Three

A soft but persistent tapping upon your calf wakes you. The room is dark save for the reflections off of the lake, the candle long since extinguished. Relunctantly you raise your head off of Erik's chest. he doesn't move, his breathing deep and even.

Carefully you detangle yourself from his embrace. The loss of his body's warmth sends a chill running down you as you slide off the bed. Running your hands along the floor you find his discarded robe and put it on. You inhale the wonderful scent lingering on the garment before you begin to pick your way through the room and out into the main chamber.

"I am sorry to wake you mon ami..." she whispers as you come into view. "But I do not know which path to take back."

"You're leaving?" You feel stupid for asking as you can see she is already dressed and is putting her cloak on.

"Yes mon ami." She comes over to give you a hug. " I have an early rehearsal and I must get back."

"Oh. Well let me get dressed and I can lead you out." You say as you turn to go change.

"No no no....completely unnecessary." Waving her arm at the various exits she continues, "Just tell me which of these to take. Besides the Monsieur would be most disappointed to wake up alone."

You smile, knowing she speaks the truth. "Very well." You link arms with her, walking over to the passageway beside the lake. "This will take you to a door that opens into the orchestra pit. There are no turns and its a safe path."

"Meaning no torture chambers to fall into huh?"

"None. This is my pathback. Erik made it for me to use if I need to go above ground by myself. But it only works in that direction. In reverse you would hit the traps."

"Very clever," She takes the offered candle. "It was a most enjoyable way to spend an evening." She kisses your cheek before she pulls back and smiles. "Thank you for inviting me."

"No... thank you." You squeeze her hand. " I would have backed down if you...."

"Nonsense." she interrupts. "everyone's gets nervous, Normal." She turns to the dark hallway, letting her candle illuminate the way. She catches your worried glance. "I'll get back fine." She points her arm towards the bedchamber. "Now you get back to bed."

Wrapping your arms around yourself, you watch the candle light fade and disappear as sherounds the corner. You smile as you turn and follow the advice she gave.

Erik is exactly as you had left him, his large frame stretched out. One of his arms is slung above his head, the other still beside him where he had been holding you. Quietly you slip out of the robe and crawl in beside him. Pulling the coverlet over you both you snuggle in and join him in sleep's peaceful embrace.

~~~

The corners of your mouth turn up into a smile as the gentle touch of Erik's hand tracing the outline of your face beckons you from the grasp of sleep. Your eyes open to find the room still cloaked in darkness, minimal reflections coming from the lake.

You keep your breathing even as he continues his feathery touches down the line of your neck. However there is no fooling one with eyes well accustomed to such darkness.

"Good..." his lips alight on yours much to briefly. "morning."

"That it is." You reply as you stretch languidly before wrapping your arms around him. "I trust you slept well?"

"Quite well, mon ange." He leans in to kiss your throat. "And how are you?"

You are about to reply to the teasing voice of his, but you are interrupted by an embaressingly loud rumble from your stomach.

Erik snorts in amusement. "Hmmm- I take it this means you are hungry for something other than me?

You decided to give as good as you get. "Well my dear the last thing I ate was....you."

"Touche. I could reply in the same vein, love." Erik rises to light a candle, the soft light illumination outlining his form to your greedy eyes. He walks to the side of the bed, pulling you up against his body. "But if it's food you are hungering for, I am afraid my supplies have dwindled. I can go restock from the Opera kitchens if you wish to sleep some more"

"Actually you have to go nowhere love. I brought a basket when we snuck in last night. It's nothing fancy, but it should do for now." You grin as your stomach lets another gurgle be heard. "Besides," you say as you run your finger down the center of his chest. "I have to admit that the idea of going back to bed holds absolutely no appeal to me."

He gives your rear a light slap. "Yes I can see where you need someone to keep those dreadfully icy feet against."

"Hmmphh." You huff before he teasingly kisses the tip of your nose. You move your hands to his head pulling him to you for a proper good morning kiss.

"Well," you breathe as you pull back. "now I am ready for some breakfast."

Erik laughs and picks you up, swinging you across him to the floor.

"Here, love." He picks up his robe and helps you slip it on.

"Thank you. I am sorry. I forgot to bring mi..." He puts a finger over your lips to silence you before turning you to fasten the sash securely.

"Not a problem. I have to admit I rather like seeing you in it."

"But what about you?"

"Taken care of." Gerik walks over to the wardrobe and pulls a pair of black silk pajama pants on. As much as you hate to see his body covered, you are forced to agree that the pants are an exceptional fit.

He walks over and offers you his arm. "To breakfast?"

Taking his arm you both walk to pick up another taper. Lighting it from the other, you move into the main chamber. Erik escorts you to the table and pulls a chair out for you. Once you are seated he moves around the room, lighting more candles.

Unpacking the basket you quickly arrange a simple repast of some bread, cheese, fruit, and cider. Gerik returns to the table and takes a seat opposite you. You are about to pass him his plate when you notice that the candles only illuminate his left side.

Setting the plate down, you stand and move to the nearest candleabra. Erik watches you until he realizes your intent. Taking a long taper you light several more candles all around the room, an almost cheerful glow pounding away at the shadows.

Now standing back behind your chair, you wait for him to look at you. Erik's focus remains on the table, he does not move even as you walk around to him.Placing your hand gently under hs chin, you tilt him up to meet your gaze.

"Never doubt that you are beautiful to me."