tushanshu | Aux armes, citoyens (Video)

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Aux armes, citoyens (Video)

[Enjolras has looked better, certainly, though he's about as polished and as formal as he usually is, clad in his new light grey linen coat and waistcoat, even a loose cravat despite the heat. He's certainly sweating for the effort, all the same, his hair showing definite curled frizz that escapes its braid. There's also something about him that looks tireder than usual, but still, his expression is friendly enough as the vid feed starts.]

A great number of things have lately come to my attention, but among the most important is the fact that I must, that it is imperative for me to find activities of a less solitary nature than I've had since our return from...our return from war.

For a long time, it occurred to me that putting aside all reminders of it were the better way but I think, instead, that something active, some way of keeping my most relevant skills fresh, perhaps bettering, them, will be of more benefit here in the long run, and could help me socially as well. If I might train with...

That is to say, I wish to improve my ability with a blade. I fence in the foil discipline, and trained a little in it here, before the war, and can pick up an epee as needed, provided you are not freakishly tall [There's a wink to show it's a joke]. Is there anyone here who might be willing to go a few rounds with me, either for simple exercise, or, perhaps, if we suit and you find that you have things to teach me, for lessons of a sort?

Do please let me know, it may be nice to find action that I might do something with and about again, action I can control I... [That's enough for now, he realizes, breaking off with a little abrupt wave of his hand.]

Anyway, please do let me know.

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It's funny. I did not realize I was, when I was in Paris and able to go back, when I wished it. And Paris will always...

[There's a sort of hush when Enjolras says the name of the city itself, as if he's speaking of a lover, or at least a past one, of whom he's still very fond. Nostalgia there as well.]

Well, it was a second home, and another world entirely. But I grew up in Province, by the sea. Cassis, to be exact. Papa was in the business of shipping cargo, sometimes fish itself, as the contracts came in, and living near the yards and cliffs was wonderful. We do not have sand there, you know, but white rock instead, bleached a little by the sun... I did enjoy it there.

[And Enjolras is nodding back.]

And you, in turn? It seems we come from very different worlds as such.

You speak very fondly of Paris. I've been a number of times on work, though I vacationed there often with family as well. It's a truly wondrous city, full of history and art and excellent cuisine.

And perhaps our worlds are not so different as you might think. Though it's likely we're from different times. What year was it when you were brought here?

I'm originally from Germany. Though the last few years I've been in Jerusalem's Lot in the United States. You may know it better as New York, however.

I do love her, and her people, very much, though I am told that she, that France has much changed since I was there. A second, then a third republic, one that holds for a long time into the future, and a strange tower made of metal that reaches to the sky...

I admit I am quite curious about all of those things.

New York would be... the Americas, correct? There is someone here who comes from an earlier than myself version of the area, I believe before there was a country there in fact. But Germany...such a transition!

The Eiffel Tower, yes. It was built in the late nineteenth century for the Worlds Fair. It's an incredible piece of architecture. Ah, I wonder if I still have the pictures of it on my phone...

Though if you've yet to see the second and third republics, I take it you're still in or around the first revolution in France?

And yes, the Americas, though since its own revolution it has become the united states. And it wasn't much of a transition, not in my time. The flight over was only nine hours. It was more getting acclimated to... American culture.

I can think of several of my friends who would be interested. My Etienne surely would have spent hours marveling over the idea it could be done, and the design itself. To think that art has come to that...that ideas have been allowed to flow and flourish. The nineteenth century was so full of its sorrows to begin.

It is nice to hear of a triumph like that. I once thought the twentieth must be a happy one, to make up for the horrors of the centuries past, but now, I think that each time and place is made of the same people. The potential for happiness is there but...

[He stops, biting his lip a moment, his eyes shining.]

We realize ourselves, as individuals. We might touch others along the way, but... There is a difference between that and someone learning for themself and...Sorry that's a bit...long winded.

[He does duck his head, a little shy there.]

Ah, the first republic. Saint-Just and Robespierre and all the giants on the mountain...and the tennis court. Alas, I was not born in the time of that greatness, but I tried to live in the traces of light that Buonaparte could not stamp out, and to create more light where it might be generated. It was 1832 when I was killed...when I came here.

[He corrects, since that part, really, is what matters.]

I am told that it was...sixteen years later that we took another chance. That Paris was much changed in her streets and alleys, but the spirit stayed and grew.

I did read some of the work of their politicians, when there was a decent translation to hand, at lease. English and I...and Greek and I...were never fond schoolmates. But the United States instead now. I'll remember that.

But yes, the culture. That IS usually the most difficult part. Even here, adjusting was quite strange. [Bathing suits. The aforementioned dragons. It was all a lot to take in.] But somewhere even larger...Being new to somewhere has its ups and downs, they say.

My apologies- I hadn't realized you died back in your world.

The Twentieth century is fraught with its share of tragedies, and the twenty first didn't get off to a particularly good start either. Not even a century from your time humans wage their first world war. And then, less than twenty years later, a second.

But you're right. There is potential. There is always potential. Whatever our weaknesses, there are those with strength that goes far beyond the physical. I believe and I always will believe there is hope for humanity.

[Klaus is burning with JUSTICE and IDEALISM. Good lord what a nerd.]

Fortunately some things are universal throughout many different kinds of cultures, earthly and Beyondian. There is so much to learn, so much potential for something truly marvelous to come of it.

Ahh, but I'm rambling. My apologies.

Oh, no worries. I've long become accustomed to the fact. It helps knowing so many people from a future in which I would be dead too, if the worlds were at all the same.

[Of course, one can never be sure, but there is comfort in knowing that life progressed without him, that there are still people who live and try to do what is right, and to defend that which they love. It does help, quite a lot. Of course, then the conversation is shifting and his mouth is opening a little, no sound coming out.]

The world at war. Twice.

[A world that Marius's grandchildren, had he had them, would have been alive for. Perhaps his children as well. A world of bright young men like Les Amis called to fight for country, in a deadlier war than his small rebellion.

And then, to do it again. ]

I believe I've worked out why most shy away when I ask of France's future past a certain point. Horrible. But still, yes.

I've seen it, that world where hope has taken root above all else. Where the world is filled with hope, and light spills off of everything, where men are free, and they are happy, and no suffering remains. I suppose, so long as we are willing, that we push toward it, even so... The day will come, and Right will triumph. Despite all o the horrors. That is in us, yes, I agree. I know it.

[At least Enjolras completely understands THAT.]

Ah, I believe I DID start that.

[There is a small, solemn nod from Klaus.]

If you would like to know what happened, I would tell you. It was a very dark time and I dread the thought of there ever being a third.

The world you speak of... it is a long way off, but I have no doubt it can be reached. In the time I live in, global communication is instant, and there are children growing up with friends thousands of miles away. I believe communication, fostering understanding and breaking down barriers between cultures is the key.

[He rubs the back of his neck, giving a small chortle.]

You did start it, but I felt the need to continue. Still, it is nice to meet another of like-mind.

[It's nice not being called a hopeless idealist as well, but that's beside the point.]

I would, I think.

[His expression is grim, but rather determined too. France got through it, after all, or seems to have, he reminds himself.]

It seems to be a story that, hard as it is to hear, must be told, must be learned from. I've thought that of our war here, the recent one. It carried lessons and had moments that made things clear or at least understandable. I have no love for war stories, but...they have their place.

[And then, happier news indeed! He has to smile as Klaus speaks of that.]

Closer, and closer, as progress and the future find their way. I can think of so many of my friends who would be pleased to hear of that world. That one in which we've...yes, broken down the barriers as you put it, destroyed the petty differences and learnt to embrace the others, to learn from each other, instead of destroying. The future of the world always seemed in the hands of the schoolmasters, or the poets, and the men of knowledge who would spread it onward, who would seek to learn instead of to destruct.

That is a story I would not mind knowing as well. And so it must certainly is. And I do not believe we have exchanged names yet, monsieur? Mine is Enjolras.

It's quite long and involved. The sheer scale of both wars is considerable. Whould you like to hear it now, or perhaps another time?

[Klaus nods fervently]

Though the world is not ideal yet - many still cling to old and petty prejudices, and with new innovations come new problems as well. But the world is on the precipice of change. My hopes are that it's a change for the better.

And my deepest apologies- I got carried away. Klaus Reinherz. It is a pleasure, monsieur.

[His French isn't bad, but his German accent is far more pronounced than weh he's speaking English.]

It may be better in person, perhaps? I could at least buy you coffee for the trouble.

[After all, it does seem like getting to know him will be worth it in more ways than just one history lesson. It's been so hard to find someone who shares his thoughts on several subjects and Enjolras HAS been lonely.]

Maybe that is the way of it, changes lead to bigger changes, better ones... Progress gives way to progress, every day a little more improved. Men have done much in my time, and will come to do so much later on. The death of men who try is not so grim a prospect when thought of like that. Regrettable, but...there is hope.

Ah, and I did much the same. Likewise.

You're very kind, Monsieur Enjolras but it's no trouble. I'd be happy simply for the company.

[While Klaus isn't exactly lonely, it's definitely rare for him to meet someone he sees eye to eye with (metaphorically speaking. Most people are just eye level with his navel).]

There are steps backwards, as people will always struggle with change. I doubt anyone is an exception. I hope there comes a future where good men and women no longer have to die for their ideals.

Ah, so would I. It has been...a great deal of time. I know an excellent little place in Wood, usually fairly quiet too.

[Only fair that he suggest there, after all. It's where Enjolras and his friends met when they were here, and lends itself so well to that sort of an occasion.]

I would suppose that only stands to reason, but we learn, and we do better, or those who come after us do. I hope it too. More than I can say.

That sounds quite agreeable. When would you like to meet?

[Klaus probably already knows the place. He spends enough time in the wood district being a giant plant nerd that he should.]

This afternoon, perhaps? Or some time tomorrow morning?

[And Wood's still home for Enjolras, despite not having lived there in over a year...over two years now. Some habits die hard, maybe.]

Tomorrow sounds perfect.

[OOC: Would you like to rp this? Either in comment log or I can start something?]

Excellent, then.

(OOC: sounds good! I'm fine with either comments or log!)

[Posted it in my catch all!]

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Aux armes, citoyens (Video)

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ooc