Sofia blinked as her surroundings slowly and dimly, came into view.

The seats were a plush velvet and the floor was a Dark wood. Natural light streamed in through the windows burning her eyes.

As her eyes became accustomed to the light she noticed the dark clouds outside. Had she fallen asleep in the car again?

She pushed up off the window, and frowned in discomfort as something poked her. It felt as though somebody was crushing her ribs, but as she eased into an upright position, she breathed a sigh of relief.

It was then that she noticed a brunette woman sitting across from her, reading. She was wearing a deep blue Victorian pinstripe dress, and looked up as Sofia glanced at her.

She smiled, Brown eyes twinkling, and slid a bookmark between the pages.

"Sofia? You alright dear? You've been asleep for an awfully long time." The woman across from her asked.

Sofia frowned. Where was she? And why did this strange woman know her name?

"I have?" She asked, with a yawn.

"Yes we're nearly there." The woman nodded, with a slight indulgent smile.

Sofia sat up straight from where she leaned against the window and blinked in surprise at her surroundings.

She was sitting in a seat in a plush carriage. Well that made sense, she thought. That clip clopping noise must be the sound of hooves. She looked down at her lap, and frowned. She did not remember how she got here, nor did she own any dresses like this. Her hand smoothed over the soft pink cotton. And with a start she realized this must be a Victorian gown. Judging purely from the bustle currently poking her in the back.

Was she being kidnapped into some strange sort of cult or something?

Her heart hammered.

"Nearly where?" she asked, fear straining her voice.

"Nearly to our job interview...?" the woman frowned, leaning towards her.

Sophia blinked, and recoiled a bit.

"Soph, are you okay? You look a little dazed."

Sofia cleared her throat, "I... I'm fine. Just where exactly are our new jobs?"

"At the Opera house... did you hit your head?" The woman advanced towards her and sat down beside her feeling her head.

"I'm still asleep." Sofia stated.

"You just woke up dear." The brunette insisted, concern growing in her face.

Sofia laughed internally. She had heard of these. Lucid dreams. But, Heck if they were going to the Opera house maybe there'd be some cute ghost men for her to see!

"So what job am I doing?" she asked.

"We're seamstresses in the costume department of the Opera Populaire. Or at least we're trying to be, we haven't got the job yet." The woman smiled indulgently, though the worry never left her eyes.

At that moment thunder cracked nearby startling the horses and causing them to rush onward.

"Whoa!" Sofia exclaimed.

"What's going on?" The brunette demanded, pulling open the window, and speaking to the driver

"A storm madame!" The coachman exclaimed with his thick french accent. "But worry not. We are almost there."

The woman frowned as rainwater started to splash her through the window and raised it again, glancing out into the storm.

"Who are you?" Sofia asked softly.

The woman turned to her, hurt in her eyes.

"Do you really not remember where we are and why we're here?" The woman frowned. "And you don't even recognize me? Your best friend..."

Sofia shook her head.

"I'm sorry... I... I don't."

"My name is Clara." The woman frowned.

"Oh..." Sofia replied.

The woman sighed heavily and put her head into her hands. "I didn't see you injure yourself at all while you slept and you were speaking to me before that. Perhaps it would be prudent to call a doctor when we arrive." Clara nodded speaking mostly to herself. "Yes. And until then you try and remember, and let me do the talking."

"Alright." Sofia replied.

Figuring she had best just roll with whatever was going on in her dream.

She turned to the window and watched the trees pass by the carriage as they rolled up to the opera, though she jumped in surprise as the lightning momentarily illuminated a figure in a white half mask.

Who was quickly entering the building.