“Beautiful” doesn’t seem an adequate word... but this was beautiful. So intimate, sweet and even a bit racy! But as always romantic. I loved the description of both of them coming to terms with the labels of husband and wife in their own very unique ways. And Christine’s revelation that this was a promise at last fulfilled was so sweet it made me get a little lump in my throat!
But, Erik, oh Erik... always falling headlong into another obsession and not content to bask in the joy right in front of him, even though it’s something he’s coveted for so long. I hope it doesn’t spell dark clouds for them. I guess we’ll see :-)

This was such a beautiful chapter; sexy, yet tasteful, showing just how strong and sensual the bond is between them. Despite the age difference, they're very well matched. Unfortunately, I see dark clouds looming, as Erik seems to be intent on trading one obsession for another. He's going to be very unhappy if he keeps trying to deny that music is in his very soul, and then tries to pretend that he's just an architect. If he convinces himself that architecture is really his calling and he has to leave music behind, he's not only going to be miserable, he's going to start down that rabbit hole again. I would love this tortured man to finally come all the way into the light and enjoy his new life with his truest love, Christine.

The scene from the movie where Giry takes Erik to the opera house as a boy where he lives out the rest of his life would have been impossible due to the fact that construction of the Palais Garnier had not begun until 1861. But you mentioned that the burned opera house was on Rue Le Peletier...where the opera house that was the previous venue of the Paris Opera, Salle Le Peletier, stood from 1821 to 1873. Though the fire that destroyed it was in 1873 (not 1870/71) and the opera house in the movie (and book) was obviously supposed to be the Palais Garnier based on the facade and the unmistakable grand staircase, I commend you for trying to fix the egregious historical faux pas. The only challenge to your change is there really was a subterranean lake under the Palais Garnier, while the Salle Le Peletier had no such thing.

I wanted to tell you that this story is a work of art, with characters so well drawn and scenes so vivid I feel as though I could be there. I ache when they ache and laugh when they laugh. Thank you for this story, I will treasure it always. I hope you’re able to continue it someday I’d love to be able read what is to come next - in fact I’m wishing for it very sincerely. I hope someday you find a way back to your characters and your story, I will be waiting to read what’s next. Thank you.

Is this still active?, I’m dying to read what’s next ;,-( pls continue! I hope you are well

Hey Tango,

I just spent the better part of three days reading this amazing work! I came across it years (!) ago when you were only up to chapter 20 or so, and it has been such a pleasure to catch up. Your writing is beautiful, and I absolutely love your dedication to the politics, art, and history of 1870s Paris. You're a true historian, and it makes this story so much richer with all the detail. I also love the integrity and depth you have given all your characters (especially Raoul, who unfortunately seems to get the short end of the stick in fanfic and "canon" (looking at you LND) sequels).

Great job, and I'm so inspired that you've kept going for 13 years. Best wishes!

Hey Tango, I hope all is well :) I’m feeling worried that you’ve gone on hiatus, the end of the last chapter felt a bit final - please tell me there will be another chapter soon? I’m so anxious to see what’ll happen next x

This chapter was just beautiful! It was a masterful stroke to write it from the POV of Meg & Mme Giry, it made it all feel a bit distant and wistful but also the intimacy was palpable, a bit like being a guest at a real wedding :) my fave image was the rain being like diamonds in Christine’s hair - your writing is just magical :)

Siempre escribo en inglés y me doy el tiempo de traducirlo. ¡Pero estoy demasiado impactada! He pasado días leyendo tu historia y creo que es magnífica, me alegra que hayas vuelto a escribirla. ¡No puedo creer que se casaran! Me emocioné tanto. Ha sido el momento más esperado desde que comencé a leer. Quiero felicitarte porque eres una gran escritora. Me sorprendes.
Por favor actualiza pronto.

XOXO Sara

Actually bought a tear to my eye! So wonderful and I’m a very happy reader right now x

Okay, first of all, i need to give you all the props in the world for working on this story of a full 13 years. Pardon my french, but like holy shit dude- that is a level of dedication that I aspire to have. Secondly, this story- by god this story- what a masterpiece! I can’t tell if i’m more happy i caught it before it was over so i know more of it is on the way, or more anxious to see what happens next! Great job, godspeed, and looking forward to the new chapters!

Trust Madame Giry's regal posture and tone to set the men thinking all was appropriate and not to be trifled with! Loved her veiled comment on where certain men were serving instead of on the field. Poor Raoul, what a torment in both body and spirit, but still willing to be formal and official to assist things for their sake. Loved the reference to Meg's artistic interpretation of the scene, when Christine and Erik arrived. "Legal, binding, permanent, and terrifying." Such an apt description for us all who've been there. Madame Giry's gentle touches to both Christine and Erik and her reminiscences with Meg were poignant, almost maternal, and a nice addition to the scene. Having them say their vows like music was beautiful. Typical Erik, saying she'd made a poor bargain, but how determined and typical of Christine to say that they would have music and she cared not for the judgement.

I have long loved this story, even if I came to it late, and it is a joy to see their vows and happiness. I hope there will be more chapters to follow so we can see the ending of the battles, Meg and Raoul's futures, and our favorite couple's happiness?

I have just spent the better part of 5 hours reading this, and I must thank 's a rare thing to find such a fine and professionally crafted gem to spend my evening with. Honestly, if you are not an "officially" published author (aka, one who gets paid for their art), I must ask why.

Beautifully written chapter. Well done! I swear every line in here is poetry. Meg's thoughts show her artist's mind at work. Interpretations, visualization, emotion. Beautiful. Just, beautiful.

: "Poeta, volontieri parlerei a quei due che ’nsieme vanno, e paion sì al vento esser leggeri»..
Francesca and Paolo still go around the inferno, still are sinners but, even so, keep being "light" in the whirlwind.
They were destined for one another, bound by the spell created by the story they read, and still in their damnation they go together, forever bound.
Lots of symbolic analogies with Erik and Christine, I felt, particularly when the two of them entered the mayor's office. The element here is light rather than wind, Burt the ache, the hope, the uncertainties and the poignancy are all there... only, so far, it's finally come to the point we'd all be going for (or I certainly did!).
Beautifully written and characterised as usual, I liked the wee touch of La Mère Pouillard (any reference to the Poulard one and her sable biscuits!?).
Glad to read this is not the end, but a bit wary too: what DO you still have in store for them?