anastasia
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Making a point is a matter of opinion. I'd rather make a difference
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Post by anastasia on Nov 26, 2012 17:26:16 GMT -5
A recent snowstorm brought a good several inches of snow to the countryside covering the place in a spectacular white blank that made Ana grin. If there was something about this time of year, it was the magic. Nothing could ever compare to the winter around Christmas time.
Dressed warmly in a a red sweater and denims, winter boots under a floor length white coat, with matching red gloves, hat and scarf. The allure of the snow day was too much for her to pass up! Always feeling like a kid again or innocent during the month of December. Departing from her room through the halls of the Manor and out into the chilling winter wonderland. The air cooled her face as she inhaled and smiled. Adjusting her red gloves, she made her way through the thick snow, grinning and snickering at times when she nearly fell into the snow and hearing the gentle crunch of the snow under her feet.
Moving to the carriage house as she thought she saw a sleigh earlier and was right! With a grin, "Rock on!" she exclaimed and moved from the Carriage House to the Stables, striding inside to see the horses all nice and warm - for a stable that is - in their stalls. Not sure if she should take a horse other than her own, since Daredevil had not had much experience in pulling something. She pondered as she looked over the horses, only two really had no claim to them and they seemed to be just sitting idle in the stalls the majority of the time. She had no clue if hey were experienced with carriages or not. She sighed. She hated this decision making. Silly her! As she strode by Daredevil's stall and saw the silver dapple Morgan then smiled. Wildfire had been trained and experienced with pulling. She'd be the perfect pick for this! The contrast against the white would be stunning, too!
Taking the dark chestnut-chocolate mare from her stall as the reddish flaxen hair ripple when she moved and she whinnied curious as to what was going to happen. Tying the mare up, Ana sought out means to brush her out then the tack. Once all brushed and tacked up in the harness, with Wildfire now getting the hint she was going out into the snow, the fiery mare was getting excited!
Guiding the mare out of the Stables and over to the Carriage House, going to the sleigh and with each moment closer to the rare winter treat, Ana grew excited! What would top this off would be hot chocolate when she returned! Hitching the mare to the sleigh and leading her from the stables with the sleigh in tow. Blanket! How in the devil could she have forgotten that?!? She groaned a sigh and wondered what to do with Wildfire as she wanted to race back inside to get a blanket. She pondered and took the mare over to a tie pole so she could run back inside and get a nice warm blanket or two for this wonderful sleigh ride.
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Erik Lenoir
Hide your face, so the world will never find you...
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Post by Erik Lenoir on Dec 16, 2012 22:41:55 GMT -5
Erik had been looking through some of the things he hadn't seen for a long time, packed in a small trunk. He was looking for a particular letter he had received many years ago from one of the Shah's servants on a certain edifice that he was about to erect. He wanted to see again what the man had written about that building. Erik had a wonderful memory and rarely forgot anything, but he did like to read things over, especially if they were complimentary. And this letter had been extremely complimentary.
He pulled out papers and music and many latters. Then near the bottom of the trunk, he found something he had never before seen in his life. It was a set of sleigh bells. Why would he have sleigh bells? Erik never decorated his lair for any holiday. Or at least up till now. He pulled them out and the bells tinkled musically. Quite pleasant. What on earth...where could they have come from? They were large bells, attached to red leather straps. Perhaps someone could use those.
Erik decided to bring them out to the stables and then whoever wished could put them on a carriage for a bit of bell music. He put on his new coat. He had come into possession of the coat in a very odd way. When he and Adina had gone out on a walk not too long ago, there had been two coats on the coat stand next to the door. One was black and had a short cape over the shoulders, and the cape and sleeves were edged in a black satin stripe. It fit him perfectly. The other was a woman's cape in red and fit little Adina perfectly. They had both kept the coats, for Erik's normal cape was not much protection against the cold winds of winter.
Inside the pocket of the coat, Erik had found warm black leather gloves, which he held in his hand until he would exit the mansion. He put on his fedora and crossed the lake and bridges. When he arrived at the large wooden door, he was very hot and perspiring. He decided then and there he would put a hook next to the door for the winter coat. He put out the lantern and exited his lair.
Taking the lift down to the main floor, he walked the hallways until he had nearly reached the main door. He looked out of the tall windows and saw the snow coming down, making the darkness of the night almost white. Well, he was going to be warm enough tonight with the new coat. He suspected one of the ghosts may have left the coats for them and since they fit perfectly, they both decided to keep them. If the ghosts wanted them back, well let them.
Erik was jingling a bit holding the bells as he walked. Then he saw Ana Goodwin-Hart hurrying in the door. He stopped for a moment and said, "What's the hurry, young lady?" He said it smiling and with a twinkle in his eye. He liked Ana. She was a nice friend.
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anastasia
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Making a point is a matter of opinion. I'd rather make a difference
With me? Expect the unexpected!
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Post by anastasia on Dec 16, 2012 23:54:21 GMT -5
From the horse and sleigh, she trudged through the snow towards the Manor. Swinging open the door and coming to a sudden halt upon the sound of a familiar voice. "Oh!" Rather startled and yet delighted, "Hello, Lenoir." As usual she greeted him with a smile. "Oh, I was... going to go find a couple of blankets to take with me. On the sleigh ride that is." Twisting around, motioning to the outside.
Turning back around then glancing past him with a slightly furrowed brow and bit her lip in contemplation, "do you know where I can find a couple of blankets or quilts?" Her eyes then shifted back to him while hearing a little jingle and those eyes darted with childlike wonder to the bells. A grin spread upon her face in absolute delight. "Those are beautiful! Where did you find them?" "May I?" holding her hand out and asked permission to hold the bells.
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Erik Lenoir
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Post by Erik Lenoir on Dec 17, 2012 22:03:54 GMT -5
Erik grinned. "Apparently a little Christmas elf dropped them off for me to give you. I was going to leave them in the stable in case anyone would wish to use them. " He glanced out the window. "I see there is a sleigh out there now...where did that come from?"
"You are looking for a blanket? Hmmm. I think there is a linen closet with bed dressing and towels for the bath downstairs in the former servant's quarters. Strangely, the blankets and such seem clean." He looked at her and smirked, slightly embarrassed. "I have been exploring. One never knows what one may find. I expect perhaps Adina or Alfred have been doing a bit of laundry for us..." He pointed toward the kitchen and dining room. "It's through the kitchen, behind the pantry, and down the stairs."
"So tell me, young woman, where would you be going this time of night all by yourself?" He was of course saying this in a joking manner, and "young woman" had become a sort of pet name for her. He hoped she didn't mind that, and expected she would have something thrown at him if she didn't like it....
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anastasia
Senior Member
Making a point is a matter of opinion. I'd rather make a difference
With me? Expect the unexpected!
Posts: 285
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Post by anastasia on Dec 17, 2012 23:04:37 GMT -5
Delightedly gazing at the bells then shifted her eyes to Lenoir upon mention of a little Christmas elf and the reason. She burst out into laugh, a true joyful and pure laugh that hinted she was amused and loved the gesture. All aglow as she stood there and fidgeted with her chenille gloved fingers. The little golden bell earrings that hung from her lobes jingled a little as she moved. "Well, that was nice of them," giving him a big grin as her eyes sparkled. The Holidays really was her favorite time and it showed. She giggled again then shook her head just astounded by Lenoir's little humorous statement there.
Turning her head around to look at the sleigh and horse, smiling, "That is Wildfire. My new Morgan mare. I hitched her up to the sleigh." Turned back around to look at him a moment, "I couldn't pass up the opportunity to go on a sleigh ride." And smiled warmly, obviously delighted with a thought of the simple enjoyable activity.
Lifting her head once as she listened to him mention the clean linens and exploring. "Ahh," then smiled. "It's good to explore." She was a bit of an explorer, too. Already she'd done some wandering about inside and out of the Manor and yet, the levels below she still found it hard to even come close to venture into. Fear most likely. If not spiders then a corpse. Nodding, "mmHmm," agreeing with him, "One never knows what they may find. It's like a treasure hunt." But lifted her brows and face looking a bit bewildered upon the mention of two names. "Ahhh," her only way of trying to understand what he was trying to explain. "Brilliant!" already she'd picked up one of the word uses in England and it wasn't a bad thing to say. Smiling at Lenoir for a moment as she stepped around him and was just about to say 'excuse me' when he spoke. She stopped, turned to face him then smiled. "For a sleigh ride of course." She was not irritated by his generalization of gender instead of her name. She was in too much of a good mood to let it get to her. At least he didn't call her a girl. She would have let him know that she didn't like it at all. She was no longer a girl and did not want to be associated with a youth that was never a good one anyways, but also something she no longer was.
She started to turn around to go in the direction he believed where the blankets were, "This way, right?" motioning in the way he indicated. And she was fighting hard with the thought of an invitation. Why? Because this was just something that was a little out of her comfort zone. She had taken Lenoir's friendship seriously and enjoyed it. But to invite him along could mean questions that she might not be ready or willing to answer. She was fearful. Already her defenses were threatening to push him away from her. She tried so hard to hide her inner turmoil. As she turned her back to him for a moment as she was struggling to take a step she decided to turn around partially. "The bells will be a nice addition to the sleigh ride. Thank you." And found herself unable to look at him and she seemed to hesitate with the invitation, "Would you like to join me on the sleigh ride?" Her eyes finding it hard to look at him while trying continuously to look upon his masked face.
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Erik Lenoir
Hide your face, so the world will never find you...
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Post by Erik Lenoir on Dec 19, 2012 1:18:08 GMT -5
Ana seemed to enjoy Erik's humourous take on where he said the sleigh bells had come from. "In truth I don't know where they came from, Ana. They appeared at the bottom of a small trunk that I was going through. I have never seen them before. But I had the thought of taking them out here so others could enjoy them." He paused. "It's like the coat." He indicated the warm caped coat he was wearing. "It just appeared as Adina and I were about to take a walk outside. It was cold and I was not looking forward to it. When we came to the door, there were two coats, one for each of us and they fit perfectly. Gloves in the pockets also. The ghosts must have been busy.
Ana started to walk in the direction Erik had indicated that the linens were kept. "Yes it's this way. You must pass through the dining room, kitchen, pantry, and there is a stairway down to the servants' quarters. It seems deserted now, but there is a lot of good storage space. " Erik led the way through the beautiful dining room, the kitchen, the pantry and down the steps. There was a smaller, very plain dining room at the bottom of the stairs. "This is obviously the servant's dining room, Ana. And here is where they keep the linens" There was another small room off of this dining room with plenty of storage. He opened a built in cabinet and clean towels, bed clothes and blankets were piled on shelves. Erik pulled two thick blankets down from the top shelf and handed them to Ana, then closed the doors. He then took them back and led the way back up to the kitchen and dining room. . Erik held the door open for Ana when the reached the large wooden doors that led out into the hallway. He thought a moment that perhaps he had come around at the wrong time and she didn't wish to go on a ride with him. Maybe she was waiting for someone else. She just seemed a bit reluctant, even though she had extended an invitation to him.
She seemed to be avoiding his eyes. He pulled her face forward by gently pulling up her chin with his finger, to force her to look at him. "I would be delighted to go with you, Ana, but if there is someone else you are waiting for, that's perfectly all right. Let me help you attache the bells to the sleigh."
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anastasia
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Making a point is a matter of opinion. I'd rather make a difference
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Post by anastasia on Dec 19, 2012 19:31:40 GMT -5
Lenoir's strange explanation of where the bells came from or lack of it more likely as well as the coat he wore just intrigued rather than frightened or confused her. "It's a nice thought and gesture," and that can be taken towards both the bells and the coat.
Slightly raising her brows as she watched him a moment as he started towards the direction he indicated, then followed him to where ever the blankets were. Silent and nodding as she followed him. When given the blankets she grinned, "Awesome, Thanks," holding the blankets then followed him back. Smiling and even said thank you rather softly when he held the door for her.
She stopped and waited, pondering as she noticed the snow now lightly falling and decided to ask him to join her on a sleigh ride. It would seem she was avoiding him but she was rather shy at the thought of him joining her on this little adventure. She had some strange reasons why this was unsettling for her but she would be rude to not invite a friend. A sharp soft exhale through her nose upon his touch and forcing her to look at him, her eyes seemed to desperately hide her wild emotions at the moment. Restraining herself from biting her lip, desperately restraining herself from any sort of reaction really. Trying to smile a couple times and blinked rather delighted she won't be alone on this outing. If something would happen to her, would anyone notice she was missing until it was too late? It had nearly happened a couple times before. The Fates had been kind and left her to gentle mercies and care of others. Someone else. Such as who? No one knew she was taking this little excursion. She could think of a few whom she wouldn't mind joining her, and Lenoir was one of them. Even though this Lavalais had been increasingly first and foremost upon her mind since November when he found her and helped her to recover from the mysterious fire. "No. No, it's fine," and weakly smiled. "I'd like it if you would join me," again a slight smile, "for a sleigh ride." Feeling she should at least be specific. Shoving her tensions to the back of the mind, she had to, then nodded, "sounds good." Bells attached to the sleigh or the horse would make the outing all the more enjoyable!
Before she turned around, she smiled at him. Stepping outside into the snow and feeling the tiny little snowflakes upon her face and felt so pure at that time. So light and content. Closing her eyes then deeply inhaled as the cool, light winter wind brush over her playing with her hair and the folds of her lengthy white coat. Glancing at Lenoir with a little smile then walking over to the dark chocolate horse with strawberry blonde mane and tail as it looked at them then whinnied. She smiled, "coming Wildfire." Removing a glove and watched the snow flakes delicately drop upon her hand and melt all while she was smiling and watching in wonder. If there was something she learned so far is to enjoy those little moments that only God could offer. As she approached the horse, put back on her red chenille glove then caressed the neck of the mare as she nickered then turned to look at Lenoir. "Shall we out them on the horse or on the sleigh?" looking and sounding a bit upbeat, curious to hear his opinion.
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Erik Lenoir
Hide your face, so the world will never find you...
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Post by Erik Lenoir on Dec 19, 2012 22:46:04 GMT -5
Erik had the distinct feeling that Ana did not really want him to come along with her; that perhaps she was waiting for someone who hadn't come along yet. Well it was allright. A ride with someone you love is better than a ride with someone you like, but a ride with someone you like is much better than riding by yourself. And Erik wanted to pursue friendship with this woman. She was interesting and he wanted to find out more about her. She was so complicated. There were layers and layers to her personality and she was fascinating, if a bit difficult. And she seemed to want Erik as a friend, but also seemed to be holding back. He wished that he knew why.
When he touched her face, she seemed to exhale just a bit. "Are my hands cold, dear?" he asked in a voice that was so soft it was almost a whisper. She said again that she would like it if he joined her for the sleigh ride, but still he felt a bit of a hesitation. However, it didn't matter. She had asked him and he had made up his mind to go and he didn't have time for the feminine nonsense of purporting to not be able to make up one's mind.
But then Ana went to the window and looked out at the large fluffly snowflakes. It did look very pretty, Erik had to admit. And now with his warm coat and gloves, he didn't mind the cold...as much. They walked out into the snow. Erik pulled his hat down a bit over his face. He should have worn a full face mask to protect his face from the cold. But it was all right. The weather wasn't too cold.
Ana and indeed, most of the other residents to whom Erik had spoken seemed to love snow and cold. They thought it romantic. He just thought it cold. But in any case, there was something nice about sharing a sleigh ride. And his bells would add a bit of magical music.
"Ana, you look quite lovely in your long coat. I most definitely approve of you wearing it. Not that you were looking for my approval, I am sure." He smirked a bit to show he was teasing. Erik then saw the chocolate coloured horse with a reddish blonde mane, named, as Ana noted, Wildfire. "I do hope the name refers to her looks and not her temperament," said Erik, with a grin.
Ana asked where he thought the bells should go. "The two shorter ones, I think on the sleigh and the longer one it would seem could be attached to the horse. I'll let you decide that, though. We definitely do not want an unhappy horse."
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anastasia
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Making a point is a matter of opinion. I'd rather make a difference
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Post by anastasia on Dec 20, 2012 0:21:06 GMT -5
His hands cold? She hadn't even noticed. That wasn't the factor as to why she reacted to his touch but she would go along with that to cover the real reason why she was behaving oddly. "A little," she whispered the little lie back ever so softly and slightly quickly. Stifling herself as much as possible to place any of her feelings in a far away place. Danger was everywhere, even in a well-meant friendly touch. Swearing she would never allow anything between Lenoir and her advance for she would never be able to handle another broken heart. He was mighty sweet and she wished not to ruin a good friendship with Lenoir all because she was careless with her heart and caved in to her lust.
A bit surprised by his compliment but accepted it nevertheless and smiled, "Thank you," she said softly and warmly, with a smile. She had to simply accept the compliment for a kindly gesture at least. The coat was lovely and comfortable. Smiling a little more when he continued on about his approval. No, she didn't need his approval for it nor was she seeking it. She simply wore what she fancied and this coat was something to her tastes. Snickering when he mentioned the horse's name in reference to color instead of temperament but said nothing only smiled at him.
"She can handle the sound," since the mare was suppose to be bombproof meaning completely able to handle nearly any situation and any noise. Taking the bells, she would go along with Lenoir's suggestion of where to put the bells - the shorter ones on the sleigh and the longer ones on the martingale and the above the croup of the harness. "There," rather proud of her handy work. "Go head and climb in if you want," as she gathered up the reins and clipped them to the bit then straightened them out to draw back to the sleigh.
She got in herself on the right side and sat down. With a grin and a deep inhale and exhale, she looked at him, gathering up the reins into her fingers expertly, "Ready?"
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Erik Lenoir
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Post by Erik Lenoir on Dec 22, 2012 17:46:28 GMT -5
"I am delighted that we have such a trustworthy and calm horse, Ana." He climbed in at her suggestion and waited whilest she attached the bells where she wanted them. He had no wish to do it himself.
He started to offer her a hand just before she climbed in, but it was too late. She was already in the sleigh. He took the blankets and instead of giving one to each of them, took them both and draped them across both of their legs, making two thicknesses. "It's warmer that way," he smiled with a wink. He pushed just the slightest bit closer to her and tucked the blankets in on the sides. She took the reins and he raised his visible eyebrow. "Well, it looks as though you have the reins my dear. You know the horse, so tell her where we wish to go. And yes, I am quite ready."
Erik wondered what Ana had in mind as a place to go on this wintry day. It was not too difficult to see ahead of them in the falling snow, but when darkness fell it would be a different story."Before we go, my dear, I really should light the lanterns. He took them off of the sleigh, lit them both and hung them back. "They don't look so bright now, but wait till the darkness comes. I can turn up the wicks too, for a bit more light." He turned to Ana and smiled again. He had the strange feeling of wanting to put his arm around her...but he refrained. She might become disturbed..."So shall we?"
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anastasia
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Making a point is a matter of opinion. I'd rather make a difference
With me? Expect the unexpected!
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Post by anastasia on Dec 22, 2012 19:21:13 GMT -5
A trustworthy horse. She grinned at that thought while attending to the horse and bells. "I spent months, actually well over a year, searching for a good horse with the temperament and confirmation I wanted as well as color. Then a few more months working with the horse before I purchased her. Working with her more after I got her. She's like all my half-ton four-legged kids, always a work in progress to help them be better." She finished and looked up at Lenoir with a grin. "So yes, a darn great horse. You can breathe easier."
She didn't notice the offered hand until after she climbed into the sleigh. Almost grimacing that she missed it and looked a bit apologetic with a smile then settled in. Smiling though when Lenoir got the blankets and placed them where they were suppose to go. "Sure you haven't done this before?" Grinning as she tossed in a little humor and as a result of the wink. Yet tried not to react when he tucked in the sides of the blanket but only did her best to smile and not blush or look uncomfortable. Snickering as he mentioned the reins, wiggled her fingers as she held the reins expertly. "Alright." but really didn't notice that he had scooted closer. But she watched him deal with the lanterns and nodded, "Good idea." Finally settled in, with a bold smile and sitting up yet relaxed in the sleigh seat, she commanded the horse forward with a click of her tongue.
Took a moment as the sleigh moved for the horse to move from a walk into a trot and create a lovely rhythm with the bells. Keeping her eyes forward concentrating upon where they were going. The horse was the power, she was the one to steer and keep them in a safe direction. All Lenoir had to do was sit back and enjoy the ride! "Do you know any Christmas songs?" she asked while the bells rang out with each step the horse took.
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Erik Lenoir
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Post by Erik Lenoir on Dec 23, 2012 15:22:13 GMT -5
Erik smiled. "I can see that you're very dedicated to your horses and that they mean quite a lot to you. And I am quite satistied that you have trained her well." He felt a bit strange not being in control as usual, for she held the reins. But he said nothing and tried to relax. The snow was lighter now and it fell gently on the trees and on the ground. Everything was white and ethereal looking. Erik could appereciate the beauty of it now for he was relatively warm and comfortable. The landscape was truly transformed.
Strangely, Erik had never been on a sleigh ride in his entire life. He had ridden in many different kinds of conveyances, but a sleigh ride in the snow, with bells, with a beautiful lady next to him, no, never.
"No, I've never done this before. You are showing me a new experience. Again he had an urge to put his arm around her. But he just smiled instead and watched her quietly as the sleigh picked up a bit of speed. The bells rang merrily and the snow crunched under the runners.
Then she asked him if he knew any Christmas songs. He laughed. I expect I know most of those which were sung in my time. Medieval songs, modern era songs..." Then he laughed again. "By modern era, I mean my own time. I know nothing of anything that was written since then. I know carols in French and English. In fact, as a child I wanted to hear the music so much I would hide somewhere near the church when the choir was singing. I learned all the music by heart, just from hearing it. "
His voice grew quieter and his mind went back to an earlier time, and he saw but that. "I am good at keeping out of sight, and yet being able to see all that is happening. One time, I actually snuck into the church, hiding in a place near the choir and behind a curtain. As they began to sing, I added my voice to theirs. It was exhilirating. The beautiful carols...at last I was able to sing them in music, albeit unseen. I know everyone heard me, but they had no idea who it was.:" He laughed. "I heard someone whisper, Is it an unseen Angel joining in our song? "Ironic, I suppose."
He looked at her again. "So sorry to bore you with one of my stories. So what would you like me to sing?"
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anastasia
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Making a point is a matter of opinion. I'd rather make a difference
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Post by anastasia on Dec 23, 2012 20:08:58 GMT -5
A slight smile. "Takes commitment and love to devote to an animal, just as much as one would devote to a child or spouse," and seemed to shy away or put up a little block. Not looking at him but tried to look serious and focus upon the task at hand and she was. But she was also a bit thoughtful of what she had said. "Thank you though," as she tried to correct herself from what she thought was something that should not have been said. She was so utterly candid and honest though.
Showing him a whole new experience brought a smile back to her face and she glanced over at him. Glad that she could give him a priceless moment in life to treasure. Life was about experiences, good and bad, but the good ones were always far more enjoyable. Especially priceless moments like this one. Or even stopping to smell roses on a glorious day right after a rain shower or gazing up at the stars on a late summer's night. Special moments in life were meant to be cherished as the greatest treasures of all. And again, it made her feel honored to have given him such a treat. "Life is full of surprises, isn't it? Full of little moments that can only be offered in time. Completely priceless and only had by taking a chance." Gazing forward as she watched where they were going or trying to at least. The snow falling upon her face was a bit cold but made her delighted nevertheless. "I'm glad to have given you a wonderful opportunity and treat. I'm deeply honored." Glancing at him with a smile then returning her gaze ahead. Smiling again then became a grin, nodding as she understood. Opening her mouth to reply but there were no words, instead she sat there driving and listened to his childhood memory. What a treat this was! And she really was paying attention to him, listening to his every word! The thought in her mind conjured up a little boy, adorable and yet disfigured who was fascinated by music, with the choir and singing from hiding spots. Smiling, and what a darling thought.
Looking at him a bit shocked, "You could never bore me, Lenoir," her voice was stressing the point that she really enjoyed listening to him talk and those little tidbids about his life that most likely no one ever cared to know. Who ever would listen to what most classified as a madman? She had come to know Lenoir better now but there were and always will be certain things she will never know about him. All in all, she'll respect his wishes of what he will divulge and what he will keep secret. Thinking a moment as she thought it would be nice to sing a fun sleigh ride song, but now as she thought a little more, she lightly pulled the reins and brought the dark chocolate mare back down to a walk. The snow was falling lightly all around and the surroundings were so peaceful it was only them and the horse in the depths of the forest and farmlands. Relaxing herself as leaned back upon the seat. "Well," pausing as she thought and it looked like it by her visage, "any song you sing I would be more than delighted to hear." Smiling and barely glancing at him, trying not to blush. She adored that voice of his. Turning to look at him as her hands that held the reins were resting in her lap. "Surprise me," smiling and curious to hear what his voice would treat her to. Sleigh ride treat for him. A song sung by him treat for her. With a content thoughtful look gazing at him, indeed ironic that someone thought he was an unseen angel singing. To her, in some strange way, he was a sort of angel.
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Erik Lenoir
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Post by Erik Lenoir on Dec 25, 2012 20:34:57 GMT -5
Erik saw that Ana ws happy when he said this was a new experience for him. There were some things that he had never done before, and he felt, in some ways, like a child just discovering something delightful and novel. And even if would not have been completely new, it was lovely spending it with Ana. While he didn't feel as if their relationship was any kind of love relationship, there was a deep friendship that was forming. Erik continually had that yen to put his arms around her, take the reins in his other hand and perhaps even kiss her. But something held him back. It was a friendship, nothing more. He felt deep friendship for Adina too, and he had kissed her and taken her into his arms, but he restrained from it with Ana. He felt, from the discussions they had had, that Ana understood things in a different way than Adina did, and different also from Teressa. Women were so complicated sometimes. ..
"I am glad I don't bore you with my stories, Ana. I haven't had anyone to whom to tell my stories until I came here, and because I have been told I talk a bit too much, I have wondered if I was a bit of a bore. Thank you for telling me that you enjoy listening to me." "And a song...I have many favourites...for Christmas, I have always loved the traditional songs, the religious ones....which may surprise some people." Erik's voice grew quiet. "I still believe in God, even though I have done some horrendous things in my life...perhaps there still is a chance for forgiveness for me..." He glanced at Ana. "So some of my favourite Christmas songs are really hymns. Let me sing you one of my favourites. It is Cantique de Noël...you would call it O Holy Night."
Minuit, chrétiens, c'est l'heure solennelle, Où l'Homme Dieu descendit jusqu'à nous Pour effacer la tache originelle Et de Son Père arrêter le courroux. Le monde entier tressaille d'espérance En cette nuit qui lui donne un Sauveur. Peuple à genoux, attends ta délivrance. Noël, Noël, voici le Rédempteur, Noël, Noël, voici le Rédempteur !
[English translation (which he did not sing) : Midnight, Christians It is the solemn hour When the Man-God descends among us. In order to erase the stain of original sin And stop His Father's wrath The entire world trembles with hope On this night that gives us a Saviour. Kneeling people, wait for your deliverance Christmas, Christmas, behold the Redeemer. Christmas, Christmas, behold the Redeemer.
Then Erik sang it in English: O Holy Night, The stars are brightly shining, It is the night of the dear Saviour's birth. Long lay the world in sin and error pining Till he appeared and the soul felt its worth. A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn Fall on your knees, O hear the angel voices O night divine, O night, when Christ was born O night divine, O night, o night divine.
Erik was quiet at the end of the song, keeping his thoughts to himself for a while. He hoped she understood the French words. Then he said, "Did you wish to hear another? I would like it if you would sing with me..."
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anastasia
Senior Member
Making a point is a matter of opinion. I'd rather make a difference
With me? Expect the unexpected!
Posts: 285
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Post by anastasia on Dec 26, 2012 1:10:56 GMT -5
Watching the forged 'path' before them a moment as she relaxed in the seat of the sleigh then looked at him with a smile, "You could never bore me." At first, she thought he could and would, placing a sort of fear in her soul not ever wanting to see him ever again. Over time though that strange effect now wore off. Especially the more she got to know him. She knew nothing of him. He was more than what she knew from the story. He was obviously so much more and had barely scraped the surface of really knowing him. Knowing him. She began to become disturbed with that thought and turned her head away to gaze before her once again as though trying to pay attention to where they were going. But in reality, she feared the idea of getting to know him. It would mean he would get to know her. Always meaning a chance for deeper hurt and she could not handle any further disappointment or worse any heartache. "You're welcome," she answered softly with a slight smile but didn't look at him, only keeping her eyes forward. Yes, she was drawn to him and felt that connection. Not sure what it was though. It practically frightened her and yet excited her. Frightened because she didn't want to ruin this budding friendship. Having someone on a decent level was rather important to her. Her mind racing in various directions in unison and yet clashing with what her heart and soul were telling her.
As always, she listened. Slightly smiling as he explained he had some favorite Christmas songs. This was a plus! Turning her head finally to look at him a little puzzled when he said some were surprised he believed in God. Why wouldn't he? One either believed a Deity of sorts existed to either to be blessed by or cursed from. She nodded and accepted as it did not utterly surprise her. Forgiveness. That was one major thing in life that even she struggled with. How could she forgive those who hurt her most? And that perhaps is where she feared anything deeper with Lenoir. She didn't want to be hurt by him to the point she could never forgive him. That truly would hurt too much especially since she valued him so much. Oddly enough. "There's always a chance for forgiveness. We do so in our own time."
O Holy Night. Yes she loved that one, too. Though not an extraordinary voice, she recalled singing with some people caroling in her younger days for the elderly in retirement homes around Christmas all for their enjoyment. That always made her happy to see someone enjoy a little visit from strangers who set aside time for them. Nodding as she relaxed back in the seat next to him and listened to him singing.
Oh, his voice! What a glorious sound it was! Already she fancied Mr Crawford's voice and the fact that Lenoir possessed that voice, too, if not better, only sent her into a soaring ecstasy just from the sound of his voice. Closing her eyes as she was lost to his music, enveloped by the song trying to listen to each word and hanging upon it as it nearly made her cry. There simply was no way she was able to resist or not react to his voice. The songs he sang were so perfect. Her visage seemed to be lifted to and upon various levels of enjoyment.
When he stopped singing after O Holy Night, she took a deep shuddering inhale then released it with nearly a sigh. Wanting so much to just melt and rest against him, in his comforting arms, lost to his voice. After a moment, after he spoke from a moment of silence, she opened her eyes to look at him. They were glassy from the tears that threatened to overcome her eyes. Warmly and weakly she smiled at him. "That was beautiful," she softly said to him, just barely above a whisper. She could never tire of his voice. Whether he sang or simply spoke. She almost avoided his question but really could not as her lips barely parted and she turned to gaze blankly before her. Pondering in silence for a moment. "Me? Sing with you?" Raising her brows as she looked at him with a stunned, almost dreamy look and yet a bit humbled and sheepish. Turning her eyes away from him and facing forward, "I'm... my voice is not like Christine's." Simply warning him that she was not an Opera Singer and had perhaps a small, ordinary voice even though she was told she had a lovely voice. She wasn't sure if she should but then became bold and slightly smiled before looking back at him, "What had you in mind?" Curious to know what song he would pick and the feeling that welled within her at singing with the Phantom! Oh, what a glorious treat! And it was a private little treat. Only he would hear her sing. She was no longer the sort to let anyone hear her singing voice. Like many things with her now, only those special to her would ever receive such a private offering. At least they were on music and not other subjects or matters that would make her more than nervous and hesitate around him.
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