Class Warfare... female needed

[makofin]

this thread will take place during the French revolution. While Paris burns and high class aristocrats are beheaded, somewhere out in the countryside the Peoples Army has seized the property and estate of Raymond La Dorre' . Fortunately for Raymond he has fled the country leaving his beautiful wife behind. Alone, except for a few remaining loyal servants, she is faced with imprisonment or worse, their property confiscated.

I will play Emanualle, a former stable boy, now an officer in the newly Peoples Army who are attempting to overthrow the goverment. He holds a grudge against Raymond and his rich haughty wife, who looked down her nose at him with distain when he was in their employ, treating him and his father like dirt. Now he will exact his revenge.

Hoping to find a detailed writer to roleplay Monique La Dorre'. You must be willing to post more than one liners and provide a certain amount of interest to this role. you will be forced to submit and sacrifice your position and your pride. If interested just send a short PM.

Thanks Mako

 

[makofin]

Paul Leblanc strode with purpose, followed by six volunteer soldiers up the dusty dirt road towards the La Dorre' estate. They were a ragtag bunch of citizens united by a common cause, and Paul was determined to make an example of the wealthy land owners and strip them of all their pocessions. He had been told that the cowardly baron had fled to England leaving his young beautiful wife behind.

Before joining the revolution Paul had worked in the stables. Despite this the rich and arrogant baron had evicted his family from their cottage in the dead of winter. His mother had taken sick and perished. Paul knew who was to blame. Even if the baron was gone, his lovely wife would suffer in his place. She would be his prisoner and kneel before him begging for mercy. Perhaps he would let her shine his new boots ! And then Monique La Dorre' would know how it feels to grovel and serve someone else.

" Halt. " He adjusted the sword and tucked his pistol in his belt. Motioning for the sargeant to join him they knocked on the door.

hopefully heartofcourage will join in

 

[heartofcourage]

Monique Le Dorre’ had always lived an enchanted life. She had been blessed with sweet good looks from birth and had always taken the pains to make herself look presentable in every situation. Her long black hair would gleam in the sunlight and her dark green eyes always sparkled with laughter. Her body was petite and lithe, small hands and feet, gently rounded curves and a small bosom added to her pretty, ethereal qualities. Her skin was milky pale, and gently dusted with freckles.

She had been married young to a much older man, a wealthy Baron who had opened up a world to her that she had never known. They had a large home, servants and stables full of the finest horses in France. All he ever asked of her was obedience. She willingly gave that to him in exchange for a live of luxury. She had never thought herself a mean woman, but there were times when she would lose herself and order the servants around harshly, only to feel immense guilt afterwards. Her husband would always say that it was her duty to guide them and she should feel no guilt.

Then the revolution had started and her world had changed. First there was the fear that they would come and drag her off to prison like they had so many of her friends. She had heard about the daily beheadings and she was beside herself with worry. Then she woke one morning to find her husband and many of their servants gone. He had left her behind to face an uncertain fate.

She had dressed for the day in a simple gown of green muslin. She was readying to prepare breakfast when a knock sounded at the front manor door. She paused, looking towards the door as icy fear began to course through her body. No, they couldn’t be here!

Monique silently slipped towards her kitchen door, gently opening the wooden portal and slipping out into the barnyard. She could hear men talking out front and she quickly and quietly began to run for the fields.

 

[makofin]

They pounded on the door several times but their was no reponse. Frustrated, Paul through his stocky frame against the door until it gave way. He rushed inside followed by the sargeant, only to discover it seemed unoccupied.

" Search the upstairs bedrooms, I want the lady found. " he ordered. He knew someone was here because he had noticed smoke coming from the chimney as they marched up the road.

Paul continued to search and when he came into the kitchen, he saw that the back door had been left open as if someone had departed with haste. It was then he saw what appeared to be a female fiqure running across the field. Paul immediately ran to the stables, knowing he little chance of catching her by foot. Luckily their were still two horses and finding a bridle he quickly mounted, not bothering with a saddle. All his young life he had worked with horses and having a saddle or not made little difference now. Eagerly he spurred the mount forward, anxious to capture the fleeing lady.

The little fool, he thought as he galloped across the field in hot pursuit, thinks she can escape me, but has only suceeded in making her punishment worse.

 

[heartofcourage]

Monique was running as fast as she could across the open field. She held her skirts up with one hand and pumped through the air with the other. Her slippers were not made for such activity and were threatening to slip off her tiny feet. Her breath was harsh and ragged, loud in the cool air of the morning.

She heard the distant sound of horse hooves and dared to look over her shoulder. She saw a man seated upon one of her mares, riding towards her with a determined look. She let out a whimper of despair as she suddenly changed her course and ran headlong into the forest that surrounded the property.

The limbs of the trees snagged and scratched at her clothing and skin as she continued to run and she could hear the horse whinny in the distance as the man pulled it to a stop. She splashed through a small brook, falling to her hands and knees in the mud as she tripped before she forced herself back to her feet to continue running.

Once she was deep in the forest, she pressed herself against a tree truck, her breath gasping in and out of her lungs as she struggled to listen for any signs that the man might be near her.

 

[makofin]

the pursuit

Paul could not believe that such a soft delicate lady could evade him for so long when he was on horseback, but he had to admire her spunk. She crossed a shallow brook and dissappeared into the forest. He cursed her and dismounted, following on foot. Once he splashed through the water and got his boots muddy he swore he would make her shine them both to perfection, with her tongue if necessary.

The young officer paused after he entered the trees, listening. The noble woman could not have gotten that far and was probably hiding nearby. Paul walked softly through the brambles without making a sound, stalking his prey.

 

[heartofcourage]

Monique stayed pressed against the trunk of the tree, her heart pounding loudly in her chest. She heard the man stop and then silence surround her. She squeezed her eyes shut and prayed that he would simply leave. She stayed in her spot for another moment before she quietly pushed off the wooden trunk and darted back through the forest to another spot against another large tree. She dared to peek around, seeing if she could spot him.

 

[makofin]

a game of cat and mouse

Louie Paul cleared his throat staring intently at Monique La Dorre'. She didn't hear him as he snuck up behind her as she peered fearfully around a tree. Sensing his presence she turned her eyes wide with surprise.

" Their is no need to resist any longer Madame La Dorre' for you now are my prisoner. " he snarled, grabbing her wrists to prevent her escape. " If you struggle I will be forced to make you submit by any means possible. "

Was that defiance he saw in her eyes ? Beyond a doubt, Monique was a very beautiful woman, worthy of desire but she would be broken, taught to serve him in the future.

" Do you remember me, Monique ? " he asked, his brown eyes burning into hers, " I was once your servant boy tending to your horses. "

 

[heartofcourage]

Monique let out a scream as the man cleared his throat behind her and she snapped around to look at him with eyes wide with surprise. She gasped as he grabbed hold of her wrists, holding her in place as she tried to jerk herself free. She screamed and fought, not wanting to give in to this man. It very well might mean her death.

“I don’t know you.” She said, her green eyes wide as she looked up at him. “Now, let me go!”

 

[makofin]

' I do not know you...now let me go ! " Monique demanded.

Louie Paul was not about to argue with his captive. Part of him wanted to strip her of her gown and throw her down in the dirt and take her against her will but something held him back from doing so. No, he preferred to make her beg him for mercy. No longer were the nobility of France in charge, collecting their endless taxes, evicting the poor from their homes in the dead of winter...

He had other plans. For now she belonged to him, along with all of her property and haughty pride.

Removing his belt he bound her hands. Of course she resisted but in the end Monique was helpless against the much stronger male. He shoved her forward, grasping her by her long dark hair.

 

[heartofcourage]

Monique let out a gasp as he caught her wrists together and bound them with his belt. She jerked against the leather but it was useless. He turned her and shoved her forward, her feet stumbling on the uneven forest floor. She found herself falling until he brutally grabbed her upright by her long dark hair. She screamed, her voice scared and panicked as he walked with her back through the forest and to where the horse now grazed in the fields.

“Please don’t do this, Monsieur!” She cried as he continued walking her towards her manor. “I beg you. Just let me go.”

 

[makofin]

" Please don't do this, monsieur, I beg you just let me go. " Monique pleaded.

" Be silent before I gag you. " Paul threatened.

They continued across the field towards the manor, leading the horse. As they got closer they noticed smoke rising into the sky from the burning stables.

" Those fools ! " Paul cried, full of anger. He started running, dragging his captive behind. He rushed into the yard, seeing they had piled some of the furniture in a heap and lit it on fire after ransacking the house. A young servant girl sat crying on her hands and knees. She had been stripped naked by the soldiers.

" What is going on here ? " Paul demanded.

" Well sir, we found this gypsy servant bitch hiding underneath the bed. She is now entertainment for the men. " The sargeant winked, not bothering to hide the bottle of liberated champayne in his hand.

" Why have you set the stables on fire ? Are you crazy ? "

" No sir, just doing our duty, sir. "

Paul turned towards Monique, pointing to the servant girl, " Get her inside before they rape her. " Disgusted, he followed the females inside.

 

[heartofcourage]

Monique was shocked to see smoke rising from the direction of her home. She couldn’t help the cry of fear that left her lips as she was suddenly pulled behind the man who had tracked her down, the flames and smoke growing thicker as they approached.

She stood shivering as she saw the fire engulfing her stables, her furnishing smoldering in the yard. She saw her serving girl, Irene, huddled on the ground crying. Her nude body was on display for everyone to see. Monique couldn’t help the tears of her own that trailed down her cheeks as suddenly the man that had captured her told her to get Irene inside.

She hurried to do his bidding, her bound hands slowing her progress in getting the girl to her feet and into the house. She drug Irene into the salon, huddling with her in corner as she tried to soothe the frightened girl. She winced as she heard the sounds of boots following after them and looked up to see the man following in their footsteps.

“My…my husband isn’t here.” Monique told him, praying that he would leave them alone. “Take anything you wish. Just please leave us alone.” She clutched Irene against her, the girl huddling against her warmth as she shivered and sobbed.

 

[makofin]

" My ...my husband isn't here. Take anything you wish. Just please leave us alone. "

In spite of the dire situation, Monique refused to cry and retained her dignity throughout her ordeal. He admired her courage. Paul had came to this place seeking revenge but he was not a cruel man nor had he grown bitter like so many of his class. On the other hand, he did not cause the oppressed to revolt or plunder the upper class.

" I know your husband has fled France, he is nothing more than a coward, but those men outside have ransacked your winecellar and soon will demand retribution. I will do my best to protect you both, but they may not obey my commands once they are intoxicated." Louie Paul, said as calm as he could. " Now listen to me, go and lock and bolt all the doors and windows. Once it grows dark they will try to take you and use you for their pleasure. "

Reaching down he released Monique from her bonds.

 

[heartofcourage]

Monique was surprised when he released her wrists. At first he seemed so intent on hurting her, but now it was like he wanted to help her. “Merci.” She said softly, thanking him for releasing her as she wrapped Irene in a warm hug, drawing the still crying girl against her and rocking her back and forth.

She snuck glances of the man before her every so often, wondering just who he was. She didn’t remember a stable boy, but then again, she never really paid much attention to the servants that were always coming and going from the manor. It was possible he had worked for her husband, but the face was not ringing a bell.

When Irene was soothed, she left the girl on the floor, hurrying to bar the doors and windows as she’d been instructed. She could hear the men outside, drinking and getting louder by the moment. She knew there was only so much time before they would decide to come into the manor and take what they wanted.

Helping Irene to her feet, she got the poor girl dressed in one of her extra shifts and placed a blanket around her still trembling shoulders. Then she pulled her to the farthest recesses of the house, huddling with her yet again in the quiet of her ladies chambers. She prayed the men wouldn’t come back and that the stranger would keep his word.

 

[makofin]

The volunteer soldiers were passing the bottle of wine and champayne around throwing fine furniture into the bonfire. Every now and then someone would shot off a musket or pistol into the air. Paul had a commission as an officer but these men were not professional soldiers and were an unruly lot, not having much respect for authority. And now they were all well on their way to being drunk. They enjoyed ransacking the countryside, delivering their brand of social justice.

Determined to restore order he stepped outside. " I want you men to fall into formation immediately. "

" You must be fooling ! We don't care what you say anymore, sir, not until you give us that servant wench back. She belongs to us. " a private answered.

" I'm sorry, but she is a prisoner of war, under my care. " Paul said. Futhermore I am ordering you men to disperse and vacate this property. ''

Laughter.

" I beg your pardon, sir, but we are leaving unless we get both of the woman. "

Louie Paul had the feeling this was going to get ugly. He calmy pulled his pistol from his breeches and cocked the hammer.

" You only got one shot Captain, and if you bothered to count their is seven of us. " the private challenged.

As a group they slowly moved forward, two of their number staying back reloading muskets. A drunken private raised his pistol and fired. Paul winced feeling a burning sensation on his leg and then returned fire. His assailant fell backwards and using the thick smoke to his advantage he retreated for the manor.

A ball whistled by his head before he made the porch. Rushing inside he realized the bolt on the front doors was broken. Cursing his misfortune he dragged a heavy china cabinate over to block the door. Wincing with pain he reloaded his pistol, the blood staining his breeches.

 

[heartofcourage]

At the first volley of gunfire, Monique jumped. A startled cry issued forth from both women as they huddled in her ladies chamber. Irene was clinging to her like she might drown, her frightened tears coming once more as more gunfire was issued from the direction of the barnyard.

“Stay here.” Monique said to the frightened girl, leaving her safely behind as she hurried through the manor, finding the man who had captured her in the forest standing against the broken front door, now blocked with a chine cabinet.

“You’re hurt!” She cried out as she hurried over to him, her fingers instantly teasing the wound in his leg to figure out what had happened. “Why are they firing at you?!”

 

[makofin]

To Paul's relief the lady of the house rushed over to assist him, and examined his wound. " You're hurt. Why are they firing at you ? "

He did not bother to tell her things had not turned out like he planned. The situation had gotten out of hand. He had planned to make Monique his prisoner, strip her of her title, dignity and property and make her suffer. He had to admit she was not the haughty bitch he thought she was, she was concerned about her servant girl's welfare.

" As I suspected my lady, the men have committed mutiny. They have demanded your gypsy serving wench, and as well. As you are probably already aware the peasants have rebelled against the king, his nobles and the church. As we speak the rabble are running amok, killing, raping and plundering the countryside. I resigned my commission in the and joined them. "

The former captain looked into her deep green eyes, finding her stunningly beautiful. He vowed to himself that he would protect her from harm, not allowing the traitors to rape her.

" Do you have anything to dress my wound ? Some alcohol and bandages to stop the infection perhaps. " he asked

 

[heartofcourage]

“I will find something.” She said as she turned and hurried back through the manor, looking for anything that would help his wound.

What he had said frightened her. Without a husband to protect her any longer, what would happen should the man decide that his mercy wasn’t worth it any longer? She would be raped and killed, she knew that was her fate. It quaked her to the core, but it made her want to survive all the more.

She hurried into her ladies chamber, saddened to find her maid still quaking the corner, tears coming out in loud sobs. It would be a long time before the poor girl’s mind was right again, if it ever really got back to normal. She rushed into her changing chamber, finding a clean white petty coat that she could rip into strips. A bottle of port was still sitting undisturbed in her husband’s chamber and soon she was kneeling before the man, looking over his wound with a frown.

“I’ve never done this before, Monsieur.” She confessed with a glance up at him. “It will hurt, I’m afraid.” She poured the port onto the wound before she started to pull strips of cloth off the petticoat.

 

[makofin]

Paul quietly watched while Monique dressed his nasty wound, gritting his teeth. A lock of dark hair dangled in front of her eyes and he wondered what kind of man could run off and leave this lovely woman behind to fend for herself. By now she could have been imprisoned, or worse, beheaded with no one to defend her.

Picking up the bottle he took a big swig. " Your husband is a coward. How could he flee to Germany and leave you behind ? Why did you not go with him ? " Louie Paul asked.

 

[heartofcourage]

Monique looked up at the man she was tending to as he asked her such a personal question. She bit her lower lip as she tied his bandage tightly. Sitting back on her heels, she sighed and thought about why her husband had left for a moment.

“He has a mistress that he loves more than me. She is pregnant and he chose her over me. He doesn‘t need a barren wife.” She said in an honest voice, the bitterness that she felt seeping through. “I woke up one morning and he was simply gone with many of the servants. The ones that were left behind were quick to leave and all I was left with was Irene.”

 

[makofin]

At least Monique trusted him enough to confide in him.

" Aye, having a son or a child is a very important event. Even so if a man weds a woman he should stand beside her no matter what. That is a measure of a man. Your husband I hold responsible for my mothers death for he forced us from our home in the dead of winter. My father was at her side when she died. He would never abandon her "

" Captain, we are tired of waiting, send out the females and we will let you go. If not, well, we will burn you out. Give us an answer, lest we hold no grudge against you. " the sargeant yelled from just outside the makeshift door.

" Madam, do you have any other weapons hidden in this house ? " Paul asked hopefully. " I can hold them off for alittle while but maybe you should take Irene and flee again. "

 

[heartofcourage]

Monique was downcast when he mentioned having a son was an important event. Obvious Jacques had thought so too and had run off with his whore the first chance he got. She would be put aside or ignored once the child came along.

She was snapped back to reality when she heard voices yelling through the broken door, telling him to send out the females. She looked at him, wondering if he would do such a thing, but when she saw the conviction in her eyes, she felt better. He wasn’t a man that would simply toss them to the wolves.

“A musket and a collection of swords.” She said as he looked at her with a hopeful expression. “I can’t leave you here, Monsieur. Not alone. They would kill you!”

 

[makofin]

"....I can't leave you here, Monsieur. Not alone. They would kill you. ''

Paul nodded. If it was dark perhaps he would have insisted they go but in broad daylight they probably wouldn't get very far. They were safer in here since the exterior of the house was solid and made of stone.

Arming himself with the musket, he crept to the window. Paul counted only four in the yard meaning two were missing. It was possible that they had lost interest and drifted off or it could mean they were sneaking around trying to find another way to enter. Putting the gun to his shoulder Paul took aim and squeezed the trigger, dropping another into the dirt. The rest scattered out of sight.

" Maybe that will discourage them. " the captain muttered, the smell of gunpowder heavy in the air. He reloaded at a brisk pace. As he was doing so they heard a female scream from some other room in the house.

" They must have found Irene ! " Louie Paul hissed.

 

[heartofcourage]

Monique was startled when he began to fire into the yard, the sound of the gun ringing loudly in her ears. She covered them as he finished firing, watching as he reloaded briskly and efficiently. She was about to ask him a question when she heard the blood curdling scream coming from the direction of her chambers. She jumped and stared in horror as the screams grew louder, Irene yelling at someone that had entered the space.

“Irene.” She said in a whisper, her feet moving in that direction before she knew what she was doing. She had taken a few steps before she felt his strong arm wrap around her waist and draw her to a halt. She struggled, looking over her shoulder at Louie Paul. “Let me go! I have to go to her!”