Disclaimer: Les Miserables and all it's characters belong to Victor Hugo, not me.

November 9th 1914

Dear Eponine,

We have been pushed back to the borders of Northern France and whilst I love being back in my home country, the knowledge that the Germans are here to penetrate it infuriates me. The atmosphere here is no better than Paris, silly boys now terrified after they realised that their "vacation" will see some of them never return home. I have heard cowards begging to be sent back home and it disgusts me; there have even been deserters. How can people flee when the liberty of their nation is at stake?

Everyone survived the battle. We arrived late, as reinforcements and most of the fighting was done. Bodies lay strewn across the battlefield, animals beginning to salvage whatever they can from the dead. But we survived, we all did. I cannot consciously tell you that we are all well; I cannot help but fear that some of the men are losing their minds. At night, they thrash and scream as if they cannot escape this war, not even in their dreams.

Currently we have converged with a number of Allie battalions from Canada, Britain, Australia and of course France. The British bring alcohol with them and tell us it's for medicinal purposes, and to a certain extent I agree. The drink provides for many an escape from the world and for much of the time; many of the men in the trenches are drunk. I refrain from the drinking; you can't fire a gun straight if you can barely stand. The Germans would do well to observe our import levels and on the night the alcohol arrives attack, it would be an easy victory for them.

I cannot be annoyed at the men who escape through the drink; they are far braver than those who physically run away.

Please, I beg of you Eponine not to send me anything. Our trenches frequently flood, the water ruining everything it touches. If the bullets, cannons and bombs don't kill the men, it's the hypothermia; some have even drowned in the rising waters while they were sleeping. You can never relax here, never let your guard down. I'm sure I haven't slept in months, many of us haven't. But we will keep on fighting, the Germans are strong, and well armed with far superior weapons, even if we are nothing more than cannon fodder, I would rather sacrifice myself for our nation, than survive with the knowledge that I am a coward, who does not deserve my title as citizen.

All I ask of you Eponine is to keep writing to me please. Everyday I am surrounded by the same group of men, having the same discussions repeatedly. Time goes so slow I feel as if I have been here for years even though your letters remind me it has only been a few months. Your letters are an escape; they allow me to imagine that I am in Paris even if it's just for minutes. I truly treasure them. I told the men of your plans to be a nurse and they are all so proud, if not a little apprehensive of your bedside manner. That being said I feel that you and your sister will be fantastic nurses and lovely companions to help heal our injured countrymen.

Tell Gavroche that he should perhaps start off reading some of the easier novels I have in the shelf. Try Antigone by Sophocles, it has a classic story line I'm sure you will all enjoy.

I look forward to you next letter, sincerely.

Enjolras

November 20th 1914

To Enjolras,

I have so little to say in response to what you have written me. It's devastating to hear how terrible the front must be for all of you out there in those conditions. I cannot even imagine how my letters must be a comfort to you, however as long as you want me to, I will write.

How is Marius doing? I am sure he would be struggling to remain his usual optimistic self in such terrible situations.

No one should ever have to see what you are witnessing, not only is it inhumane seeing what war can do to men. But the fact that these images are forever etched into your minds is just cruel. You are trying to save your country and now the memories haunt you all, even when you sleep. Therefore from now onwards in this letter there will be no more discussion of this horrid war – though I do still have to tell you about my work.

There have been a few soldiers sent in, mostly from Alsace and Lorraine where there has apparently been some very heavy fighting. I mainly tend to their wounds by mopping up the blood, giving out paracetamol, and changing bandages. We have only had a few serious injuries where the proper nurses usher us out of the way so they can go about resetting bones or changing old stitches. I really enjoy talking to the men, they have some wonderful stories and sometimes their faces look so lonely, so grim but after I've spoken to them for a while they light up, and seem to be getting better. It's probably just the paracetamol but I'm sure that conversation and discussion are it's perfect partners in the healing process.

I have seen Joly at the hospital once or twice and he says he may be heading to the Eastern front as there are very few doctors assisting the sick there and death from infection is rife. I will let you know if I see him again.

Enjolras, I thank you again for everything you have done for us, with your help and the extra money Azelma and I have been earning I have been able to discover another passion of mine – in fact we all have. With the little extra money we have, Azelma buys watercolours and has now started to paint the cityscape. We are going to the Jardin du Luxemburg tomorrow after work where she hopes to paint the Fontaine de Medicis. If it turns out well we were thinking of hanging it over the mantelpiece – if you don't mind of course!

Meanwhile Gavroche and I go to the market on Saturday mornings and he pick out a book to read for the week, and we really have found some great authors who definitely deserve a place on your bookshelf.

I have stated cooking, I make pasta, bread, roasts though I must say I absolutely love making cake and biscuits, and they are my favourite. Everyday I try to have a home cooked meal on the dinner table. We are all beginning to put on weight and finally for the first time in our lives look healthy. We can only thank you for this, your kindness, your care and your generosity. None of this could have ever happened if it wasn't for you. Thank you.

Today I will check to see if I can send you some food – it is a true crime if you are unable to taste how amazing my biscuits are! We will speak again soon.

Stay safe Enjolras, I hope things will be much better by the next time we write.

From

Eponine

AN: A thank you to the lovely preciousat for commenting again, and to the Guest who commented, your feedback is very much appreciated and inspires me to continue writing.

Thank you to everyone who has read, followed, favourited and please remember comments and constructive criticism are always appreciated.