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Post by Erik on Jul 16, 2007 18:04:46 GMT -5
*He did not touch her; his hands had long been sources of disgust for others. But they hovered near her, fluttering in indecision and confusion. Why did she not know him?*
"Madame, why? Why are you not home with your husband and children?"
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Post by Vianne Giry on Jul 16, 2007 18:06:43 GMT -5
*Madame Giry stifled a cry of surprise as she shrank back against the wall.*
"Who are you?" *she quavered.* "Tell me, are they well? My family? Are they safe?"
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Post by Erik on Jul 17, 2007 10:21:57 GMT -5
"Do you not know your friend, Madame?" *Erik said sadly, though he was seized with a sudden desire to touch her. He reached out to brush her cheek with his nimble fingers.*
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Post by Vianne Giry on Jul 17, 2007 10:44:44 GMT -5
*Madame Giry shrank from the stranger's touch.*
"I most certainly do not!"
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Post by Erik on Jul 17, 2007 11:04:00 GMT -5
((Man. I'm not gonna get away with not telling her, am I?))
*Erik's hand dropped to his side, unaccountably saddened by this reception. How could she not know him? The only person who had ever seemed to. Part of him did not want to reveal himself--if she could not tell, he could have nothing to say to her.*
"This... isn't you," *he protested, buying time.* "Something has happened; someone has coerced you. Madame Giry would never--" *He broke off sharply.* "Erik knows that much."
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Post by Vianne Giry on Jul 17, 2007 11:08:29 GMT -5
"Er--" *she nearly choked on the word, her eyes flying to meet his as she clapped a hand over her mouth.*
That voice? How did I not know his voice?
"Wha--what has happened to you?" *she peered intently at him.*
"You...you have...such a mask...?"
*she traced her fingers along his cheek with hesitant curiosity.*
"Amazing..."
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Post by Erik on Jul 17, 2007 11:31:53 GMT -5
*Erik sighed, the touch of her cool hand on his face like a benediction.*
"It is not a mask, Madame. It is Erik's... my face. I can hardly credit it, for most impossible things I know to be clever tricks, for Erik has performed them all. But this was given me by a very generous girl."
*He glanced around.*
"Is there a place we might talk?"
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Post by Vianne Giry on Jul 17, 2007 11:39:47 GMT -5
*Madame Giry was still dazed at the transformation in her friend, but she shook her head, glancing about apprehensively.*
"He--someone is waiting. I'll be missed if I tarry longer."
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Post by Erik on Jul 17, 2007 12:42:40 GMT -5
*Erik gripped her wrist firmly, not hard enough to hurt her.*
"Whoever is putting you up to this must be stopped. Tell me who it is!"
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Post by Vianne Giry on Jul 17, 2007 12:58:29 GMT -5
"G--Gerard. My husband. I thought he was dead, but..."
*her lower lip trembled.*
"He has taken me back..."
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Post by Erik on Jul 17, 2007 15:42:49 GMT -5
*Erik frowned.*
"Taken?" *he echoed.* "But he cannot--surely there is some legal precedent. Nevermind. Erik is taking you home."
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Post by Vianne Giry on Jul 17, 2007 15:44:02 GMT -5
*She blanched.*
"He'll kill you! You cannot risk it, Erik!" *she pleaded.*
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Post by Erik on Jul 17, 2007 16:37:55 GMT -5
"Erik is afraid of no man," *he scoffed.* "Madame, I will brook no arguments. If your home is not secure, I shall take you to mine."
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Post by Vianne Giry on Jul 17, 2007 16:48:51 GMT -5
"He'll know, he'll see," *she said, shaking her head wildly, shaking with terror.*
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Post by Erik on Jul 17, 2007 16:56:54 GMT -5
*Erik grasped her shoulders and stared into her face.*
"Madame! You are better than this! What has you so frightened; if he is a man, he can be dealt with. Believe Erik when he says he has experience with these things. My home is circled with traps; not to mention that Megan-woman. He will seek us at his peril."
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