Disclaimer: The Phantom of the Opera does not belong to me (though I think if it were up to him, he wouldn't belong to anyone), only my own characters do.

Author's Note:

To xXThAnKs-FoR-tHe-MeMoRiEsXx: Thanks for the praise. I had actually considered becoming an English Lit teacher for a while. Then I realized how much I would hate teaching high school students (seeing as I was one at the time).

To foxgodess07: Yeah, Erik was pretty silly, but still kind of dignified.

To phantommistress: When exactly did you feel bad for our inebriated phantom? I think he had a pretty good time, except for the early morning bagpipe serenade. I think you'll like this chapter; it's what you've been asking for since I began this story.

To SafetyPinStitches: You get the prize! You discovered one of my plot bunnies. Will these mysterious patrons show up again later? You better believe it, but not for a few chapters yet.

To xX-Crayola-Xx: I know I can't compete with a professional author, but I hope you continue to enjoy this story as well.

I also want to thank everyone that has signed up for updates and marked it as a favorite; you also keep me writing and don't be afraid to write a review. I don't bite…well…not hard anyway ;-).

The picture will be up on Deviant this weekend, my ID is Tamster73.

Thanks to all who have read and reviewed; the more you review, the more I write. Now, ladies and gentlemen, the Beltane Rites.

Phantom of the Glen

Chapter 13

Past the Point of No Return

The phantom immediately noticed the box on top of the clothes he'd laid out for the festival. He opened the attached note and read, "For Erik, thank you for everything you do. S'ray." in her strange hand writing. Intrigued, he sat down and opened the box; pulling back a piece of black velvet revealed a mask.

He pulled it from the box; it was a half mask similar in size to the one he'd worn in Don Juan, but very different. The mask looked to be made of ivy leaves, but closer examination revealed it to be thinly hammered silver that had been sculpted and then enameled to mimic leaves. It was also surprisingly light for being made of the precious metal. Erik turned it over and discovered that it was lined with fine black suede.

Erik got up and walked over to the dressing table and mirror. He removed the mask that covered the right side of his face and then replaced it with the new one. The mask fit perfectly; he wasn't sure how she did it, but there it was. He looked at himself in the mirror and realized that this mask paired with the clothes that Luniana had made would turn him into a Victorian green man.

Removing the mask again, he went back to where his clothes were laid out and began to dress. Upon finishing he went back to the mirror to check his appearance. He really did look like his old self again he realized as he gazed into the mirror. He was properly attired for the evening in black trousers and a white shirt. His waist coat was a dark green with a pattern of ivy leaves on the brocade fabric. His coat was a green so dark, it was almost black. For a change he wore no ascot, as the night promised to be rather warm. The mask looked even better now that he'd lined his eyes with charcoal to make them blend better with the colors of the ivy. The only thing he had left to do was to strap on his sword and knife and he would be ready to depart for the festival.

Erik impatiently paced in front of the stairs that lead to the second floor. He'd saddled the horses an hour ago and been dressed himself an hour before that. Apparently it didn't matter that S'ray was an Alve, she was still a woman and took forever getting ready.

He was just putting his pocket watch away again when Luniana flew down the stairs. "Be ready to be awestruck," she giggled landing on his shoulder.

The phantom looked up and his breath caught in his throat. S'ray was a vision; she looked like he'd always imagined an Alve to appear. Portions of her long honey colored hair had been worked into tiny braids and the whole of it was held in check by an intricate tiara of silver wirework and chain. She wore form fitting black pants that laced up on the sides, tantalizingly exposing her legs. Her black boots came to her knees and were folded down in the same manner as a musketeer. The violet tunic matched her eyes and was belted at the waist by a chain of silver stars. From her neck hung a silver chain with a single amethyst crystal that nestled in her cleavage.

"Told you," Luniana giggled before flying off.

"Was it worth the wait?" S'ray asked gliding up to him.

"Yes," he said softly, finally finding his voice again. "You look incredibly beautiful."

"Thank you," she smiled, "and you look very handsome."

"Thank you and also for the gift," he replied gesturing to the mask he now wore.

"You're welcome. How does it fit?" she asked.

"As if I made it myself," Erik answered.

"Good, I was a bit worried about that," she nodded.

"And now, Lady Guardian, may I escort you to the Beltane Rites?" he asked with a bow while extending his hand to her.

"Of course," S'ray nodded placing her hand in his.

Erik stood and stepped closer so she could hold his arm, then walked her to the door where he helped her into her cloak. Then he led her to the waiting horses and they rode out of the glen.

It was late in the afternoon when they arrived at the circle where the Beltane Rites would take place.

"We have arrived!" Brandji announced popping out of one of S'ray's saddle bags.

"Yes, let the party begin!" Brule cheered coming out of the other one.

"See you later," Luniana chirped as she flew off among the standing stones.

Brandji and Brule jumped to the ground and scampered off into the edge of the forest.

Even though S'ray had described the place they now entered, the phantom couldn't help but be awestruck by it. There were three rings of standing stones which surrounded a great stone alter. The first ring of stones stood approximately four feet high and were spaced four feet apart. This outermost ring completely circled the clearing. The next ring was more impressive; the stones were seven to eight feet high, thought they were still spaced four feet apart. But it was the inside ring that his eyes were always drawn toward; the stones themselves were immense, some towering over 40 feet above the ground. There were single stones and pairs to stones that were topped with a third stone, creating what appeared to be doorways. The two largest stones were in the middle and stood almost 50 feet tall by his best estimate. They were on either end of the great stone alter that must have been 30 feet long.

According to S'ray the rings represented the three parts of the Seelie Court which was the ruling body of all good creatures. The outer ring of stones was the little people such as pixies, brownies, and fairies. The middle ring represented the Alve, dwarves and gnomes. The stones of the inner ring were the dragons, most powerful and ancient creatures of the Court

"How old is this place?" he asked as she rode up beside him again.

"Thousands of years, there were no humans when these stones were raised," S'ray replied.

"I've seen drawings of Stonehenge in England, but this is truly magnificent," Erik said gazing around at the different creatures that had gathered.

"There are bigger circles than this," she continued. "The Elysian Fields have a circle that makes this one look small."

"Guardian S'ray, it is almost time," an Alve dressed blue told her.

"You wanted to know what Cyd looked like in his true form, here he comes now," she said pointing to the sky.

Erik looked up and saw three of the great creatures descending in a slow spiral, scales shining in the sunlight. The first and largest was the color of polished steel, he assumed this was Cyd. The second was bronze colored and appeared to be smaller than Cyd. The third dragon was copper colored and the smallest of the trio.

The steel dragon landed amongst the inner circle of stones. Standing on his hind legs with his long neck extended, he was easily 20 feet tall. Large silver eyes swept across the clearing as he folded great leathery wings against his body. Erik could swear that the dragon's gaze paused on them briefly before moving on. He watched as the three dragons climbed atop the stones that created not doorways, but perches for the huge creatures.

"Ready?" S'ray asked him.

"Ready," he nodded as they started their horses forward, his just a step to the right and behind hers.

They rode slowly down an avenue that lead to the middle of the circle, torches sprang to life as they passed. Erik could see all manner of Faye creatures gathered; dwarves, gnomes, many Alve, brownies. Pixies and other fairies flew through the air, chasing each other and other little people. At the edges of the forest he glimpsed unicorns, centaurs, griffins, and small wingless dragons. Upon reaching the inner circle, S'ray greeted and welcomed the dragons in Elven.

Then she was lifted from her horse by Cyd and placed upon one of the tallest center stones. Erik took the reins of her horse and watched as she welcomed the rest of the gathered Faye, each in their own language. When she had finished, the bronze and copper dragons used their fiery breathe to bring two gigantic bonfires to life.

S'ray was set back on her horse by Cyd and Erik dutifully handed the reins back to her. Then they turned their horses toward the great bonfires. Gently nudging her horse, S'ray lead them between the twin fires in the purification ritual she'd described the night before.

Afterward they rode to a cleared area between the middle and center ring. He helped her dismount and then handed the reins off to a waiting Alve. S'ray took his arm again and he led her up the steps to where she would perform the rest of her required Beltane duties as Guardian. She took her seat on a raised dais and Erik took his appointed seat on her right.

She'd described this portion of her duties as the most boring. First she would greet visiting royalty from the Seelie Court, then families would approach asking her to smile favorable on children that had been born in the time since Samhain. Finally those seeking audience with the Guardian would approach and she would either grant or deny their requests. As she had told him earlier in the week, this was the one part of Beltane that she absolutely hated and he could understand why.

Later as they sat at the feast, Luniana flew over to Erik and landed on his shoulder as usual. Being accustomed to the pixie using his shoulder for a perch, he ignored her till she suddenly and impulsively licked his ear. Then she knelt down and nibbled his earlobe. "Luniana," he almost growled becoming annoyed at what she was doing to him.

"Whoops S'ray's!" she chirped and flew off.

"Get used to it," S'ray sighed taking a drink of wine. "At least you don't have a brownie humping your leg."

Erik looked down and sure enough one of the annoying creatures was clinging to her booted leg and frantically rubbing himself against it. "That's not one of ours," he frowned.

"I know, thank the gods," she groaned, rolling her eyes and then shaking the creature from her leg.

Night was falling and the only official duty S'ray had left was the opening the dancing. A group of musicians lead by Tavlyn were tuning up on a wooden stage. The music started and Erik led S'ray out onto the dance floor. They began to waltz to the music and other couples eventually joined them in the dance.

"You can relax now, this was our last official act of the evening," S'ray smiled.

"I'm afraid that won't happen until we get away from the crowd," he replied. "I've never been comfortable with a lot of people around; it brings back too many painful memories from the gypsies."

"Well, you've got a choice then," she smiled. "We can continue to dance some more or sneak off and just kind of hover on the edges."

"Won't you be missed?" he asked twirling her around.

"Not if we sneak off gradually," she replied. "We can mingle a bit and just work our way into the forest."

"You have but to give the word and I will gladly spirit you away from here," he said with a conspiratorial smile.

"After the next two dances then," she said, "I don't want to disappoint Tavlyn."

The music ended for the first dance and then a waltz started up. Erik took her in his arms again and they started to move around the dance floor. "He sounds much better when he's not drunk," he said as the one-eyed Alve began to sing.

"He should, music is Tavlyn's life, that's how he makes a living," she smiled. "This is one of his own songs."

"It almost sounds like he's singing about you," Erik said as they listened to the Alve's voice.

"How do you mean?" she asked puzzled. "I've heard him sing this over a hundred times and I don't see myself in it."

"How about this line? She wore no jewels, no costly diamonds. No paint, no powder, no, none at all?" he asked.

"Well maybe that part a bit, but that would be all," she laughed. "Besides, who would write a song about me?"

I would, Erik thought silently as they danced.

Luniana landed on Tavlyn's shoulder as he was resting in between sets and licked his pointed ear. "So Tavlyn," she purred, "I hear you're into wenching."

"Aye," he nodded as a shiver went down his back.

"I'm a wench," she said batting her eyelashes at him.

"So I see."

"Want to get lucky later?"

"I'd love to, but you're a bit small for me."

"That can be fixed."

"Sorry love, but I prefer to remain my current size."

"Fine," she sniffed, her wings drooping.

Tavlyn groaned inwardly, if there was one thing he couldn't stand, it was a crying female. "All right, but you put me back to my right size immediately afterward and you let me finish my next set," he told the pixie.

Luniana squeaked in happiness and flew up in front of him with a salute. "Aye, aa….never mind," she squeaked happily at the one-eyed Alve. "See you later sugar lips."

What have I gotten myself into? Tavlyn thought as he walked back out on stage.

Erik masterfully guided S'ray to the edges of the crowd near the forest. As they passed a table, he grabbed a bottle of wine and two goblets. He led her into the cool woods and stopped under an oak tree.

Using his teeth, Erik pulled the cork from the bottle. He gracefully sat down under the tree and poured wine into a goblet. He held the goblet out to her as she also sat. S'ray gratefully took the wine and holding the goblet up to her lips with both hands took a long drink.

"Cheers," he smiled and drank from his own goblet.

"Mmm, honey wine," she smiled. "That's my favorite and just what I needed right now."

"Then that was lucky for me to grab that bottle," he said taking another drink.

"Be careful Erik. This is Elven made and is quite a bit stronger than you're accustomed to," S'ray cautioned.

"Thank you for the warning," he said idly swirling the remaining wine in his goblet. "I have no intention of getting drunk like I did two weeks ago."

"Good, because I can guarantee that I will personally dunk you in the coldest water that I can find," she laughed lowering her goblet to the grass.

"And I would deserve it," he said leaning back against the tree. "I can't apologize enough for how I acted after reading Antoinette's letter. I was a complete ass."

"I can't really blame you; I went on a drunk myself after Tereste died. It took both Tavlyn and Cyd to get me sober," she smiled.

"It still doesn't excuse my behavior. I'm surprised that you still wanted me to escort you tonight," he said draining his goblet.

"Well, I didn't want to have my brother escort me. It gets a bit embarrassing after a while, I can only claim mourning or sickness for so long," she sighed. "Besides you're a better dancer than my brother."

"Which one?" he asked.

"All of them," she replied. "So what do you think of your first Beltane?"

"It's not what I expected," he answered refilling the goblets. "I've read a lot on what historians think happened during the Beltane Rites, but actually seeing it happen is a different experience. There's just so much that they're absolutely wrong about."

"Are you disappointed that there was no human sacrifice or wild orgy?" she asked with a smile in her bright eyes.

"Perhaps a bit, I did have someone in mind that would have made good sacrifice," he smirked.

"I'm thinking you had several someone's in mind," she replied setting her goblet next to the bottle.

"Well, speaking as the Opera Ghost, it's always good to have a backup plan," he smiled.

"Tav?" S'ray said as she spied Luniana with someone who was neither Fairy nor Brownie.

"Shh," he hissed as Luniana clung to his back, trying to get his tunic off.

"S'ray, what's going . . . " Erik trailed off recognizing the shrunken Tavlyn.

"Not a word," the Alve growled as the Pixie licked his ears.

"Not a word, well not tonight anyway," S'ray smiled. "Though I'm sure the others would laugh themselves silly if they could see you now."

"It's not my fault," he explained as Luniana hands bared his stomach.

"Oh no, it's never your fault, is it?"

"She started crying and you know I can't stand a crying female," Tavlyn finished as Luniana finally tugged his shirt off.

"I know, trust me, I know," she said rolling her eyes.

"Just not a word to the others, especially Cyd," he pleaded as the Pixie stroked his bared chest.

"Fine," she nodded as her and Erik started walking away.

They walked a short distance and when they were out of ear shot, S'ray grabbed Erik by the lapels and began laughing uncontrollably into his chest.

"How did he get so small?" Erik said completely puzzled.

"Pixie magic," she gasped. "What ever you do, don't drink anything Luniana gives you."

"I'll remember that," he said glancing back.

"What exactly is going on with the little people tonight?" he asked as they walked just inside the forest.

"What do you mean?" she asked.

"They just seem . . . overly affectionate," Erik explained as tactfully as possible.

"Oh, that. Well, it is spring."

"And what, exactly, is that supposed to mean?"

"Ummm, mating season?"

Erik gaped back at her with a horrified expression on his face.

"That would be the orgy part you were asking about earlier," she said trying not to laugh.

"Ah-ha . . . the Brownies too?"

"Yeah, the Brownies too."

"Hmmm, so that's what they meant a couple weeks ago," he said with furrowed brows and then noticeably shivered. "I did not need that mental picture."

S'ray couldn't help it any more, she giggled.

"What?" he asked looking at her.

That was too much, she laughed. She covered her mouth, amusement showing plainly in her eyes. "They got you and they're not even here," she chortled.

"They did not get me," he protested.

"Sure and Luniana didn't get Tavlyn," she laughed leaning up against a tree.

Erik colored slightly at what they'd witnessed earlier concerning S'ray's second in command. "It's not the same," he argued trying not to laugh at the predicament Tavlyn had gotten himself into.

"Close enough," she laughed. "And unlike Tav, Brandji and Brule will be proud to tell you all about their conquests."

"It's not funny," he said putting his hands on either side of her and trying to look menacing as he gazed down at her.

"I'm sorry Erik, I can't help it. You're just too serious for your own good," she smiled, trying to stifle her laughter. "You need to loosen up more."

Erik rolled his eyes. S'ray chose that moment to dart from under him and run a few paces away. "Come on Erik," she laughed, "or are you afraid to follow an Elf?"

He looked over at her. "Never," he smirked, turning to give chase.

"Then catch me if you can Erik," she laughed and ran off into the woods.

Never one to turn down a challenge, the phantom took a deep breath and gave chase to Alve. He followed as she darted between the great trees, but she was always a few steps ahead of him. Just as he would think he had lost her in the trees, he would see her silver headdress gleaming in the moonlight and hear her call his name with a laugh.

As he followed her he could still hear the music from the main celebration, but he also heard hoof beats growing louder. S'ray didn't seem to notice, she continued leading him through the forest as the sounds of running horses came closer. She paused to let him catch up to her again and started to sing, "I'll tell me ma when I go home. The boys won't leave the girls alone."

"Now that's just not fair," he called to her as she darted away again.

"She is handsome, she is pretty, She is the belle of Belfast city," S'ray sang to him as she moved behind a tree.

Erik knew that if he was to catch her, he would have to resort to being the Opera Ghost again. He moved silently now, carefully following her movements with his ears. He also heard the hoof beats coming closer as well.

"Knock at the door and ring the bell. Saying, oh my true love, are you well?" she sang and turning, walked directly into the phantom's chest.

"Boo," he smirked looking down at her surprised expression.

"How did you?" she asked puzzled.

"Opera Ghost, remember?" he grinned.

Suddenly the hoof beats were upon them. Erik grabbed S'ray and threw her against a nearby oak, shielding her with his own body. A group of centaurs thundered past; never noticing them.

After the creatures had thundered off into the night again, Erik pulled back from her to make sure she was safe. He looked down at her, breathing heavily. S'ray was gazing back up at him, into his eyes, her own breath coming rapidly. Unable to stop himself, he closed the distance between them and covered her mouth in a kiss.

Author's End Note: I know, I'm a devil for stopping right there. But relax; I already have the new chapter done and am just typing it up.

Coming up in Chapter 14 – Music of the Night