Turning Tables (OPEN)

[anastasia]

The last time she was here, it was a couple days after Valentine's Day.
The truck with a trailer in tow pulled up the drive and to the roundabout drive of the Manor. Once it came to a stop, it was put in park and turned off.
Getting out of the truck in her usual mix of equestrian attire and casual - all white breeches and long sleeved shirt but black riding boots but wore a large printed scarf of blue and yellow design and flowers on white. It was draped over her and hung as though she were cold but she wasn't. It was the scarf that Lenoir had given her for Christmas. She always liked gifts that were useful.

Her eyes danced about the old structure as though with a bland and critical gaze all the while she strode back to the rear of the trailer where a movement was made and the sound of a horse.
Her new prize which cost her Daredevil and Wildfire. But this... this would be a great investment and she simply could not pass it up especially when she heard the young mare was up for sale. She obtained what funds she could to purchase the thoroughbred and then more to have her bred to an ideal stallion.
Opening the back of the trailer, got in and carefully with skill backed the new prize horse out of the trailer.
The young mare was a bit high strung at the moment having been traveling for so long especially after being bred. It was foolish of her to do this so close to having the horse bred, but it was now or never. All the while, she's crossing her fingers for a year hoping that the foal this thoroughbred throws will be a sure fire winner! After all... with the bloodline this one will have, it should!

Immediately she worked the horse in a circle to help release the tension the horse had worked up and to tell the young mare who was boss which that was still being worked on. At least, this mare will have a posh life now.

Once that was done and established, the young but tall reddish brown/chestnut mare, with an odd looking white blase that looked like a mask on the left side of her face and one white sock, her ears perked up and she cried out. Obviously smelling other horses nearby.
Ana let the tall chestnut Thoroughbred back to the Stables where she was turned out into a fair sized corral. It was still not a wise idea to turn her out with the other horses yet. She watched as the TB Mare started to check out the corral and the other horses started coming close to check out the newcomer.

Ana stood there watching her new investment with a grin.
But all the while in her mind, she was thinking about everyone in the Manor. It's been well over a month since she was here and had spoken to anyone. Even Billie. Which she often kept in touch with him. But this time... things have changed.

[Erik Lenoir]

Erik was out on a walk on one of the first nice days of spring. Not really warm yet, but compared to winter, certainly acceptable. The snow was gone from the paths, and there was only a bit on the grass. Erik was wearing his hat and cape. He walked at a slow, but steady pace, not in a hurry to go anywhere, really.

Then ahead of him, Erik saw a truck and trailer pull into the driveway of the Manor and stop. He frowned. Who was this? More troublesome visitors? But then he saw Ana get out of the truck. Ana? She had been missing from the Manor for some time. The last time he had seen her, he had advised her to leave the Manor if she were so unhappy. She had been depressed and crying and eating some terrible looking sticky mess that she told him helped her depression. He hoped he never became that depressed.

In any case, he was glad to see her back. It looked as if there were a horse in the trailer. There was. Ana opened the back of the trailer and went in to lead the horse out. It was a pretty horse, a mare, chestnut with splashes of white on her face and leg. He stood a proper distance away as he watched Ana lead the horse about for a while, then disappeared into the stable with her. He went to the door of the stable and stood waiting until she would come out of the building.

She didn't appear immediately and he sighed. He would have to go in if he wished to greet her. He entered the stable and walked up to her. "Welcome home, Ana."

[anastasia]

Keeping an eye upon the young chestnut mare as if it were gold and to her the horse was gold! Her stance was all business that matched her visage. Looking down at the halter and lead in hand then back up at the prize mare as she trotted and walked about the corral almost high strung. Good. Stamina. The foal will need that.

Glancing down as she head light footsteps, almost silent then shifted her gaze back to the horse that turned to noticed the new visitor and swished it's tail, tossing the head and nickered before it sprightly trotted about as though showing herself before an audience.
The voice from behind and yet she did not react right away. With a shift of her jaw while watching the prancing mare, then she turned to partially face Lenoir with a masking smile. Not sure what really to say. Seeing him first of all, out of everyone who was here, and so soon since she returned, was a bit... rough. Taking a silent and unnoticed deep breath, her eyes looked dark, cold and haunting. Then blinked and all that changed to a warmer more bright appearance. "Hi," tilting her head up and to the side. Wearing the large blue and yellow floral splashed on white scarf that he gave her for Christmas over the white riding outfit - form fitting white long sleeved mock turtle neck and white riding breeches - and black English riding books. Her hair however was left down and loose but styled.
Took her a moment to even think of something more to say to the Phantom. Crossing her arms over her chest and shifted her weight to one leg, glanced around briefly the stable then smirked. He, naturally, dressed mostly in black... and here she was mostly dressed in white. "Why am I not surprised?" Then smiled and shook her head. "Home?" she looked up and directly at him, locking her dark eyes upon his. Pursing her lips and raised a brow. "Thought you wanted me to forget about this place?" and turned her eyes away as if something else caught her attention but she wanted to put off an aura of arrogance. She tried not to show that she was actually delighted to be back.

[Erik Lenoir]

Ana seemed in a strange mood. It was fine. She was going through her own problems, undoubtedly and working them out. But it was good to see her. He felt as if she belonged here,although perhaps it was only his perception of her as a friend and the fact that he had missed her.

Erik noted with a bit of pleasure that she was wearing the scarf he had given her for Christmas. He didn't suppose she would notice that he was wearing one of the pairs of antique cuff links she had given him. He had quite appreciated all the gifts she had showered upon him at Christmas time. They were very special and he was quite fond of the music contraption, as he was of all the other treasures she had given him. It was the last really nice time he had spent with her. The very last time, when she had been so depressed, he had advised her to follow her heart. As she was one of the lucky ones who could escape the mansion, she certainly must leave if that was what made her happy. Of course, it felt good to see her again. He wondered why she had returned.

"I only suggested that you forget about his place for your own peace of mind. It would seem you were unhappy residing here. However, that has not prevented me from missing you while you were gone, nor from wishing that you were still here." He was eyeing the chestnut horse which was prancing about a bit, wary that she might come his way. He had to admit she was a good looking horse. She fitted Ana's personality perfectly, feisty and headstrong. "Who's your new friend, Ana?" he said, a smile touching the end of his lips.

[anastasia]

Diverting her eyes back to Lenoir as a horse in the stables nickered echoed by one out in the pasture. Barely a breeze that started to lightly play with her long hair and arms still crossed. Watching him, studying him. Wondering why of all people he was once again the first to greet her. She almost smirked amusing herself that he definitely was a Phantom.

Silently she inhaled deeply, held it as her mouth opened and gazed hard back at him then released the air in almost a breathy sigh. With a glance sideways as she pondered. The more he spoke, the more it stunned her. Slowly she turned around to face the horse and draped over to the top of the fence her arms, propping up her right leg upon the horizontal lower bracket of the fence.
"It's not so much as this place was making me unhappy," she paused as her eyes shifted to look out over the pasture at the other horses, "it's the fact that my dreams never came true. So," and shrugged slowly, "I gave up on them. Instead, I'm going after what I want. I'm going to make it happen one way or another."
Biting her lip wanting to tell him what she really had been thinking about while back in the States. "Believe me," and was finding it hard to even say his name so she dared not say it. What she was going to say, she pushed away and forgot about it, "I had to come back," she said a little softly while watching the horses.
Glancing over at him, "I'm surprised that you missed me."

At mention of the 'new friend', Ana smiled boldly, straightened up, took her foot of the fence to stand on her own two feet and placed one hand upon her hip while the other was on the top bracket of the fence. "Meet... Christine Daae!" She said rather proudly. "Damned good racehorse! She was retired finally last year. I just purchased her recently and... had her bred to War Chant." There was a sparkle in her eyes, a wild fire and great hope. "She has the potential, did very well in the races. Won a few races. And her bloodline is extraordinary. She's the great granddaughter of Secretariat, the last horse to have ever won the Triple Crown! And the stallion she was bred to, his bloodline is phenominal, too. With three Triple Crown winners in his bloodline. No doubt when she throws a foal next year, we will have ourselves a grand champion." Then turned to look at him. "Let's hope it's a colt and let's hope he will have the same markings." There was a great wild sparkle in her eyes.

Watching the horse as she explored the corral, then looked Lenoir over and turned her head away with a slight smirk. She took sight of the cufflinks but hid her delight. She hoped he noticed she was wearing the scarf. She received a lot of compliments about the scarf. He had very good taste in fashion, that's for sure.
"You know," as she faced the corral, watching the horse, holding the fence, " as kids... we are told stories. Of how life should be. Fairy Tales of princesses rescued by Knights in shining armor, or the meek overcoming great odds. Told these little stories as sugar coated lies to dream of what a perfect life should be like. Told that we grow up and will find love, marry have kids, live happily ever after. And when we grow up, it does not happen.... we begin to think there is something wrong with us." She paused, not looking at Lenoir, that sparkle had dimmed in her eyes replaced by some other dark fire. She sighed, "I grew up on that dream. And I was a fool to even believe that was for me." She then finally turned to look at Lenoir with those dark eyes, " No more dreams. I'm going to take what I want and enjoy it. I'm not going to wait or hope for my Prince Charming any more. He had his chance. It's time I lived my life!" Returning her eyes to the Thoroughbred as it was gazing off at the other horses now running and trotting through the pasture like free spirits.

After a moment, she turned her head to look at Lenoir then looked at the Manor, "The Manor is my home now." A month and a half in the States got her really to thinking about a lot.

[Erik Lenoir]

Erik leaned back against the fence, his arms folded under his cape in a typical pose. He let her speak, then said, "Does anyone's dream ever come true? Perhaps our dreams aren't what would make us happy...." He was apparently in a philosophical mood. "And you're correct to throw away dreams that are too fantastical to come true. I tried to make my dearest dream come true and it never did. ... but perhaps there is always a second chance. I am tied to the Manor; I can never leave it. So I must make my happiness here. You...have the whole world to call your own, anywhere you wish to go, and yet, here you return. To this house of darkness and spectres and men of ugly face, yet hearts longing for love. Like yourself." Then he laughed. "The hearts longing, I meant, not the ugly face...you have a most beautiful and exquisite face."

She said she was surprised that he missed her. "Why would you be surprised that I missed you? You are my friend. For most of my life I have had no friends. So here, when I find them, I cherish them. I suppose," and here Erik looked a bit sad, "I suppose I have not made it clear enough to you that I care very deeply for you."

Ana then said her new horse's name was Christine Daaé. He frowned. That rather rubbed him the wrong way. He didn't say anything, but the displeasure could be seen on his face as he contemplated naming a horse after his dear Christine. She was indeed a beautiful horse, but still a horse....

Then Ana mentioned that the horse was a racehorse. He laughed. "That is definitely interesting. A racehorse. Where are you planning to race her? And against which other horses? I expect we may have some interesting goings-on then, if you know what I mean. The Vicomte, Edouard de Chagny, I mean, l have discovered that he likes to gamble almost as much as he likes to drink. I suspect he will be quite interested when he finds out about this." Erik continued to smile at the thought. Of course, It was well known that the Vicomte had almost nothing to his name, having lost most of it in Monte Carlo before coming here. Erik wondered what he would gamble with.

Erik listened to Ana rattle off Christine's proud equine heritage and none of the names were familiar, so he simply nodded. But he did notice that the talk of horses put a lively spark in Ana's eyes. This would be good for her.

"Your little fairy tale stories? Yes, I had some of those told to me also, as a child. " He sighed. "Except I wasn't the knight in shining armour or even a child or anyone to be rescued. I was the ugly dragon. The one everyone hated and wanted to slay. I didn't care for the fairy stories either. I never expected to find love either. I never thought I would fall in love. I believed my heart to be made of stone or metal and impermeable to anything else." He stood there glancing down at the ground, still leaning up against the fence, his arm now leaning against it too, and his foot tracing something idly in the gravel.


But when she said the Manor was her home now, Erik looked up and smiled. "I'm glad you've come back home..." He took a step toward her and embraced her lightly. "This is your home now."

[anastasia]

Standing there watching the Manor then turned back to face him while he spoke. She smirked looking like she was going to laugh, glancing down and shifted to plant a foot upon the lower bracket of the fence again. "Those are some heavy words there, " still smirking, face down but glanced up at him with her dark eyes.
Tossing her head to shift her hair back as she looked out over the horses, "What are we without our dreams?" Paused as she thought a little more, "or our hopes."
She continued to listen to him. His words so very deep and she understood every bit of what he said. Eventually shifted her gaze from the horses to look at him, almost furrowing her brows. He was still stuck on hoping to find someone? She frankly was giving up on it. Why look? Wouldn't looking make it worse? Usually did. She would no longer look for someone but let them come to her IF it was meant to be. In the meantime, her life was her own to make it the best that she could. To watch a prospect become her glory, a hope for a smart investment, the biggest gamble that she'll ever take.
She was wanting to say something in response to what he said about those ugly faces of the Manor wanting love. Well, of those here, she did love them all. Well, so to speak. She didn't hate any of them at all. Why would she? They gave her no reason to hate them. Not yet at least. Just because they didn't have a young model's perfect face didn't mean they were unlovable. But her words the breath caught when he complimented her about her face. She seemed a little uneasy with it as she gazed out over the horses. Uneasy? Not really upset by it, but to receive a compliment from Lenoir had more weight to it than anyone else in this world. She tried to keep a poker face and not be all anxious by his praise.

Why? Well, he did suggest she leave and forget this place. What was why. She actually took that advice but then realized while over in the States that her heart and soul was tied to those at the Manor. She had to come back.
A friend. Yes, good friends were so hard to find. Especially those willing to put up with you, whether all the moments of life with you, and more. Lord knows she's been through all the hells of life with supposed friends who ended up no longer being there with her or for her. Many she had lost touch with. It hurts to lose a connection you thought was so real and deep.
Turning her eyes away from the horses to look at him with a restrained awe. He cared deeply for her? Most would be all gushy at the idea, but to her, she wondered why? It confused her why he would say that.

With a change in topics - thank God! - she smirked and shook her head. "She won't be racing any more. She's retired. She could be used for other equestrian venues. But for now... she's with foal and it's her foal - either colt or filly - will be racing. That foal will be the prize prospect." Again a sparkle in her eyes as she explained it all. All on a hope and a gamble.
She smirked with a grin and hung her head. Oh, God, he mentioned that man! A soft snicker as she shook her head. "Yeah," chuckling as she spoke the word.

The moment shifted once again. Turning her gaze back to Lenoir as he explained his unhappy childhood. There wasn't so much as a look of pity in her face, but that of understanding. Didn't matter really what a person looked like, life was harsh when a person was a child.

She was... surprised when he hugged her. Despite how much she was icing herself up, being stone cold and crude, ready to face any reaction and emotion, he always found a way to tear all those built up barriers down. Always found a way to disarm her needs and desires to pick a fight.
Took her a moment but she decided to wrap her arms around him, too, in an embrace. "It's good to be home." Yes, this was indeed home. To be with the people she loved most. They were now her family.
"You have a heart of gold, Lenoir," finally she spoke his name with a gentle voice.

"And I... owe you dinner."

[Erik Lenoir]

Ana mentioned that her horse, Christine Daaé, was now retired. The former race horse was now with foal and that is the horse who would be racing. "So when this foal is ready to race, where will you take it for that purpose? Does it not take quite a bit of money to enter a horse in such things? At least I understand that it did in ... my time." It always seemed odd to Erik that there here and now was the future, no longer his own time.

He elicited a laugh from her when he spoke of Edouard. He smiled too. it would be interesting to find out what the Vicomte would do.

He felt a bit of pity from her as he mentioned his childhood and he thought, with chagrin, that was not his intention. He signed and dropped the subject.

Ana seemed bent on making everyone believe she had a heart of stone . He didn't know why he knew that, but it seemed her personality came through the hard façade even when she tried her best to keep up that wall. As h e softly embraced her, he whispered, "I know you too well, Ana. You can't fool me. You are not hard and unfeeling even though you wish others to see you that way. Why do you put your feelings aside when I can see very well that you have no heart of ice." Then she embraced him which felt very lovely. He didn't really care if Teressa saw them or not this time. He was welcoming Ana home, she needed a kind and friendly embrace and Teressa would have to understand that he had many women friends. In fact he had rather a dearth of male friends, save Carrière. It was good sometimes to have male company, but most of the men saw him as a rival and not as a friend. Thank goodness for the gentle and kind Carrière. Oddly, the women here seemed to like him. Many of them, not all. There were definitely some exceptions.

Then Ana said that she owed Erik dinner. He looked at her puzzled, a smile touching the visible end of his lips. "Whatever for? "

[anastasia]

Watching the horse as she listened and pondered over his inquiry. She had been thinking the same thing ever since she obtained the horse and had her bred. "Whatever races I can get her into. If not here, then back in the US. Lord knows, having the foal in the Kentucky Derby, the Belmont Stakes, and other races would be exciting and a hope for the Triple Crown." She sounded almost dreamy as she spoke of the possibilities that the unborn foal could do. She had a vision, a dream, a hope. Praying this foal would not let her down.
But the part about money, she avoided. Not that it was any of his business, she simply hadn't really let any of her thoughts go far with it. Investors perhaps? Who knew. All in all, she'll find a way. Somehow.

It was good to laugh and good to hear his laugh. But returning to the Manor was a dangerous move yet... she had to.
In that hug, his whispered words made her a little... tense. He knew her? How? They barely had a chance to really even know one another and he went out on a limb to say he knew her?!? Most cases she would blow up in someone's face, just like she had with one of her ex-beaus after he said such a thing but hadn't even tried to get to know her. But... she simply couldn't with Lenoir. Instead, it made her feel.... scared.
Forcing herself to try and remain calm, collected and unshaken by his words. She wanted to walk away from him or run away, to put some distance between him and her. Well, that wouldn't work, would it? She tried that! Placing an ocean between them. And look what happened?!? She bought a horse... and bloody well frakkin' came back!
Why? She almost wanted to tell him why but instead she decided to change the subject to the dinner she owed him. Then they'd be even and fair.
"You made me dinner once. And I told you I'd pay you back. In kind," she forced a smile. With a motion of her head, a nod back to the mansion, "Shall we?" Keeping that forced smile as she did her best to hide that turmoil within her. He should never know.

[Erik Lenoir]

"I've only read about the famous races. I have never seen a horse race, for obvious and some not so obvious reasons. The not so obvious being I don't have much interst in horses and if they win a race, that's lovely, bur frankly I don't give a whit. I don't mean to sound as if I'm not interested, but ...well, I am not terribly fond of horses." He shrugged. "I know that you are fond of horses and are a very good horsewoman. I can drive a carriage pulled by horses as well as anyone else, but as for riding, I think not." He smiled. "But I shall be interested in hearing about your foal, simply because you will be the one telling me about it."

Money. She seemed to avoid the question. He would be glad to give her a substantial loan if she needed it. But he wouldn't bring up the subject if she were not comfortable with it. There would be plenty of time for that later. The foal hadn't even been born yet.

When he hugged her, Erik could feel her tense a bit. He couldn't fault her there. In his life, before the mansion, he had hardly ever been hugged and it was strange, yet wonderful feeling when Christine had hugged and kissed him for the first time. He was not used to touch, never having had much of it as a child. He wondered why she shrank from him just the slightest and became tense He was sure it wasn't because of his touch, for he had hugged her before. It couldn't be horror at his looks. She knew all about what lay behind the mask and she had been somewhat prepared for it by somehow knowing him from her past. He didn't really understand it, but he understood little of this strange time.

And she had come back. Why? She had said she felt stifled here and there was no chance of romance with anyone here....so why did she return? He put it into words: "Ana, why have you returned? You were so unhappy here. at the time you left. Or perhaps this is only a short visit. In which case, I shall make it my business to take up all of your time for myself." His eyes twinkled and a smile could be seen at the corner of his lips.

"So. Dinner. It sounds lovely. And when would this sumptuous meal he held? And where? I am already looking forward to it and I don't even know the menu." Erik could see something was bothering her and he was doing his best to keep the conversation cheerful and humorous. He put his shiny black boot on the lowest rung of the wooden fence and his hand on the highest rung. "Will you smile for me, Ana?"

[anastasia]

While watching the young chestnut mare stride leisurely about in the corral, lowering it's head and looking around, she listened to Lenoir talk about his lacking fancy about horses. Obviously the horse was learning it's new surroundings. The previous owner stated she was quite intelligent and she was beginning to see that. The only other intelligence she's seen in a horse like that was a well bred Friesian.
She couldn't help but to laugh - a hearty laugh, too - after he said 'give a whit'. That was mighty amusing especially in how he put it.
Shaking her head while still snickering. Well let it be known that Lenoir was indeed amusing even in the most unexpected moments. He could always brighten her up from those dark spirits. As the horse wandered over closer to them, passing by slowly at arms length, she reached over with care to caress the neck of the horse near the withers. Never a slap or pat, always a gentle caress. All while watching the horse as though it was a precious child. "Most people are don't like horses because they don't understand them and are afraid of them." She barely glanced at Lenoir as she continued to caress the horse from the neck to the back and the chestnut mare now turned to face them, shifting her head over the fence to Ana where she took the head carefully and craddled it, caressing the muzzle up to the ears and pole. Again, always a gentle caress, never a slap or pat. "Sometimes... you just have to find the right horse to bond with. They'd fight a lion to protect you. They'd carry you through battle and out of danger. They'd stay with you if you needed them. As loyal as a dog, as independent as a cat." Looking over at Lenoir as she continued to caress the muzzle of the horse, her hand dipped into her pocket and pulled out something enclosed in her hand. Unfolding her hand and flattened it, the palm up to the very tender lips of the young mare, giving her a treat obviously and the chestnut mare delighted as those thick soft lips twitched so amusingly to gather up whatever it was that Ana had given to the horse. It was obviously quite tasty to the horse. Ana grinned as she then caressed the horse again, "Understanding comes with patients and love. By working together. To understand one another. To overcome barriers between two species. She can't speak in the human language but she can still understand what I am saying. I'm not a horse but I can still understand how she behaves and thinks and communicates." The horse walked slowly away and she let her hand trail over the horse as the young mare licked her lips and lowered her head once again for a moment as she casually walked around. Ana simply watched the horse before she looked at Lenoir. "I was like you, Lenoir. Scared to death of horses but fascinated. I learned to see that they can teach me how to live." She paused and thought about it. "They are more than just an animal, they are a living being that deserves our respect, love, and companionship."
Then nodded with a weak smile, "You will. And if I bore you with him or her, tell me to shut up." She smiled a little bolder at Lenoir.

After the hug, as she slowly pulled back and listened to his question. Take up all her time. That brought out a hidden grin from her and even when it troubled her, she decided to push that all away. What will be, will be.
With a hefty sigh as she glanced down, looked at the horses in the pasture, then at the stable, the manor, "I was making myself unhappy... because I was comparing myself with others. In a manner of speaking, I was coveting, Erik," finally had used his first name which she rarely did. "I wanted what everyone else wanted. I was demanding something I thought I should have. And it was killing me. Tearing away at my soul, ripping apart at my spirit. Dimming my mind and thoughts to stupidity and ignorance." She paused and looked at him. "I wasn't myself any more." Gazing back at him with a new hope and fire. "I decided, that I would give up those foolish ideals, that conventional need for a Husband and Family. That if it happens, then it happens. If it doesn't.. it doesn't. If I find someone, great. If not, my life is not over." she smiled and then looked back at the horse. "My life is my own." then looks at Lenoir with a sparkle in her eyes. "Those whom I love most ... just adds to it." And smiled more brightly and warmly.
"And no... this is not a short visit. This is... permanent." Even if she will miss home in the US. The Manor was definitely home for her now. How many girls dream of living in a grand British estate, their life like some grand fairy tale story? She used to and decided this was no longer a fairy tale. This was going to be her life. To be with her new family. With those she loved most.

Dinner... and a smile. His sweet, gentle, innocent request was one she could not deny. Just... a smile. But it was a powerful request nevertheless that appealed deep into her very soul, down to her core. She closed her eyes, very slowly shook her head as it tilted down all the while a smile did begin to spread upon her lips. After a moment, she looked up at Lenoir, almost embarrassed that he could get to her so easily and bring forth a smile from the darkest recessed of her very being without major effort. She looked at if she wanted to say something but instead was left speechless.

A little snicker as she shook her head again. Noticing he did the same - propping up his foot and draping his arm. That was amusing and interesting, but she liked it. "You are somethin' else," she said softly. Then nodded, "Yes. Dinner. And don't feel bad. Nor do I. I'll have to see what's in the kitchen. I'm-" drawing out the word, "sure I can conjure something up." Smiling back at him, "How about right now?" nodding back to the Manor. "And I hope you have a hell of an appetite. Because ... I'm starving!"

[Erik Lenoir]

Erik looked at Ana, his eyebrow raised in an arrogant expression. " I b eg to differ. I am not afraid of horses. I simply do not like them. I would never harm one or treat it badly, but I don't want it for a pet either. They are there for some to ride and to pull carriages for others. And perhaps to race, and if one wants to be friendly with one of them, there is no harm done. But it will not be me. So let me reiterate. I am not "scared of horses" but neither am I fascinated by them. I am frightened of very little, Ana. Certainly not a horse."

"And," he continued, "you will never bore me whatever the subject, for it is you who are speaking and you fascinate me., unlike Christine the horse." He turned his eyes to gaze upon the chestnut animal. "Although she is quite a good looking creature. Perhaps even as beautiful a horse as her namesake is a beautiful woman."

Ana started in on her explanation of why she had been so depressed. "Comparing yourself to others. Yes, I have done that many a time and have come up short. I've learned, through years of anguish, that's it's a very bad thing to do. Not that it stops me." He laughed somewhat ruefully.

"Marriage. Yes. A difficult word. A difficult concept. I have gone back and forth with that now for several years. I am still not really comfortable with the thought of it, and yet I have always said it is what I want. You see, it is not an easy choice. There are some...complications. And perhaps no one will have me." That was a definite possibility, considering he was courting one woman and dating at least three others. It could cause some problems among the ladies.

Erik smiled in surprise. "You are coming back to stay? How splendid! How delightful! This is indeed good news!"


"My dear, it's quite rare that I would ever have a hell of an appetite, but yes, I am a bit hungry and I am sure whatever you will put together shall be most delectable. Shall we go? Or do you need to do something more for the horse?"

[anastasia]

She smirked as he defended himself when it came to horses. There was definitely that difference between them. She wouldn't push it further onto him even though she wished he would be a little more open minded and free about horses. Perhaps it might give him a better perspective. However, it's that thinking that usually gets her into trouble and she decided to not even push it. He had his own likes and dislikes, his comfort zone. And so did she. If they were both exactly alike, then what would be the fun in their friendship?
A brief stunned look crossed her face when he said that she fascinated him, but that didn't last long as she burst out into a hearty laugh when he said 'Christine the horse'. Coming from him, it was truly hilarious! She practically doubled over in outrageous laughter. "Oh, I'm sorry," she snickered while she spoke and nodded as she scratch her head and bit her lower lip, "That she is. Racing against the boys on the track. She's no Zenyatta, but she held her own. A horse of spirit and talent."

Then she inhaled deeply and her smile seemed to melt a little. Yes, she compared. She thought there was something wrong with her. Even in a mansion full of deformed men she couldn't even get one to take interest in her? And to see even Lenoir involved with another, a woman who wore a mask, wondering if she was deformed as well. It spurred a hellish jealous streak in her. Christmas was bad enough, other times after that, even at Lenoir's Birthday party, just made it all worse!
She had become jealous! Insanely jealous!
Hanging her head as she thought about it all while listening to Lenoir.
It took her a moment to even say something, not looking at Lenoir. "I was..." Pausing as she inhaled softly,".. jealous.. of you, Lenoir." she said in a slight somber tone. Still not looking at him. "You had someone. I didn't. That made me feel like there was something wrong with me." She sighed, closed her eyes. But there were no tears, no more sorrow. She'd done her crying, her mourning, and angry rampages already. Looking up at Lenoir, "But... " As she pursed her lips inward to look at him hoping he would forgive her for being such a jealous brat, "being jealous of others, coveting what they have, will not help me any. Will it?" She stared back at him as those eyes showed she had realized her own mistakes. "I'm no longer wanting, not seeking, I don't care. It won't help me at all lusting for something and putting my life on hold for it. It'll only make me bitter." She pursed her lips outward, "I realized all this when I left. Contemplating a lot of what you said to help me make my decisions." and a slight Mona Lisa smile appeared again, "So... I suppose I have to thank you, Erik Lenoir. For helping me put my life back into perspective. I shall not want ever. I shall go out and do. I will enjoy my life. And what will be, will be. I'll enjoy each day here... at the Manor... with my family .. and friends.. whom I love most of all... with everything that I love doing. And never again will I ever regret what I don't have but enjoy what I do have." She smiled now.

A grin spread upon her lips as she watched and listened to Lenoir apparent joy that she was staying. He was amusing, that was for sure. Not once did he ever bore her. He fascinated her, too, but wasn't sure she would admit that aloud to him.

"Good," she grinned with a sharp, singular nod.
"Naw, I'll come back for her later after supper," with a pleasant tone of voice and a pleasant smile. "And the truck and trailer." She grinned. Oh, she will definitely keep herself busy for sure!
Taking her foot off the fence, her hand rearranging the printed scarf to wrap around her better once again. She noticed at that time he was wearing one of the pairs of cufflinks she gave him for Christmas... and smiled, almost looking like she was about to blush but instead, she was delighted that she was well thought of by him.

[Erik Lenoir]

Erik thought it a bit puzzling when Ana fell into laughter at his mention of "Christine the Horse." That was her name, wasn't it? But he smiled anyway. It was good for her to laugh

And then she admitted that she was jealous of Lenoir! Jealous? Of Erik? He came closer and pushed her hair back from her face and held her chin in his hand. "Jealous? Of me? Ana, dear, I offer nothing of which to be jealous. You think I have something you do not?" Then he realized that of which she spoke. "Teressa. I have Teressa. Is that it? I am not even sure I have Teressa or that it would work out between us. She has a protector who had not been amenable to me courting her. But that is neither here nor there. Perhaps you need to not have such a hard exterior. Perhaps you should let people come to know you, to know what you are like and then ... perhaps then your dream will come true."

He took her hands. "You are a valuable friend to me. I can speak plainly to you. I do not have to keep my thoughts to myself as I do with some others. And if, as you say, you are no longer seeking anyone, that is good. Then they shall come to you." Erik smiled. I am glad you feel at home at the Manor. It has been difficult for me and it has taken me a long time, but I have come to terms with being here. Many of the things I have done in the past would have come to haunt me had I not been here..."

"So you spoke of racing the horses. Does it not take a great deal of money to do so? And who will ride the horse for you?"

[anastasia]

The subject of the horse seemed to play it's course and she left it at that. He was no great horse person. She accepted that. But, that didn't mean she could put on a good show for him of Horsemanship.

It was true, she was jealous of Lenoir. She admitted that to him. He had someone to be a couple with. Well, if not someone then others perhaps. And she... was alone. It hurt even more when that was all she wanted really. To have some sense of normalcy. But while she was away from the Manor, pondering Lenoir's advice, she realized her mistakes. She was wanting something and yet had her life on hold. She was playing it safe, just... there. She wasn't living. She wasn't doing a single thing other than occupying space. She had to give it to Lenoir, he at least opened her eyes to see she was missing the point. Letting life pass her by because she didn't have a family of her own. Truly she had to thank Lenoir for helping her see and getting her life back on track.
She tensed up as he drew near, touch her hair and held her chin. A numbing sensation through her body and mind that caused her to simply freeze. Her brown eyes couldn't look at him until he spoke and she finally forced herself to look upon him with slightly pursed lips as though she were pissed. But she really wasn't angry with him or anyone, she was simply... in that mode... to protect herself from further hurt. Why? The reason was something she tried so hard to tell herself to just not even try to forge. It was simply ... not... possible.
His words soon caused her face to sink from rock hard pissed look to one of restrained shock and bewilderment.
When he came to the realization, her lips moved as though she wanted to say something confirming what he now knew but the words could not happen. So, she remained silently while partially looking back at him. Well, she had no choice, he was making her look at him.
Another restrained shock when he doubted his relationship with Teressa. He seemed so sincere before Christmas and even at the Birthday party she arranged for him. And now... he was saying otherwise?
The more he spoke, the more it confused her and she wanted to speak out or at least console him that he was wrong. But once again, she was silent. Nor could she be sad or delighted or fully baffled. Failed relationships didn't seem to surprise her any. How many failed relationships had she experienced?
Neither here nor there? What ever in the world was he going on about?!?
Now she wanted to throw it all back in his face! Need not have such a hard exterior?!? Did he not understand the hell she's been through in the past with men?!? That hard exterior was put in place to protect her from any further hurt! She was tired of the pain of heartache. Hence, that icy behavior she exuded. Once again she pursed her lips and almost glared at him. Yeah, uh huh, he knew her. Right. NOT! He didn't know her at all! If he knew her, he'd know WHY she had that hard exterior as he called it. She wanted so much to snap at him for such a stupid statement. She wanted to.. but couldn't. Not with Lenoir.

Despite it all, even wanting to march away, to cancel dinner plans, she simply could not backlash upon him. Now with her hands in his and his words continued to break her down, actually he shocked her even when she tried not to display it upon her face but it was there in her eyes. Truly stunned. He was that comfortable around her?!? Her lips parted just slightly to mix so perfectly the bewildered visage that overshadowed her. How ever did she warrant such trust from him? Was it trust? She blinked several times and once again felt numb with shock.
She nearly missed the part about love coming to her. No. No. It won't. She simply gave up on it. What was the point? Hmm? Her thoughts on that subject matter had been set. Love would never come her way at all and so she had made her peace to just... let it all go and live life to the fullest. To make up for what she will never have. Even satisfy those little 'itches' with flings if she had to. It wasn't beyond her to do that any more.

Finally the attention was back to him and a little smirk played upon her lips then nodded in response to his life at the Manor. She could only guess what his life was life before coming here and the thought of him ending up dead... that seemed to pierce her heart with sadness. His supposed ill fortune had actually saved his life!
Took her a moment to even voice words and finally, she did. "Coming here wasn't a bad thing, was it?" and she tried to smile while turning her head slightly to the side.
With a somber look, glancing off to the side the opposite direction of the corral, she sighed and looked distant before turning her head back to face him. "No. I've given up, Lenoir. And... yes. I was jealous of you because you were with Teressa. Lu has Gunner. Carriere has his Christine. Christine has Raoul. So on.. and so forth." Moving her arms and hands in loose loops even when they were still in his. Shifting her eyes down, looking at their hands a moment then to the ground. "I'm surprised that you trust me that much," making her tone of voice sound as if he shouldn't trust her at all. That she was the wrong choice for a friend.
Lifting her head and gaze back to him with a weak smile, "Thanks though," as she gently squeezed his hands and raised her brows, "I'm glad that you think highly of me." Then whispered. "Even if I don't deserve it." It took her a moment but she took her hands out of his hands then wrapped her arms around him and hugged him tightly. "You're great friend, Lenoir. The voice of reason and confidence. And you are well loved." Still hugging him. However she couldn't tell him that he meant more to her than he will ever know.

Oh, another shift but this time back to the horses. She smirked and snickered, shook her head and slowly pulled away from him. Motioned with her head towards the mansion then turned and walked towards it, walking through the stables slowly. "I thought you didn't care much about horses?" She snickered again and again shook her head. Her eyes gazing down upon the walkway of the stables. "Yes. It does. The higher the profile race, the more expensive to the entry fee is. And as for a rider and trainer... I... haven't gotten that far yet. But I have been looking!" She partially turned to look at him as she slowly walked. "I have a year at least to find someone worthy to whip that foal into shape." Then she stopped halfway through the stables, looking at him oddly. "Why do you ask?" Hell, why did he care? Her brows furrowed in absolute confusion wondering why he was so interested. Was he actually interested in the racehorse that bore the name of his former obsession?