Unexpected Visitors

Sorry this took so long to update. I've been in New York without a laptop. Please review, and thank you to the people who have. :)

Nadir waited quietly for Christine to begin her story. She looked uncomfortable, like she didn't know where to begin. She glanced nervously at the fire and then to him, as if trying to rid herself of the tension. "My dear, just start from the very beginning." She looked at him with confusion.

"The very beginning? What interest do have in my childhood?" She laughed softly, though her eyes betrayed her. There was fear and pain that still echoed there. "It is in the past, that is all that matters." She whispered, her fingernails digging into the skin of her palms.

"Whatever it is, you can tell me. You're safe now." He took her hand in his two larger ones and smiled reassuringly. She fidgeted in her chair and did not meet his eyes. "What is wrong Christine? Surely it cannot be that horrible?" He smiled teasingly, instantly regretting it. She met his gaze head on this time. Anger swirled in the dark pools of her eyes and the intensity of her stare was enough to make him look away. She almost snarled in her rage.

"Until last night I was at the mercy of someone who took every opportunity to show me just what an abomination I was to them. You wanted an explanation and I was trying to give you one, but do not make assumptions on how much I suffered." Christine's words were short and to the point, but her voice shook with a kind of fire. He could have never expected such a young girl to know cruelties, but he felt no pity for she who had the strength to persevere.

"I am sorry Christine, I did not mean to judge you. Please forgive me for my loose tongue, I did not wish to mock you." Tears cascaded down her pale face as she shook her head. She could not face those years, not yet.

"Do not apologize for what has been said. I do not want your pity. I should not have become that angry, but it is a very sensitive topic and I will not thank you for treating it so lightly. Perhaps we will continue this conversation later this evening." She quickly excused herself and slipped out the door, feeling tremors of repressed pain threatening to violently tear her to pieces.

Erik stormed out of the chateau mumbling curses under his breath. Michael waited silently on his horse while he approached. "So it went well?" His question was met with a death glare.

"This woman does know how to answer the simplest of questions! I ask for the girl's height, she says average. I ask her for a detailed description, she says brown hair and brown eyes. That's it! Infuriating! Never have I been asked to work with so little. She cannot even remember the girl's age!" He mounted his black stallion and took off towards the woods. Michael watched as he galloped away in fury. Erik was more intimidating than anyone he had ever seen and he wondered what kind of woman dared provoke his wrath. With his golden eyes and half mask, he looked like a villain from a fairytale. "Well?" Erik snarled when Michael did not follow. His face went bright red as he hurried after his master.

They reached the beginning of the woods and he looked to Erik, who did not return the glance. "There was a hell of a storm last night, so forget even looking for tracks." Michael sighed, knowing his talents would not be needed. Now what would they do? Erik's golden eyes sparkled when he took a new approach. "Christine was undoubtedly in the storm." He stated, making Michael roll his eyes. Erik ignored him. "A young woman like her would not last long in a storm, and she would have looked for shelter. There were no horses stolen so she must be fairly close and traveling on foot. I do not believe she could have found anywhere dry in this forest that would have protected her from the rain, so she must have found someone willing to take her in. That, or she did not find anyone, and she is probably..." He did not finish the line, hoping she was alive for his sake. He needed that money and it would be very satisfying to get it from Isabel after everything she had done to him. Determined, he entered the dark pine forest, hoping this would not be a waste of time.

Christine sat out of sight at the base of the woods. She silently thanked Nadir for not coming after her in her fragile state of mind. The air was cool and fresh against her skin, and she enjoyed the feeling of freedom. She would never go back. The realization woke up some inner emotion, and she began to laugh. She looked around and smiled with joy as she imagined being able to have a life of her own, and in a two weeks, she could claim her inheritance. She would be eighteen and have enough money to find a home anywhere she wished. Even if Isabel did try to find her, she would be in Paris soon and far away from her cruelties. Christine felt a few raindrops and sighed, knowing she would have to return soon. Slowly, she eased herself off of the damp grass, distracted by the light coming from the cabin.

Nadir watched from the window as a heavy rain began and groaned. That girl was going to catch her death if she kept staying out in the rain. He opened the door and stepped into the cold rain. He moved quickly toward the stumbling shape in the shadows, seeing that Christine was indeed drenched. She smiled gratefully when he took her hand and helped guide her to the cabin. The warmth from the fire was a relief to the both of them as they walked through the threshold. "Come with me." He quickly said, seeing that her already torn dress was close to falling to pieces. He led her to an old wardrobe and pulled out a chemise that used to belong to his wife. Nadir admired it for a moment before holding it out for Christine. She gasped.

"No, you really don't have to. This is far to nice of clothing." She tried to protest, but Nadir rolled his eyes and led her to the room she had been sleeping in previously.

"You may sleep here again tonight, no protests please. And your dress is falling apart, my dear. Just wear it." He said as he thrust it into her arms. "Goodnight Christine." He smiled and shut the door. Christine called after him through the door.

"Goodnight monsieur." Confused she turned to the mirror in the room. Now she could see just how badly her dress had been torn. It was nearly falling off her body, and was heavily stained and wrinkled. Sighing, she slipped off the dress she was wearing and turned to the new one. It was a simple white, but with elegant folds and lace making it nicer than anything Christine had worn in a very long time. As she put on the dress she began to hum. It started out as a simple little tune that bounced around the room like rain. Slowly she began to sing the words of a childhood song asking the rain to wash away all sorrows. She liked to think the rain could hear her and she absentmindedly grew to a louder volume, feeling the melody sooth her troubles.

Nadir went to the kitchen for water, pondering his young guest. Christine seemed to have many layers, and he seemed to know as little as when he found her. He scolded himself for speaking to her so informally when she still called him monsieur. As he gulped down a cup of water, he made his way to her room to apologize. His hand raised to knock on the wood, but stopped short. An enchanting sound echoed through the room. Against his better judgment, Nadir opened the door slightly and looked inside. Christine stood before the window in the thin nightgown, an unearthly sound coming from her mouth. Never had he heard such a beautiful sound, and it brought tears to his eyes. He cringed when he dropped his cup. Christine flinched and turned crimson when she realized he was standing in the doorway. "I-I didn't know you were there." She murmured, trying to hide her embarrassment. He quickly went to her.

"Don't even try to explain. That, what you just did, is the most beautiful thing I have ever heard." She blushed furiously, but a faint smile lit up her face. Nadir secretly thought what his old friend would do if he found such a voice. He smiled to himself at all the potential of her. "You should be singing professionally, with a voice like that. In fact... Would you mind if I introduced you to a very musical friend of mine?" The light in her eyes instantly faded to fear at the idea of meeting someone else. He quickly smiled and shook his head. "He would never reveal your identity. I only say this because he is a superb musician and he would be eager to train your voice." Conflict still clouded her features, but the initial fear was gone. "I'll let you think about it. I'm going to read, and please sleep. There will be time in the morning to discuss your voice." She let out a shaky sigh.

"I'm just a bit overwhelmed. Yes," she nodded to him. "We can speak more in the morning. Goodnight... Nadir." Christine smiled softly as he left the room. Nadir picked up the glass that had spilled over his Persian rug, and carried it back to the kitchen. He whistled to himself as he settled into a chair in the living room. His attention began to drift away from his book and soon he was fast asleep.

"Goddamn this foul weather." Erik shouted into the storm. His temper had grown since the rain started and Michael was careful to keep his distance. They had been searching for a good eight hours and they were both wet and tired. They had looked in nearby towns, and manors, but had no luck. After a few hours of sweeping the woods, Erik had finally decided to find shelter, but the nearest town was a ways away.

"Where are we going monsieur?" It felt like they were going in circles, and Michael wanted nothing more than a warm bed. Erik let out a quiet sigh of relief as a little house came into view.

"A friend's."

Nadir leaped out of the chair when a loud knock sounded at his door. Brandishing his hardcover book in one hand he walked towards the door. "Who's there?" He asked gruffly, trying to sound intimidating. A harsh laugh echoed from the other end.

"I'm trembling with fear Nadir. Now are you going to let me stand out here all night?" Nadir threw open the door and smiled as Erik stepped through the threshold. Another man soon followed, and they both shed their long coats. "Thank you my friend. I'm afraid Michael and I are in need of a place to stay." Erik said as he quickly made himself at home, sitting in a plush chair close to the fire. Nadir shook his head at the turn of events, wondering if this was a coincidence or fate. "Well don't stand there gawking all night daroga. Surely someone must have told you staring is rude." He snapped out of his trance and joined his friend by the fire. "I will use the guest room tonight, and Michael can sleep in here." Erik said, pulling off his leather gloves and smoothing back his obsidian hair. Nadir began to laugh, which earned a glare from him.

"I'm afraid your timing is just rather hilarious to me. I'm sorry, but tonight one of you will get the chaise, and the other the floor. I have a guest." Erik's eyes went a bit cold.

"And your guest would not spare the bed for weary soaked travelers?" He asked expectantly.

"I would not think to ask it of her." Erik sat up straighter as he heard this. Why would the daroga have a woman in his home. "In fact, I was just speaking about you with her, and I believe you two have something in common." Nadir smiled. "She has the most beautiful voice I have ever heard and-"

"You have not heard many singers, daroga, and why in the world is she here?" Erik was beginning to lose his patience with him. The daroga did not have many friends, and he was beginning to suspect who this woman might be. Nadir heard the tension in Erik's voice though, and immediately went on guard.

"Erik... What are you doing here? You do not travel without reason, what are you doing at my door?" Erik rose from his chair and Nadir quickly followed. Any friendly banter ended there. Determination lit up Erik's eyes and Nadir realized the severity of the situation.

"I think I would like to meet this guest of yours. She sounds rather... Intriguing." Erik began to move past him, a horrid grin on his face, but Nadir stepped in front of him. Even though Erik was several inches taller, he had no fear facing his anger.

"She is asleep, and I think it is best you stayed away from her." Nadir was sensing he recognized her, and he might have just put Christine in danger. He was usually very hospitable, but he would not see the young girl come to harm. "In fact, I think you and your friend had better look for accommodations elsewhere." He tried to stay calm as Erik smiled and began to walk towards him.

"Oh but surely you would not send us into the rain. I only wanted to meet the girl, and I'm sure she wouldn't mind me saying hello. I'm anxious to hear that pretty little voice of hers." His voice was now a deep growl and his eyes flickered towards her door. Michael slowly joined his master in front of Nadir, who was becoming worried. Erik was a dangerous man, and he did not stand a chance in a fair fight.

"Stay away from her Erik. I'm warning you. Whatever interest you have in her, stay away." His voice wavered and he saw Erik's eyes light up with anticipation. He was now only a few feet from her door, and Nadir had no way to defend the girl, seeing as all his weapons were in his own room. Erik's laugh was cold and unfeeling as he began to advance once again. Nadir panicked and threw a punch at him, which Erik quickly deflected and returned. Nadir hit the wall with a sickening crunch before Michael held him down. His head spun and his mouth tasted metallic with blood. Several more punches left him weak and unable to protect the sleeping girl.

Erik looked at the bloody Persian and laughed at his little attempt to save the girl. He felt no more remorse for what he was about to do. It wasn't fair, but life wasn't fair. He opened the door and his breath caught. In the dim candlelight was one of the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. A mane of chocolate curls spread across the pillow like an untamed halo, and her face was soft and kind. He smirked when he remembered what Nadir had said about her voice. No wonder he thought it was good, men were weak when it came to woman and this one was no exception. He slowly approached the bed.

Christine had heard every word of their conversation, being the light sleeper she was. When the conversation kept coming back to her she had looked for a weapon, relieved when she found a letter opener. She clutched it in her fist beneath the pillow and pretended to be asleep. Poor Nadir had been hurt, but she could not save him. She would be lucky to save herself. He grew closer to the bed, and she tried to stay calm as her body throbbed with adrenaline.

He slowly leaned over the sleeping beauty's pillow, knowing he could easily restrain her. "Christine." He sighed. She heard her name and bolted upright, catching him by surprise. The knife was immediately at his throat, and she pressed it down on his windpipe savagely. "So this is how it's going to be."