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 Oct 23, 2012 21:01:33 GMT -5
Listening to him with a smile and being rather casual, completely unlike what she'd been a while ago. One would think something was seriously wrong with her but it was just her personality to be defensive when she needs to be, fun when the moment was mellow, serious when it demanded her to be, and quiet when she felt out of her element. Right now, the moment had seemed to mellow and she opened up more to the man who claimed to be the Phantom. Bit by bit she was believing him but would still take some time to truly believe him. All in all, she was curious now. He made her smile and she was relaxing around him. He was OK. It was true that if he was going to do something horrific to her, he'd have done it by now. There were tense moments but that blew over and she was starting to enjoy this man's company. He was indeed intriguing. How often was one given the opportunity to get to know the Phantom of the Opera?!? What an honor! She snickered and was rather casual and relaxed in response to his reply. "That's alright. The world is pretty confusing. Just... gotta take it in a stride." Smiles back at him as she sat there casually. "We'll getcha caught up in today's current events and the past as well." Glancing down as she still smiled somewhat. "A lot has happened in over a hundred years."
She was gazing at the floor and picking at her fingernails which were blandly manicured. Nodding once with a slight snicker-huff in understanding. But she realized she understood him wrong! Thinking he mentioned he didn't have a father figure. Realizing instead he didn't know what it was like to be a father. This stunned her and she looked back up at him. Her face betrayed how stunned and sympathetic she was. She didn't know what it was like to be a mother and most likely at this rate, would never know. Before she could reply to that he continued on. She looked back up at him after glancing away from him with nearly a blush. A slight warm smile spread across her face, "Takes a real man to do that; step in where another fails," yes, perhaps she was boosting his ego or flirting but either way she meant to be encouraging. She smiled as an arm shifted to prop the elbow on her knee and her chin upon her palm, fingers curled inward as she watched him with intense curiosity. What an amazing development to get such a rare chance. She was learning more about this man, the man who claimed and proved he was the Phantom. Smiling with a barely audible snicker as he mentioned that the girl talks more than him.
The smile faded mostly as she gazed back at him, studying him like a hawk. Why ever would be pursue someone who pretty much ditched him? That and felt a slight sinking feeling. "I wish you luck but... is that wise?" Hoping that he would rethink the situation even though she didn't fully understand his situation.
Her hand moved slightly from under her chin a couple inches to splay out while the other hand that draped over her knee splay unison, she rose her brows and tilted her head, "There's just somethin' about ya that's very appealing." She smiled back at him, into his eyes. Lord, those strange, exotic blue eyes. As she continued to gaze back at him, studying him, she got a little bolder, "You really don't think you can be rather appealing and attractive?" She paused as she watched him as her chin was propped upon the palm of her hand again then shifted to drape over her knee. "If looks are all that we based our desires upon," she snickered as she spoke the rest, "This world would be in serious trouble." Smiling at him as she stood up, smoothing her clothes out and then shifting her hair back behind her. "Not everyone has a supermodel face or body." Blushing as she glanced down, knowing she was rather like one then propped her hands upon her hips as she continued to gaze upon the ground and smile before shifting her brown gaze back over to him.
"You have a great voice," she smiled at him. "That is one of my favorite songs. Music of the Night." Looking away from him and out towards the dark lake, "I use to listen to that often when I was younger to help me sleep. It's a great lullaby." Slightly blushing while looking down and picking at her fingernails with a smile upon her lips. After a moment shifted her gaze back over to look at him.
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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 Oct 25, 2012 20:44:24 GMT -5
Ana was being quite pleasant now. Erik lost the feeling that he wanted to run away from her, or get her the hell out of the lair. No, he was feeling comfortable now with her. He supposed it didn't matter if she thought him the Phantom or not. Time would prove him out. He just had a rat her overwhelming need to be right...
Ana didn't seem afraid of him, but then she had never seemed really afraid of him. On her guard, mostly. Expecting the worst, probably. Then Ana said she would get him "caught up with today's current events..." He pondered that. Some things, yes. He was amazed and intrigued with the fascinating inventions and the modern technologies which were so different from what he was used to. But Erik didn't like a lot of things about this future. He wanted to stay away from some parts of the future.
"A real man to step in where someone else has failed?" repeated Erik. "So you do think me a real man, not a fictinal character." Erik looked pleased abough he was not completely sure she was yet confvinced.
"Roselyn told me that her father cared so little about her that he would not miss her if she were gone. Not exactly in those words, but similar words. I said she could stay here if she wished and I would protect her while she was here. She is a happy girl and I enjoy her company very much." Erik paused. "She seems fascinated as you do, with the fact that I wear a mask and she seems to also know a great deal more about me that I am comfortable with. Yet she is still a child and she takes it in stride." Erik paused. "I liked her immediately and I thought I would find perhaps a small suite for her where she could stay overnight and then go back to the village in the morning. Imagine my surprise when we found a suite with her name engraved on the door and all of her personal things inside. You do know what that means, don't you?" Erik looked very serious.
"Why would it not be wise?" Erik said with surprise. "I mean to have her as a friend...to continue to pursue Christine as a friend. She did give me my first kiss, that lovely touch of her lips upon mine. She was not afraid to do it." He frowned and then said, almost ot himself. "My mother never kissed me. Nor did she ever embrace me. I quite didn't know what those things felt like for a long time." He paused again. "Christine showed me what true, unselfish love is..." Erik thought a bit guiltily of Teressa, with whom he was truly in love. He wanted to be friends with quite a few women. Sometimes it let to a bit of kissing and hugging. He didn't feel it was wrong, but he suspected Teressa would not feel the same.
"You said that before, that I am appealing." He smiled. "I find that statement rather quixotic..."
Erik looked a bit offended when Ana said Music of the Night was a great lullaby. Again, the strange fact that she knew things about him before they had ever met. "I do not write music for children, young woman. Music of the Night is no lullaby. It is a love song, the one I wrote to Christine and it was never meant to be sung as a lullaby for children!" Erik took offense and looked at her a bit arrogantly as was his wont in situations like this. But he was a great deal less offended than he let on. He supposed it wasn't her fault if she loved his music even aa a child...
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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 Oct 25, 2012 22:21:17 GMT -5
Mostly facing him while listening to his replies and statements. Almost gasping and felt a slight tightening in her stomach at the mention that perhaps she thought him a real man. Barely a rise from her brows as she gazed at him as her lips parted ever so slightly. Blinking twice while contemplating a response. "Well... I mean... " Glanced down and smirked. "Yes." And paused a moment as she smiled, "But I also mean that any guy can be a biological dad, bring a kid into this crazy world." Looking up at him, into his eyes with wisdom and sincerity, "but it takes a real special kind of man to be a father. Willing to sacrifice them self to be a parent and teach a youth the ways of the world, to guide and comfort, and show the true meaning of love." Watching him as she came to understand that most likely he never had that. She felt for him, a sort of pity but also a sort of sympathy. Her dad was not the sort of man who was like that either. A lot of men in this world did not seem that way. She was rather impressed that this man, the Phantom, despite his lack of a father figure perhaps, he took it upon himself unselfishly to take under his wing an abandoned girl. Love came in so many ways. She smiled at him. He finally was learning life and love and she praised him silently with a sparkle in her eyes for his bravery and self-sacrifice. More and more, she was getting to know a man, and not thinking him fictional at all. He had a name. He had a face albeit deformed, and he had a story that goes beyond what even she knew. She wanted to know him better. She was believing him. As he explained more of the girl's situation, her heart broke for the poor girl. Sound somewhat like herself except her dad didn't totally abandon her but it sure felt like it! Her eyes and face reflected how much the girl's story pained her, how sympathetic she was to Roselin's situation. "I hope I get to meet her someday," she said sincerely. Then she became confused and it showed upon her face as her brow furrowed at the mention of the girl's name engraved on a door and a suite belonging to the girl, here at the Manor. Then shook her head utterly bewildered and now curious.
For a moment there she was rather stunned of why it wouldn't be wise but then she understood and retracted when he wished to continue to seek Christine as a friend. Was that his true intent? A slight weak smile as she understood how the two of them helped one another. It only continued to prove how a person always seems to affect others around them. A slight twinge in her stomach of jealousy at the mention of Christine's lips upon his. Really? Then doing what she could to dash that feeling away. Glancing down, she understood his past plight and intertwined her fingers in front of her then slowly nodded. "You were lucky," she said softly, almost pained and distant.
Quixotic? She did not know the meaning of it. Never heard the word before. Slightly furrowed her brow, glanced down and barely smirked. It was the truth. Even now after so long, he still had an appeal. Then furrowing her brow as she returned those brown hues to gaze upon him with a slight shock. "A child?!?" She smirked again. "Oh, my dear Phantom. I was no child when I listened to that song! I was 17 years old!" On the verge of becoming a woman, in need of something to help her deal with the chaos this world dealt her. Even some boys she found terrifying with their weak desires and false promises. Their hormones raged with arrogance and not once did any of them think of her! She was a pretty thing back then. Quite pretty. She had to be isolated and cold, distant and frightened to keep herself from violation. All in all, it still did not work. Her eyes teared up and she turned away as she moved away to walk around a few paces. Wrapping her arms around herself once again. "Your song was the only comfort I had," her voice began to break as her eyes welled with tears. She was no child then, but a young woman in need of something to help her through the most troubling time in her life! Biting her lip, still holding herself as a couple tears fell. Fighting to regain her composure as those old memories rose back up. She thought she'd gotten over such a painful time in her life. Apparently not. She had to move on. Somehow. She sighed then softly sniffled, wiping away the tears. Yes, the Music of the Night held such a coveted place in her heart and soul. It was her comfort song and lullaby.
What ever in the world was she doing! Kicking herself for being such a damned fool and childish, wearing her heart upon her sleeve and allowing such emotions to show. What ever was she doing?!? Trying to grab his attention by being pitiful and that 'lost, wandering child'?!? Lord, heavens! She was no child! Bucking up, as she would call it, and corrected her self for being so emotional. "Sorry," she said with a bit of wry courage in her voice, betraying that she had scolded herself for being so open, so emotional, so unlike the bold woman she really was. So why was she like this? Especially around the Phantom? What was it that got her to be so raw around him? So weak and open? She was beginning to loathe it. Now she wanted to leave. To get away and hide. To rethink and tuck away those unlikable emotions. Damn him for bringing out this side of her! And damn him for re-kindling that long ago youthful desire. Wanting so much to leave now for she knew if she stayed longer she'd want to hear his voice again, to feel his arm about her once more just as he did before bring her down here to his lair, and even more dangerous... to feel those distorted lips once more upon her own! Her breathing threatened to increase at the mere thought of all this. Please take me above, she thought yet did not say a word about leaving. How dangerous it could become so quickly. This was not the musical; this was reality!
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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 Oct 26, 2012 22:01:44 GMT -5
Erik looked at Ana when she spoke about what it means to be a father. "I don't know anything about that, Ana." For once he used her first name. "Sacrifice? I don't know what that is. Teach the ways of the world? I barely know what that is either. I haven't lived in the real world for years. Now I am stranded in a world even stranger than my own. I feel completely at sea in this new world. I am out of my element, even more than I was in my own time. And as for Roselin, I simply felt she needed a protector, someone who could look after her. Someone who could help her if she needed help. I want her to be able to come to me, considering she has no one else. I am quite fond of the girl..."
Erik continued in the same vein, although he was speaking as much to himself as he was to Ana. "My own father? In a sense, I had two of them. I never knew either." Erik regarded Ana again, this time speaking directly to her. "My mother was married to an older man....last name of Moreau. I never knew his given name. She had a passionate affair with a young man her own age, I am his son. And I never knew his name or even his existance until a few months ago. Moreau passed away before I was born, so he never knew the child she carried was not his own. I never met my father. Recently, I mysteriously came into possession of a letter from him and a photograph."
Erik went to a large bookcase and pulled out a worn volume. It was a Bible. "My mother's Bible," he explained. "The Bible contained this picture and a short letter from my father explaining why he couldn't marry mother." Erik handed her a black and white photograph of a handsome man with an unsmiling but not solemn expression. He had curly hair which could have been auburn and his eyes smiled, even though his mouth did not. Erik had realized, after covering the right side of the man's face, that he looked very much like Erik, although his lips were normal and his eyes seemed the same colour. "Mother never mentioned either of them, her husband nor my father. As I say, I only found out about the whole situation several months ago."
When Ana showed confusion as Erik mentioned that Roselin's name was engraved upon the door to her suite, and seemed not to know what that meant, he told her, "It means that you cannot leave the mansion. You are a prisoner here for life." Erik looked solemn as he said that. "But it hasn't been completely bad for me. It has been somewhat of a refuge. And my suite is perfect...a replica of that in Paris, under the Opéra Populaire down to the tiniest nail."
Then Ana spoke of the fact that she used Music of the Night as a lullaby when she was 17. "That's almost a child," he said, smiling. "It's all right. I should not have been upset about that. At least someone enjoyed my music..."
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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 Oct 26, 2012 22:36:05 GMT -5
Standing there listening a moment as she held herself then wrapped her arms while turning around to face him. Standing a little straighter and slightly confused but listening to him. Every word. A momentary smirk as he mentioned being a protector for the girl and he was fond of her. Everyone needs a champion of some sort. This girl, she was lucky. Bewildered as she furrowed her brow just slightly, listening to him talk about his parents. Now THIS was something no one ever knew about. Not even she! He was sincere and honest. This was the real deal, wasn't it? She walked over to stand beside him as she took hold of the picture of his father. A handsome young man as she gazed intently upon the image. A momentary squint of the eyes before she held it up next to Erik's face. She smiled slightly. "You look like him." Then lowered the picture and handed it back to Lenoir. Glancing at the very old Bible with curiosity. Another aspect of the Phantom no one ever would have known. More and more, Lenoir was becoming so real. She really was believing him. The doubt was filtering away even more quickly than she expected. "Sorry you didn't get a chance to know your father." Looking back at him sincerely.
When he explained to her about the rooms in the Manor, her brow furrowed and she looked a bit disturbed. "What?!?" The wealth of emotional confusion and disturbance was well and evident upon her face. A little huff-snicker at his outlook on it all. "But... you're a prisoner. Doesn't that bother you?" She could never nor would never settle to be a prisoner anywhere. Practically going over the comment about the Opera.
Then softly laughed. "17? a child?!?" laughed more. "Wasn't Christine near that age when you kidnapped her?" Looking back at him. "A child is more like 5 or 9 .. or 13. Not 17 where one is practically an adult and..." trailing off. "Didn't women marry at 17 in your day and age? Have kids at that age? Child! geez!" as she crossed her arms and turned away from him. Stopped then turned back to look at him then smiled. "Though does seem like it now, 17 being a child's age, doesn't it? Now that we are older." Smiles as she glances down and away. "And your welcome." Then smiles at him for a moment. "It's hard to resist the song. It's a true comfort song."
She then laughed as she looked around. "This truly is awkward," and was in a cheerful countenance before she returned her sights to look at Lenoir. "I'm .. in... the Phantom's Lair." snickers again while watching him. Not sure whether to make a request or not as she walked around looking at the candelabras, moved to the organ and caressed the keys, glanced down at the throne that she sat in earlier. She smiled. This was truly something else. Something extra ordinary. A true miracle!
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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 Oct 26, 2012 23:01:26 GMT -5
Erik put the photograph of his father back in the Bible and the book back in the bookcase. Erik smiled when she expressed regret that he hadn't known his father. It wasn't really a happy smile though. "I don't suppose one misses what one never had," he said philosophically.
Erik frowned and looked serious when she brought up the fact that he was a prisoner. "I suppose you could say that. And at first, I fought it, with all the fight I had in me. But now, I'm tired of fighting it. And it really is not a bad place to live. My suite, as you can see, is perfect in every way, just as I built it. I can choose to be happy about it or not. Either way, I am here and unable to leave, at least for the present or until I find a way out."
"Yes, Christine was...is only a bit older than 17..." Erik laughed, slightly embarrassed. "I suppose I was just toying with you a bit... I had originally thought you meant you were 5 or 9 or some such thing...."
Then Ana called his home the Phantom's Lair. "Could I ask you a favour? I dislike my home being called a lair...it reeks of some wild animal who comes above to devour some other innocent creature." He paused. "I'm not like that, am I? And I know that's what they call it, the ignorant ones who know nothing of me...I know that's what they call it, but you have no idea how much I hate that..." He was not angry, he just hated his home being called a lair because it reflected badly on himself. Erik watched her as she touched the keys of his organ and looked at the candalabra. She touched them with respect and he was starting to feel that she was accepting him as truly being the Phantom of the Opera.
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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 Oct 26, 2012 23:23:28 GMT -5
Never miss what one never had, she repeated that in her mind and nodded. She supposed it was true to some extent. So he had a mother and father. She had been fortunate to at least see a picture of his father. How many people saw that picture, she wondered. More and more he was becoming true and real. More and more, she was feeling a little more respect for him.
Slightly furrowing her brow for a moment as she listened to his fighting then giving up. Glancing about the Lair then back at him. "Are you really content to be living down here? Why not a real room in the Manor above?" Pausing a moment. "Or.. both I suppose. Is that possible?" She was inquisitive by nature to at least attempt to figure things out so that she could understand. The more she was with him, the more she wanted to understand him. Nodding with a little understanding as it sounded like he came to terms and being content to live here for the time being.
She snickered as she glanced down then looked at him, after a moment shook her head, but she was amused in a good way. He had a sense of humor! Another plus to him. Another bit of getting to know the man who is the Phantom. Then snickered again as her brows rose and jaw dropped. She looked truly amused from that thought. As she stood there at the organ to look over it as though she were looking at something so familiar and smiled. Glancing over at him as he gently explained to her his dislike of the word 'lair'. She nodded, "I can respect that." He at least asked nicely and she responded nicely and smiled at him. "It's your home. And your home reflects who you are," smiling back at him as she stepped away from the organ, her eyes trailing over it with admiration. Her eyes continued to trail over everything with admiration.
Slowly she strode back towards him as she looked around, "This has been an absolute treat, Mister.... "had to think of his name a moment, "Lenoir." Smiling at him, he held her hand out. "I'm actually glad you brought me here. This is truly the opportunity of the life time. I wouldn't have missed it for the world." Looking warm and respectful. Not at all like the woman he met before bringing her down to the lair.
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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 Oct 26, 2012 23:41:30 GMT -5
"Isn't it about time you called me by my first name?" Erik said in a soft, almost seductive voice. He was aware of the fact that his voice could influence women, but not always aware of how deeply that influence ran.
"I'm glad that you like my home," Erik said in that same soft voice. Then he frowned and his voice came back to normal. "Why would I need another room upstairs when I have created the perfect home down here? Are you saying there's something not real about my home? It's perfect! Absolutely perfect! No one else has one like it...and I built every bit of it myself. I furnished it too!" He was beginning to rant and sound a bit crazy. He took a deep breath. "I suppose it's time to get you back upstairs so it will not be dark when you rode off to the village. I am sorry. The time got away from me."
He watched Ana. Her emotions had changed her demeanour and she was calm and delightful. He was suddenly attracted to her in a way he hadn't been before. "You should know, Ana, that your manner of dress, does disturb me a bit. Perhaps the next time I see you, you will wear something that is a bit less....eh..." He didn't finish his words because he couldn't quite think of a word that described it properly.
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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 Oct 27, 2012 0:50:21 GMT -5
First name basis? Raising her brows as she looked back at him with a smile. Ahh, yes... that smile. She was well known for her smile and laugh when she was not in some other unlikable mood. Her laugh was infectious and intoxicating. Again, that is when she's not in some other mood. "What, you don't think it's too early? After all, we just met?" Then smiles more. Well, sort of. She'd know about him but he was right in a manner of speak, she knew nothing about him and now she knew a little more about him. "Erik." Oh, that sounded so strange and powerful rolling off her tongue. She bit her lower lip for a moment after that as she smiled. She did like his voice... a lot.
A moment's smile that faded to bewilderment then she snickered while tilting her head a little. "True. True. You made a good point, mist-err... I'm mean... Erik," she corrected herself then glanced about. "You're right, " as she inhaled then exhaled, "It is your home, you personalized it." Looking back at him and continued to smile, "it's perfect." He explained so very well the passion about his home. Again, she respected that.
Her face changed suddenly to that of sunken surprise. "Oh, crap!" as she looked at her wrist, forgot that she was not wearing a watch, patted herself but no watch, "What time is it?" As she glanced around then looked at him. "Yeah, I suppose I should leave and head back." Shaking her head as she lifted her hand up, palm towards him, "No, it's alright. It's been interesting. I'm actually glad you brought me here and had this opportunity to chat."
She tried to listen to him talk about her riding attire. Trying so hard to restrain a smile and stifle a snicker but then she laughed in utter joy and amusement, her head tilted back while laughing. Took her a while to mellow and calm down from her laughter. He brought out that little bit of her that made her happy in that moment. Her eyes sparkled as tears threatened to well in her eyes. Her laugh was so pure and unrestrained and happy. Taking a deep breath in while her mouth was wide open, "Oooooh," Another snicker as she then turned her glassy, happy eyes to look at him with a big smile. "I'm sorry. Sorry if the clothes bother you. It's-, "looks at herself, "the latest in riding attire. Even the boots. Meant to hold the stirrups better and lighter, hold the curve of the leg so as not to confuse the horse when riding or pinch it and allow you to use the proper leg aides without miscommunication from bulky boots. The breeches," she rubbed her thigh and hips, "well, I like the breeches better than jeans." Trying to figure out how to explain why. "I can move more freely in them while riding. Trust me, wearing anything else... hurts!" but she didn't explain WHERE it hurt. Looking at her shirt," ehh... I suppose I could have worn a loose shirt." Then looks at him with a smile and almost snickers again. His face looked rather priceless. She was very amused by that comment. It did not offend her. Now if he had said that a while ago, it might have. But after getting to know him a little and their emotions settling down, she was by no means offended by his objections to her clothes. Raising her brows, "Kinky? TIght? Leaves nothing to the imagination?" Smiles lightly. "You can say it." Smiles still. "I don't wear all my clothes like this,... "Pausing as she corrected herself. She was so use to and wanting to be a little more formal and call him 'Mister Lenoir' but stopped herself since he asked her to call him by his first name, "...Erik. I only wear this while I'm riding. It's special clothes for riding a horse. If you haven't noticed, the seams are in different places unlike normal fashion." She seemed to model for him a little, even lifting her arm to show where the seam for the sleeve was. "Even men wear this sort of attire. Kids, too."
Continuing to smile as she glanced down, glanced at herself and nodded then looked back at him. "Alright. For you, I will wear something less revealing and less clingy." And continued to smile at him.
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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 Oct 27, 2012 22:25:56 GMT -5
Ana agreed to call Erik by his first name. He smiled and so did she. She had a lovely smile.... and laugh. He watched her actions and expressions change quickly. She was interesting to watch and now she had started to become more opened up to Erik. He liked that.
Erik pointed out the ornate long case clock that had been chiming the quarter hours in its Westminster voice ever since they had arrived in the lair. But clock chimes are one of those things to which one does not always pay attention. He noticed she used a bit of vulgarity, which, in his time, would never be heard from a woman of refinement. Was this another "modern development?" If so, he wasn't in favour of it. He looked disapproving, but said nothing.
Ana explained her riding attire to Erik. She went into a long explanation, which he understood and agreed with. "But there is one thing you do not understand, my dear, and that is that your skin tight clothing is rather...eh...shall we say...upsetting to some men...namely me. It is very difficult not to look at ...never mind..." Erik was blushing. He was embarrassed to say what he meant. She said she would wear something looser next time. "Thank you, I am most grateful."
As the clock chimed the quarter hour, Erik said, "Perhaps it is getting late and if you would care to go above with me, I would be delighted to take you."
Erik picked up his hat again and put it on, along with the cape. "Are you ready?"
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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 Oct 27, 2012 22:54:29 GMT -5
The clock. Of all things, she didn't even notices the clock! Now she felt rather idiotic and smirked as she felt foolish.
She was quite amused with how Lenoir was disturbed with her choice of clothes at current. The poor man. Raising her brows slightly and a little humbled, too. Nodding as she glanced down then at him with understanding and wisdom in her eyes. "I understand." He didn't have to explain as she got the gist of it. It was definitely difficult for one to keep their eyes off someone who wore equestrian attire. It was rather form fitting. She snickered with further thought that she was making him a little uncomfortable.
Looking over at the clock as it chimed then shifted her eyes back to Lenoir and nodded with a smile. "I would like that. Thank you." Nodding in response to if she was ready and she walked over to the gondola.
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Erik Lenoir
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Post by Erik Lenoir on Oct 28, 2012 0:11:39 GMT -5
Erik lit a lantern and went to the gondola, placing the light in the prow. He offered his hand to Ana when she followed. He pushed the boat into the water and stepped in, picking up the long oar. The mist on the black cold water was thicker than usual. Erik moved the boat slowly across the lake and around the bend. Reaching the shore, as usual, he alit first and offered his hand, then pulling the boat back on the shore.
Taking the lantern, he motioned for Ana to precede him to the hanging bridges. "So you will be leaving immediately then, Ana? I hope that you will be coming back to visit me on some occasion. " He held the door open for her when they reached the top of the bridges. He blew out the lantern and left it behind the door, in the corner. Erik went to the lift and pushed the button to take them up to the main floor of the manor.
As they stepped in the lift and the door closed of itself, Erik said. "I am constantly amazed at how this simple lift creates fear in the hearts of many who live here." Erik laughed. He wondered that anyone could be frightened of such a simple concept invention.
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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 Oct 28, 2012 0:41:53 GMT -5
Walking to the gondola with a positive aura. This had been a rather interesting experience for her. To meet a mysterious man who turned out to be the musical version of the Phantom of the Opera. Taking his hand and smiling as she stepped into the gondola then sat down. It was strange now. She was quite aware this was the gondola that Christine sat in as he brought his object of obsession to his lair. Looking over the gondola with a studious eye and caressing the cushions and framework almost as though in a dreamlike state of recollection. From time to time her eyes would shift upwards to look at him almost as thought studying him. The unique perspective she had now gained gave her a better understanding. For a woman her age, she was quite curious. What a blessing for the darkness, too. For if one could see it, she blushed or flushed a couple times and had to look away, looking around or twisted around to see where they were going.
Once again taking his hand and stepping out of the gondola upon the shore and waited as she looked around, smoothed out her attire then walked in the way he indicated. No music this time, no hypnotizing, nothing. There was that little hint of trusting him already. Odd since she never trusted a person so soon. Smirking as she walked in front of him and recalling his discomfort with her attire. Nodding in response to his question of if she would be leaving immediately," As soon as I am able to, I will have to leave. I'm not really familiar with the area yet and would like to get back and meet back up with Billie before it's dark." A couple times she glanced back at him as she walked along the catwalks, her arms moving with her legs as she kept moving forward. Walking across the bridges, a little nervous as heights and uneasy ground made her a little anxious but she walked on as bravely as ever until they came to the lift. A softly little snicker and smile then nodded, "I will." Looking at him with a smile. "I promise."
In the lift, she looked around almost inquisitively then turned her eyes to look at him and rose her brows again with a mixed stunned-amused look. "Really?" with a little snicker as she spoke. "I can't imagine why." She could. She recalled being frightened out of mind when she was nearly 5 of an elevator. "Give them time. They will get used to it. Bravery only comes when they are ready to move on." A little hint of wisdom in her warm voice as she gazed forward. Folding her hands in front of her as she relaxed and enjoyed the ride towards the surface until they finally came to a halt. When the doors to the lift opened she glanced at Lenoir, smiled then stepped out of the lift casually as though she'd done this hundreds of times. Outside of the lift, she turned and waited for him. "So..." she began. "If you don't mind my asking, what do you do here... on this estate?"
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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 Oct 28, 2012 21:05:19 GMT -5
The journey up to the mansion had been a quiet one. Ana seemed moare comfortable with Erik and he hoped he had made another friend. It haad started off a bit rocky...but things had made a turn for the better.
Going across the bridges, Ana had seemed a bit afraid, something she had not the first time, considering she had been under Erik's spell. He would not let her fall. He kept his eyes averted from her tight riding trousers, focusing on her shoulders and the back of her head. He watched her hands grasp the ropes and made sure she made no mis-steps.
"People are afraid of the unknown, Ana," said Erik, with a knowing glance. "Some welcome the unknown, but others don't wish to even know about it." He paused. "And of course some will become braver with understanding."
Erik followed Ana as the lift stopped and opened at the main floor. They started down the long halls to the door that led outside to the garden and stables. "What do I do here at the mansion?" said Erik, echoing Ana's question. "I suppose we must go back a bit in time. I am an architect by profession. I designed many fine edifices in Persia and other parts of the world. I am sure you know that I designed the Opéra Populaire in Paris and my home five storeys below. Because I didn't really fit into society, I built my home to retire from my profession and to stay away from society at large. I love music of course, and what better place to live than in an edifice of music. I discovered though, that the people who were running the opera house were incredibly incompetent and I demanded Box 5 and a salary of 20.000 francs for my services to run the place in lieu of the managers' incompetence. "
"When I came here, naturally things changed. I discovered the dilapidated opera house here and decided that I must refurbish it and make it a house of music again. This time, I shall be running the opera house myself, managing all aspects of it. I shall be choosing the operas and other concerts and who will be performing in them, as well as the orchestra and the dancers. It will truly be my opera house, more than the Opéra Populaire ever was, for I did not dare to show my face, even my masked one there. However it is different here. I have learned to deal with the people here. I have even conspired with my friend Carriere and we shall be doing an opera in which we both can participate, singing and acting on the stage. It has been my fondest dream since ... I can't remember when. But I always thought it could never come true."
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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 Oct 28, 2012 22:04:07 GMT -5
Simply nodding to what Lenoir has stated about the unknown. How true it was. Everyone had a fear of the unknown. It just depended upon whether they wished to take that step of courage or not, or as Lenoir put it whether they 'welcomed it' or didn't 'wish to even know about it'. Some unknowns were easier to deal with than others.
Walking alongside Lenoir as they strode down the hall she glanced about admiring the architecture and decor then turned her attention back to Lenoir as he talked about his former life, which was no surprise. Then he talked about his life here and what his plans where. She looked very impressed and smiled. It appeared that he was now gaining the opportunity he never had in that story where he was only limited by various boundaries. Here, there seemed to be no more boundaries other than what he placed upon himself. The name Carriere baffled her a moment as she thought she heard that name before but could not place it. Brushing it off as she smiled more at the thought of he and his business partner finally acting on stage. Glancing over at him wondering if he really would do that.
"Dreams can come true. When everything comes together." She looked away from him and focused her attentions to ahead of her. "It's obvious this is your dream-" catching herself again as she almost said his last name, "-Erik." Then looked at him with a smile. "I more than wish you well on this venture." Then smirked as she gazed at him." I hope I can come to see all the operas. I've not had the pleasure of an opera. I've only seen a musical when I was younger." Pausing a moment, "Perhaps you can give me a private tour of the opera when I come back." Smiles at him a moment then smirks again and looks forwards to see the door that she entered through from outside.
She arrived at the door and did something just to surprise him, knowing it was something unheard of in his day, and that was to open the door for him. Smiling as she opened the door and motioned in a rather dramatic, sweeping arm out the door, "After you, good sir." and grinned. Watching to see his reaction to her unusual manners. She really did like chivalry and preferred it, but in some cases, she wanted to at least return the gesture even if it was unheard of. It was just her way to make life interesting.
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