Erik Lenoir
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Post by Erik Lenoir on Aug 20, 2012 19:03:35 GMT -5
When Maria asked if it were really necessary to discuss the plans for the opera house with everyone, Erik smiled. "My dear lady, you don't really understand, do you? I give everyone a chance to give me suggestions and then I take the good ones, reject the bad ones and then do whatever the hell I please, if you will pardon my unbecoming words. It will give them all a sense that they contributed something, believe me....even if they haven't." He smirked and raised his eyebrow a bit wickedly. "And the budget is mine, so there are no limits on what I can do to start with. I am backing the whole project and will expect to be paid back when we become a an opera house with an income." He thought it had been such a good idea to ask for a monthly salary of 20.000 francs from the managers at the Opéra Populaire. It was certainly coming in handy.
"Let's take a look at the drapery shop." Erik showed Maria on the map where the store was and pointed out the way. The store had many beautiful patterns, in various fabrics. When Erik told the proprietor what he wanted and for what purpose, the man brought out a sample book with all sorts of materials and patterns.Erik asked how much it would cost to have the curtains custom made. The man told him they would need to come out to measure and then they could give him an estimate for the work and the materials. Erik nodded and they decided on the following day. Erik told him he had only francs to pay him with and obviously the man knew they were worth more than the Euros because he had heard of the Mansion people coming here with their old money. He nodded that it was all right. To Maria he said, " If you'd care to, you can help me choose the colour and materials for the curtains..."
When Erik asked where to go to have a new chandelier made, he was given the name of a shop down the street. "Shall we take a look, Miss Gianelli?" he said as they exited the drapery shop.
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maria
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Post by maria on Aug 26, 2012 9:16:54 GMT -5
Nodding after he had spoke with a slight smirk and tossing a sideways glance, "Sounds as if you have it all planned out." Not giving it a further second thought. He had his mind set and she'd leave it at that.
Walking with Lenoir to the Drapery store. Looking around inside and only to return to Lenoir's side as he inquired her opinion. "Most Opera Houses use red and gold in their decor. It's your choice if you wish to do the same or go with a different look to your Opera." Looking at Lenoir inquisitively wondering what will be his final.
And now a new chandelier. With a smile she nodded and once again, as always, followed Lenoir to the next destination. This was turning out to be quite a nice excursion. Lenoir's company was rather delightful.
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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 Aug 28, 2012 22:07:33 GMT -5
"Yes," he grinned. "I rather do have it all planned. Although there is room for variations in my plan, and I am open to suggestion." He smirked again. Erik knew exactly what he wanted and he would get his way.
"You think I do not know that red and gold are the normal colours? " Erik asked, raising his visible eyebrow. "Of course I would cause quite a stir if I should choose blue curtains with white tassels and fringe. Actually it wouldn't be a bad choice. But I am staying with tradition, Miss Gianelli. The choices come in the quality of the material, the small and almost invisible patterns on the cloth and the length and quality of the fringe.I also want to know that they do good quality work so that the curtains will be easy to open and close and not hang badly after a few uses." Erik made an appointment with the man to come to measure for the drapes, again the following day.
As they exited the drapery shop, Erik nodded down the street. "I suppose we can't call it a chandelier shop really...but I expect they have what I am looking for." The shop had all sorts of lights...electric of course, and those that one would put in a house ... ceiling lightss, sconce lights, everything imaginible. Erik was rather impressed with the variety, but he didn't see what he was looking for. He appeoached a saleswoman who gave him a really strange look and when he said he was looking for a chandelier for a opera house, her glance became stranger yet.
The woman asked him what he wanted and when he said how large it would be, she said it would have to be custom made and it would cost quite a bit of money. Erik drew a quick sketch of exactly what he wanted and gave her dimensions. He told her to come to the mansion the following day and gtive him a final price. She nodded, rather in disbelief and stared rather pointedly at his mask.
As they exited this shop, it was late afternoon and getting on toward dinner time. Erik whispered to Maria, "I may sack her when she arrives if she can't stop staring at me like that... He paused and said, "I am finished here with my business. Is there anything else you'd wish to do before we leave? Perhaps a bit of supper?" He said the last with a smile.
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maria
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Post by maria on Aug 29, 2012 12:41:25 GMT -5
Watching him with a calculated gaze that studied him and his reasoning. What was the point of hearing others input if he already had plans? In the end it was his decision. She was only curious to see what the end result would be plus eager to get back up on the stage.
She practically bristled with annoyance over the knowledge of the red and gold color scheme. That Italian-American temper of hers would get her into more trouble than she could handle if she allowed it to continue. She had to take a deep breath and just... let it all out.
Just along for the ride or so it felt. Walking with Lenoir from one store to the other. The lighting store seemed more down to earth and yet extravagant! So much lighting! From what she has gathered of the stores, fashion, and the village... the 21st century was beyond amazing!
A slight smirk at his annoyance of the stares. Glancing sideways at Lenoir with a reasonable yet gentle tone, "Well, from her point of view, how often do you get a strange man who wears a mask walk into your store demanding a massive custom made chandelier?" Looking back at him with another sideways glance and that ever remaining smirk upon her lips. People do not always wear a mask. From what she's learned thus far, this Lenoir has always made waves in town. Raising her brows as he mentioned dinner with that slight smirk. Was he asking her out? No, silly girl. As if this was the first time a gentleman had joined her for dinner. "Dinner would be delightful," she chimed with a smile. She couldn't think of anything in particular that she wanted in the village.
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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 Aug 29, 2012 22:21:52 GMT -5
They finally left the shop where Erik had made arrangements to have someone come out with samples for the chandelier. All of the shop people were scheduled for the following Saturday, one after another. Erik could make his choices and have the opera house start to look good again. He was tired though, of waiting for anyone to stepp up to lend a hand. Even Meg, whom he had asked to be his assistant, was not about most of the time. Erik decided it was all up to him. But then again, if he did all the work, he would be the one who controlled what went on. That suited him fine. The only ones who had offered to help were Carriére and Adina. A few others had too, but they were the only two who seemed to be sincere about their offers.
Erik turned to Maria. "I think I shall call a meeting of anyone from the mansion who cares to come and talk about what I am going to do. I shall ask for suggestions and offers of help at that time, but if no one offers, I shall have it done my way. I donbt that anyone would oppose me on refurbishing the place though any way. I am anxious to use the stage again."
Maria was amenable to going to dinner with Erik and he pointed out a place down the street. "That place was recommended to me. It looks like a good place to have dinner. Let's go there..."
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maria
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Post by maria on Aug 30, 2012 14:25:18 GMT -5
Nodding as and after he spoke about calling a meeting. It was truly up to him what he wished to do. All in all, it was ultimate his decision. In her mind at least. She couldn't wait to see the result of the renovation. "As am I," she turned to look at him while smiling. Walking tall at the prospect of singing ... hopefully soon. "No doubt it will be a grand Opera."
Now turning her sights down the direction he was indicating. The restaurant that had been recommended to him. Wondering who it was that recommended such a place to him. Nodding as she walked alongside him. "Alright, Mister Lenoir," Smiling at him as she walked with him to the intended restaurant.
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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 Aug 31, 2012 12:27:48 GMT -5
Erik walked with Maria down the street to the small but elegant restaurant. It looked modernistic to Erik, but still elegant. He held the door open for her and followed her in. He removed his hat as they entered. They were stopped at the entrance by a woman wearing some sort of male attire, like a suit. She asked if it were just the two of them and he nodded. Erik said he would like a table where they would be somewhat alone. The woman nodded and led them to a more seculded place. It was elegantly decorated. The woman seemed fascinated with Erik, and kept eyeing his mask. He began to feel uncomfortable. He was sure she wanted to comment or ask about it, but she held her peace, for which he was grateful.
The woman asked if they'd like to see the wine list. He nodded and she left, after giving them each a menu list. Erik looked over at Maria questioningly. "Did you care for a glass of wine, Miss Gianelli? And you may have whatever you wish from the menu." He rememberred she was a bit odd about paying for everything herself. "And please, I wish to pay the bill. I am grateful for you accompanying me to the village. It has been a pleasant sojourn indeed."
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maria
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Post by maria on Sept 2, 2012 21:13:50 GMT -5
In the restaurant, she followed the Hostess while walking with Lenoir to the intended table. Delighted with the appearance of the place and now she was feeling VERY under dressed for such a fine dining place. Each step was a little less confident since she walked through those doors. Sitting down with timid gracefulness and glanced around before taking the menu to look at it for a moment to view what her choices.
Looking up at Lenoir to respond to his question, "Yes. Thank you, Mister Lenoir," she smiled timidly though her voice tried to be as confident as she was trying to be while in that fancy restaurant. Straightening up as she gave herself a silent pep talk that she was in fact a strong woman and this was by all means acceptable. After all, she spotted some women and men who were in similar style of clothes. Now no longer feeling like she was sticking out like a sore thumb. Nodding as she returned her sights to Lenoir and smiled, "That's mighty gracious of you, Mister Lenoir." He paid her a compliment and she liked it. He was quite delightful to be with rather than annoying. The good outweighed the bad. Smiling at him before she returned her eyes to the menu to pick out what she was going to eat.
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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 Sept 23, 2012 21:57:45 GMT -5
Maria was delightful company for Erik, even if she was a bit more independent than some of the women he knew at the mansion. That hardly mattered though. She was very nice to be with. He decided on the food he would like. It was all rather English food, but that was all right. Erik wasn't choosy about food really. He didn't eat much most times. He glanced at Maria and thought he should ask, "Did you wish to tell me your order and I shall tell the waiter, or would you care to tell him yourself?"
Erik noticed that some of the other women were wearing clothing such as Maria had purchased in town. The men were wearing clothing much less formal than his own. In fact, he felt a few stares at him. It could be the clothing, or it could be the mask. Most likely the mask. What did he have to do to keep people from staring? Ignore them, he supposed.
It turned out that in addition to the Host being a woman, the waiters were women too. One of them came over and asked if they were ready to order. Erik looked at Maria inquiringly.
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maria
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Post by maria on Sept 24, 2012 14:19:01 GMT -5
Looking over the menu and was mightily surprised as the massive amount of food! In the modern day, it wasn't a large menu of dishes at all but to her, from the era she came from, it was a lot! So many choices! But what caught her eye was the pasta entreés! Eager and curious she was thinking about trying them to see how Italian they were.
Returning her sights to Lenoir in a moment of a blank gaze that melted away into a smile. It wasn't that she never had anyone order for her before but she did like her independence. "Well, if you want to tell the waiter my order I won't protest," she smiled slightly. "I was thinking about having the Veal and Pasta Parmesan." Smiling as that obviously was a major hint to her Italian heritage. It was difficult to break old habits especially with Italian food.
Setting the menu down as she glanced about then looked at Lenoir. He seemed do uneasy. Poor man. "Not much of a socialite, are you?" she simply and softly asked.
Just then the waiter, a woman, came over. Looking up at the server then her eyes shifted to Lenoir. "I'm ready," as she replied to the server. Wondering if Lenoir wanted to do the honors or not. He seemed so eager to be such a gentleman and Maria was by no means going to deprive him of being one.
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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 Sept 24, 2012 20:35:18 GMT -5
The menu was quite large and impressive. Everything looked good, even to such as Erik, who rarely ate much at a time. Often he would go for days witthout eating when he was composing and never really notice. Erik had of course tasted many varieties of different ethnic foods in his early travels. But still, one dish was just as good as the other. At least most of the time; there were exceptions.
Maria chose the veal and pasta parmesan. When the waitress approached, Erik glanced at Maria and then said, " Two orders of veal and pasta parmesan." The waitress had her pen in hand but was staring intently at Erik. "You're...um...what's his name, aren't you...oh, I just can't think of his name..."
Erik frowned. "I assure you, young woman, I am no one you have ever met before. And if you do not start writing down our order, I may be forced to leave and go elsewhere." He said the previous with a considerable amount of annoyance. "Oh, I am sorry, Sir." She wrote down the order. "And to drink?" Erik glanced at Maria again. "Would you care for a glass of wine with our dinner? A red wine would go wonderfully. I suggest a Merlot." The waitress wrote it down and left, her glance still lingering on Erik's mask.
"Good lord, that's annoying," he said half under his breath. He looked at Maria, his odd-eyed gaze on her two coloured eyes. "And no, I'm not a socialite by any means. Since coming to the mansion, I have become a bit more able to speak to people, but I truly abhore crowds of people. This isn't the worst...when I was in town the last time, I went to see a play with a lady. There were hoards of people and they all seemed to think I was someone they knew. It was rather upsetting." Erik looked ill at ease for the first time since he had met Maria. He really didn't like being near strangers, unless it was one at a time. He felt vulnerable, somehow....
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maria
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Post by maria on Sept 25, 2012 22:17:39 GMT -5
A bold smile spread upon her lips as she looked at Lenoir ordering the same thing. Wondering if he has tried Italian. He was such a curious and charming fellow. That smile faded as she observed his discomfort. This seemed to be an issue for the poor man and she gazed at him with sympathy. How ever could he be placed at ease in public? Especially if he wishes to restore an Opera and invite the public to his Opera? "Merlot is fine," Maria smiled.
No doubt a change of subject was needed. But... she had to at least state it since it was banging around in her pretty head. "Well, Mister Lenoir," as she glanced down then looked up at him. "You will have to get use to people and become a socialite especially if you plan on rebuilding that Opera and holding a good number of Operas on a regular basis." She looked at him with a gentle but truthful visage. Question now... would he really accept the idea of becoming an socialite?
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Erik Lenoir
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Post by Erik Lenoir on Sept 26, 2012 20:19:55 GMT -5
"I would have to disagree with you, Miss Gianelli,," said Erik quietly. "I feel rather at ease with most of the people at the mansion, because many are actually in the same situation as I am, wearing a mask, and the others seem to be used to it and think little or nothing about it. If I am to refurbish the opera house, which I am going to do, I would only be dealing with the mansion people and perhaps a few others who might join the cast of the operas or be employed in the orchestra. The general public will not likely see me. I have spoken to one of the other Eriks about whether he thinks we could be in an opera ourselves. It has been my fondest wish to sing upon the stage myself. The last time I attempted to do so, it was quite a disaster. So if I attempt it again, it will be in the role of someone who wears a full face mask."
"Of course, I will be there behind the scenes always, directing and producing the shows. But those who come to see the opera and other shows will never see me. I do not wish to be in evidence at all." Erik smiled at Maria. "So, you see, I shall not have to become any type of socialite at all."
The waitress brought the wine and Erik poured them both a glass. He raised his glass to clink with hers. "To all the residents of the manor and to our future success with the opera." He smiled and sipped the wine.
Soon the waitress brought the Italian dish for both of them. Erik had tried Italian entrées before, but not this particular one. He tried it and nodded. "Excellent. Very good. And yours?"
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maria
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Post by maria on Sept 27, 2012 22:50:25 GMT -5
Placing her elbow upon the table top and propped her head upon her knuckles while looking at him, listening intently to his words. Granted it both made sense and yet was confusing. His desire for the spotlight and yet... wanting to stay out of it so to speak? You really can't have both as she learned so well. She wanted to say something about his desires for the stage but could not seem to voice them at the moment. Perhaps another time.
Shifting off her propped arm and bringing to her wine glass that was filled. Smiling as she picked it up and toasted with Lenoir. "To the Manor. And... to the Opera." She added then took a sip of wine from her glass.
Looking at the massive amount upon her massive dish with quite an overwhelmed look. "This is enough to feed a small army," she chimed in with amusement. Though it did look good and dug in, trying it. Not too bad. "It's good. I won't argue with that." Smirking as she glanced up at him and leaned slightly closer to whisper, "my mother made better veal," she boasted. If her mother was there it would have been the best stroking of the Gianelli woman's ego! Maria enjoyed her Italian entreé nevertheless.
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Erik Lenoir
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Post by Erik Lenoir on Sept 30, 2012 17:42:36 GMT -5
Erik gave her a smirk and said, "Miss Gianelli, if I say that I wish to be on stage and yet have no one know who I am, it shall be done. I made certain all was done at the Opéra Populaire in Paris as I wished for it to be done and I was successful. It will come to pass."
Erik ate a bit more, but the quantity of food on his plate was overwhelming. More than half of his dinner was still on the plate. He could not eat another bite. "This is enough for a small army..." he laughed. Just then the waitress came back. "Did you want a box for that?" she asked. "A box?" he repeated. "Yes, a box to take it home." She frowned at Erik's incomprehension. "Yes, yes, that's fine." He didn't really want to take it home with him, but she had asked.... He was beginning to wish he knew someone with a pet who would certainly enjoy leftovers.
"How is the wine, Miss Gianelli? I find it fairly good. Not the best, but certainly not bad." He sipped more of the wine. "I expect as soon as we are finished here, we should be starting home." He smiled at her. She was very nice company. She said what she thought, but was not rude or intrusive. He liked that.
The waitress came back and Erik paid the bill in francs. The waitress looked at them, a bit confused. "If you don't know what they are, Miss, please ask your superior. In all the stores of the village, they are taking my francs because they are worth more than your euros. " Erik was tired of explaining that. She left and came back smiling. "Yes, Sir, everthing is fine now."
"Then shall we go, Miss Gianelli?" Erik stood up, took his cape and hat and offered a hand to Maria.
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