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La Chanson de la Victoire (The Song of Victory): La Petite Arpenteuse (Non, SV, you are a General of France in the Napoleonic War!)
- Thread starter Plausbius
- Start date
- Mature Alt. History
Shhh...don't give him ideas!
Joking aside though, I doubt that would ever happen in this Quest.
Magoose
SV's Questing Fanatic
- Location
- California USA
- Pronouns
- He
As an omake… maybe.
So...are the Marshals the Primarchs in this analogy?
Magoose
SV's Questing Fanatic
- Location
- California USA
- Pronouns
- He
Yes.
And Therese is the God Empress.
As you can guess, she's the only sane one.
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- Pronouns
- It/Its
Robespierre works for Horus ig
- Pronouns
- It/Its
That or he's a men of iron stand in
Interlude: On Matters of Family: The Falcon’s Flock.
Magoose
SV's Questing Fanatic
- Location
- California USA
- Pronouns
- He
Interlude: On Matters of Family: The Falcon's Flock.
Louis was in one of the rooms that he had chosen for himself, a very tall room on the second floor of the palace, overlooking the main entrance of the Palace itself, and could oversee many of the streets leading towards it. In his room were a few rifles, powder, and telescopes, some in many cobbled positions and in pieces, as if he was trying to find a way to screw on those same telescopes onto one of his rifles.
It was a mess. Yes, his personal clothes, his bed, and his library of books were in very neat order, but his desk was a mess of letters, tools, his rifles, and a knife that you were damn sure that should have been taken from him by one of the bodyguards of the palace… and a small portrait and few drawings of…
A few boys and girls.
Some even were named. "Louis, can I come in?" You asked, peeking through the door to see him look up, trying desperately to hide his letters.
Louis for his part did give a very quick answer. "No! I'm busy!" He said as you opened the door to see him weeping, covering his eyes with some cloth.
Oh… "Louis what is wrong?" You whispered as you walked over and placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. "What is wrong?"
Louis returned to give you a hug, his sobs are evident as he cried in your chest. It was a feeling you did not know how to feel about… but you rubbed his head warmly, comforting him as if he were your baby. And in a way, he was. "I… sorry Therese...I should have come to you sooner. I was so stupid to think that I could figure this all out on my own?"
That made you let go, but place your face into his vision. "What is wrong?" You asked, giving a small smile.
It couldn't be any worse than learning about his father and mother being executed. There is some news that could never be that bad.
"I... there are some people that like me… and I like them." He said
You raised an eyebrow. "I understand."
He looked at you with bewilderment. "Really?"
"I was young before, and I have also had feelings for people that I did not understand, and I only had Brian to help me understand them. So tell me about them."
Louis gave a sigh. "Will you be… mad at me?"
"Why would I ever be mad about something you need help understanding?" You asked, keeping your smile on your face.
"Because…" Louis paused, before handing over one of the drawings. You then realized that he drew it himself, as it had his signature on the bottom corner.
It was a girl you did not recognize, but she was clearly drawn in a style you had seen before. You had seen sketches done by the imperial painters that were always wishing for your attention, but never getting it, as you considered it a waste of time.
"Who is that?" You asked.
Louis sighed, before giving his answer. "I met… Archduchess Marie Anne while I was in Italy. She had come looking for one of her friends whom we had taken prisoner during the war, a friend whom she was fond of. She was the one who said I should try draftsmanship and sketching, not only of people but of the natural world. That is the first one I didn't feel like burning."
"You met an Archduchess while on campaign?" You were vaguely impressed. "Just so happened to appear to the Army of Naples? I'm surprised Davout didn't inform me or Napoleon of that?"
Louis for his part turned his head away in shame. "Because she hid her identity… and I helped her do it."
That made you pinch your nose. "Was it after the treaty?" You asked. What he had done could have gotten him hurt, or worse!
Disciplined by Davout… something you didn't wish on your worst enemies… unless they needed to be taught a lesson.
"Of course, it before we exchanged prisoners at Venice." Louis proclaimed, trying to hide his fear. "I just… I don't know. We talked a lot. I think she realized who I was. And… I don't know why but… she seemed to remind me of who I am."
"You were reminded of your mother?" You asked.
"Yes." He said.
"And you think you were attracted to her because… she understood you?" You guessed.
"Not many people in the world can." He replied.
"Have you been in correspondence with her?" You asked.
"Yes. I have been asking Marshal Berthier to allow my letters to be snuck into Minister Talleyrand's official correspondence, so it gets to her in less than a week." He stated.
How resourceful. "But she's not the only one you have feelings for? Isn't it?" You asked.
He moved to another one, and this one, you realized was of a simpler style, but arguably, of greater quality. He captured the girl's detail in exquisite detail.
Long flowing hair, dark eyes, even her muddy clothes that were from out in the fields. Calluses on her hands, dirt underneath her fingertips, the wear at tear on her boots. You could tell a great deal of care was spent on this small drawing. However one of the details was surely something that caught you off guard. The rifle slung over her shoulder. "Who is that?" You asked.
"Her name is Gabriella Renou. She's one of the sharpshooters that were with me, Charles, and Julian fought with during the Army of Naples campaign. Her father is a Colonel, and Head of the 1st Light Rifles. They were formed after you were wounded when we were taking Italian Volenteres" He said, clearly looking to his rifle. You then saw the initials of CS, JM, and GR on the butt of the rifle. "She saved my life during the battle at Marengo… well, her, Julian, and Charles."
"I didn't know there were any female riflemen in the army, most assuredly when it was under my command?" You questioned.
"She lied about her gender, same as Captian Lecroy," Louis replied as if pointing out the obvious. "She's my age and… well she looked more like a boy than even Charlie when she cut her hair short. I know the Captian of the company and Severin knew, but they never said anything. She shot too well to just toss-off."
You found yourself feeling very worried about how much your army seemed to rely on children to achieve victory, especially when it came to the Italian campaign. Very worried. "And is she is Paris?"
"Versaille Actually." The very words seemed to hurt him as he said it, at the mention of his own home. "Her and her father are part of the Garrison there, trying to prevent looting and keeping the place organized, as well as waiting for Napoleon's reorganization later this year. I heard Napoleon was going to turn one of the wings into a hospital and Barracks and drill yard, and the rest of the Palace into a government building."
You nodded. Yes, you had heard. The Palace was still legally Louis's property, according to the new property laws of France. "Do you ever think of reclaiming the Palace?" You asked, curiosity entering your mind.
Louis seemed surprised. "What brings that up?" You asked.
"It's still yours, the French government only holds it because you haven't claimed it." You replied. You had been very surprised when you discovered that. You had thought that Louis and Charlotte would be left homeless, with their aunt's villa the only property they could legally own. It was even more surprising that it was still in his name, instead of Napoleon's or yours.
"If I had it my way, I would burn the entire thing down, and everything in it… my memories of that place will never make things better." He stated as he looked at the last portrait.
That was…"Charles Severin?" You were surprised, and he noticed your tone.
"What's so surprising?" He asked. "I've fought with him, he with me, he's saved my life, I, his."
"I just didn't think Severin would have agreed?" You replied with a smile."Or you were into… that sort of person."
"This is Severin we're talking about. He wouldn't care as long as it didn't affect how you were in combat, on the march, or in a drill. And he's my friend."
He had a point. "You like him that way?"
"I don't know." He said. "Maybe… I don't know."
You sighed.
This was going to be difficult.
How should you handle this? What do you say?:
[]Write in
AN: Enjoy.
Louis was in one of the rooms that he had chosen for himself, a very tall room on the second floor of the palace, overlooking the main entrance of the Palace itself, and could oversee many of the streets leading towards it. In his room were a few rifles, powder, and telescopes, some in many cobbled positions and in pieces, as if he was trying to find a way to screw on those same telescopes onto one of his rifles.
It was a mess. Yes, his personal clothes, his bed, and his library of books were in very neat order, but his desk was a mess of letters, tools, his rifles, and a knife that you were damn sure that should have been taken from him by one of the bodyguards of the palace… and a small portrait and few drawings of…
A few boys and girls.
Some even were named. "Louis, can I come in?" You asked, peeking through the door to see him look up, trying desperately to hide his letters.
Louis for his part did give a very quick answer. "No! I'm busy!" He said as you opened the door to see him weeping, covering his eyes with some cloth.
Oh… "Louis what is wrong?" You whispered as you walked over and placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. "What is wrong?"
Louis returned to give you a hug, his sobs are evident as he cried in your chest. It was a feeling you did not know how to feel about… but you rubbed his head warmly, comforting him as if he were your baby. And in a way, he was. "I… sorry Therese...I should have come to you sooner. I was so stupid to think that I could figure this all out on my own?"
That made you let go, but place your face into his vision. "What is wrong?" You asked, giving a small smile.
It couldn't be any worse than learning about his father and mother being executed. There is some news that could never be that bad.
"I... there are some people that like me… and I like them." He said
You raised an eyebrow. "I understand."
He looked at you with bewilderment. "Really?"
"I was young before, and I have also had feelings for people that I did not understand, and I only had Brian to help me understand them. So tell me about them."
Louis gave a sigh. "Will you be… mad at me?"
"Why would I ever be mad about something you need help understanding?" You asked, keeping your smile on your face.
"Because…" Louis paused, before handing over one of the drawings. You then realized that he drew it himself, as it had his signature on the bottom corner.
It was a girl you did not recognize, but she was clearly drawn in a style you had seen before. You had seen sketches done by the imperial painters that were always wishing for your attention, but never getting it, as you considered it a waste of time.
"Who is that?" You asked.
Louis sighed, before giving his answer. "I met… Archduchess Marie Anne while I was in Italy. She had come looking for one of her friends whom we had taken prisoner during the war, a friend whom she was fond of. She was the one who said I should try draftsmanship and sketching, not only of people but of the natural world. That is the first one I didn't feel like burning."
"You met an Archduchess while on campaign?" You were vaguely impressed. "Just so happened to appear to the Army of Naples? I'm surprised Davout didn't inform me or Napoleon of that?"
Louis for his part turned his head away in shame. "Because she hid her identity… and I helped her do it."
That made you pinch your nose. "Was it after the treaty?" You asked. What he had done could have gotten him hurt, or worse!
Disciplined by Davout… something you didn't wish on your worst enemies… unless they needed to be taught a lesson.
"Of course, it before we exchanged prisoners at Venice." Louis proclaimed, trying to hide his fear. "I just… I don't know. We talked a lot. I think she realized who I was. And… I don't know why but… she seemed to remind me of who I am."
"You were reminded of your mother?" You asked.
"Yes." He said.
"And you think you were attracted to her because… she understood you?" You guessed.
"Not many people in the world can." He replied.
"Have you been in correspondence with her?" You asked.
"Yes. I have been asking Marshal Berthier to allow my letters to be snuck into Minister Talleyrand's official correspondence, so it gets to her in less than a week." He stated.
How resourceful. "But she's not the only one you have feelings for? Isn't it?" You asked.
He moved to another one, and this one, you realized was of a simpler style, but arguably, of greater quality. He captured the girl's detail in exquisite detail.
Long flowing hair, dark eyes, even her muddy clothes that were from out in the fields. Calluses on her hands, dirt underneath her fingertips, the wear at tear on her boots. You could tell a great deal of care was spent on this small drawing. However one of the details was surely something that caught you off guard. The rifle slung over her shoulder. "Who is that?" You asked.
"Her name is Gabriella Renou. She's one of the sharpshooters that were with me, Charles, and Julian fought with during the Army of Naples campaign. Her father is a Colonel, and Head of the 1st Light Rifles. They were formed after you were wounded when we were taking Italian Volenteres" He said, clearly looking to his rifle. You then saw the initials of CS, JM, and GR on the butt of the rifle. "She saved my life during the battle at Marengo… well, her, Julian, and Charles."
"I didn't know there were any female riflemen in the army, most assuredly when it was under my command?" You questioned.
"She lied about her gender, same as Captian Lecroy," Louis replied as if pointing out the obvious. "She's my age and… well she looked more like a boy than even Charlie when she cut her hair short. I know the Captian of the company and Severin knew, but they never said anything. She shot too well to just toss-off."
You found yourself feeling very worried about how much your army seemed to rely on children to achieve victory, especially when it came to the Italian campaign. Very worried. "And is she is Paris?"
"Versaille Actually." The very words seemed to hurt him as he said it, at the mention of his own home. "Her and her father are part of the Garrison there, trying to prevent looting and keeping the place organized, as well as waiting for Napoleon's reorganization later this year. I heard Napoleon was going to turn one of the wings into a hospital and Barracks and drill yard, and the rest of the Palace into a government building."
You nodded. Yes, you had heard. The Palace was still legally Louis's property, according to the new property laws of France. "Do you ever think of reclaiming the Palace?" You asked, curiosity entering your mind.
Louis seemed surprised. "What brings that up?" You asked.
"It's still yours, the French government only holds it because you haven't claimed it." You replied. You had been very surprised when you discovered that. You had thought that Louis and Charlotte would be left homeless, with their aunt's villa the only property they could legally own. It was even more surprising that it was still in his name, instead of Napoleon's or yours.
"If I had it my way, I would burn the entire thing down, and everything in it… my memories of that place will never make things better." He stated as he looked at the last portrait.
That was…"Charles Severin?" You were surprised, and he noticed your tone.
"What's so surprising?" He asked. "I've fought with him, he with me, he's saved my life, I, his."
"I just didn't think Severin would have agreed?" You replied with a smile."Or you were into… that sort of person."
"This is Severin we're talking about. He wouldn't care as long as it didn't affect how you were in combat, on the march, or in a drill. And he's my friend."
He had a point. "You like him that way?"
"I don't know." He said. "Maybe… I don't know."
You sighed.
This was going to be difficult.
How should you handle this? What do you say?:
[]Write in
AN: Enjoy.
Magoose
SV's Questing Fanatic
- Location
- California USA
- Pronouns
- He
One thing I shall say to that:
Remember, one of them is an Austrian Archduchess as well, so it's going to need to be handled delicately, especially if they remain in correspondence.
Napoleon does not know, but he could and that might make things worse for Louis.
- Pronouns
- He/Him
I mean the last option isn't illegal in France anymore and he's well connected enough to avoid the worst of the stigma, and him being in a relationship with a man does mean that his unlikely to have a son with ambitions of reclaiming the throne. So maybe encourage him to explore his feelings for Charles
- Location
- Where I an right now
Getting with the archduchess is basically him saying he wants to get into politics, the fellow soldier is military, and the commanding officer is several issues put together, I say tell him to be careful and take it slow, he's still pretty young even by the standards of the time
Sir_Travelsalot
Never wakes up tired.
- Location
- At Home
[X] "Well, ultimately, only you can choose who you wish to be with. What I will ask you to consider is this; what is it that draws your heart to each of them? Of two, you have spoken much on mutual rescues and fighting as comrades in arms. As commendable as that sounds and marks them as boon companions to you, for a romance to truly last and blossom there must be something beyond it. You spoke on this Marie Anne, of how she seemed to be able to read deeper into your words, your actions, and make you feel truly understood. Moreso than among your fellow soldiers, moreso than even to myself? I'll not tell you which course to chart for something so precious as your heart, but I will advise that you think on whether you can find such elements present in Gabriella or Charles, and proceed from there."
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- Location
- Hawaii
Charlie: "Papa, is it all right for me to kiss Louis?"
Severin: "As long as it doesn't make to late for drill."
Severin: "As long as it doesn't make to late for drill."
Magoose
SV's Questing Fanatic
- Location
- California USA
- Pronouns
- He
Literally Severin's Entire outlook on that kind of relationship.
He doesn't give any shits, as long as it does not affect the Job at hand.
Or discipline, or morale... or unit cohesion.
Magoose
SV's Questing Fanatic
- Location
- California USA
- Pronouns
- He
Another thing I shall say:
Louis, while smart, does not truly understand the ramifications of his actions. After all, he's only 12, going on 13.
Inverted Fallecy
Beware the Dialogue that Spews Forth!~
- Location
- Somewhere behind a Screen.~
We should at least tell him that a relationship with the Archduchess is a signal to others in that he doesn't mind getting back into court politics. As Magoose stated, he's barely a teen. Thinking about the socio-political ramifications of each of the potential suitors is the last thing on a tween's mind.
Magoose
SV's Questing Fanatic
- Location
- California USA
- Pronouns
- He
Knowing our luck, Louis will ask us to become head of France's Rifle School at the tender age of 13...
Even though Severin and his wife are far far better riflemen then he is.
- Location
- America
I thought you said somewhere early on that Louis was the deadliest sniper in the French army. Certainly he was doing enough big game hunting to cement his reputation.
Magoose
SV's Questing Fanatic
- Location
- California USA
- Pronouns
- He
- Pronouns
- It/Its
How old is Severin? This is the same Severin that's a Marshal right? Or a different one?