Disclaimer: I do not own Les Miserables

Disclaimer: Quotes in the summary belong to George R.R. Martin

Prologue: Fear Cuts Deeper Than Swords

May 13th , 1832

Marquis Lafayette paced about the room, bearing only slight glances towards the door that separates him from the dying man in the room adjoining.

"If the cholera doesn't take him, the fever is sure to."

"Have faith Monsieur Lafayette, his condition has not yet been diagnosed. We are not sure if what infects him is of the same that plagues Paris."

Losing patience, he raked his hand through his receding hairline before taking another breath to approach the matter at hand.

"His summer days have been spent with the urchins that litter the streets, if he hasn't contracted it yet he was sure to in little time. General Lemarque is long past due for demise. But yet it would have been much more preferable for him to die after the flame he sparked had depleted. This will serve for no more than another catalyst put in place for the day we anticipate."

"Do you assume I lack apprehension? I certainly have my doubts, but that does not lead my thoughts to believe all optimism should be lost."

"I must address your naivety, you reflect too expectantly Clegane. People die when they live honorably. No doubt what afflicts him is either of nature or purposeful intentions. Monsieur Lemarque is a respected man, but his veracity was always a disadvantage. One earns enemies when they spend all their life striving to be a man of morality. His weakness for the downtrodden will leave him just as it left Marat. Dead in his own poor of skepticism."

"He does not live with qualm. A man of his integrity has yet to surrender to the likes of paranoia. 'Everyday is anew', he said to me. 'And if we don't live each as if it may be our last, the next will be overlooked as if just another casualty.' What do you think he meant by that?"

"I presume the old hag as finally lost his senses."

"Perhaps. Or is it more likely he has merely seen a piece of what you are still blinded by?"

"What are you assuming Monsieur?"

"I will best hold my tongue under the impression you will have it once the realization you deny is spoken."

"How dare you speak to me in such a tone. You have no right to voice what is not factual."

"I have voiced nothing that isn't of the utmost importance and nobility."

There was along pause before Clegane spoke again.

"I bid you farewell Monsieur, the light is fading and I must return to my flat before nightfall. I trust we will convene soon, come daybreak?"

"Certainly. We have much to deliberate before summer falls over Paris, and the Cholera truly takes down her path."

With a curt nod, Clegane left the quarters a pair of ubiquitous eyes following him with every tread as if his shadow. Eyes that are not Lafayette's but just the same belonging to him.

~..0..~

June 1st ,1832

He scans over the still body, pale with ailment and reeking of death. Had it been another who had died just as summer arrived, circumstances may have fared differently. But now, as the suns rays beat down on the cobblestones, the blaze of rebellion follows. Never once had Lafayette believed this man—wanted silenced by the king himself, yet so bound by his honor— would survive. Within four days time the casket shall be lowered, but his legacy will forever remain.

"It was so soon. So sudden." One may have mistaken the look on Lafayette's face as he listened to be mourning, but a second glace reassured it was nothing but hidden intentions as he spoke to Clegane.

"Yes. He was a good man, but a fool." Was his response.

"How so?" Clegane adjusted his stance into one of an elder wiser man approaching a childish fool. Lafayette, in his stupor did not recognize this change in posture.

"Lamarque never recognized what was always right before him. If he had, he may still be living today."

"I do not believe man has the ability to resist death when it approaches him." Clegane poured from the wine flask, not raising his eyes to meet the other man. Lafayette quickly walked over to him, replacing the lid and forcing attention upon himself.

"That may be so, but when the day comes that leaves you striving for one last breath, you're going to wish that was different." Lafayette then paced about the room, finalizing the preparations for the funeral procession, four days post General Lamarque's death."

"Every man does. It is whether one dies with principle or derision that is left in our mortal hands. A verdict to be made by the person himself."

"Everyone has their apparitions." He said, taking one of the glasses of absinthe.

"Yes, but do you carry yours proudly, or with shame."

"Is it not sinful to wear your mistakes honorably?" His eyebrows seemed to nearly disappear in his black curls, tempting Clegane to counter.

"Behind every scar is a story, and behind every sin is a moral. Both are the same being an experience you learn from, but the latter inflicts more trepidation on ones guilty soul."

"Must you contradict or lecture me every time we have a discussion?" His drink banged onto the table, sloshing the contents about the cup.

"I am not trying to degrade your boyish reputation of hostility, but can you not be humble without being proud?"

"I can be proud if I wish to be so."

"I suppose you do have that right. I will leave you now to your provisions, there is a scarce amount time before the funeral."

"Very well."

~..0..~

"Have you need for anything, contact me. I will supply you with whatever tools found necessary. I suspect you will be successful?"

"Yes your grace."

"Good. Ma petite colombe. I trust this task has been assigned to someone who can handle it."

"Certainly Ma Reigne. It will be done." Eponine turned from her with a tear threatening to drop, constantly reminding herself this was the only way as she stared down at the parcel wrapped in rich cloth. A frail voice echoed in her ears as they fell freely

"Eponine no, you don't have to do this! Please, I will be fine."

"You're dying Gavroche! I can't let you die, you're all I have left." A single tear escaped as she took his hand.

"Don't do it 'Ponine." Eponine swiftly stood from her brother's bedside and set out for town placing a small kiss on his forehead before whispering one last goodbye into his ear.

"I must."

A/N: Thank you for reading! Review and tell me what you thought and if you have any suggestions. The story's speed will pick up.