Fall from Innocence

by CharlRhodes

Francis and Arthur are made for each other. Fascinated by eighteenth century literature, smarts, cynical, they are sure they don't belong in this time. And especially a burning desire to assert their omnipotence. So what better to become the Vicomte de Valmont and the Marquise de Merteuil? Some rules, many prey maximum trophies. They are masters of a cruel and dangerous game.

17. Letter 15

Letter 15

Francis to Antonio

In Paris

I hope your back went well Mon Chou. As for me Saint-Cyr exceeds my expectations. The guys here are happy nags who decorate their bedroom with posters of aircraft carriers and tanks, last models of course. My roommate swears by helicopters, he is eccentric. Our schedule is very busy, my classes have not started yet. So I give you the saying of the day just for you to have a glimpse: "freedom is to discipline ourselves, before being disciplined by others." From Montesquieu, stampede version.

Apparently I'm the only one that is not happy with this perspective. My vision of the army is perhaps a little individualistic, but I do not wait to be assimilated with the bawdy songs and one hundred pumps at 5a.m. A whole day to explain the rules, Mon Chou. Completely absurd if you ask me. Rules for each floor and for each hallway, go to the right of the statue of the schoolyard rather than on the left, because it is almost excommunication, I'll spare you the rest.

Talk about serious things, I got rid of Michelle giving her the wrong reasons and I put Feliciano in Arthur's claws. I know it delays a bit our plans, but all things come to those who wait - and between us I owed him that. Tell me about your life there - the free world I mean - and try to make me laugh. I think I'll need it.

From Saint-Cyr, September 10 19**