oo2 ; [ video ]

[jondrette]

[It has almost been a month, and already Eponine looks far better than she had when she made her first appearance on the Network. Gone are her bloody rags, replaced by clothing that, while perhaps not her preferred style, actually fit her small frame and kept her covered. There's a light in her eyes that hasn't been there before.]

I had been wandering about the other night, keeping to myself- an old habit that I cannot drop, I do love to venture out at night, to see what there is, to experience a world that no one else sees because they are asleep- and I had a thought.

I have been here near a month. A month since I could feel my life leave my body. Such a long time! But already- already here I have been happier than I can recall in nine years! Only one other time can eclipse this!

Here, I have a home, clothing, a bed. There is food and I am warm. I have my beautiful brother- and mark me, I shall not leave him again, I have promised him and I will not go back on this promise. Not again- and I have friends.

I do not suppose I have ever had a true friend until I came here.

Death is by far one of the more grand things that has ever happened to me! To think-- no. I shall tell you, if you are listening, that I am happy here. Happier than I have ever deserved!

[She pauses for a moment, looking off to the side of the screen, and frowning.] Perhaps Enjolras is right. It is stupid to do these things so late at night. Forgive me. I have made a fool of myself yet again.

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[bacondivination]

The conflict over, and so you find your happily ever after?

[ His voice gets very soft towards the end of that, suddenly thoughtful. ]

Live and be merry, surrounded by what you love and what loves you. Yes, that is a epilogue. It should be a very long one, though. A full chapter of its own, rich with detail.

[jondrette]

No. The conflict continues... He does not love me.

[Her voice, likewise, is soft, her gaze far-away.]

[bacondivination]

What a fool he must be.

[ Not that Loki actually understands that kind of thing. Love is not really the domain of an often mad trickster god, but he does understand wanting something that is not given to him. ]

One fool is that important to you? A single mortal man?

[jondrette]

If you knew him, if you knew my life, you would understand what hope Marius Pontmercy gives me. What he means to me.

[bacondivination]

No, I don't know this Marius Pontmercy. You might have a point there.

[ He really wants to now. Consider it a self-designated patron god sort of thing. ]

He must be singularly impressive.

[jondrette]

He is! He is handsome and kind, Loki. He held me as I died and granted my last request!

[He's also an idiot who decided it was a good idea to shake the abuse victim.] He is my very dear friend.

[bacondivination]

[ He does not like him already.

This is why he smiles, his expression not giving away a hint of his aggravation. Stuck here completely out of his element with all of his schemes collapsed in a tangle and everything he should have kept up in the middle of crumbling, he'd become fond of a few mortals.

Something hurting one of the few of them sorely vexed him. ]

I'd like to meet this Marius Pontmercy of yours. Your opinion of him has great value.

[jondrette]

Of course, Loki. You will like him, I am sure. He's a very kind man. Perhaps awkward, but it only adds to his charm.

[Is she oblivious? Just a little. When Marius Pontmercy is concerned, Eponine is forever blind.]

[bacondivination]

That sort oft charms the good natured, I've noticed. I think it is you who has the kind heart.

[jondrette]

No, Loki. My heart is cold if ever I had one.

[bacondivination]

You're a liar. [ It's said calmly. ] Don't think you can trick a trickster.

But, if you need a consolation, I'm sure that you can fool others to think you're cold if you really try.

[jondrette]

[She's not mad. She does the same thing to Gavroche.]

Why do you think I am not?

[bacondivination]

I've seen creatures without heart, and I've seen ones that are cold. You're neither. You burn.

[ Which might be part of why he's taken to her so well. ]

Not many people do. It stands out.

[jondrette]

I burn? How is it that I burn, Loki?

[She's a very curious girl, and leans forward to try to hear better.]

How so? How is it different? You must forgive me, I am curious.

[bacondivination]

You've done naught but grow brighter since you came here. Isn't that what fire does when given fuel?

[ And more than that, she had a need for something that she couldn't possibly grasp. He knew how that felt, though for another thing entirely. ]

Those around us hardly do so.

[jondrette]

[She's blushing a little.]

You, Loki, dance around the subject and say pretty things instead of answering me directly.

[bacondivination]

Ask Loki no questions if you don't want an answer given in Loki's manner.

[ He shrugs. ]

But it did sound rather pretty, didn't it?

[jondrette]

You are terribly impossible.

[She considers this a moment.]

It did. I will give you that. I burn.

[bacondivination]

Yes, well, I've always thought one ought to do their best at what they're good at.

[jondrette]

[She sighs.] You are lucky I like you so much, Loki.

[bacondivination]

Yes, dear Eponine. [ He laughs. ] I am entirely aware of my good fortune.

[jondrette]

Good. I am glad. It would be a pity if you weren't. Some do not know. [Marius.]