her friends. A couple children holding onto their mothers' hands pointed at Erik. He turned a bit so he couldn't see them. Surely it was the mask. He hated being stared at.
He looked at some of the clothing hanging on displays in the store. He couldn't find anything he would like to see on a woman. The denim materials were coarse and rough and some of the other materials looked cheaply made. Some of the items were flashy and tawdry. Others had rather nothing to them. Some made the maniquins look like men, for they had no hips and practically no bust. There was hardly a dress or skirt to be seen. Proper women's clothing enhanced the feminine figure....thought Erik.
Erik's thoughts were interrupted as Maria come back,wearing some of the denim clothing that reminded him of what farmers wear.The clothing was rather form fitting, the blouse a litte less, with some lace about the wrists and neckline and with long sleeves. She wore moderately heeled shoes. He wasn't sure what to say. It wasn't what he would want a woman to wear, really, and yet it didn't look bad on her. It certainly covered her well...very well...Erik wasn't sure what to say. He would never have outfitted any woman in such a way, if he had ever been asked to do so. Likely she wouldn't listen anyway. So he simply smiled graciously and said, "Lovely dear."
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maria
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Post by maria on Aug 7, 2012 21:09:33 GMT -5
Looking at him with raised brows. Lovely... dear? He said that? And yet, that was all he could say? "It's the latest conservative fashion, very general yet chic." Flipping her hands palms up a moment before putting them on her hips. "At least I'm not flopping around in that over fluffed dress." Smirks at him before going to take care of the price. But apparently, they don't take the money she had. She hated the idea of letting him pay. "Apparently the money has changed." She looked at him with a mixed annoyance and amusement, "You knew this, didn't you?" Restraining a smirk. "I owe you."
"Shall we go get what's needed for the refurbishing?" Looking at him inquisitively. Ready for action now and not looking like some overdone or poorly done bad Prom date.
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Erik Lenoir
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Post by Erik Lenoir on Aug 8, 2012 19:26:38 GMT -5
Maria seemed annoyed that he wasn't overjoyed at seeing her in the latest fashions. Well, he didn't like where fashion had gone. However he was annoyed when she accused him of not saying anything about the different money just so he could pay for it. He frowned in annoyance. "I had forgotten about the money difference. Really we left a bit too fast and it slipped my mind. Let me take care of this."
Erik motioned for her to follow him. He haggled with the store clerk and then asked to see the manager. He told them that there were other establishments that had taken his French francs and been glad to get them, for they were worth more than their face value. They could easily convert the money into euros at the bank. The manager looked skeptical but then asked Erik if he were from the mansion. When he said yes, the manager nodded to the sales clerk saying that he could take the money. He knew that they would be getting much more than the clothes were worth. Apparently word of the strange mansion residents had spread all over town and they knew that what Erik had said about the money was correct.
Erik turned to Maria and gave her a rather extravagant gesture that meant, go ahead and pay the lady. He stood and watched to make sure they took the correct amount of money.
"Now let's go and purchase the material for the curtains in the opera house." They went to a shop where they could buy the material and it seemed that they reupholstered furniture too. Erik pondered whether he should hire these people to replace all the coverings on the audience seats and just have it done with. Perhaps they could make the curtains too and lay the carpeting. Erik could pay for all of this easily himself. He could recover what he had put into it when the opera house started making money.
Erik glanced at Maria and wondered what she thought about it. "I think it's a good idea to have someone else do all the work, don't you Miss Gianelli? After all it seems, there are very few of the residents who are willing to work on it. Of course when given the chance to sing or play, they shall all come flocking," he said with a bit of irritation.
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maria
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Post by maria on Aug 9, 2012 16:18:16 GMT -5
Watching Lenoir a moment with mild interest. Stunned that just a little clout and he was able to get them to take what little money she had left. Amazing. Paying for her own attire, as always, felt good. Women were never helpless. Just some had better luck than others. Some had better ambition than others.
Leaving the store with him to go obtain their necessities for the Opera. Though he did ask or inquire at least. Looking at him a moment, "they are skilled. The professionals at least know how to do this. If you are looking for my honest opinion.. then it would be a good idea to have professionals refurbish the Opera," Looking at him again with a nod, "under your guidance at least."
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Erik Lenoir
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Post by Erik Lenoir on Aug 9, 2012 19:58:21 GMT -5
"I have learned, Miss Gianelli, that these merchants are only too happy to take our money. They will be making more money than if we would have paid intheir currency. I had to remind them. Speaking decisively and ...looking a bit odd...have done well for me, I must admit." Erik smiled. He had always known how to make people afraid of him. He had plenty of practice a the opera house. And he hadn't even had to appear face to face in that instance... Erik winked at Maria. "Never take no for an answer, Miss Gianelli..."
"On the subject of having the professionals do the actual refurbishing work, I will have to agree that those who have been doing this work have the materials and can do it much faster than we can. I will however, as you have suggested, oversee everything, for sometimes work can be done faster, but with less quality. And my money shall not being going to shoddy workmanship, indeed."
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maria
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Post by maria on Aug 12, 2012 18:49:51 GMT -5
Listening to his little rant and smiled, especially when he winked. He had charm and he knew it. It was amusing to behold to say the least. "I'm inclined to believe you, Mister Lenoir," as she smiled, having paid and then rejoined him as they left the store. At least she felt better being in public and better footwear, too. Those shoes that matched the dressed was DEFINITELY not for walking in, let alone dancing or standing.
Nodding, "It would only make sense to have the help. In no time, the Opera will be rebuilt and finished." Smiling at him as she walked beside the half-masked man. Looking around she awaited for the whole bit of it to be completely. " It will take a lot of fabric, and other materials to restore the Opera. Will take months, I'm sure."
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Erik Lenoir
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Post by Erik Lenoir on Aug 15, 2012 21:30:34 GMT -5
While Erik did not think much of the latest fashion, certainly Maria had not chosen the worst of them and she seemed more comfortable. So indeed he was not going to say anything more about it. And he wanted to make sure that Maria got what she paid for, so he was only too happy to intervene for her.
As they left the women's shop, Erik held the door for Maria. He was still receiving strange looks from the people on the street and he decided to simply ignore it. "Miss Gianelli, here is a directory of the stores in this district, " Erik said referring to a freestanding map which had in large letters, "YOU ARE HERE" and an arrow. Erik perused the map and found an upholstery and drapery store. He had decided to have everything done by professionals except the curtains in his box, Box 5, which would be made by a very charming lady he had met at the mansion who volunteered to make the curtains because she wanted to be useful. He didn't want to saddle her with making all of the curtains, and then there was the upholstery in addition to that.
"What do you think about the chandelier, Miss Gianelli?" asked Erik. "I think it should be replaced. It looks dilapidated and of course it is hanging at quite a bizarre angle. It's already electrified and perhaps we can get another, much more elegant one in it's stead." Erik sighed. I suppose we shall have to have a general meeting of the residents to tell them what we are doing. I have permission from the only one who counts in this instance and I expect that my authority will be final once I explain that to everyone." Erik's words were a bit cryptic, but he didn't want to tell her he had permission from a ghost who claimed to be a King...
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maria
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Post by maria on Aug 19, 2012 20:21:57 GMT -5
Feeling so much better and free in these new clothes. A bit strange for attire, yes, but it was far more comfortable. At least the denims were. They were not the like the denims she once wore when she was a little younger. For a little while at least. It was not proper for a young lady to wear men's attire. Shifting her eyes to the strange board-map that was now before them. Raising her brows in astonishment while observing every bit of it. This was truly an amazing thing to have! Someone was mighty smart to create and put this up.
Turning her sights upon Lenoir with a slightly raised brow, "I'd say do whatever you like so long as it's within the budget," offering a slight smile. No doubt it was a desire to go all out but she hoped he would at least be a bit reasonable. Barely having an opportunity to look away from him, she turned her head back to look at him, "Is it a necessity to really discuss it with everyone?" Feeling like a conscious for him and she really didn't want to become that sort of person. "Do what you like, Mister Lenoir," still looking at him with an intense gaze. "It's your Opera now." Or so she assumed considering how he was going on and on about it. Behaving as though he purchased the place with a desire to fix it up.
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