Chapter Fourteen

The sunset was exquisite that evening, such a blend of gold and shades of red… almost enough to make ones eyes sore. It spread out over the gardens like a goddess's robes, flowing in all directions as far as the eye could see. Where the heart of the sunset sank into the lakes waters, a small podium had been erected. It was painted all in white and hung with lilies and roses, the soft petals that fell, fell dancing into the gentle breeze. On the lawn before the small stage a few plain chairs had been set up in two rows, between them, a white carpet stretched back into the mansions living room.

Golden candelabras, polished to gleaming, stood at the podiums steps, their soft flames flickering with the light wind. And on the podium itself, Erik and Diana took their vows under the eyes of the few trusted witnesses. The preacher closed the great book, an almost amused smile playing on his lips. "I now pronounce you, husband, and wife. You may kiss the bride." He did not question that the mask, which had not been removed during the ceremony. Diana turned his head to hers, throwing the veil over both of them and, despite Erik's small protest, removing his mask before they kissed.

In the silent world, no sound, but breath, and the music that sings in mans souls. In her eyes, his own eyes were all he saw, her lips on his all that he felt. Breathless, endless, their embrace was hard to break, Diana looked into her new husbands eyes. "You will never need the mask around me, I promise." His lips once again on hers were the answer she received. "I love you Diana…so much…" He put his mask back in place, and, kneeling before her removed the garter and threw it into the small crowd. For a moment everyone was silent, than laughter erupted as Daroga removed the tossed fabric from where it had landed, on his nose. "I'm not sure how Erik, but I swear you did that on purpose!"

Peter laughed, almost floored by the Persians irate exclamation. "Well if you don't want it I'll take it! I wouldn't mind getting married too badly!" Daroga raised an eyebrow. Then blinked, "Wait a minute… what does this thing on my nose have to do with getting married!" Peter cleared his throat, trying not to laugh again. Daroga turned to him, "…What?" Peter drew him aside. "The custom is, the groom throws the garter, and the man who catches it… will be the next man to get married!"

"… … … oh.

…WwwhHhaaAtt!"

Peter barely registered what had happened until it was over, and the garter was on "His" nose.

From across the lawn where he had run to, Daroga shouted, "If that's the case than you can have it! And have it with my blessing!" Peter blinked, turned toward the others, and still somewhat stunned asked, "Does this count?"

Diana laughed and threw the bouquet into the air, the mad scramble that followed ended in cheering. Meg grind and held up the flowers like a trophy, "I got it! Finally!" Madam Giry smiled, wiping away a tear. "Maybe I'll get a grandchild after all." Everyone made their way inside, save Erik and Diana. Erik lingered by the waterside, his eyes warm, but distant. Diana wrapped her arms around him, "Erik? Is something wrong? …Why are you crying?" his arms circled her waist, holding her protectively.

"I'm crying? I hadn't realized…" She raised a hand, showing him the moisture on her finger. "You didn't know? What is it Erik, tell me, this is a happy day." He lowered his head to hers, "if I'm crying, it's because… because I am happy, happier than I've ever been before. But every thing is so much like a dream, a dream… I'm also afraid, any moment I might wake up." He paused, a shudder running down his form. "I'll wake up, alone again, living on nothing more than memories…" he pulled her against him, his eyes burning into hers. "I have more to lose now than I've ever had before." Her lips closed over his, "This is no dream Erik… will these memories ever stop haunting you? What can I do to soothe your fears? To calm your mind…" his heart whispered, his eyes shut.

Erik

I lifted her chin so that I could see her face, her emerald eyes melting my will into nothing. "As long as we are always together, I will never fear memories again. You are light to me Diana…" she smiles, I live for that smile. "You are life to me… I love you, and only love lasts forever." The sound of the others inside distracts me from what we were discussing, I smile slightly. "Do you think we've kept them waiting long enough?" Diana smiles, "No, but we may as well go inside, this can wait till tonight." She laughs at my stunned silence. In retribution I pull her into my arms; to the calls of the others we enter the room.

Later that evening, Daroga and I stepped out into the gardens; the wind was not blowing any harder than it had been earlier, so the branches barely rustled as we passed. Something troubled him however, he was avoiding my eyes. As we walked, the feeling that he wanted to say something, but was refraining from doing so, grew stronger. Finally, my patience wore out. I turned to my old friend, "What the blazes is bothering you Daroga! You said you wanted to speak with me, but you are yet to say anything!" he chuckled slightly, he knew my temper well, "Erik, I was only wondering…" he cleared his throat. "How much longer you intend to remain at the opera house? I must imagine that Diana will want to live a normal life." I nodded, these were hardly new concerns, but was it his business? No. was I going to speak my plans anyway? Probably no. but, it was the kind of night that demanded free lips.

"My thoughts were this. I assume she will want a long carrier, and as long as she sings on the stage, I will remain at the opera. When she decides to end her time as an actress, as they all do eventually, we will move into a house that I've already purchased in the country." Daroga seemed impressed, he sat down and thoughtfully folded his hands. "Well! It seems you've given this a good bit of thought! And here I was all worried about you not having a plan!" We both laughed, I have always been glad to have a concerned friend. Even if I don't admit it, which I don't, and won't. God only knows the truth would shock him too badly. Daroga smiled and then blinked with a sudden thought, "Oh! By the way, what does Diana think of this? It's always a good idea to discuss these things with a woman ahead of time."

I nodded, a smile playing across my face. "I've already discussed this with her and she was delighted at the idea." Daroga smiled and took a sip of his drink. In one of the nearby trees, an owl hooted, signaling the change from late evening to nightfall. "Daroga, how long have we known each other?" He blinked, swirled his drink about in its glass, and thought about it for a minute or two. "Well, many years really… what does this have to do with anything?" I couldn't help but smile, "Did you ever once think, in all those years, that this would happen?" Now it was his turn to smile.

"Believe it or not, I did expect this kind of thing to happen eventually." I raised an eyebrow almost comically. Daroga laughed, somehow able to tell my expression behind the mask. "Daroga, why on earth?" He has that knowing smile on that annoys me so much! This is going to be a long explanation… "Well, you see Erik, women are our counterparts. They are the better parts of ourselves. So, each and every one of us must have this counterpart somewhere in the world, right? And if this is true, than finding a woman you can love is merely the task of finding your counterpart." Well, knock me over with a feather. Leave it to Daroga to make such large assumptions on life, though that doesn't mean that I dislike the idea… but still!

"…Are you sure about that Daroga? It seems a tad far fetched to me." Oh, there's that smile again. "Erik, do you think that Allah would really want anyone to be alone?"

Meg

It's nice to see Diana so happy, what a day, what a party! And she reminds me in so many ways of Christine… no! Snap out of it Meg! You are not going to get upset on a joyous occasion! Even though I miss her, who am I to get upset! Poor Roul didn't even try to catch the garter. She may have been my best friend, but she was his wife. So if he's not getting upset right now than what right do I have?

"Meg? Is everything alright?" I turn around and put on my best happy face. "Yes, everything's fine Viscount. Are you enjoying yourself?" He smiles and shrugs, "Well, I'm having as much fun as anyone! Just between you and me though," He leaned over and whispered in my ear, "I think that Diana is wondering where Erik is." I couldn't help but laugh. "Those two will have to get used to having each other out of their sight!" Erik and the Persian came in from the gardens, talking quietly to each other and apparently arguing over something.

"Erik! Animals don't have souls! It's that simple!" Erik shook his head, "You have no more proof of that than I have proof they do, and what about those who are human but behave like animals? I once met a parrot that had more to say than most men I've met! And I tell you plainly that some things are neither human nor man, so where do they fall? But back to Animal animals, if they don't have souls than what happens to them when they die?" Daroga gave an exasperated sigh. "I don't know! Perhaps they get reincarnated!" Erik gave a snort of contempt, "How could they be reincarnated if they don't have souls! I've got you there Daroga!" The Persian threw up his hands in disgust, "I can't believe I walked right into that!" At the same time they seemed to realize that all the attention was on them. Daroga blushed and stepped back outside, Erik only laughed.

I watched with a little envy as Diana and Erik embraced, I, now in my twenties, have never embraced a man like that! Not that I haven't tried, I have always sought out that kind of companionship. However, for either one reason or another, I have never found a man that I felt right with. Heh, well… I may be a little too picky… I do have a dream of my spouse, as I'm sure all girls do. But I could settle for less! After all, how many women actually get what they dreamed of?

Diana

The party soon died down in the late hours of the night, and all the guests made their way upstairs. I watched as Erik and Roul with the other men, locked the doors and shut the windows to keep out the cold night air. One of the things I like about the viscount is that he goes out of his way to make the lives of his housemaids easier. Finally it is done, and the men all head upstairs. Erik walk's over to me, I place my arms around his neck as he lifts me from the chair. He is so strong… you wouldn't think he was from his build; he's almost as slim around the waist as I am! I smile and snuggle up against him.

Since his arms are full, I turn the knob to open the door to his room, He lays me down gently on the bed, his breath hot on my throat… the door, still open to the hallway, closes.