Erik Lenoir
Hide your face, so the world will never find you...
Hide your face so the world will never find you...
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Post by Erik Lenoir on Dec 27, 2012 15:32:24 GMT -5
Ana was a deep woman, a complicated woman, whom Erik had a difficult time peeling away the layers to see what lay below the surface. But he would let her do it in her own time. He had made a fool of himself when they had first met, thinking he must prove himself to be the Phantom and that is why the bizarre little scene had happened where he took her to his lair. And then after, the infamous kiss. If he kissed her, it must be a heartfelt kiss, one of friendship. But he wasn't sure that she would want that. He would have to wait and see. Still he had that yen to put his arm around her at least.
Now for some reason, she kept her face away from him. He hoped he hadn't said anything wrong. But it seemed, with Ana, that to let these strange moments pass in silence instead of questioning them, was the best thing to do. It would probably only upset her to have to talk about what it was that disturbed her. In his short experience with women, it seemed most of them wanted to speak about their feelings. Ana, it appeared, did not. Erik was more open with his feelings than some men, but still he kept some things hidden inside. He tended to set forth things about himself that would make the other person more sympathetic to him. He was becoming fairly good at wrapping people about his little finger, as the saying goes. But not always. Sometimes his anger got in the way or his spontenaeity of emotion. And it didn't work with everyone. At least not right away...
And there was something about Ana that was fascinating. A mystery to be solved. A package to be unwrapped. He was glad he didn't bore her. Some other residents of the manor, especially the other Eriks thought him entirely too loquacious.
As Erik sang, he began to be caught up in the music and he thought of nothing else. Finishing O Holy Night, he was quiet. And then he asked if she would like to sing with him. "Another favourite carol is this, which I expect you may know,"
God rest ye merry, gentlemen Let nothing you dismay Remember, Christ, our Saviour Was born on Christmas day To save us all from Satan's power When we were gone astray O tidings of comfort and joy, Comfort and joy O tidings of comfort and joy In Bethlehem, in Israel, This blessed Babe was born And laid within a manger Upon this blessed morn The which His Mother Mary Did nothing take in scorn O tidings of comfort and joy, Comfort and joy O tidings of comfort and joy
From God our Heavenly Father A blessed Angel came; And unto certain Shepherds Brought tidings of the same: How that in Bethlehem was born The Son of God by Name. O tidings of comfort and joy, Comfort and joy O tidings of comfort and joy
Now to the Lord sing praises, All you within this place, And with true love and brotherhood Each other now embrace; This holy tide of Christmas All other doth deface. O tidings of comfort and joy, Comfort and joy O tidings of comfort and joy
When Erik finished, he said, "That song goes back to some time about 1760. The author again, is unknown. Quite a traditional English carol." He was quiet again. "It makes me wonder why there are demons at the mansion, in human form. As I told Adina and Destler, we must resist them. I thought Destler the most evil person I had ever met, but he too paled before the demon..."
Then he smiled and looked at Ana. "Your voice is not operatic, but it is quite pleasant. I do enjoy singing with you."
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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 27, 2012 17:32:16 GMT -5
She started thinking twice about this sleigh ride with Lenoir but then dashed away those thoughts to the back of her mind as simply stupid and silly. What ever will be, will be. Friends or not, if he was bold enough to inquire, then she may or may not divulge her inner workings. Let fate hold the strings, let Jesus take the wheel, and may God give her strength and mercy. She had to learn to relax, had to learn to forgive, to trust, have faith in others, and more. She had a wonderful way of throwing up so many defenses and not let anyone in. There was good reason for that though. It would have to take someone or some people with a gentle hand, patient heart, level mind, and loving soul to even help her heal. Who that person would be, only God and the Fates know.
Looking relaxed as she rested back in the seat of the sleigh, holding the reins and still relished his singing O Holy Night. She fancied it moreso after hearing Josh Groban singing it. A lot of songs she liked from Groban ever since she heard him on Oprah. With another soft sigh and trying to relax, listening to Lenoir but keeping her eyes forward as he mentioned another song and began to sing it. She smiled and after the first line, she did join in and sang with him. The other lines she did not know she simply hummed and what she did know she sang. It was strange to sing with him and incredibly humbling. She was timid and soft, it was clear she had training long ago in a school choir but had not sung in many years really. She could hit a note fairly decently but was still raw and unfinished. Her poor voice was a little hard because of the fire which did harm her throat some and she felt the need to clear her throat after they sang. But what a little experience that humbled her to no end and she felt so meek.
An interesting song of choice and she pondered it. Always did she ponder if there was deeper meaning in something or not. To her, there usually was. Things did not just happen for no reason. God sets things for each person to learn from. Softly, silently she inhaled then let it out slowly and silently as she seemed to be contemplating the deeper meanings of why he sang that song, why he was here, why this moment, and more. She only asked and patiently awaited for God's answer. Barely a smirk as Lenoir tossed in some bit of history which she didn't mind. Though she wanted to say something, she only smiled. Anything would just ruin the moment of contemplation.
But what Lenoir stated next more than baffled her, it troubled her. Demons? She began to recall his mention of spirits and ghosts there at the Manor. Which made sense as she heard strange things around the grand massive place. Some things she did her best not to let it spook her. Some things still did. It was almost unnerving. She only sat there, letting the horse trudge through the snow, holding the reins and tried to understand what he was talking about. Demons. Real demons? As into the minions of Satan? She never doubted they existed. How could she doubt the Dark Forces. She believed in God's Light and had seen evidence of Hellish unknowns long ago in her teenage youth. About the time she first learned of Phantom of the Opera. Furrowing her brow. How awkward it was. Very awkward. Destler. Somehow that name sounded vaguely familiar but she dismissed it. For now at least.
When Lenoir changed his topic again, this time to her voice, she felt rather embarrassed and shy. Singing was not her desire any more. Not like it used to be. Perhaps some grew out of it when they grow older unless they stay in it professionally and are incredibly exceptional. She simply was not that earth moving with her voice. Only partially trained and was shy enough. Especially around Lenoir. Finally she looked at him with a weak smile when he complimented singing with her. Looking so very humbled. "Thank you," she said softly.
Though she was now thinking about what he said about demons, she wanted to help keep her mind off that subject at the moment with more songs. "Do you know the Little Drummer Boy?" Thinking no doubt he knew it, but wanted to make sure. In her mind, something was hatching as a little coy smile played upon the corners of her mouth.
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Erik Lenoir
Hide your face, so the world will never find you...
Hide your face so the world will never find you...
Posts: 1,241
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Post by Erik Lenoir on Dec 29, 2012 17:51:24 GMT -5
Ana looked a bit upset or puzzled at his mention of demons at the mansion. He realized he most likely should not have brought it up. She did not seem to know Destler either. Perhaps it was fortunate for her. She listened though to his comments on the songs he had sung.
"And you wish to sing a bit more?" He smiled. "Yes, I would like that. What is the song called? The Little Drummer Boy? I have not heard of this Christmas song...perhaps it is a bit more modern?" H e smiled at her and at last could not resist the urge to put his arm about her gently and pull her closer. Then he realized she might not wish him to do so. "Is...is that all right? If I am making you uncomfortable, please, tell me and I shall remove my arm at once."
Then he said, "And please, sing your song. I would be delighted to hear you sing it."
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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 29, 2012 18:49:15 GMT -5
Not dwelling upon the subject of demons and devils. It was dangerous to even talk of it and she knew it. This was a topic she did not press upon further but glanced at him with a hope to ease any troubles with that dangerous subject, that even such evil could not sway her. Maybe at a better time they could discuss this troubling matter but now was not a good time. This was a time to spend it to relax and enjoy the peace and friendship.
Looking forward briefly then looking back at him with a smile, "Sure. Why not?" What else was there to do besides sing? Talk? That could also be dangerous and yet they seemed to talk easily enough. She divulged a bit already yet he didn't dig too deep. She was comfortable with that fact. She had a fear of anyone getting too close to anyone and did her best not to allow that yet she had already gave him plenty of hints. Tonight she was forcing those fears to subside as she realized he would not do a thing to harm her. It was still strange and thrilling to be singing alongside the Phantom. Who would have thought?!? The Phantom. No. He no longer was that. More a man whom she'd come to know. He was slowly becoming very dear to her. Looking at him rather stunned and raised brows. He didn't know the song? Thinking a moment as she nodded slightly, resting back in the seat of the sleigh. It was then she felt his arm about her and drawn closer to him. This caused a slight inhale and very soft exhale but she did not resist. Even this highly independent woman could never resist him. Resting and seated comfortably beside him while holding the reins, it was so very difficult to restrain herself from resting her head upon his shoulder or lean upon him but she did, for now. "You're fine," she replied softly with a warm light smile somewhat looking at him. Doing her best to at least put him at ease that she was ok with his arm around her. Oh, who would have thought there would be a moment like this? Certainly not her! Funny how he did so much to convince her who he was just a couple months ago. As she told him that she simply needed time to accept the reality and she had accepted who he was and that he simply existed. No more questions asked, no further reasoning. Just... accepted that he was here.
"Alright," with a singular nod and soft confidence matching a Mona Lisa - like smile. Inhaling and gathered her wits and breath to sing him the song. What she had in mind, she hoped he would like. "There are a few verses," as she turned to look at him with a smile, just mere inches from his face. Yet she looked at ease and comforted. "Perhaps learn it now and then later try something different?" Smiling with a sparkle in her eyes at the thought in her mind. "You will have to listen to a version when we get back to the Manor." She looked rather excited about a song and wanted to show it to him. Hoping he might like it. She began to sing it:
Come they told me, pa rum pum pum pum A new born King to see, pa rum pum pum pum Our finest gifts we bring, pa rum pum pum pum To lay before the King, pa rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum,
So to honor Him, pa rum pum pum pum, When we come.
Little Baby, pa rum pum pum pum I am a poor boy too, pa rum pum pum pum I have no gift to bring, pa rum pum pum pum That's fit to give the King, pa rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum,
Shall I play for you, pa rum pum pum pum, On my drum?
Mary nodded, pa rum pum pum pum The ox and lamb kept time, pa rum pum pum pum I played my drum for Him, pa rum pum pum pum I played my best for Him, pa rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum,
Then He smiled at me, pa rum pum pum pum Me and my drum.
Pausing a moment upon completion of the song. Still looking forward a moment. "There are so many great Christmas songs," then turned her head to look at him no longer uncomfortable being so close but she still felt a little numbed. "Hopefully you can hear them all soon." Keeping the sleigh on track and the horse still at a walk as the bells softly jingled with each step. "Now what shall we do? Is there another song you'd like to sing?" her voice was so mild and ordinary compared to his angelic voice but he gave her some confidence to sing at least in his presence for now. It was all for fun, to relax and enjoy this little outing. So far, it was a wonderful time as the snow softly fell, the tiny flakes touching the skin of her face like little ice pins that felt quite invigorating!
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Erik Lenoir
Hide your face, so the world will never find you...
Hide your face so the world will never find you...
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Post by Erik Lenoir on Dec 31, 2012 20:36:52 GMT -5
Erik was glad that Ana didn't disparage him for putting his arm around her. He was very careful about that lately, since the infamous kiss. He realized that it might be a good idea to ask first before touching anyone. Of course there was still the thought that he could be seen by someone else, but that couldn't be helped.
When Ana turned and looked at him, their faces were just inches away from each other. He could never have dreamed of being this close to a woman and not frightening her to death. And it had been less than a year since he'd been here...
"Please, sing Ana. I am anxious to hear your song." His voice was soft and kind and his arm was gently around her.
Ana began to sing a song Erik had never heard, as it was written long after his time, in 1955 to be exact, The song had become a Christmas classic in only a short time . Ana's voice was sweet as she sang the story of the little boy who had nothing to offer the new born Christ child except for his musical performance on his drum. Erik liked the melody and soon he was imitating the drum by drumming his hands on the sleigh in lieu of a drum. He hummed along with the melody and then later added a bit of harmony. "I am sure there have been many more songs written since my time. If that is an example, I do look forward to hearing some of them." Then he changed the subject. "I think perhaps I would like to come back inside. If I sing too long outside, my voice could suffer a bit. I need to take care of it."
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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 31, 2012 22:54:30 GMT -5
Though slightly numbing, it was actually quite comforting with Lenoir's arm about her. Holding the reins with duel attention between the horse and him, she remained relaxed with a slight smile. Granted she was at odds with herself, but for now she would put all her discomforts and paranoia behind her. It would do him no good if she were on edge. Even with so many red flags that went flying up caused by her experiences in the past. This was different. Wasn't it? After all, she was the one who invited him upon this little sleigh ride. What sort of hostess and friend would she be if she was cold and distant towards him.
With a smile and barely a sideways glance, she sang for him the song of The Little Drummer Boy. Still a little nervous because her voice was not pure, perfect and angelic as Christine's voice but her voice was sweet and on key. Hinting to what it used to be and what had happened to her over time. His drumming and humming and harmony did not go unnoticed. She occasionally glanced at him with a smirk. He was a fast learner! That created a little image in her head of him as a little boy who picked up nearly everything so amazingly fast. What a darling thought.
After she finished singing, she hadn't realized how much she had relaxed as she rested against him now still holding the reins with a distant gaze as she had sort of put herself into that song even when she sang it softly. Blinking as she came out of it a little and slightly looked at him, nodding. "Yes. There has been. Lots of great songs. White Christmas by Bing Crosby. The Christmas Waltz by Frank Sinatra, Where are you Christmas by Faith Hill, Believe by Josh Groban... oh, the list can go on and on and on!" Smiling at him again. "Hope you get to hear them all. They are all truly reflective of the Christmas season. Warms your heart and spirits."
Nodding while still resting against Lenoir side, the chill of the evening air was starting to set in. She hadn't realized how long they had spent out here in the snow covered landscape. Nodding without so much as a pout but was agreeable to his wishes. "Alright. Can do that," glanced at him again as she worked the reins expertly to wheel around the horse, steering the sleigh back towards Manor. "Wouldn't want you to lose your wonderful voice," she slightly grinned as she watched the horse. It would be sad if he lost it and she wouldn't want that to happen as a result of something she did.
On the way back towards the Manor she couldn't help but to sing another song. One that so easily popped into her mind - Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas. Sounding much like Judy Garland when she sang it because she groomed herself to try and sound like the classic starlet for that specific song. To her if the song was sung any other way, it just wasn't the same. Gazing ahead while comfortable beside Lenoir with his arm about her and allowed the moment of the Christmas spirit to wash over her. Who would have thought she'd be comfortable in this man's presence. She would NEVER have thought it possible when she first met him because of how tense and at odds they were with one another at first. Ahhh, how people change in time.
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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 Jan 1, 2013 23:44:28 GMT -5
Erik was enjoying his little sojourn with Ana about the place. But it was getting cold, very cold. Erik didn't like the cold, although the new coat that he had was extremely helpful in warding off the cold. But his hands, even though he had put on the leather gloves, were beginning to be very cold, as were his toes.
Ana mentioned a lot of names of artists that had sung Christmas songs since his time. He hadn't heard of any of them, but certainly would be interested in listening. "You will have to play some new songs for me, Ana." Then she began to sing another song that Erik had never heard before, Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas. He decided he would let her sing this one alone, but found himself humming along and singing harmony again. "Sorry, Ana. That was your song. I should have let you sing it alone. I rather can't help myself sometimes..."
"When we come back to the mansion, I would very much like for you to come to one of the sitting rooms. I have something to show you."
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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 Jan 2, 2013 0:33:27 GMT -5
Guiding the sleigh back to the Manor to end the little excursion and get out of the cold. It will be nice to warm back up. Two bodies just was not enough for a frozen night like this. Nodding as she rested against him almost shivering but was able to ward it off. Being a Midwesterner, the cold temperatures were nothing. "That I can definitely do," smiling, slightly glancing at him. Wondering if he will like the varied voices and the songs. Some of them she knew he sounded good since Michael Crawford sang them she was curious to actually see Lenoir sing those very songs.
Smiling and looking at him as he apologized. Raising her brows while still looking at him. "Isn't that what music is all about? It was nice to have you join in. I wouldn't want to restrain you from what you love most." How could anyone be restrained from enjoying music?!? She would never deny him that at all! That was him! He was music itself! She rather liked it when he was being himself and involved in the music, joining in with her. She smiled at him for being who he was. Again, she looked rather proud of him.
She could see ahead the lights of the Manor through the trees. It wouldn't be long for they would once again be in the warm confines of the Manor walls. Glancing at him again quizzically, then nodded, "Alright." The smirked. "I suppose it's as good of time as any to give you your gift, too." And looked a little mischievous.
It didn't take long now as the sleigh came into the clearing and approached the Manor then to the Stables and Carriage house. "Ho," Ana brought the dark chocolate mare to a halt and sighed. It was going to be difficult to pry herself away from him since she was quite comfortable. Looking over at the Manor, "Were home," smirking as she doubted he would understand the specific humor behind that.
Finally she pried herself away from Lenoir with a sigh, pulling off the blanket from over her legs. Oh, the cold now started to get to her. She better get the sleigh and horse put away quickly before she got too cold. Stepping out of the sleigh she tried to get the harness of the horse swiftly, looking over at Lenoir a couple times. "I'll .. be inside momentarily. Once I get her into her stall and put the sleigh away" Smiling at him.
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Erik Lenoir
Hide your face, so the world will never find you...
Hide your face so the world will never find you...
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Post by Erik Lenoir on Jan 3, 2013 0:24:40 GMT -5
Erik stepped out of the sleigh when Ana did. He let her unharness the horse, but cold as he was, he would not leave her out here alone in the cold and the dark. "I shall wait for you, Ana, and walk back to the mansion with you." He picked up the blankets and folded them carefully, then held them as Ana took care of the horse.
"I will be happy to go back inside, even though it was lovely out here earlier. I believe the temperature is falling since the snow has stopped and the night become clear."
Then he began to hum the song that Ana had sung just before the had brought in the sleigh Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas... I like that one, Ana, the melody is quite catching and the words are very nice. If you sing it once more for me I shall memorize the words.." Shall we leave the b ells on the sleigh for the next person who uses it? And the ones from the horse we can leave inside the sleight too."
"Are you ready, my dear? " He offered his arm in readiness to walk back to the mansion.
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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 Jan 3, 2013 2:01:25 GMT -5
Removing the horse and harness from the sleigh, looking over to Lenoir with a smile when he stated he will wait to walk back inside with her. What a Gentleman he was. "Alright," smiling still as she took the horse back to the stall and put away the harness with the bells placed in the sleigh. With skill and strength, she hauled the sleigh back to the carriage house, nodding at his comment about returning inside, "It's getting a little chilly. A great excuse to have hot chocolate and sit next to a warm fire."
Leaving the carriage house, she looked up again this time for a little bit longer to gaze as the stars. The cold night air betraying her every breath. Looking so enchanted while gazing at the stars. "I can never get tired of gazing at them." Then brought her eyes back down to look at him with a slight smile that grew into a gentle grin as he hummed that little holiday song from 'Meet Me In St. Louis'. "It is a very catchy tune. It came from the movie 'Meet Me In St. Louis' starring Judy Garland who was quite the starlet in the 40s or there abouts time frame. I always liked a lot of her films." Straightening out her gloves, grinning and nodded, a little blush if one could tell since her cheeks were getting a little rosy from the cold night air. "I... think I can do that." She hoped. Apparently her unlikely singing did not irritate him. At least he didn't complain. Maybe he was just being kind and forgiving. Nodding again, "Sounds good. Bells will stay with the sleigh." Smiling at him. Gloves straightened, she looked at the offered arm for a moment, grinned and took it. "Yes I am."
Heading back to and inside the Manor with Lenoir. Back into the warm walls of the grand house. And so... what now? Go their separate ways? Oh,... didn't say he had something? Maybe she misunderstood what he said. "So... you have something for me, hmm?" arm in arm with Lenoir as she pondered. "I suppose now is as good of a time as any." Grinning as she looked at him. "I've a Christmas gift to give you."
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Erik Lenoir
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Post by Erik Lenoir on Jan 3, 2013 18:24:11 GMT -5
Erik and Ana came back into thte mansion. This is the sitting room I was thinking about. It has a very nice fireplace and comfortable chairs upon which to sit. Erik found a coat tree behind the door, to his satisfaction. He took off his coat, hung it up and placed his fedora at the top of the tree. "May I help you off with your coat, Ana? I am quite pleased there is a place to hang one's coat after coming in from the cold. And I see someone has anticipated others using the room and built a fire."
"Now. Did you say a word about wanting something warm to drink? I think that would be splendid too. Are we to go to the kitchen or did you have some sort of amazing modern magical gadget that could whip up something warm to drink?"
He sat near the fire in a comfortable looking settee. He smiled and put his arm on the back of the couch in a slightly uncharacteristically relaxed pose. "So. I hear you have a gift for me. Do I hear correctly? Or is the little bird who whispered in my ear completely wrong?"
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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 Jan 3, 2013 19:18:28 GMT -5
Ahhh, a fire place. Nothing would beat such a scene as this. As usual, when relaxed and happy, a smile was upon her face giving her approval of this decision. Removing her chenille hat, scarf and as she was removing the gloves he offered to take the coat. With a smile and nodded once, decided to allow Lenoir to help her with the white lengthy coat. Still not use to and quite hesitant of letting men be kind, but she forced herself to at least be open to Lenoir. He wasn't like the men she knew in the past. Was he? She tried to tell herself he wasn't. But one never knew. This was so very difficult for her even though she created such a very good facade of being ok with anything men did. Buttoning the white coat and started to carefully shrug it off to allow him to take the coat if he so wished to. Trying no to be bothered or sigh or look troubled at a memory of those guys who even offered to take her coat. The last one was her ex-fianceƩ. That was one heartache she will never get over unless someone else would come along to heal her heart and soul.
Now that the coat was gone, wearing the red turtleneck cable sweater, denims and 2 inch heel lace up modern snow boots. Straightening herself as she looked up at him, "My turn. I'll go get some hot chocolate unless you want something else?" Raising her brows while looking at him to see if he wanted something else to drink. With a grin and snicker. looked at her fingers as she wiggled them, "Hmm," then looked up at him. "Sorry, I think I'm all out of magic." Grinning as she continued to wiggle her fingers for a moment.
Smoothing out the red turleneck sweater but did not sit down, watched him as he sat and relaxed. The sight only made her smile. At least he seemed content. Snickers at the mention of a little bird. How cute. "Well, so do you." Grinning like a kid at Christmas and a sparkle in her eyes. "How's about I go get the hot drinks and you can get the gift. How's that sound?" At least she'd allow him the option to toss in his suggestions and opinions. She didn't want to control, did not want to be controlled but wanted to work wish others. And Lenoir was no exception. She's treat him like the adult he is and with respect that he very much deserved. Plus, while he was getting the gift and she the drinks, she'll run and get his gift, too.
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Erik Lenoir
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Post by Erik Lenoir on Jan 3, 2013 23:29:55 GMT -5
Erik had hidden the gift in the sitting room; that is why he was so adamant that they come to this particular sitting room. It had a small Christmas tree on a table and he had hidden the gift behind the settee. He picked it up and placed it under the tree when Ana was not looking.
"I think I shall stay here and warm up. You may bring me hot chocolate, my dear." He winked at her. He truly was cold and the warm fire was wonderful.
Then he became more serious. "I truly enjoyed the sleigh ride. Odd how I had found the bells so mysteriously. I have never owned a set of sleigh bells. Never in my life. So odd to find them there in my trunk. And it was lovely out there in the snow and cold. I have never in my life enjoyed the snow or cold. But this was a new experience. Of course the new warm coat helped. "He laughed. Go ahead if you wish and bring us some hot chocolate. I hope you don't mind if I don't go with you. I am very cold..... and the fire is so warm. "
There were two large windows in the room on either side of the fireplace and Erik walked over to one of them and saw that it was snowing again. He could never convince himself that he liked it, but he did admit that it was pretty...
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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 Jan 4, 2013 0:28:10 GMT -5
Nodding where she stood not too far from the settee but not too close either. A pleasant look upon her face, cheeks now rosy red from the clash of being cold while outside and now she was inside where it was warm. Almost looking too hot now but she was not. Not noticing Lenoir's movement as she smoothed out her chestnut hair from being a frizzed mess after taking off the hat a moment ago as she moved towards the door. When she reached the door, she twisted around slightly to smile back at him. He was such a sweet heart; that both delighted her and bothered her. After all, he was forbidden to love, right? She deemed it that way. His heart was with someone else. And even if he wasn't loving another, he still could not take to her. She was different and modern and expected more than just locked away in this Manor. What a life would that be? Poor Lenoir. Having him as a dear friend was smarter... and safer. So she kept telling herself. "Alright. Hot Chocolate it is." She began to open the door and was about to leave when he continued. She turned to look at him and listened. That was one thing she promised she would always do... and that was to listen to him. "The bells were the perfect touch. A very nice surprise." Smiling back at Lenoir as she held the door, somewhat leaning upon the edge of it. Looking like she was thinking, and she was. "There's always a reason for something," is all she said and his little mystery of the bells began to make her curious. Christmas magic is all she could think of and smiled at a thought of the movie 'Polar Express'. Perhaps they were magical sort of bells but that would be silly, wouldn't it? Either way, they were such a wonderful little touch to make a sleigh ride all the more enjoyable. One of those life's little moments. Poor Lenoir. He was cold? She blinked while gazing back at him. No doubt he would warm up in here. A hot drink, a blanket, the fire place, or even a cuddle would warm a cold body. All but the last part she deemed possible. At least she would conjure up some delicious treat to warm him. He deserved that much since she took him on the snowy excursion. He sure was such a smooth and suave man. Never in a million years would she have thought this possible that the Phantom was so real. Over and over again she was amazed and beside herself. This was like a dream. A warm smile and smooth voice, "Then you stay here. Relax and warm up. I will be right back with hot drinks. I shan't be long." And left the room. Biting her lip as she moved down the hall towards the kitchen but diverted and went elsewhere. First of all, she raced to her suite to get his "gift" - it was more a bundle gift - and brought it down to silently set it right outside the door to the sitting room, hoping he didn't hear her. Then she made quick for the Kitchen to whip up a couple of big cups of creamy hot chocolate. It didn't take long to make the creamy dreamy libations as she placed the two cups on a tray with two peppermint sticks and a bowl of marshmellows. With tray in hand she left the kitchen and strode back to the Sitting Room that she left Lenoir at. With her usual pleasant visage, she held the tray skillfully balanced in the right hand as she dipped down to carefully picked up the gift bundle by the ribbons.She managed to open the door and rotate while entering the room with full hands as though it were a choreographed dance done a hundred times. Seeing him by one of the large windows was quite the surreal sight; at least to her it was. Grinning warmly from ear to ear as she mastered the tray and the fair sized bundle gift in her hands, waltzing over to one of the tables to set the tray down first before she shuffled to lean over the settee setting the gift bundle - three stacked boxes of different sizes with a couple of big red and green bows trimmed in gold - down upon the plush cushions. Grinning still, "Merry Christmas, Erik Lenoir." She didn't know if he had many Christmases or at least a gift from someone, but she would hope that perhaps this could make up for those lonely years. Nothing's worse than being lonely around the Holidays. No one deserved that. She looked excited and it showed. Leaning upon the back of the settee, her arms across the back propped upon her arms, almost looking halfway to being horizontal. Hands together and fingers intertwined with most of her hair now having shifted forward around and over her shoulders with only a thick lock nestled down upon her back. Waiting to see his reaction to what she got him. Hoping to dear God he enjoyed them. "So who will go first, and don't say 'ladies first'!" She joked warmly with a grin, hearing the crackle of the fire glancing at it then back at him. Pulling something out from the pocket of her denims and setting it beside the gift bundle, a little candy striped box. In other words, she wanted him to go first! In the top box, was an ebony cufflinks chest with many cufflinks in them: The middle box, larger than the top box, had these within it: fine cotton tuxedo gloves a silver paisley tuxedo vest with matching bow tie and pocket kercheif a bejeweled watch a goldish metal quill-like nib The third, larger box contained: a mahogany music player with several brass metal discs songs that each disc plays - God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, Twelve Days of Christmas, Silent Night, Joy To The World, Hark! The Herald Angels Sing, We Wish You A Merry Christmas, Jingle Bells, The First Noel, O Little Town Of Bethlehem, Deck The Halls, Music Of The Night (special black disc), All I Ask Of You, Beethoven's Symphony no. 9, The Emperor Waltz by Strauss, Blue Danube Waltz by Strauss, Moonlight Sonata, Swanee River, Oh Suzanna, Nocturne no. 2 by Chopin, The Entertainer, Take Me Out To The Ballgame, The Impossible Dream, Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head, Born Free, Chariots Of Fire, Wind Beneath My Wings, Getting To Know You (from King and I), America The Beautiful, and My Heart Will Go On (from Titanic) In the little candy striped box with this in it
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Erik Lenoir
Hide your face, so the world will never find you...
Hide your face so the world will never find you...
Posts: 1,241
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Post by Erik Lenoir on Jan 5, 2013 14:10:56 GMT -5
While Ana was out of the room, Erik picked up another package wrapped brightly, this one in green shiny paper tied with a red shiny elastic type ribbon. He went back to gazing out of the window. Then Ana returned and brought in not only hot chocolate with a peppermint stick and marshmallows for both of them, but several packages of gifts. When Erik saw all the gifts, he frowned.Could they all be for him? He only had two gifts for her. He felt slightly uncomfortable now. But he didn't say anything, not wanting to make her ill at ease. He was rather looking forward to getting gifts, for this was really the first Christmas in many years that anyone had even given him a gift. And he had never had the chance to give anyone else a gift either, outside of the lovely tings he had bought Christine for the wedding that never was. Erik opened the first gift that Ana handed to him. It was a cuff link jewellery box in black, with a tassell, which certainly would have been enough, but she had filled it with 22 sets of cufflinks, all looking very expensive. "What's this?" Erik laughed, half in embarrassment, and half in delight with Ana's gift. "Now I shall have enough cuff links to wear a different one nearly every day for a month! They seem quite expensive, Ana...are you sure you can afford this?" Then Erik opened the next gift, a larger box, and it contained several varied things, the first of which was three fine pairs of tuxedo gloves, one white, one black and one grey. He glanced at her and smiled. "This is very lovely, Ana. I feel like a child at my first Christmas." Indeed Erik had never gotten such fine gifts. Most of the things he had, he had purchased himself. Also in the box was a silver paisley-on-black waistcoat, in just the correct size. A matching bow tie and pocket kerchief were included. Erik was almost getting choked up with the thought that she liked him well enough to give him such things. "Thank you my dear, this is beautiful. And I expect it will fit perfeectly. However did you guess the correct size?" In Erik's time, before the days of off-the-rack sized clothing, fine clothing was taylor made and measured and fitted especially for each person. Erik found the next gift, also in the same box, a beautiful gold pocket watch. "My dear, are you sure you can afford this? Or did you and Miss Lucinda go on a bit of a bank robbing spree?" He winked at her and grinned. The next gift was a gold quill pen, with a metal nib and ink. "I shall enjoy writing my music with this pen, my dear." The next gift, when opened, contained a beautiful wooden music player. It consistted of metal discs which played many selections. Some were Christmas songs, some waltzes and classical pieces, several were some more modern music that Erik did not recognize, including some American music. "I am looking forward to many enjoyable hours listening to this unusual music box. I have never quite seen the like." He looked at it closer." It runs on the principal of a music box. Thank you very much, my dear." The last box was small, with a striped top. Upon opening it, it said, "I believe" and there was a small gold article with a string attached. Erik looked at it puzzled. He smiled and said, "I am not sure what this is..." Then he said, "I hope you will like what I got you, although I have not been as extravagant as you have been." The first gift was a handpainted shawl/scarf with fringe that could be worn in several different ways. It was the one wrapped with geen shiny paper and tied with a red elastic ribbon. (two different views: Handpainted shawl/scarf with fringe that can be worn in several different ways. Wrapped in geen shiny paper and tied with a red elastic ribbon.) (Music box that plays selections from the Nutcracker Suite: March of the Toy Soldiers, March of the Flowers, Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy. It is a 72 note Swiss Ruege music box. Erik was a bit extravagant in purchasing this item for over 20.000 francs or appx. $4,000 in American money)[/i][/color] "I hope you are half as pleased with these gifts as I am with yours." He looked at her, wondering if it would be all right. "Ana, I would like to thank you with a kiss. Would that be acceptable?"
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