Eponine Thenardier wondered the catacombs of the theatre. Her parents had just weaseled their way into owning the building and were contemplating how best to turn a profit. They could use the building as it was intended: a theatre; but they needed to find a wealthy patron to squeeze money out of, because they sure as hell didn't want to spend their own.
Eponine wanted no part of this new plot. Besides, there were already people using the abandoned building. A group of revolutionaries had set up shop and were claiming the place belonged to them. Eponine's father and Montparnasse were currently in negotiations with the students' leader Enjolras. Thenardier wanted the young men out, but Parnasse was willing to let them stay; if they paid rent.
Sighing, the girl continued her exploration. There were many tunnels connecting the various rooms of the building, and Eponine loved that she could get lost. Maybe living in a theatre wouldn't be so bad, Eponine mused. Here Eponine Thenardier could disappear beneath a mask and costume and none would be any wiser.
Looking up, Eponine found herself behind a mirror that led to a certain room. The girl blushed as she let her fingers trail across the glass, knowing it was wrong to spy on the man within. It was a two way mirror, and the person on the other side could not see her.
"Marius…"
Marius Pontmercy was a new member of the student group. Eponine felt a wave of emotion wash over her; as much as she had tried, these feelings would not go away. Ever since she had first seen the handsome gent she knew herself to be in love. But what would he ever see in her; she was the poor daughter of a crook.
Looking into the mirror, Eponine realized Marius was talking to her little brother, Gavroche. The two were laughing and Eponine moved a little closer to try and hear what they were saying.
"Even if they don't let you stay, or charge too much rent, there's plenty of room down in the catacombs."
Eponine mentally cursed her brother. To have the student group trolling the 4th & 5th cellars that she had claimed just wouldn't do. They would spoil everything! Maybe there was some way her father could be persuaded to let them stay in the actual opera house…
"…should go down and check things out first," Marius was saying.
Eponine perked up.
"…just to make sure it's safe. I wouldn't want anyone getting hurt."
"Mother says we shouldn't go down there," Gavroche replied. "It's not safe, there are rats and ghosts." His eyes lit up. "Can I come with you?"
"Patience," Marius told the youngster. "I need to talk to Enjolras first."