It was cold.

Drafty really.

And Wynne was lying on something soft.

She opened her eyes and gazed up at the white netting above her.

And she let out a soft gasp, bolting upright. She turned to her left and took in the mural of Erik's mother. And had to smother a smile as the man himself strode into the room.

"Ah, you're awake." Erik smiled.

Wynne thought for a moment. The safest way to do this would be to play dumb.

"Where am I?!" She asked in what she hoped was a frightened tone.

"Why my dear you're in my house~" He replied smoothly.

"W-who are you?" She widened her eyes.

Cherik sighed and walked around to sit on the edge of the bed.

"Surely you remember me." He replied.

"Sir... you are wearing a mask."Wynne replied.

Erik chuckled warmly, "But we've met before when I was wearing a mask."

"The masquerade!" She exclaimed.

"Yes." Erik smiled.

Wynne shifted away from him a bit.

"This is your house?" She asked.

"Yes."

"Did you paint that?" She asked pointing over to the wall.

Erik stood and walked over to the mural, trailing his fingers down it.

"She was beautiful wasn't she?"

"Who was she?"

"My mother... She died when I was a child."

"Oh..." Wynne whispered.

Erik was quiet for a moment.

Wynne frowned, "I know that grief is a difficult thing to go through... and that your mother means a lot to you even though you've never really met her-"

Erik looked at Wynne in surprise.

"-I'm sure she loved you very much, and that she watches you from heaven." Wynne smiled, laying a hand on his arm.

Erik rapidly blinked back tears, as he gazed in shock at Wynne's hand on his arm.

"Thank you." He replied softly.

Wynne and Erik stared at the portrait in silence as Erik struggled to keep a calm facade.

"So... you wrote a letter to the Managers?"

Erik cracked a smile, "That obvious eh?"

"Well you hiding in box five was a bit suspicious..."

"True." he assented.

"Why?"

"I beg your pardon?"

"Why do you need 2000 francs?"

"I don't really." Erik replied.

"Then why ask for it?"

"It's the way I've always done things."

"Perhaps it's time for something new?"

Erik looked the young lady, "Perhaps it is..."

Wynne blinked up at him.

"So are you going to give me a tour of your house?" she asked.

"Oh! Of course where are my manners!"He exclaimed.

He offered Wynne his arm, and she took it with a small smile.