A/N: Sometimes we need a sanctuary or a safe haven to go to, to be protected from a harsh and scary world. I have mine and I'm sure you have yours. I'd love to hear about yours. I'd also like to hear what you guys thought about the story so far. I look forward to hearing from you.

Chapter Fourteen:

The Sanctuary

"Did you enjoy being a boy more or being with 'other' boys?" one of the stagehands asked, taking a swig out of a bottle. Others laughed with him and Darcey felt uncomfortable. She felt exposed, especially when she caught one of them openly staring at her.

"How does it feel to be back in your skirts? You must have enjoyed wearing britches."

"Oh, leave off. Find your enjoyment elsewhere," a young boy, a Garren Leroy if she remembered right, said. He looked to be nineteen and had light brown hair and blue eyes.

"Oh come on, Leroy. We're just having fun with her. No harm done. It's all fun and games," one of them said, touching her hair. Garren pulled her away from the others, leaving them to their drinking and laughing.

"I'm sorry for their behavior towards you, Mademoiselle."

"It's alright. Thank you. Please call me Darcey."

"It was nothing. I'm glad I could be of service, Darcey." He bowed low, a huge smile on his face. "Please call me, Garren."

"Pleased to meet you, Garren." She returned his smile.

"Come. They don't need our help even if they are drunk." He reached out his hand and Darcey hesitated before placing hers in it. He led her down to the main floor of the stage. He pushed a curtain out of the way and held it open for her. She entered and her eyes widened. She let go of his hand and spun in a circle. There were many old props here and it was as if they had stepped into a different world. It was a fairytale land, the only thing missing were the fairies. There were fake fruit and plants, and assorted furniture. In the corner, there were a bunch of pillows on the floor. Garren plopped down and gestured for her to join him.

She settled down next to him. "Where are we? It's almost... Magical."

He leaned back on his elbows and grinned at her. "Isn't it? These are old props that aren't used anymore. I found this stuff and straighten it up a bit and now I have my own little sanctuary to myself."

"I'm not intruding am I? I wouldn't want to intrude if this is meant for you," she said starting to get up but stopped when he placed a hand on her arm.

"No, I want you to stay. This place is meant to be a safe haven. It can be one for you too. You might need it. You never know." He removed his hand and reached into his pocket and pulled out a handkerchief. He unwrapped it to reveal some biscuits. "Want one? They were fresh baked this morning." She took the offered biscuit and sat back to enjoy the buttery bread. They enjoyed the biscuits before hearing someone calling.

"Darcey! Where are you?" Meg called. "I want to talk to you!"

"Looks like we better leave," he whispered. "It appears your presence is required." He winked at her and stood, helping her up. She giggled taking his hand again as he lead her out. They came around the corner and he dropped her hand. "I guess I'll see you tomorrow. I'll look forward to it." He turned and walked away.

"There you are," Meg said, walking towards her. "I wanted to talk to you." She giggled. "Come on! I'm just dying to tell you." Meg dragged her to Darcey's room. She closed the door and pulled her over to the bed and sat down, pulling her legs up under her. "You'll never believe what I just saw." She continued without even giving her a chance to guess. "The new patron is here. He's so handsome." Darcey giggled. She had never been one to go crazy over boys but rather had been more of one to join the boys in their antics. "And even better, he snubbed La Carlotta. She tried to flirt with him and he completely ignored her. It was spectacular!"

"I wish I had been there." From what she could tell, Carlotta was just a peacock. She tried to show off and thought everyone loved her but she was horrible. She was rich and some considered pretty by most but she wasn't very talented.

"You should have seen the look on her face!" They both giggled and laughed until their sides hurt.

"What is his name?" Darcey asked after they had stopped though their cheeks were still rosy.

"His name is Lord Lionell Rossau." Darcey froze at the name. She knew him. She wondered if he would still remember her. Meg continued speaking not noticing Darcey tense. "He's very rich I hear. His father died a few years back and he inherited the title and all the lands and money that came with it."

"What about his mother. Is she still alive?" Darcey asked. Meg looked confused that she knew about his mother but answered her question anyways.

"She is still around but is bedridden, or so I was told." Darcey nodded. His mother had always been kind to her. She had understood Darcey's interests and had encouraged her to continue. She was glad to hear she was still alive though she was sad she was not well. "Lord Rossau plans on meeting all the cast tomorrow." Meg was practically bursting in her excitement. "I've never met a lord before. Have you ever met one?"

Darcey nodded. "Yes, I have." Meg's eyes widened.

"You have?"

"Yes. I've meet many. I've even seen the king and queen." Meg's jaw dropped open and Darcey couldn't help but laugh.

Meg was about to say something but Mme. Giry called for her from the hall. "I want to hear more about this later. I'll talk to you tomorrow. Sleep well tonight."

Darcey nodded, walking her to the door. She opened it to reveal Mme. Giry. "Meg, it's time to go. Run along. I need to speak to Darcey." She held a violin case in her hand and Darcey felt more excited than Meg had over Lord Rossau.

"Good night, Darcey," Meg said, giving her a hug. "I hope you consider me a friend. I consider you mine."

Darcey nodded and waved as Meg took off down the hall. Mme. Giry stepped into the room and closed the door. She walked over to the bedside table and set the case down. "I managed to find an old one in storage." She opened the case to show the violin inside. It was obviously old and well used but it looked like it was in good condition. She picked it up and the bow and tried it and was pleased at the sound. It was perfect. "It's not new by any means but I believe it will work. I also got you a timepiece. Erik doesn't have one down there but his own pocket watch. It might help you," she said, putting the necklace the timepiece was on, around her neck. She glanced down at it and tucked it beneath her bodice to lie next to her locket.

"Thank you. Everything is perfect." She gave her a big hug and Mme. Giry smiled as she hugged the exuberant girl back.

"You're welcome. I'll leave you now. Enjoy your lessons tonight." She winked before leaving.

Darcey sighed and sat down on her bed with the violin. She began to play one of songs he had taught her during her first lesson. When she reached the end, she began to make up a song. It wasn't all smooth, but she continued playing. "Very good. Seeing what you can do is good." Darcey smiled and lowered the instrument from her shoulder. "Come. It's time to go." He stood by the mirror and waited while she put the instrument in its case. She walked over to him and he took it from her and offered his arm. She took it and they began to descend.