Another New Face Every Day...(E.Revenant)

[Erik Lenoir]

Erik looked out the window when he left the lift that brought him up from his lair. It was a gloomy and rainy day. Thunder could be heard in the distance and a fine mist was covering the windows. Erik was obsessed about the clocks in the mansion. They never seemed to have the correct time. He had fixed several clocks and he set most of the others on a daily basis. At least it kept him busy. That and the opera house refurbishment project. He had just gone to the village and returned with some items for the project, but more importantly, he had engaged some workmen who would be doing most of the work for them. They would make new curtains and carpeting would be put down. The seats would be reupholstered and a new beautiful crystal chandelier would be installed....one that was electrified. Erik was happy at the progress he had made. None of the residents had wanted to help with this project, so he found he had to do it almost single handedly, that is with the help of only a few people.

He was on his way to look at a long case clock he had seen in one of the front parlours and it looked like it was missing a weight. It wasn't chiming any more. He turned the corner to see a tall man walking in front of him, Quite tall, Erik thought, much over six feet but he slouched a bit. He seemed quite slender and had dark, probably black hair. This was someone he had never seen before at the mansion. Another newcomer....would there ever be an end to the influx of strange people? Some deformed like himself and some delightful, like many of the women and some just plain strange.

The tall man seemed to be going in the same general direction as Erik, so he hailed him. "I say, Monsieur, are you going in my direction? I don't think we've met as yet..."

[Erik Revenant]

Well, he he was again, wandering the same hall as last time. Or... had he turned? He couldn't recall if he had or not. This place confounded him beyond comprehension. The noises from various rooms was still an issue... given as he could hear people and he didn't want to be near people at all. Why wasn't this place like the opera house so he could just disappear easily? At least he hadn't been spotted by anyone else besides the ghost and the little boy. Honestly, he'd already sort of forgotten their names. Not that it mattered anyway, he'd be trying not to run into them ever again during his stay here. What he was looking for was a way back. There had to be a way, right? Just anything to get back to his home.

He'd been so lost in thought about getting back home that he hadn't even noticed the shorter masked man up until the moment he spoke to him. Oh no... not another person. Revenant cringed visibly, not even bothering to hide that he hadn't wanted to be caught out here unawares by someone. Maybe there was still hope of escape? he looked around momentarily, just for a doorway or something that he could pop into and pretend that's where he was going all along. No such luck. Of course not, though. He wasn't the luckiest man about. So, he supposed he had to be polite... or, at least, somewhat polite.

"I-I don't really know... What's in that direction?" Perhaps, he could just get enough information to figure out if he was even going the correct direction to find a place to hide away. If there were places with more people that way, he certainly didn't want to go there.

[Erik Lenoir]

When the tall man with the slouch turned around, Erik could see that he had a white mask on the right side of his face. It was the same side on which Erik wore his mask. Odd. Now he was the third person here with that sort of mask...

But Erik smiled and looked pleasantly at the taller man. He looked rather young, perhaps in his twenties. He looked as if he had his own hair too, not a hairpiece. He felt a twinge of jealousy. Erik suspected that the fellow was a newcomer since Erik knew most of the people at the manor, if not by name at least in passing. "So, you've just arrived, am I correct?"

The man asked what was down the hall. "Oh various rooms. I am gong to one of the front parlours...this one...." Erik pointed to a set of carved wooden doors quite near them. "There's a clock that needs attention. Why don't you come with me and tell me where you are going...perhaps I can show you where you need to go." He held the door open for the tall man. "By the way," Erik said, tapping his left index finger on the large nose of his mask, as he thought of something,"have you found your suite yet?"

Erik knew that all the disfigured Phantoms had a lair as it was termed. He hated that term because it sounded like they were designating the Eriks as animals ready to spring from their lairs to attack someone up above. It certainly wasn't like that, but some thought so. However Erik always deemed the lairs...homes, quarters, suites and the like. "You know, there is a place for all of us here. A designated area we can call our own. It's actually quite lovely."

He thought perhaps the man didn't wish to talk. But he would never get anywhere unless he asked a few questions. Erik let the door close again and didn't go in. Instead he motioned with a dramatic gesture for the man to come in the direction Erik had originally come from, the area of the lairs. He could show him to his home. Perhaps he was a solitary fellow who just liked to be home.

"Sorry, I haven't introduced myself, Monsieur. I am called Erik Lenoir, late of Paris. And you?" Erik held out his hand to the tall newcomer.

[Erik Revenant]

For the longest time, Revenant didn't even speak, he just stood there, staring at the ground and listening, despite the fact that he didn't want to be there at all. He certainly didn't answer the question about just arriving here, as the man seemed well aware that he, Revenant, hadn't been here all that long. It was when the topic of a 'suite' came up that he finally seemed to show some sort of interest in the conversation. A place for him to be? Despite the fact that he's happy to have someplace of his own to go, he can't help be a little skeptical. He hadn't known he was coming here, how would anyone else know in order to make a place for him? This was strange. Very very strange. He didn't like it, no, not at all. "I... haven't found it." While speaking, he still didn't make eye contact with the shorter man.

The introduction didn't mean much to him, as he suspected he probably wouldn't see or remember this man after this encounter was over anyway. Then came that question that he didn't want to answer at all. Was it really even necessary for people to know his name? They wouldn't be seeing him at all, if he was lucky... However, he eventually broke down and mumbled "Erik Revenant." Was he supposed to say where he was from? Oh well, if he was supposed to, this other ma- ...Erik Lenoir... would prompt him, right? While his mental ramblings went on, he'd completely missed seeing that hand. It was only after he'd come up out of all those questions that he saw that and stopped, peering down at it. That was a custom he wouldn't bend to. No. Certainly not. Or, maybe... He briefly unclenched his hand and looked as though he might just shake the other ma- ...Erik Lenoir's... hand. But, he just couldn't bring himself to do it. Instead, he awkwardly retracted his hand and put it back at his side.

[Erik Lenoir]

Erik was getting slightly impatient. The man was not answering, just standing there and looking uncomfortable. He wished the fellow would tell him where he wanted to go and Erik could direct him or take him there and that would be the end of it. But Erik tried not to show his impatience. He waited for the man to say something. Erik probably should have ignored the man when he saw him walking ahead of him, but he looked rather lost and the mansion was a confusing place.

Finally he showed a bit of interest when Erik spoke of the suites that were prepared for all of them. "Yes, indeed, whoever brought us here has provided each of us with a suite of rooms that is well suited to our particular taste." Erik didn't go into the what, why, how and who of the situation, for he thought the poor fellow looked somewhat overwhemed by the situation already. Erik couldn't make eye contact with him. He finally spoke his name as Erik Revenant although he said it a bit indistinctly. He ignored Erik's proffered hand at first, as if it were not there. Then he looked indecisive as if he were going to shake it. Then he withdrew it and put it at his side. Erik withdrew his as well. Perhaps the man didn't like contact of any type. Revenant was certainly not talkative, but he seemed caught up in his own thoughts.

Erik was getting slightly annoyed. The man didn't seem to be purposely trying to annoy him, but it was so hard to get a word out of him. Erik decided to get the man to his lair and then be done with it. Although he probably should ask if he had been shown the dining room. But that could wait. "Monsieur Revenant, why don't I show you the area that in which you will be living?"

Of course Erik knew this man would be another Erik. He had gotten used to all the masked men being named Erik. and having lairs, which were much larger living quarters than any of the others had. However, the other residents had rather extensive suites as well.

"Please follow me, Monsieur." Erik watched Revenant to see if he would follow him to the lift.

[Erik Revenant]

This whole encounter was unbearably uncomfortable for him. First there was the talking and then the offered contact. Even just a handshake... No, Revenant didn't want that at all. His hands stayed firmly at his sides now and he remained a good distance away so Erik Lenoir wouldn't touch him. Contact was to be avoided at all costs. However, Revenant was interested in seeing this "suite" as the other Erik called it. What sort of place was it? Was it a singular room? It wouldn't matter if it was, just so long as it was his singular room to hide in.

"I would like that." He spoke very quietly and just nodded slowly, his amber eyes remaining on the floor. He didn't want to make eye contact. It just... it was intimidating. There was too much to try to understand while making eye contact. All those movements that an eye made and emotions that he just couldn't make himself understand. It was easier to look at the ground. To him, the use of eye contact was like a violating personal contact. He didn't like it at all and it made him unbearably uncomfortable. Fortunately, there was always another direction to look to avoid eye contact. His direction just happened to be down towards the floor.

When the other Erik said to follow him, Revenant nodded his assent. Of course, there was an inkling of suspicion in him at this seemingly kind gesture. But he was desperate enough to follow if there was a possibility of him finding a place to stay on his own. Then he could hide away and not come out and have to worry about people seeing him anymore. There wouldn't be eyes prying or unexpected souds to startle him... He could rebuild his routine there and not have to worry about others spoiling it. So he waited for the other Erik to move. He would most certainly follow.

[Erik Lenoir]

Revenant seemed to be interested in finding his lair, or as Erik put it, his suite. He had seen only two other Phantom's lairs, besides his own, but those men had both seemed well satisfied with the places that had been prepared for them, as Erik was himself. Perhaps it wasn't home, but it was almost home. If it weren't for some of the bizarre things he had heard that the ghosts were doing, Erik would be quite satisfied to stay here indefinitely.

This man was the quietest and possibly most introspective person Erik had yet met in the mansion. It seemed hard to get and keep his attention. "Yes, follow me, please," said Erik, his impatience almost overwhelming him. However, he simply walked at a slow pace ahead of the man and let him follow. Erik pointed out that they were going to make another turn and which way that would be. When they finally reached the lift, Erik wondered if Revenant had ever seen one before. Erik had of course heard of them before coming to the mansion, but had never ridden in one. He hoped Revenant would not become upset riding in it. Erik decided, much as the man seemed to dislike talk, that a bit of explaining may calm him.

As they approached the strange looking metallic door, Erik said, "This is the lift. It takes all of us who are named Erik to our homes. Each one of us has his own storey in the mansion. That of course, may seem strange to you, but you will understand once you see it." Erik pushed a button on the wall next to the door. The button lit up immediately and in a moment there was an audible ding. The doors opened seemingly by themselves and Erik put his arm at the place where the door had gone into the wall like a pocket door. "It's safe, Revenant. Please step in."

[Erik Revenant]

While he was following the shorter and more talkative Lenoir, he could actually raise his eyes from the floor without risk of making eye contact. He certainly preferred this to actually speaking or even just standing face to face. Since he was being led to a new area rather than having to find it himself, he was able to look around at the hallway. He could memorize how this place looked just in case, for some reason, he decided to come up from this suite that had been mentioned. It wasn’t likely that he would. In fact, it was downright unreasonable to assume he’d come out at all within the first week of being shown the way down there. He would need time to set up routines, to make sure everything was the way he needed it to be, to be sure that others weren’t going to be joining him within the suite.

Not only was he looking at the hall they were walking down, he could also now peek at Lenoir at least a little bit and actually see clearer who he was listening to. There was an impressive height difference between the two of them and certainly quite a gait difference. The shorter man was much more confident and sure in his gait, whereas he, Revenant, hadn’t stopped slouching since being found in his place. Perhaps he had been here quite a while? To be so confident in a place so filled with twists and turns. And odd people. Then again, maybe the man used his talkativeness to scare them away. Revenant could never be certain.

These metal doors were a rather unexpected thing after seeing all the heavy wooden doors everywhere else. He listened closely to what Lenoir was saying, though it made no sense whatsoever. The doors were the lift? Or was there a set of stairs behind them that were called a lift? When Lenoir pressed the button beside the doors and a light came from it. How was this possible? What sort of thing was this? Despite Lenoir being there, Revenant was about to go crouch down and inspect this new thing but then there came a noise. A noise from where? What had made the noise? He looked around, trying to figure out what sort of oddness this was. It was when the doors opened by themselves that he suspected the sound had come from them.

What was all this? This tiny room in the wall that, supposedly, was meant to take him to a suite… He didn’t understand, not at all. Where were the stairs? Why was this little room called a lift? There was no end to Revenant’s confusion as he stood there for a moment or two, not certain if he should step in or not. Perhaps there was another door somewhere inside that would lead to a set of stairs? Perhaps it was a trick to keep out those who didn’t know about the secret? Not knowing what he was getting into, he moved into the lift, peering around and trying to figure out if he was right about it being a trick. The space was no larger than a closet and Revenant was busily looking at the corners of it, trying to figure out how this room was supposed to lead him to his place to stay.

[Erik Lenoir]

"I didn't care for it at first either, Monsieur. By the way, it works by electricity." said Erik when he saw that Revenant seemed uncomfortable with the lift. He had obviously never seen one before. The doors closed leaving them alone in the lift. Erik pointed out all the names. "Every one has their own storey. Look at the names..." There were many names, among them his own and below it, one marked Erik Revenant. "This is how you will get to your suite, Monsieur." Erik pushed the button next to the name and the button lit up, the lift made a noise, jerking just a bit, and started moving down.

Erik tried again, although he wasn't sure the fellow was listening. "Monsieur, the purpose of a lift is to take a person from one storey to another without using stairs. It moves vertically in a shaft and opens to the place corresponding to the button selected. Does that make sense?" The feeling of slight weightlessness always felt odd to Erik, but to many of the residents to whom he had introduced the lift, it had almost terrified them. After a short minute of descent, the lift slowed and its brakes were applied, again, seemingly by no one.

The doors opened again and ahead of them was a corridor, leading to two large carved wooden doors. They were similar to many of the other doors in the mansion, heavy and of dark wood. "Your suite is behind those doors, Monsieur. Please lead the way. I hope you don't mind if I enter with you to see if everything is all right." That wasn't exactly the real reason he wanted to come in; Erik was simply very curious. Since each of the lairs and indeed the suites of the other residents too, seemed to be uniquely suited to the person it was intended for, Revenant should be happy with his suite. Erik's lair was an exact copy of the one he had built in Paris, five storeys below the opera house. What would Revenant's lair be like?

[Erik Revenant]

Once the doors closed, Revenant was pretty sure he’d made an awful mistake. There was no way out of this little room but that door. No other way out and certainly no connection to any stairs to lead them down. He was already pressed firmly against the back wall of this little enclosed space. It wasn’t that he minded the lack of space but he did mind that Erik Lenoir was here in that lack of space with him. He was sort of listening as the buttons were explained, although his concentration was utterly destroyed when a button was pressed and the room started to move.

Almost immediately, he was covered in sweat and his eyes were as big as saucers as the room was plummeting. Plummeting! They were both going to die! He should have never trusted this maniac of a man! He was still pressed against the back wall, really starting to get into a state of full panic and, despite the fact that half of his face was covered, the utter terror was written clear. The weightlessness was going to make him sick! Not only was he going to die, he was going to be sick and dirty, not to mention trapped with a crazy man, when it happened… And the blasted man was still talking! How could he still talk when they were going to die?! Revenant was shaking horribly and looking altogether pale and, maybe, a little green around the edges.

When the lift actually came to a stop and the doors opened up once again, he certainly wasn’t about to wait for the other man to go through first. He was through those doors before Erik Lenoir would’ve even had a chance to make it through. The solid ground beneath his feet was a blessing and he, for a moment, had to prop himself against the wall of this unfamiliar corridor just until he could stop the shaking that rattled his entire person.

[Erik Lenoir]

As the lift descended, Erik glanced at Revenant. Erik had tried not to look directly at him after the first few moments in the hallway, for he seemed to be very uncomfortable with it. But now Erik glanced at him furtively to see the effect the lift had on him. Revenant did not look happy. In fact, he looked as if he thought they were in a death trap, pressed against the wall. "Truly it's safe, Monsieur, I have ridden it several times daily since I found my suite...and I have survived..." He noticed now Revenant was sweating and shakinig. Perhaps they should have taken the staircase.

Revenant flew through the doors as soon as they opened and went out into the hall. Erik followed. He pointed to the doors and nodded, "That's it, your suite..." Erik waited patiently. He hoped the man would soon feel better.

Erik was getting impatient, but he was also curious. He did wish to see the fellow's lair. He hoped it was to Revenant's liking. But it seemed anything he said, didn't help. So he decided to stand quietly and wait until the fellow felt better. Once he had shown the man his lair, he hoped that would finish his stint as "host" to the manor. Since coming to the manor himself, it seemed he had been placed in the odd role of helping some of the Eriks and some other new residents find their suites.

Erik looked down at his hands while he was waiting, trying not to make the other man feel uncomfortable. he hoped Revenant had found the kitchen and dining room. If not, he could be on this tour for several days...

[Erik Revenant]

Admittedly, it took a little while for Revenant to calm down and finally be able to stand up straight again without leaning on the wall. He was never doing that again. He would take the stairs from here on out. No matter how many there were. No way was he stepping into that death trap ever again. Next time, he might not be so lucky to get out alive!

He peered down the little corridor at the heavy wooden door, wondering if this “suite” of his was going to be as bad as everything else that had been seen here. He lowered his eyes to the floor as he walked over there, remaining slouched the entire time, now that he had regained his senses after that horrific lift ride. This was genuinely interesting to him, despite the fact that Lenoir was still standing around. He’d really enjoy if that man would get back in his lift and go to his own place.

Either way, Revenant opened up the door and peeked inside. To be honest, it was very similar to home. The little coves that held lanterns were there on either side and it was oh so similar to home. It was lit with the same soft lighting and it was so neat and practically bare… It was like home: nothing too overwhelming and, really, quite boring to look at. But, really, it filled him with a strange sort of joy. To have something that looked so similar to home, even when it wasn’t really home. As he moved a few feet into there, he couldn’t help but wonder if the whole expanse of it was here or if only the front rooms were here. After all, his home contained many rooms and it wouldn’t be the same without having the majority of them. Or, at least, without having the main two halls of his home…

[Erik Lenoir]

When Revenant seemed ready to continue, Erik watched him look at the corridor and the doors that would lead to his quarters. Erik borke the silence. "Monsieur, I hope you do not mind me looking about for a few moments, I have been trying to compare the various suites they have prepared for us..." He hoped Revenant wouldn't be upset with him; the man seemed very easily disturbed.

Erik noticed that he calmed down somewhat as he entered his suite and Lenoir could see the place was dark, as most of the lairs were and there were little coves that h eld lanterns for lighting.Erik couldn't see much else from behind Revenant. He caught the door as the taller man went through, but held it for he still hadn't been given permission to enter. Erik wondered how large this place was. Most of t he lairs had passageways that led through many different areas. He wondered if that were the same here...

He tried again as Revenant moved in a few more feet. "Monsieur, do have any objection if I follow you in to see your home?"

[Erik Revenant]

Of course he minded! This was meant to be his own place! The place that had been prepared for him alone and no one else! He didn’t want the other man in here. Especially after the terror of that lift incident. But he slowly just shook his head. It was easier just to let the man come along. Perhaps he would leave sooner and not bother him if there was this brief period of allowing his to wander around in here.

So, Revenant continued down the little passage that was so similar to the way his was set up. He reached another door within a short time. Unfortunately, this place wasn’t as well protected as his actual home, which had miles of tunnels, like an ant hill… Or maybe he just simply didn’t see all of them, as he knew this was the main tunnel that led straight to his doorway and would, usually, bypass the lake. There probably wasn’t even a lake… and there were probably no fish, as disappointing as that was to him.

At this new door, he just stood silently before it for a moment before finally stepping forward and opening the door. It spelled familiar in here, at the very least. Sort of like dampness… The place was very bare as far as decoration. In fact, there was just enough furniture in it to make it look like someone actually lived there. Only one room was visible from this vantage point: the living room. There were no paintings on the wall, no pictures, no decoration at all. It was simply sheer rock wall. But it had been carved so nicely that it barely looked like rock anymore. There was a couch in there and a small table. But nothing more. However, with just the sight of that couch, Revenant’s face lit up. That was his couch for sure. And his table! A small semblance of his life was being returned to him and he couldn’t be happier just to see his sheer rock wall and his limited furniture collection. His strides were long and hurried as he moved down the little hallway, which was much better lit than the passage that had led them here. His music room was here, his washroom, his bedroom… His coffin bed! A heaved a huge sigh of relief and patted the side of the polished wooden box when he opened the door to his bedroom. Everything was falling into place. Maybe this place wouldn’t be so bad. He moved quickly to the back of his bedroom, prying open the door that was back there as well. His second hall was here as well!

[Erik Lenoir]

Erik was pleased that Revenant was allowing him to enter his lair. He felt that the man would rather have Erik leave and never come back, but his curiosity had overcome him and besides the man had assented for some odd reason. So he followed Revenant inside the lair. He didn't expect too stay a long time, as he was not welcome.

Revenant was walking down a small dark passage and reached a door. Erik followed and walked as silently as possible. Erik watched him stand there for a moment before opening it. There was not much in the lair. In the darkness, Erik could see a couch and small table. A much brighter hallway led from this room to several others and Revenant's stride suddenly became faster. Erik had to hurry to keep up with the tall man. He barely had time to peer into the rooms as Revenant flew by. He finally went into a bedroom and touched a coffin which was obviously used as his bed.

Revenant opened a door at the back of the bedroom which seemed to lead into another hallway. "A very interesing abode, Momsieur," said Erik quietly, so as not to startle him. Erik assumed that Revenant had probably completely forgotten that Erik was even there with him in the lair.

The place felt a bit damp. Erik's own lair was damp, being on the edge of a lake, but the many burning candles took away some of the dampness. Erik didn't mind the dampness anyway. He loved the swirling mist which was always atop the cold shiny lake in his own lair. He wondered if there was a lake here.