Marius sank into his bed, soft and silky against his skin. He was tired. Today had been exhausting, both mentally and physically. Cosette was already asleep beside him. She did not know what he had been doing today, he had not told her, so she had assumed it was more revolutionary stuff. For an unknown reason, Marius didn't feel like divulging this information to her, no matter how guilty he felt about keeping it from her. He turned his thoughts away from his wife, and reflected on the day's events.

o0o

Marius was waiting patiently under the shade of a tree on the street where he had arranged to meet Jacques.

The other man had offered to help Marius in his search for Eponine and he had accepted because two brains were better than one. He also felt as though he owed Jacques something, for without him, Marius would be ignorant to the fact that Eponine had been mortally wounded saving him, and that she might still be alive.

He check his pocketwatch and saw it had turned 12 only five minutes ago. Jacques would soon be here.

A voice calling his name caught his attention and he fixed his eyes on the french man running towards him.

"Good afternoon," he greeted.

Jacques nodded, catching his breath. His mustache was wet and there were beads of sweat running down his face.

The two stood in the shade for a few moments until Jacques composed himself.

"Shall we go then, Marius?"

He nodded, and the two set off to the first healer's home.

"I met your brother when I visited your home while you were away," Marius commented, breaking the silence between them.

"Ahh did you? That would be Julien, my little brother. He's only seven, but he already plans to be a sailor when he grows up." Jacques said cheerfully.

"I've always wanted a sibling," Marius confessed. It had been lonely growing up as an only child.

"They can be right demons at times, but I don't know what I'd do without them." Jacques said before stopping at the door of their first stop. He stepped back and indicated for Marius to knock. An older man with long white and grey hair, tied in a ponytail at the nape of his neck opened the door. He had heavy wrinkles and a harsh look in his brown eyes.

"What can I do for you?" he asked in a gruff voice.

"We are here to ask you some questions," Marius began politely. The man said nothing but opened the door wider, allowing the two men to enter.

"Follow me," he barked and lead them into a small sitting room of sorts. He sat and waited for them to begin their questioning.

"Monsieur, did you ever aid a young woman by the name of Eponine last year after the barricade fell?" Jacques asked hopefully.

The old man shook his head. "No. I did not."

Marius' heart dropped for a moment, "Did you know of any healer around here taking her in?"

The healer shrugged, "I do not keep tabs on the patients of other healers."

It was apparent the healer could not give them any information so the two young men took their leave and headed for the next healer's home only a five minute walk away.

This time, a middle aged woman with brown hair tied in a neat bun answered the door.

She too invited them in, but also offered them tea, which they both declined.

"Did you take in a young woman by the name of Eponine the day after the stand at the barricade? She had long brown hair and brown eyes, likely dressed in male clothing." Marius asked, not wanting to waste time on idle chitchat.

The healer shook her head, "No sir, I haven't helped anyone that fits that description."

"No one?" Marius pressed.

"No.." the woman replied, slightly apologetically. She was silent for a moment before speaking again, "Mme. Firmin did take in a young woman, who had been shot in the chest. But I believe the poor thing died a week later because the wound had been infected and there was too much blood loss."

Jacques glanced at Marius who was deep in thought. Speaking for his new found friend, Jacques thanked the healer and led Marius out of the house.

Once on the streets, Jacques snapped his fingers in front of his distant companion.

"Marius! Pull yourself together. We've got a lead on where to go."

The brown haired man turned his gaze onto Jacques slowly. It was cold and sent chills down Jacques' back. He took an unnecessary step backwards.

"I have just found out that the one friend I had, who survived the barricade, died alone. I had all this hope I would find her, alive and well, but evidently that was too much to ask God. So shut your mouth and let me have a moment to grieve the loss of my friend, who saved my life without a thought for her own."

Jacques flinched at Marius' sharp tone. It was unnerving to see a kind and humble man be so cold and unforgiving.

The two stood there in an uncomfortable silence until Jacques finally plucked up the courage to speak. "Marius… If we want to located Mme. Firmin today, we cannot delay any longer."

The other man nodded in agreement. "Here's the list of healers I found. With some luck, Mme. Firmin will be on there, though her name doesn't ring any bells."

Jacques took the paper Marius held out and scanned the names. "Yes, right here. She lives about 7 roads over, let's go."


"No monsieur, I never took anyone in from the barricade. No one survived. How would I heal someone who is already dead? Anyone who had been shot in the chest would have died."

Marius held in a groan of frustration. They had been here for half an hour, but the old woman continued to deny she had ever laid eyes upon Eponine.

"Madame, please. This girl is very important to him, and me." Jacques attempted to persuade Mme Firmin, but she shook her head...again.

"Monsieurs, I have told you already, I helped no one from the barricade. They all died."

Marius was close to snapping, the woman was stubborn. Either she was determined to hide something or she genuinely did not help Eponine. Whatever her reasons, he had had enough.

Jacques looked up in surprise when his friend stomped out of the room and out the front door of Mme. Firmin's small little home. He muttered a 'thank you' and hurried after Marius.

"What was that about?" he demanded when he caught up to the fuming brunet.

"That lying snake. She knows something, I'm sure of it!"

"It might be the wrong healer, Firmin isn't a popular french last name but it isn't uncommon." Jacques tried to reason, but was met with an angry glare. "Let's go get a bite to eat and a drink to clear our heads, yes?"

Marius nodded and followed Jacques who led them to a small tavern a few blocks away.

Once seated at a table near the back, Jacques began speaking.

"As I was saying, perhaps this isn't the right Mme. Firmin. Why would someone lie to you about helping Eponine? You and your wealth is well-known, so it would only benefit her to tell you the truth."

Marius nodded slowly, it certainly made sense when put like that.

Their conversation was interrupted by a young boy, no older than 12 who ran into the tavern, over to their table. "Messieurs, I was asked to give you this," he said, breathing heavily as he waved a letter around.

Marius exchanged glances with Jacques who shrugged and took the letter, handing a few coins to the boy. After counting them carefully, the boy ran off, back onto the streets.

There was no name on the outside of the paper, so Jacques felt no guilt when he unfolded it and skimmed its contents.

Dearest Marie,

Thank you for the warning, and for keeping those men of my trail,

You have no idea how much that means to me. I've decided that I will

Stay away for a few days, just until things settle down again. That's why

I sent Henrie with this letter. Don't worry about me, I'll be fine, see you in two days

Love, Azelma

A/N: Here you go my two dear reviewers. Shoutout to the guest reviewer who posted a review a few days ago, it was some much-needed motivation to get back to writing this. Hope I didn't disappoint. Reviews are always welcome :) be sure to log in though so I can give you a shout out!