Hello my dear readers! The contiuning heat unfortunately prevents me from writing anything massive right now, so I decided to offer you a little peace offering in the form of a little fluff between husband and wife...No of course I'm not referring to the DuChamps! Enjoy, and please bear with me until these temperatures have dropped somewhat! -x- Lotte.

Paris, le 11ieme mai 1895

Ma chère Christine,

I suppose you will be surprised to hear from me so soon, yet I promised to write you as often and as speedily as possible and you know how I loathe breaking my promises to you. Indeed I cannot remember the last time I did, save perhaps my vow to see our family safe from harm at all times, a fault I currently seek to remedy.

Our son and I have taken up residence in a small but comfortable inn not far from the Opera House for the time being. You would not believe how much the city has changed. Contrary to our beloved Venezia, where time still tends to stand still and the city lovingly clings to it's glorious past, Paris hurries forward in an outrageous pace. Obsessed with following the latest developments in technological progress, and anxious not to miss out on any fashionable change worth adjusting to. Luca seems intrigued by it all, as a boy his age should be I suppose.

For my own part I must simply confess myself feeling old and out of place here. Your jesting remarks to me being an old fashioned man seemed to have found a base of truth here, even though I know you shall never reproach me for being so. Indeed, I tend to humor myself into thinking you actually find it a charming part of me.

We have visited with Meg this morning, and managed to obtain a living address for the DuChamps. At least the boy has had the civility to set up home in a descent part of town. They visit with the Valmonts regularly and Meg seems to be under the impression that they are happy and content together. It will not surprise you that I doubt her impartiality in this case however. Her kind heart will forbid her to think ill of anyone in this world, and admirable as such a trait in character may be I long to speak with André or better yet, Marie. I was sad to hear she has been feeling somewhat weak of late, and hope she will be recovered soon. I know she will know how to aid us in our quest for justice and peace of mind.

Meg of course sends her best wishes to your health and happiness and has with some difficulty agreed to keeping our presence here concealed from Céline. I believe our plan of incriminating Roger DuChamps will only work should he move leisurely, and unaware of our presence. How liberal people tend to speak and act when thinking themselves alone Christine! To silently observe them, I need not confess to you it is a trait I still enjoy immensely. Yet I am well aware my skills in this area have never been of more importance than just now, and I will promise to take heed. Roger has indeed continued his employment at the Opera while our daughter has retreated from the ballet completely, even declining an offer to train the younger students which would have been a most respectable occupation for her. I believe Roger to have had a hand in this, pampering her into an easy lifestyle with the money he believes to own, his purpose of course to keep her far away from the Opera House and his dealings there.

But I fear I must conclude here, there are several matters that require my attention. Luca asks me to send you his warmest greetings as well as sending news of our well being to his siblings whom I suspects he misses quite dearly.

My darling Angel, not a minute goes by that I do not think of you and I know for fact I shall not rest easy until I am back in your warm embrace again. I have spent a lifetime of loneliness before being granted the sanctity of your love, and yet none of my early days have felt as empty and meaningless as these, knowing to be loved and willfully denying myself the soothing comfort of it.

I will try to write again soon, though should we decide to fade into the shadows of the Opera completely my attempts shall prove difficult. Please know that I love you with all my heart and I will take my dying breath before seeing any of our family hurt any further.

Your loving and devoted husband.

Erik.

Christine read the letter again and again, impatiently wiping the tears from her cheeks in doing so. Much as she appreciated the news on her daughter's apparent well being, and the cautious progress Erik and Luca seemed to be making, it were his words of love and adoration that struck her most of all. His inner storm raging, the battles his heart, mind and conscience were fighting every minute of the day. Wanting to be strong for his family and defend their honour, yet secretly wishing to be left in peace. To hide in her arms in their home, to play with his children and to put the sweet music of his mind to paper for generations to enjoy. Yet Destiny always seemed to have other plans in store for him. And so she closed her eyes and whispered a silent prayer for her Angel to stay safe, protected by the graces from above at a time when she herself was incapable of doing so.

"Please God keep him from harm's way, keep him warm in Your embrace, deliver my loved one from evil and let him return to me soon so that he may know peace in his heart once more…"

And as the soft sea breeze carried her words of love across the sunny Venetian rooftops towards the heavens, Erik felt himself succumb to the deepest of calm. No fear or anxiety could harm him as his Angel watched over him with words of love and protection…