I took some advice from one of my reviewers, and researched introductory clauses. Thank you, your advice was very helpful. I'd also like to thank my reviewers for being polite, but being honest with me as well.

Chapter 1

"Be still," Eponine hissed.

Azelma did as she was told while Eponine's slender fingers mingled in her hair. It was only a few minutes ago when both of the sisters had begun this little operation. To be honest Eponine had believed it would be much easier than this. However, since Azelma could not manage to stay put, the braid looked more like a wadded knot of hair than anything. Now Eponine was in the process of untangling her failed experiment before her mother discovered it.

"Ouch!" Azelma cried, "Don't pull so hard."

"If you'd be still for a moment it wouldn't hurt so badly." Eponine replied.

Despite Eponine's arrogant demeanor Azelma relaxed while her sister tended to the knots in her hair. Azelma was thankful that Eponine had offered to braid her hair in the first place, even though it ended in such a disaster. This closeness she felt towards Eponine was the very thing she treasured most. Although Eponine could be intimidating at times, Azelma knew that deep down her older sister cared deeply for her.

"Thank you," Azelma whispered almost shyly.

"Hair is important to us ladies." Eponine replied, "This is why I cannot possibly have you running about with your hair in mats."

It had been a mere hour before Eponine had finished unwinding the mess in Azelma's hair, and once finished she made sure to brush each strand with great care. Eponine leaped from her spot on the floor, and with both hands tugged Azelma up with her. Gently Azelma ran her fingers through her hair, and then pulled Eponine into a tight hug.

"Oh, Eponine you are a miracle worker!" Azelma cried with glee.

Now that Azelma's hair was restored to it's wholesome self, the sisters decided to busy themselves with something else. Rambunctiously they scurried down the stairs giggling as if they hadn't a care in the world. Eponine and Azelma ventured into the dinning room chasing one another while their father conversed with a man. This man was none other than Georges Pontmercy.

By surprise, Thénardier lifted Eponine up into his lap. "What kind of trouble are you making now?"

"None papa." She responded innocently.

"Who would this young lady be?" Pontmercy asked with a generous smile.

"This little angel is Eponine, the daughter I've spoken of so often." Thénardier replied.

"It is a great pleasure to meet you Mademoiselle." He spoke gentlemanly, "I am called Georges Pontmercy. Your father and I fought in the revolution together."

Eponine clung to her father's coat tightly before replying timidly, "It is a pleasure to meet you as well."

Eponine gazed at the stranger across from her while her eyes glittered with sheer curiosity. She had recalled seeing him once or twice before, and recognized him by the unusual mark across his face. The foul scar across his face had stirred Eponine's curiosity. Until this curiosity was satisfied, she refused to peal her eyes from it.

"What happened to your face?" She asked.

He pointed to the scar and replied, "This is called a scar. During the revolution my face had the misfortune of being struck by a saber."

"Does the scar hurt?" Eponine asked.

"A scar is not painful. It only hinders one's appearance." Pontmercy replied.

Once Eponine had satisfied her curiosity, the men had began another conversation. All the while Eponine remained silent. Honestly she had tried to follow their conversation as best she could, but of a young age she had no grasp on politics whatsoever. Instead she remained as silent as a church mouse, and watched the men to continued ranting about their political beliefs.

"It is preposterous! The way that old fogy could take the very thing I treasure must over politics!" Pontmercy shouted before slamming his fist hard on the table.

"I agree, it is quite absurd to act in such a cold manner." Thénardier agreed, "But what can you expect of a royalist? Those imbeciles believe they can do what they please."

All the while Azelma watched this conversation, and had finally succeeded in stealing Eponine's attention. Azelma tried to mouth a few words to her sister, but only received confused facial expression in return. A couple of minutes passed before Azelma threw up her hands in defeat. Trying to communicate with Eponine in this manner was like speaking with a foreigner. Even if she had understood a tiny bit she could never piece together what her sister was trying to tell her.

"Oh lord! Thénardier if you could allow me to speak with him just once I would forever praise your name!" Pontmercy cried before his head collapsed into his hands. "That Gillenormand! It would be a miracle if another could outsmart that devil!"

"Are you doubting me already Georges?" Thénardier questioned.

"I do not want to Thénardier, but haven't I suffered greatly already. It would only wound me more if you were unsuccessful." Pontmercy replied in utter dismay.

"Trust me," Thénardier continued, "That old fool won't ever discover our little secret. Once my plan is successful he will no longer be an thorn in your side."

"How can you be so confident?" Pontmercy asked.

"It will take time for him to warm up to me." Thénardier's voice was calculating and cunning as he spoke, "But in time he will trust me, and that is when we will make our move."

Pontmercy had once again fallen into the web that Thénardier had been weaving since they had reunited only nights ago. Their original plan was to have Thénardier introduce their children, and hope that their friendship would grow. However, Pontmercy's desire to see his son had increased as well as Thénardier's desire for material wealth. Thus their plan had become more of the deceitful kind rather than a harmless attempt at matchmaking.

Truth be told Thénardier wanted nothing more than for both of them to come out of this in great spirits. Although their conversations were short, he felt as if he had known this man his entire life. Not only that, but also Pontmercy had not caused him any harm in the past. However, if there was money at stake, Thénardier would turn his back on Pontmercy without a second thought.

"Not only will you have your son, but my daughter will also be acquainted with him. I am sure they will be such wonderful friends." Thénardier spoke.

"Papa, what do you mean by this?" Eponine asked.

"Eponine, in good time, you will be meeting his son." Thénardier replied forcing a smile.

"What is he like?" Eponine asked.

"I don't have an answer to that." Pontmercy replied, "My son has lived with his grandfather his entire life."

"Papa," Eponine spoke enthusiastically, "I wonder if he is handsome!"

Pontmercy chuckled. "She appears to be very excited about this arrangement."

Eponine rested her head against her father's chest, and conjured up an image of a handsome young boy only a few years older than herself. Her imagination had ran away with itself, Eponine fabricated the boys every behavior and feature. In this vision he was everything she wanted him to be tall, strong, and most of all handsome. There was one thing missing from this fantasy, and Eponine didn't hesitate to find the answer to this.

"What is his name?" Eponine asked.

Thénardier tried to recall the name, and then realized that he had not heard the name of Pontmercy's son. A bittersweet smile crossed Pontmercy's lips before he responded, "My son's name is Marius Pontmercy."

I apologize for the delay. I had originally typed up a chapter in which Thénardier tells Eponine harshly that she will be engaged to Pontmercy's son. However, I decided to scrap it, because it felt out of character for Thénardier to act in that fashion. I decided to stick with the cunning Thénardier we know all and love. It is a pleasure to write Thénardier, I did not expect this since he is a villainous character in the novel.

Reviews are greatly appreciated so long as they are mature. Thank you for reading.