Erik's Reprieve [Temporary On Hold?]

~Chapter Two~

Erik's Point of View

    I look up at the massive gates that tower over me. Their grandeur is unmatched, and something I have never seen. Even the Opera House I had resided in seemed small compared to these giants, and these were only the gates! What would the inside look like I wonder. There was only one way to find out. I press one of my gloved hands against the gate. It opens simply enough. I feel my mouth open wider in awe. Beyond the gate, there is a garden of sorts. Beautifully curved bushes dance before my eyes. They are not actually moving, but they are spiraling up and down playfully. 

   I tread through the snow and through the group of flirtatious bushes. I go over and touch one of them. Upon closer inspection, I can tell that whoever trimmed these put a lot of care and time in them. I take back my hand and keep walking. The moon peeked through the clouds as if it was hiding from me. It's okay, old friend. You are not the only one who has hidden from me. I am used to it by now. It is so quiet, but it is a peaceful quiet. Even my treading through the snow is noiseless. I am quiet as a cat. 

  I come to a grand staircase; the curves from the bushes are also present in the design of the rails. I slide my hand up the rail as I go along. The curves are smooth to the touch. Even with my glove on, I can tell how intricately carved these are.

  When I come to the top of the stairs, I find myself looking at two double doors with more intricate designs on them. The design looks almost like a crest of some sort with a detailed floral pattern. Standing on either side of the doors are columns that are supporting the top of the entrance. On the right columns, there are stone swirls that wind themselves around the tall pillars. I put out my hand and run my hand along the crest. I ready myself to push on the door. 

Hesitantly, I ask, "Dare I go in?" I was half expecting someone to answer me, but the snow kept falling silently and the moon kept peeking at me. I take a breathe and then push the door open.

Mrs. Potts's Point of View 

  While I am looking out the window, I suddenly see a black figure. He-or she- was slowly making their way to the castle. The figure kept inspecting every little detail of the grounds, from the bushes to the carved staircase. It was like they has never seen such a thing as a bush or a staircase before; it was a complete marvel to them. 

  Steadily, the figure made it to the entrance, giving me a better view of the figure. The person is a male that wore a black dress shirt and black dress pants with black shoes to match. A long black cape engulfed the figure, making it look like the figure had great big black wings instead of a fabric cloth surrounding him. The figure also had on black gloves with sleeked back jet black hair. 

  Even though I should have been more concerned with the color of his wardrobe, it was his face that drew upon the mystery of this figure. Half of his face was as normal as can be: his facial features were where they should be. However, on the other half, he wore a mask of sorts. This may be the newest fashion. I was only a little surprised if it was. You never know what has happened in the outside world and what new fads were out there. 

  Suddenly, the figure asked himself a question out loud. Expecting someone to answer him, he turns around. Seeing that no one is there to answer, he turns back around and goes up to the entrance, making me lose sight of him.  Without a second more, I turn around and go off to tell the others of this new mysterious stranger who seeks shelter in our home.