dear_mun | Enjolras of Les Miserables

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canon: les miserables

Enjolras of Les Miserables

My dear writer,

You have been portraying me for over a year now. Your voice is solid for me, and yet you hide behind a friendslock. Let us be frank with one another now. No use in lingering about with frivolous compliments that we both know aren't needed. I shall describe this in blunt points.

1) The book is not only thick, but filled with very small print. In this day and age, reading is unfortunately considered unfashionable. Not very many people have braved its pages. We must set the example and bring what you've learned from the book into the foray. People need not know of our existence, but they ought to hear our message.

2) Today's politics are just as important as yeterday's. You must garner each view from the spectrum. I know you are quick to anger at social injustice, but every point must be listened to and understood if you are to counter them. You must comprehend the opposition if you're to hold a debate. I may despise the views of the Ultras, but I try to understand them. Which leads into point three.

3) Invite others into these discussions. I am not here to hide who I am. I am not one to be contained. Our views must be shared with the world, especially when it's delivered in a country that thrives on the right to free speech. You have such a right. Employ it!

Let us not fear those of opposing viewpoints. Let us welcome them with civil discourse. I long to find the rest of my friends. I cannot do that under lock and key.

In any case, I'm glad to see that you've included Grantaire under said lock. The man has potential and no matter what, he deserves to be a part of this foray. Just as he should unlock his abilities, so should you unlock me of mine. Have faith in the people. They will do what is right.

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Still, it is a shame that we are so often portrayed differently in things that are easier to read or see than the book.

I am quite tired of certain things my mundane and I have seen.

[Eppieboppers. Eppieboppers everywhere.]

Granted, our characterization may differ broadly throughout each and every adaptation. That is a blessing in a way, however. Our message must survive throughout the ages. Despite revolution being a four-letter word in a few countries, despite equality being dismissed so easily by certain governmental factions, our message will forever resonate with the people.

So long as mankind is in chains, that's where we'll be. So long as there is oppression, that's where we'll be. So long as there are those who seek to better their lives, to conquer their reality of being in the gutter, to succeed where so many have fallen, that is where we must be.

I would rather have myself be tarnished than have my message be trodden through the dirt. The man does not matter, only the idea. You cannot butcher an idea so easily as you could a character.

On that note, you were the girl who aided Marius, were you not? Thank you for your bravery in such a time of need.

Ideas can be butchered though, monsieur, particularly when some are unable to focus on it. I am told that this occurs at times with our story. But, of course, it cannot always happen, yes?

In a way, yes. It is...somewhat complicated.

Your point is granted. You must be quite well-versed within differing cultures to spot the differences. Still, there is a reason why our story is so often told. We will go around the world again and again. We remain because the majority of the people see into our tales what the naysayers may not.

For each horrendous excursion into an improper adaptation, I am reminded of the three glorious days of 1830. There we stood upon our barricades, primed and ready. Willing to lay down our lives for our cause, and we achieved it. The soul-crushing blow of a stolen revolution was our reward.

Yet we recovered. We did not allow ourselves to keep our heads bowed in submission. It is not in human nature to simply roll over and die. It is in our nature to fight back. To take our freedoms forcibly if they are not granted to us from birth. It is our right and it is our civil duty. So we get back up.

Each time we are knocked down, we rise again. There are many adaptations. There will be many more to come. Life imitates art and vice versa.

A noble task is never complicated. There is right and there is wrong.

[Enjolras can be a little wordy at times, but he is quite genuine. His attention stays upon Eponine throughout his speech, granting her the attention he believes she deserves. It's not often that he's asked his opinion on matters not revolving around the Republic or revolution, but it's customary for his thoughts to come right back to his main topics.]

Not so much myself, but I have been informed by certain others.

[Eponine is perhaps not so wordy, but there is something about his words that differs from any other she's heard talking about this subject. Which is why she listens at all.]

Right and wrong can be confused, monsieur. It is wrong to lead a man to his death, is it not? And it is right to die so that he may live.

[Or so that he can live longer, but who needs to add that little detail.]

[There is something kind in his smile.]

Do not denigrate yourself so. You are just as strong as the next person. You've survived a great deal, and you are still your own person. For myself, my fight has led me to barricades, to mobs, to disputes, and riots. For yourself, your fight has led you into your own harsh territory. Only you are fit to judge yourself, but I do hope you take another's opinion into account. I find anyone who holds their head high despite the trials that life throws their way to be of immense regard.

As to your questions of right and wrong, let us evaluate. To lead a man to his death is wrong. And yet, could you truly state that you have done so?

To lead a man is to push him into doing something that he may not do on his own. If you speak of Marius, then worry not. It wasn't you who brought him to the barricades that fateful night. He made up his own mind when he heard the cry of Courfeyrac. It was his friendship with Courfeyrac that spurred his heart and hurried his feet.

Yet, let us analyze more so. Would Marius have been injured if the Pear had not set outrageous odds against us? Had the people been allowed their Republic, there would have been no need to take up arms. Marius could remain a Bonapartist. He could have become a Republican. He could have been many things politically, but his life would not be in danger.

You did not aim a gun against him. You did not usurp his own free will. Let us not discredit the poor man's choices, and let us not overestimate your ability in coercion.

As for whether or not it is right to die so that another may live, I suspect that you know my ideas upon that. I believe that the giving of one's life is the individual's choice. I would choose to give my own life so that others wouldn't have to be enslaved, oppressed, or fight as I have done. Others would give their lives to help or save their loved ones.

[His voice softens, yet it keeps the lyrical lilt that comes so easily to him.]

Love, dear citizen, is the greatest gift one can bestow upon another. The giving of life is more natural, but to make such a decision out of love is an honor and a sacrifice that knows no greater bounds.

[Her head quirks to the side at that. While Eponine certainly has her own sort of pride, this subject is one that puts quite a wound in it. To know that she may have had a hand in Marius' death. What she did was wrong, and yet...]

I would not speak of any other. It was I that gave him a false letter to lead him to the barricades. Because of me, he heard M. de Courfeyrac's call and went to his aid.

And that is what I wanted, monsieur. I wanted for both of us to die there, the reason that I died for him was so that I did not have to watch him die myself.

Perhaps it is not love at all, but...something else. [Eponine can't quite find the word, but her story escapes her before she can stop it.]

[Enjolras bows his head.]

Then allow me to give thanks to you. Had Marius not heard Courfeyrac's cry, he would not have saved my friend's life. In that regard, you aided all of us in granting more time to be together. You indirectly saved more than Marius' life that night.

[He taps a finger against his lips, quietly thinking upon her words.]

You sought death at the barricades, yet there truly was no way of knowing that either of you would die. Had your spirit been so crushed by the weight of the world that you would believe our cause to be so futile in that death was all that awaited? If so, I am sorry.

Yet there is still a spider web's thread of hope within you. Perhaps you sought that escape. A chance to run away together, not in any such romantic terms, but a means out of your life. In which case, was it that you loved him as the man or loved what he could represent to you.

People are quick to grasp at straws when they are desperate. If he is all that you knew of another world, a means and a way above your own, it would make sense, this selfishness that you feel you were possessed by. While what you did wasn't right, the blame is split in two. You could not help your circumstances, but there is always a matter of personal responsibility. All the same, it does seem to me that a great deal of guilt resides upon your shoulders, whether warranted or not. I can give you other reasons for Marius being upon that barricade, but they mean nothing if you don't believe them yourself.

It is your own conscience that gives you no peace. So I can only state that if you wish to atone, by all means. Do so. Many others will sit and think upon their situation and grovel in self-pity and self-loathing. They will become lost within their own depression, thinking themselves unworthy to take any steps to better their minds. It is how they convince themselves not to do anything. It is a trap, and I believe you are too strong a person to fall into that.

So if you feel you have done wrong, take the proper steps. It is no sin to want to feel better about yourself, to wish to be forgiven.

[This is new information to Eponine and the burden alleviates slightly. Her motives were still not the best, but saving lives, even if they weren't Marius...it's still something, isn't it?

She's quiet throughout the rest of what he says. Because, deep down, she knows he's right and there's nothing she can say against it. Arguing a lie is pointless, and in saying nothing, perhaps she's giving him a quiet confirmation of her own situation.

And groveling is certain not something she's apt to do.]

Perhaps if one knew these steps, it would be easier to...follow them.

Groveling is not an option, monsieur. There is far too much else to be done, even in this place. I certainly cannot afford to sit and do nothing.

[He feels better in thinking that she's also doing well. It's not in him to see a problem and not wish to help alleviate it. Be it the tyranny or injustice of a government or a young lady with a cracked but determined spirit.]

Groveling ought never to be an option. We are meant to rise. As far as steps go, you could always start by telling the truth to the one you feel you have wronged. He may well feel otherwise than you and forgive you for your trespass. Or, perhaps, he will think otherwise and from there on, he may well give you a task to earn his forgiveness.

I'm afraid my memory of that dreamy fellow is a little rusty, but he was a good man. You saved his life, and in so doing, allowed Marius to spare many lives upon that barricade through the bravery of his actions. He has excellent intentions, and I would trust him to think the situation over and not be harsh upon you.

In fact, I sincerely doubt that there is anyone who could be harder on you regarding this than you're on yourself.

[She manages a faint smile, having decided that for all his wordiness, she likes this man. Kindness is not something she expects, but when it's given, Eponine is always pleased. Particularly in a matter such as this.]

I should hope so. He did not seem the sort to be angered easily, but something like this...well. I shall not know until I find him, which may prove somewhat difficult. I have not seen him here yet. One day, though, perhaps he was show up.

Until then, I shall simply have to wait, it seems.

[She can do that. Another smile, this one more ready than the last.]

We have been talking, monsieur, but I do not know your name yet. And unless Marius mentioned me, you do not know mine.

[There is a sort of peace that he can see within her smile. Here, he knows, is where the true battles tend to play out. Between individuals, there is a shattering of walls, a lowering of the guard. Sometimes such a battle can cause more bloodshed than a revolt. Other times, it could be more subtle and sinister than catching a mouchard.]

I'm afraid I can't help you in that regard. You're the only one who has approached me. For that kindness, I thank you. It is always good to be acknowledged. If I do see Pontmercy, I shall endeavor to send him on your way.

My name is Enjolras.

[There's another small bow of his head. A full-on bow seems beyond his realm of capabilities.]

I'm afraid Pontmercy never stated the name of any woman, though Courfeyrac did mention an Ursule that had attracted his attention.

Thank you. I doubt it shall be too long, there are many from our home coming here now.

[She'd be glad for the absence of the bow. Formalities were never something she was good with.]

Eponine. And I would not be surprised, it seemed like he avoided women for the most part. [She may or may not have been watching him. Whoops.]

You have not seen any others from Paris?

There are others? I haven't yet seen them upon this particular venue. I will confess to being in touch with a good many of my friends, but there are gaps in our ranks. I have precious little time to spare these days what with rallies, organized protests, and the meticulous handling of my school career.

[Not so grand with dealing with women himself, Enjolras lets that one go. He's far better with females who embody the virtues he seeks, either being a grand symbol of motherhood or a sister who is ready to take up arms to defend the people and the Republic.]

I had hoped to, perhaps, stumble across the ones who are still lost. Perhaps none are here, but I must try. If none show up, so be it, as I feel as though I've done some good by way of myself in speaking to you. How could I feel loss at not finding my friends when I've gained good conversation?

Oh. Well. That is good, so long as you can speak with them. I have not seen many here and most of those have been...not the people I was expecting. [Her father, for one. She's been going out of her way to avoid anywhere he might be.]

If I see any of them, I shall send them your way, monsieur. Finding people is something I am good at, you see, and if they are here, I shall do what I can to seek them out. Even if they do not know me, it will be nice to see others from Paris.

[She smiles once more. Compliments aren't something she expects either, and they're always nice.] You are the only one from our home that I have been glad to see, monsieur, as little as we knew each other.

[He can't resist returning the smile. It's good to have some familiar ground and another who's aware of their time.]

Surprises come in all variations. I suppose this would be the grab-bag of random people. For good or for ill, at least they're willing to talk. Where there are communications, there are ideas. Where there are ideas, hopefully my friends will be amongst the heart of them.

Ah, but first you would have to know who I am seeking. I'm searching for a burly man by the name of Bahorel. He's a speaker, a remarkable one, who travels from cell to cell. He's quick to act in a brawl and even faster with a paving stone, but he has a good heart and is more than happy to converse on civil disputes alongside whatever is playing at the theatre.

Then there is Feuilly. A man I happily venerate for his disposition. Like you, he has fought against the pitfalls of life. He is self-taught, an expert on politics of other nations. He is eloquent on matters of foreign policy, most notably Poland. He worked as a fanmaker back in the 1830s, and his artistry knows little bounds. He has quite the following amongst the working men.

I would trust them both with my life. They'd be good to you as well as they're always lenient on anyone who isn't supportive of the so-called Citizen King.

If you'll pardon my saying so, you strike me as needing friends. Not out of desperation, but for good discourse. We could all do with more amis.

It is interesting to say the least, having so many people here. Perhaps strange, but interesting.

[She listens quietly to the descriptions, committing them to memory. While they may not be entirely physical, Eponine knows better than to try and find people simply by looks. Behavior is just as important.]

I shall look for them as much as I can. [Already, she's thinking of places that people such as the ones described would frequent.] If they are anywhere, I should think they would be here. So many others have come here, from all over. And from all times as well.

[Eponine shrugs.] Perhaps. I...friends were not entirely a priority in Paris. I did not have any, apart from my sister.

[His gaze trails off to a distant horizon.]

From all over and from all times. That would tantalize Combeferre if he was to come here and bear witness. He believes in a great deal. Science and physics. Theories made into tangible proof, and yet he also questions the mythological or supernatural. Or fantastical as the case may be.

[He comes out of his own little world, his voice no longer sounding wistful as he looks upon her once more.

Perhaps then there would be proof of alternate realities. Different worlds operating at different frequencies. [His eyes light up.] Perhaps there even exists a world in which the barricades of 1832 succeeded and we were granted our Republic!

Have you ever chanced to encounter a doppleganger of your own? Mayhap she shared in your trials or had to strategize around new ones.

No one knows what it is that brings us, so perhaps he would find the cause. [Sciences go a little over her head, but she doesn't mind too much. It's still nice to hear of such grand things.] Perhaps it is a little of both.

[Eponine shakes her head.] Not as of yet. I am the only version of myself that I have seen here, though different versions of others are not uncommon.

So. I would think that makes other worlds entirely possible. And this place is a sort of...meeting place for all of these different worlds and times. [Eponine might not be properly educated, but she certainly isn't stupid.]

[He's pleased that what he's saying is neither over her head nor casually dismissed by her.] Precisely! If there exists a world for each and every possibility that could have happened, by every choice that we did not make, it's safe to say that such a meeting area would uncover a great deal of possibilities without affecting our own time.

When we make a decision, that choices becomes part of the past. Thus, even if I was to find a version of me who was part of a successful revolution, it wouldn't affect myself personally or allow me any true advantage within the future, save for the knowledge I would try to gain. It would not be a cheat, however, to jump ahead or make life easier.

For example, should I encounter a doppleganger of mine who succeeded in the revolution, I could ask him what he did differently, but it wouldn't change my own barricades of 1832.

I find this to be fascinating. Perhaps there exists governments out there, Republics and democracies of an entirely different sort. Or inventions that mankind is not yet ready to learn. The possibilities are endless so long as people are free to make choices. Another reason why free will is so necessary to the people!

[He realizes he's getting impassioned about this, which isn't rare, but he also realizes that his audience is a young woman who likely has no use for his diatribe.]

Forgive me. It's in my nature to wish to better humanity. As such, I try to seek out all possibilities in which to do so. To see such a world as this, so ripe and full of advances and knowledge and progress, I cannot help but be enthralled.

[While, yes, Eponine has no need for it, she still can't help but be drawn in by such passion. She's never seen anyone speak like this, and it's just as fascinating as the subject matter. Over her head it might be, but she can understand the general meaning.]

Do not apologize, M. Enjolras. I cannot expect you to not be interested in what goes on in this place. There are very few who are not.

Besides. It is not every day that one finds a place with access to so many people.

Not every day, certainly not every lifetime! In fact, I'm amazed that so many people ended up here at all! Such a fascinating place, and yet kept such a secret in its own way. Ah, but the best way to hide something is in full view, is it not?

[His passion tends to be contagious to those close to him and who are able to follow his line of thought. Granted, sometimes said passion can lead opposite to his own views, but he's never taken offense to that. Eponine is encouraging, thus Enjolras is encouraged and will continue.]

Think about this. In the far off future, an invention may well be created that would aid the environment. We'll call it an 'air cleaner' for lack of a better term. Simple, gets the job done. Now in that future, such a device would seem commonplace. But within our time, such a device would seem strange and otherworldly, no matter how badly we needed it.

Could we then take the blueprints for the device and craft it within our own time frame and prevent future devastation done by pollution?

You see, perhaps fate was right in bringing us here.

[Yes, poor Eponine has now been included amongst Enjolras' ideas. You are now part of the gang, poor girl.]

Perhaps we can spare our own future generations. That might be why so many have converged here, why the world allowed this opening to exist. That we should share knowledge and technology. That we can prevent terrible wrongs from occurring by saving hundreds, if not thousands of lives. A prevention, of sorts. Even if we're merely swapping tales of bygone times. Everything carries a lesson within it. Every human being, every life is important, Eponine. And think of all that we can learn from them!

Pretty Face. [He feels this is greeting enough]

Gamin. [Though the presence of Gavroche is enough to cause him a very quick smile.]

Finally found a gun for yourself?

Can it be? Do my ears deceive me? Is it possible that our Fearless Leader has said something kind? I think I hear a choir of angels singing! The gates of heaven have opened and are shining a glorious beam of light on my head. Truly, this is a sign there are still gods in heaven and wishes can be granted. Or perhaps it is only Morpheus having his little laugh as he so often does.

Either way, I am content to live in this dream a little more.

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Enjolras of Les Miserables

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