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Post by ladybarbossa on Nov 20, 2012 16:47:59 GMT -5
Relaxing in the wing-back posh chair that nearly put her to sleep. At least the silence and the comforting chair was easing her fury ever so slightly a minute at a time. Though she was still upset with her Husband, as well as Lenoir, for their display of lacking restraint and especially Edouard. Oh, she hoped to be with him tonight but at this rate, it would not happen. She kept trying to make amends since she recovered and Gustave had been found. Doing her best to ensure this family would never fall apart.
Realizing her eyes were closed when Adina re-entered the room and they opened. She was obviously tired and in need of sleep. But, she would be glad to stay there- no. No she would not. She needed to be away from them both for tonight. Weakly smiling at Adina as she stood from the chair, "It's alright." Christine Emilie was not the type of person to snap at someone for their ill behaviors while on duty really. It would have to take a lot to get her to become angry. Adina had not done any of that thus far.
Walking towards the bed as she hovered between Lenoir and Raoul, first moving to Lenoir quickly, realizing that Edoaurd had taken his mask off and she grabbed the mask to place it over his face. Dignity was necessary. "As she attended gently to Lenoir, like a loving mother, she spoke softly while looking at Lenoir. "Yes. Please, stay with him. What ever he needs, give it to him. But by all means," as she gazed upon Lenoir a moment with a face of pity, then straightened up, turning to face Adina, "do not look upon him if he does not wear a mask." It was meant to at least comfort Lenoir. "Please?" Pausing as she glanced down upon him and with hesitancy allowed the back of her fingers to caress over his face. "Do not incur his temper nor fear by showing any reaction to his face should his mask falter from where it lies." She now wished to be there with Lenoir, but... she could not. It was not possible. The whole time she kept her voice soft and warm, hoping to at least keep Adina calm. Praying to dear God that the redhead had not seen Erik's face! What a disaster that could become! Oh, poor Erik. She pitied him so. It broke her heart over and over to think of how others treat him.
Weakly smiling back at Adina again and nodded as she moved softly over to Raoul Edouard and touched the side of his face then his shoulder. It was definitely known that Christine could never harbor anger for long. Her sweet natural would never allow anger to consume her being for long. "Raoul?" she softly spoke to her Husband, "Raoul," as she caressed the side of his neck, "Come. To bed with you, darling." Her anger had mellowed though she was still a bit disappointed with him. There was no chance at discussion later instead all she could do was pray that Raoul will come to his senses and be the Gentleman that he is and at least respect Lenoir.
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Raoul Edouard de Chagny
You need the man you knew back here beside you?
You need the man you knew back here beside you?
Posts: 365
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Post by Raoul Edouard de Chagny on Nov 20, 2012 19:16:52 GMT -5
Edouard opened his eyes when Adina entered the room again. He was glad. She could stay with the Phantom and Emilie and he could leave. He waited until she said a few things to Adina. Then Christine came over and touched his face and shoulder. He smiled up at her and caught her hand, then stood and put his arm around her. He was feeling a bit tired but he liked it when Christine was sweet. He gave her a kiss on the cheek. "Yes, let's leave. I'm looking forward to a nice soft bed." He smiled at her again. "Perhaps next to you?"
Then Edouard felt like he should act like a proper father and ask about his son. "How is Gustave tonight? Who is watching him? Perhaps it would be lovely for the three of us to go to the village soon. I am sure he would enjoy it. Or if you would prefer not to go, Gustave can come with me."
Edouard was feeling fine now, but there was something in the back of his mind...a fleeting imagining that hadn't really gelled into a conscious thought. Considering the alcohol and his weariness, he wasn't able to think completely coherently, but on the morrow, after his head pain had gone, he would remember what he had done to Lenoir to make a fool of him and he would wonder if the Phantom would take his revenge. Or more likely when...
But for now, all those thoughts were put aside and his mind focused on his wife. He took her hand and led her out into the corridor after she had made sure the maid was going to take good care of the Phantom.
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Adina Gillespie
Some things belong on paper, others in life. It?s a blessed fool who can?t tell the difference.
Maid of the manor
Posts: 320
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Post by Adina Gillespie on Nov 21, 2012 14:57:13 GMT -5
Adina was a bit stunned that Christine seemed rather adamant about keeping Erik's mask on. Poor thing seemed so motherly and sweet to the man; the maid reflected upon how she had already seen Erik's face and how it had not frightened her. Afterall, she had been through the disastrous plague of so many centuries ago. But she could only nod respectfully to Christine to show that she understood.
When both Christine and Raoul had left, the maid looked around and pulled up a chair beside the bed where Lenoir lay. She looked over at Erik and watched him as he slept. Her heart sank for him; he should not have to endure such cruelties by the hands of others. Not only did it sadden her, it made her angry. It made her wish that she had stood up to her father when he was being cruel to her in her youth. But he was dead now and nothing could change that; perhaps it was a good thing that she did not do so. She felt a tear roll down her cheek as she quickly wiped it away.
She moved closer to Erik and undid her shawl before placing it over the man to help keep him warm during the cold night. She did not mind the cold, though she shivered just slightly. Her hand reached out to smooth back a stray lock of his hair before tenderly kissing his forehead. "Bonne nuit, Erik." The maid took her place back in the chair and curled up upon the seat before falling fast asleep.
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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 Nov 21, 2012 22:19:03 GMT -5
Erik awakened little by little. The pain in his head became apparent as soon as he reached consciouslness. He had no idea what time it was, but there was a wall clock ticking away on the wall, its weights halfway down the wall. A small bird came out of a door above the clock's face and "cuckooed" three times. It must be one of those clocks from the German Black Forest. The little animated bird broke the silence and made Erik's head hurt even more. He groaned. There was a vague light coming in the heavily shaded and draped windows, so he assumed it was 3:00 in the afternoon, not in the morning. How long had he slept?
The room was semi-dark, no lights on, but that bit of light was enough for Erik to see he was not alone in the room. Bright lights would have been unbearable. It was a room he had never occupied before. It seemed that Adina was still here. He couldn't keep his eyes open long enough to see if she were sleeping too, or if she were awake. Either way, it was sweet of her to stay with him, although he expected that it probably wasn't necessary.
Erik groaned again and put his arm over his face. He turned on his side. Every part of his body hurt. What the hell had happened last night? He tried to remember. Edouard and he had gone to the pub in town. De Chagny seemed to be a in a kindly mood. He had suggested Erik drink something a bit stronger than tea, which was Erik's original thought. "Damn!" he muttered under his breath. Erik had trusted a de Chagny! Then it came back to him. It had started with that innocent kisssing of Ana. At least Erik thought it was innocent. Obviously Teressa didn't think so. He knew it...that crazy modern woman had lured him into a kiss! Of course, even she couldn't possibly know that Teressa was nearby watching. Either she had been put up to it by someone, or Teressa was a little spy, not trusting Erik. Neither of those thoughts were good, but he hoped Teressa wasn't being surreptitious. Not that it mattered anyway. Teressa was lost to him forever. He moaned aloud at the thought. The effort made his head hurt worse and probaby tipped off Adina that he was awake.
Erik couldn't remember much of anything from the night before. He knew he must have become extremely drunk or he wouldn't have felt like this now. He suspected that de Chagny played him for a fool. Who knows what ridiculous stunts his arch-enemy had made him do. Arch-enemy? Yes, that's what Edouard was now. Not just a rival in love, although that was part of it, and in that, Erik really had lost fairly. But it was more. Now the man was trying to make a laughing stock of Erik and no one made a fool out of Erik...without consequences...dire consequences....
Erik was beginning to think that perhaps Edouard was a worse enemy than Christophe was. At least Christophe, although a hot head, was honest about his feelings. One could see them seeth on the surface, whereas Edourd hid his feelings and lied about everything!
Erik wondered how he would endure getting up. He probably had to eat something. However, just that thought made him nauseous and he felt like vomiting. He moaned again and wondered who he could ask to bring him some of his herbs...he knew of a herbal rememdy for this kind of thing....although he wasn't sure his herbs would be strong enough to take care of this hangover. And he was sure he was too sick to make the long journey to his lair. He supposed that was why whoever had brought him home hadn't taken him to the lair.
Erik's mind was almost a complete blank about the previous evening. He would probably have to speak to some of the other people to find out who had been there and who had seen him after he came home, for he remembered some sort of melee. Perhaps one of them could spark a memory. He knew Edouard had made a fool of him last night and he wanted to know every last sordid detail!
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Adina Gillespie
Some things belong on paper, others in life. It?s a blessed fool who can?t tell the difference.
Maid of the manor
Posts: 320
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Post by Adina Gillespie on Nov 22, 2012 18:34:46 GMT -5
Adina laid upon the chair and barely slept a wink. She had tossed and turned uncomfortably upon the seat, unable to get into a comfortable position; instead she had stayed up most of the night to watch Erik and make sure he did not hurt himself. Now she was paying for staying awake. She groaned softly at the sound of the clock; it hurt her head. She tried to pull her shawl up over her shoulder but found it was not there.
She forgot that she had placed it over Lenoir and rubbed her eyes free of sleep. She gave a small snort as she looked around and saw her shawl slide off of Erik as he turned over. He gave a groan, obviously the hangover was taking ill effect now. The maid got up and forgot about her shawl before going out of the room to make a quick cup of tea. She made her way to the kitchen and looked around for some tea. Tea, tea, tea... Where was it? She finally found a small tin box filled with something. Green tea! A perfect remedy for a hangover; she should know. She used to make it for her father even though he refused to drink it.
Her sharp ears heard a low groan a few rooms away. Erik must have been stirring. She took a small bundle of tea leaves and knotted them in some cheesecloth before placing it in a cup of hot water. Then she hurried off to the upstairs rooms where the phantom was. She carefully opened the door and peeked her head inside. "Erik?" She called softly before entering the room with the steaming cup of tea. "I have something for you to drink. It will help your head feel much better."
The young woman came in and smiled as she set the tea cup on the nightstand before going over to Erik. "Would you care to take your tea in bed or would you like to go outside for some fresh air?" She smiled sweetly and sat back in the chair, hoping that Lenoir would drink the tea; she knew it would make him feel much better.
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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 Nov 22, 2012 20:37:25 GMT -5
Erik was aware of Adina getting up and leaving the room. He had no ambition to call out to her, even thought he wanted to do so. He tried to get into a comfortable position, but was unable to do so. After Adina had left the room, he suddenly felt more nauseated than before and he stumbled to a room that had modern versions of a sink, toilet and tub. Erik vomited violently and then sat down to recover a moment. When he felt better, he rinsed his mouth with water. He felt clammy and cold. His stomach felt a bit better, but the effort of ridding himself of the alcohol in his stomach had made his head hurt worse. He expected that Adina would be back soon, but he did not feel like dressing. Whoever had removed his clothing the night before had been respectful of his modesty and had not removed his trousers. For that he was grateful. But they had also not removed his calf garters and they were irritating his legs now. He took them off and rubbed his calves, then sat on the bed.
Erik noticed Adina's shawl lying on the floor and he put it on the bottom of the bed, then got back into bed and covered himself with the sheet and the quilt. He pulled the pillow under his head and closed his eyes. He wondered how many more hours of torture he would have to endure before he would be rid of this monstrous headache.
Then Adina knocked and called his name. "Come in, Adina." His throat felt a bit sore and his voice was hoarse. He wondered what the hell he had done last night. Adina brought tea and he was grateful. It would soothe his stomach and perhaps help his headache a bit until he could get back to the lair and mix up a stronger herbal tea.
He sat up in bed, forgetting his lack of a shirt in front of a lady, his reddish chest hair just beginning to show a bit of grey. Then he remembered and pulled the quilt up to his neck. He took the tea and sipped at it. After a few minutes, his head cleared a bit and he began to feel a bit better. He smiled at Adina. "I appreciate you helping me, Adina. Can you tell me what happened last night? I only remember bits and pieces."
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Raoul Edouard de Chagny
You need the man you knew back here beside you?
You need the man you knew back here beside you?
Posts: 365
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Post by Raoul Edouard de Chagny on Nov 22, 2012 23:12:46 GMT -5
When Edouard and Emilie left Lenoir's room, Edouard was glad. He was so weary. They reached Edouard's suite and he looked at Emilie fondly and took her in his arms. "Would you stay in my suite tonight, darling? This was just such a trying thing, being in the Phantom's room as he was being put to bed. I just wish to get to my own bed and as I mentioned before, it would be lovely to have you there beside me."
He held open the door for Emilie. Edouard did truly wish to have his wife there to be with during the night, but there was another reason. He was beginning to feel that uneasiness knowing what he had done to Lenoir and he suspected that not only was Emilie a bit angry with him, but worse yet, the Phantom would be incredibly angry with Edouard and would be likely to go after him in a fit of rage. Perhaps Emilie could be a go between. Not that Edouard would send her alone into that beast's lair, but he would ask her to go with him when he ...well...tried to work it out with Lenoir. He suspected that Lenoir wouldn't remember much and if Edouard could fill in the gaps in the Phantom's memory with what Edouard wanted him to think, things would be good. And another good thing could arise from that meeting if Emilie were there with him, she would also be told the same story. Of course he would weave the story that he was only helping Lenoir in his time of depression and that the man had been so depressed he almost drank himself into a stupor. Yes, that's what he must do. It would only be a tiny change in the truth. Just a tiny lie. Edouard smiled and kissed Emilie as he continued to hold the door open.
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Adina Gillespie
Some things belong on paper, others in life. It?s a blessed fool who can?t tell the difference.
Maid of the manor
Posts: 320
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Post by Adina Gillespie on Nov 23, 2012 11:30:56 GMT -5
The afternoon was a cool one, and Adina was more than happy to be out in the kitchen preparing the tea. The sun streaming in through the kitchen window felt so good on her back, it made the scars not ache as much as they did when the weather grew cold. She began to hum as she filled the cup with the hot water. Her hands held the cup most tenderly as she moved from the kitchen back to the upstairs bedroom.
She began to hum happily as an old French song filled her heart. The gentle words spilled from her lips as she opened the door. She stopped singing when she entered the room and smiled at Erik. The still steaming cup that was in her hands nearly dropped to the floor when she caught a glimpse of Erik's bare chest. The poor dear was caught off-guard but she steadied herself as she set the cup down. A tinge of pink flushed across her cheeks before she caught sight of her shawl back upon the bed. She snatched it up and smoothly slid it over her shoulders. She only hoped that no one had been around downstairs and had seen her scars. But that was at the very back of her mind.
Adina could tell that Erik was losing his voice. "I hope the tea will make your throat feel better, Erik. It is only a bit of green tea, but I used to make it for my father when... Well." She paused and moved back a bit of her hair behind her ear as she cleared her throat uncomfortably at the topic. "Perhaps I should lower the lamp lights so they are not so bright." Quickly getting up, the maid went to the lamps and lowered the electric light so it would not hurt Erik's eyes and then closed the blinds so the light would not increase the man's headache and make him feel worse.
Adina's smile faltered a bit as she exhaled slowly. "I am sorry, Erik, but I am not entirely sure what had happened... I wanted to go out and see the village the other evening and then heard a lot of shouting in a certain pub... That was where I found you, an older gentleman, and monsieur de Chagney." She paused here, her fist curling a bit again at the mere mention of the rude man's name spilled from her mouth. Oh, how she disliked him! She felt a bit of hot anger boil her young blood as she pursed her lips together. "We went back to the manor and brought you to this room. There was another woman there. She seemed a bit of a higher social class and I believe she was married to that... man. There were other people who came in to see and I felt it was rather rude of them to see in on you. So, I cleared out the room and only let madam and monsieur de Chagney stay. They left a bit later and I stayed with you the entire time before I went to make you the tea."
Adina yawned and rubbed her eyes; she had barely slept a wink. She had continually woken up by little sounds in worry that Erik might have gotten up. She did not want him to hurt himself in his state. Then she smelled something; a sour, acidic smell. Erik must have vomited while she was out for the scent of sick hung in the air slightly. Perhaps that had made Erik feel a bit better and she hoped that the tea would improve his condition even more. He needed rehydration and hopefully the tea would help. The maid sat back and smiled. "Is there anything else I can bring for you, Erik?"
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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 Nov 23, 2012 14:32:00 GMT -5
"Could I have more tea, Adina? I think it is helping my head. I have a terrible headache, you see." He knew he felt better, for an hour ago he would not have been able to put that many words together without his head pounding wildly. And his stomach was settling. His hoarseness would be better if he drank enough tea and other fluids. The alcohol had dehydrated him considerably.
Adina turned the lamps lower to make it easier on his eyes. He smiled. She was very thoughtful and very kind. "I appreciate your ministrations, Adina. You are very kind." He noticed that she looked tired and she yawned. "It appears you must have stayed here with me all night...you must be exhausted. I shall dress in a short while and you may go to your quarters to get some sleep. I shall be all right now. "
Adina told Erik what she knew of the little party at the pub the night before. Billie Cristofersen, Edouard de Chagny and Erik had been there and Adina had joined them later. She hadn't seen much or at least she wasn't saying anything about it. Erik h ad a distinct feeling that Adina did not like Edouard. She didn't know Emilie, who had apparently been in the bedroom also ministering to Erik. He was not surprised. She was a darling too.
"Who were the others who were in the room last night? And thank you for asking the others to leave the room. I do not care to have people see me in such a foolish deplorable state. I can imagine I acted quite stupidly. I do not really even know how I came to be in that state. I remember sipping a drink and then Edouard showed me another way to drink it. He said drinking that alcohol would be good for me and make my troubles better. Personally, I believe he was wrong. Perhaps it makes his problems disappear, but it did nothing for mine. Only you have made me feel better."
Erik went on. "De Chagny....he's a strange one. I have seen him fight admirably and ferociously for the good of someone else. And at other times, I have seen him be the most selfish of men. " Erik smiled. He was feeling well enough to begin to plot against Edouard. "I suspect the truth of what happened is that de Chagny wished to make a fool of me. When I discover the truth for certain, I shall not hesitate to wreak my vengeance on him." Erik smiled again, this time a bit wickedly.
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Adina Gillespie
Some things belong on paper, others in life. It?s a blessed fool who can?t tell the difference.
Maid of the manor
Posts: 320
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Post by Adina Gillespie on Nov 23, 2012 17:54:04 GMT -5
"Oh, of course, Erik. Oui, I understand about the headache. Pàpà used to get terrible headaches in the morning which was why I tried to make him the tea. I am glad you are feeling a bit better." She took up the cup and hurried back to make another quick brew of the tea. This time she brought a teapot with her that was filled with the herbal remedy. She filled the cup again and set it back on the stand beside Erik along with the pot should he wish for more.
"No need to thank me, Erik," She said with a tender smile. "It is the least I can do. After all, you did help me when I was lost in your lair after I had been brought back to life." She reached out a hand and gently touched his, only for a moment. She did not want to seem overly concerned so as to make him uncomfortable. When Erik noticed her yawning, she gave a kind smile and nodded. "Merci, Erik. I will leave you to dress. It seem my room is the next one to the left of this room. So please feel free to knock on the wall or call for me and I will be right there if you need anything."
"I am not sure who the others were. There was one woman beside madam but I do not know who she was. And there was another masked man. He was a bit strange, not like you, Erik. You are kind and caring but not strange. And you were not cruel like that de Chagney."
"No, Erik! Please. Vengeance is never a good thing." She quickly reached out again and held his hand. "Please. Just do not do something you will regret later. It would pain me so should anything befall you should you seek revenge upon that man.. But perhaps... Perhaps I could make him an elixir of some sort to dull his senses? But not with the after effects of alcohol."
After straightening out her skirt, Adina got up and moved towards the door. She gave Erik one last smile before she left the room and close the door behind her. She was glad to be leaving Erik now that he was feeling better. This way, she would be able to rest without worrying terribly about him. Once she was in her room, she slid off her shawl again and removed the cloth that held back her red hair and ran her fingers through her locks.
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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 Nov 23, 2012 19:00:47 GMT -5
Erik appreciated the tea that Adina brought him. It appeared that she had experience with people who imbibed a bit too much, namely her father. Erik would not let it happen to him again. Adina did not apparently know the other people who had come into his room the night before. She spoke of another man with a mask. He knew Érik, Carrière, Lavalais and Mr Y. It could have been any of them, although he thought Carrière the most likely. He truly hoped it was not Lavalais. He felt his chances with Teressa to be slim in deed, but if Lavalais had seen him or even if he heard anything about the incident, Teressa and Erik having any type of relationship was completely dead. Adina said that the other masked man was "strange." Erik smirked to himself. All of the masked men were a bit strange and eccentric, including Erik himself. He wondered who the woman was that was singled out by Adina, but he decided not to ask any further questions.
"Thank you again for the tea, my dear," said Erik to Adina. "Now you must get some sleep yourself. I shall dress and return home myself." Adina had done so much for him, he was very grateful. At a later, and better date and time, Erik would think of some way to show his appreciation. Perhaps a dinner in town or some kind of modern enjoyment as he had heard from some of the more modern people.
The tea made Erik feel much better although he was not completely well yet. First of all, he smoothed back the hair of his hairpiece and donned the mask. He put his calf garters back on, then his stockings and finally his shoes. He donned his shirt, braces, tie and waistcoat, then his tailcoat. Finally his hat and cape. His clothes felt untidy and he knew they needed to be laundered. He was ready to leave, halfway to the door when someone knocked on it. He stopped where he was. Who could it be? De Chagny? Ana? Teressa? Lavalais? Carrière?
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Post by ladybarbossa on Nov 23, 2012 19:49:26 GMT -5
Despite being upset with her Husband, the anger did melt away into just a simple annoyance. She was still that tender soul that could never be angry for long. It was a trait that she never grew out of. Perhaps that was one trait her Angel adored so much about her even still. It bothered her to some sense. It was nice to spend the night with Raoul Edouard and cherished him as she always had been. Hoping so much still to keep the family together.
By morning though she rose from her Husband's bed and dressed for the day of her usual routine working in the garden and the kitchen. But she needed to check upon Erik. She peaked in for a second to see both sleeping. Later she returned though, knocking upon the door to see if Erik was well enough and had left or Adina was still caring for him. Without an answer, thinking perhaps Erik had left and Adina had cleaned up and gone, she opened the door and entered the room. But her surprise was instantaneous as she saw Erik. "Oh!" the look upon her face was that of surprise but no blushing instead there was bewilderment for a moment. Then as her composure melted so easily into that of a good Hostess. "I trust you rested well?" watching with detached curiosity.
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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 Nov 23, 2012 21:25:28 GMT -5
Erik smiled and removed his hat when Emilie entered the room, unbidden. He hadn't answered, which was probably the reason she entered. He moved to the settee and waved her to the same, removing his cape and laying it and the hat on the end of the bed.
"Yes, I rested quite well, thanks to you and Adina's ministrations. You have no idea how much I appreciate that." He sat down next to her on the settee and took her hand. "Christine, I want you to know, I do not do this as a matter of course...imbibing too much, I mean. In fact, I am not completely sure how or why it happened... " Then Erik became a bit pensive. "I would like to know more about exactly what happened. I had thought your husband had wanted to lend a helping hand to me; I was quite upset about a certain situation. He invited me to come to town and I accepted his invitation. I only wanted to drink tea, but being in a foolish and disheartened state of mind, I accepted his suggestion that I drink something stronger. I really do not remember anything after that until waking up here some hours ago and feeling quite ill. I was told that there were quite a few people in my room on the evening last and I expect that I acted quite irrationally in front of them. I am quite embarrassed. Can you enlighten me about who it was that saw me in this state?"
"I did see Billie Cristofersen at the pub where your husband took me and I do remember him helping me into this room. I remember that you and Adina were here. But much more than that, only snatches of memories remain. If you could tell me anything more, I may be able to piece together exactly what happened and what I said and did."
Erik did not wish to tell Emilie at this point that he was planning on wreaking revenge on Edouard. So he merely patted her hand again and his mismatched eyes took on a strange look. "I do hope your dear husband slept well last night..."
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Post by ladybarbossa on Nov 23, 2012 23:18:55 GMT -5
Hesitating when he beaconed her over to sit with him, she softly sighed wondering why she was doing this and yet she simply could not resist him. She never could. Striding over as elegantly as she often did, hinting to her dancer's past mixed with proof that she was a Vicomtesse. With that same grace she sat beside Lenoir with a rather straight face restraining herself and emotions even thought he commanded so much in her while in his presence. No doubt Edouard would be furious if he knew she was here but she simply could not ignore Lenoir in his state.
Nodding briefly as she glanced down a moment, partially to look at her hand in his. Desperately restraining herself from swooning as she carefully bit the inside of her lip in hopes to hide how this made her feel. Oh, she knew how much he appreciated her attention. How could she forget. Briefly she smiled then looked back up at Lenoir. He could still make her weak after so long. Then the reminder of last night at further mention by him perhaps in hopes to salvage his reputation. She lifted her head to sit up straighter, taking on a countenance of someone slightly different than the girl he once knew.
Stunned and blinked, gazing back at him as she wondered did he truly not understand his reasoning for getting drunk? Oh, the image in her head of seeing her Angel having fallen and being even more than just a mere man. How that made her sink into the depth of sorrow and pity even moreso.
All of that washed away when he inquired and she instantly recalled the previous day when she saw him with the two women - one who rode away upon a horse dressed in form fitting attire and then another, a tall golden hair beauty that wore a slight small mask around her eyes. Blinking and looking away from him as she took on a hard look. Standing immediate and let go of his hand while walking away. Moving to the curtains to draw them back. No doubt he may have a lingering headache but at this point, she needed to occupy herself with something. After a moment of delaying what she should say, she finally turned and hung her head a little as she held her hands before her at waist level. Oh, how could she say this- "Lenoir," finally looking at him with her head slightly tilted down, but her voice was so very serious and grave. "You were quite upset." Pausing a moment as her eyes glazed over at the sight of seeing Lenoir with other women. Never in her mind did she ever think it true. He had been so reclusive, so shielded and restricted from the fairer gender and now... he seemed to be surrounded by them! What ever the hell had happened?!? Blinking as her eyes felt dry and were stinging then glanced away as she wrung her hands slightly, "Upset... because you had.." oh, how could she delicately put this. "Broken the heart of a young woman." And she wasn't talking about her. Now she was gazing hard back at Lenoir. "And Raoul Edouard," tilting her head up as she glanced her eyes down to the floor with still that hard gaze, "Offered to take you somewhere... to... forget... your heartache." At this she sighed and hung her head slightly. Never in a million years did she even contemplate this ever would happen. She felt like a disappointed Governess of a youthful boy who had disobeyed the rules or even her own son whom she could see no wrong in. But still... this heavily disturbed her and she was doing everything in her will to restrain herself from absolute breakdown. She was no longer a Chorus Girl nor was she a prospect Prima Donna, she was Vicomtesse. And that title held more power than either! She had to behave the part she took on via Marriage to Raoul Edouard. She grew up so very quickly and seemed that she had taken on more than she could handle but she still kept her wits about her. She had to. Especially for the sake of her son.
Shaking her head. "I do not know who everyone was that appeared last night. I'm sure they had good intentions." She really didn't know if that was true or not for she was caught up in that strange moment.
She smirked with a slight noise as though wanting to laugh but could not. Looking down and away a moment and held her hands at waist level. Yes, now she was definitely being more of a Victomesse and less of a Singer. "Yes, he slept very well. Thank you for inquiring." And yet not sure why he asked. She wondered. Oh, Lenoir. What have you done, was her thoughts.
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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 Nov 24, 2012 0:19:18 GMT -5
Emilie seemed unemotional as she sat next to Erik and listened as he spoke. As he continued to speak, Erik felt a strange sense of something he had never noticed before in Emilie. There was an underlying anger in her. Or so he thought.
"Are you angry with me, Christine?" asked Erik, somewhat puzzled. "I know I have let you down by my drunken behaviour on the evening last, but I assure you it will not happen again. I expect you abhore that behaviour in your husband and you were sad to see the same behaviour in me." Erik kept on looking at her. "It's more than that though, isn't it?" he said slowly. "Did your husband tell you why I was distraught? Is it jealousy?" Erik laughed, but it was not a laugh of humour or joy. It was more a laugh of irony. "Christine, listen to me. I am in love with a girl, Teressa Lavalais, who lives here at the mansion. She is deformed in the face, as I am. She means everything to me and I was ready to ask her protector for the right to court her when something happened." He looked at Emilie sadly. "You made your choice, Christine. Let me have my chance at love."
Then Erik took his hand away from Emilie's gently. "Apparently I have ruined my chances though, by a foolish and incautious act. I had met a woman, a modern woman, to whom I was showing the mansion. It was perfectly innocent. I have no interest in this woman, in fact I find her somewhat...distasteful. However, I did a very ill advised thing. I was seeing her off and her horse knocked us both in the straw. I started laughing and seeing the situation as humourous, gave her a small peck on the cheek....which, to my dismay, Teressa saw and misinterpreted what had happened. I felt I had lost Teressa and perhaps I have, for good. But none the less, your husband saw me in my melancholic state and had pity on me, or at least I took it for that. He invited me to the pub in town where I met Billie Cristofersen, who is apparently the employer of Ana, the woman I mistakenly and thoughtlessly kissed."
Emilie had opened the drapes, and although the afternoon sun was not bright, it still stung Erik's eyes. But he said nothing about it. He closed them briefly and rubbed his left forehead. Well, now he'd done it! With one thoughtless gesture he had alienated Emilie, angered Teressa, made Edouard his enemy again, and become a complete laughing stock of himself to the whole mansion.
Erik made up his mind to simply go back to his lair and stay there. He would make his trips up to the mansion few and far between and perhaps make them only under cover of night. He had no wish to speak with anyone anymore. With Emilie's anger, that was the last straw. No one loved or cared for him anymore, save perhaps Adina and Roselin. Although he expected others would keep Roselin away from him as a bad influence. Well, he was done with the world. He couldn't get away from the mansion, so he would hide within its bowels. Or perhaps there was another way, but he had to think about that.
Erik stood up and put on his cape and hat. "Goodbye, Christine," he said rather curtly and walked toward the door.
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