EVENT: MELPOMENE ▒ HOME

[ataraxites]

CHARACTERS: Ensemble production!
LOCATION: Corridors in the belly of the Tranquility
WARNINGS: Creepiness, disturbing imagery, violence, etc.
SUMMARY: Characters discover slices of sanctuary deep in the maze.
NOTES: Open to all! Covers Stage Four of the plot & Escape.

You've been running and fighting for what feels like weeks now. Exhausted and desperate, you find another door, stumbling through into— You're home, finally, far away and safe from monsters or spaceships. You're not alone, someone here who's been waiting for you, and they're so happy to see you. Relief overcomes you; you just want to rest, and there's no reason to believe anything here isn't what it seems, is there?

Comments

[jondrette]

I am only concerned about them, m'sieur Fauchelevent, because I have witnessed them change! They are not the men I have grown with. Come- we must leave at once. Through the front gate, perhaps. Or we shall climb the walls! Your house does not sooth me! I have no wish to go into your home! Come, Cosette! You must trust me!

[She was nearly frantic now, reaching out to grab Cosette's arm roughly.]

[littlelark]

[Cosette looked unsure, frozen as she glanced back and forth between Valjean and Eponine. Valjean's good natured smile was quickly turning to a look of irritation, frowning at her where Cosette could only look concerned.]

Child, I'm afraid you must be severely mistaken; the thugs are just that. I can offer what we can in order to assuage your fears, but I must ask you refrain from taking my child along on your whirlwind fantasies. Cosette, come; if your, [He pauses, giving her an appraising look.] acquaintance wishes to stay with us, she may, but no more of these outbursts.

[Cosette moves to follow her father, but winces as she's roughly pulled back by Eponine.]

Eponine, you're hurting me! Please, let go!

[jondrette]

I do not lie! For once in my life, I do not lie! [She did not lessen her hold on Cosette, nor did Valjean's clear disapproval ruffle her feathers.]

They have claws and fangs and tails- they're more manticores than they are men. But they will hurt you all the same, and care not for the safety of your cottage. Monsieur, Cosette, they will kill you for a scrap of bread.

[littlelark]

Manticores...?! Eponine, please, let go, you're frightening me!

[Cosette knows such things do not exist, not really, but the mere mention of them troubles her deeply. Eponine seems very out of sorts, and she has never truly seen her so terrified; the mood is infectuous.]

Stop this nonsense as once! [Valjean's voice, usually so soft and gentle with his daughter, is uncharacterestically raised as he grabs her shoulders, trying to move her back towards the lit-up doorway.] Cosette, no more of this; say goodbye and let us make our way back inside. Whatever threat these thugs present will pass soon enough. Leave this girl to her delirious fantasies, I will have no more of them.

[jondrette]

Good! You should be frightened! For there are beasts more horrible than man at your gate- and I have seen the worst in men. Do not listen to your father! [She does not let go of Cosette, pulling at her even as Valjean tries to move her in the other direction.]

Your deaths at their hands will only serve to make my getaway better- would you die to save the life of the girl who's family nearly killed you?

[littlelark]

[Cosette looks at a loss, breathless and conflicted at his turns to look between the two pulling her in opposite directions.]

Eponine, you can't seriously ask me to...Papa, I... Please, Eponine, just come with us!

[Valjean looks like he could be glaring daggers at Eponine, his grip on Cosette on the verge of being harsh.]

Cosette, I worry for us both should be not retire to the house. Leave this urchin; she even admits her family almost killed you. She bears you nothing but ill will.

[The coldness of the statement makes Cosette wince, and she seems to pull slightly away from her father.]

Papa, you cannot truly mean that...

[jondrette]

Old man, be silent- nothing you have said is worse than anything I have already heard. If you seek to insult me, embarrass me, it will not work.

[She kept her eyes on Cosette.]

Cosette, I followed your Marius to the barricade. I took the bullet meant for him. And still you go with this cruel man?

[littlelark]

My father is not cruel.

[Despite her indecision, on this point she's firm, looking Eponine straight in the eyes.]

I appreciate your sacrifice, but you cannot truly ask me to abandon my father once he has finally returned to me. He is the only family I have; what would you do, if someone asked you to abandon Gavroche?

[She still stands between them, not moving either way, with Valjean's somewhat insistent tugging ceasing temporarily.]

[jondrette]

[Eponine meets her eyes and does not back down.]

Gavroche had left my family before. He is far more capable on his own than he was with us.

Come with me. Or remain here and die. I do not care.