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 LittleMargarita: Yes, there is a lot more to Phelon than meets the eye, watch out for him in future chapters. And don't worry about Meg, Erik is watching out for her. And as for dragons and vampires not trusting each other, I've got two words for you: treasure hoard. They both have them and guard them jealously.
To GigiMusic: As I told LittleMargarita earlier, don't worry about Meg. Will Raoul have learned his lesson this time? You'll just have to read and find out.
To Phantom-Trained Singer: Glad you liked the story. Yes you can see pictures online, they are on Deviantart under my ID Tamster73. I'll also be posting some new ones on 4/20/11. Found some doll programs that I played around with the other night.
To foxgodess07: Yes, Raoul will live and he'll be making some appearances in future stories as well. Hope you enjoy the new chapter.
Welcome and thanks to Evening Starbossa for adding this as a favorite story. I hope you enjoy the story and keep reading.
Poll Time! I know it hasn't happened in the story yet, but should S'ray tell Christine off once and for all? Yes or no? Let me know, the poll is on my profile!
I've got an urge to do more artwork. Let me know in a review what scene from the story you'd like to see. It can be a fight, something humorous, or something steamy. I will not do Christine kissing Erik, that won't happen in case there are any E/C shippers reading this (there are already enough pictures of that). I'll tally the list and have my guy pick (So be creative so says the guy) the winner.
So far we have Erik sitting on his throne in the black mask and clothes, Erik beating the you-know-what out of Raoul, Raoul tied to the tree in the torture chamber and Erik torturing him, and Christine fainting in the kitchen between the Brownies. I know there are some more scenes you people are dying to see, any scene from any chapter is fair game except for Christine kissing Erik.
Thanks to all who have read and reviewed; the more you review, the faster I write the next chapter. Now, on to the next chapter.
Phantom of the Glen
Chapter 31
Home Again
"You made a good decision," Madame Giry said as she bound the Vicomte's arm to his side. Erik had mercifully decided to put Raoul's shoulder back in joint after he'd agreed to return the book. She also knew that Erik had taken no small bit of satisfaction from his patient's cries as he yanked the arm back into place.
"How can you be so sure? You know this man and what he's capable of, not to mention those creatures he's allied himself with now," Raoul frowned and then winced as she pulled the bandage tight.
"I know him and he never breaks his promises," she said. "He promised he wouldn't kill you because Christine is pregnant and he won't. I'm sure he won't guarantee what the others may do, but he won't kill you."
"But . . . " he started.
"That's enough Raoul, you wouldn't listen to me when you were warned before, you had better listen this time," she said angrily dabbing at one of the cuts on his face.
"Oww, be careful," he protested.
"Then listen for a change," she frowned. "The Phantom let the both of you go, he knows Christine loves you and not him. Yet your pride insists that you pursue him and you use me and my daughter as bait to trap him."
"But I'm saving Christine," he objected.
"You great idiot, she never needed saving," Madame Giry said. "Because he never would have hurt her, things would have worked out if you had just left well enough alone. And I never should have told you how to find this place."
"You did the right thing," Raoul replied.
"I did not, I betrayed one of my oldest friends," she snapped.
The Vicomte paled, he'd suspected more of a connection than she'd let on when she'd told him some of the Phantom's background, but not this. It was inconceivable, how could she be friends with such a terrible creature. "But Madame Giry," he protested.
"No buts and for your sake and Christine's, don't renege on giving that book to Cyd when he takes you home," she said sternly.
"But it cost me over 50,000 Francs," he protested again.
"A small price to pay for the safety of your family," she frowned. "Anyway, that book does not belong to you."
"Then who does it belong to?" he demanded.
"The Seelie Court," S'ray said quietly.
"You . . . you're alive," he said astonished.
Madame Giry looked from the Vicomte to the Alve. She could tell by the way they looked at each other that it was time for her to leave. The ballet mistress stood and nodding to each of them; left the torture chamber.
"Disappointed?" S'ray asked coolly.
"Perhaps," he answered watching as she stood there observing him and leaning against a mirror.
"If I was, then you'd be dead or at least on your way slowly and painfully," she said straightening. "I'm sure the Phantom would have devised something awful for you."
"What do you want?" he demanded haughtily.
"I want the book," she said simply.
"And if I refuse?" he asked.
"There are others that would just as soon kill you to possess that book," she answered walking toward him.
"What?" he asked with a bit of shock in his voice.
"You heard me; did you think that goblins were the worst creatures in the Faye Realm?" S'ray asked.
The human swallowed hard, he hadn't read that far into the book. However, he remembered what the goblins did to his men in the forest and to even contemplate that there were far worse creatures turned his stomach.
"Oh don't go green on me right away, you were quite willing to kill me with iron," she scoffed. "Besides, the ones I speak of have a very pleasant appearance and even pass for human most of the time. And unlike goblins, they are quite at home in a city like Paris or even this opera house."
"Seems as if that book is the only thing keeping me alive right now," he muttered, trying to control his own fear.
"Not true, my pity on your wife is keeping you alive," the Alve answered. "She is pregnant and I know what your fine family would do to her should you turn up dead."
"And what is that?"
"Turn her out into the street penniless, such is the mercy of nobility," she frowned.
"They would not," he protested.
"Then after the child was born, after all they would need to know if she was carrying a boy to carry on the family name," S'ray added.
Raoul didn't answer her; he knew she spoke the truth. His family had disapproved of his marriage to the soprano from the onset and had only begrudgingly accepted her even now. Madame DeChagny, his mother, would waste no time in ridding herself of his widow after the baby was born.
"You do realize that this is your last chance," S'ray continued.
"What do you mean?" he asked quietly.
"There are no more reprieves for you, if you harm anyone in this opera house or my forest I will let my mate kill you," she replied looking down at him with hard violet eyes.
The Vicomte swallowed hard, he knew she was telling the truth. He also knew with a certainty that the mate she spoke of was the Phantom.
"Do you understand, you've used up the last of my mercy?" she asked.
He took a shaking breath and nodded affirmatively.
"And you will give Cyd the book and anything you may have copied from it?" she asked.
"I will," he responded.
"And what will happen if you don't?" the Alve continued.
"He will destroy my homes looking for it," Raoul answered.
"And what will happen if you cross either the Phantom or myself again?" she questioned.
"The Phantom will kill me," the noble answered.
"That's right," she said as the door opened and Erik stepped in carrying a black piece of cloth in his hand.
"Hello love," he smiled as she turned to greet him. "Having a chat with my guest?"
"Just setting him straight on what will happen if he refuses to return the book and if there is another incident with us," she smiled as he came up behind her.
"And what did you tell him would happen?" he asked wrapping his arms around her.
"That his life is yours to do with as you will," she smiled as he pulled her tight against himself.
"You've already been given a small idea of what my torture chamber is capable, Vicomte. I trust a second visit will not be necessary?" Erik asked, holding S'ray possessively against himself.
"No," the noble answered sullenly.
"Time to say farewell to my guest darling," the Phantom smiled and kissed her cheek. "It's time for him to leave."
"So soon? And here we were just becoming good friends," she replied sarcastically and turning her head, returned his kiss.
Raoul looked away, the thought of the Phantom kissing anyone turned his stomach. He remembered all too well what the man looked like under that mask and couldn't imagine anyone kissing him willingly.
"What's wrong Monsieur?" Erik asked, his attention drawn to the man's movements. "Do you think that I don't deserve the attentions of a beautiful woman?"
The Vicomte didn't answer him; he just kept looking at the wall to his left.
"I'll leave you to get him ready for his trip," S'ray said reaching up and stroking his tense jaw.
"This won't take long," he said and kissed her one more time before she stepped to the still open door.
"And don't forget to take that mask off before you come to bed," she smiled back at him as she left.
Erik stepped up the Vicomte and said, "I really don't want you to find your way down here again, so you'll be wearing this on your way back to your estate."
"You should have put it on me before that disgusting little display," the Vicomte grumbled.
"Excuse me," the Phantom growled and grabbing a handful of the Vicomte's hair, yanked his head backward, "I didn't quite catch what you said. Would you care to repeat that for me?"
"Nothing," Raoul hissed through clenched teeth as he was forced to gaze upward at the Phantom, "it was nothing."
"Remember," he said opening the black bag, "all I need is an excuse." Then he put the black bag over Raoul's head and tied it around his neck so he couldn't shake it off.
"Is he ready?" Cyd asked as he entered the chamber.
"Just get him away from me," Erik spat as he stepped away from the human.
In silence they watched Cyd march the Vicomte out of the Phantom's lair. When he'd gone, S'ray turned and went into Erik's bedroom to get some more rest before they left for the glen. The Giry's had already gone upstairs to their rooms earlier in the evening and the little people were asleep in various nooks about the lair.
"Do you think he'll do it?" Tavlyn asked as he walked up to Erik.
"Return the book?" Erik asked running a hand through his hair. "He really has no choice considering his current circumstances, now does he?"
"Not if he loves her as he claims he does," the Alve replied and added with a smile, "though I would bet every instrument that I own that Cyd will get one good shot in on him before he leaves with that book."
"I believe you're right," Erik smiled. "Now, I'm going to get some sleep and I suggest you do the same. We'll be leaving early in the morning as I really don't need all of Paris staring at the strange sight we'll make as we leave the city."
"You're right, wake me if I'm not up yet," he replied loosening his leather jerkin.
"I will," Erik nodded as he went to his bedchamber.
Erik smiled as he unbuttoned his waist coat; S'ray looked absolutely beautiful lying in his bed. Never in his wildest dreams had he ever imagined a moment like this, coming into his bedchamber to find his lover in his bed. This would be an image ingrained in his memory forever. The picture was so perfect he almost didn't want to disturb her by joining her, almost.
He sat on a chair and pulled his boots and socks off. The he stood and removed his waist coat and shirt, draping them on the back of the chair; they were joined shortly by his trousers. He had considered leaving them on, to better avoid temptation but he knew that she was still weak from the iron poisoning and he could wait till she was well once more. The last piece of clothing he removed was his mask and he placed that on the bedside table.
Then after putting out several candles so the room was only softly lit, he joined S'ray in bed. He smiled as she instantly turned toward him and laid her arm across his middle. Her breath was warm against his bare chest and he gently pulled her hair from her face with the hand of the arm she rested upon. She smiled and snuggled closer to his warmth. Erik turned his head and pressed a kiss to her forehead. "I love you S'ray," he whispered softly so as to not disturb her.
"I love you too Erik," she smiled, opening her violet eyes.
"I'm sorry love, I didn't mean to wake you," he said softly as he turned his body toward hers.
"I don't mind," she replied sleepily, wrapped in his gentle embrace.
"Sleep S'ray, you need your rest for the journey home tomorrow," he whispered and brushed his lips across hers.
"Sing for me Erik, please," she sighed closing her eyes again.
"For you my love," he smiled and began to sing. "No one would listen
No one but her
Heard this outcast's tears."
"Shamed into solitude
Shunned by the multitude
I learned to listen
In my dark, my heart heard music," he softly sang.
S'ray smiled and snuggled closer to him.
"I longed to teach the world
Rise up and reach the world
No one would listen
I alone could hear the music," Erik sang letting some of his heartache out in the song.
"She did not love me
She left and forsake me
She did not listen
She broke my heart and music," he continued, the mood of the song changing.
"Hunted like an animal
Driven into the snow and cold
I welcomed death
Patiently waited for the music to end," he sang in a whisper.
She became restless and frowned in her sleep, making a sound that was almost a cry.
Erik noticed her discomfort instantly and changed the mood of the song again, singing, "Then at last, a figure in the cold
Seemed to say I see you;
I hear your fears,
Your torment and your tears."
"You saw my helplessness
Shared in my emptiness
No one would listen
No one but you
Heard this outcast's tears," he continued, gently caressing her back.
"You saved my life
Gave me your love and light
You saved me
You brought me back to the music," he sang and kissed her forehead.
"No one would listen
No one but you
Heard this outcast's tears," he finished and kissed softly once more. "I love you S'ray."
"Come along sir," Cyd smirked at the Vicomte, "don't dally, I thought you would be anxious to return to your fine home."
"You don't have to do this," Raoul said to the man leading him. "They have no right to order you about."
"You're quite right," he replied.
"Then let me go and just say that I threw the book into the fire," Raoul offered. "I could make it worth your while, I have money."
"And I have no need of your money, besides, I doubt you have what I'm truly interested in anyway," Cyd replied as they exited by the door on the Rue Scribe.
"Tell me, I can get it for you," Raoul continued.
Cyd snorted in derision, the human really had no idea what he was dealing with. Here he had the Book of the Faye Realm in his hands for who knew how long and had apparently read only the part on the Alve and not even all of that. How foolish and how typical of humans as well the dragon thought. "Gold and jewels are the only things that can buy me mortal," he replied. "And you have not enough money to get them in sufficient quantity for that."
"Where are you taking me?" Raoul asked.
"To the park," Cyd replied.
"Why?" the human asked.
"You shall find out shortly," the dragon smiled.
They walked silently the rest of the way to the park, the dragon steering the young noble in the right direction. A short way into the park, Cyd lead him from the path and into a deeper, wooded portion. He could feel the young mortal tremble in fear and apprehension as he stood him against a large tree trunk. "Now stay right here and do not move," Cyd instructed. "I shall be back for you momentarily.
Raoul nodded in understanding and leaned against the tree. He was almost exhausted and feared what might happen to him next with the strange man. He heard movement in the trees where the man had walked off to and the sound of something large approaching him again. "Good, you can follow directions," he heard a voice say from above his head. It was similar to Cyd's, but deeper and had almost a hiss to its quality. "Now we can do this the easy way or the hard way," the voice continued. "The easy way is I take off your hood and let you ride."
"And the hard way?" Raoul asked apprehensively.
"I leave the hood on and you have a rather uncomfortable ride back being carried like a sack of flour," the voice replied. "So, which is it young human?"
"I would rather ride, if that is agreeable," Raoul replied.
"Very well," the voice answered.
The Vicomte felt a tug at the bag that covered his head. Then he heard something sharp pierce the fabric and it was ripped open. He shook his head to get the cloth from his eyes and looked up, expected to see a man on horseback. Instead his jaw dropped in shock at the sight of the great battle dragon. "Are . . . are you going to eat me?" Raoul stammered in fright.
"Only if you don't give back the book," Cyd replied and smiled toothily which came across as a baring of many sharp teeth to the human before him.
Raoul swallowed hard and only nodded in reply to the fearsome creature.
"Now, young mortal," he said crouching down, "climb up my shoulder and strap yourself on."
The Vicomte did as he was told and climbed up the dragon's shoulder to his back. After several quick instructions he was situated in the in riding harness. Cyd came out of the trees to a clearing in the park and unfurled his wings. He flexed them several times and after crouching down, he leapt into the air. Several downbeats of the dragon's immense wings later and they were soaring over a sleeping Paris.
"That's everything," Erik said as Ayesha was situated between the Giry's in her wicker carrier. "I've already put out the lights. Let's go home."
"I'm ready," S'ray smiled as they went over the black stallion that stood in front of the draft horses.
"Ready ladies?" Tavlyn asked as he climbed onto the driver's seat on the wagon.
"Ready," Meg smiled.
"We are ready!" Brandji crowed popping out of Meg's carpet bag.
"Did you have to Brandji?" Brule complained. "I was sleeping."
"If you sleep you'll miss all the pretty girls," the Brownie grinned.
"Bah, there's one in the wagon with us," he grumbled and went back to his temporary bed in the carpet bag.
Erik stepped up into Cesar's saddle and then pulled S'ray up in front of himself. He wrapped her in his cloak with him and pulled the hood low over his face so no one would be able to see his mask. A gentle tap from his heals and the horse set off down the ally at a gentle pace. Behind he heard Tavlyn call to the horses and the wagon lurch into motion.
Tavlyn gave Meg a dashing smile and began to whistle "The Wild Rover." She smiled back and giggled as the wagon hit a bump and caused him to falter in the tune. Madame Giry looked on, not quite sure if she approved of this man's attentions toward her only daughter or not.
"I can't see anything," Luniana complained from within Erik's hood.
"There's nothing to see at this time of day little one," Erik replied as they left the Rue Scribe.
"Sure there is," she trilled. "There may be other Fairies about and I won't see them."
"Don't worry," he smiled. "We'll be coming back in a couple months. After all, I wouldn't be the Opera Ghost if I didn't haunt the opera every now and then would I?"
"Part of your deal with the undead love?" S'ray asked as she settled back against his chest.
"A part, I do have to oversee my opera house eventually," he smirked.
"I suppose you want me to come with you?" she sighed.
"Not at first love, I have to make my lair a bit more comfortable for you first," Erik replied.
"How?" she asked turning toward him.
"I'll show you once I'm done and not a moment before," he smiled and kissed her cheek.
Raoul clung to the dragon's back like a drowning man clings to anything that floats. He kept his eyes shut tight; the sight of the ground so far below them made his stomach turn flips and threaten to spill its meager contents. The Vicomte also kept quiet, not wanting to distract the dragon's flight for fear he might be dropped off prematurely.
"Is this it?" the dragon suddenly asked. "You'll have to open your eyes you realize."
Raoul tentatively opened his eyes and saw 100 feet below them the rooftop of his country estate. "Yes," he replied swallowing hard.
"Hold on, I'll land outside the gardens," Cyd rumbled and began a slow downward spiral to the earth once more.
Less than 20 feet from the ground, the great creature cupped his wings and landed on his hind legs with only a slight jar. He reached back with his right forelimb and plucked the human from his back. Then with a reptilian smirk, he rolled the man across the lawn like a bowling ball and straight into a thorny rose bush.
Cyd lowered himself to all fours and approached where the gasping mortal lay. "That," he said lowering his great horned head near Raoul so he could clearly make out every sharp tooth in his mouth, "was for hurting my rider and nearly driving her mate over the edge."
Then the dragon reached out and none too gently pulled the young noble from the rose bush. He set the man on his feet and while the human straightened his ruined clothes, changed into a more practical form for the moment. "Now, the book if you please," Cyd said motioning toward the house. "And don't get any ideas; I'm more than capable of leveling this structure in my present form."
Raoul took a deep breath and led him into his study. For once he as glad of the garden entrance, he didn't want to explain his appearance or the strange man to any servants or family members. He took the key from its hiding place on the mantle and unlocked the drawer that held the book and all his notes. He placed everything on his desk and stepped back so Cyd could examine them.
The dragon approached the desk and opened the book the Vicomte had laid upon it. He quickly leafed through it and looking satisfied, closed it. Then he went through the papers as well. "This is all?" he asked as he flipped through them.
"Yes, I kept it all in that drawer and as you can see, there is nothing left in it," Raoul answered.
"Good," Cyd replied. "Remove the screen from the hearth please."
Raoul did as he was told, too afraid the question the dragon. Cyd took the notes he'd written and threw them into the fireplace. The noble watched in fascination as the dragon tipped his head back and gently blew a stream of fire from his nose and ignited several sheets of paper that he still held in his hand. The dragon tossed the burning paper into the fireplace and watched as the rest of it ignited.
"I trust there will be no more incidents between you and any of the Faye Realm?" Cyd asked quirking an eyebrow.
"No, there will not be," Raoul answered quietly as the other man walked back to the desk.
"Good," he replied picking up the book and tucking it under his arm. "Do not follow me mortal."
"Wait, one question before you go," Raoul interjected as the man turned to leave.
"Yes?" Cyd replied turning back to the man.
"What will happen to Christine, my wife?" he asked, concern filling his features.
"I will return her to you in the next few days," Cyd replied. "Just to make sure you aren't holding anything back from me."
"I swear on my honor, that I've given you everything," Raoul replied, trying to hide the anguish in his voice.
"I don't hold much by the honor of a human," Cyd replied and walked out into the garden again.
Raoul fell to his knees and for the first time in many years, wept like a child.
They had barely entered the shelter of the forest and Erik pulled the hood of his cloak off his head. As he shook out his hair, he could still hear Brandji and Brule arguing with Tavlyn on why they didn't stop at the Inn. He glanced down and saw that S'ray was still sleeping comfortably against his chest. He was tempted to nudge Cesar into a faster gait, but he knew they'd arrive home soon enough as it was.
Finally they emerged from the forest and into the glen. "S'ray, we're home," Erik said and gently woke her.
"Really?" she asked sleepily.
"Yes love, we're home," he smiled and leaning down, kissed her cheek.
"Cyd beat us back," she said as Cyd and Daklu came to meet them.
"Nothing surprising there, he flew back," Erik chuckled.
"Finally, I was getting worried," Daklu replied. "How're you feeling Captain?"
"Tired Dak, very tired," she replied.
"I'll take her while you dismount," Cyd offered and lifted S'ray from the horse.
Erik slid off Cesar's back and handed the reins to Daklu. Then he took S'ray in his arms once more and walked to the house. Christine was waiting and opened the door for them. "Let's get you upstairs," he softly said to the Alve in his arms.
"I'd rather wash up first," S'ray replied, now a bit more awake again.
"Are you sure?" he asked concerned that she'd slept most of the way back.
"Yes, it will make me feel much better," she smiled.
"As you wish," he said and carried her into the tub room.
"Madame!" Christine cried out happily as she saw the ballet mistress step down from the wagon.
"Oh my dear child," the older woman smiled as she wrapped her arms around her foster daughter.
"And Meg too," the young soprano said happily as she embraced the ballerina.
"Oh Christine, I've missed you so much," Meg smiled, returning the hug.
"Oh, I've so much to tell you both," she beamed as they walked to the house.
"And you can start over a cup of tea," Madame Giry said.
"What's the matter Tavlyn?" Daklu asked as they watched the women enter the house.
"Oh he's just disappointed because the pretty little ballerina isn't around for him to show off for anymore," Cyd replied dryly as they went to the wagon.
"Why do I hear an upset cat?" Daklu asked.
"Because we have one," Tavlyn replied.
"Where'd the cat come from?" the other Alve asked.
"She's Erik's cat," Cyd sighed. "I'll take her to him, hand me the basket Tavlyn."
"Good, she hates me," the one-eyed Alve frowned and handed the carrier to Cyd.
"I'm sure she'll settle down by Erik," he said. "Let's take the ladies' things in first; they may want to freshen up."
Erik laid S'ray gently on the divan in their room, before crossing to the bed and pulling back the covers. He picked her up once more and put her in the middle of the bed, still wrapped in the bath sheet. "Erik," she sighed softly and stretched out on the bed.
"What is it S'ray?" he asked sitting next to her.
"Bring me a pair of pantalets and one of your shirts," she replied sitting up.
He nodded and went to fetch the requested garments. S'ray was waiting for him, still wrapped in the sheet and sitting at the edge of the bed. He put the clothes next to her on the bed and helped her to her feet. She dropped the sheet to the floor and slipped on the pantalets.
Erik took a steadying breath, it was all he could do to not take her in his arms and make love to her. Dear God, but no other woman moved him the way S'ray did. Just seeing her do something so simple as dressing for bed made him almost mad with desire, he wondered what would happen if she ever put all her effort into seducing him. Not that she hadn't seduced him already; but it was a much more casual seduction. He was interrupted from his thoughts by her hand waving in front of his eyes. "Yes love?" he asked coming back to the present.
"Where did your mind go?" she asked, hands on her hips.
"Mmm, just thinking where everyone will sleep tonight," he said and lifted her onto their bed again. "I was thinking of giving Antoinette my room."
"Fine with me, what about Meg?" she asked as he pulled the covers up for her.
"I think that Christine will be more than happy to share with her, they were raised as sisters," he smiled and kissed her cheek.
"Don't forget to bring me something to eat later or I'll sic the Brownies on you," she threatened with a laugh.
"Please, my goddess, don't punish your poor servant in such a way," he said kissing her cheek again.
"Only if you don't bring me an appropriate offering at meal time," she smiled kissing him as well.
"As my goddess so desires," he smiled, reluctantly pulling away from her. "Would you like anything before that?"
"A glass of cold water from the well," she sighed lying back in bed.
"I'll send Meg up with one," Erik said standing.
"Why are you just standing here?" Madame Giry asked as she approached the wagon and men gathered around it. "Well, don't just stand there," she frowned, "start unloading."
The three men just looked at her as if she'd suddenly turned purple with pink polka dots.
"You there, Tavlyn," she said catching the gaze of the one-eyed Elf. "Get up on that wagon and start untying the ropes."
Accustomed to following orders from being in the military so long, Tavlyn climbed onto the wagon without protest and began doing as she'd ordered.
"You," she pointed to Daklu. "What's your name?"
"Daklu Ma'am," he replied with a salute.
"Unhitch the horses, take them into the barn and tend to them," she ordered. "And don't forget Cesar as well."
"Yes Ma'am," he said and immediately lead the black stallion into the barn.
Cyd found himself smiling at the way the two Alve took orders from the diminutive ballet mistress.
"What are you smiling at?" Madame Giry demanded standing right before Cyd. "Don't think for a moment that you're just going to stand there and watch the other two work. Start unloading that wagon."
S'ray opened her eyes; the room was lit only by a few candles. She looked over to her right and saw Erik fast asleep in a chair next to the bed. Smiling, she sat up and softly called, "Erik, Erik wake up."
The Phantom didn't move; he slept on, his book lying open on his bare stomach.
Her eyes suddenly lit up with a mischievous gleam. She pulled the covers back and grabbed one of the smaller pillows. Slowly and quietly she slid to the edge of the bed so as to not wake Erik prematurely. She gingerly reached over and peeled his mask off and set it on the bedside table. Then she drew back with the hand the held the pillow and hit him square in the face.
Erik's eyes snapped open and he batted at the pillow. He looked toward the bed and saw S'ray sitting there holding a pillow to herself and giggling at him. "What was that for?" he asked bewildered.
"Nothing," she giggled.
"Why did you hit me with a pillow?" he asked again.
"Because you were begging for it," she replied her eyes sparkling.
"Begging for it?" Erik said sitting up, "I was asleep."
"Like I said," she smiled at him, "you were begging for it."
"I don't understand," he replied, a confused look on his face.
"And you never will love," she smiled and patted the bed next to her. "Now come over here."
"Is it safe or are you going to hit me again if I don't?" he asked warily.
"Well, if you don't come here, I will certainly hit you again," she giggled.
"It seems as though I'm caught between the devil and the deep blue sea here," he sighed standing up.
"Oh Erik, how can you say such a thing?" she pouted.
Erik sighed inwardly, women were more difficult to understand every day and S'ray was no exception. "What can I do for you love?" he asked sitting beside her and caressing her cheek.
"Come to bed love," she sighed leaning into his touch.
"Then get in," he smiled, gently taking her weapon from her.
S'ray swung her legs back onto the bed and slid over to her spot, waiting for him to join her. Erik stood and stretched, he hadn't realized how stiff he'd become from sleeping in that chair for just a short time. Then he turned and placed one knee on the bed preparing to join her. She looked at him and frowned.
"What?" he asked stopping his movements.
"What are you doing?" she demanded.
"Getting into bed," he answered.
"Not like that you're not," she stated flatly.
"What's wrong with this?" he asked.
"You're still wearing your trousers," she frowned.
"I'm only doing this to keep me from temptation," he answered standing up.
"Temptation from what?" she asked.
"The temptation to make love to you," he replied.
"Why don't you want to make love to me?" she asked, fire lighting her eyes.
"No, I want to make love to you," he said sitting on the bed again. "God, how I want to make love to you, but I can't."
"Why not love?" she asked.
"Because I don't want you to have a relapse like you did in my lair," he replied gazing at her over his shoulder.
"Oh Erik," she sighed softening her eyes at him. "You don't have to worry about me, I'm going to be fine. Besides we don't have to make love, you can just hold me like you did in your lair. Please come to bed, I don't want to sleep alone."
Erik sighed and stood again. "Are you sure?" he asked.
"Yes," she smiled, patting the bed next to where she lay. "Come and lay with me Erik."
"Now you promise to kick me out if I don't behave myself?" he asked.
"Yes, please come to bed," she urged holding her arms out to him.
He nodded in assent and undid his trousers. After removing them and laying them on the chair, he slid into bed next to her. "Is this better?" he asked as she curled up in his arms.
"Much," she sighed closing her eyes.
"Good night S'ray," he whispered and kissed her cheek.
"Now you can kiss better than that," she chuckled.
"Are you trying to make me misbehave?" he asked with a smile.
"No, I only want a decent kiss. The way you've been kissing me lately I feel more like your mother than your lover," she replied.
"Very well, remember, you asked for this," he quipped and covered her mouth with his own. S'ray's lips parted beneath his and the kiss deepened. Her kisses told him what she desired, but he kept a tight reign on his desires. He pulled away and cupped her face in his hands. "Tomorrow love, tomorrow," he said huskily and kissed her desire reddened lips once more.
Madame Giry looked down at the watch that hung from a chain around her neck, a gift from her husband long ago. She sighed and stood up, it was late and time for bed. First however, she would look in on everyone. She looked over to the sofa, Daklu was sleeping soundly.
She passed into the kitchen and saw the two Brownies asleep in the empty egg basket on the counter. Going down the hallway, she looked in on Christine and Meg. She smiled at the two sleeping girls; it seemed that they had finally talked themselves out for the night.
Next Antoinette looked into the study; she saw Cyd sprawled on the divan. She smiled as she spied Erik's cat, Ayesha, fast asleep on the man's chest. Then she looked outside and saw Tavlyn sleeping the hammock, the Pixie curled up under his chin.
The ballet mistress yawned as she climbed the stairs to the second floor and opened the door to Erik's room. She turned up the lamp in the room and quietly crossed to the door that lead into the master bedroom. She listened at the door for a moment and then quietly turned the knob, it wasn't locked. Antoinette opened it a bit and glanced inside.
She saw the couple asleep in the bed, Erik was on his back and S'ray was curled up against him. She smiled at she saw the look of contentment on his sleeping face. Her smile grew wider when she saw he wasn't wearing his mask to bed either.
She closed the door quietly so as to not wake either of them. She sat down at the vanity and sighed. Then she said a quick prayer, thanking God for finally giving her old friend the love he craved and deserved so much.
Author's End Note: Don't forget to let me know in a review what scene from the story you'd like to see. It can be a fight, something humorous, or something steamy. I will not do Christine kissing Erik, that won't happen in case there are any E/C shippers reading this (there are already enough pictures of that). I'll tally the list and have my guy pick (So be creative so says the guy) the winner.
And don't forget to vote in my new poll as well!
Coming up in Chapter 32 – Adjustments
There are new residents in the Glen and adjustments will have to be made. There are also things that need to be said and conversations held before things truly settle down again.