As Veronique listened to Erik sing such a gorgeous song, she couldn't help but wonder what was hidden behind the mask. Perhaps he used the mask to shade his eyes from the sun, as he mentioned the darkness many times in his song. Or maybe it hid a deformity that he wanted no one to see. It possibly could have been just to complete his exquisite outfit, as a hat or jewelry would. He finished his composition on such a wonderfully long note, and Veronique couldn't help herself. She applauded his masterpiece, and Erik was shocked. He had never heard the sound of applause for his own work. The only applause he ever heard came from the theatre. He thought to himself, "Is my work really that good? Or is this child trying to please me?"
Veronique stepped forward with a question for Erik. "Monsieur Erik, is there any food here? I haven't eaten in days, and I would greatly appreciate your hospitality if you could offer a slice of bread." Feeling pity for the orphaned angel, he reached behind his piano and found an exquisite meal on a silver platter. There was warm chicken cordon bleu, fresh vegetables, crusty baguettes, and a large goblet of wine. To top it all off, there was a single red rose with a black ribbon tied around it in a silver vase. But he would not give her the food...yet.
He propositioned, "Can you sing, Miss... I'm afraid I don't know your name, young child."
"My name is Veronique de Launce, Monsieur," she quickly replied. Her hunger stirred within her, and she hoped he would offer her the food.
"Miss Veronique, I ask you once again if you can sing. I am in need of a voice to help me with my compositions. If you sing for me, you can have all the food you want." He could see the glint in her eyes as she saw the food, and he knew exactly what she was going to say.
"I have sung before, in the chorus at the orphanage. When I lived on the streets, I would sing for money from the passersby. I will gladly sing for you, Monsieur," she said. Thinking to herself, she quickly added, "What kind of singing will I be doing, Monsieur?"
"Opera, mainly. Have you sung opera before, Miss?" As he watched her ponder her response, he recognized something in her. He saw the same determination as Christine, and he saw the physical similarities. But he was quickly shaken of his thoughts, hearing her reply.
"I have seen an opera at this place, but I was very young still. The orphanage came to see one of the galas here. I believe it was titled Hannibal. The young woman who sang the role of Elissa was extremely good..." She trailed off as she saw the pain behind his mask. Obviously she had said something she shouldn't have...