anastasia
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Making a point is a matter of opinion. I'd rather make a difference
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Post by anastasia on Nov 6, 2012 2:45:32 GMT -5
Ever since coming to the Manor under the strangest of circumstances and recovered under the care of a strange unknown Phantom for nearly a fort night, she had locked herself in her room once it was discovered that a suite bore her name and never emerged for nearly another week. Billie searched for her and had nearly believed she was dead as the whole village had said she was. But when he eventually came back to the Manor, there she was! While Ana was in her isolation stage, he often took something up to her to drink or a little something to eat but she barely ate due to her rather emotional state; only drinking something to keep her sustained while she recovered as that was the excuse she kept saying. Battling with dry, achy lungs still, her health was not what had her emotionally compromised at this time. She was terrified and upset beyond understanding. Disturbed by what Lenoir said weeks ago about those who had a room at the Manor that they were a prisoner of the Manor! Billie tried to convince others to go visit her but Ana turned everyone away, not wanting to socialize at all. Even riding could not draw her from her self-inflicted isolation.
Finally music filled her room as she eventually did come to terms that she now lived at the Manor. Somehow the music she liked and once owned before the fire took her things, was now in the room she occupied. Every song she fancied was there! Throughout the day, the songs changed in mood and tone from depressing to mellow to hopeful and even playful if not dark and menacing. Finally she bathed while playing her interesting mix of music, then dressed in something a little more her fashionable taste - that was not riding attire nor the Victorian attire that Mister Lavalais had conveniently in his home - making herself a little more presentable and fresh, feeling more human after such a traumatic week.
A little after Midnight, Ana eventually emerged from her suite in the dorms wing and carefully, softly made her way down through the halls towards the kitchen in an effort to find something with a little more content to devour. Because of her reclusive behavior for the week, she was completely oblivious to what had happened in that duration.
Wandering the elegant halls and corridors in duel slight exploration and lost with not knowing where everything was yet, praying that not a soul was about at this late hour as she started to descend the grand staircase. In her mind, she was hearing "Libera Me" from Interview With A Vampire. Nothing could seemed to ease her troubled mind, heart and soul at this time.
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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...
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Post by Erik Lenoir on Dec 1, 2012 23:44:58 GMT -5
Erik couldn't sleep. He often had trouble sleeping and at times like those he would compose or paint or do something creative. Hoever, these nights lately were different. There were more crumpled papers in his dustbin than finished work on his organ. He was annoyed and irritated. Depressed too. What was the matter? Most likely his loss of Teressa bothered him the most. She was always on his mind, but he had not seen her lately at all and expected if he met her anywhere she would not speak to him.
If she had lived alone, there might be a chance of persistently knocking at her door and perhaps being allowed to speak so they could talk things over. But considering she lived with her protector, Erik Lavalais, Lenoir thought it ill advised to knock on that fellow's door to ask if he could see Teressa. Perhaps in time. But not so soon. It had only been perhaps a month? Perhaps less...perhaps more ...since that awful night when Erik had made a foolish mistake kissing that strange modern woman, Teressa had seen it and then Erik had positively disgraced himself by trusting Edouard de Changny that he should come drinking with the Vicomte at the pub and getting himself ridiculously drunk.
He had not seen the Vicomte since that incident, although he had spoken to Emilie several times. He wasn't sure what would happen when he saw de Chagny again. Then there was the problem of Ana. In thinking about it, it really wasn't her fault what had happened. He had been foolish for doing the stunt, but Teressa had totally misunderstood. So where did that leave him with Ana? Billie had been here looking for her some time ago and he had spoken with Emma Ravenhearst of all people and with Erik. There had been a terrible fire and Billie was afraid that she was lost in the fire, or had fled somewhere unknown. Erik tried to help Billie, but there wasn't much he could do. And Emma had disappeared. He thought she could have told them something, considering she was a ghost, but she was a bit shy and she had never come back before Billie had to leave.
Erik had stayed in the lair most of the time for those weeks, only seeing a few people he might run into. Billie, Emma, Emilie, Lu Dallas and of course the lovely Adina. So he decided that being evening, perhaps he might not meet anyone. He made the lake and bridge crossings and took the lift, then stood for a moment in the darkness. There was moonlight streaming into the windows, so he had no need of a lantern. He began to wander almost aimlessly, walking one empty corridor after another. He thought of the dining room and thought perhaps he would make himself some tea to help him sleep. That along with the walking might make him tired.
He heard someone on the staircase and he stood flat against the wall in the darkness. He didn't really wish to speak to anyone, but waited in the shadows of the staircase to see who it might be.
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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 Dec 2, 2012 0:07:49 GMT -5
Descending the grand staircase as she glanced about the dimly lit wide space, almost between alert and lost in thought. Looking quite timid and slowly moving. Her lengthy chestnut hair rippled with each downward step with her hand caressing along the banister railing then turned her eyes down to observe the steps before her. Dressed modern unlike the fine Victorian gowns that Lavalais had for her as they were all he had for her to wear. The corsets... were a tad tight but they helped in some cases but not all that good as they hurt against the cuts upon her body. A hand went to her collarbone absent-mindedly to touch the nearly healed cut sustained in the fire. Even though the cut was superficial, the emotional wounds cut deeper as she appeared more than disturbed. There were not answers as to how she got her and why.
Setting foot upon the main floor now and glanced around wondering which direction to go since she was so utterly lost. This being her first venture out of her suit. At that thought of her suite and what Lenoir stated, she glanced down distantly and looked grim. Her long hair shifting forward a little. She stood there a moment, her hand on the railing then turned back to face one direction, sighed slowly then walked slowly towards the direction of the Dining Hall and Kitchen unbeknownst to her. Her head tilted down a little more as her lengthy chestnut locks shifted further forward to act like a dark veil around her face, almost hiding it and her somber visage.
Silence surrounded her in the grand halls of the Manor to accompany the dim light making the appearance rather haunting and surreal. Yet her mind was not silent. Not only was there songs in constant play, one in particular. The stillness was broken by her movement. Completely unaware that she was... not... alone.
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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...
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Post by Erik Lenoir on Dec 2, 2012 0:21:20 GMT -5
She walked by him without any sign of knowing that someone was watching her. Erik could tell by how she walked that the person passing him by was Ana Goodwin-Hart, the strange modern woman. He couldn't see her clearly but her walk and they way she held herself told him something was awry. He wondered if he should say something. He wondered too where she was going. She was headed in the direction of the dining room. He decided to follow her for a bit. His footfalls were silent, as any good Phantom's would be. He had learned the art of walking silently and being almost invisible at the Opera house when most thought he truly was a spectre, considering he could appear and disappear almost instantly.
Erik also wondered why she was at the mansion. Was someone giving her shelter because the house had burned down or was it because she had been summoned there as the rest of the manor residents had been. He decided he must make his presence known, but little by little. He projected his voice a bit and whispered, "Ana, is that you?"
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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 Dec 2, 2012 0:49:32 GMT -5
Absolutely oblivious to the fact that she was not alone. So absorbed into her own grief and the songs that mixed and mingled in her head, blocking out the silence that filled the halls. Keeping her slow, steady pace as she wandered towards the kitchen hoping it was the right way.
It was a voice that broke her inward thoughts and the outward silence. Practically frightening her as she sharply gasped, twisted her head in a couple of directions before she spotted Lenoir. Placing her hand upon her chest as she made a sound that almost sounded like she was cursing. "Do you always make a habit of sneaking up on people?" furrowing her brow as she tried to look upset. Then swallowed and twisted back around picking up her pace to walk away from him. "What do you want, Lenoir?" keeping her back to him as her voice tried to sound rather detached from her emotions. Anything to get away from him. Sort of. Her breathing increased at the thoughts that everything started when she met him. It bothered her greatly!
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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...
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Post by Erik Lenoir on Dec 2, 2012 2:18:10 GMT -5
Somehow, when Erik met Ana this time, he wasn't put off by her. She seemed too upset and he realised she must have gone through something terrible. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to frighten you. But yes, I am in the habit of doing this. You should know that better than most, considering you know everything about me." He didn't say the previous in a nasty tone or a sarcastic way. It was said matter of factly and quietly.
"I heard about what happened in the village. I am very sorry you lost your home there. Are you staying here? I would expect so, considering it is so late at night. Would you allow me to escort you to .... wherever you were going?" Erik was very polite and his voice was soothing and calming.
Then Ana started to walk away from him. "Ana, don't go. We need to talk. Now." His voice was still polite and soft, but had an edge to it, a persistance. He caught up with her again and took her arm gently. "I have been going over and over this in my mind. And I must talk to you about it." He paused. "Billie was here quite some time ago looking for you. I didn't know where you were or if you were here at all or I would have told him. Have you contacted him yet? He is very worried about you. ... As I was..." Erik looked sincere, at least in the darkness, lit only by moonlight. And he was sincere. He wanted to tell her he was sorry...
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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 Dec 2, 2012 8:19:47 GMT -5
Walking at a fair clip not wanting to deal with anything or anyone right now. She had been so caught up in her isolation and thoughts in an effort to calm herself down; trying so desperately to make sense of everything that's happened recently. Naturally none of it made sense. Just a series of unfortunate circumstances. Or so it seemed. Oh, yes, she thought, didn't mean to frighten. Pursing her lips and feeling a little annoyed at his reply that he was in that business. Well, it was true. Damnit, she didn't want to be that sort of victim of that sort of unlikely joke though! Or stalking. Which ever one sounded more correct. Even more annoyed that he knew her well enough that she knew him to be that sort of person. She sighed in her throat to keep it rather to herself with a slight scowl that she wouldn't let him see. Not yet at least.
Slightly raising her brows with a tiny touch of annoyance on her face, lips only slightly pursed. He once again said he was sorry but it was the 'staying here' was what got her. Yes, she was silent a moment. Becoming a bit irritated as it would appear but instead she was scared. Doing everything in her physical power to be utterly defensive, to keep walls up so that no one would ever know her, her pain, nor get too close. Oh, but that soothing voice. It had a way of getting to her and she hated that. Well, perhaps not hate but it only confused her more. Debating heavily whether to let him know where she was going but then again, she didn't know where she was going! "The kitchen," she simply told him. Damn him for being so level headed and soothing in voice. It only continued to confuse her more! Stirring a wealth of emotions unsure of how to proceed other than keep those high defensive walls thick so that he could never penetrate them. "What is there to talk about," she replied in a mixed gentle wry tone, with a hint of her personal pain. Nearly jumping out of her skin when he took her arm, twisting around as her hair flared out, facing him with a hard visage mixed with inner turmoil and slightly stepped back from him. Fearful of him? Well, in a way. She keep those barriers up as she gazed back at him with a hard look but could not even look him in the eyes. She swallowed again, even if her throat was a tad scratchy. It was no surprise that Billie was searching for her while she was with Lavalais. No doubt people thought she was dead. But, she wasn't. Though she should be. She already knew Billie would be concerned about her. After all, he was like a father to her, there for her when her own dad was not. She stood there stiff with light annoyance and almost furrowed brows in a light scowl. Her midnight venture was not easy nor quiet.
Her scowl melted away to slight shock but that only hardened her defenses more. Now she was definitely afraid. Not for the reasons one would think though. Her face barely hinted and twitched with various tiny movements wondering why? Why ever in the hell would he be worried about her? He told her to go away and never wished to have met her. And she was beginning to feel the same way. It really would have been best if she never met him, let alone ever came to the Manor! "Why?" she breathed softly, barely audible, barely moving her lips. It only stiffened and troubled her more. Wanting to rip her arm out of his grasp but she didn't, not sure why since she wanted to put as much distance between herself and him. Shifting her eyes away from him, not sure what to do - snap at him to keep him away or accept his concern. Yes, well, how often did someone use sympathy for their own benefit and hurt her?
"Thought you never wanted to see me again?" Unable to look at him and unsure of what to do. So she crossed her arms, whether he still held her arm or not. "Yes, I have spoken to Billie recently. He knows I'm alive. He knows I'm here." Almost scowling again but not looking at him, arms still crossed. "I've been here since Halloween," shaking her head and not mentioning the fire really but the specific date when it happened, "I don't know how," closing her eyes with a slight flutter to the lids, "Don't know why," pausing with nearly a sigh. "Mr Lavalais found me and," smirked wryly with a similar wry huff, " nurse me back to health," then murmured to herself barely audible, "if one calls it that." She was rather grateful for Erik Lavalais' care and never felt once any sort of threatening feeling. Uneasy at times, yes, but never threatened. But then again, she always seemed to be uneasy.
Finally after a moment, a sigh, closed eyes then turned to look at him finally, this time her eyes met his. "What do you want?" Arms still crossed. He wanted to talk, ok. So, talk about what? A slight hint of curiosity in her tough defenses.
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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...
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Post by Erik Lenoir on Dec 2, 2012 14:22:26 GMT -5
"I was myself on the way to the kitchen. I have trouble sleeping and I walk about by myself at night sometimes. I wasn't planning on meeting anyone. Usually the place is bereft of souls. I like the quiet and the darkness." His tenor voice was soft and soothing.
Erik hadn't realized how upset Ana was The fire of course was still on her mind. It must have been terrifying. And his little spat with her would seem trivial. But it would be good to make up with her. He realized that the least enemies he had at the mansion, the better.
Ana looked annoyed with him. He couldn't wonder that she was. He had treated her rather badly and spoken about her in not so gentle words. He had a hard time controlling his emotions sometimes, but he must try harder with this woman. She tended to irritate him greatly. But her emotions seemed to be in a greater turmoil than his. His normal annoyance with her was dissipated with the knowledge of what she had gone through.
They reached the dining room door and Erik held it open for her, then went ahead to open the kitchen door also. "Why don't you sit down and I'll make you a nice cup of tea." Then he realized she sometimes took his suggestions as commands, which they weren't. "Or if you prefer, you can remain standing." Erik was also trying to lighten the mood. Since meeting her, his mood had brightened, strangely enough. Perhaps seeing that she was in worse straits than he was. He wanted to cheer her a bit, if that were even possible. He also wanted very much to apologise.
"Yes well, I did say that I never wanted to see you again, but aparently I've changed my mind. He smiled at her. She explained that Billie knew now that she was all right and that Erik Lavalais had been taking care of her. He was surprised. Although, he shouldn't really have been surprised. Lavalais had taken care of Teressa for those many years and perhaps he, like Erik, had a penchant for helping young ladies.
"It was lovely of Lavalais to help you. I don't know him well, and probably never will. The last I saw of him was when he was newly at the mansion and I showed him how to find his home. I saw him at the Easter Vigil...well I think it was he...or perhaps it was Érik. They look very much alike and are both quire reclusive."
"What kind of tea would you like? Or perhaps coffee? Or a light snack?" He stood waiting for her answer, wondering if this was the best situation. Would he just make her more upset and they would have another fight? He should never have followed her here. He should just have let her walk by. Why did he follow her?
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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 Dec 2, 2012 21:06:36 GMT -5
Oh how convenient. He, too, was on the way to the kitchen. She was not really keen about how ironic this kind of was. "Yes," drawing that out a little, slightly quirking a brow, arms crossed as she almost glared at him, "funny how that works, doesn't it?" Trying so hard not to sound snotty and rude or sarcastic. This was still far too awkward for her to be face to face with a Phantom. Be she so far had met three of them! Practically feeling like she was going insane and the butt end of someone's length joke. It wasn't funny, that's for sure!
Walking towards the Kitchen feeling so utterly out of place and lost in an 'alice-in-wonderland' state with Lenoir walking with her to their like-minded destination. Once there, he was being chivalrous. Was this his thing? "Thank you, " softly spoken in response to his holding the door for her. Well, he was only crude to her when he was drunk. But the other times.... She thought... The other time they were face to face he was rather.... himself. Hypnotic. Biting her lip slightly, keeping her mind occupied with a need to be alert and keep him in her sights. He was suave but she could outsmart him! "Thank you," replying again as he held the door open yet did not look at him. This was making her feel uneasy.
Tilting her head down slightly as a brow rose in a slight quirk again with lips slightly bared. Standing there instead for a moment as she somewhat looked at him. It was strange that he was so nice. Almost too strange. This only made her feel even more uneasy. Remaining silent, she moved to a chair-stool and sat down.
What ever the hell was it that he wanted?!?
Slightly pursing her lips when he spoke further from not wanting to see her again and then changing his mind. Each shift caused a reaction upon her face. Almost numb in the mind and body with how charming he was being. But wasn't this what she wanted when she was 16? This was exactly what she wanted. But that was 20 years ago. That was then; this is now. She was no girl with unrealistic dreams any more. She was a woman that reality put her through the greatest of hells.
Nodding as she glanced down at her fingernails, picking at them somewhat not sure what really to do. "Yes. It was." She thought about the strange Phantom whom she never knew a thing about. He was one Erik whom she never heard stories of. Not really sure what to think of him but she felt so light and complete around him. A little uneasy, too. She was always uneasy around men nowadays. Looking up at Lenoir almost furrowing her brow, "Look alike?" Pondering this a moment as she wondered if he meant THE Erik, from the original story. In fact, she did mistake Lavalais for the original Erik. Looking away from Lenoir as she somewhat pondered this. How many Phantoms were in this place?!? A fan girls dream, yes. But... she was not longer a fan girl. She was... 20 years ago!
Her thoughts were brought back to the moment when he inquired about tea or coffee, even a snack. Yes, food! That was the original reason she left her suite in the first place. "I don't really drink tea. Sometimes iced tea, with sugar or lemon, but not much of a huge tea drinker." Mustering a little more courage, she slid off the chair-stool and walked over to the frig to see what was in it. "wow," softly as she noticed some food in there and began taking some entreés and dishes out. As she pulled out the 5th and 6th dish, she stopped as she set them down and looked blankly at Lenoir. "What? I'm hungry!" Then slightly smirked. Then pointed to the food, "did you want something?" As she was looking over the dishes and started sorting through the place for a plate or two, "So," pausing a moment as she reached for the plates when she found them. "Why are you being nice to me?" yes, perhaps it was meant to rub him a bit raw. She was trying to keep him at bay, to be defensive or offensive with him actually. She wasn't liking what she was feeling at all around him. Don't let him sweet talk ya- Keep him on the defensive- Refrain from relationships- If he was indeed after something, she give in instead she'll let him have it but not what he wants! Or what she thinks he wants. Men! They always think of one thing and one thing only. She was tired of their playing around.
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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...
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Post by Erik Lenoir on Dec 2, 2012 22:08:48 GMT -5
As they walked into the kitchen, Erik said, "I told you I oft have trouble sleeping, Ana. A walk does me good. And perhaps I am a bit hungry. I will be happy to make you a dish of anything to your liking..." He smiled. "Yes, I can cook. How do you think I survived all these years alone. I never had any servants save Madame Giry. And she wasn't really a servant, more like a messenger. And she never cooked for me, save when she found me those many years..." Erik stopped talking abruptly. If he said any more, it would bring up bad memories of his time with the travelling show and how ill he had been from the beatings when Giry had helped him escape.
Ana had a little sarcastic edge to her voice, but Erik overlooked that. He did not want to get into an argument, but he could see that the air was rife for it. Perhaps if he tried to cheer her by being kind...
Ana looked ill at ease. That was all right. It gave Erik the upper hand. Sometimes being kind had its advantages. Of course he wasn't really looking for anything.
Ana sat down. She was hard to read, despite the fact that her emotions were an open book across her face. It seemed hard for her to say the truth of how she felt. Unlike that uncouth American woman, Lu Dallas, that Erik had met several weeks back, just after the traumatic events had occurred. That woman could insult him and didn't even realize it. And she was a thief, too.
Erik noticed Ana was picking her fingernails. "You shouldn't do that, if you don't mind me sounding like your mother. You'll just break them and make them look terrible. But...of course, if you want to do that, it's up to you. Just a bit of unasked for advice." He smiled. She probably didn't want to hear that.
"Yes, they do look alike. Erik Lavalais and the fellow without a surname. They are both about the same height, very thin and resemble each other amazingly. I actually haven't seen them together, so I can't at first glance tell them apart. But once they start to talk, I can. Érik is rude and egotistical. I am hardly able to hold a polite conversation with him. Lavalais, on the other hand, can be a bit stern,but he has a good side, as I have heard from Teressa. He was kind and good to her when she was in very bad straits and has been her protector ever since. That made it hard to ask him if he would allow me to court her. Of course now, it's too late for that." Erik sighed.
Ana started to take things out of the ice box and Erik smiled. She must really be hungry. She would probably feel better after a meal. She looked thin, as if she hadn't been eating well. "If you would allow me to make something for you, I would actually be delighted. I am hungry too, just a bit and would share whatever you would like. What shall it be?"
Then she said, Why are you being nice to me? He stood up straight and frowned. "I don't know. Am I being nice to you? I thought we were getting something to eat..."
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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 Dec 2, 2012 22:45:01 GMT -5
Silent but she glanced at him as he divulged a little about himself. Perhaps he did state it and she forgot about it. Most likely forgetting for a reason as she tried to put him out of her mind. Well, it was not working in the slightest. Slightly raising her brows. He? Cook for her? The Phantom? That more than stunned her and it showed as she froze in her place for a moment. Did she really want to allow him to do that? Ok, now what was he really after? This truly was completely and utterly strange to listen to him.
She had pretty much just gotten to the point of faltering with her defenses to draw back into ease with him. That is until he talked about her fingers. Raising her brows as she stared at him. That was going a bit far. "Excuse me?" Stunned still. Shaking her head and looked a bit baffled as he went on, talking about the two Eriks. The look upon her face was utterly priceless though. Complete bewilderment and speechless. What was she suppose to say in response to this? Moreso baffled about it being too late to court this Teressa. Raising her brows again, almost feeling a twinge of jealousy - lord knows why - but court? Him court someone else other than Christine?!? Christine was his obsession. Well, WAS. As she slowly was recalling their conversation sometime back. Sort of. "Why is it too late? If I may be so bold as to ask?" Looking at him quite baffled. Oh, damn him! She was mellowing and lowering her defenses a bit to open up to him. She tried to bring them back up so that she would not leave herself vulnerable again. But it was so hard! How could she resist a man's charms? And that is where it got you into trouble, girl! scolding herself silently.
Let him get her something; prepare it? Glancing at the food then at him. It was obvious she was heavily debating this. But he really was growing on her and she couldn't help it but let him be the gracious Gentleman Host. A slight sigh through the nose, "fine," she said softly as her tense tone seemed to be melting away to a resigned surrender to him.
Then a smirk. A genuine bit of a amusement and happy mixed while looking back at him as she moved back to the chair-stool, "smart alec," she continued to smirk. "Yes. You are being nice. Usually," as she situated herself on the chair, crossing her arms upon the counter and leaning upon them while looking about, at the good, at him, etc. "when - in the past - a guy was nice to me, they wanted something in return. They all ended up being Players," and sighed with a slightly sad face. Cursing herself silently as she realized she lowered her defenses and divulged a little bit of her past to him. Not cool, girl! She hoped he would not be like the others and just play her. Or hopefully she won't do that to him! She couldn't help but feel that little twinge of lust. But she was so tired of the games. She wanted something real to last for the rest of her life. Even if it meant to abstain from physical pleasure. And that was so VERY difficult to do.
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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...
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Post by Erik Lenoir on Dec 2, 2012 23:23:11 GMT -5
"Come now, dear, make up your mind. It will be morning and breakfast soon if you do not tell me soon what is your pleasure...." He paused and grinned. "I am speaking about food, you know."
"There is some soup. Whoever makes the soup does a lovely job and it's always something different every day. Some French bread for a sandwich, meat and lettuce. Condiments. Butter. They want for nothing here." Erik was about to pick up the tea pot and put water in it to place on the gas stove when he remembered the coffee maker. "I've learned how this little device works. Much faster than on the stove." He checked the top to make sure no one had left coffee grounds in it, then put water from the tap in the pot and poured it into the top of the coffee maker and turned it on. He placed some of the soup into a small pot and put it on the stove stirring it with a wooden spoon. Does the sandwich and soup sound good? If you wish something different please tell me." He set the table wit the dishes Ana had put out. "Would you like a small fruit salad? There are oranges, apples, blueberries, strawberries and even some pommegranite seeds which someone has painstakingly put into one of these glass dishes. And I make a lovely dressing for it. What do you say?"
He was standing with his back to her, at the counter, making the sandwiches and sauce for the fruit salad. "Why is it too late to court Teressa? She is unbelievably angry with me because of a foolish thing that I did. She of course completely misunderstood my intentions completely and is so angry with me that there is really no reason for me to ask Lavalais if I may court her. That is indeed part of my languishing in melancholy for these past weeks. " Erik didn't want to say more, to say that it was his foolish kissing of her, Ana, that led to the breakup. But he did say, "And unfortunately, it has led to Teressa flying into the arms of another man, and not just any man, this one is dangerous. I fought him for Teressa.... it was not easy..." His voice broke a bit at the last phrase and he was glad his back was to Ana. He didn't want her to see the sorrow this caused him.
He moved over to the stove to stir the soup. He glanced at her and smiled. He didn't want to let his sorrow out now. Not to this woman. Not only had she gone through so much she didn't need his problems, but he really didn't want to tell her that much. At least not now.
She called him a smart alec and he smiled at her again. She must be feeling better. Then she confessed that she had a hard time trusting men. They were all Players, as she put it. He hadn't heard that term, but he understood from the context what she meant. "They lie to get what they want?" he said softly, suddenly realizing he really had done that with Christine...and look how it had turned out.
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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 Dec 2, 2012 23:59:02 GMT -5
His demanding was rather intriguing with some odd desire to prepare something for her. That in a way was touching more than it was disturbing. She couldn't help but to feel a bit numbed as he asked what was her pleasure just as he recanted narrowing the pleasure to food only. She would have snickered if she didn't look rather stunned with slightly raised brows and parted lips.
"Soup sounds good. Salad sounds good. Some of that meat. and other entreés." soft little embarrassed snicker, "Spare no expense. I am quite hungry." Watching him as he was milling about the kitchen like a pro. She smiled as she watched him. This was something never in a million years she thought she'd see. Never even contemplated this sight when she was younger, too. What a sight it was. The Phantom... in a kitchen... preparing a meal for her and him. He was all Booby Flay it seemed. He left her utterly speechless and in a state of shock and awe, gawking at him with her head upon the palm of her hand that was propped upon the elbow on the counter.
Listening to his somewhat explanation of why it was too late to court this Teressa. She understood the first half of it but with the part of this woman going into the arms of another, she shook her head looking a bit mixed in bewilderment and disgust. "If I had a man fight for me," pausing a moment as she was gazing off into nothing somewhat away from him "I wouldn't dismiss him so easily". Shakes her head, "It's all about compromise and commitment." Sighs, then focuses her eyes to look at him. "Alas, that's a rare thing to find is someone willing to be committed no matter what." And her face seemed rather drawn while her eyes were slightly glassy. Inhaling deeply then releasing it slowly. "Life's not perfect," she said softly. Looking at him, "Have you tried going back to her to talk about what happened?" "In a manner of speaking." she sat there looking away, slightly disturbed. "You begin to believe them with each time they tell you they love you. That they want to spend their life with you. Make the plans. Absolute gentlemen to almost no end. You give yourself to them - heart, soul and body. And then... they simply leave you. As though you meant nothing to them." Realizing she said too much but it seemed that she had to divulge this to him. Gazing off distantly, head in her palm with elbow propped upon the counter. "I've pretty much given up." Even a pretty thing such as herself could be cursed when it comes to love.
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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 Dec 3, 2012 21:14:06 GMT -5
Erik smiled. Ana seemed hungry and asked for a bit of everything. Erik put together a lovely meal with the soup, sandwich, fruit salad and some cooked vegetables. He put a teabag in each of two cups and poured hot water over them. He made a small sandwich for himself. Then he made some hot chocolate by melting a bit of chocolate and milk in a pan and heating it until the chocolate was melted. He put a tiny bit of mint ice cream in it and put that before Ana. "Now you must know that I have learned a few modern tricks too, since I have been here. Some of these things I have never seen before. I have learned to use the little oven called the micro-wave...is that it?"
Erik couldn't help wanting to absolutely excel in in everything. He had an idea that if he set his mind to something, he would do it and do it well. Of course there were a few things he didn't excel at, but he would push it off by saying that he hadn't really put his mind to it.
"I suspect she thinks I betrayed her; that's why she ran to the other fellow. I couldn't convince Teressa how bad he was considering she thought my love wasn't genuine." Erik sat down finally at the table. "I don't blame her really. She misunderstood. Perhpas I can speak to her about it later. If she will see me. I haven't seen her since the incident, quite some weeks ago. I don't know where she is." He felt sad and he didn't want to talk about it any more. He also didn't want it to slip out that it was his kissing of Ana that had started it.
"Well, I haven't given up really." Erik didn't want to say she was only the second woman he had ever dated or kissed in his life. And probably Christine didn't count as a "date," even though she gave him his first kiss. It was true that Erik had made quite a lot of friendships, most of them with ladies at the manor. He had, he admitted, kissed Edouard de Chagny's wife, but that certainly wasn't a date.
"And yes, they leave you...they do. It's happened to me. Perhaps I should give up..."
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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 Dec 3, 2012 22:33:55 GMT -5
Just simply sitting there, arm propped upon the counter and her head propped upon her arm. Just simply watching him being such a home body in the kitchen, kind enough to make a midnight meal for her. That was just something people never really did. It stunned her completely. She couldn't help but feel entertained and humbled by what he was doing. Yes, never in a million years would she have thought this ever could happen. Never ever did she think in her foolish youthful dreams that the Phantom of the Opera would be this generous and such a domestic soul. Her face was quite priceless with the dumbfounded cocked brows and slightly opened mouth. She really had no idea how to deal with this and it was truly amazing. Looking at the cup of strange hot chocolate that he set before her and just stared at it. Utterly and completely stunned. Tears honestly welled in her eyes as she stared at the chocolate libation. Looking up at him after a while, stunned and bewildered, "How did you know I like hot chocolate?" Picking up the cup of hot chocolate as she looked over at him and nodded, "Yeah. Microwave oven is right," as she repeated in confirmation rather baffled and it reflected in her voice. With the cup in hand feeling the heat of the liquid, then brought it to her lips carefully and took a sip. Closing her eyes and savored it. It was creamier than she usually drank it and oh so delicious! Closed eyes still and a huge grin spread upon her lips, "Mmmm," savoring the incredible taste. Took her a moment to come out of her chocolate ecstasy, opening her eyes with a smile on her face with a slight snicker. With a slight huff of amazement that matched her face, "I never would have thought..." Trailing off so to speak. Lenoir just stunned her to no end. Obviously there was more to this Phantom than what the story told. Now she was curious and open to see what more he could do.
With the cup in hand and once again took a sip as she watched Lenoir, her defense pretty much down now, he did a darn good job at bringing her out of her shell and calming her. She listened to what he said. Trying to see it from both sides and desperately trying to hold her tongue so to speak. Taking another drink of the amazing hot chocolate he made then set it down, nodding as her eyes moved away from him to look down, "It's a tough one. Women don't like to be betrayed or played with especially when they give you their heart. But," as she thought a moment, crossing her arms on the counter as she glanced down again a moment," girls and women are pretty possessive when it comes to men or a boy. It's dangerous." Then looks up at him. " They expect him to not look at another, talk to others, or interact in some ways." Pausing a moment. "But that's unrealistic." and smiled slightly. "After all, we can't control you men, can we?" Smiles a little more. Glancing down with her arms still crossed on the counter then lifted a hand to fondle the cup of hot chocolate with her fingers. "There's bound to be bad times it how we adjust to them, deal with them, and work them out, get through them, and learn to commit to one another is the key. Which, unfortunately, is a rarity." Pausing a moment, "If it was easy and came naturally, I would have been married long ago." Not looking at him as she gazed forlorn at the cup of hot chocolate. "Going to have to go talk to her. Find out for sure if she's worth your efforts or not. If she's not willing to listen, try again. If she still won't listen, then it's not worth it." She looked up at him, opening her mouth, pausing a moment before she finally decided to say it. "You deserve someone worth your time and efforts who will put you above themselves selfish needs."
The hot chocolate was nice but she propped her head upon her hand as she sighed, gazing off at nothing a moment then shifted her eyes to look at him. Nodding, "Yes they do," sounding rather breathy and sad. "Not sure why. Never any explanation. Nothing ever makes sense. Unless," pausing as she hated this thought, "It's our destiny never to be with someone for the rest of our lives." Finally she gathered up the hot chocolate in her hand as though it was a precious thing and took a savoring drink again. He did a very good job at bringing down her defenses as she was completely opening up to him.
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