Authoress' Notes: Okay, ALW n Leroux own Erik (:Although I wish I DID:: Mm-mm: Erik, does a body GOOD idrool:D) and I certainly don't own "O Holy Night" (the French is mine, but correct me if I'm wrong.). I own Elaine and little tidbit characters, but you already know that. So I'll stop wasting your time and let you read, ENJOY!

--

A Twist of Faith
Chapter Five: Night Music
--

"No, no, NO, NO!" Reyer roared, crashing his hands down onto the keyboard. The piano let out a furious discordant sound that made everyone curl and cringe. "That is the third time you have butchered this scale! If you are to be the Prima Donna, you must stop singing in your own bloody key!"

There was a profound silence before another outburst was made. "How dare you insult me like that! I am the only reason you bring francs into this glorified hovel! If you think you or anyone else can sing this as well as I..."

"Signora, if you can call that... that grating caterwaul singing, then I suggest you go and howl with the cats! Now either leave or learn the wretched scale!" Carlotta's gaping mouth hung open like a carp's, frozen in shock, as did many others in the company. "No? Very well then. Mlle. Fauntelle, the role is yours... permanently!"

Carlotta's face flushed as red as her hair. "Oh! I…I…That's VERY WELL with me! I refuse to be badgered by the likes of you! Replaced! Humiliated! Insulted! ENOUGH!" Her eyes flashing fire, she opened her libretto and savagely ripped it in two with a great scream. "I QUIT!" She threw the ruined libretto into the orchestra pit, causing no little bit of a stir. "And I will never return! NEVER!" With that, she gathered up her layers of feathered clothes and flounced angrily out the doors, raging and cursing in Italian.

Reyer breathed a huge sigh, and began rearranging his music. "Goodbye and good bloody riddance!" he declared freely, and Elaine cheered inwardly. Three days after Gallin's... accident, Carlotta had returned and demanded her role from "that wailing little piece of fluff" speaking of Genevieve, who was very distraught. Even more upset was Reyer, who in the following forty-eight hours adopted a rather sour attitude to any who got under his skin, namely a puffy Italian diva. He used to bear so many of her beyond-sour notes that it made Elaine wonder if he and Carlotta were tone-deaf. But when he praised Genevieve, she knew what a fine ear he had. It seemed he finally heard what a truly fine singer should sound like.

"Alright everyone, we will have to situate the new arrangement! Dancers and orchestra, you may take a half of an hour. Come back ready for a true rehearsal! All singers, come forward for assigned roles!" Elaine grinned at Reyer's sudden mood change. He really was the most amusing little man.

Glancing down, Elaine saw the torn libretto, pages of music scattered around like fallen petals. She picked it up cradling it in her hands, seeing a bird with broken wings instead of a ruined book. Anger flared and boiled up inside her, but she found herself relieved that Erik had not seen, or had chosen not to act. Even in the five days since she'd met him, she knew well enough how he might have reacted to the desecration of any piece of music.

Elaine smiled, musing over the past days. In the course of half a week, this extraordinary man had completely won her trust and friendship. She sobered as she remembered when she first called him such...

--FLASHBACK--

"Elaine?"

"Yes Erik?" she looked up at him from tuning her violin.

Erik struggled slightly with his next question. "Can you, that is... do you sing?"

Elaine cringed. Three days since he sang, she'd hoped this might not come up so soon. She decided to allude the question and make conversation. "What gave you the impression?"

"Well, you have a lovely voice when you speak. It has quality. You have a singer's voice, I think," he said knowingly.

"Well, I... I suppose I could, but it wouldn't be very good. It wouldn't compare to Genevieve at all," she muttered, strangely fascinated with her shoes.

"I wasn't asking you to compare to Genevieve, my dear," he replied in his smooth voice. He watched as she blushed prettily. She looked up at him, her eyes suddenly aglow.

"Speaking of singing, have you ever watched the carolers?"

"Well, no. I'm afraid... I don't get out much."

"Well, there's a lovely troupe performing the day after tomorrow at the cathedral. Would you... would you consider going with me?" He stiffened visibly and Elaine's hand flew to her mouth. "Oh! Oh dear, I'm sorry Erik." she said hurriedly, dropping her head. Then she felt Erik approaching her, his hand alighting uncertainly on her shoulder. "That was terribly forward of me."

"Not at all Elaine," Erik soothed, unconsciously sliding his hand to cup her cheek. "In fact I would like nothing more than to spend an afternoon with you." When he realized where his hand was, he dropped it and looked down. "It's just...well, I don't like being seen in the day."

"Why not?" His eyes glanced fire at her. "Is it this?" she asked innocently, gesturing to his mask. He looked away.

"Why else?" he spat, his voice tainted with bitterness.

"Are you trying to not be recognized? I mean, are people looking for you?"

"No! I'm not! I don't wish to be seen! They'd all despise me!" Erik suddenly found himself shouting at her. She gave a startled gasp and he stopped abruptly as if slapped. He looked back at her, terrified that he'd find her gone, that she'd fled him in fear. Yet, there she stood with a soft, sad look in her eyes that he hadn't seen in a long while... understanding. "Elaine I..." she laid a slender finger on his lips, shaking her head slowly.

"They're shallow, careless people, out there, if they can't look past this Erik," she whispered, gently touching a curve in the cold ceramic.

He shuddered, afraid that she might remove it. He shook his head violently. "You will never see past this mask Elaine."

She smiled ruefully. He'd obviously misunderstood her meaning. "I will never try to remove it, unless you want me to. I promise." He glanced at her, his eyes full of uncertainty. "What I meant was that if people see things only as they look, then they're all fools. As an artist, I look for things that are real, things that are eternal. Things you seldom see." She looked at him; his head was bowed, his broad shoulders shivering. She moved her hand to touch his exposed cheek. "Erik? Did I say something I shouldn't have?" He looked into her eyes, his own mismatched gaze glossy with quelled tears. A terrible feeling of panic came over her; she'd hurt him! He'd already been haunted by sadness enough! She wrapped her arms around his waist. "I'm sorry! Whatever I said, I'm so sorry!" she sobbed into his chest.

Erik's heart jumped when she embraced him. It all happened so quickly that he had no time to explain his tears. Now her shaking form was pressed flush against him, holding him for all she was worth. Tears overflowed onto his cheeks and under his mask as he gently put his arms around her shoulders. "Oh, please don't cry Elaine. I hate seeing you cry," he whispered, his voice rich with tears. "You misunderstand. You've said nothing wrong."

"Yes I did," she mumbled into his chest.

"No Elaine."

She sniffled. "Then, then why are you crying?"

"I... I'm not sure. I think it's because... in less than one minute, you've explained something that's incredibly simple, but has always been out of my reach." He placed his hands on her shoulders and held her away so he could look at her. "It seems it always will be. You see I don't wear this mask to disguise myself. I'm...I'm hideously deformed beneath this mask Elaine."

The words seemed to sting him, and she realized how hard it was for him to tell her that. She felt a great swell of compassion for him and returned to the same embrace. "It's alright Erik. You don't have to tell me anymore." She was concerned at how tense he felt. Then she felt his strength come around her, hugging her appreciatively. She smiled again and lifted her head, her eyes still bright. "You know, I never got to tell you. The little concert is after evening Mass, when it's easier for people to find time. If that makes it any different..." Erik looked at her, seeing how his mask didn't bother her, or at least not enough for her to complain... or ask. He also saw how much she wanted him to go with her. Should he risk it? What if someone...

His mind averted to a scene that only now he imagined. He and Elaine watching the snow fall as a small group of singers light the night air with candles and music of the season... the breeze would smell of crisp air and spices of sorts... he'd take hold of her hand and they'd... ERIK! What are you doing thinking like that? You've only met the child! And she is a child! Don't do this to yourself! his inner voice once again nagged at him. He could be setting himself up for another... She shifted the embrace to subtly curl her fingers around his sides, and Erik felt her breathing. No Erik, said the voice, calmer and softer now. Elaine isn't like her. She isn't afraid of you. And I think... she trusts you.

"Elaine? Do you trust me?" Erik asked in a breath. He stepped away for a moment and searched her eyes for answers, but lost himself too quickly in the sweet sunshine in their depths. Across her comely face, a wide shining smile brought a blush to her clean white cheeks.

"Of course I do," she said with clear sincerity, laying her gentle hand on his shoulder. "I make it a point to trust my friends Erik." Elaine found herself nearly smothered in the thick folds of his dress coat. She heard him breathing in great sighs that sounded like hushed laughter. "Erik, wha... what's so wonderful that you are smashing me?" she nearly laughed herself, if she could get a big enough breath. She heard him struggle to speak as his warm tears wet the top of her hair.

"Elaine... I... I have never had the privilege... of being called a friend."

--

'Never had the privilege...'

The backs of her eyes prickled with tears. The poor man had obviously been hurt and alone for a long time, possibly his whole life. She briefly wondered what he was hiding under that bit of porcelain. No more Elaine, her mind whispered. You promised you wouldn't ask. Now just enjoy your break... and think of caroling tonight.

"Elaine! Elaine over here!" she heard Meg's voice from the wings and ran to meet her for lunch. Meg had finally relaxed to her meetings with Erik, and even showed a spark of interest. The other dancers just twittered and gasped whenever O.G. was mentioned. Meg thought it safer for everyone if they continued to refer to him as such, and Elaine agreed immediately. No matter how she trusted Erik, she knew he was very secretive with his name and had told her never to repeat it, even to Meg. Why? Elaine could only speculate.

"So, how is the little courted one?" Jeanette cooed, earning giggles and whispers from the others. Elaine just looked at her and smirked an 'I'll-never-tell' smirk. "Come now, you've got to tell us."

"Yes Elaine. Who is the handsome young patron you've got wrapped around your little violinist finger?" Rachelle chimed in, nudging her playfully.

Elaine bit into her apple and smiled again, slowly shaking her head. "I can't tell girls. This must remain the strictest of secrets. If it was to leak out, Reyer might think he's interfering with my fabulous career!" she said with a dramatic flair.

"But you told Meg!" Colette pointed out, causing the entire group to erupt in a chorus of "That's right!" and "Come on, get it out!" and "Give! Give!"

Elaine and Meg exchanged worried glances, as the situation was getting out of hand. "Uh, that's because... I-I know him!" Meg shouted over the tumult. Seven pairs of wide, naïve eyes turned towards her. Meg flushed. "Err, you see, Elaine felt that since I knew him, there wouldn't be any... any speculations on his character, and... so... that way, no rumors could be started!" she finished, holding her breath to see if they bought it.

Her response was greeted with sounds of assent and acceptance and she breathed a huge sigh of relief, as did Elaine. The girls gradually got back to eating, and Elaine gave Meg a look that said "That was too close." Meg looked back, and nodded anxiously, hoping she wouldn't have to cover a lie with the truth again.

--

(Three hours later)

After rehearsal, which went as well as could be expected when the crow of a Prima Donna struts away for good, Elaine went to her chamber to change. It had begun to snow lightly since four and she hoped it would last the night. She loved cold nights, if she was warmly bundled up that is. She rooted through her armoire for her coat. She cried out in triumph as her hands landed on the soft velvet and she pulled it out. It was her favorite piece of clothing, soft, subtle and perfect for tonight. She laid it over her vanity chair and searched for a suitable dress. Her eyes lit up when she saw it. "Perfect," she breathed, pulling it from the hanger. She undid her braid and let it fall in soft, dark waves. Pulling it back again into a more suited style, she let a few stray curls frame her face, which was very pale. And when she reached for her slip, she found that her hands were trembling.

Oh, she had never done anything like this before, even in Province. The only time she went out was with her family, or a select few friends. Never before had she been in the company of a man, especially such an intriguing, albeit irresistible man as Erik.

IRRESISTIBLE? Elaine, what in the /world/ are you thinking? Erik is your friend, a brand new one at that! You shouldn't be thinking like this!

Or should she? After what happened the other night, the way she was speaking to him... oh God. If it were going to happen, she didn't think it would be so soon. She finished dressing and looked in the mirror, deciding she wouldn't be too surprised if more came out of tonight than caroling.

--

Tap. Tap. Tap.

Erik's boots hit the floor rhythmically as he nervously paced the stage. He had never been this anxious about meeting her. Even the first time he spoke with her his nerves were tamer than this. He'd discarded his wide black hat and had chosen to wear a hooded cloak for the evening and for other... obvious reasons. The thought of being out, among... normal people frightened him a great deal. God, what if someone still recognized him, or if his mask were to...

"Erik?"

Her soft voice echoed from the hall, snapping him out of his fevered thoughts. He turned around to face her as she emerged. His heart almost stopped.

Elaine was dressed in a crushed velvet coat the color of burgundy wine that held tightly to her figure. Silver fox fur trimmed the bottom, wrists and around the hood, making her face look even softer. Underneath the coat, the skirt of a winter-white satin gown spilled out like cream. Two slender curls fell over her face, framing it perfectly, and her eyes were more like candlelight than anything else. She smiled and Erik's breath left him.

"Monsieur le Erik?" she grinned. He took her hand, feeling the smooth skin of her glove, and gently kissed it. The sweet scent of jasmine and heather greeted him pleasantly and he stood up again, hoping he wouldn't fall over.

"Elaine, you look... absolutely stunning," he murmured, barely able to breathe as his eyes swept over her in awe. "I... I don't think I can move."

She looked down, blushing deeply. Timidly, she stepped forward, slowly so she wouldn't crowd him. She looked at him, silently asking if she could. He answered her by taking his own steps towards her, until they were only an arms breadth away. Erik gently lifted his hand to her arm, fingering the silky fur on her coat. "Where did you... who gave this to you?"

"It belonged to my mother, Jacqueline. She...left it to me..." she trailed off, a wave of sadness creeping over her. "She was a wonderful person."

Erik's heart stung at the sadness he heard in her voice. His hand fluttered on her soft shoulder. "I am sorry."

"Thank you," she whispered, straightening with a deep breath. "But that is a story for more somber times. Now, we're going to enjoy the evening, yes?"

Erik nodded. "Oui," he held out his arm to her. "Mademoiselle?"

She smiled into his eyes, "Monsieur," she answered, laying her hand atop his elbow, relishing the thick warm fabric as they left the opera house.

They arrived at Notre Dame just as the first strains of music floated to them. A small gathering of assorted people circled the group of carolers standing on the cathedral steps. Erik pulled his hood down more, hiding himself from the pressing crowd. Elaine glanced up and frowned slightly, not at him, but at the fear that radiated from him. She held his arm tighter, causing him to lower his eyes to her.

"Are you alright?" she asked, still frowning. He glanced around furtively.

"I... I think... I don't know. It's been so long since..."

"It's alright Erik. If you like, we can leave."

Erik looked at her, seeing how sincere she was. She truly cared about his comfort. Yet, he didn't feel right about ending their evening because of his discomfort. He smiled down on her and shook his head. "No. It's as I said before; I would like nothing more than to be here with you tonight. We aren't going anywhere." Her eyes softened and she lay her head against his arm, sensing the powerful muscles beneath the wool and velvet. Erik tensed involuntarily. He couldn't help it, and he couldn't help his eyes roaming over her beautiful form. The coat just added to her allover softness; her eyes, her hair, her voice.

Her voice. Erik just couldn't shake the feeling that she could sing, even though she'd already denied it. Her voice held such a pure quality, such as you only hear in the most well trained of singers... There you go again Erik. Always analyzing, always examining everything to death. You are out tonight with this sweet, beautiful creature who seems to be enjoying herself. So follow suit!

His thoughts were interrupted by a soft sweet sound. It sounded much like a violin, fluid and free, yet was unmistakably human. He looked down. Elaine was humming the tune of "Silent Night" as the carolers lifted the song higher into the sky. Her humming was so tender, so quiet as if afraid that the beauty of the song was fragile. Erik found it to be intoxicating as well. Hearing every note so perfectly even in her gentle murmuring, he could no longer stop himself. He began to sing along, just as quiet as she, filling the air around them with his rich full voice.

Elaine stopped humming and looked up at him. His different eyes were dancing as his voice poured over her like a warm rain. She felt light and warm despite the cold night. Oh that voice! It seemed it would swallow her up in its deep, smooth clarity. She could feel her voice begging to join him, but her will pushed it back down; she would hate to interrupt the unbelievable angelic voice that surrounded her like an ocean. She felt herself growing warmer and her head began to swim as her heart raced. Finally, she groaned in complete exhaustion and fell into him, a deep throbbing coursing through her breast. He stopped singing immediately and caught her, his eyes wide.

"Elaine!" he whispered urgently. "Are you alright?"

Elaine opened her eyes groggily and looked at him. He softened his grip on her shoulders when he saw her eyes. They seemed like molten gold, a sweet honey-colored fluid that threatened to spill onto her flushed cheeks. She blinked and let the tears flow down her face, shivering as they crystallized in the night air. Erik's long fingers traced the icy trails on her cheek, feeling how intensely warm she'd become and a pained concern overcame him. "Elaine? Why are you crying? Are you in pain?"

"No Erik," she breathed, still feeling somewhat weak. "It's just... your voice. It's the most wonderful, beautiful thing, I just couldn't help it. Sorry to worry you."

Erik smiled gently, but frowned inwardly. His voice was a beautiful as yet dangerous thing. He had observed before what it could do to people, what it could make people do. It was as blessed as it was cursed.

She pulled herself to her feet, still leaning heavily on his arm. Erik broke from his musings and relaxed into listening again. After a few moments with her softness so close to him, Erik exhaled a long breath and lowered his hand. Elaine tensed when it brushed her hip, searching for her hand. When he felt the smooth kidskin, he tentatively traced over her palm, still a little timid. Would she take it?

Elaine smiled at the sensation of his fingers tickling her palm. She returned the pressure, stroking over the delicate skin and eventually taking hold of it. Her tiny hand was completely encased in his. Erik's eyes began to mist over. How was it that this girl trusted him so completely?

"Don't you start crying now Erik," He heard her say, looking down and realizing she was gazing at him. "You're tears will turn to icicles," she added with a grin. Erik smiled with her as the final strains of music dimmed with the candlelight.

"Of course Elaine," he sighed sensing her settling against him again. "Of course..."

--

Night-time seemed to heighten the silence in the opera house as the pair entered. Spattered with snow and in good spirits, they walked arm in arm, laughter threatening to consume them.

After the carolers had left the steps of the cathedral, Erik and Elaine just sat there, picking out shapes in the stars. Erik showed her certain constellations, briefly explaining the Greek legends of Orion, Andromeda, Scorpio, and Queen Cassiopeia. She listened wistfully, deftly pointing out others for him to explain, which he did while she sat, rapt at the sound of his voice spinning golden tales of heroes and gods. When they could sit no more, they began walking back to the Opera House.

Along one of the avenues, Elaine spotted a rosebush, skeletal and bare but for one fragile, surviving bloom. She drew Erik down with her to admire the perfect petals, white as the new snow.

"An angel is protecting this one," she whispered as if telling a deep secret. Erik smiled, silently praising her sweet, innocent heart. The smile vanished when the sugar puff of fresh snow hit the exposed side of his face and knocked his hood aside, revealing a sleek length of golden-auburn hair. He looked up, exasperated, and heard Elaine's laughter like tiny bells. The soft white stuff dusted her dark gloves. Sweet and innocent eh? His lips curled into a sly grin.

"Now is that any way for a lady to behave?" he asked, scooping up a handful of the cold whiteness. Elaine's eyes glimmered as her grin widened.

"If ladies aren't allowed, then gentlemen aren't either," she teased, briefly sticking her tongue at him.

"Very well, then you're allowed!" he grinned, gently throwing the snowball at her. It sprayed all over her coat and she let out a squeal, hurriedly making more snowballs. Erik chuckled and followed suit. Soon the pair was engaged in a small spat of dreamy snow as they struggled to the opera between snowballs. Their high-risen laughter twinkled above the stars. Erik had never laughed so much in his entire life.

Now they were finally back inside, still in the throes of the carolers and the snowballs. Elaine stopped inside the lobby to remove her coat and shake off the last traces of snow. Erik stood back, gazing at her. The creamy white dress enhanced her lovely form even more, falling from her shoulders modestly.

When the coat was cleaned, she draped it over her arm and turned to Erik, smiling. "I had an absolutely wonderful time Erik," she said as they made their way through the double doors to the auditorium.

"As did I my dear. I couldn't have seen it going any better."

"I can," she said shyly, earning an interested, somewhat questioning look from Erik.

"What?" he asked taking a cautious step towards her.

"Well, the carolers were lovely, but there was one song that they didn't sing. You've heard of 'La Nuit Sainte'?"

Erik smiled knowingly. "You wish for me to sing for you?"

Elaine looked away. "Well, that is, if you want to. You don't..." It was Erik's turn to touch her lips to silence her.

"It is a favorite, yes?" She smiled beneath his finger and nodded. "If it would please you, you need say no more."

"Thank you Erik. Come over to the piano and I'll play for you," she whispered, gently tugging his hand as a young girl would.

"You play the piano too? My dear, is there nothing you can't do?"

Elaine smiled. "Well, I can't fly."

Erik chuckled. "Perhaps not, but you surely are an angel."

They entered the orchestra pit and Elaine seated herself at the keyboard. Erik pushed chairs and stands aside to make room. Elaine watched him moving, so graceful, not even scraping the chairs. The only sounds she heard were the soft sweep of his cloak and the rapid quickening of her heart, anticipating his gorgeous voice. When at last there was enough space, he returned to her side. She glanced at him and he nodded. She took a deep breath and reverently began to play the introduction. Erik was surprised by her skill with the old instrument and instantly fell into the song.

O la nuit sainte, (O Holy Night,)
les etoiles brillent avec eclat. (the stars are brightly shining.)
Il est la nuit (It is the night)
de notre chere naissance du Sauveur. (of our dear Savior's birth.)

Elaine played with emotion as she remembered her Mama, singing this as a lullaby on Christmas Eve in her honey-sweet voice. And Erik's voice, filled with soft passion, just heightened the timeless beauty of the song. He worked the still air with smooth gestures, making it seem thick and tangible. He sauntered around the grand, caressing the sleek, shining ebony with one graceful hand. Elaine sighed, inwardly wishing for the world that she was deserving and he were touching her as dearly.

Jamais placer le monde (Long lay the world)
dans peche et erruer languit, (in sin and error pining,)
jusqu a Il a apparu ('til he appeared)
et le feutre d'ame sa valeur. (and the soul felt its worth.)

She felt her body grow light as his voice rose higher and richer. A wave of heat washed over her, making her aware of how he affected her. In the next moment, he had stopped behind her and placed his deft hands onto her bared shoulders, and her skin thrilled at his touch.

Une passion d'espre! (A thrill of hope!)
Le monde fatigue se sent joyeux! (The weary world rejoices!)
Pour casse la-bas (For yonder breaks)
un nouvel et glorieux matin (a new and glorious morn!)
Tomber sur vos genoux! (Fall on your knees!)
Entendre les voix d'ange! (Oh hear the angel voices!)

Oh Erik, I truly believe I am, her soul whispered as her voice tugged frantically at its leash.

O nuit celeste! (Oh night divine!)
O nuit quand Christ etait ne! (Oh night when Christ was born!)
O nuit celeste! (Oh night divine!)
O nuit, nuit celeste. (Oh night, oh night divine.)

Finally, she could hide no longer and lifted her voice to join him.

Il nous a enseignes (Truly He taught us)
pour aimer l'un l'lautre. (to love one another.)
Sa loi est aime (His law is love)
et l'evanglie est paix. (and the gospel is peace.)

Erik stopped singing to hear her. Oh, never in his life had he heard a voice like that. It was so high and pure and perfect. No one earthly could ever possess such a voice... or could be trained to have such! Of its own accord, his voice merged with hers in a perfect duet.

Enchaine faire Il se casse, (Chains shall He break,)
pour l'esclave est notre frere. (for the slave is our brother.)
Et dans Son nom (And in His name)
tout abuser de cesser. (all oppression shall cease.)
doux de joie (Sweet hymns of joy)
dans choeur reconnaisant nous loue. (in grateful chorus praise we.)
Et tout dans nous (And all within us)
louer Son nom saint. (praise His holy name.)
Christ est le Seigneur! (Christ is the Lord!)
Alors jamais, jamais nous louer! (Then ever, ever praise we!)
Noel, noel! (Noel, noel!)
O nuit! Nuit celeste! (Oh night! Night divine!)
Noel, noel! (Noel, noel!)

Elaine had never sung like this before in her life. The notes were much higher than she'd ever attempted. The final high C took all she had to finish. Then she fell against Erik, who'd seated himself next to her on the piano bench, her breath coming in shallow intervals. Erik's arms came around her and she felt his great chest rise.

"O la nuit sainte..." he finished softly, nearly out of breath himself. She'd nearly fainted against him and now he could hear her crying quietly into his shoulder. "Elaine?" he pulled her away so he could see her. The name fell on deaf ears, she was sound asleep, tears still trickling down her cheeks. Erik sighed and scooped her up from the bench, walking up the stairs into the wings.

They arrived in her room and he gently unpinned her hair, moving to lay her in the slack of canvas. He stood there for a moment, remembering what she looked like in the starlight. Brushing his fingers over her soft cheek, Erik felt a stirring in his soul that had long been dormant. He opened his mouth to speak, but decided against it, fearing he would wake her. Instead he took her hand and pressed a light kiss to it, the lingering scent of her perfume remaining. "Goodnight Elaine," he whispered, turning to leave. He stopped when he heard her shift and sigh contentedly. "Sweet dreams, ma cher," he purred as he disappeared into the walls, her sweet, angelic voice echoing in his ear.