[the phantom]

"What is wrong with me" thought Firondoiel as she danced with The Phantom. "I hardly know the guy. He's just toying with me, playing the stud role."

But as she looked up into his eyes, she knew this was not true. He seemed to radiate honesty and genuine tenderness. "Then why does he act like he doesn't have feelings sometimes? Why doesn't he consider that others have them too?"

"Because I'm both a man of business and a man of war" said The Phantom aloud. Firondoiel opened her mouth in shock.

"How did you know-"

"Firondoiel, how could anyone possibly forget my mental abilities? I can hear many people's thoughts, particularly when they involve me" he answered. "In most of the work I do, it is to my advantage to appear cold and composed. Emotions make me feel... well... vulnerable."

Firondoiel's heart bled for The Phantom, who despite seeming to be above the rest of the world and its residents, and despite appearing to have the best of everything, was not entirely happy.

They were swiftly interrupted by the sound of The Phantom's cell phone. The Phantom realized with alarm that it was his upper left pocket phone, the one only used in emergencies.

He gave Firondoiel a quick smile and sprinted towards one of the back doors at a speed Firondoiel had never seen from any person, or perhaps even from a steed of Rohan. A single tear fell from her face and fell towards the floor, catching every light in the room as it dropped.

Firondoiel made her way slowly from the dance floor.

[ May 02, 2003: Message edited by: the phantom ]