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 12, 2012 21:12:11 GMT -5
She simply sat there gazing back at him with a look one might think was a scowl, but it was not. She simply was listening intently to him, hanging upon his every word. It was obvious that a LOT was on his mind for the longest time but most likely no one just sat down with him to talk or listen to whatever it was that troubled or delighted him. Poor man. Nodding with each explanation and slightly raised brows, obvious signs that she was sympathetic and truly listening to him. Quite understanding of the situation he created and quirked her mouth, "yes, you did." but was rather gentle even when she held him accountable and looked back up at him with a look that he had to take responsibility and most likely looked like he was doing just that so at the same time she was proud of him for at least acknowledging that problem.
Leaving the Manor was rather mixed as it seemed but the mention that leaving the Manor and just disappearing into thin air at some distance away from the Manor was very disturbing. She didn't like that at all! What was the point of existence if one could not really live?!? By all means, he should be able to at least visit the Opera House. She's never been there before either. "Seems rather unfair that you cannot at least go visit Paris or travel. What is the point of living if you can't live?" She felt so sorry for him and would love for him to experience what had been denied to him. In this modern world, the sky was the limit really.
"I would have thought you would be a bit over joyed at the thought that those whom tormented you and you knew were no longer around at the Opera? Allowing you a fresh start?" Gazing back at him. "Either way, in this world, they never existed," Pausing a moment. "You truly have a clean slate to work from." A weak smirk, "You should at least go see the Opera House and Paris." Pausing again, "I wish that those powers that be here would at least grant you such a grand opportunity. You deserve it," smiling genuinely at him. "A lot has changed in Paris over a hundred years. And it's a absolute miracle that the Opera still remains standing after two world wars." If there was anything that could tell him about the horror of those wars, it was her face and eyes. No horror ever shown towards his face or any action he'd done could ever have matched the terrible reflective expression upon her face and in her eyes. "Among other things."
After an deep inhale then releasing it, she shifted in her seat, "let's hope that it's the opposite of 'doom'" Looking back at Lenoir. At least there was something about why the Phantom characters were here. But she and Billie and this Roselin - whom she did not know yet - that was another mystery. "Hopefully we will all find out in due time." She tried to be positive and optimistic for him. Then snickered, "Look, I'm utilizing your recommendations, trying to be optimistic." Smiling back at him and snickered again.
Glancing up at the clock since she lost all track of time and saw it was nearly 3am, aka the witching hour! "We'll apparently we like to talk," Smiling and turned her gazed back to Lenoir. Dropping her gaze a bit as she leaned back in her chair and propped her arm upon the table. "I'm not going to complain about my room. It's huge, it's gorgeous and more importantly, it's a roof over my head as winter approaches." Thinking a little at her room. "Never in a million years did I think I'd have a big room like that," and shook her head with a slight smile.
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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 15, 2012 19:16:44 GMT -5
Erik saw Ana glance at thte clock and announce that apparently the two of them liked to talk! Erik laughed. "Lately, I have been accused of being quite loquatious. Since I arrived at the mansion, of course. It is really very strange. I spent my time at the opera house saying nary a word to anyone, save perhaps myself. I apparently, since arriving at the mansion, have been making up for those many years of silence. I have become accustomed to the pleasures of conversation."
"Perhaps you are correct. It is time to leave. I think that, after this lovely conversation, and your gentle forgiveness, I shall be able to sleep tonight. At least what is left of the night, or more properly, morning. May I see you to your suite, dear lady before I descend to the depths of my own home?" Erik stood and adjusted his sleeves, then offered an arm to Ana.
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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 16, 2012 17:37:42 GMT -5
With a bold grin and a gentle snicker, "Well as you said you are making up for lost time." Still smiling while shifting her eyes elsewhere for a moment. "Perhaps being here is not a bad thing for you." Then looked back at Lenoir with a bit of a restrained curiosity. How comfortable she had become in his presence and talking with him as though they were old friends. Yet he remained such a mystery almost driving her desire to crack into his very nature.
Smirking as she stood making a funny little mixed noise of a snicker and 'hey', "We all need our beauty sleep, don't we?" she couldn't help but joke around him as well as bit more free in spirit. She almost felt like nudging him or a friendly little 'punch' into his shoulder that would barely be felt but she restrained herself. No, she wouldn't be so straight forward, bold and aggressive. At least, not right now. Sleep. Thinking for a moment at such a necessity in life how much it was taken for granted. Her sleep was so riddled with oddities as of late that is left her various states of exhaustion, confusion, and desire. At least he would sleep easy tonight and that alone made her feel a bit better for no apparent reason.
With a weak smile then nodded, "sure," she said softly then slowly took his offered arm. It hit her again how real he was. Despite it all how she shifted between belief and disbelief that he existed. Also the fact that made her hesitate was his manners. She simply was never used to men being kind unless they wanted something in return. This forced her ever so slightly out of her comfort zone and she battled heavily with it to not let Lenoir notice it. Or perhaps it was could be a good thing that he notice is. After all, had they not talked plenty enough of their past and present issues? Perhaps that should be saved for another time though. Somehow, she felt he could be a healing factor in her odd life.
"Erik," she gently said his name as she gazed distantly before her and not at him,"why did you ask for my forgiveness? For what reason was it necessary?" She was utterly confused now that it had been brought up. What ever was it that he or she did that required absolute forgiveness? Baffled and it showed upon her face.
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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 16, 2012 19:24:04 GMT -5
"I must admit, and it has taken me some time to come to this conclusion, that it is not a bad thing for me to be living here. At least I am accepted even with my ...face, such as it is. And I suspect that is because I am among others like me. I never thought such a thing existed. I thought I was the only one like this. People made me feel an outcast. But now I do not feel like that really. The only thing that bothers me is that I really am not free to leave considering that I might wish to, some day."
He felt much more comfortable with Ana than he had before, even thought there were still some strange things about her that he did not understand and that did not completely sit well with him. She seemed a bit too informal in many ways. He couldn't of course blame her; it must be the custom in this new modern age.
He laughed when she said beauty sleep. "Beauty sleep...I should have to sleep quite a long while for it to take effect..." Ana took his arm and he touched hers with his other hand. It felt good to be walking arm in arm with a woman. It was such a very unusual circumstance in his life. He felt...almost normal.
Arm in arm, they started to walk slowly out of the kitchen and into the beautiful dining room. For one instant, he thought about Teressa. What would she think, if she were to see him arm in arm with another woman. She would probably be angry. ... Or not. He still had not seen her since the incident. Perhaps she really was lost to him and in that case it didn't really matter. Then Ana asked why he had asked for her forgiveness.
Erik stopped walking and turned to look at her, gazing deeply into her eyes. "Forgiveness for treating a kiss with such triviality. I had no right to be so forward. I was put in my place by Teressa who reminded me that I disgraced not only myself, but you and her as well. I hope you understand that it is not a thing that a gentleman should do." He paused. "And this is why I have asked your forgiveness and I shall ask Teressa's forgiveness as well, should she ever speak to me again." He was truly beginning to think that he had lost Teresssa for good. But as of now, he did not know that for a fact.
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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 16, 2012 22:29:40 GMT -5
Accepted even with his face so he said and that made her smile with reassurance. If this was true then it was a step in the right direction. No doubt a positive future for him. Raising her brows and slightly looking amused, "Look at me, I'm not like you or others." Grinning, "And I still accept ya. Took me a while, but it wasn't your face that I had a hard time with." Smiling still in an oddball way to at least comfort, doubtful she succeeded. "You live in a different world now."
She laughed at his response to beauty sleep. "Well, then... if you become sleeping beauty just means that your one true love will have to come and kiss you to wake you." Being rather playful in her words and keep the moment light and humorous. No doubt he needed that. But she decided to be a tad bit serious for a moment, too. "Ehh, you are beautiful the way you are," her voice was sincere and bold but gentle. "It's not appearances that matter most, it's who you are that matters most. Even those most handsome of men or women can still be a complete monster inside." And with that her smile seemed to fade some as she looked forward to try and keep her mind of her past issues.
It was quite strange to hold the arm of the Phantom and yet she cherished it. The simple gesture brought back a smile to her face after the damaging thoughts of her past issues, glancing down at his hand that was now upon her arm. He was so kindly and warm and did not notice that before. Seeing this whole difference side of him was like seeing the most rarest of gems or rarest once in a lifetime anomalies. Walking with him without any hesitation, letting him guide her.
She was a bit baffled when he stopped and gazed intensely back at her looking so very serious and pained perhaps. Slightly furrowing her brows as he began about a kiss. She was having a momentary lapse about a kiss before she recalled the only kiss shared in the stables. It stunned her as her lips parted just barely. Utterly shocked and ever sentence unraveled that furrowed brow and bewilderment to absolute amazement. She began to think after blinking a few times. This was something she didn't quite realize what happened. Perhaps he was right. Perhaps it was a careless move that could have far too easily been taken too far down a path that could never have been fixed. Perhaps she was being led on or she was leading him on. She hung her head for a moment and realized how perfectly human they both were. Mistakes and wrong intentions are always bound to happen. Even though the mention and the recollection of the kiss did send a little tingle through her. A part of her was beginning to wonder would he ever lead her on? The fear of any form of relationship now began to take hold. She had to be careful, too. But how can she be open and friendly with him and still keep lust at bay? That was always an incredible challenge, wasn't it? She had to. Unless... anyone said otherwise, she had to keep him - or anyone else - still at a distance.
Standing there a moment just utterly deep in thought and it showed upon her face, then her eyes lifted to gaze back at him. She looked serious and rather melancholy. No disappointed but simply stunned that he would admit to a mistake and ask forgiveness. It made her eyes rather glassy, just starting to well with tears. But then again, how did she know he would not try something obnoxious again? No, that kiss was not obnoxious. She might enjoy his company and friendship, but letting him near her heart that would like trying to find the lost city of Atlantis or freeze the earth's core. No man would ever have a chance to be that close to her ever again is what she swore. And she hoped that her sudden strange visage wasn't so very noticeable. She didn't want to appear so rigid and cold. Not to him. With a weak smile," It's alright," she whispered sincerely then closed the distance between him and gave him another hug. "If you want, I'll help you get her back." She was feeling rather bad to some extent that she may have been a part of breaking them up. That was never her intent. She had that happen to her once and did not like being on the receiving end of it. The more she thought about it the more it started to bother her now about what happened. She didn't want to be the bad guy, breaking up someone's cherished relationship. Doing what she could to stay those tears at the thoughts that ran rampant through her mind and the depressing feelings through her spirit. She didn't really feel like she was taken advantage of at that moment. "All's forgiven," she whispered again as she still hugged him, perhaps it was more for her now than him. "I just hope you can forgive me." ... for she was a factor in the whole problem. Now she began to understand. It wasn't something so clear cut, no good guy/bad guy, it was truly a situation in reality. She could rack her brain over and over and over again but there was no simple explanation nor right feelings about what happened. It was a mistake. A painful and costly mistake.
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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 20, 2012 21:21:03 GMT -5
She called him beautiful. He laughed, slightly embarrassed. "It's a lovely compliment, and I shall take it at face value, but I do think dear, that perhaps you should visit the fellow who crafts spectacles in the village. When you do this, I shall certainly keep out of your way when you are wearing them, for fear that you might perceive me better." He was of course teasing her, to take away a bit of the embarrassment he felt when she complimented him.
"It would seem, Ana, that the three types of people who I have discovered living at the mansion have a rather different view on those of us who wear masks. They are more rational in their judgements toward us - the deformed people of the mansion, than are most. First there are those of us who are deformed and those who have been around us for a period of time; the second group, the spectres, who, being dead themselves, do not consider the lack of a pretty face to be a blemish on one's character. And then, those like you, who are from the future...my future, I should say.... the perception of ugliness seems to have taken a turn for the better in which, as you said, feel that the beauty or ugliness of a face does not necessarily show the person's true character. If this is true, then perhaps the future holds some good in it for all of us."
He paused again and looked serious."When I was a child, it was a terrible blot on one's character to be deformed or less than perfect in any physical way. Those of high birth looked down on those of lower status. I have never considered that being of the nobility did me any good, nor my mother either, for she was shunned for what she had done too. Perhaps I should not have held her in such low esteem all these years..."
You live in a different world now, Ana said. Erik looked pensive for a moment. "I don't feel that I am living in a future world really. It doesn't seem any different from the world I knew in many ways. Some of the new inventions, yes, and when I go to the village, of course. But still, it seems like my own world. And I am not denying that I am in a different place. But my home has been recreated so perfectly and many of the things that are near and dear to me are close by. Some of the people are here. Most of those living here are from my era also. So it does not seem radically different. And the village seems worlds away. Like reading a book. You are truly there whilst you are reading it, but once you come back to reality, you remember but a lovely story."
"There is one other thing that I fear I must apologise for, dear Ana..." now he looked slightly embarrassed again and he cleared his throat. "The little episode where I mesmerized you and brought you to my home. I was so intent on proviing to you that I was the Phantom, that I forgot how odd it must have been for you. I should never have taken such liberties with you, as I should never have done with Christine. However, with her, it was the first time, and I truly thought she would come to love me. It was not what I was thinking when I drew you to my home, as I said, I was so intent that you would believe I am the Phantom." The faintest blush came over Erik's visible cheek. "I apologise for that also..."
This was strange for Erik. He had always been secretive, all his life, considering that it often meant the difference between life and death. Here, at the mansion, he didn't have that fear, except for a few people he had to watch out for, but at least he knew who they were. Out in the world, everyone was against him. And now, this woman, Ana, was encouraging him to be completely honest, which he had never really been with anyone, even with Teressa or Christine. But he was quite honest with Ana...at least at this meeting.
She whispered a word of forgiveness to him which meant very much. He smiled and said softly, "Merci beaucoup. I appreciate it."
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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 20, 2012 22:15:05 GMT -5
She loved to listen to him. It was incredibly clear to her that he needed someone to listen. When ever did anyone listen or hear him? She pondered did even Christine? Or Giry? Did anyone? Slightly smiling as he enjoyed the compliment and yet tossed in his humor to offset the words he was so not use to hearing. Poor Lenoir. He was such a good soul and it was such a pity that so many saw only his face. But then again, there was his own vices that only caused him to play along with those negative expectations of being the Phantom. She snickered raising her brows slightly in a slightly sympathetic cheerful look. "Glass would only blur what I see clearly." And continued to smile at Lenoir.
Tilting her head down with almost a sigh, "most in the modern age have been, what's called, desensitized." Looking back up at Lenoir with a seriousness about her visage. "A lot has been shown to the world, especially seeing first hand the two world wars, films coming to life as some are quite gory, seeing more and more of what some call the disgusting and terrifying that it's become accepted and normal. Some people have gotten past general appearances and look to accept people based upon their heart and soul. And yet, we still have the problem of being very material and superficial. It's two sided in this world, rather to the extreme." Glancing off to the side as she thought. "It's both a good and yet evil world." Looking back up at him, "For you, the world has opened back up for you to offer a whole new life and chance for you." Pausing a moment, "you can try to make it better; make amends even with those who are no longer with us. The future is yours to make." Hoping so much to be encouraging as well as listen to him.
Listening to every word he said and was by no means upset nor shocked, only content. A slight smile appeared on her lips as it sounded that he was regretting what he had done. It was both a good and bad thing because he was coming to terms with himself. Bad that he felt the guilt and regretted, but good that he realized his mistakes and wanted to correct them and move on. If there was something that could possibly be seen upon her face is that she was proud of him for becoming a better person in that instant. Placing him in higher esteem for becoming a better man. Nodding as she smiled, glancing down then back at him, "Apology not necessary but accepted." Glancing down again, as she thought. "It's difficult not to be enraptured by your perfect voice," Smiling as she looked up at him.
And now, all was forgiven. A clean slate and new hopes. She smiled at Lenoir as finally she was starting to feel a need to sleep. "Sorry that I kept you up so long." And it will be almost rather useless to go to bed at this hour since she would have to wake soon to attend to the horses. But at least she could try and get some rest in. Thinking with a smile that when she got back to her posh room, she'll still play the one lullaby that would always ease her mind, heart and soul. It was strange since the song was his.
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Erik Lenoir
Hide your face, so the world will never find you...
Hide your face so the world will never find you...
Posts: 1,241
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Post by Erik Lenoir on Jan 9, 2013 23:49:54 GMT -5
"I don't often sleep much, so this has been a delightful way to spend an eveening...or morning, really. I have enjoyed talking with you, coming to know you a bit, to understand you, at least a bit." Erik knew it would take some time to understand this woman. She was very deep and to him, at least, very unusual, strange in a way, not like many of the other women he knew. Not that he had much experience really. All his life he had stayed away from people, men and women, only dealing with them when there was work to be done, or a reason to interact with them in some way.
Now, here at the mansion, things had changed very much for Erik and he was beginning to understand people. He had some insight into some of them already, but there were still some who were a conundrum to him and Ana was definitely one of those. She must have had some strange things happen to her in her past, so he supposed she would tell him in her own good time.
"I expect I must leave for home now," he said. "I should not keep you up any longer either. You will undoubtedly sleep late tomorrow... and I do wish you pleasant dreams." He walked with her out of the kitchen and dining room and then they parted ways. But not before Erik had taken her hands and given them a gentle squeeze. "Thank you for a lovely evening, my dear."
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anastasia
Senior Member
Making a point is a matter of opinion. I'd rather make a difference
With me? Expect the unexpected!
Posts: 285
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Post by anastasia on Jan 10, 2013 3:07:08 GMT -5
Coming to know her? Understand her? She wanted to jab at him and laugh that he knew NOTHING about her. Instead she simply smiled warmly and was very restrained. Frankly it was good that he didn't know her. She gave him tiny hints of her life tonight. Most likely that will be all he'll get from her. So she hoped. Or perhaps she wanted him to dig deeper into her psyche to force out those very demons that still tormented her. She had come to terms with everything and yet, those past issues remained and still hurt. No. They only started to hurt when she came here! Moreso than before! So... why? What was so special about the Manor?
Sleep? She snickered and dropped her head a tad bit before lifting it back up to look at him. "No," shaking her head. "I'll be up in a couple hours to attend to the horses. I have a duty to them before my own lazy comforts." Looking at him with a slight smile. "Thank you," she replied softly at the hope of pleasant dreams.
A tad displaced when he took her hands, looking at him slightly bewildered, barely withdrawn, as exhaustion was starting to set in. A lovely evening?!? This pretty much threw her for a loop. This night wasn't meant to be lovely. She wanted to be alone and instead ended up reconciling with the very man who got under her skin. So... now what? Did they really reconcile? Was all really forgiven? She definitely forgave him. But there was that little bit of 'danger' in the back of her mind of letting anyone too close. "You're welcome," she replied softly and gave a slight tired smile. Unconsciously, she squeezed his hands back. Now why on earth did she go and do that for?!?
Taking a deep breath, she turned away from him and slowly ascended those grand stairs looking back once with a tired smile for a moment before she twisted back around and continued to ascend the stairs to head back towards her suite where she would try to sleep. While she slept, the sound system in her suite softly played Music of the Night sung by Crawford, though it sounded like Lenoir singing instead. Indeed that night she had pleasant dreams and slept peacefully.
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