[open] then shall thy light rise up in darkness

[almaredemptoris]

Who: Jean Valjean (almaredemptoris) & YOU
What: Various activities as the city cools down
When: Throughout March
Where: Olympia
Warning(s): None


I. The Sanctuary

As the riots subside, diminishing from a wild blaze to glowering embers, and it becomes no longer necessary or practical to barricade oneself in his own home, Jean Valjean is quick to answer the call to help. It is not the blessing of Thesa he seeks, nor the bolstering of his reputation, but the soothing of his conscience. When before him are those in need, he feels compelled to lend what aid he can.

So, with a long list of components folded and tucked within his pocket, he sets out with a partner to replenish the ravaged supplies of the Sanctuary. Whoever accompanies him in this endeavor will find in him quiet company as they traverse the market district and the gardens to which the Sanctuary has access. He focuses on the task at hand, addressing occasional comments or questions such as, "Where do you think such an ingredient could be found?"

Later in the week, he may be sent out with a basket of medicinal potions and a list of addresses to visit. He is still learning the city's layout, so hopefully whomever he has been paired with is better versed in the twisting and narrow roads of Olympia, lest they end up turned around.

II. Rebuilding Olympia

When he is not under the direction of the Sanctuary, Jean Valjean devotes what time he can to the broader efforts to restore the city. Whether he is assisting Olympians and fellow refugees in repairing homes and businesses, or assisting in the collection of food, clothing, blankets, and other goods for the city's shelters, he works with a serious diligence. He brightens when he watches after the stray children of men and women hard at work, occupying them with stories and following along with their games. They are as dim shadows of his own Cosette, and he feels a bit more cheerful and a bit more melancholy at once.

He does not volunteer to supervise the cowed rioters as they carry out their sentences of cleaning streets and restoring the palace gardens, but as he carries out his own tasks he might be caught watching them with a countenance that is more pensive than contemptuous.

[OOC note: Feel free to reply in brackets or prose, I have no preference. PM me or use my comment on the plotting post (linked above) if you would like to plot. :)]

Comments

[nineteenfortyfive]

She understands. Many of the people she knew at Lallybroch had never gone past the borders of the property. It created a rather alarmingly small world view, but over time, she understood. Though Jamie had to remind her more than once when her impatience and temper flared up over some misunderstanding.

Tucking the herbs into her basket, she offers a smile and a nod. "Well, then I suppose I must ask what your impressions of this city are."

[almaredemptoris]

First comes a contemplative pause as he continues in his work. "There is much to grow accustomed to," he admits. "The people hold different customs, different morals, a different faith. At times it is a great strain to not seem so blatant an outsider." What he most misses is his anchor, Cosette, his guiding light. Without a church he can still pray to God, but with only memories of his child he has not the warmth of her company. "But there are good people here."

[nineteenfortyfive]

"There are," she readily agrees, though the lack of family is the most difficult part. She has a sort of found family, of course, learning long ago that blood didn't matter as much as some would like to think.

"This place has its flaws, but I would much prefer to be here than Paris." As if it were a choice. Paris no longer exists.

[almaredemptoris]

He does not ask what darkness mars Paris in her memory. The past is a private place, and a door jammed forcibly shut ought to be left alone, not pried open. So instead he asks the question's opposite. "Then you must have found here some means of contentment?" Having gathered enough of the particular herb, he rises again to his feet and take sup the basket once more while he awaits an answer.