{Video}

[fliesonfour]

There is a reason why Saint Valentine is so very popular in France! Who does not like a handwritten note and a little favour at their doorstep, handed over by some pretty damsel-- or stripling? Hm? One should be willing to Rome very far indeed, to execute such a token with care to friends and loved ones, with all the haste of flying on a Cupid's wings!

Indeed, I wonder that everyone does not have a few recipients in mind already, for such favours? And to such an end, this question, most serious:

Is there a shop well-known for sturdy, pretty stationery and good pen-ink? Nothing pigmented, if you please!

If anyone knows of such a place, please point me in its direction. I'd thank you for the tip.

Ah! And for those of you who do not know me yet, salutations and introductions. I am called Joly, and I am a medical student, lately of Paris, presently as shell-shocked as the rest of the company. A pleasure to meet you!

Now, to end with a little seasonal joke, for the medically-minded among us:

Gapeworm is red, Cholera is blue,
Honey helps the lymphs, and lemon does too.
Thou are my love and I am thine;
So stay warm and dry, my Valentine!

It's very sound advice, at that. The winter months are dastardly.

Happy writing!

Comments

[fliesonfour]

[Ah! What an adorable face to see on the other side of this strange little screen. He is quite charmed.]

Don't you just! Well. I shall entrust myself entirely to your good care and recommendation then.

Might you tell me in which sector to find the highly reputable shop you frequent?

[unetrustworthy]

[And he was quite the flatterer. Midii found herself self-consciously tucking some hair behind her ear as she set to work pulling up the file she was looking for.]

I can do better than that, monsieur. I have a map. I can send it to you now, if you like.

[fliesonfour]

If you map is as clear as your French, I shall have no trouble at all, Mademoiselle!

My thanks.

[With a little bow, because well, why not?]

[unetrustworthy]

[A few buttons and setting alterations, and she pulls up a copy of her special map. Focusing primarily on the Metal sector, with the building she was referring to highlighted by a large red circle.]

I was born in the southern region. French was my first language

[Once it was successfully sent off, a small file appearing on his screen a moment later: stationnaire.jpg]

My name is Midii.

[fliesonfour]

[On reception of the map, and after quick inspection, he makes a low hum of approval.]

It is not far from my own residence here in the Metal district; thank you!

[His smile grows exponentially at the news that she is French; and from the south! Quaint, indeed.]

Mademoiselle Midii, a pleasure. I am also from the south of France, originally, and well-impressed that at your young age you already have a second language, to call French the first?

[unetrustworthy]

[Huh. Small Turtle.]

It's not that impressive. Most people of the world learn Japanese at some point. Even the Space Colonies all speak it, or so I was always told.

Had you lived in France your whole life before now?

[fliesonfour]

[What.]

The 'space colonies', Mademoiselle? I cannot say I know of anyone who speaks that eastern dialect. Well; yourself aside, nearly!

I have lived in France the whole of my life, though I left the countryside for Paris neatly, five years ago now. How time passes! I cannot say I have been so far as Japan.

[unetrustworthy]

[Her lips part slightly in surprise.]

[Oh. Right. Of course. She should have guessed, given the extreme time discrepancy between herself and Eponine. Assuming he was not from an entirely different France altogether.]

Yes. They were built and sent into orbit...about one hundred and ninety years ago. Way before I was born, of course.

And I have never been to Japan, either. Or most of the other continents. My travels only ever took me across Europe.

[fliesonfour]

...And your year, my dear, if I may ask?

[As he had the sneaking suspicion it was not near to his own.]

Well-traveled, too! You are quite the young lady.

[unetrustworthy]

[His suspicious would be confirmed...somewhat:]

After Colony 1-9-0.

[No, really. That was the official Calendar used in her time.]

You are very kind, monsieur.

[fliesonfour]

After Colony 1-9-0?

I'm afraid that means very little to me, I do confess.

[unetrustworthy]

You and everyone else I've spoken to. It's alright.

May I ask the date when you're from?

[fliesonfour]

There is no one from your date here abroad-?

I hail from June of 1832, myself, my dear.

[unetrustworthy]

No. Not one person I've met is even familiar with our calendar system.

But...I do know others from your time. Eponine. And her brother, Gavroche. Do you recognize the names?

[fliesonfour]

Ah! Yes, the very blunt Mademoiselle... I had known her brother very well, in Paris, and I am coming to know that sister well.

Friends of yours, my dear?

[unetrustworthy]

Gavroche was, during the brief time he was here.

And Eponine...she's been like an older sister to me ever since we met.

[fliesonfour]

Then, if you are a friend of that brave young man and that dear lady, we should be as friends; if you've room for an older brother, mind.

I am not much in the way of sisters.

[unetrustworthy]

[The offer was kind, if a bit...abrupt; it had taken some time for Eponine to earn Midii's trust. It wasn't something the 12-year-old gave away easily.]

That's alright. Neither am I.

[She was still learning what it meant to be a sister's sister; back home, she had three brothers. All younger.]

Friends would be fine.

[fliesonfour]

[Abruptness comes from a combination of his good-nature, and his natural assumption that time was short.

Children were very darling, indeed, and truth be told, Eponine in charge of one was both charming and worrisome. Women did have a certain touch, in his opinion; but she was such a young thing herself, that it seemed the right thing to do to extend any feelings of warmth or protection onto her charges.]

Then friends it will be. Charmed.

[unetrustworthy]

[Young, yes, but with a past more colorful than some adults. One would only have to spend a single afternoon in the presence of her and Eponine together to understand why the girls had bonded. They were so similar in so many ways. Their formerly poverished statuses. Survivors of War. Even their tastes in boys....]

I as well, monsieur.

[fliesonfour]

We shall have to all of us have a luncheon together sometime.

[unetrustworthy]

[That was a far more acceptable proposal. Particularly if it took place in a public area.]

That would be lovely.

I know many cafes in the immediate area that would suit us well. The food is not quite like home, but it's still good.

[fliesonfour]

You know the cafes, and the stores for paper; you are a most useful young woman.

I shall leave it to you, then?

[unetrustworthy]

[Old habits died hard, and hoarding information as if it were her only defense was her oldest.]

If you like.

And if Eponine agrees, too.

[fliesonfour]

Shall you ask her, or shall I?