Raoul sat down with the doctor as Nadir left the room. The doctor looked over his shoulder. "Meg and Madame Giry are most fortunate women indeed to have such a loyal companion at their disposal."
Raoul nodded. In normal circumstances he'd have been more than eager to elaborate on his response, but with the present knowledge of Crawling's intentions just made plain, he'd found himself quite distracted from being a suitable match for pleasant conversation. The doctor quickly understanding that Raoul was not focused on their present interchange, altered his context.
"Raoul, it is no doubt that you worry of the whereabouts of Crawlings. He has been a thorn in your side since first he…."
Raoul was shaking his head. "No, no, but yes of course, I do worry for his whereabouts as it may affect those in my household. I sir, am not a criminal." Raoul rose, beginning to walk about the room, hand tucked behind his back, the other rubbing at his squared jaw. The doctor looked at him, a bit confused. "But if I were, what might I expect if I were to come upon the very household I wished to deprive of its master?"
The doctor looked at Raoul a concerned look taking over his face.
"Yes, I should think that I would expect them to do exactly as I've just suggested. Sending the women out at first light. Then, the men tarrying, following behind at a safe distance, after first having given the woman opportunity to be off safely." Raoul continued to walk in a circle, around the divan, in front of the fireplace, beside the bookcase, around the desk, and back again.
The doctor looked at Raoul, "what is it that you are devising in your mind Raoul?"
Raoul spun on his heels. "If I were a clever man, I'd set out now, parading as if none the wiser, heading off to the carriage house as if it had been planned. Departing in the sleigh, making a trip into Paris."
The doctor was shaking his head. "Raoul, it shan't be safe to travel before daylight. If indeed Crawlings is out there, haven't you in fact played right into his hands?"
Raoul turned, smiling "it, I believe is an excellent plan. First and foremost, it is not at all what one would expect. No proper household would leave in the midst of the night. Further, we'd instruct a contingent to follow just slightly behind us, providing security should it be needed." Raoul's thoughts seeming more and more impossible as he spoke. "If the boy is out there, prowling in our perimeter, we shan't get far before he'd be fleshed out, and made a swift end to, and then we shan't have even had to expose the women to any dangers, and truly they shan't have even known it occurred."
Raoul was pacing, no longer stroking his chin, both hands tucked neatly behind his back, as a man does when he's made a decision that he shan't have want to be talked out of. "If we travel to Paris without incident, then we shall have opportunity to ready the staff there to prepare a place for the women, and return in the light of day to retrieve them."
Raoul looked at the doctor for affirmation. The doctor had to admit it was a bit unconventional. Indeed, if the boy did wander alone in the woods, he was but one boy, and certainly would not be prepared to encounter a contingent that followed behind Raoul to Paris. Still, he wondered, "Raoul, we are all quite safe here. Far safer inside the comforts of your house, guards in all corners….indeed, far safer than being out in the darkness, unknowing of what lurks about."
Raoul turned to look once more at the doctor. "Yes, there is truth to what you say. I have but to wonder if we might prevent further tragedy this night by pre-empting a strike by the boy, doing what he would not expect. For when light of day arrives, we have given him as much advantage as we have ourselves, for certainly the boy is not blind."
The doctor raised his eyebrow, he'd had to admit the veracity in Raoul's words.
Raoul looked him squarely in the eye. "Do not misunderstand, I've no want for confrontation, and truly, I should like nothing more than to sleep in the comforts of my own bed this night. What I wish for more than this however, is to cause no further injury to those that occupy my household. For what sort of man am I if I shan't be able to avert any possible dangers? I do not wish to be a prisoner in my house, force these women to be prisoners in my house when it could have been dealt with swiftly."
Raoul's body stiffened. For the first time, in a very long while, he was thinking of the last time he'd not been able to protect the woman he loved. He had reacted, not planned and pre-empted. He had allowed her to go when he should have been strong, allowed that beast that monster to take her, for her to return to him out of fear of what the Phantom would do to Raoul.
He closed his eyes, gritting his teeth. He could see it, see it all once more flashing through his mind….the dark waters below the Opera House, Christine rescuing Raoul only to release him and return to the certain fate back in that monster's lair…what kind of man had he been that allowed such a thing? Where had his courage been then? He felt a gasp rise in his throat. He raised his hand to cover it.
"Raoul?" the doctor stood going to him putting his hand on his shoulder.
"No, this is my household, they are my family either by blood or association. I am the master of this house, and I've made up my mind. I shall lure the boy out if he truly lurks about. There will be no carnage here, no further injury to Meg's fragile state, she truly can take no more." He thinking now about how he had told her for propriety's sake that he shan't stay with her at night any longer…how could he protect her if he shan't be able to be at her side? How would he explain his retraction of his statements? He could not merely say he'd a change of heart, for indeed that in itself would frighten the poor dear. Inside his heart pounded. He'd lost the first woman he loved by not facing his foe directly. He shan't be making the same mistake twice.
Raoul stood making his way toward the door He'd have to make the trip to the carriage house, altering the plans that Nadir would have just delivered to them. The men most likely were already planning for bed, at least those not on watch. He'd reward them quite handsomely for their efforts when they returned. No, he had to rid their lives of this most current threat for surely it would hang like an iron stone around their necks until he was found and vanquished.
"Raoul, I implore you." The doctor rose once more, "there are so many risks going out this time of night. There are the wolves to consider…" Raoul had always respected the doctor, had never spoken against the man in any form. Though he'd not wish to be disrespectful to the man now, he had to disagree.
A great tear welled in Raoul's eye, his lip quivering as he began. "You see doctor, I lost the first woman I was betrothed to for lack of courage, lack of will to strike first, to defend her. I acquiesced to the pleadings of a well intended soul, and in the end, it cost me that which I held most dear in this world."
Raoul paused, looking down at the ground. "If I do not do this, and somehow, in some manner or another this boy finds a way to strike out once more at the core of my family, I shan't begin to forgive myself. I am fully a man now, it is time I start behaving as such. If I should die this night by placing myself in harms way, then at least I die with honor. But I do not fear that there shall be death in my household, I can feel it in my bones. That boy must be stopped….stopped before he can strike….that is the only way." He looked at the doctor with such resolve in his eye, that it was obvious he shan't be dissuaded.
The doctor rose, "then sir, let me see to going with you, I shall.." Just then the door opened and Nadir came inside closing the door. "No, I'm afraid it would be best that you stay here with Meg and Madame Giry."
"Nadir, I'd not thought of you to be a man who would listen in on other men's private conversations." Raoul said, now feeling a bit threatened that perhaps the two of them would now try to join forces and out-reason him.
Nadir walked toward Raoul lowering his own voice. "I shan't be as you've said, a man who listens to private conversations at all. If you had intentions on keeping the conversation private, then it would have served your purposes much better if you'd not spoken quite so loudly! True, that I tarried out in the hallway awaiting your conversation's end, but when it did not come, and you grew louder, I felt obligated to tarry there so as to prevent any other member of your household from happening upon the door and finding out what you'd not yet intended to share with them."
Raoul and the doctor both looked down. First impressions, and assumptions were nearly always flawed. Nadir had yet again proven to be faithful and loyal, protecting Raoul even from himself.
"Raoul, it is a risky venture that you suggest, yet it might very well produce exactly what it is you are hoping for. The boy shan't ever suspect someone following him, and he would be rather easy to put an end to out in the country, far from your house, far from where Meg and Madame Giry might view it."
Nadir began pacing about the room as Raoul had done previously, both the doctor's and Raoul's eyes were upon him. "It would be most wise if I should accompany you Raoul. I have been, all of my adult life, an avid sportsman, and no doubt a better shot than half the men in your employ. I shall be the one to accompany you within the sleigh. On your behalf, I've instructed the men to affix a top to the sleigh, and they are in fact doing so as we speak. Once it is complete, we shall make off, you and I, perhaps talking rather loudly of our need to retrieve medicine of some sort or another from Paris, that will be our pretext should the boy lurk close enough to overhear. No doubt we will travel to Paris without issue, arriving at the Opera House in but a half-hour's time. There we can take in some coffee, and if you're so inclined we can return, and once more give the boy opportunity to strike at us if he follows. Now, if we've traveled both ways quite without issue, then you are most likely going to be quite safe here and shan't have ever had to move Meg or Madame Giry, and they should be none the wiser."
Nadir exhaled slightly. Yes, this would serve many purposes. He could return to the Opera House, searching once more, and be able to carry out his final arrangements for Sara. He could then send messenger by sleigh, with Raoul's blessing, on to Chauesser to announce the possibility of their arrival, in truth a warning to them that Raoul might very well be among the visitors. Yes, this would serve all purposes well, and it would cost them nothing more than a few hours sleep. Nadir lifted his pocket watch. It was just now after midnight. If fortune smiled on them, they'd all be back and safely in their beds before the sun rose on the morrow.
Raoul gave Nadir a grateful glance. "Nadir, my friend, I've no wish to put anyone in harms way. Should I be of any other option, I would be most likely to decline your most generous offer. However, the circumstances being what they in fact might, it would be most wise for me to have someone whose comfort with use of weaponry exceeds my own, for surely I am adept with the use of the sword, but the use of arms is a skill of which I have not acquired. It should bode well for the journey should I have the advantage of your company at my side."
He walked forward grasping Nadir's hand. He turned and walked toward the doctor. "Sir, you have long been more than a physician to me, to my family. I know well of your obvious disdain for handling the instruments that have the power to steal the very thing you protect with great sanctity. If you'd agree to stay with Madame Giry, Meg…." Raoul paused, putting his hand on the shoulder of the doctor, looking him squarely in the eye, "I shall be eternally indebted to you."
The doctor looked down. It was certain that Raoul would find greater safety in the company of Nadir than he. Tending to those left behind had become his realm, one he knew well, one's whose art he had perfected. If any could provide successful distraction if were needed, it would be he. He'd learned it well, averting the suicides and breakdowns of many a grieving soul through story or game. Two women who were none-the-wiser should prove to be quite simple.
"Raoul, I shall do as you ask, in part because I have no hope of persuading you otherwise." He glanced up at Raoul, a rather fatherly countenance in his eye. "I shall see to caring for Meg, indeed we've had a number of days of separation, and I've no doubt she shall be in need of examination and conversation. Madame Giry, she is quite a self-sufficient woman, and will not be easily fooled. I pray only that you give me some plausible explanation to offer her should she inquire."
Without much thought Nadir blurted out, "Sara." Both men turned to look at him. He rose nodding his head. "Sara…say we've had some complication taking care of her final disposition, something that could not wait until the morrow…perhaps the undertaker was reticent to take her due to the length of days since her death. It is plausible indeed, and they both could see the sense of urgency in it."
Raoul looked at the doctor. "It would be believable, for they would not then wonder what brought the two of you here this night. They'd thought Nadir to be staying in the City to take care of those arrangements." Raoul turned to look at Nadir, a nearly pleased look overtaking him. "You are a most clever man Nadir No doubt this is a gift that has served you well throughout your years."
Nadir exhaled slightly. It was not to be an easy journey, but now, somehow it seemed, that all of the pieces were being put into place by fates own hands. "Raoul, I shall return to the carriage house, speak to them of our amended plans. You should perhaps change into something suitable, and then pay a visit to Meg and her Mother. Tell them that you've some details of your household to attend to, and that you bid her good evening. Further tell her that the doctor has arrived and should like very much to examine her, and have a few moments in private. By the time you've shared a cup of tea with them, I should have everything in place for our departure."
Nadir stood thoughtfully walking toward the door. "One more thing Raoul, we shan't want them to witness our departure. Perhaps when you are in Meg's room, you might mention that the glow from the fire might well keep them awake, go over to the window that has view of the carriage house and lower the curtains there. I'm certain that there would be no question of your actions, you being a proper host would be inclined to think of their every comfort. Then, in Madame Giry's presence, request that Madeline do the same for her. With those windows secure, then do call for the doctor and excuse yourself. Then I shall have the men bring the sleigh from the carriage house."
Nadir reached for the door handle. "Thank you Baron…dear friend…it is a great service that you do Raoul by staying here with them. Should the worst come to pass, which it certainly should not, they'd be needing you at their disposal. Do not worry, you've put Raoul into quite capable hands. I've protected a dear friend before.."
Nadir caught himself, he could not help but think of the very association between Raoul and Erik that he'd long been suspecting. He swallowed, "I think should you ever have opportunity to speak with him, you would find, that I have proven to be most useful on more than one occasion." Nadir put on his hat, tipping it toward the doctor. "May it go well for you sir, and may the morning coffee find both you and I sitting at the table enjoying it with the entire family."
The doctor smiled at Nadir. He was a far braver man than his appearance of a stout foreigner would ever have allowed one to think. At first appearance, one would think him to be but a jovial story teller, capable of waging no more harm than bruising someone's ego. No, truly first impressions were deceiving, and one should not be so quick to judge, for one truly never knew the courage of another without riding in his carriage for a time.
Nadir departed, tipping his head back in just briefly. "Whilst the hall is still clear, I might remind you to keep your conversations quite lowered, for this is a hallway that Benjamin Franklin would have most enjoyed, its acoustics are really quite astounding…nearly as beneficial to a passing ease-dropper as the one in Constitution Hall in the Americas!"
Raoul nodded. Turning to the doctor he said, "Nadir is something of a marvel. He is quite a learned man. I've often wondered, though I've not inquired quite directly, what it is that the man has done for a living that he is, for lack of better terms, so worldly. Most would not recognize that reference, let alone know of it."
The doctor looked at him with some question. "I dare say I think myself to be a learned man sir, and even I did not understand the nature of his reference."
Raoul smiled, it was a rare occasion that he could share a bit of history with the physician, for he'd truly learned so much from the man himself. It is a miracle at some point when one's teacher becomes the pupils equal, and then begins to learn from the latter.
Raoul stood and walked to the window watching as Nadir walked to the carriage house. "Story has been told, and as I understand its authenticity has not met much opposition as the theory itself has been proven, that Benjamin Franklin, found within Constitution Hall, a precise place in the rotunda that was acoustically perfect to allow him to overhear conversations of others quite on the opposite side of the large hall. It is told that he'd discovered it quite by accident, and then had a rather inviting small table and chairs placed in the most advantageous place. Delegates of opposing opinions would often take up comfort there during breaks in the convention, and he would quite surreptitiously position himself across the hall, far too distant a location for his human ears to be suspected of overhearing any conversation. It was often wondered, and never discovered until after the convention, how the man had known so very much about the opposing sides opinions, or more specifically the point on which they would concede. It gave him a decided advantage in negotiations, and quite the reputation for being extremely intuitive."
The doctor smiled. "It is quite a story Raoul, how very clever a man indeed."
Raoul looked out the window once more. "We best begin our arrangements sir. I'll instruct Madeline to prepare a room for you. I will do as Nadir suggested and alert Meg to your arrival. I shall have her bring you a pot of tea here. It should be but half an hour, no more, and I shall return for you and take you to her. Is there anything that you require, that I might provide for you?"
The doctor shook his head, "Raoul, it is a most brave thing you do. You do not need to play host to me sir, you fix your mind on returning here safely, I shall see to making sure all that you return to as comfortable as possible." Raoul gave him a grateful smile, and was gone.
The doctor walked to the window. From the outside the carriage house did not reveals its secrets with the exception of the few windows in the dormitories that were lit and then quickly extinguished. He shook his head. He had every hope that Raoul's plans would succeed, and that they would meet with little if any danger along the way. His intention had been to make Raoul more cautious, putting extra guards in place, staying indoors. He'd not expected to put him into motion, but he had, and there was no way of retracting the information, nor altering the events that would follow.
XXXXX
Erik made his way out of the Opera House. He knew the journey to the woman's house well, having made it on more occasions than he could count. The shortest route would take him but a street away from LeMortem, and he'd had it in his mind now to pay a visit to the undertaker if a light still shone in his window. He knew he'd pass nearly undetected there, as no one, save the other undertakers would see him, and they, well, they did not socialize with others in the City so their gossip stayed within their own walls, dying there.
He'd had want to make certain that all had been taken care of on Sara's account. Surely the woman would have already been buried, and all other affairs set in order, he simply wanted to know where she had been buried so that he and Christine could pay a visit to the grave on their way out of Paris, giving even more visible purpose to Erphan and the other young man who'd accompanied them. It was a good plan, and truly he'd no other way of knowing of her final disposition.
The first blocks were quiet, no movement nor lights in houses nor buildings was to be seen. The weather was fair, and warming a bit, making the snow sink beneath his footsteps. He'd not preferred that there be footprints left behind, but he'd no choice now.
Block by block he moved without incident until he arrived on LeMortem street. It was dark and as ominous as Erik remembered; the tidy length of stone buildings showed nothing to betray their purposes. In fact if one did not know Paris, one would never suspect that it was all in one street that the dead were tended to, and surely not one as mundane and unassuming as this one.
Erik walked down the path that had been cleared. To his relief, there was still a light in the man's window. Erik made quick work of the remaining distance, lifting the heavy knocker on the front door. He stood a few minutes as he listened to a pair of heavy feet shuffle toward the door, opening it just a fraction. He knew the man would neither recognize him, nor remember his voice, but he would try to make a comfortable association.
"What business have you here," the man said raising his head to look over Erik's shoulder looking for a sleigh or some other means by which yet another coffin would make its way to his front door.
"I've come regarding a woman that you would have received several days ago. I am but here to be certain that her final expenses have been taken care of, and to learn of where she is now buried so that my wife and I might pay our final respects to the woman…she was a family friend, and we did not have opportunity to attend services for her." The latter part a lie as Erik knew there would have been no formal services, merely a priest at the graveside with Nadir and nothing more unless he'd found her children that quickly.
"And of which woman do you speak?" The man enquired opening the door just a bit more, to take a better look at Erik.
"I am sad to say I know only her first name, Sara, her last name escapes me just now." Erik hoped that this would not dissuade the man from telling him that which he inquired.
The man opened the door fully, "do come in out of the cold sir." He ushered Erik in, looking out the door as he closed it, there was no sleigh, the man had come on foot, how very odd indeed. "Come, come, do sit for a moment."
Erik joined the man at the desk, his eyes gathering in the sickening sight of the walls.
"I must say for a woman I've never heard of, she's caused quite a stir in parts of Paris, for you are the third, nay, fourth person that has found their way to my establishment this very night on her account!"
Erik tilted his head sharply, "Whatever do you speak of? Did her children themselves miss the funeral, coming here instead?"
The man laughed. "No sir, I've not seen her children, just a rather stout man, and a maid and another rather unkempt man from the Opera House."
"Nadir?" Erik said under his breath, his head turned down his eyes darting back and forth at the floor those his mind was focused on anything but. What would Nadir have been doing here that night, and what of the maid and the other man of which he spoke. "I am sorry, I do not understand, why was it that the stout man as you'd put it, why was he here tonight, had you not received payment previously?"
The man laughed, "Nay, and I have not still, in fact that is why the maid visited this evening, no doubt with the other man as her escort. She came to deliver a note from the stout man who had been here only hours before delivering the woman's body. Thankfully it had been already prepared, or I'd not have been able to take it in for it seems she's been dead far too many days already and should have long been buried by now."
Erik's mind was racing. What on earth had happened, had the storm delayed Nadir, why else would he have tarried, and why not until tonight had he delivered her? Why had payment not been made….was Nadir still in the City! Erik's heart began to race. "Good sir, may I inquire as to the nature of the note?"
The man looked at him a bit suspiciously, normally he'd not share such information.
Erik looked at him, sensing his hesitation. "As I said, I've come to assure you that her account be settled, and in fact I am prepared to do so at this very moment. I only have need to know if this man, this friend is still in the City so that we might meet."
The man hesitated still until he watched as Erik retrieved a rather large sum from his pocket.
"I shall see to the bill sir, and perhaps find the note for you." The man disappeared behind the rather tattered door, upon opening the sickly scent wafted out into the small room Erik sat in, making him cover his nose and mouth. It was a putrid smell; a combination of body fluids, incense, and embalming preparations. It truly was beyond repulsive.
It took no time at all and the man was back, handing first the bill to Erik. Erik in turn handed him a sum of money more than sufficient to cover the expense. The man took it, and in return, handed Erik the note.
As the man began counting the funds, Erik took the note from the envelope and began to read.
Dear Sir:
It is much to my regret that I'm obligated to send this note. I am truly a man of my word, and in conveying to you a promise to make payment in full before the sun rose, I'd every good intention to do so. To that end, I make my apology. I've encountered something of a most urgent nature that calls me away from Paris to the house of Raoul DeChagny this very night. As I've not the funds at my disposal at this location, and shan't have opportunity to procure them before my departure, I shan't be able to return until the morrow. It is my sincere hope that you shan't base your entire opinion of me, or those I serve, on this one incident alone for it is most certain that I do not conduct business in this way. To ensure you that I've every reason to return, you may inquire at the Opera House as to my whereabouts. I shall be at DeChagny's house, as I have taken up residence there however temporarily as his guest. I do beg of you your tolerance. I shall be in to settle the account at the earliest possible arrival. Nadir
Erik flipped the paper over. What urgent business would Nadir have at Raoul's? Erik's eyes scanned the note several times more…urgent nature…travel by night…Nadir would do no such thing unless something indeed necessitated it. He'd little to base his next maneuvers on other than his gut instinct. He waited until the man finished counting.
"Did either of the ones who delivered this to you say anything at all of what business this man was called away?"
The man was shaking his head. "They said nothing other than the man was insistent it be delivered tonight, and that he'd left in a rather hurried manner." The man sighed, tucking the money beneath his vest, smoothing it down.
Erik was standing now. He would check the Opera House in the morning for it was certain that Nadir had intentions to return there. He thanked the man, and turned to leave.
The man said, "don't know why you've all been so determined to venture out on a night like tonight with that Crawlings boy still roaming loose. Not that it's been bad for business mind you." The man said, rubbing his pocket. "But I'd not venture out unless I had to. It's been mentioned, rumored you, that he's his eyes set on some aristocrat, apparently a score to settle….at least that's the word. One can't trust everything one hears." Erik nodded. "Thank you sir, you've been most helpful." Erik donned his hat once more and he was gone.
Once back outside he closed his eyes. He had to decide now. Something had called Nadir urgently to Raoul's. It could be Meg or Madame Giry, or perhaps he'd heard something when he was at the Opera House. There was so very much that Erik did not know about what had gone on with Nadir these last days. What Erik did know is that whatever had called Nadir away, would have been urgent, for Nadir never, NEVER, left an account unsettled, it was not his way. If Nadir had felt so strongly, surely Erik knew it was serious.
Erik looked down LeMortem street. One way would lead to Christine, the other would lead back to the Opera House where he knew he'd have no trouble procuring a horse, going to help Nadir if it was needed…but it was at great risk, he'd have to hide in the shadows, though he shan't be recognized, and could likely pass for a traveler venturing out after being stranded in Paris by the storm if he was discovered.
He stood in the middle of that street looking left and right, not being able to decide. He pressed his eyes closed, exhaling. His breath held, his eyes closed until he began to feel the pounding of his heart in his chest, the very beat of it in his ears. He inhaled slowly, raising his eyes toward the cold earth that lay off in the distance. He'd a promise to keep. He turned, his cloak swirling behind him as he made his way down the street, a determined look on his face. He'd keep his promise.
Author's Notes:
Captainoblivious: Put that frying pan away my dear, before an accident causes some unintended injury! With finals week surely at your doorstep, you cannot afford a broken foot, or some other swollen extremity! LOL!
Good to hear Suzy is back in working order after her day at the "car spa" but oh my, what a bill indeed!
Christine's dream was something wasn't it? Ahhh…yes…the wonderings of a young mother's heart. They can be quite something.
Have a wonderful day!
Phantomsrogue: You are quite right, and quite observant…yes…she is expecting triplets. Funny how the mind imagines things though….I don't think she herself caught that little tidbit. I just loved how Erik interacted with his children, and how he looked adoringly at her….sigh….
A good rich cheesecake recipe would be good. I myself have baked New York cheesecakes, which are quite dense, so I think it might be along the same line.
Ninnah and Chulo! I love it! Perhaps if Erik and Christine ever find a pet, we shall have to use one of the names! I could just see Erik with a cat named Ninnah couldn't you? LOL!
I hope you had a wonderful, and safe, Thanksgiving holiday. You certainly were racking up the miles! Mine was wonderful. I had all the people I love around me. The only down side was that my mother, bless her soul, made pie upon pie, but somehow forgot to make pumpkin! Can you believe it, no pumpkin pie on Thanksgiving? So, my cousin ran around town and found what we believe, was the last pumpkin pie in the city! We will have a good laugh at my mother's expense over it for years to come. Thank heavens. I have been the family joke for more than several years because I forgot the cranberry relish one Thanksgiving. Now my mother can take over the throne for awhile! LOL!
French quotes indeed. For tonight, I shall simply say Bon Nuit mon cheri!
Nordygirl: Never too early for holiday music my dear! I think I would be content to listen to it year round! LOL! Hanukah is a wonderful season too. I've often admired the eight night tradition before the official holiday. I must admit I only understand parts of it, and I know that there is significance to each night. It is a wonderful time of year for families and friends, no matter what we are celebrating!
Yes, if Erik and Raoul run across each other, well…let's just say that would be most interesting wouldn't it? Erik of course wouldn't be surprised, but you can be certain Raoul would be!
Have a great night!
Phantomfan13: Remember that Christine's dream was a daydream, one where she was in full control of the circumstances. Yes, it would indeed be wonderful if it could all come to pass. I think Erik and Christine would be one of those couples who could raise quite a brood of children, and each one would receive individual attention and turn out to be sensitive intelligent people. Just a hunch! LOL!
That is right, I forgot that your Thanksgiving was a month ago, how very remiss of me! I am very full of turkey, as I recall you were too after your celebration! It was cold for us this past weekend, and we did get snow, just in time for shopping mall excursions! But it did not deter us however! I bet you are happy that you didn't have the estimated snow that they forecast, or maybe not. There is nothing like a good snowstorm once in awhile that forces us to stay at home, cuddled under blankets, sipping hot chocolate, and watching movies….ahhh….one of the finer things in life!
LadyWinifred: Yes, a gaggle of children would be a welcome thing for Erik and Christine. I have hopes that they would have quite a large family, and that Erik and Christine would be able to settle into a normal life raising their children, and loving each other until death they do part. Oh what a wonderful dream it would be.
Have a great night my dear!
PassedOver: Thank you for the compliment on the chapter. I could have spent a great deal of time focusing on Erik's feelings with what he'd thought when he was in the lair. No doubt he'd been rehashing so many things, mulling them over and over in his mind in disbelief. So much had happened when he lived there, and yet, so much more had happened since he'd left. It is a strange thing when you've been obsessed with something, as he was with music and Christine, and then life suddenly deposits what you've longed for in your lap. Sometimes it is a let down, but in this case, Erik embraced it with a grateful heart. Though now he has the task of working out all the details in his mind, reconciling his past with his future, which no doubt will be a difficult thing indeed.
Hope you enjoyed this most recent chapter!
Silverwolf: I had a wonderful Thanksgiving, and I, as I am certain you did as well, put a considerable dent in my pocketbook on Friday! LOL! The good news is, I can take several people of my list now! Oh, by the way, I don't mess with what's important to me…I'd never bet my copy of POTO on anything! LOL!
Have a great night!
Faeriecatcher1: Yes, I rather enjoyed Erik with his children, it will remain one of my favorites in this story I think. Erik did have some sort of closure at the Opera House, though I am not entirely certain that he won't find himself back there again!
Phantomphorever: Good to hear from you my dear! I hope all is going well for you. Your story was very touching…if only every child that had needs like this could be so fortunate as to have a compassionate person in their life…someone who is patient such as you. That is a truly heinous thing to have happened to that poor child. The poignancy of your fascination with the story of POTO is not lost in this case I'm certain. It is not at all unlike the story of POTO when he was at the hands of the gypsies, but far more horrific because it was not a story…it was that poor child's reality. I know you are not likely to feel you want praise, but you should be commended for being such a wonderful person to take this task upon yourself. It is a difficult thing to share love with someone who is so very damaged, to let them know that there are good people out in the world, that not all people are cruel and heartless, and that they can trust….I know this all too well…it is part of what I do… I will add this young man, and you, to my prayer list my dear. It is a very brave thing that you do, and just know that someone out there is rooting for you!
SilverRains871: Good to hear from you! I understand about being busy…it can be difficult to keep up with everything in our lives!
Thank you for the compliment on the chapter. I am certain that you are getting as anxious as the rest of the Phamily to see Crawlings made a swift end to!
Have a good night!