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 Jul 17, 2012 1:06:44 GMT -5
Erik awoke early one morning, long before the birds would have been singing outside. It would have been dark outside. Erik hadn't been able to sleep, many of the things concerning the mansion upsetting him. He washed and dressed and attached his hairpiece and put on his mask. It was summer and he didn't need it, but he put on his hat and cape. They helped him melt into the shadows, becoming almost invisible.
Before he left the lair, he made sure all the multicoloured candles that were everywhere were still burning. There were candles on the cave floor, on his organ, all along the cave walls. Huge strange statue-like black iron chandeliers held many candles.
After taking care of the candles, Erik strode to the edge of the lake and as he came upon the gondola and was about to board it, he realized that there was something, or rather someone... already in the boat. He frowned. It was a young woman, small and brown haired. She was curled up in his gondola! An odd thing because Erik's gondola was on his side of the lake. There was no way she could have come across the lake without a boat unless she swam or waded and then she would have been wet. So how had she arrived on this side of the lake? And the boat had not left its place either on this side of the lake. When anyone wanted to speak to or visit Erik, they had to shout across the lake. A strange system, but it kept unwanted visitors away.
The young woman was obviously sleeping. He watched her for a moment. She was a very pretty thing, but yet, what was she doing here? He lit the lantern at the prow of the boat. Then Erik knelt down and touched the young woman's arm. "Mademoiselle, how is it that you are in my gondola?"
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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 Jul 17, 2012 8:39:37 GMT -5
It wasn't a typical day for the maid of the manor. In fact, it wasn't a typical week. Some strange man had made a bargain with the Devil Himself to bring her back to her human form for one week. She didn't know this terrible deal was going on and there was nothing she could do to stop it.
She felt weak and tired, not her usual self. She felt...... Cold? A light breeze fluttered over her skin but she didn't move, brushing it off as merely her imagination. This didn't feel right. What was going on? Forcing her eyes open, she suddenly felt something on her arm. It was hot! Like fire! She instantly sat up and pulled her arm away in shock, her eyes wide like those of a frightened deer.
It was a man? Maybe he knows what happened; why else would she be here? "W-Where am I?" She asked, looking around at the black, glassy lake and the dark shore before her. "I'm supposed to be in the manor- Ahh!" She tried to stand up but her legs were still weak and she stumbled out of the gondola before falling into a small heap on the ground. A pale hand shot up to shield her eyes from the burning light. Even after being a ghost for so long, she still was not used to the darkness.
"I don't understand," Her voice was soft and trembling. "I'm supposed to be dead, a ghost... Why am I alive??" The woman's eyes quickly looked up at the man who had touched her. This was wrong, this was all wrong! Perhaps this man could answer her questions. Everything felt so... So intense now that she was human again. Sounds seemed louder, touch was hotter or cooler depending upon the object or person, lights seemed much brighter and the darkness pitch black. It was so overwhelming to the point that she wished to be dead again.
Adina reached out to grab the man's cape, her entire body trembling. "Please, you must help me, sir. I'm afraid something terrible has happened. I'm a ghost, a bloody ghost! D-Did you do this to me? Did you?!" She was becoming desperate, hot tears streaming down her face as her lips trembled. All she wanted was answers, nothing more.
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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 Jul 17, 2012 18:18:44 GMT -5
When Erik touched her arm gently, the young woman asleep in his gondola sat up instantly, pulling her arm away from him as if touching a lit match. Her eyes were full of fear. Erik wasn't surprised. It was rather a normal reaction for someone meeting him for the first time, especially in such an abrupt manner as this.
"You are supposed to be in the manor?" asked Erik, pulling back a bit so as not to frighten her. "Why you are in the manor. You're in my place...this is where I live...and it's inside the manor." The young woman seemed to be very sensitive to light and touch." She tried to stand in the gondola, but almost lost her balance. Erik tried to take her hand tto guide her from the boat, but she stumbled out herself, ignoring his proffered hand. She collapsed on the ground.
Then the young woman began to speak of strange things, and yet, because Erik was used to the odd ways of the manor, perhaps not so strange. He was interested to find out who she was, but more than that, she needed to rest somewhere. She pulled on his cape and insisted that she was a ghost and asked for his help. "Mademoiselle, may I touch you so as ot carry you to the chaise lounge upon which you can rest? You seem to be in some sort of state. Perhaps I can offer you some tea..." Erik's voice was soft and soothing, almost musical, for he didn't wish to frighten her.
She began to cry, her tears staining her face. Again Erik asked, "May I carry you to the chaise lounge. Perhaps you would tell me more about this terrible event..."
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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 Jul 17, 2012 20:32:09 GMT -5
The poor, confused woman looked up at Erik with a slightly calmer composure. Her eyes still betrayed a hint of fear as she tried to comprehend where she was... She was in the manor? Then how come she had never known about this place? It was.... Beautiful and yet frightening at the same time.
"This-..." She was utterly shocked, almost unable to speak. "This is part of the manor? Oh gods, I feel like I might swoon." But she was already kneeling on the ground yet her head was spinning like a runaway carousal. She closed her eyes and inhaled deeply, trying to calm her mind and clear her thoughts.
At the man's soothing words, Adina looked up at him and drew back a little... No man had ever touched her, aside from her awful father. Any touch terrified her and made her very uneasy. But somehow she stopped herself and relaxed around this masked gentleman. He gave a very calming and composed demeanor around her. Reaching out a hand, she nodded in acceptance. "Yes. You may, sir..." A small smile tugged at her lips. "Tea would be lovely... Adina Gillespie, sir, maid of the manor. And who might you be, if I may be so bold as to ask?"
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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 Jul 17, 2012 21:20:53 GMT -5
"Strange as it may seem, yes, this is a part of the manor. Everyone here has a suite or rooms or in my case, a labyrinth. Some of us have larger quarters, based on how and where we lived before," he said in way of explanation, although he knew that the Eriks all had their lairs and most of them were very large. They seemed to be the luckiest residents of the manor as far as places to live were concerned. "It's completely inside the mansion, my dear, as well as the opera house. Have you seen it? A full sized opera house..."
The young woman took a good look at Erik and drew back a bit. His ugly face had always been a drawback to any kind of relationship, even most friendships, for people were afraid of him because of his looks. And that was even with the mask on...without it....well, he never took it off for anyone. His face was just too frightening. But then she relaxed a bit, reached out to him and allowed herself to be carried to Erik's chaise lounge. He placed her gently on the chaise and then paused when she accepted his offer of tea. She then gave her name, Adina Gillespie and said that she was a "maid of the manor." And she asked his name.
"I am called Erik Lenoir, late of Paris. I am an architect by profession and a composer." He bowed and took her hand carefully, so as not to frighten her, and kissed it. His knew his hand was cold. "Let me prepare us some tea, Mademoiselle Gillespie."
Erik went to his kitchen and getting water from the kitchen pump, he put the kettle over the fireplace wo boil. He preparerd a herbal tea and when the water had boiled, he brought the tea pot and two cups and saucers and placed them on a small table near the chaise lounge. He pulled over a chair near to Adina and put tea balls with the mixture into the cups, pouring the hot water over them.
"Here you are my dear," he said, handiing her one of the cups. "It's a herbal mixture of my own making. I believe it will make you feel well in a short time." He smiled again and sipped at his tea. His two different coloured eyes regarded her with interest. "I have a couple of questions for you too, Miss Gillespie. You say you are a maid of the manor. Exactly what do you mean by that? And secondly, it appears by what you have said that you know a bit about the manor, although you have never seen my home. Then how is it that I found you in my gondola on my side of the lake just now? If one were to visit me, the only way in is by the lake, either a boat to cross it, or by swimming. Since you are not wet, I conclude that you did not swim." He paused, a smile playing at the end of his strange thick lips . "I am not angry of course, just curious as to how you accomplished such a feat."
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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 Jul 17, 2012 23:13:56 GMT -5
This was all hard for her to comprehend... This... Was part of the manor? But how? She had explored most of the manor when she was a-.. Well, previously alive. But she had never found such a place before. It was so strange, yet beautiful. But wait-. There were MORE lairs? More places like this very one? But how was that possible? Her eyes widened as Erik explained the opera house. An opera house! A real opera house!! Oh, how she loved music and the theater. She had never seen an opera before and would love to see one soon. It had always been her dream to sing, just one song. But she never had the courage to do so.
Adina shook her head and lowered her eyes. "If you think I drew back because of your face, I did not... I only drew back because I was afraid of your touch. My father was a terrible man who would whip me senseless, some times for no particular reason. He died when I was 5 years old and then I was placed here to work because I was an orphan..." Her voice faded and she twirled a strand of hair between her nimble fingers. She was beginning to feel uncomfortable with the subject and wanted to change it.
The woman blushed lightly as the man took her hand and kissed it. S-Such a gentleman, she thought, surprised at how courteous he was. Adina gave Erik a curtsy and bowed her head a little. "A pleasure to make your acquaintance, Monsieur Lenoir." She watched as he went to make the tea... Her mouth began to water and she licked her lips. Nothing would make her happier than a nice warm cup of tea and such kind company.
She took the cup from Erik and smiled. "Thank-you," She said, taking a sip of the delicious mixture. She paused to listen to his questions and nodded in thought. "I work in the manor. I clean, work in the gardens, and watch over the other staff to keep them in order..." She stopped.
How DID she get into the gondola? She shook her head and began to play with the now empty tea cup. "I-...." She stopped her brow furrowing slightly in thought. "I'm not sure... The last thing I remember is that I was talking with this frightening man... Dalimar, he name was. He kept talking about his 'master' and then... The next think I knew, I was in your gondola." The cup began to tremble in her hands. "Do forgive me. I wish I could remember more but my mind is rather hazy."
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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 Jul 21, 2012 11:25:19 GMT -5
Erik saw her surprise when he mentioned the opera house. "Yes indeed it is a lovely opera house. It seems incredible that this mansion could hold so many things...a full sized opera house being one of them. I have come to the conclusion that for this house there is no rational explanation. There is an explanation, I am sure, but not an explanation that one could come to by logical means. And don't let that confuse you. It is of little consequence at this point." What he didn't say is that he wanted to find out as much as possible ahout the place in order to find a way to leave. It appeared to be much harder to leave than he had thought at first.
"I am so sorry to hear that your earlier life was not good, but rest assured I shall never hurt you." He didn't want to continue on that subject as he thought Adina looked unhappy speaking about it.
Adina then told him what her duties were as the maid of the manor. "You watch over the other staff?" Erik said, raising his visible eyebrow. "How many are on the staff? I have not met them and ... perhaps they would help me with the refurbishing and cleaning of the opera house. It was quite the filthy place when I first arrived. It has been cleaned somewhat, at least the cobwebs and dust are gone and the carpeting has been swept. But there are so many things to be done and many of the other residents of the manor do not wish to help with the refurbishing part, although they would like ot participate in any productions we may hold after the work is finished. Would the staff be amenable to helping? There are many things to be done. The stage curtains and those in the boxes need to be remade. I need a carpenter to work on the stage and fix the other woodwork where is is shabby and then go over all the wood meticulously. The audience seats need to be recovered and the lights replaced. The chandelier needs work also. And much more that I haven't had time to inspect."
"And I must compliment you on your work in the garden. I know only one other person who has been working there and I cannot imagine that she has done it all alone. It looks beautiful, not like the tangled mess it was when I arrived."
Then she mantioned Dalimar. Erik looked puzzled. "I have not heard of anyone by that name. But then you woke up in my gondola? Don't be concerned that you have no memory of this...I believe it is much the same for all of the rest of us. The only thing different about it, is that you say you were here in the mansion before you awoke again in a strange place at which you had arrived not by your own volition or knowledge."
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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 Jul 21, 2012 15:26:42 GMT -5
A warm smile grew on Adina's face, her heart swelling happily as she began to feel a bit stronger now. She continued to listen... Yes, he was right. It wasn't until after she was murdered that she came to realize that this manor was not without its unusual and almost supernatural qualities. It scared her even now that she was back in her old body. Things were still difficult and painful but she was getting used to walking again and moving her weary muscles. Still, she wondered how long she was going to be 'alive'. A day? A month? It was all frightening and yet so wonderful to be among the living again.
She lowered her head and set down the cup, gently running her finger over the edge of the fine china. "It is alright, Monsieur Lenoir. You did not know of my past." She bit her lower lip and tried to think of something better to discuss.
"Oh..." She just realized: where were the rest of the staff?? Had they all left after she had died? Did they no longer work at the manor? Her heart sank again as she dropped her eyes to the floor. "I do not know... I have not seen anyone else since I woke up as a ghost. Many years must have passed before I started to haunt the manor." She tried to stop her tears... All the women who had helped her as a young servant to develop into the head maid she was now, all gone. She had no one now. No one at all.
"I could help with more of the gardening and the sewing of the curtains." She chimed, suddenly happier now that she was feeling useful. "I taught myself to sew and did all the work on the curtains before I was a ghost. It would be an honor to help again. I do not know of any carpenters and I am not skilled in that area of work. But I am willing to do what I can to help, Monsieur." She was happy! So very happy and proud that he liked the work in the gardens. There was still much more to do but it would take time.
"You-... Do do not know him?" Perhaps it was a good thing that Erik didn't know about Charles. He was, after all, the madman who tried to retrieve her life-force from her ghost body to feed his Master! What sort of man would DO that to a person? A monster, that's what! "A-As I said, everything is still cloudy in my mind. I only remember bits and pieces of things. I was in the manor... In the basement! That's where I was! But then I must have fainted and then woke up here."
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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 Jul 21, 2012 17:11:50 GMT -5
Erik noticed that Adina seemed a bit revived after the tea. "Would you care for anything to eat, my dear? It would be a pleasure."
When Erik asked about the rest of the staff, Adina didn't seem to know the answer. She said that many years must have passed since she had come to the mansion as a spectre. She started to cry and Erik offered her his large white handkerchief. It seemed that she was thinking that the staff she had worked with were dead, and they had not come here as ghosts. At least that's what it seemed.
When she said she had originally done the work on the curtains, Erik smiled. "Then I would be glad of your help with that part of the project. I am delighted to find the original seamstress. You can tell that the workmanship was excellent. I will need to procure some material in the village though, unless there is something stored here. I am sure it would be too old to be of any use though, if it were."
"And the gardening....the Vicomtess, Emilie de Chagny, has been working in the gardens. You might look her up to see what else she needs to be done. I am sure she would be delighted to have help. It's quite a big project." Erik paused and frowned. Although, I have not seen the Vicomtess in a while..."
When Adina mentioned that she had fainted and then awakened in the gondola, Erik nodded. "Interesting. It will be fascinating to find out who it is that has taken us captive."
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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 Jul 26, 2012 21:29:44 GMT -5
The maid took the handkerchief and tried to give a feeble smile, but the pain in her heart was too much to bear. "I thank you for the kindness you have shown me, monsieur. How can I ever repay you?"
She tried hard to focus on Erik's words about working on the curtains and obtaining materials for other projects around the opera house. It made her heart feel a bit lighter and put a tinge of blush upon her cheeks. He was very nice, quite the gentleman... unlike most of the men she had the misfortune to meet in the manor. "You flatter me, monsieur," She managed, looking away and out upon the lake.
"The Vicomtess??" Adina's eyes widened. She had met her previously when she was a ghost, out in the gardens. "She-... She is missing?" A pang tore at her heart. One of the few people who had shown her any shred of kindness was now gone! How could this be?! But then Erik said something... "Captive?" She repeated. "You are being held captive too?"
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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 Jul 28, 2012 12:43:07 GMT -5
Erik smiled at the maid, with a twinkle in his eye. "If you really wish to repay me, you will help me by repairing those curtains. I have not as yet obtained the materials for them...in fact I fear that the curtains are unrepairable. You most likely will have to make completely new curtains."
Then Erik grew thoughtful and quiet for a moment. "Do you know of King William Leverich? He is a spectre claiming to be the son of the fellow who built the opera house here in the mansion. Have you heard of such a man? If you were the original seamstress for the curtains, then his family must have emplyed you. Unless....unless he is lying about that also..."
When she seemed sad and near tears, Erik longed to comfort her. He offered his hand to take hers. He felt protective toward most women, unless they were proud and arrogant toward him. He could see that she felt some strangeness in a friendship with him, considering that she was a servant and he, a man who in other circumstances would have employed servants himself. Class had never been important to Erik. How could it be? He was not accepted by most people anywhere. In fact, since coming to the mansion, he had actually made some friends, or at least friendly acquaintances, which would have been impossible before. However he had also made some powerful enemies... Adina looked amazed when Erik mentioned that he, too was a prisoner at the mansion. "Yes, my dear, I am being held here against my will. It has now been almost eight months and I have not been able to find a way to leave this place. Not that it isn't pleasant. I might even choose to stay here the rest of my life. I have a place of my own makiing, plenty to do, I am planning for the opera house to be operable again one day, I have made a few good friends. Yes, it would be a good life...if not for one thing. I did not choose it and I cannot find a way to leave. I am being held here against my will. Who would do such a thing? It seems that all of the residents of the mansion, at least that I know about, excluding the spectres, are being held this way. "
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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 Jul 29, 2012 15:34:35 GMT -5
Adina graciously took the handkerchief and wiped her eyes. She was so overwhelmed with emotion that she didn't know how to respond other than with tears. All hr friends dead, her family dead, the people she felt closest to... All dead. The maid collected herself and exhaled deeply. She looked around and quickly took Erik's hand and kissed it graciously. "Thank-you, monsieur. Thank-you so very much. You haven't an idea how overjoyed I am. I will get straight to work on the curtains!" Oh, she was overwhelmed! She was beside herself!! She felt useful again and it made her so happy!
The King? Her eyes widened... There was a king in the manor?? And a ghost, nonetheless! How did she not remember him? She had to meet this ghost, she had to find him and see if perhaps, just perhaps... He could help her to crossover!
Wait.... Lying?? Why would the king lie? Yes, she had been in his employ when she was alive but she had only heard him by name, never had she met him formally. She had to meet the King, she just HAD to!! Her life, well, afterlife depended upon it!
She was..... She was in, what was the word? Shock! There was no other way to describe what she was feeling. She needed to seek him out and try to move on from the manor. It was as if the very house was sucking out her soul, stealing away what little bit of herself there was left. And she did not want to lose her soul or her mind to this place, not now. Not ever.
So, it was true... Erik was trapped here as well... But that was not possible! Eight months?? How was it he could not find the doors to leave the place? It seemed to strange to her! Perhaps... Perhaps this very place was cut off from the manor, but that had to be impossible. She was growing dizzy again and brought a hand to her forehead. Then.... Erik said something that triggered a memory: held against his will... Was it that creature that was doing all this? She quickly looked up at Erik, her eyes wide again. "Monsieur," She said, her voice soft and serious. "Do you believe in... the devil?"
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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 Jul 29, 2012 18:11:16 GMT -5
Adina was overcome with emotion when she realized that all of herfamily, friends and acquaintances were long gone. And she was again overcome with emotion when Erik offered her the job of making new curtains. "You are getting just a bit ahead of youself my dear," he smiled. "I have not as yet purchased the material for the curtains. But soon. I shall have it soon." Adina caught his hand and kissed it reverently, as if he were a great personage. He was rather touched and delighted with her and smiled.
When Erik mentioned the King, Adina seemed puzzled and he suspected she was trying to remember if she knew the King. He expected that if her family had worked for him certainly she would remember...but perhaps it was too long ago...and perhaps memory was not always the same with ghosts, even though she had now been restored to her human body once more.
Suddenly, Adina put a hand to her forehead and looked as if she would fall into a swoon. She looked at Erik and asked, quite seriously, if he believed in the devil.
Erik paused before he answered. "My dear, I was brought up in the church. My mother read the Bible to me and I was taught about right and wrong, angels and evil spirits ....God and the devil. And yes, I still believe in all of these, although I have not been a church-goer for many years, and frankly, have done many things that put me in jeopardy of losing my own soul. So the answer to your question is yes. Why do you ask?" Erik was mystified as to why she would ask...unless there was some occult evil to this place ... he had wondered when he met Josephine, whose evil was most apparent. Could that be how they were brought here? An evil power?
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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 Jul 30, 2012 14:25:13 GMT -5
The young maid was still quite overcome by all of this. She had to calm herself in order to hear Erik's words. No material yet, what a disappointment. But she had to wait no matter what. She had no need to hurry, or so she thought. She had been brought back to life for only one reason and that reason was unknown to her. She, in fact, had been brought back to life for the lord of the manor to torment her.
Adina tried hard to remember the King and finally... "Yes! Yes, I do remember now. When I came to the manor, I met him... He was my employer before the manor was rebuilt by Charles... And Charles... He is, or was, the current owner of the manor." She wasn't sure if Erik had met Charles or not. Perhaps not if he was still trapped in this place.
"I-...." The maid shuddered, terrified of the words that were about to come out of her very mouth. "I met Him... The Devil is very much real and he is trapped in the manor along with the rest of us. This was how I was brought back to my human form. The man who owns this place is now a ghost, the one I mentioned earlier... He works for Satan. Charles brought Him to the manor but for what reason, I do not know..." She didn't want to go on, her mind filled with terrifying memories of when Charles nearly lopped off her hand! That madman had nearly amputated her in order to feed his Master!! The monster!! The vile thing!!!
Adina gasped and couldn't take the horrific memories any longer... She fainted and crumpled in a heap upon the floor.
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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 Jul 31, 2012 18:49:52 GMT -5
The poor young girl seemed very upset. Erik didn't know what she was thinking of, but she appeared to be remembering something unpleasant."
Erik interjected some information: "And as to the material for drapes, I shall have it soon. I plan another trip to the village to purchase said material and some other things for the opera house renovation."
Then she suddenly said she remembered the King, who had been her employer. She mentioned that Charles was the last owner of the mansion. Erik looked surprised. "Then Charles must he the fellow that Roselin and the other village children saw..." He stopped to explain. "Roselin Soulle, a girl from the vilaage. She seems to know a lot more about me and the other residents of the manor. How she comes by this knowledge, I don't know, but she mentioned that she and perhaps some of her friends from the village came to the mansion when he was alive. She said she saw the owner. But she did not call him by name."
Erik looked pensive. "Another odd thing. Roselin and I went to find her a room in which she could stay while she is my guest in the manor. I was expecting her to stay for several nights. She and I went to the dormitories, thinking there may be a vacant room. But instead, there was a room with her name on it, furnished in the style of a girl of her age and of this futuristic time in which we appear to be stranded. I would say, from that evidence, that Roselin is a prisoner, just as we are."
The maid looked frightened and said that Charles was working for the devil. Erik was shocked! Could that be true? The thoughts of this "vile thing" as she called it upset her terribly and She fainted and crumpled upon the floor.
Erik picked her up and carried her carefully to his settee and ran for the smelling salts. The pungent odor under her nose would surely wake her...Erik hoped...
The thoughts that ran through Erik's mind were not pleasant ones. Being kept here by evil spectres ...not a pleasant thought. Erik had not thought greatly about it before, but the memories of his childhood moral lessons came back and he shuddered. He had done much evil in his life. What chance would Erik have to escape Charles and his master's evil clutches?
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