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 I did not believe because I could not see Though you came to me in the night When the dawn seemed forever lost You showed me your love in the light of the stars Roleplay Character Profiles OOC Thread |
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 Paris, France Winter of 1875-1876 It has been five years since a fire ravaged the Opera Populaire and Christine Daae left her past behind her, and only three years since the Franco-Prussian War came to an end. Now, in a war-hardened, depressed Paris, Mlle. Marguerite Giry and M. Firmin are once again bringing the joy of music to the city. The Opera Populaire, now under the new name Palais Garnier, is set to be reopened on Christmas Eve. Unfortunately, many of the old faces are no longer among the crew. Mme. Antoinette Giry passed away a few years ago from a heart attack, leaving her daughter Meg to fill her shoes. M. Andre and La Carlotta have both retired and returned to their homes, unable to return the place where they met such disaster. But the greatest loss of all is Christine de Chagny passed away two years ago giving birth to a stillborn daughter, and though Raoul is once again patron in memory of his late wife, the loss of the grand diva is a heavy blow. But the slot of prima donna is not empty. While La Carlotta has retired, her daughter Emilia has gained fame throughout Italy and recently France, and has been invited to become the new prima donna of the Palais Garnier, and is set to make her Paris premiere at the reopening. Meanwhile, below the Opera Populaire's ruins, the infamous Phantom has been living alone in depression since the day the police gave up the search. But Erik recently heard the voices above planning to rebuild under Firmin’s management, and the rebuilding awoke new life in the Opera Ghost. He has built all new secrets and paths into the design, even if it looks almost identical to the old building on the surface. But whether the phantom wishes to bring back his old “deal,” help the opera house in a roundabout way, or simply destroy it again is unclear. But the biggest challenge to the house of music is something far greater than even the Phantom himself. The Franco-Prussian War’s aftereffects are still clear in Paris after nearly half a decade, causing political unrest and poverty and lowered population in the city. The threat of another uproar is ever present. The aftereffects are also clear in all of the new and old members, who have grown bitter from the years of harsh reality. Loss has made Meg Giry give up her natural curiosity and personality to support the only home she’s ever known. M. Firmin has become a depressed alcoholic, willing to do little more than provide funds and lock himself in his office. The new diva Emilia Giudicelli is a paranoid, manipulative girl with the arrogance of her mother, Carlotta. Another new face of the reopening, the talented pianist Louise de Vigny, is a bitter misanthrope despite her own “good fortune.” And her roommate, the first chair cellist Claire Duval, has the voice of an angel, but pessimism and depression keep her from using it as she could. With each new member of the opera house there come new problems, each person having their own ghosts and unsaid issues to deal with. And outside the Garnier walls, little art and music is appreciated, especially in Paris as it tries to focus on rebuilding itself. Under the circumstances, the Palais Garnier has little hope of being even half as popular as the Opera Populaire was. If the Palais Garnier wishes survive debt and another closing, the members will need to unite and find a way make their mark on Europe. Will they be up to the task, with such a bitter outlook on life and little inspiration? Will the Phantom find his salvation among the new faces? And will the Opera Ghost prove to be the opera house’s own unlikely savior, or its ultimate downfall? I make no claims to be an expert of French history, so despite the fact that there was a war in France from 1870 to 1872, any details about it are my own invention. For new members, if you need to be brought up to speed, ask for a summary in the OOC thread. |
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 Rules -- All Gaian Regulations Apply. -- That means keeping things below the R-Rated line, in all aspects. I don’t want to see anyone ending up banned from the site because of this thread. -- NO godmoding or instant kills UNLESS you have permission or it's necessary in order for you to continue, because the character's player has disappeared for over a week. -- In the PotO, realistically, people going down to the Phantom's lair would be in a lot of fatal danger, so the players going down there should know they'd be risking character death at the phantom's hands or traps. -- If you wish to be a part of this thread, be literate. Check your spelling, use detail, and avoid one-liners. We can't interact if we can't understand what you mean. -- No harassing or flaming myself or the members of this thread. Constructive criticism is fine, but keep it civil and reasonable. If you must be rude, keep it out of the thread. -- All OOC (Out Of Character) messages must be put in double parenthesizes - "((...))". Keep speech in quotations "...", use italics for thoughts, and don't use asterisks *...* for actions. -- I understand you can't always read through the posts you missed, but try and make an effort to catch up on your own, please. No one understands what is going on if we all just have a quick summary of half the thread. -- I don't forbid being related or friends with a canon character, but you must inform me before hand and ask the player of the canon character in question. If the character doesn't have a player at the time, be sure to inform anyone who takes the role at a later date. If the canon character is one of the deceased characters, just ask me for permission. -- PM me all your character requests directly to me, and don't post them in the thread. In the subject line put: Black Ribbon: for a canon character request. Red Rose: for an original character submission. -- You must include a RP sample with every character you PM me, Canon or Original. This includes people who have submitted before. I need to see how you handle each character individually. -- Staying Active is very important. Not posting for more than a week without notice beforehand will result in being dropped from the thread. If you do return, I’ll hear what you have to say, but I can’t promise you’ll get your old roles back if they are taken. -- For minor rule breaking, it’s three strikes and you're gone. Anything major or completely unprecedented will result in instant banning from the thread. -- Above all, respect one another, be creative, and have fun. |
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 Characters Canon Character List Current Members: - Erik, the Opera Ghost – Arsenic-x-Sleep - Marguerite 'Meg' Giry, The Ballet Mistress – Without Knowledge - Nadir Khan, The Persian – Arsenic-x-Sleep - Marie Perrault, Madeleine's Old Friend - Without Knowledge - Charles, Le Vicomte de Chagny – Without Knowledge Small Appearance Members: Roles handled by Moderator or Another Member Upon Request - Richard Firmin, Former Manager of Opera Populaire/Palais Garnier – [Retired & Moved to Australia] - Raoul, Le Comte de Chagny – [Living in the Countryside] - Carlotta Giudicelli, Original Prima Donna – [Retired & Living in Venice] Former Members: - Christine, La Comtesse de Chagny – [Deceased from childbirth] - Antoinette Giry, Former Head of Ballet – [Deceased from heart attack] - Gilles Andre, Former Manager of Opera Populaire – [Retired & Moved to London for health] New Staff List Manager: - Jacques Duval (Without Knowledge) Patron: - Albert de Morcerf (Engel Valentine) Lead Members: - Conductor – Eugene D'epinay (Engel Valentine) - Prima Donna – Emilia Giudicelli (Without Knowledge) - Prima Ballerina – Cendrillon 'Cendrille' de Morcerf (Engel Valentine) Orchestra Members: - Pianist – Louise de Vigny (Without Knowledge) - Violist – Desmond Faust (Engel Valentine) - Violist – Othello Faust (Engel Valentine) - Cellist – Claire Duval (Without Knowledge) Opera Singers: - Ballet Dancers: - Lead Male Dancer – Christian Lacour (Without Knowledge) Other Members: - Physician – Bertrand Rimbaud (Without Knowledge) - Stagehand – Landan Yorona (Arsenic-x-Sleep) - Maid – Isabella Terézia (Arsenic-x-Sleep) - Maid – Henriette Dupin (Without Knowledge) - 'Boarder' - Gwendolyn 'Gwen' Bartone (Without Knowledge) Profile Layouts Canon Character Profile [size=10][b]Username:[/b] (Gaia Account Name) [b]Character Name:[/b] (First and Last) [b]Roleplaying Sample:[/b] (Put some effort into this, as it is my main deciding factor. Also, as I’ve said in the plot that all the canon characters have had a hard time since the movie, try to show how the years have affected their personalities.)[/size] Original Character Profile [size=10] [b]Character Name: [/b] (First and Last) [b][b]Occupation:[/b] (Choose from Staff List – Name if it falls under Other Members Category) [b][b]Gender:[/b] (Male or Female) [b][b]Age:[/b] (Obvious) [b]Birthday:[/b] (Date of Birth – remember current year is 1875) [b]Appearance:[/b][/b] (Link or detailed description) [b]Personality:[/b][/b] (Make sure to give a some detail to this section) [b]Talents:[/b] (Any strength of the character, such as musical skills or exceptional talents. 3-5 Should Due.) [b]Weaknesses:[/b] (Any weak subjects or major faults about the character. 3-5 Should Due.) [b]Likes:[/b] (Minimum of 5) [b]Dislikes:[/b] (Minimum of 5) [b]Biography:[/b] (Give at least a good paragraph of information) [b]Username:[/b] (Gaia Account Name) [b]Roleplaying Sample:[/b] (Put some effort into this, as it is my main deciding factor.)[/size] |
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 Time Line of Events Prior to Roleplay 1795 – Birth of Henri de Montpensier. 1806 – Birth of Maria Teresa Alvarez. 1811 – Birth of Madeleine and Marie Perrault. 1817 – Birth of Étienne Barye. 1820 – Birth of Aldric Rimbaud. 1823 – Birth of Robert Giry and Angela Ferroni. 1827 – Birth of Nadir Khan and Charles Bonaparte. 1828 – Birth of Antoinette Morgane. 1831 – Birth of Erik in Boscherville, Normandy. 1836 – Birth of Carlotta Giudicelli. 1837 – Birth of Landan Yorona. 1840 – Birth of Isabella Terézia and Arthur de Vigny. ..........Étienne Barye comes to Boscherville and briefly courts Erik's mother Madeleine, to his ire. ..........The villagers attack Erik's home, leading to the death of his dog Sasha and him fleeing his mother and home. ..........Erik lives among the Romany, first as a captured exhibit, then eventually a star performer. ..........Rejected by Madeleine, Étienne returns to Paris and picks up medical research with Aldric's support and funding. ..........On Aldric's insistence Étienne reluctantly marries Nicole Laurent, the daughter of a rich colleague. 1842 – Birth of Gregoiré Barye [Étienne's elder son]. 1843 – Young Isabella takes a liking to Erik, to his confusion. ..........Erik flees the Romany when he is blackmailed and Javert attempts to rape him, becoming his first kill. ..........Robert Giry & Antoinette Morgane elope before living in Southampton with his strict, elitist family. 1844 – Erik lives in the cellar of Giovanni Ferroni in Rome, acting as his masonry apprentice and adoptive son. 1845 – Birth of Gaspard Barye [Étienne's younger son]. ..........Luciana, Giovanni's daughter, returns from school. She develops a destructive crush on Erik. 1846 – Birth of Regina Morandi and Nicolas Giry [Robert & Antoinette's son]. ..........Erik leaves Rome behind when Luciana successfully sees his face, inadvertently leading to her fall and death. 1847 – Birth of Philip Giry [Robert Giry's nephew]. ..........Giovanni passes away from his bad health. 1848 – Birth of Damien Rimbaud. 1849 – Étienne and Nicole Barye divorce due to her temper and his emotional distance, despite family's protests. 1850 – Birth of Christine Daaé, Raoul de Chagny, Albert de Morcerf, and Claude Rimbaud. ..........Nadir finds Erik and brings him to Persia. 1851 – Birth of Jacques Duval, Christian Lacour, and Jean-Luc de Barbezac-Castelot. 1852 – Birth of twins Desmond & Othello Faust and Celine Jammes. 1853 – Birth of Christine-Madeleine 'Cendrillon' de Montpensier and Bertrand Rimbaud. ..........Erik flees Persia for his life with the help of Nadir. 1854 – Birth of twins Maurice & Marguerite 'Meg' Giry, and Louise-Danielle de Maistre. 1855 – Construction begins on the new Parisian opera house, under Charles Garnier [& secretly Erik]. 1856 – Birth of Claire Duval and Emilia Giudicelli. ..........The Opera Populaire is built with secret input from Erik, who builds himself a home beneath. 1857 – Christine's mother passes away suddenly of tuberculosis. 1859 – Cendrillon's father Michel passes away and she goes to live with her grandfather Henri. ..........Philip Giry dies from what is rumored as poisoning, although no culprit is ever named. 1860 – Louise's mother Isabelle dies after fighting off an unknown brain disease for five years. 1861 – Nicolas dies unexpectedly from a sudden heart attack while horseback riding. ..........Bertrand's mother Elise is shot in their home by an unknown assailant. ..........Alexandre, Luc, and Alice de Maistre die in a suspicious carriage accident. ..........Louise is sent to live with her Uncle Charles in Berg, Germany. 1862 – Construction ends on the Parisian Opera House, followed shortly by its grand opening as the Opera Populairé. ..........Antoinette Giry controversially takes the job of the Opera Populairé's ballet mistress. ..........Maurice dies tragically in the opera house and Robert takes Marguerite back to Southampton without Antoinette. 1865 – Christine's father passes away suddenly from an unknown illness. 1866 – Birth of Darla Giudicelli [Carlotta's younger daughter]. 1867 – Bertrand & Claire start shared vocal lessons with the same tutor and strike up a friendship and eventual love. ..........Cendrillon's mother dies and she comes to her funeral, only to have to masquerade as a boy with her step-father. ..........Robert Giry's father Henry and brother Edmund both die just days apart, leaving him as Duke of Southampton. ..........An incident occurs shortly after and Antoinette finally manages to get custody of Marguerite. ..........They stay with Maria Teresa for a while before going back to Paris and enrolling her in the opera dance corp. 1868 – Marguerite & Christian Lacour start a short-lived romance. 1869 – Christine Daae comes to join the Opera Populairé chorus. 1870 – “The Phantom of the Opera” & “The Count of Monte Cristo” ..........Christine marries Raoul and they live at the Chagny manor, inheriting the county. ..........The Franco-Prussian War starts. ..........Antoinette & Marguerite move into the Chagny manor after the war further damages the closed Opera House. ..........Birth of Charles de Chagny. ..........Jacques falls in love with a woman named Angelique. ..........Albert, Jacques, & Bertrand leave to join the army, though Bertrand proposes to Claire before he leaves. 1871 – Birth of Gwendolyn Bartone. ..........Louise goes to London & marries Arthur de Vigny on her father's orders. ..........Jacques & Claire's parents die in an attack on the city. Aldric sends Bertrand a letter that Claire died with them. 1872 – The Franco-Prussian War ends. ..........Albert comes back mutilated from his experiences in war. ..........Bertrand sets up a rival medical practice against his father and brothers in Paris with Jacques' help. ..........Louise plans to file divorce despite her pregnancy, but is unable to with Arthur fighting her on it. ..........An accident makes Louise's daughter come prematurely, and the girl dies a couple days after birth. ..........Marguerite takes Antoinette back to Paris for medical help when the heart disorder that plagues her family surfaces. 1873 – Antoinette Giry dies from heart failure, leaving Marguerite alone in the ruined Opera Populairé. ..........Christine passes away in childbirth with a daughter, Phillipa, who survives for two weeks before dying as well. 1874 – Gwen's mother Angelique dies from pneumonia and she is taken in by her aunt Renee. 1875 – Louise discovers she has her mother's illness and leaves Arthur because of his lack of concern, coming to Paris. ..........Marguerite contacts Firmin and starts the process to reopen the Opera Populairé. Present – “The Courage to Believe Again” |
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 ♫ The Courage to Believe Again Score & Soundtrack ♪♫ CtBA Score Playlist - Play All #. Score Title – Source: Original Title 1. Main Theme, The World is Against Us – Therion: O Fortuna 2. Palais Garnier, Rebuilding of Dreams – Da Vinci: Chevaliers de Sangreal 3. Forest of Dreams, Blooming among the Shadows – FFVII CC: A Flower Blooming in the Slums 4. The Phantom, I May Never Die – Vampire Hunter D: Charlotte’s Love 5. The Comte de Mansart, New Beginnings – Silent Hill 2: True 6. The Comte de Mansart, More Than He Seems – Vampire Hunter D: Mortal Meier 7. The Comte de Mansart and his Crew, Mischief – Finding Neverland: Dancing With the Bear 8. Erik, Dueling Madness – LotR TT: Requiem for a Dream 9. Erik, Nightmares – Silent Hill 2: Theme of Laura, Reprise 10. Erik, Bitter Memories – PotC 2: Davy Jones 11. Marguerite, Fantasy & Whimsy – Casper: One Last Wish 12. Bertrand, Icy Compassion – The Ring: The Well 13. Cendrillon, Will of the Heart – Bleach: Will of the Heart 14. Louise, ‘An Odd One, She Is…’ – PotC2: Jack Sparrow 15. Charles, Quiet Brilliance – Finding Nemo: Nemo Egg 16. Charles, 'See My Heart' – Hannibal: Vide Cor Meum 17. Jacques, Carefree Valiance – Titanic: Jack Dawson’s Luck 18. Claire, Lost in Daydream – Shrek: Fairytale 19. The Faust Brothers, Up to Something – Shadow Hearts 2: Dear, My Dressmaker 20. Isabella, Beautiful Spirit – Chocolat: Minor Swing 21. Landan, Mysterious Roma – Chocolat: The Caravan 22. Emilia, Oh Sweet Lunacy – Corpse Bride: Into the Forest 23. Gabriel, Dealing with the Devil – Link – Crono Cross: A Child Lost in Time 24. Rosella, The Nursery – Shadow Hearts 2: Anastasia 25. Maurice, A Slip of Fate – The Ring: The Ferry 26. Erik & Madeleine, Our Paradox – Thomas Newman: I Forgive You 27. Erik & Charles, Of My Own – Finding Neverland: Piano Variation in Blue 28. Erik & Marguerite, Never Say Stop – 28 Weeks Later: In a Heartbeat 29. Bertrand & Cendrillon, Blue Eyes – FFVII CC: Soft Blue Eyes 30. Edmond & Cendrillon, Precious Memories – Bleach: Morning Remembrances 31. Fernand & Cendrillon, Dealing with the Old Devil – Crono Cross: Burning Orphanage 32. Alice, Louise’s Lament – Shadow Hearts 2: Alice 33. Haunting Recollections... – The Ring: You See The Ring 34. Christmas Sorrow – Titanic: Nearer My God to Thee 35. So That You May Live... – Shindler's List: Main Theme 36. Senseless Chaos – PotC3: At Wit’s End 37. To Go with Honor... – PotC2: Hello Beastie 38. To Fight in His Stead... – PotC3: What Shall We Die For? 39. To Protect Those We Love... – PotC3: Up is Down 40. In the End... – Silent Hill 3: Promise CtBA Soundtrack Playlist – Play All #. Song Title: Artist/Source – Subject 1. Dante’s Prayer: Loreena Mckeenit – Main Theme 2. The Book of My Life: Sting – Erik 3. Tragic Figure: Assemblage 23 – Erik 4. Leave Out All the Rest: Linkin' Park – Erik 5. Remember Me: Josh Groban – Erik 6. Don’t Stop Now: Emmy Rossum – Erik to Christine 7. Memories: Within Temptation – Erik to Christine 8. To Where You Are: Josh Groban – Erik to Christine 9. Hide and Seek: Imogen Heap – Isabella to Erik 10. Angry Angel: Imogen Heap – Isabella to Erik 11. Angel: Stabbing Westward – Erik & __ 12. My Confession: Josh Groban – Erik to __ 13. In Her Eyes: Josh Groban – Erik to __ 14. Eric’s Song: Vienna Teng – Meg to Erik 15. The Name of the Game: Mamma Mia – Meg to Erik 16. Secret Soul: Jane Eyre – Erik & Meg 17. Sirens: Jane Eyre – Erik & Meg 18. Sway: Bic Runga – Meg to Erik 19. It is You [I Have Loved]: Dana Glover – Meg to Erik 20. On My Own: Les Miserables – Meg to Erik 21. Inside Out: Emmy Rossum – Erik & Meg 22. It's a Dangerous Game: Jekyll & Hyde – Erik & Meg 23. Stay: Emmy Rossum – Erik & Meg 24. The Last Words You Said: Sarah Brightman – Erik & Meg 25. Twilight: Vanessa Carlton – Erik & Meg 26. Used To: Daughtry – Christian to Meg 27. Over You: Daughtry – Meg to Christian 28. Lullaby for a Stormy Night: Vienna Teng – Meg to Charles 29. Paradise: Vanessa Carlton – Meg 30. Slow Me Down: Emmy Rossum – Meg 31. In Too Deep: Sum 41 – Bertrand & Meg 32. Behind Blue Eyes: The Who– Bertrand 33. In the Deep: Bird York – Bertrand 34. So She Dances: Josh Groban – Bertrand to Cendrillon 35. Just For: Nickelback – Bertrand to Cendrillon 36. All for Believing: Missy Higgens – Cendrillon to Bertrand 37. The Heart is Slow to Learn: Dracula – Cendrillon to Bertrand 38. Please Don’t Make Me Love You: Dracula – Cendrillon to Bertrand 39. The Walk: Imogen Heap – Bertrand to Cendrillon 40. Everything: Lifehouse – Bertrand to Cendrillon 41. At Last: Dracula – Bertrand & Cendrillon 42. The Tower: Vienna Teng – Cendrillon 43. A Dream Worth Keeping: Sheena Easton – Cendrillon 44. Remember Me This Way: Jordan Hill – Cendrillon 45. Boat Song: Lunar – Cendrillon 46. Our Farewell: Within Temptation – Henri to Cendrillon 47. I Dreamed a Dream: Les Miserables – Cendrillon to Edmond 48. Dream of Me: Kirsten Dunst – Edmond to Cendrillon 49. Please Remember: Leann Rimes – Edmond & Cendrillon 50. She’s Not Like Other Girls: The Rasmus – Erik to Cendrillon 51. Fate: Bleak – Erik & Cendrillon 52. I'm a b***h, I'm a Lover: Alanis Morissette – Louise 53. I Can’t Believe My Heart: Susan Egan – Louise to Albert 54. Till You Came into My Life: Jekyll & Hyde – Louise to Albert 55. It’s All Over But the Crying: Garbage – Albert to Louise 56. Walking on Broken Glass: Annie Lennox – Albert to Louise 57. Lost Without You: Delta Goodrem – Louise to Albert 58. Things I'll Never Say: Avril Lavigne – Claire to Desmond & Othello 59. Once Upon a Dream: Jekyll & Hyde – Claire to Bertrand 60. Dark Road: Annie Lennox – First Act Finale Theme CtBA 'Musical' Playlist - Play All Act I 1. Within My World – Erik [Dracula] 2. Being Alive – Albert [Company] 3. Once Upon a Dream – Claire [Jekyll & Hyde] 4. I Dreamed a Dream – Cendrillon [Les Mis] 5. So She Dances – Bertrand [Josh Groban] 6. Once Upon A December – Isabella [Anastasia] 7. Candle on the Water – Meg [Pete's Dragon] 8. Falcon in the Dive – Bertrand [Scarlet Pimpernel] 9. The Master's Song – Landan [Dracula] 10. Stories – Meg [Beauty & the Beast, Enchanted Christmas] 11. Pretty Women – Bertrand & Étienne [Sweeney Todd] 12. Please Don’t Make Me Love You – Cendrillon [Dracula] 13. Children Will Listen – Meg [Into The Woods] 14. Lullaby – Erik [Assemblage 23] 15. Sirens – Erik & Meg [Jane Eyre] 16. No One is Alone – Meg [Into the Woods] Act II 1. Till You Came Into My Life – Albert [Jekyll & Hyde] 2. Once There Was a Sun – Cendrillon [Thumbelina] 3. I've Grown Accustomed to Her Face (First Verse) – Bertrand [My Fair Lady] 4. My Confession – Erik [Josh Groban] 5. The Riddle – Bertrand, Meg, & Erik [Scarlet Pimpernel] 6. Happiness – Louise [Passion] 7. Not While I'm Around (Toby's Part) - Charles [Sweeney Todd] 8. I'm Not That Girl – Cendrillon [Wicked] 9. Loving You Keeps Me Alive – Erik [Dracula] 10. The World has Gone Insane – Bertrand [Jekyll & Hyde] 11. It's a Dangerous Game – Meg & Erik [Jekyll & Hyde] 12. Dueling Madness – Orchestra, Climax [Lord of the Rings] 13. At Last – Cendrillon & Bertrand [Dracula] 14. Virtue – Orchestra [Hannibal] 15. The World is Against Us – Orchestra [O Fortuna] 16. 'So That You May Live' – Orchestra [Schindler's List] Possibilities, Not Placed, or Alternatives - In Her Eyes – Erik [Josh Groban] - On My Own – Meg [Les Mis] - Man of La Mancha – Meg [Don Quixote] - Unexpected Song – Cendrillon or Louise? [Song and Dance] - Secret Soul – Meg & Erik [Jane Eyre] - Something There – Meg & Erik - In His Eyes – Cendrillon & Meg [Jekyll & Hyde] - The Dream Within – ??? |
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[Thread is now officially open]
November 24th Despite the fact that the season was just starting to turn to winter, the streets of Paris this particular morning were covered in white sheets of snow, more of the frozen water falling to the ground and on the heads of any pedestrians unlucky enough to be out in frost. Surprisingly though, despite the cold weather, the street in front of the newly rebuilt opera house was crowded with coaches and workers carrying boxes in and out of the building. Today was the day that the new staff moved into the building, the ones lucky enough to rent a room within the walls moving all their belongings in while the majority brought only their instruments and other necessities for rehearsals, having bought and moved into dorms and apartments on nearby streets. On the front door stairway, a woman with black hair tucked into a neat bun was overseeing the movement, worry and concentration etched into her brow. Marguerite Giry was feeling the brunt of the stress in the air this day, having to handle the management nearly on her own and deal with the fact that the moving was taking place nearly a month late because of last minute construction. There's only a month until opening night, and we haven't even announced the ballets and operas planned! Oh, why did I let M. Firmin negotiate with the construction men? Shaking back thoughts of the delays and her useless partner/boss, she focused on the present and instructed a man to help a couple dancers carry their briefcases, running down the stairs and holding up the skirt of her simple green dress as she yelled. "You there, don't drag that piano up the stairs, it will break! And you! Goodness, monsieur, can you not handle that display more delicately? That is the backdrop of the second act of Swan Lake!" "Is there anyone around here that doesn't feel the need to scream?" Standing at the bottom of the stairway, a young woman in a plain blue gown rubbed her sore brow against the migraine threatening to take form from all the noise on the street, her other arm holding a small box against her hip. "I hate crowds - why didn't we move in last night when it was still quiet?" "Because, Louise, as I told you last night I had to wait for that last shipment of silverware to reach my shop before I could leave it." Claire Duval, a very petite girl with black hair held back in a long braid, shuffled a large box in one arm, the other hand holding onto a briefcase that looked ready to explode its contents onto the sidewalk. Once she had a good hold on the box again she gave an exasperated glare over the top of it, focused on her soon-to-be roommate. "And would you mind not complaining when I'm carrying your things?" "I have a bad back." Louise said the excused in a distracted tone, looking up at the Swan Lake backdrop that was being carried up the stairs by a few struggling men. Pushing her dark blond hair out of her eyes, she lifted her box higher in her arms, moving her back in a way that clearly showed it was fine as she started up the stairs again for the fourth time that day. "Quit complaining and hurry up." Claire spent another long moment staring at the Louise's back in exasperation before starting the long trek up the stairs, nearly dropping the box a couple times and having to stop once when the suitcase exploded to gather the flying contents. How did I get talked into this again? |
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November 24th "Honestly, does no one around here know how to handle transporting instruments?" Meg shook her head as she watched the men who had been dragging the piano earlier carry it up the stairs, this time without touching the ground. The piano had been ordered by the new pianist herself, and though Meg did not know who she was or how she had afforded it, she didn't want to discover at the first rehearsal that it needed to be replaced. But, with that crisis averted and most of the movers at least in the building, she now needed to focus on preparing the Prima Donna's suite for its new arrival tomorrow. Meg held back a flinch as she thought of it - one because she had heard many rumors of how the younger Guidicelli was a near double of her mother, and two because she would have to spend time in the room that not only La Carlotta had used, but also her dear friend Christine back in her short time as a star. Throughout the rebuilding process Meg had been remembering the last time she was within these walls, and it tended to make her dwell on the loss of her mother and Christine. But she would have to push back the grief - a lot was riding on her right now and she couldn't afford to become depressed now. "Mademoiselle, where do these chairs go?" Pulled from her thoughts by the question, she turned to the man that was holding up an ornate chair meant for the Prima Donna's room. Giving a sigh, she waved for the man to follow her and led him inside the building. Inside the Palais Garnier, one story below the stage, Claire pushed her way as politely as possible through the crowd, throwing an apology over her shoulder every time her box hit someone as she passed. Finally she reached a door just across from the orchestra pit entrance, dropping the box to the ground with a relieved sigh as she pushed the door open. Taking a quick look around, she took in the rather large double bedroom that would act as her home from now on, with its wooden floors and cream walls. It was moments like now that she wondered how Louise could afford accommodations like this, much less cover the expenses of her – a near-complete stranger. But part of the deal they had was for Claire not to ask any questions, so she pushed her curiosity aside to instead look at said roommate, who was already lounging on her bed and reading a book, ignoring the unpacked boxes around her. “So, are you going to just leave all the work to me, or-“ Louise finally looked up as Claire started talking, a bored but contemplative look on her face. Before Claire could even finish her sentence she interrupted her. “Are you an only child?” Claire stopped talking a moment to look at her in surprise, before answering in a confused tone. “Why would you ask-” “Because you seem to think everything is about you. And no, I’m just waiting to unpack this evening, seeing as that Giry woman will probably call everyone out any minute for the arrival of that new patron.” Closing her book, she slid off her bed and walked back to the door, calling over her shoulder. “I’m going to go explore while I have time. You just do whatever you want.” Claire just stared after her with a perturbed look, finally turning and dropping her suitcase onto her bed to unpack later. As she left the room and walked down the hall towards the stage, a couple workman stared after her in confusion when she mumbled, “I’m not an only child…” ((Another post since I'm bored. A cookie to anyone who can guess the origin of that conversation. ^^ )) |
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They were late. And it was all Albert's fault. No matter how early he would go to bed, he would get up at the exact same hour and then take his sweet time getting ready for the day. He was of the mentality that there as nothing to really get up for, so he just trudged around in his bedroom, fumbling about for clothes and making himself as presentable as possibl without a mirror and in near darkness. Oh, he was used to not using a mirror until he had a mask on. Or, more accurately, he ws used to not having a reflective surface in his presence until he exited is chambers. Ever since his deformity he refused to look at any mirrors, if he could help it, remembering his more promising days every time he did. This morning was no different as he got up, rolling out of the bed and onto his feet, sighing in fatigue. "It's another dreary day," the man mumbled to himslf, rubbing his scarred face with his hands. He didn't feel too well at the moment, probably something to do with the copious amounts of alcohol he had ingested the other night. Someone was going to be yelling at him later for it, but he could care less at the moment. And he could deal with an irritated Cendrillon....so as long as she wasn't armed. That woman was deadly with a sword and a parrying dagger. The ginger-brunet smiled to himself thinking about the girl. Although she kept her calm Albert knew that Cendrillon was very excited about working at the opera house. And that was probably what got him to move a little faster. What to wear today, he thought as he picked up his mask from his bedside table on his way to his closet. The mask was settled firmly on his face and tied into place by sturdy silk ribbons. That part of his morning routine done, he sorted throgh his closet to find some appropriate clothing to appear in when he made his debut as a Patron at the Palais Garnier. Hopefully, this time, no psychotic madman in a mask would ruin it. He paused in his shuffling about. He laughed to himself in bemusement. Well, there was him, but he highly doubted he was going to upend the entire opera house because of one singer. Like that would ever happen to him! And besides, Cendrillon would never forgive him for losing his head like that. Probably beat him to an inch of his life. Ah, if only there were a woman out there like his little sister. He wouldn't mind the constant beatings and abuse if he had someone as fiery as her around. And speaking of the woman, who had been up since the crack of dawn preparing everything from a carriage to take them to the opera house to sending a few 'presents' for the re-opening opera house. Like, say, a new fur coat for the prima donna, for starters. Albert had forgotten about getting anything as a new patron, so Cendrillon had run around the other day purchasing like crazy. She had also bought new instruments that should be arriving any minute at the theatre's doors now, if the shop clerk had heard her correctly. Why not? It was rightfully her money and Albert had been planning to do something to that effect anyways. He just didn't care as much as he once used to. Thinking about her oldest brother made the former servant sigh. It was all because of that stupid war. If it hadn't been for that, then her brothers wouldn't have come home the way they had. Although, while Elias seemed a little out of it, Albert had taken up all the ravages of war upon his once handsome visage. He had been so....so full of life! So bright and full of promise! The young woman remembered, once upon a time, that the Albert of the past would have run himself through for even thinking about acting as he did right now...It made her feel so frustrated and angry and just so...so...so...helpless! And Cendrillon hated nothing more than being helpless in any situation. Feeling that she had waited long enough that morning, she went upstairs to see if her brother had awakened yet. Once at his door, she gave three hard knocks on the heavy oak before giving him a verbal warning as she always did when he had somewhere to be, but always slept in. "You have to the count of ten until I barge in, Albert!" She yelled. "One...two...three.....four....five..........six....seven...eight.......nine....te-" The door swung open, revealing Albert in his favorite blue ensemble with his black mask firmly in place. He regarded his lovely, yet irate looking sister of whom he assumed was just about to kick his door down in hero fashion. "Now, now, Cendrille," he said placatingly, using his nickname for her, "no need to get testy. I'm here and I'm ready to go." Before she could take a swing at her--and he knew she would, because she despised being made towait, the impatient little thing--he pulled her into a quick hug. During that hug, he took in her scent of strawberries and vanilla, of how small she was compared to him and appreciated just being by her side. While he had became some sort of degenerate over the years, it did not mean he couldn't appreciate the little things in life that did matter. Feeling more than a little awkward, Cendrillon pushed him away then grabbed his hand and dragged him towards the stairs to the foyer. "Yes, yes, yes. And a fine bloody morning to you, too, Albert!" As much as she loved being held, her step brother would sometimes hold too long and she would end up suspecting ulterior motives--which was silly since it was Albert, but then she'd doubt it because it was Albert and he had changed...just as much as she did. Four eyars ago she never thought she'd be back in a dress again. And here she was, wearing a lovely yellow number with a ribbon in her long golden blonde hair. "Now hurry up! We're late!" She tugged him the rest of the way and practically shoving him into their awaiting carriage, barking at the driver to make their speedy way to the Palais Garnier. Albert, behind his mask, just smiled to himself and enjoyed a few moments of piece, for he was sure that he was in for a very long and trying day. |
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November 24th ”Yes, please set that table over there. And those chairs go – wait! The bed needs to go against the other wall! It will block the looking glass if you put it there!” Meg had never realized how hard it was directing other people until that moment, having to oversee at least three people at once as the Prima Donna’s Room, much less keep track of what went where. Oh mother, how in the world did you handle all this?! Letting out an exasperated sigh as she was given a moment of rest as the men had gone to get more things, she gave a quick look around the nearly completed room. Eventually her eyes landed on the looking glass that had nearly been covered by the bed, the sight making her pause. When construction had begun M. Firmin had made sure to have all the known passages of the Phantom inspected and sealed, and this mirror had been the first one. But even knowing that, Meg couldn’t help but shiver looking at it, unable to shake the thought that there was still someone watching her from the other side. Thus when someone banged against the door dragging a table in, the young choreographer nearly jumped out of her skin before seeing it was only the work men. “Goodness, be careful! You might break some….Wait!! That table is part of the Prima Ballerina’s suite set! When did her things arrive?! And…did someone mix them up with the Prima Donna’s?! Oh no…” Running out the door, she headed down to where the furniture waited, ready to tear someone’s head off for this mix up. As people passed by her in the halls, Louise kept her focus firmly ahead of her, lines becoming clear on her brow as her expression seemed frozen in a wince. Ignoring the curious looks that followed her, she headed up the back stairwell of the stage that led directly to the roof. Though the long flight had her winded by the time she reached the top, she felt an extreme sense of relief when she opened the door, welcoming the block on the noise below the wind provided and the cool breeze on her face. Closing the door behind her, she promptly leaned against stone wall beside her, sliding down slightly as it supported her weight. Once she settled against it, Louise closed her eyes against the morning sun, trying to will the pain in her head away. What Claire didn’t know was the reason Louise had stopped unpacking was the threat of a headache that had hit her on the streets was quickly becoming a fully fledged migraine. And though she knew it would be hard to do, Louise was stubbornly set on hiding her problem from her roommate as long as she could. She hadn’t known Claire long, but she had been with her enough to realize she was a natural worrywart when it came to other people’s problems, and she wasn’t about to have the girl worrying herself over something she couldn’t help. After about twenty minutes standing there she out a sigh that formed a visible cloud at her lips, relaxing her back as the migraine stopped, falling back to an annoying but stand able headache. That problem over with, Louise opened her eyes to take in her surroundings. She had to admit the designers had done a magnificent job recreating the building. She had only seen the original Opera Populaire on rare occasions, but what she remembered matched her current surroundings exactly. It seemed the architects were trying to completely duplicate the previous building. I wonder if the legendary Opera Ghost’s designs are still intact as well… She only knew tidbits of the story that led to the downfall of the previous opera house, but she did remember tales of secret passages and chambers the Phantom had built and used. Well, as long as I’m here, I might as well found out if they really exist. A mischievous half-smile growing on her lips, Louise pushed away from the wall and walked back into the building. Next time she came up here she would remember to bring a cloak. Claire had been wandering the halls aimlessly for about half an hour now, and during her walk her anger towards Louise had quickly dwindled to reluctant gratitude. While she found the woman was sometimes hard to stand and could truly hurt you in the worst way if you got on her bad side, Claire knew firsthand how kind she actually was, even if she tried to hide it. The fact that she had provided Claire with completely free room and board upon overhearing her money problems were proof of that, even if she tried to hide behind excuses. ’I need a roommate that won’t ask questions and I know I can take advantage of’…sure, that makes sense. If it weren’t for the fact she could easily afford a single. An amused smile appeared on her face as she turned a corner, laughing to herself at her roommate’s obvious awkwardness with helping others. “Come on, we need to get these inside before the snow damages-“ “But we need to take in the Prima Ballerina’s furniture! And where is Mlle. Gir-“ “I don’t know, but we need to set up the stage! The patrons are on their way right-“ Claire watched the chaos at the front doors in shock, as a load of new instruments were getting mixed up with ornate furniture. The men that were supposed to unload the items were having it out around pile, yelling about who should do what. Thinking back, she remembered seeing Mlle. Giry outside an office yelling for a M. Firmin, and apparently wouldn’t be down for a while. Alright Claire, just walk away. This isn’t your problem, and not your responsibility to handle. I’m sure the men will work it out themselves……okay, never mind. Letting out a sigh, Claire walked further into the room before counting the men and looking at the pile, estimating how much of what there was. Once done, she gathered up her courage and turned to the crowd, clearing her throat. “Um, excuse me, monsieurs?” No one paid attention to her, and she raised her voice. “Uh, monsieurs?!” After multiple polite tries, she finally lost patience and her placating smile disappeared into a glare as she went into the mood that only showed when there had been a problem at her shop. “HEY!!!” All the men stopped and turned to the small woman, about to yell back when they saw the authoritative glare on her face, enough to keep them quiet for a moment. Claire saw her chance and spoke up again. “Alright, enough of this! The patron will be here any minute! You three, take the rest of the Prima Donna’s things to her room. You five, handle the Prima Ballerina’s furniture. And the rest of you take the instruments to the pit.” All the men stared at her in shock for a minute, surprised to have themselves organized so quickly by some tiny woman they didn’t know. But Claire was done being kind, and seeing no one working, she yelled out in a tone that would have made the late Mme. Giry proud. “DID I STUTTER?! MOVE IT!!!” At once everyone grabbed their assigned items and left the room as fast as possible, some looking back at Claire in shock or indignity. Once the room was emptied of the workmen, Claire started to calm down and slowly realize what she had just done. Did I just yell at a couple dozen men…? Glancing at the maids that were staring at her, she gave a small sheepish smile. “Eh…hem…” Eventually she turned around and walked back to the stairwell, trying to ignore her red cheeks and just blend into the wall. Old habits died hard, apparently. |
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((Here's a shorter post so nobody kills themselves trying to match it. XD))
The carriage ride to the opera house wasn't a long one. In fact, it took a mere fifteen minutes or so as the de Morcerf town house was rather close to it. The de Ghents who originally lived in the house were lovers of the arts and found that it was convenient to have their home close to a place like the former Opera Populaire, especially when one wanted to purchase good seats all the time. There was lots of activity going on outside the opera house when the carriage came to a full stop; men going in and out of the reconstructed building with arm loaded with instruments (much to Cendrillon's pleasure, of course). Distantly, there could be heard the shouts of a comanding woman somewhere in the distance, located within the theatre itself. My, what a strong pair of lungs. "We're here, dear brother. Are you ready to see what they have in store for us?" she asked, starightening out her skirts and making sure her bow was straight. The blonde felt silly in her full dress and the ribbon in her hair, rather than tying it all up in a functional ponytail like she was used to. When she had gotten up that morning to dress she had reached for her britches and starched shirts before she remembered that she was a lady now and had to start acting like one, no matter how much she really didn't like it. There was freedom in being a man, whereas a woman got jerked around all the time. The woman made to open the door, but felt a hand stop her. It was Albert and he was holding her back, his free hand holding up a finger that he was wagging at her. "Uh, uh, uh. I go first and then I help you down," he said congenially, as if speaking to a young child only just getting used to society's rules. That got him a glare, but he exitted first, the cold air outside blasting in and ruffling his ginger hair. He looked around, quite pleased when the movers paid no attention to his presence and hopped onto the snowy ground, his feet making audible crunching noises as he did. Turning he held the carriage door open and offered a hand to his sister, helping her down thought she didn't need any. While not at all dainty, Cendrillon was not overly robust as well. Just trim from all the work she willingly did around the house as well as the dance regime she kept up to prepare herself for working at the opera house, a big step up from her old job as a black smith's assistant and servant in a noble household. But he really shouldn't be thinking too much about things like that. It was improper. Looking everything over, he addressed the girl whose hand he still held. "Well, everything looks to be in order...time to, ahem, face the music," he said, chuckling at his poor try at humor. He led Cendrillon inside, intent on getting her settled and then having everything like his introduction to the theatre troupe done and over with so he could go home and resume sulking. Or read. Or take up to piano....or he could remain a little longer at the opera house after introductions to listen to some music. It had been a while since he listened to anything fine and cultured. "Now...where is that Madame Giry? She is in charge of choerography now, I hear, which means you must meet her, my dear Cendrille...as for I....I need to see the man in charge to settle everything..." |
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November 24th "Honestly, M. Firmin! What are you thinking?! First you let those workers have complete control of the construction, and then the moving process, and then you mixed the furniture orders for the Prima Donna and Ballerina, and now I find you've been drinking this whole time?!" M. Firmin gave an exhausted sigh as he rubbed his aching head. "Honestly, Mademoiselle, I don't need you telling me how to run a business." The older man was really starting to regret making the young Giry his partner, even if she seemed to know what she was doing. She had been hounding him day and night since the rebuilding started about this shipment and that payment. Why is this starting to remind me of a very bad marriage? M. Firmin mourned his loss of peace as Meg dragged him down the hall toward the lobby. The years had been very hard on the old manager. While he did not have the complete nervous breakdown M. Andre did, he still had nightmares about that horrid night, and the war that had followed had only hurt him more as his other businesses floundered and his wife left him. When Meg had hunted him down and proposed the reopening, he had been very reluctant, but at this point he was desperate enough to try anything. "Monsieur, I don't care what you think I do or do not know about business - the new patrons are coming and could be at the entrance right now! And there's a huge mess in the lob..." Meg trailed off as she saw the spotless lobby, mouth falling open in shock. "But, but how..." M. Firmin, not realizing the miracle that had happened, walked down the stairs ahead of her, calling back in an irritated tone. "Well, are we going to greet them or not?" "R-right..." Meg followed after him in a daze, trying to figure out how the useless workers had managed to pick up the pace so quickly. Looks like this day isn't such a disaster after all... Having taken her time walking back, Louise finally arrived at her room, finding the door locked and no noise coming from inside. Assuming Claire had decided to explore herself, she decided she'd might as well take the time to see the pit that she was now employed to play in. Turning around she walked through the doorless arch that led into the pit, and stopped just inside to stare in shock at the pristine, new instruments that were laid out in the room. What in the...I thought the opera house was low on funds. How did they afford all this? She stood still in thought for a long moment, the mystery eating at her as her natural need to know what was going on took over. But even that thought was wiped away when she finally noticed the piano in the corner - the one she had ordered especially from Austria. Holding back an uncharacteristic screech, she ran over to the piano to inspect it. Thankfully she focused solely on the open piano's strings and keys, and missed the scratches on the legs, or else some workmen would of had to leave the country if they didn't want to face retribution. But for now she was just happy to be able to play again, and ignoring the fact that there were important patrons arriving and workmen running in and out of the pit, she sat right down on bench. Stretching her fingers a moment as she contemplated, she played out a few chords of a Brahm piece before going straight into a Bach concerto. Finally she settled on the up and rising Ravel's piece Gaspard de la nuit, Ondine, as she tried out the new instrument, ignoring the mixed looks of annoyance and amazement thrown her way. Claire was wandering down the hall, trying not to look anyone in the eye in embarrassment at her earlier display, when the sound of a piano being played echoed down the backstage hall. She paused mid-step before laughing out loud. She couldn't even wait for rehearsal, huh? Well, whatever keeps her in a good mood I suppose... Turning around, she headed down another hall towards the sound. While the violin family instruments were her true love, she had always had a soft spot for the piano, and she wanted to see her roommate in action. Coming to a stop before the orchestra pit, she held back an amused smile seeing the other staff members that slowed as they passed the room to get a look at the player. Slipping between them she stepped into the pit, watching Louise play silently, noting her obvious skill and fluid speed before simply enjoying the piece as she sat down in a chair near the door. Apparently the pianist hadn't noticed her yet, and she'd rather she didn't encase she'd stop playing. ((>> Well, we...as in me, wouldn't kill ourselves over it....per say. xd )) |
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((I always feel distinctly bad when people try to match me, because I can make VERY epic posts when I feel like it.))
All the while Meg was trying to find the other manager of the Palais Garnier and then convincing him into following her down to greet the patrons and such, the young Prima Ballerina was starting to get impatient with waiting about as Albert watched the workers get the lobby cleared out so they could move on. Thanks to the big mix up furniture, instruments and various other objects were piled up and in the way within the quite spacious lobby. So, after only a minute of quietly waiting like a lady as she should, Cendrillon began to hum a tune from 'Le Nozze di Figaro'. In fact, she was humming the first strains of music from the opening duet between Susanna and Figaro. Disturbed from his contemplation by the humming, Albert looked at his younger sibling with disdain that was only obvious to the blonde woman who could guess his moods from his body language, rather than his face (which she couldn't see as it was covered up from forehead to chin). "What are you doing?" he inquired, voice deceptively sweet. Cendrillon grinned cheekily. "Humming to pass the time," she replied. "Well, stop it. It's unbecoming of a lady, he stated. "And besides...you came here to be a ballerina, not a diva," the man said, matter of factly. The truth of the matter was that he loved 'Le Nozze di Figaro' and was itching to sing a bit of it himself. Most likely Cendrillon was humming that song on purpose. The blonde woman shrugged and just continued to hum, really doing it on purpose. Albert had a good singing voice on him, one that was often disused because stupid Fernand thought that music was unbecoming of a true man. Well, bollocks to him. The man was dead and gone and there was no reason that her brother couldn't enjoy himself--disfiguration or no disfiguration. She always thought that he should move his face more often. The more he did the less painful it would be over time. All he had to do was try! She was really doing it to get on his nerves. The men had about finished moving the furniture. They could start moving again. Nearly hissing at her, Albert ordered, "Stop. It." Cendrillon paused a moment, pouting at him. That only meant trouble when she did that. It meant she was really going to use her 'feminine wiles' to goad him into doing what she wanted. And she wanted him to sing with her. "Well, if you hate it so much...why not show me how it's really done, Albert....since this is your favorite opera." Her voice was light, but t her sky blue eyes were shining with challenge. Come on, she thought. Refuse to do it! Her eyes were saying this to him. Try and back out of it! Like a coward! Somehow, that was all he needed to be goaded into singing. Cendrillon always did know how to push his buttons (he didn't know whether he should be alarmed by this or not), whether he was in a good or sour mood. He started off with Figaro's part of the duet, his voice rich and strong and so very vibrant. It felt good to be singing, even if people were watching him do it and he hated attention. He just kept his gaze on his little sister and all was right in the world. He heard Cendrillon join him in song and it was wonderful and sounded so wonderful. So, for a few scant moments, he was content again, until the arrival of the two managers in the lobby and he and Cendrillon were forced to stop singing together to pass the time. ((This is what they sound like singing together.)) |
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