The sweet songs of the vast meadow echoed far and wide pass the lengths of the tender green grass and down to the towering castle but only to fall upon deaf ears. Over the dark and lurking trees of the forest just beyond the sun would rise to kiss this meadow with its rays and awaken the life within it. The grass was of the healthiest appearance with grass of great lengths and as rich in colour than anything on this earth. The animals within it lived in peace able to hide themselves beneath this grass away from the dangers of larger animals and beasts. Even the rain that fell upon the meadows on the days the sun desired to sleep would find peace balancing themselves on the tips of the grass and flower petal before falling to the soft ground. This hidden paradise was in plain sight to the human eye yet very few looked to it when they seek refuge or desired inner peace. To those who had discovered this valley they detailed it as a heaven on earth with grass as soft as any bed and the wild flowers with the scent as sweet as honey. It was untouched by the selfish desires and cruel deeds of mortals and was left pure for the innocent. One such soul worthy of this utopia was the praised and prized Christine Daae.
Like the meadow itself she too was a hidden jewel in this small and simply village. All who gazed into her silver, blue eyes fell instantly enchanted by her presences and beauty. Her eyes were thought to be that of raindrops at the beginning of spring, melting away the snow which blanketed the earth and awakening all at rest. They danced in the sunlight with the silver shining brighter than ever and appeared to glow like the stars even in the darkest of space. Yet when she was at her rest she could easily be admired for her other traits that dazed many others before she opened her elegant, dancing eyes. Her long loose dark curls embraced her shoulders and fell gracefully below her breasts. Keeping them tamed by leaving them free of any complications and modern fashions they remained as perfect as they day she was born. She kept her skin as natural as she left it clear of product that might take away from her natural glow which was believed that only the divine could possess. The sun had been kind to her complexion just as she had been to all she encountered. Christine was greatly favoured by many yet greatly despised by the equal amount. Christine was tormented by many souls causing her to seek refuge in this meadow away from the prying eyes and sharp words.
Feeling entranced by the song of the meadow and the warm summer breeze it was not hard for her to loss herself and time as she lay there. Her gown had now become stained with the fresh nectar of the ground and her curls entangled with small twigs and picked flowers. The summer's sun grew violent with the heart forcing Christine to awake from her enjoyed afternoon slumber. Yet as she laid awake watching the fluttering clouds above her pass she hard instantly the sound and scream of a beast approaching. She did not fear the progression of the beast but rather what rode on top of it.
Her entire body lunged forward allowing her to search out the source of this cry yet despite her alert attention she could not move quick enough and was caught within its sight. Riding upon his horse with the sound of thunder beneath it's hooves and clouds within his head. Raoul de Chagny was a gentleman by title and state yet he lacked the mannerism by far. His father owned much of the surrounding land even some that over lapped the Daae estate. Believing he would soon come into his inheritance he took liberties which Christine dreaded. Approaching her as if she were the lamb and he the wolf his eyes prowled over her timid appearance. There was no doubt in Christine's mind or any other woman that he was not handsome in his appearance but it was in his mind that made Christine turn her head as if he were some hideous beast. His dark blue eyes darkened his features with his blonde wave and gave a sense of manhood him rather than the young boy that she use to remember.
"Madame Daae, a pleasant surprise to meet you this fine day." He said with his cunning smile distracting her for the most part.
"I would not consider it a surprise Monsieur de Chagny considering you are well aware of the fact that I enjoy coming to this very meadow if I am not needed at home." She replied fanning out her gown to cover any inch of skin.
"Well indeed but I admit Madame that it is always a pleasure to see you know matter the occasion." He laughed peeling off his glove after having stepped down from his horse.
"Forgive me Monsieurde Chagnybut I am afraid I have spent too much time away from my household my mother shall be curious as too my whereabouts." She preparing herself to rise to her feet.
"Christine, if I may be informal, when did we last sit to simply speak and forget what woes we have?" He questioned grasping her hand. "Do you not remember when we were children and you lost your scarf. I retrieved it for you and from that moment on we became friends."
"Yes I remember such a time but I am afraid we have grown up and into two different people."
"We are not as different as you make yourself to believe. As I have expressed to you many times before I care for you greater than anyone ever can. We are perfect for one another."
"Upon what grounds?"
"You are of the greatest beauty in all the land. With my wealth I can keep you content and beautiful with all that I can obtain. I can make you happy and I believe you could return the favour."
"Is that all you think of me as, as a woman of great beauty that needs nothing else but to be content with items you can purchase? You are sorely mistake Monsieur de Chagny for I need not your power or wealth to keep me. When you simply compliment my beauty you are insulting me to the highest degree!" She said with a tone with so much force it allowed her to spring to her feet.
"But Christine,"
"I take my leave of you; I shall see you no longer for I fear I shall say something I will regret."
With her steps forceful upon the ground the wind appeared to echo her fury sending cold chills through the air and her hair a blaze. Her entire being shook so intensely and so stringent she could not help but set her feet a rage allowing her to race back much quicker to her estate. Yet as she ran toward her safety Garret watched as Christine disappeared and whispered to the empty air. "I am afraid my sweet you have already."
The sweeping grass against her leg felt more uplifting as she came toward her home. The sun was kind to her lowering its rays permitting her to breath with ease. Her feet were soft against the ground leaving barely a footprint in the soft soil. Her eyes were focussed on the arising white brick that in the imaginative mind of Christine appeared like a fairy tale castle. This was her home and her place of homage when she was not in her meadow. Her books were only friends within the home while her piano and voice was her only outlet for her frustration when the time arose. With her feet touching the rocks and dirty it was an instant that her awakening into the real world occurred. The peddles stabbed into her delicate feet leaving a small imprint but forever one in her mind. As much as she loathed and pined against her crossing into expectations her feet raced off toward her home. The ground was hot as she expected and as filthy as any street, leaving her skin as dark as night. The soil left her skin as rough and as dry as the desert, burnt and hated by the sun. In the instant she tore open the door the cool air surrounded her body and consumed her thoughts. The silence lingered through the halls, haunting and tormenting the chambers. Throughout the home this silence lurked for a soul to torment and to make them forever their victim. Taking a step within the entrance it was within that moment she entered the silence disappeared sending it to vanquish.
"Christine, oh thank God you have returned." Meg Giry sung running down the stairs with her blonde braids bouncing on her shoulder.
Her entire being fell jealous to Meg's appearance. Her young, slender figure was ideal for any man desiring a wife of great prize. Her skin and facial appearance was like a china doll freshly made and displayed on in a glass case in the window for all to admire. Her skin was as soft and as clear as the fresh snow fall in the beginning of December. Her cheeks were read as the blood within her veins and her eyes as timid as the blue sky in the summer. Yet despite her envy and desire, Meg had been her only friend. Serving her as her private maid, the Giry family had been loyal servants and loved Christine as if they were all family.
"What is the matter? Why are you in such a fluster?" Christine questioned taking her hands.
"Your mother has been creating such a stir throughout the home, sending my mother into one of her fits!" Meg said looking throughout the chamber. "She has been calling upon you since you left and none of us were able to find you."
"Yes, unfortunately Clarissa was in that state before I left." Christine commented. "Where is she now?"
"In the garden with her afternoon tea." Meg said releasing her hands.
Christine's step mother was a novel all on its own. Having married Gustave Daae years ago she brought with her daughter, Carlotta whom lived and breathed for social acceptance. She and her mother dare not go a moment without their jewels or properties in fear of appearing common as they were before marrying into the Daae estate. However, upon seeing the beautiful Christine, Clarissa made it her vow and duty to raise her daughter above Christine. It was not long that soon Carlotta grew up in shadow of her mother, envying Christine's fairness and abusing her kindness. However never had Carlotta loathed her step sister as one would think she might have despite it all Christine was almost the only family she ever had.
Clarissa laid upon her chair with her feet on an arch allowing her to lay with her feet rested higher up. Her gown fluttered over her skin while her fan barely touched her face as she sat there fluttering it like a butterfly would its wings. Her relaxed image gave a sense of divinity over the servants that rush about her bending to her every desire and need.
"There you are!" She enforced with a smile on her face. "I have turned this place upside down looking for you and now you finally appear. Where have you been?"
"I was out, in the fields." Christine timidly reported.
"I should have guessed, look at you. You look like a wild savage from one of those ships." She said with a great laugher appearing from in her throat.
"Is there a reason why you desire my company?" Christine asked looking to the ground.
"Ah yes, I want you to accompany Carlotta into the village. She desires to purchase something and I have permitted her to go." Clarissa said taking a sip of her tea.
"Why must I attend? It is so lovely here and I would much rather be in the garden for the remainder of the afternoon." Christine said lifting her head to look at her step mother.
"Do not be so selfish Christine! I would never allow you to go to village alone so why should I let her." She said with great shock. "Now go put on another gown I will not permit you to wear that out."
"Of course." Christine said turning away.
"I just don't see why I must attend with her," Christine stated pulling her gown over her head to throw it on the bed. "She knows very well I go to the village alone all the time."
"Well then why don't you inform your mother such and refuse to go. Your sister and brother I am sure would refuse." Meg said picking from the closet one of her gowns.
"I am afraid I could do no such thing. If I were to refuse I am sure she would find a way to torment me." Christine said looking into the mirror.
"There is only so much that woman can do." Meg said as she slipped Christine's gown over her head and began to tie her up.
"Yes but unfortunately she knows exactly what to do." Christine smiled shyly as she fanned out her gown.
"Christine!" A high pitched shouted from down the hall. "Christine!"
"I shall be down in a moment Carlotta." Christine shouted in return.
"Do you not wish to wear your stockings? Meg asked pulling them from her drawer.
"No thank you, it is too hot to look so proper." Christine smiled as she swept herself down the stairs.
Yet as she raced down the stairs the smile remained on her face and much larger as she started at her step sister Carlotta. Her tight red curls fell just above her shoulder while the remaining bunch was pinned up making her head appear larger than usual. Within the curls piled on top of her head there were ordainments of such appeal sticking out either which way. Her polished and powered skin was clearly weighed by the amount of make up yet it gave her a handsome glow that was clearly artificial. The long purple gown she wore made her appear more doll like than human strangely enough. It was decorated with strips of white and ribbons of soft pink and lighter purples. She wore no train as was not fashionable in the summer gowns. Looking at her own gown Christine felt quite under dressed as her simple blue with lace trim was appeared to be in no comparison to Carlotta's.
"I wish to get there before the shop closes." Carlotta said turning herself toward the open door.
"I am sorry, this was however last moment notices for me." Christine said smiling at the butler as he held open the door.
"Maybe next time you shouldn't waste your time in that meadow." Carlotta snapped as she stepped inside the open landau.
"How else am I to spend my time?" Christine asked stepping into the carriage and sitting next to her.
Looking at Christine Carlotta's face turned from a cold stare into a smile of laughter. "I am sorry, I am simply exasperated by all around me."
"Why is that?" Christine asked looking around at the scenery as they drove passed it all.
"Oh its just everything! I mean the weather is too hot, mother's temper is equally as hot and I have been informed that Raoul de Chagny intends to marry!" Carlotta said throwing her purse on her lap as if she were exhausted
"Monsieur Raoul de Chagny is intend to be engaged! To whom?" Christine asked looking to Carlotta.
"I haven't a clue that's one thing about Marie da Lounge she can get the information but never the details." Carlotta said shaking her finger at her. "She didn't hear who all I know is that he wants to marry this young pretty thing by Christmas."
"Well how does Marie know about this," Christine asked in a fluster.
"I haven't a clue but believe me Christine if it is not I that he plans on purposing to it most definitely won't be you." Carlotta laughed. "He barely ever approaches you in public let alone talks to you. I am sorry Christine but reality is just as it is."
"Of course." Christine smiled her hand covering her laughter. "What exactly is it that you need in village that was so urgent."
"Well you see when I heard this rumour about Chagny I figured I would beat this woman and also attempt to find out who she is." Carlotta said with a grin on her face. "I have saved enough funds to purchase the neck gown in the window of Florence."
"Really Carlotta you are going to all this trouble for a gown." Christine asked as they began to drive through the village. "Why is this really of such great importance?"
"Well, if you must know, this gown is of the finest material and if I am to attend the Chagny's annual masquerade I desire to look my best." Carlotta said winking her eye as she stepped out of the carriage. "With this gown I am sure I will turn heads at least once or twice."
Laugh with her tone of hallow joy, her head shook and stirred away from her sister as she walked forward however her attention was quickly caught by a gentleman of strange attire and over all presences. Assure of herself that she had seen everyone whom lived in the district of the village this gentleman of darker colour and rich cloth was not the same as the rest. His pagri sat unmoved on his head with the tightly wrapped dyed cotton sitting comfortably enough on top for him to easily forget it was there. His long sleeved jacket and identical trousers of Gabardine fabric was not as undistinguished as it caused him to become hot and perspire. His eyes were as haunting as the witching hour and as they caught Christine's harmless stare they shone in a way that was more heavenly than damned. His skin was rich in colour reflecting the harsh yet beauty of the Persian Empire. Even his features were of the foreign beauty she had read and heard about so many times. He was not as they described as a savage or an animal in human's clothing but he appeared more like a rare songbird which had made its nest in the most popular tree in the land.
Believing he was about to approach her she was more shocked at the fact he touched his forehead and bowed his head toward her. Returning the bow with her own head his smile gleamed across his face however soon after it disappeared as he grasped the reigns of the black horse and swung himself on to the saddle. Pulling roughly on the leather reigns he rode slowly passed her landau.
"Mademoiselle," He said softly as he disappeared.
His pace was not heavy yet as he rode away it appeared as if he were being chased and hunted for his life. Christine felt her imagination run wild with ideas about this man whom was not at all like the rest. Within that second she dreamt of far off places with untamed forests and rivers, an aroma as thick as English fog and women as beautiful and exotic as any in the world. She imagined men dressed in fine silks with crowns of pure gold ruling over the lands with a true heart and just hand. Beside him was a queen of the greatest beauty and of the purest soul whom he won with his charms and appeal.
"Charles, Charles." Christine said leaning forward to speak to their driver.
"Yes Milady," He replied turning his head.
"Are you aware of that gentleman that just passed by us?"
"Oh him," He said with a devious smile upon his face. "The Savage."
"The Savage?" She repeated.
"Ay, he is a foreign who started to show up in these parts not long after the last summer. I believe he resides in the old Ombre estate
"What of his character? Do you know anything of that?" She questioned as if the man was still in sight.
"He keeps greatly to himself milady, which many of the men here do not mind. He is quiet and direct in his speech. Does not bother me so I not cross him." Charles replied. "Nor his master,"
"His master?" Christine said continuing her surprise.
"He lives about two hours from the village on horseback. I cannot say I have seen the man however I have driven your father out to his estate once or twice. It is quite grand."
" My father, what has he done in that area?"
"I am afraid I do not know milady All I am aware of is that I am to drop him off and pick him up in the registered times as he so instructs."
"Christine, Christine!" A shrill young voice cried out from across the way. Seeing this box swinging back and forth it was impossible for Christine to miss her sister. Toward Christine Carlotta threw this large box filled with frilled fabric and laced shelves which weighed as much as a child's bookcase.
"It must be the loveliest gown I have seen," Carlotta screeched as she jumped into the carriage. "Oh I just can't wait to wear it for the party."
"Did you see that man, that darker man?" Christine said standing up as if he were still in eye's sight.
"What man?" Carlotta said looking around as if he were in front of her.
"A foreign man, he is referred to as the Persian." Christine said sitting down as the carriage began to drive on.
"Oh yes that one." Carlotta said with her shifting eyes and grim smile.
"What do you know of him? You but make that face when you are aware of gossip." Christine said turning her head to her.
"I have heard many rumours about this man, I was told by Monsieur Halvan that he is a man servant up at the Ombre estate. I don't believe him though, judging by his characteristics I think he is a runaway criminal." Carlotta said pointing her finger in Christine's direction. "But it does not matter; we both have no reason to converse with that man nor shall we ever."
Their journey back to their home was not a smooth one yet Christine did not pause a moment to look around her and the nature that surrounded her. For if she had, she might had noticed the unyielding gaze looking upon her directly as she drove by the fields. Sitting high upon his black horse with his eyes locked on this foreign, beautiful creature a smile crossed the Persian's face.