In the Laurent household
Twelve years later
It was the start of a new year.
The flowers are still asleep and the trees Crystal white.
The cold of the long winter was still in full form making life on the streets unbearable.
Food was a necessity and everybody is searching for warmth that has left months ago, from fire that has become the most precious thing for everybody, rich or poor.
Only two people could be seen in the cold at dawn.
"My, my, sister you are getting better each time, but unfortunately I have to tell you I will always walk out of our duels as the winner!"
"Oh we will see about that, dear brother!"
Soon enough the siblings were facing each other, ready to strike. The similar smirks on their faces with a hint of playfulness was the only evidence of the game they were playing.
"How are you so sure that you can win this little game of yours? You must have realized the big disadvantages you have, or should I repeat them for you?"
She knew these words were not meant to be harmful nor did he want them to sting. It was his way to help her become more resistant.
"And probably you think the 12 year age gap is an enormous disadvantage for me, also maybe because I am woman, that seems to be a huge disadvantage in the eyes of men! Woman should not fight so they say!
Although the majority of woman do not know how to fight I assure you after a woman is done with you, you will run away crying!"
With these words being said both of their fires were ignited and the fencing started,and her brother lunged at her.
Laurette quickly deflected it with ease. Just as deflecting the blow of her brother she made the next strike. A quick slash in direction of Aundray's body, but only striking air. Both tried to find a weak spot in the moves of their opponent to take control over their little game. To win the sparring match. But it wasn't so easy as they both of them were talented spearers.
Both learned their skills from the best, Aundray from their father and Laurette from Aundray.
One of the things their parents left behind.
After time both started to tire out.The time has come where not only talent mattered, but also the amount of training.
The 12 years age difference put Aundray in the advantage and soon he saw his opportunity to strike.
With a quick lunge towards his sister he ended the duel, knocking her sword out of her hand, making it clatter on the floor.
Only the loud breathing could be heard.
And only seconds later they started to laugh.
This little ritual was something that happened often in the Laurent household
"Lorette, I have to admit, you are getting better each time. Maybe I was wrong to believe you would never be as good as me, but I think we can agree upon the fact that it will take a little while." A cocky smile made its way on his face and Aundray took off his mask, his black hair messy, but blue eyes shining.
Laurette also started to lift her mask off her face. Her brown hair loosened and tumbled down her back. Her ocean blue eyes held a mischievous glint, her cheeks a little red due to her exhaustion from the duel.
The Laurent siblings were very beautiful and handsome people, both of them having eyes follow them wherever they go. And the mystery behind their names made them even more endearing. Nobody knew where they came from.
"We will see, dear brother, how long it will take to beat the almighty Aundray!"
They were laughing and having fun as they realized the cold air around them.
"Lets go inside, it's getting quite cold." Aundray said leading his sister inside their little town house in the middle of Paris. It was the perfect size for two young people to be together or apart if needed.
As they went inside they quickly parted to change into their daily clothes. It was early in the morning and they usually started their day with a training session of fencing. Today was no exception. Her brother insisted on teaching her swordsmanship and she didn't complain, although it was usually not something a woman had the privilege to do.
But Laurette was not just some girl. She had a pretty face and innocent smile. But behind these eyes was a fire, and if you did not look out you would get burned.
At a young age she learned the harsh reality of life she was sheltered from by her parents. But as they were gone she came to realize, life isn't so easy as it seamed.
After the siblings were sent away they had to live in the of a distant cousin of their father. It wasn't a place of happiness and especially not of kindness. After her Parents left them and abandoned them she never heard from them again, except the money that was sent to the cousin and now directly to her brother after he turned 18 and started to live on his own taking his sister with him. The siblings never really talk about the past but she knew her brother was keeping secrets from her about it. Every time she tried to squeeze it out of him he would answer that she will find out soon enough. She waited ten years nearly eleven and now she lost hope of ever finding out. But deep inside there was a longing to find out why they suddenly left her and her brother behind, to fight for themselves.And she still wore the locket her mother gave her.
She did not even know why, she just could never take it off.
As Laurette arrived in her room, she quickly took off her training clothes which consisted of a white tunic and black trousers, quickly washed of the perspiration and changed into a cream colored dress with black detail, and headed downstairs.
Aundray already sitting at the kitchen-table, eating bread, drinking tea and reading newspaper.
Laurette slid into the opposite seat from him pouring herself some tea.
"So, what do you have planned today Laurette?"
"oh, you know nothing out of ordinary, meeting men, drinking a little,..."
As he realized what she said, he started to glare at her, she only giggled.
"Well, what are you doing today?"
While finishing of his tea he replied:
"I have to go to university today, it will take quite some time."
With these words he stood up and headed toward her with a cheeky grin:
" And this is why I must leave now" He gave her a kiss on her forehead, but before he could leave she interrupted.
" I will come with you I have to visit friends"
She drank the last sip of tea and stood up. She quickly took a napkin and wrapped some toast and brioche in it stuffing it into a pocket in her dress. The lazy grin on Aundray's face quickly faded into a nervous expression.
She could not help but laugh at his awkward facial expression.
"Oh Aundray, do I make you nervous?"
" Pfff, no why should you!"
He quickly headed toward the entrance, waiting for her there.
Laurette was growing suspicious. Why was he reacting this way, so suddenly?
She took her shawl, heading towards her brother, taking his arm and both headed outside.
The fresh air whipping into both of their faces, and they were greeted by the sounds and smells of a morning in Paris. The streets of Paris starting to fill up as its was only 7:30 in the morning. Shops were opening and people started to head to work. Laurette looking around searching for a little scrubby figure, while walking towards the main road. In the corner she soon recognized the little blond-haired boy.
" Aundray, I need to go now, I will see you later..."
She slipped out of the grasp of her brother and headed toward the corner where the little boy was standing.
" good day Young man, I believe we have an appointment...as always"
the little boy turned around with a wide grin. he bowed clumsily, mockingly
"At your service, Madam"
she laughed and crouched down toward him
" Well Gavroche, nice to see you again, although we do see each other quite often"
" Well, we hav an meetin every day"
She had a soft spot for the little boy, she knew how hard it was to survive in such harsh conditions, and it was even harder to stay so positive, as little Gavroche.
"Yes I believe we do"
She smiled at him
Taking out the bundle of food pressing it inside his hand, but before she could retract her hand she was distracted by the familiar figure talking to another. Her brother was standing there talking fervently to another man, all the while looking left and right to see if somebody was watching.
What on earth is he doing, and why is he so nervous?
suddenly she was pulled back into the current conversation with her little companion
"Laurette, whatcha staring at?"
Gavroche turning to see what was so interesting. But as she tried to relocate where the conversation was held between her brother and the man, both disappeared.
"Nothing of importance, I just thought I saw someone familiar"
What was he doing, and what is he hiding?
Authors note
Hi guys!
It's me!!!
I know , I know it isn't the best..actually far from it but I am not yet accustomed with writing my own stuff so please bear with me!
If you like this story so far I would really appreciate feedback and support, how I could do stuff better, you know.
Oh well ...
hope you are well
Lizzie XOXO