Saved from Solitude

An AU roleplay about the Opera Ghost and his muse, Meg Giry, set after the ALW play. Whilst ruthlessly pursuing Christine Daaé, the Phantom had little to no reason to speak to any other dancer, let alone acknowledge her existence. But time passed, and the Opera Ghost reluctantly found an unusual petite companion at his side. Although dainty and fragile, Meg Giry somehow stood up to the Phantom's arrogant and selfish ways, and despite his cruel, insensitive remarks... she slowly learnt more about the man who hid behind the ghostly persona, and ultimately helped to save him...

[saved-from-solitude]

leavethehxrtbehind

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Mother was… very… keen, was she not? I used to be terrified in class, but I don’t think I’d be quite as scary as her. Nor as good as her. But she made me the great dancer I was, so I can’t complain.

Don’t be; these things happen and life just goes on. As for what he thinks of me… I dread to think it, Monsieur. Disappointment and anger mixed into one raging force, how off putting to think about.

Oh, well the dance halls are something else; the architecture is nothing like Paris. It’s beautiful, honestly breath taking. And by my apartment there’s the sea. That’s my favourite place to go; especially in the evening when the people have disappeared and I’m free to do as I please.

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She was a fantastic instructor, yes. But - are you certain you wouldn't be as good as her?

And to hear you say your father would be disappointed and saddened by your actions makes me feel... It makes my chest ache, Miss Giry. Your father must have loved you, surely he'd be more understanding?

...I'm sorry, it's probably best not to dwell on this, I don't want to trouble you. But I too think about my father, sometimes, even though I never knew him... and I wonder the same things. Would he hate me? Because - I don't think your father would have any right to hate you, Miss Giry. Even if you thought you deserved it - I would want to disagree...

That image does sound quite beautiful, thank you for assuring me... And to have a view like that of the sea, and to be able to wander by yourself when it's quiet must be very relaxing. The colours in the evening sky must look extraordinary.

[alphabct]

The Ballet Chorus of the Opera Populaire

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leavethehxrtbehind

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No offence, but all I do is cause trouble. I am the epitome of trouble. And as much as it may be true, I think I need to see it again; that it’s in good hands and the dancers aren’t lagging, of course.

Perhaps then I’ll visit papa’s grave, although I don’t know if it would bring me much comfort. I suppose a guilt conscience is hard to hide from your parents, no? Even if they are no longer here.

Dear God, what would Paris become if such things happened? I’d rather keep the streets quiet and the crowds away, no? It can’t possibly be allowed to become anything like New York.

[saved-from-solitude]

Hmm, you've probably heard this before, but you'd make a fantastic ballet mistress with that kind of passion for standards, Miss Giry. Although, swear not to be as frightening as your mother... Sometimes she even scared me.

I'm sorry, I didn't realise you lost your father, by the way. I never knew what happened to my own Meg's, I never thought. Do you ever worry what he'd think of you?

New York must be as overcrowded as I feared, then! Is there anywhere pleasant you've visited since moving there, at least?

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leavethehxrtbehind

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Well it wouldn’t be the first time I’ve lost my temper. As for noticing me, I believe I have accepted it won’t ever happen, but one can hope, no? Ans as much as I wish that to happen, I very much doubt it. Besides, I’d rather not cause any issues.

Ah, in a way I am thinking of not going. I don’t want it to hurt too much should I leave again. I feel it’s a bitter sweet thing to do.

Gosh, can you imagine the sleepy streets of Paris filled with tourists? How utterly absurd.

[saved-from-solitude]

  One can only hope, yes. Especially when you’ve given so much for that other person’s sake... sometimes that bit of hope is all you can cling to, to stop yourself from going over the edge. I really do hope his ignorance doesn’t cause too much distress. I know you might not want to cause any issues, but I will admit it’s difficult not to confront a man like that.

Mm, perhaps it’s up to you then to decide whether or not to visit the Opera? I know as much as I would want to return, it would be quite bittersweet for me, too. I think experience does that to a person – it changes how you see the places you once called home and turns them into strange, almost hollow environments. I know! I’m relieved someone else doubts this vision of the future will ever come true! Whatever next, some sort of device that allows them to “tweet” or put colourful filters on their photo of the Eiffel tower?

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leavethehxrtbehind

leavethehxrtbehind:

Of course I do! It’s really the only thing that’s kept me so subtle and to be quite literal, on my toes. For that compliment, I think any bitterness is replaced with pride. To hear that from my Erik would be something similar to a miracle.

I know it will. I’m thinking of looking into apartments too, but I don’t know if again, I’ll ever have the money. So far I want to go back and visit the Opéra. I think it’s only fitting I do, no? As for after that, maybe the Eiffel Tower. I hear it’s quite the attraction.

Ah yes… your Erik… Why does a mention of him send a shiver through my spine? I do feel tempted to enquire how he is, still foolishly pursuing dreams of being with a certain Vicomtesse, but I won’t, I fear I might lose my temper. He should compliment you, however. Does that fool even… notice you? I think he should at the very least help to fund your visit.

Considering you do still dance (and it’s a relief to know), I think visiting the Opera would be very fitting for you, yes! The company has probably missed your presence.

Personally, the Eiffel tower isn’t uhm - it’s not to my tastes unfortunately, but it is quite the attraction. Some critics doubt it’ll last more than a few years. Goodness, imagine if tourists came to see it, even a century from now and bought souvenirs?

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I still think it's bizarre that some dancers (and of course, you'll know this), believe once you reach your late thirties, it's time to retire. At least you’re taking care! And I suppose I do worry too much, but last time I spoke, I was worried you were in a very "dark" emotional place, but it's a relief you're coping much better. You probably have the same kind of smile as my own Meg, so it would be awful if it was permanently dimmed. Ah, have you thought of a date for when you might return?

Ah, I can see why, but it’s partly because our bodies can’t keep up with the demand we ask of ourselves any more. The strain is particularly heavy going, so it’s understandable. I was, unfortunately, and while I am not inclined to agree, I appreciate your words nonetheless. As for that, no I have not. I’m still in the process of getting things together; I haven’t quite thought that far ahead.

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You say that like a true dancer, Mademoiselle. I can't quite recall and please excuse my forwardness, but do you still dance ballet when you get chance? I don't wish to speak in the past tense but you danced remarkably well in your old days and I, uh, hope that doesn't stir any bitter memories.

Even if you don't have a date in mind, I hope visiting Paris might bring you some peace, organising such a trip must be quite a challenge! Where would you wish to visit first, if you could?

[strangefrankie-deactivated20160]

The Romanesque church of St. Andrew-Interior by CracowPoland2013

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Ooc:

(This post is for one of the few people I've spent a good deal talking to on here, and for anyone else who cares. McKenna, if you're about, do you want to maybe talk sometime? I really want to know how you are, after all of this, and I couldn't fit this into a single pm to you. You guys won't know this, but I've been somewhere very emotionally weird, for the past few months. I completely withdrew from tumblr and facebook (where I'm still ridiculously inactive) because of stuff that was happening in real life. I didn't tell anyone online or offline I was going down hill or that I intended to shut the world out - I didn't want to scare anyone, certainly not you or anyone whose cared. I thought quietly disappearing wouldn't be noticed and wouldn't matter (when it does, of course it does!), but at the time, it seemed so much easier than trying to explain what was going on or how miserable and hopeless I felt. I wanted time alone but most of it I wasted instead of trying to improve the situation. I think only now, I've got my head back into gear, but I worry it's too late. I'm scared I've damaged too many friendships online and in real life because of that vanishing act...

This post won't be up forever, but if you see it, if you want to chat... let me know.)

[tooyoungtoreign]

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"If we assume man has been corrupted by an artificial civilization, what is the natural state? The state of nature from which he has been removed. Imagine wandering up and down the forest without industry, without speech and without home."

—Rousseau

[notgoodnotnicejustright-deactiv]

[xxsparksxx]

This Angel of Music?

[mcguckett]

Like Light and Dark: A half instrumental mix for Erik and Meg Giry Photo credit goes to http://saved-from-solitude.tumblr.com

Overture*Andrew Lloyd Webber // October and April*The Rasmus // Swan Lake Act II No. 14*Tchaikovsky // So She Dances*Josh Groban // Ghost in the Mirror*Nox Arcana // Entr’Acte* Andrew Lloyd Webber // The Lonely Ballerina * Michele McLaughlin // Beauty and the Beast* Céline Dion and Peabo Bryson // Reflections of Long Ago*Nox Arcana // Waterfall*The Piano Guys

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Left behind

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Meg clutched Daniel closer to her body as Erik began to cry. Her fragile body shook, quite aware of her circumstance. Her husband was crying…He rarely ever did; that response was only brought out of him in moments of unchanging turmoil. The Opera Ghost could fight through anything…

Instead of latching onto the masked figure in front of her, instead of clinging to the only thing that kept her sanity well, the young mother watched him, child beginning to awaken in her arms. As he trailed his fingers across her cheeks, removing the tears, her jaw clenched together, and she blinked several times. She knew that they wouldn’t be able to get out of the current situation…The current tragedy within their lives.

He was speaking to her in such reassuring, gentle tones, that she almost believed that there was hope, but of course, the ballet girl knew better. She would never have a happy life with Erik as long as he was on the run from the authorities, as long as he was constantly being chased down, for his incidents at the Paris Opera House.

With a nod of her dainty head, she remained expressionless.

"If this is what you believe needs to be done," she began without responding to his comforting words, "then so be it."

Perhaps that wasn’t the reason why he was leaving…perhaps he finally became exhausted with having to support her and his son…She would never truly know.

Staring down into the eyes of her child, she inhaled, body continuing to tremble.

[saved-from-solitude]

As Daniel began to stir, Erik ripped his eyes away from Meg.

“Go to Nadir,” the Opera Ghost said gently, “Seek warmth from the cold, Meg, you’ll freeze out here.”

There was a moment’s pause, before Erik stepped back. He had to go, he had to detach himself emotionally from the scene, but he knew it was no use. The crying ballet girl had truly burnt her way into his memory and would never be able to leave.

“Every day,” he said, staring into the night, “In that horrid existence I called my early life... I dreamt that someone would redeem me. I’m so grateful that person turned out to be you, Meg, I’ve been truly blessed to call you my own.”

As Erik turned away and quickly walked into the night, he felt his eyes sting with fresh tears.

‘But as selfish as it sounds, still want to call you my own, Meg, even if I should let go and say goodbye. So please, don’t give up,’ Erik thought, as he covered his eyes.

‘Don’t let Adam win. No matter how long it takes... Until the day I have to die, I’ll wait for you to save me.’

[meg-giry-operadancer-blog]

[roadtophantom]

Anthony Downing and Eleanor Waite

[viscountess]

Il Muto Meg Backstage

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Left behind

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She moved the rest of the way toward him, almost as if automatically; the sudden instinct at wanting to comfort him, and beg him to be happy once again. Wanting him to know everything will be alright, because it would be! This wasn’t like the last time..The time she left. It was different…Completely different, right?

Meg cringed, her entire body wanting to draw in on itself. She brought their enclosed hands to her lips, and kissed each digit of his repeatedly. Erik wasn’t alone in this…He never would be.

"I know…I know you can protect me…” She placed her lips to the back of his hand, sighing softly. The ballerina tried her best to come off as strong, but she knew he would see right through it. “He can’t kill me, Erik…” She mumbled, but was it true?

Surely, Adam wouldn’t dare to kill her! He had claimed to love her!

But Meg was silent; her eyes hazing over with tears.

"We can run away…Just like we did last time…" She was begging him, pleading with him so that he wouldn’t leave. Daniel would be torn apart, and constantly be yearning for his father, and Meg…she would surely die.

[saved-from-solitude]

"Not this time... I – I can't, there's t-too much risk..." Erik began. He was desperate to answer her plea, but something caused him to trail off.

Her kiss; each kiss that Meg placed on his hand was cutting him up inside. And as she continued to press them to his fingers, Erik found himself sobbing even harder as he knew she'd never want to leave him. How could she? She was doing everything that she could to change his mind and reassure him that he was loved. Oh Meg, why did she have to do this? She was the one who deserved to be comforted, not him.

Carefully as he could, Erik folded his arms around Meg’s shoulders and began to cry. He wanted to run away, just like she asked, but what use would it be? Adam wouldn't stop following them, nor would his men. They'd always be there, waiting to extract revenge. The Opera Ghost had to face his past.

Pulling back, Erik began to run his fingers over Meg's soft, damp cheek and tried to smile into her watery eyes. His ballet girl, his beautiful, sweet ballet girl... Just as beautiful, even if she cried...

 "I love you, Meg Claudin. So much – so very much...” Erik said, gently brushing her tears away, “I’ve been so blessed to have you and Daniel in my life. You know that, right? You’re more than I’ve ever deserved and yet you've stayed with me until the end.”