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[jondrette]

[The box-- a computer, she was told, is omitting some sort of light, and Eponine looks at it, her face angled away, her eyes narrowed and her lips parted slightly. She doesn't trust it. But, she was told, that was how you communicated here. When you didn't find people face to face. Reaching out, she raps her hand against the screen, gasping at the hollow sound.] So strange, this computer! I don't understand it. There isn't anything like this in Paris, yet here… In this strange sort of city-- I was told it is not heaven or the hell that I deserve, but rather a city in the In Between. I can only liken it to purgatory, which is better than what I expected. [Her voice is low and hoarse, not fitting for the seventeen-year-old girl that she is at all. Then again, her age is hard to pinpoint in and of itself.]

I'm dead. They said perhaps I was, but I know better. I remember life leaving my body, and… [She pauses, looking away, her eyes fixed at a far-off point, the ghost of a smile forming on her lips.] and I remember his lips pressed against my forehead as I passed. Oh, I am dead, don't try to tell me that I am not, whomever it is I'm speaking to. It's so strange, I'm speaking into a box, and others are supposed to hear me! [She tosses her head back and laughs.]

What a strange, strange world this is. Heaven or Hell or In Between, perhaps it is all the same. They said it was an In Between. Why am I not in hell? All who know me know that's where I belong. I do not belong here, and yet, [she gestures.] here I am. Is it not a wonder?

Comments

[poeticverses]

You were here, once, for a short time, and then you were whisked away. And now you've returned. It happens often enough, from what I understand.

[A slight smile]

Regardless, I am Jean Prouvaire.

[jondrette]

So strange. [She shakes her head.] I do not recall being here, so perhaps I am not that girl. Some other Éponine. If it happened, I would remember it.

Hello, m'sieur Prouvaire. I've already told you my name. How is it you know me? Is it from here? Though I doubt it, I recall your face, if only vaguely.

[poeticverses]

It is from here, yes. I am told you were at the barricades, but I do not recall.

[jondrette]

I was. You would not have noticed me. I was amongst the first to fall.

[poeticverses]

As was I.

[Moving on]

Gavroche is here.

[jondrette]

Gavroche is here? [Her entire being seems to light up at the mention of her little brother. The brother she'd failed so terribly in life.] Is he well?- No, do not tell me, I shall ask him myself.

[poeticverses]

Where are you staying? When I see him next, I shall send him to you.

[jondrette]

WO-2B. It's wonderful, isn't it? To have my own small home! I should love to see him. Please, let him know.

[poeticverses]

Ah, the same building as Courfeyrac and not far from my own. I will send Gavroche your way when next I see him, then.

[jondrette]

I know Courfeyrac. Briefly.

Merci, m'sieur Prouvaire! Oh I do hope he wishes to see me! I was not the best sister to him in life, but if he is here, I will change all of that! I do hope Marius kept him away.

...No, perhaps he will scold me. He is sure to. But it is no matter now.

[poeticverses]

You know Pontmercy?

[jondrette]

Of course I do! [Silly question, Jehan. Very silly question.] I was his neighbor some time ago.

[poeticverses]

He is here as well.

[jondrette]

[She is positively beaming.] Marius Pontmercy! Here? Oh, how strange it is indeed! I should be excited to see him. He was the last thing I saw on this earth, and I should love to gaze upon him again! [And his passionate nostrils.]

[poeticverses]

[Jehan looks a little awkward as clearly this is not Pontmercy's mademoiselle yet she is...yes. Well.]

I've no doubt he will speak with you when he next has a moment.

[jondrette]

I shall make sure he does! [Eponine, stop being a creeper] If you do see him first, tell him that Éponine wishes to speak with him.

[poeticverses]

[Creeper]

Of course.

[jondrette]

Thank you, m'sieur Prouvaire! I do appreciate your assistance!