The Parade [GROUP THREAD]

[LA MORT]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=style, width: 340px; background-image:url(http://i56.tinypic.com/20gfl1v.jpg); padding: 30px; border: #2D2729 solid 30px; ] THE EVENT! GROUP THREAD! The day’s festivities had ended, but the celebrations certainly had not. People everywhere were gathering by the Jadin Des Plantes, ready for the evening’s parade. The group would move down the Quai Saint-Bernard, lighting torches and starting the merriment, parading up the Quai de la Tournelle, before crossing the Seine at Quai de L’Archeveche, and making their way toward Notre Dame, where the evenings mass would commence. Some families were already gathering outside Notre Dame, preparing refreshments for those who were taking the long walk from the gardens. Spirits were high, and the excitement building for the lighting of the first torch. Men and women began to line along the streets torches ready to pass the flame down, until all the torches were lit and the parade could begin. Entertainers gathered, ribbon dancers, gymnasts, jugglers and even a small marching band prepared to join the parade. The crowd hushed as the first torch was lit, the flame passed down the line until the entire street was lit by the light of hundreds of flickering torches. The Kings colours could be seen throughout the crowd, as people began to filter up the street towards Notre Dame... ----- Please be aware this is a rapid fire thread. You must follow the posting order loacted HERE. If two days has gone by and you have not posted, the next person will be allowed to post, forfeiting your post for that round. MAY DAY!

[/td][/tr][/table]

TEMPLATE BY TRINITY BLAIR @ CAUTION 2.0 & ATF

[/center]

[maximiliennoelvier]

[atrb=border,0,true] [/style][style=width: 450px; background-color: ffffff; text-align:center; padding: 8px; line-height: 10px; font-family: verdana; font-size: 9px; color: 000000;][style=background-image:url(http://i47.tinypic.com/33capw3.jpg); width: 252px; height: 138px; float: left; margin-top:10px;] WHEN'S IT GONNA END, HOW WE GONNA LIVE, SOMETHIN'S GOTTA HAPPEN NOW, SOMETHIN'S GOTTA GIVE [/style][style=width: 252px; height: 26px; float: left; margin-top:10px] made by historyofus of caution As the torch's began to light up amongst the crowd turning the whole street in the area into a sea of flickering flames. If someone was to have the good fortune to look at the flames from a height, say in the windows of the houses above, then the site that you would be greeted with is one of simple magnificence as the flames flickered and danced in the small gentle breeze, it would be a wonderful mesmerizing thing, and depending on the height you might not even realize there was people holding torches, for these people it might just be the flames and only the flames. Then again there would not really be many people that high up so it was not just the flames for the people at a height these people could still see the people holding the torches. Not everyone was holding torches, maybe they had yet to join the crowd however there were others who had not joined the crowd, they all had their reasons, but it would not be a surprise if there were some of them who just did not believe in the enjoyment of this parade, they did not believe in what they were celebrating, though that had not stopped those that believed the same from joining the crowd. Max had not yet joined the crowd though he certainly would at some point, while he was not sure about this day he did not want to miss out on the enjoyment of it. Right now he was content on just staying where he was an observing what was going on, while not much there was still a lot of movement and plenty of talking going on while everyone waited to get going and torches lit. The sea of people were buzzing with laughter and talk and some of them seemed rather drunk. Max was not sure how the night would turn out and too be honest he did not want to think about the possibilities of disaster, because any sort of the disaster would cause most likely unneeded suffering. Max had heard some of the grumblings throughout the day from some of the people on the street about the king throwing the Lavish Masquerade Party for the Aristocrats and anyone with enough money or a good standing, and there was certainly some more grumbling that Max could hear some place close. It's stupid the people of the streets, poor and anyone else here deserves a Masquerade party just as much as they did. This was Max's main train of thought as he sat were he was listening to those people and their complaints before they then went and joined the crowd and got themselves their own torches. As the torches lit one by one a sudden hush came up among the crowd it was actually rather unnerving, just a complete silence with only the crackling of the flames to be heard Where was Max sitting? Max was actually level with the flames, he had found a part of a low down wall to perch himself on and just watch silently as everyone rushed about to set up for the torchlight Parade, and now as everyone stood their waiting to advance and the parade to begin. Once or twice Max had, had to lower the tip of his cap over his face as he noted to people from his aristocrat life passing by, his brother Nicholas being chief among them, in fact his brother had walked by a least twice. Max now had his cap slightly up anyone else who knew the boy would certainly recognise him well those that knew him on the street at least as the young lad was still dressed in street clothes as a Gamin, he certainly was not wearing his glasses but then he never did in this guise, plus he had not been home for some time, so it had been ages since he last wore them. He was content where he was and how he was and quite frankly he was just trying to enjoy the moment before anything, anything at all kicked off. He sighed to himself as he started to chuck the apple he had in his left hand to his right and then back to his left again before taking a quick bite out of it. He knew not when he had got the apple, he just knew he had it, maybe someone had given it to him, or he had stolen it, but then that would very much unlike him, no someone had most likely given it to him and Max had forgotten, most likely distracted by something else as he so often could be. Taking another bite out of the apple Max gave a quick glance around at the crowd, wanting to see if there was anyone he knew, at the same time he waited patiently for something to happen for the crowd to move just anything really as long as it was not too bad.

[/td][/tr][/table][/center]

[Deleted]

Valjean had certainly not intended to stay with Cosette for long at the street fair. It was not that he and his daughter remained entirely secluded; oftentimes they had walked this rue giving alms to the poor, and Valjean knew that God would protect them. But after his interaction with Javert sometime prior, in addition to Cosette's belief that someone had been following them the last time that they had been giving alms, had made him reluctant to bring her to the street fair. Furthermore, after hearing confirmation from Eponine that her father was indeed in town, he'd had no desire to run into Monsieur Thenardier either, but now that he had seen Thenardier... rather than feeling more inspired to leave, as he would have expected to, he felt that it was more important to stay. He felt empowered by the fact that he had Thenardier's protection; not that he could not provide ample protection for himself and his daughter, but he knew that if Javert or any other inspector recognized him here, Valjean – or Monsieur Madeleine, as Thenardier had called him – then the Patron-Minette would be of assistance in distracting Javert.

Or at least he hoped so. He wasn't entirely certain that he could trust Thenardier, but he didn't have much choice. He didn't need to rely on him solely, in any case, which was some comfort. He had looked out for himself and his daughter well enough for the past ten years. But now, Paris was changing, and it was palpable here in the streets. He was attempting to keep Cosette on the edge of the crowd, where the light of the torches did not illuminate their faces to any policemen who might wish to identify them, and where the rowdiest of the bunch were not carousing. Yes, that was his goal, to see without being seen. And he kept an eye on his daughter so he could see that she was still safe.

[nathanielredenei]

[atrb=border,0,true] [/style][style=width: 450px; background-color: ffffff; text-align:center; padding: 8px; line-height: 10px; font-family: verdana; font-size: 9px; color: 000000;][style=background-image:url(http://i49.tinypic.com/11kea2v.jpg); width: 252px; height: 138px; float: left; margin-top:10px;] WHEN'S IT GONNA END, HOW WE GONNA LIVE, SOMETHIN'S GOTTA HAPPEN NOW, SOMETHIN'S GOTTA GIVE [/style][style=width: 252px; height: 26px; float: left; margin-top:10px] made by historyofus of caution Nathaniel was more relaxed, there was so many people here that no one would notice him, not that his face was well known. why was Nathaniel here though? Why had he not gone back to the forest? Back to the Scared Heart camp? The reason why was because Nathaniel was here for reasons not entirely important but good enough to keep him from going back. Nathaniel was not here for the day in general, yes it would be fun, but why should he indulge in something such as this? Something that just showed how much the King and his friends really thought of the people of the street, just trying to distract them all from thoughts of revolution it won't work. In Nates mind it was inevitable that something would go wrong this night, it could be something simple but Nate was going to wait it out, he wanted to see what would happen. Nate was also here to see if those rumoured revolutionaries would make an appearance, Nathaniel was beginning to think they did not exist. NO he would not entertain such thoughts, they surely did exist and sooner or later he and Henri would find them fellow revolutionaries, an alliance between the two parties would be useful and very helpful for the both of them. Nathaniel was standing on the edges of the crowd scanning it carefully and lost in his thoughts. he was there by himself. he knew there were other people from the camp here he was hoping they did not do something stupid. He was not sure about Henri himself was he back at the camp? he had no idea but he was rather hoping his friend was and keeping himself safe. Though he did hope that if he did end up here that the first thing he would do was to try and find Nate. "This is very slow, very boring. what are they waiting for?" Nathaniel mumbled to himself.

[/td][/tr][/table][/center]

[msieurthernadier]

Thenardier looked around with that thoughtful slightly angry expression on his face, breathing through his nose as he stared at the people walking past with torches, he was having as stated previously. A reasonable day, not that he particularly cared he'd been getting ready for a meeting with a politician about some 'work' that the man wanted he and his gang to do. Paid muscle work and probably something involving intimidation. Politician's were forever after intimidation, they wanted the opposition gone and Louis had a number of methods to ensure such a thing could happen, from intimidation to simply scaring the poor people out of the city. None it mattered to Louis he'd simply delegate and if he was needed he would appear like the Angel of the Lord's mighty will to strike whoever it was that refused to listen to him from this earth.

He was smoking a cigar as the first people began to pass with their torches. He rolled his eyes some ridiculous torch bearing procession would surely cure the countries ailments. It was all crumbling and the dandies and the royals were all sat in their high houses watching the poor walk down an imaginary isle. Louis Thenardier had other ideas however, his men had come in force as they were want to do when their leader asked them to gather and the streets on either side were lined with men in top-hats and overcoats and boots. Thenardier grinned to himself at the thought of the coming carnage but he let it go for a moment.

Soon. He thought to himself. Soon indeed.

[MYLÈNE LACOQUINE]

It had been peculiar for Mylène to return to ‘reality’ in a way, after the little respite she had experienced while being at the juggler’s camp and meeting up with Courtfeyrac there. They had had fun, that much was for sure, and she hoped he had seen there what she saw: their ideas of equality and fraternity incarnated in the ‘sans-soucis’, the people without sorrows as the jugglers and carneys often liked to call themselves. They were not exactly living the lives of kings, but they sure as hell were acting like it! Only those living with them every hour of the day knew of the troubles they went through, the setbacks, the minor conflicts and of course the hunger and poverty, and yet it was so much better than anything Mylène knew. She liked her life now, make no mistake, but the freedom she had experienced through all the troubles, was something she missed until this very day, and therefore was glad for every little moment where she just could peek back into that old life, and be accepted for who she once had been, an equal amongst equals, a sister amongst brothers, who just lived and who everyone let live.

When it had been time for the parade, the jugglers had gathered to find their way towards the Jardin des Plantes, where the parade would start and follow throughout the city and they had asked Mylène to accompany them. It had been another proof of their affection and appreciation, and so she could have not possibly said no, even though she also would have liked to help Les Amis in their own little strive. Well, the parade was long, maybe she could excuse herself after a while and try to find Courfeyrac again who would have met up with Enjolras, Marius, Graintaire and the rest of their little band of friends by now. As far as she knew, they wanted to distribute their pamphlets, just try to get people to talk and read, which she found a good idea. Never again would the crowd be so vast and welcoming for these ideas than on this evening.

A torch in hand, she walked beside Esti, a companion juggler girl, lighting the way for her and her hands that were busy throwing clubs high into the air, while in front of them a pair was doing dancing lifts and behind them two young boys were walking on their hands. Suddenly, her attention was diverted however, by a group of men that lined the parade to either side of the street they were just passing through, men in top hats and sashes, whom she would know anywhere. Patron-Minette… the minions and companions of Escroc-Monsieur Louis Thénardier. Hopefully that did not mean trouble…

[HENRI ROQUEFEUIL-BLANQUEFORT]

Henri watched the first few entertainers pass, his emotions divided. He hoped that, at such a supposed display of the people's solidarity in festivity, the revolutionaries he had heard whispers of might show themselves. They had their chance here, to be seen by the people at large...

He hoped that might prove true. The crowds and narrow streets filled him with discomfort. He was far more used to the relative freedom of movement of the forest, and very rarely in his life had he ever been around such a large crowd. Such had been the life of an aristocratic boy raised on a country estate, and such was the life of a rebel who had taken to the woods.

Somehow, he had ended up in the first row of people lining the street.

He could not, however, deny that there was something thrilling about the way the torches lit their way down the street. When he was suddenly passed one, he took it without much hesitation. If something else should catch his attention, he would simply pass the torch to the man behind him and slip out of line.

Nathaniel was supposed to be in the crowd somewhere, Henri thought, but he had little hope of finding him there. Better anyway that they be separated; two separate sets of eyes and hears mind find their city-based counterparts much quicker than if the two of them attempted to work side-by-side. And if the worst happened and one of them was somehow found out and captured, the blow to the Sacred Heart would be lessened if it were only one.

[Deleted]

Though the warmth of the day had lessened slightly with the advent of night, fire still burned in Courfeyrac. The darkness seemed crackling with energy, and not just because of the torches that blazed. Courfeyrac held his firmly, using it to illuminate the faces of the people around him. He recognized some countenances, offering smiles or sometimes solemn nods to his friends and acquaintances. Some of them knew what they were going to do tonight, and the rest would find out soon enough.

Having left Mylie with her juggling friends earlier, he was focused on getting back to the Amis. They had agreed on a meeting place. He was having to weave through crowds both on the sidelines and the street parade itself, and receiving irritated looks for it. He knew that his own expression changed to slight annoyance when he heard someone complain about this being boring. Boring indeed! The night before the dawn of a new republic! “We're not just waiting for a republique,” he replied sharply. “We're bringin' it ourselves.” He had no idea who the man was, but he would always remember a face.

He took his place where his peers were meant to meet, then he raised his torch, face aglow as he was unable to keep from crowing jubilantly, “Vive la France!” How could he not grin as the crowd echoed the chant? Yes, they were ripe for the truth, and Enjolras' band of Amis would give it to them. Not everyone was yet gathered, but a bit of enthusiasm couldn't hurt anyone while they waited.

[followedmyheart]

Cosette was worried about her father. They had already done much walking that day and the trudge from Jadin des Plantes to Notre Dame was not a short one. She had made the offer that they join those already at the cathedral preparing refreshments, but her father knew her too well. He knew that she would put on a brave face, but would be disappointed at missing the parade.
Cosette had chosen to go for the simpler approach to the torchlight parade: a candle. It was easier to carry and she still felt part of the festivities. She had purchased a pretty homemade candle from one of the stalls earlier. The flowers her father had bought her were weaved into her hair, making her feel like a princess. The night was warm and filled with chatter from adult and child alike.
Cosette was all seriousness about her candle. How much she wanted to light it! Had they already started? Flames flickered at the front of the mass and they were about half-way back. A flicker of movement caught her eye. Entertainers ran up and down the side of the parade, distracting them from their wait. Ribbons dancers and gymnast performing all sorts of feats. Even jugglers, who could walk and juggle at the same time. Cosette had tried to learn how to juggle when she was younger, but it was harder than it looked. She had given it up, her high stories of running off to the circus falling through as her Papa had surmised they would. She adored him too much to leave him.
"Papa, look at the dancers!" Cosette tugged on his sleeve as she had done when she was a little girl, memorized by the pretty ribbon girls. Oh, to be one of those girls! Traveling the world and dancing all the time...she would love to live that life. Regardless, she beamed at her father before turning back to watch the entertainment. As much as she dreamed to be a ribbon dancer or a ballerina on stage, she was happy to be where she was.
She heard a murmur next to her, a comment on how long it seemed to be taking. Cosette located the voice: a handsome young man whom she did not know. Her heart rate picked up in expectation, only to fall when she realized it was not the young man she had hoped to run into. Still, why so glum? It was a parade!
"I'm sure that the torchlight will reach us soon," she said brightly to him, assuming that was what he was waiting for, "it won't be so boring then."
A familiar voice also responded to the remark of the man next to here, Cosette whirling to catch whom it was that spoke. Courfeyac however was already on the move, joining what appeared to be a small band of his peers.
"Une minute Papa," she touched her father's hand briefly to excuse herself before following the young man. She walked quickly to were he was, careful that her now lit candle was not extinguished in the brisk breeze of her pursuit. All around her torches glowed, casting a golden light on everyone and everything.
"Courfeyac," Cosette reached out to catch the hand of her friend before he was too lost in his ideals and shouting. "Is he here? Is he coming?"
He looked so different now than he had in the sunlight of earlier afternoon. Then he had been a carefree boy with education on his shoulders and the promise of tomorrow. Now he was a renegade, the stars shining brightly in his eyes, with danger and treachery waiting to tear his hopes apart. She didn't know of what, but Cosette feared for him and these young men. Was this how a mother felt, sending her son off to war? With only the promise of a bloody and painful future to give them?
Cosette scanned the faces eagerly of the young men that looked at her as thought she were some odd specimen they had never seen before. She squinted as the torchlight flickered, making out a few familiar boys that she had glanced at or met in the streets before now.
Alas, the boy whom she had hoped would be here was not present. Cosette frowned and bit her lip to keep from crying. What a wonderful day, only to be darkened by disappointment. She mustn't cry. Her father had blessed her with a beautiful freedom at the May Day events and still now, even exhausted, he was willing to walk with her in the parade. With so much love from Papa, She mustn't let her heart become heavy at the loss of meeting one man.

CREDIT . this lovely template was made by Arro from Caution 2.0.

[Deleted]

[maximiliennoelvier]

[atrb=border,0,true] [/style][style=width: 450px; background-color: ffffff; text-align:center; padding: 8px; line-height: 10px; font-family: verdana; font-size: 9px; color: 000000;][style=background-image:url(http://i47.tinypic.com/33capw3.jpg); width: 252px; height: 138px; float: left; margin-top:10px;] WHEN'S IT GONNA END, HOW WE GONNA LIVE, SOMETHIN'S GOTTA HAPPEN NOW, SOMETHIN'S GOTTA GIVE [/style][style=width: 252px; height: 26px; float: left; margin-top:10px] made by historyofus of caution Max had a good view from where he was sat the young gamin could see plenty of what was going on, okay there was the distraction of the flames from the torches but if he focused in on what he was looking at he could easily see what was going on. There was still bit's that the boy could easily miss though, small faraway movements and such, after all he was not wearing glasses, and his eye sight without them while not terribly bad was not exactly perfection. He did not mind though it was one of the luxury’s he would have to forgo if he was to truly leave his family and life behind him. Max was still mulling this decision about in his head, he had already found himself not really returning only doing so for food and money, which he would use to try and give to help the suffering poor. The Only way he had been able to do that without being noticed was through an agreement with his brother Nicholas. It was surprising no matter how much Nicholas disagreed with Max he kept quiet about what was going on, Max knew what Nicholas really thought though, while he not as up front as their father about it, it was still quite obvious. Max took another bite out of his apple as he sighed bringing himself out of his thoughts, I Should really stop dwelling on Stuff like this, try have more fun and adventure. Really he should but with the suffering of the people it was easy to forget about himself and his love for fun and adventure, he would rather help them in any which way he could, he also fully believed a republic would be a step in the right way for helping them. Making a better world a better France for everyone involved. Max would have some fun today though he had promised himself that, just as he had also promised himself that he would come to conclusion on a few decisions that needed clearing up. I need to stop shying away from what I need to do, the mystics Cards have given me an idea, as had another. Max glanced one again over the crowd and assembled entertainers, and noticed a familiar face within the marchers who were… well marching by. Mylène who was a Barmaid at the ABC Cafe, and another friend of the Amis. Her presence stirred up a memory of a few days ago and panic within Max began to increase. It was the same panic he had felt those days ago when she had found out who he was, in the end she had been kind but she had told him he should tell them, he had agreed and she said she would not tell them that it was his job. But what if she has, she might not be true to her word, no I refuse to believe she would, she said she would not, so I must believe that. She had after all said it would be better coming from him, and Max knew she was right and it would be when he could work up the courage to do so. It was still there though that nagging feeling that she may have said something. Two movements, one at the edge of the crowd and the other from within the crowd had drawn Max's eye, both were people who meant at least something to him. One was his brother Nicholas, the other someone he considered a Brother to him Courfeyrac, someone he had been wanting to find all day. Yet while he had been trying to avoid Nicholas throughout the day he felt like he should talk to him, there was something he wanted to say. Max though needed to make a decision and fast, before the crowd started to move on, here it was one or the other, who was more important? It was no contest the decision was made swiftly and the boy slipped off the wall making sure to take a torch of his own, the Marchers were still coming by so it was a good thing Max was able to get through them without disrupting them, he was able to navigate his way through the gaps without causing any problems, for himself or the marchers. The gamin sped towards the crowd making sure not to bash into everybody, he had memorized where the person he was seeking was, being skinny he was easily able to fit through the gaps in the crowd, no disruptions and plus if they noticed anything at all they were most likely in such a good mood that they would not care a jot. He finally reached his destination it had not taken long, he approached carefully now not wanting to disrupt the conversation going on with the girl they were talking to. He Slipped quietly in next to Courf and gave another quick glance at the others The leader of the Amis Enjorlas and the girl. Instead of disrupting he just gave a quick friendly nod to them all.

[/td][/tr][/table][/center]

[Deleted]

Valjean smiled in spite of his worry as Cosette tugged on his sleeve, chuckling softly in amusement. “They are superb,” he agreed, patting her arm gently. He was glad, for this moment, that he had brought her; it was not that she often had much to be excited about in the course of the simple and quiet life they led. At least he had not been given too much reason to wish that he had not brought her yet. Nothing had gone too awry; if Thenardier could interact with him without too much brutality, perhaps he would be pleasantly surprised to find all of his fears unfounded as well.

Still, he stiffened slightly as Cosette spoke to a stranger, unconsciously holding her closer. Then, with scarce warning, Cosette was pulling away to talk to someone else! Concerned, Valjean followed her, his strong form pushing through the crowds to keep her in sight. Though the long day had tired him, he had to admit, a surge of adrenaline helped him keep up with his lightfooted daughter. The people were many, and he could not get close enough to hear what was said at first over the din of the crowd. “Cosette,” he said sharply, pushing past someone to reach his daughter. He fixed his eyes on the young men who were surrounding his daughter, giving them a polite but curt nod – a greeting and a request to be excused – before he took Cosette's arm. Brows knit, he asked, “You know these young men?” He had recognized one of the boys from speaking to Cosette earlier – she had said that he was a friend. How they had met, he did not know. He had not pressed her about it earlier, when she had (teasingly?) assured him that she would not marry him, but he had not thought that a two minutes' conversation would lead to a future and dangerous collaboration with these revolutionaries! How had they met? Did she know what they were planning? Did she have a whole secret life beyond his knowledge?

[nathanielredenei]

[atrb=border,0,true] [/style][style=width: 450px; background-color: ffffff; text-align:center; padding: 8px; line-height: 10px; font-family: verdana; font-size: 9px; color: 000000;][style=background-image:url(http://i49.tinypic.com/11kea2v.jpg); width: 252px; height: 138px; float: left; margin-top:10px;] WHEN'S IT GONNA END, HOW WE GONNA LIVE, SOMETHIN'S GOTTA HAPPEN NOW, SOMETHIN'S GOTTA GIVE [/style][style=width: 252px; height: 26px; float: left; margin-top:10px] made by historyofus of caution While having not joined the crowd properly Nathaniel still found himself being handed a Torch, not that this meant that he was even going to join in with the crowd's march. Okay he might move with them as they moved...... Actually no if he thought about it may be joining in with the crowd will afford him a better chance at noticing something happening. Maybe stay at its edges to survey easier, but follow and at least try and join in on some of the fun. Yes while this may have been done by the king you did not have to celebrate him, no France was good enough to celebrate, and the future republic that everyone in France deserved. He Smiled to himself and joined the edges of the crowd keeping a close eye on the other’s in the crowd, not hearing anything yet from any other the small talk he could here but today he was very determined to see if these revolutionaries of Paris were indeed real or not. Some of the informants he had gathered had said something about how a few of them could be making an appearance tonight, he was hopeful that this was true, he was after all risking his neck by being here. He Still had no idea if Henri was here or not maybe he was, if so he wished he would be smart and keep himself hidden or at least out of the limelight, and of course above everything safe, while Nate could try to keep the camp running he was sure that the moral in camp would suffer badly if anything were to happen to Henri. He Smiled once again and focused in on the crowd waiting patiently for something to happen soon, or for those revolutionaries to surface or even Henri to appear.

[/td][/tr][/table][/center]

[msieurthernadier]

Louis' men walked around the streets just as their leader did. With the swagger of men who both knew that they were tough and were aware that the civilians around them knew also. Louis of course was watching the parade with a slightly amused and halfway tired look in his one piercing, cold, blue eye. His glass eye followed his remaining real eye as if it was still in full working order, it gave his glance an unsettling look one that made it even colder and less human. His mustachioed lips pursed slightly as those eyes of his strafed around the groups that lined either side. There were plenty of familiar faces, he spotted a few of those damnable Les Amis. The resolute Mister Valjean stood with all of his godly poise as if he was some sort of martyr. The man's daughter was conversing with one of those revolutionary devils. Louis cast his eyes further afield hoping to catch a glimpse of Pontmercy.

The one who had taken his daughter's heart and simply held onto it, for what felt to Louis too long a period at all. As only a father could Louis had seen the way he had looked upon the Marius as she called him and Louis felt a sad, wishful longing to fulfill his daughter's wish and give her what she wanted as he had always tried to do in the past. But right now he couldn't, he may have been persuasive and slightly fearsome but that didn't mean he could make a man love a woman anymore than he could force himself to love his wife.

As another torchbearer passed, Louis spotted the beginning of a comotion. Top-hats with blue sashes were squaring off against a few of the gypsies, more top hats could be observed over the top of the crowd running to the aid of their friends. Louis simply pushed past the torch bearers sending one sprawling to the floor as he crossed through the middle of the street and pushed into the other side. Uncaring completely that he had pushed aside the Les Amis man who had been conversing with Valjean's daughter.

The confrontation had spiralled into conflict as the rough and burly members of the Patron-Minette had dived into a brawl against the gypsies. The French-men brandishing clubs, knives, bricks, sticks all manner of assorted weapons. The Top-hatted members of the gang outnumbered the gypsy family by a large margin. It must have been fifteen or so of the top-hatted men all looking rather mean, against the large family unit.

Louis felt a pang of some sort of human feeling, but he spat it out and looked at the gypsies "Well whawt do we have here?" he said grinning, "Looks a lot like scum to me....whawt do we do with scum bois?" he said that harsh grin on his cold face. The men chuckled. "Why...we clean up off the street Louis." one of the two closest to him said.

Louis nodded and his men waited. Fifteen against ten wasn't bad odds.... but they certainly weren't good odds either.

(I hope this is alright. Thought I'd antagonize the situation slightly)

[MYLÈNE LACOQUINE]

Just as she was passing the Patron-Minette, she heard a voice call out a rallying cry, one that should get everyone’s chests swell in pride and anticipation, even more so as some of the crowd immediately took it up and returned it: “Vive La France!” Mylène felt a small shock of reognization and then a huge grin broke out on her face, as she instinctively turned her head to make out the speaker, though she of course knew who it had been. Courfeyrac! She’d recognize that verve and pride in his voice anywhere these days, and it felt good to know the Amis where truly there, working on whatever plans they had for this night. Impulsively, she pushed her arm holding the torch towards the sky and returned the cry: “Vive la France!” and then added, on the same spontaneous impulse something that might give this night just a tad more of a rebellious turn. “Vive nos droits! Honnorez La Charte er Nos Droits!" She was getting a weird glance from Pépier who had cometo her side, playing his shawm, but she just gave a sassy grin and a shrug, feeling in too good a mood to be concerned about what they might think of her for being patriotic.

She was actually feeling exceptionally well tonight, and she hoped that her mood was contagious, just like the Mystic woman had said. Funny…she was really thinking far more about these card readings than she would have thought she would. None of this would probably come to pass… or at least not the doubtful and bad things. There was no harm in trying to make the good things come to pass, if it really had been her meant to draw people in with energy and light. Maybe that was the secret behind it… if her enthusiasm for the change was so contagious, she could help the ABC friends gain support for their cause!

But then her thoughts were interrupted by a commotion that could be heard behind their backs, and as Mylène’s head darted around, she could see members of the Patron-Minette flocking together, soon forming some sort of a brawl pile. As if I had known… Mylène thought with an inward sigh, and started to turn, when she felt a hand on her arm, holding her back. “Let it go, Coquine… tha’s not our concern!” Boucher growled and shook his head. “Better not get involved in any trouble… ye know how it is… jugglers always get the blame!” Mylène stopped and bit her lips. She knew that of course, and had lived by that principle for some years, even though she didn’t like it. Such was the way of the jugglers, staying out of most things, living their merry life in equality amongst each other. They were a whole own world in themselves, and they liked their freedom. Yes… freedom. It was what Mylène had always searched for, but she also knew by now that there were different kinds of freedom. And some had quite too high a price to pay. ‘…you must rethink your values…!’ suddenly the voice of the Mystic echoed in her head, and Mylène gave a surprised start, her eyes flickerin between the jugglers and the commotion a few yards back.

You cannot be free, if you want to be involved… What is more important to you… justice or personal, singular freedom? Torch in hand, Mylène was standing there for a moment, until a sharp outcry coming from one of the attacked people made her jolt. Searching Boucher’s gaze, she pulled her arm from his grasp and stepped back, shaking her head. “Laisse-moi. I have to…!” Then she turned on her heels and approached the pile of fighting men with a fast pace, calling out: “Arretez! Bas de pattes! Vous n’avez pas le droit!"¹

--

¹: "Stop it! Hands off! You don't have the right!"