Parisian Kiosk -   Alexei Butirskiy 

Russian b. 1974 -

Oil on canvas,  14 x 11 in.

Newspaper kiosk on the Parisian streets

French vintage postcard

le robert de poche: édicule n.m. 1. Dépendance d'un édifice religieux. 2. Petite construction édifiée sur la voie publique (kiosque, urinoir ...)

there has got to be something here that i'm missing. is there maybe some definition of "sur la voie publique" that could include, say, the inside of bathrooms, or am i to believe that in france it is usual to encounter urinals on the side of the road en plein air? because i've been to france and i don't remember any roadside urinals, but maybe i just wasn't paying attention.

Carlo Wostry - A Parisian News Kiosk (ca. 1900)

I like the miraculous blurbs you've been posting... Do you have more? 🥺

Here's your bib and spoon. I hope you enjoy!

Blurb #6

Marinette was exhausted by the end and wanted nothing more than to collapse into her own bed. But she couldn’t, because she couldn’t go home. Her parents would be waiting for her, since it was almost dawn. They would have waken up to start the day, and gone to check on her. She couldn’t lie to them again. It wasn’t worth it. “Good job, My Lady,��� Chat yawned again, his voice heavy with exhaustion. “Try to get some sleep, okay?” “You too, kitty. You did good tonight.” He saluted at her, before going home. He was likely too tired to notice the hesitation in her eyes. Ladybug circled back to the bakery, the sky in the distance starting to lighten with sunrise. The light was on in her bedroom. She didn’t land on her balcony. Instead, perched on a chimney to grab her bag, before vaulting away. “Mom, dad…I’m so sorry.” She whispered behind her as she dashed into the night. She had no where to go. No where enough money to rent anything, even for the night. Could she stay at a shelter? Or just under a bridge? It was cold, but she had packed a blanket. She came to rest on a big building with a wide open roof. Light from inside shone through a glass ceiling from the atrium, and Ladybug wandered over to look down. It was a department store. The one her family visited at Christmas. It was usually too expensive to shop at, but at Christmas, every inch of it was decorated. It was a wonderland that drew crowds from all over the world. Prairie Marécale. It was a place that held fond memories for Marinette and her family. Better times, when Ladybug was still fun and nothing was wrong. Ladybug sat at the edge of that glass ceiling and stared down the many floors to the first floor. She could see perfume and makeup kiosks aglow from the security lights. In a few hours, the employees would come and the store would burst with life. From the food court, to the home goods, to the kitchen ware, tourists and Parisians alike would scurry about. But how many of them would look up?

I'm going to try to share 70 blurbs from my WIPs and unfinished fics to celebrate reaching 70 posted fics! To help with this endeavor, please feel free to send me a word or a fandom you know I write for, and I'll share the blurb. IDK if I'll get 70 prompts, but let's try it! Send as many as you want!

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Thursday Throwback... Kiosque a Journaux (Newsstands)

We owed the newsstands to Baron Haussmann (who was also in charge of transforming the old medieval Paris into what we know today as the "Haussmannian" buildings built along the wide avenues opening up Paris). French architect Gabriel Davioud was commissioned to design small, elegant pavilions. It was on the Grands Boulevards that the first kiosk was built (on August 15, 1857), responding to the desire to gentrify one of Paris's greatest boulevard. In a minor revolution, the new kiosks, equipped with a lighting system, now lit up the public boulevards at night! But just two years later, these pretty, innovative designs were replaced by others deemed even more beautiful. By 1859, the new Parisian kiosks were even more imposing: taller, they were surrounded by friezes and topped by domes of zinc scales and a spire. By the end of the 19th century, the style and practicality of these kiosks, with their awning and display, gradually increased to 340 by the 1880s.

Today, there are around 360 newsagents in Paris, slightly more than in 1880. But it hasn't always been easy. In 2004, for example, there were just 266 newsagents left in the capital, as newsagents went bankrupt or abandoned a business deemed too difficult and unprofitable. To stem this loss, Paris City Council decided to give newsagents a break on the licence fee they had been paying up until then, before authorizing them to diversify their products at the end of 2011, with a single requirement for newsagents: that the press represent at least 2/3 of their business.

News-stands have almost all changed their appearance since 2018, as Paris City Hall launched a major operation to replace the classic model with brand-new, sleeker and more modern ones, a shelter made of recyclable metal, aluminum and glass, whose glass façade lets in natural light and is inspired by artists' studios and Parisian rooftops. (Source)

NB: The last 4 remaining Kiosk Type 1900 (all converted to Flower shops) can be found: place d'Estienne d'Orves (9th), 21 avenue du général Sarrail (16th), 30 avenue Corentin Cariou (19th) and 6 boulevard de Charonne (20th)

"Parisian Kiosk"

By Alexie Butirskiy. Russian. b. 1974-

> Huariqueje.Tumblr

Grateful to Be Here: Bopping Around Paris

Just out of 10 days of COVID isolation in a Helsinki hotel room, we missed our first scheduled night in Paris. But we rallied and made it for the last couple of days. We were never so happy to get on a plane! (Masked.)

Not yet restored to normal energy, we couldn’t go inside anywhere in Paris, so we spent a day or two slow-bopping around the glorious city, taking lots of breaks to rest and people-watch. We spent the first morning walking around with our former exchange student (and Spanish daughter) Laia and her cousin Anna. After they left, we had no agenda, which gave us the opportunity to discover new parks and search for the Love Lock that Lisa had attached on a stairway near Pont Neuf in 2018. (Don’t worry, haters, it was NOT on the bridge but on a sanctioned chain, and she did not throw the key in the Seine!) It was long gone, as the Parisians cut them off regularly, but we found a new place to lock our love.

We also walked around on the Isle de la City, saw the roofless Notre Dame Cathedral (covered with scaffolding and dwarfed by a gargantuan crane), strolled along and even dipped our toes in the Seine, sauntered through the courtyard of the Louvre, ate lunch in a sidewalk café, and visited the booksellers’ kiosks along the Left Bank. When our feet got tired, we caught another Seine River cruise and saw the city’s main attraction, the Eiffel Tower! The 1-hour sightseeing tour on Vedettes du Pont Neuf cost 15 euros each, about $17.

We ended the day with a scrumptious dinner in the Latin Quarter.

Enjoy photos at our blog, messysuitcase.com.

INFO

Paris Tourism Vedettes du Pont Neuf

Indulge in Delight: Exploring the Exquisite World of Brioche Dorée Pastries

Step into the enchanting world of Brioche Dorée, where every bite of a pastry transports you to the heart of Paris. With a legacy spanning decades, Brioche Dorée has captivated pastry enthusiasts around the globe with its exquisite creations. Join us as we embark on a delectable journey to discover the artistry, flavors, and heritage behind Brioche Dorée's remarkable pastries.

A Symphony of Flavors: At Brioche Dorée, the pastries are a symphony of flavors, meticulously crafted to awaken the senses and evoke pure culinary bliss. Each pastry is a harmonious blend of time-honored techniques, premium ingredients, and the skillful touch of passionate bakers.

The Iconic Croissant: Let's start our pastry pilgrimage with the iconic Croissant. With its golden, flaky exterior and tender, buttery layers, the Brioche Dorée Croissant is a masterpiece in itself. From the first delicate bite to the final crumbs, it exudes an unmistakable aroma and unrivaled taste that have made it a true Parisian delight.

Heavenly Pain au Chocolat: Indulge in the decadent Pain au Chocolat, a symphony of rich dark chocolate encased within layers of irresistibly buttery pastry. Each bite offers a delightful contrast between the delicate crunch of the pastry and the smooth, velvety chocolate filling.

Delicate Fruit Tarts: Brioche Dorée's fruit tarts are a celebration of vibrant flavors and textures. The delicate, fluted pastry crust cradles a luscious filling of fresh seasonal fruits, creating a harmonious balance of sweetness and tartness. With each bite, the explosion of flavors is simply irresistible.

Heavenly Éclairs: Prepare to be transported to pastry paradise with Brioche Dorée's heavenly Éclairs. These elegant pastries boast a choux pastry shell filled with silky-smooth cream and topped with a glossy, indulgent glaze. From classic flavors like chocolate and vanilla to innovative variations, every Éclair is a miniature work of art.

The Artistry and Craftsmanship: Behind every Brioche Dorée pastry lies a dedication to artistry and craftsmanship. The bakers, trained in the traditions of French patisserie, pour their passion into each creation, ensuring that every pastry is a masterpiece of texture, flavor, and visual appeal.

Meticulous Ingredient Selection: Brioche Dorée sources the finest ingredients to create its exceptional pastries. From premium French butter to locally-sourced fruits and meticulously selected chocolates, every component is chosen with utmost care to ensure the highest quality and authentic flavors.

Handcrafted Perfection: The skilled bakers at Brioche Dorée employ time-honored techniques, handcrafting each pastry with precision and attention to detail. From the delicate folding of layers in croissants to the precise piping of cream in éclairs, the artisanal touch elevates the pastries to unparalleled heights.

Visual Delights: Beyond their divine flavors, Brioche Dorée pastries are visual marvels. Each creation is meticulously designed, with artful shaping, glazes, and toppings that entice the eye. From the delicate dusting of powdered sugar to the carefully placed fruits or chocolate curls, the aesthetics of these pastries are a feast for both the taste buds and the soul.

A Taste of Paris, Everywhere: With Brioche Dorée's global presence, the taste of Paris is within reach no matter where you are. From cozy cafes nestled in bustling city streets to airport kiosks that offer a moment of indulgence during travels, Brioche Dorée brings the magic of French patisserie to the world.

Conclusion: As you savor each delectable Brioche Dorée pastry, you become a part of a legacy built on passion, craftsmanship, and the pursuit of culinary excellence. Whether it's the classic Croissant, the indulgent Pain au Chocolat, or any other divine creation, Brioche Dorée pastries are a testament to the artistry and dedication that go into creating extraordinary culinary experiences.

So, next time you find yourself yearning for a taste of Paris, immerse yourself in the irresistible world of Brioche Dorée pastries, and let your senses embark on a journey of pure delight.

Follow us on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/briochedoree.official/

Nice was Nice

By Nice I mean niece.

The ocean cascaded into melted blue marble gelato.

The painted window sills of jigsaws were made from a hard to pronounce brand.

Sweet salty caramel toffee resembles the texture of over gelled French beards. Too stiff.

Boudoir fresh roses and lilies-of-the-valley, the maltipoo’s fur coat. C’est propre.

Mosaic cathedrals wrapped in an armory of wacky tee shirts, painted with the Eiffel Tower.

The kiosk keychains clanking simultaneously to the sound of obnoxious gum smacking.

Cobblestone streets or rotting grey teeth?

Let’s cliffside skinny dip in a full suit and tie.

Burnt baked baguettes shape reminded me of gated wooden pikes in the arrondissement.

Hot chocolate in a homosapiens mouth. A human’s mouth. My mouth.

The noise of screeching forks in a French onion soup,

bursted the mere sensitivity of my auditory apparatus.

Translated bus rides of chaotic strandment in Rue Droite.

Teeth clattering air being sucked out with therapy shopping sprees from my bank account breach.

Spotted were the cutest Parisian but not Parisian looking boys in a cafe. They’re from Nice.

Broken camellia bushes bushier than my bus driver’s weave.

Waffle cones broken like chunks of gnocchi eaten by pterodactyls.

The flying rats were the size of a Monaco yacht.

Overweight luggage dragged with forces and magnitudes of a paper doll.

The paper doll being me. Frail and weak.

Through winding roads of illegality were museums,

of flying metal birds on a zoo embarkation.

Waiting for departure.

Paris is France's capital, and it is well-known for being a romantic place. Paris has been a major European center of finance, commerce and fashion since the 17th century. There are many tourist attractions in Paris, including the Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum and Cathedrale Notre-Dame. Paris is a popular and highly-rate travel destination due to its rich art and culture, cafe culture and pastries, fashion and exquisite gastronomy. Parisians are slightly different than the rest because they are workaholics. They don't make many friends quickly and are not very friendly. They love to talk about philosophy, politics, and other topics. Paris is also well-known for its delicious cuisine. Paris' authentic street food is what lights up the streets. We will be looking at some of the most popular street recipes in paris. Here's a list of 12 famous street recipes in paris While many people travel to new cities to see museums and monuments, it is not enough to experience the city's street food. Here's a list of the best street food in Paris. 1. French Baguette Sandwich This is the Parisian street food. This sandwich is make from baguette bread. Technically, a baguette can be describe as a long loaf made of bread and crisped. Baguettes are slice and fill with your choice of sauce or spread. You can fill the baguette with shrimp, chicken, meat, or artichoke hearts, as well as tomatoes, lettuce, and green onions. This is the perfect breakfast dish that anyone can enjoy. 2. Crepes This is the most popular street food in Paris. Crepes can be make with rice flour and various fillings, including Nutella, cheese, egg or ham. Crepe stalls can be find in almost all markets. This authentic snack is a favorite among both tourists and locals. Grab it now, if you haven’t already.(recipes in paris). 3. Croissants They are a must-eat when you visit Paris. Croissants are make from layers of yeast-leavened dough. French butter spreads over the dough, and it is then roll into a sheet. Laminating is a method of rolling the dough. This gives the pastry a flaky texture that is similar to puff pastry. This makes a great breakfast meal.(recipes in paris) 4. Falafel Falafel sandwich is a French classic food. (recipes in paris) It is very similar to the Paris ham sandwich. This is a middle-Eastern dish that typically includes meatballs with green salads, tomatoes, green onions, butter, mayonnaise, and lettuce. The Falafel is so good that there are long lines at every kiosk selling Falafel. You will get your number within 15 minutes.(recipes in paris). 5. Pad Thai recipes in paris is home to all nationalities,(recipes in paris) so you will find many cuisines. This is a traditional Thai dish that can be find on Paris' streets. Pad Thai is make of white rice noodles. They are fry in oil and then toss with a variety of zesty and tart sauces. You can combine the rice noodles with minced meats such as chicken, beef or pork or with fish.(recipes in paris). 6. Tacos Tacos are a snack make from corn tortillas and fill with vegetables, meat, shrimp, or tofu. If you're a vegetarian,the options for fillings are limit to vegetables. The list of possibilities is endless for non-vegetarians. This snack is a great option for a quick and easy trip to Paris.(recipes in paris). 7. Souvlakis Souvlakis, a Greek fast food, is readily available at all food hawkers throughout the city. This dish includes vegetables and meat that are skewered and then grill over a flame. This delicious dish comes with a skewer, pita bread, and fried potatoes. 8. Kebab Indian street food can be find most often on Paris' streets. Kebabs are one of the best options to satisfy your hunger. There are many street food options, including baked kebabs and charcoal grill kebabs. These kebabs are a must-have if you love Indian food

9. Gelato This is an Italian-make ice cream. It's make with ice, little sugar or egg. The icy mixture is mix well and then served in cones with exotic flavors like black currant, raspberry and hazelnut. This gelato is a great option for refreshing your body and mind during sightseeing.(recipes in paris). 10. Macarons Paris is the home of pastry and bread lovers. Macarons are a French dessert make from egg whites, icing sugar and almond meal. There are many macaron shops in Paris that offer a variety of flavors, including rosewater, raspberry and salted caramel. Macarons, though a little pricey, are worth it because they are the essence of Paris.

Tuesday May 10, 2022

There is nothing like overnighting on a plane to make one appreciate the luxury of stretching out on a bed, especially for a stomach sleeper like me!

We probably went to bed about 10pm. Just after midnight, Jeff’s phone rang. We were both quite discombobulated and he said “wow, a fast night!” He declined the call and we realized it was still the middle of our night and went back to sleep. I was awake just before our actual alarm went off at 6 am.

We had a nice view of the Parthenon from our room, but when we walked into the glass walled eighth floor hotel restaurant for breakfast this morning, my eyes welled with tears when I took in the 360 spectacular view. They had an amazing continental breakfast spread, with a slight Greek twist with tomatoes, olives and other unique fare. We tried to control our portions, but I had a wave of bliss wash over me when I bit into my favorite chocolate croissant (Pain du chocolat) which you can get in the states, but the one I had today tasted like I was in a Parisian Café!

By 7:30a, we were back on the street working our way to the main gate of the Acropolis. I was on my game and was able to walk the twisting route we’d walked last night and get there without using the Google map feature of my phone. We arrived there about ten minutes before the gates opened and I was able to buy our tickets online and therefore we were among the first in the gates. It was nice to be in there early on a gorgeous morning!

It’s hard to wrap your brain around how old these structures are, and like we’ve marveled in Peru and Mexico - how did they mine all this marble and get it up to the top of this mountain, and build these structures that are still standing over 2500 years later?! Since there were few other people, it was great to take the time and read the signs that explained affiliation with various Greek gods and goddesses, or royalty. Also the early 1800 attempts at restoration (which did more damage than good). From afar, the various cranes and scaffolding kind of ruins the view, but it was neat to be up close and see some of the work that has already been completed, and what’s in progress. Most fascinating is the puzzle work of fitting the pieces of various columns and façades back together.

After 90 minutes, we had seen enough. The day was heating up and we hadn’t brought water with us. As we headed out a different gate, the crowds were starting to stream in - perfect timing! We walked along the upper road, looking down into the Agora ruins - the site of what had been a crowed shopping center - and the origin of the term “agoraphobia!”

We cut down a narrow side street, with lots of steps so we were confident there wouldn’t be car or motorcycle traffic. As soon as the steps ended though, a taxi came roaring around the corner - we jumped onto the tiny sidewalks and started paying attention to traffic. We bought a bottle of water and kept walking downhill making right and left turns. We didn’t exactly know where we were and enjoyed seeing different Cafés, stores and residences. All of a sudden there was our hotel (last night we missed it and walked two blocks beyond it).

We had about an hour to kill. We finished packing, Jeff took a nap and I did a 30 minute Peloton yoga session - great to stretch after all this travel. Our driver picked us up just before 11am and we had an uneventful drive back to the airport. He was also friendly and knowledgeable. When we were talking to Yanny last night, he said the natural friendliness of the Greek people has also been their downfall as it has allowed people to take advantage of them!

We checked into Aegean air. Like we’ve done in Europe before, the kiosk spits out your luggage tags and you’re supposed to stick them on the bags yourself! Lucky for me, Jeff know how that’s supposed to work and he rescued mine after I peeled off the wrong side (probably again)! Our boarding passes had the word “lounge” on them, and happily enough, they gots us into the Aegean lounge where we helped ourselves to more yummy Greek sandwiches and cookies, even though we didn’t need to eat again!

The gate was crowded with mostly young Americans - college aged kids and newlyweds. They loaded us onto two buses and drove us out to where several Aegean Airline planes were waiting, and we walked up the stairs to board. BrightStar had booked this flight for us and we were surprised to find ourselves in the first seats. I generally tune out the preflight briefing, but the flight attendant told me I had to remove my noise canceling headphones for take off and landing! So I looked at the screen and was surprised to find Giannis Antetokunmpo (African refuge who was raised in Greece, and is currently NBA star for the Milwaukee Bucks) starring in the movie - and it was hysterical. Understandably, he’s a national hero here!

It was about a thirty minute flight, but we had full beverage service with a lunch bag (which we kept for later since we’d just filled up in the lounge). The service and the attendants were what I imagine old school classic - all pretty, thin, young women. They all had long straight dark hair pulled into a chignon, and had these adorable pillbox hats and pantsuits. When they were serving the drinks/meals, they all put on aprons. Felt like we were in an old Bond movie.

We landed in Sartorini, claimed our bags and found our driver - also found Virginia BrightStar owner Dan Price and his partner, May. They’d been delayed in their flight and were routed onto ours. Together we traveled north to the village of Oia, and our driver stopped at the steps to the Mystique resort. We were told to forget about our bags and head down to reception. It was reminiscent of Tanzania as we felt guilty about someone having to schlep our 50 pound bags down all those stairs!

Maria checked us in and gave us a tour of the magnificent property. We got settled into our room for the next 5 nights, and then set out to work on relaxing - it’s shouldn’t be so hard, right? I took my iPad out to our patio and laid on the chaise and read my ebook and napped a bit. I can do this!

Then we dressed for dinner and met the BrightStar gang at the resort restaurant Lure. The night had cooled off and despite heaters at each end of the table, most people were cold. We were served course after course of amazing appetizers, starters, main course, deserts, all with champagne and a local white wine, followed by Metaxa, a Greek liquor. Because of the chill, we departed for our individual rooms, but it was a fun night and we were up past midnight - unusual for us no matter what time zone we’re in!

Parisian journal kiosk

French vintage postcard

Bring Your Vintage Home To Life With Cleopatra Oil Painting!

Are you looking to give your home a vintage twist? If your answer is yes, a historical painting might be your perfect option. Regardless of the artist, a Cleopatra oil painting can instantly give your room a distinct vibe. However, it can be overwhelming to decide which art piece you prefer the most.

And that’s why the following sections list the most celebrated paintings to make your job a bit easier. So, continue reading!

Top Cleopatra Oil Painting For A Vintage Themed House!

If you take an especial interest in antique artwork, nothing can be more exciting than a hand-made oil painting with historical references. Here are the top three choices to complete your decorations.

1. Costume design for the ballet Cleopatra (CL-1974-KA)

Leon Bakst worked as a set and costume designer for decades. The artists include numerous cultural expressions and emotions that reflect human creativity in his paintings. The painting perfectly indicates his knowledge of theaters and dancers. It will surely add some grace to your hobby room.

2. Cleopatra Testing Poisons on Prisoners (DA-7003-KA)

This painting by the French artist Alexandre Cabanel shows Cleopatra VII observing the effects of poisons on prisoners condemned to death. Cabanel had a fascination for historical and orientalist-themed art. When the Parisian public first saw the painting, they showered him with honors.

3. Cleopatra on the Terraces of Philae (ER-0050-KA)

The masterpiece depicts one of several imaginary historical scenes set in ancient Egypt. It shows Cleopatra preparing her departure by boat from the idyllic island of Philae. Now the island is best known for the ruins of the Kiosk of Trajan, depicted on the far left.

Get Genuine Cleopatra Oil painting Online!

To get these Cleopatra oil painting or any other authentic hand-made paintings, you can head over to the Oil Paintings Gallery. You may visit oilpaintingsgallery.com to check out their collection.

Public Toilet

Still not actually understanding that my works were a reflection of me I engaged with the public toilet task by using the famous Melbourne kiosks as an agent of distribution. What I had noticed was the Parisian awnings often found on these kiosks which I always thought was odd.

I recognised that the awnings were an ill considered way of nationalising architecture to represent something other than it is. There is this idea in Australia that if something is European it somehow becomes more sophisticated or luxurious, it is a separation from ourselves as Australians. To combat this, I thought it was be fun to put an outback dunny in the middle of the city. Now the absurdity of a nationalised identity in architecture was visible.

Architecture and art as a whole is a reflection of ones self, so to pursue a nation's identity and reject ones own thoughts and actions loses the potency and success of the project.

‘Masquerade’  verb

pretend to be someone one is not

L’espoir

Summary: When the fire breaks on the roofs of Notre Dame there’s not much Ladybug and Chat Noir can do. No jewel in Master Fu’s case can assist them today. But then they are reminded that even in the darkest times there’s always hope. Hope as fragile as the wings of a butterfly, yet powerful enough to vie with fate.

AO3 / ff net

A sincere thank you to @tempomental-fanfics​ for beta-reading this story, as well as to Tempo, @lilaflyy​ and Remasa for brainstorming with me.

Tears stung her eyes and rolled down her mask and cheeks, marking their path with sooty lines. She no longer knew if they came from the smoke or from her helplessness. Because Ladybug failed Notre Dame, she failed Paris for the first time in years.

Chat grabbed her hand, grounding her firmly in place when she wanted to return to the roof once again.

‘We’re superheroes, my Lady,’ he whispered hoarsely. He got his fill of smoke in the last hour or so. ‘But we’re not fireproof.’

She clenched her teeth and squeezed her eyes shut to stop the tears from coming.

‘This is beyond us now,’ Chat Noir said. His thumb rubbed soothing circles over her forearm.

She didn’t notice when she drowned in his embrace, powerless and defeated. He held her and purred softly under his breath until her shoulders stopped shaking and her weeping subsided to the occasional sniff.

‘You’re almost out of time again, Bug,’ Chat whispered into her ear at the fourth beep of her miraculous. ‘Tikki needs to recharge. You both need to rest.’

Ladybug nodded quietly and withdrew from the hug. She disappeared in the first archway she found to release her transformation and fed the tired kwami. But she couldn’t keep away for long.

Marinette slipped into the crowd while Tikki munched on the last cookie in her purse. She watched in grave silence, side by side with anonymous Parisians, as the sight of her childhood, one of the oldest symbols of Paris, burned in the fading light of sunset.

There had been plenty of things she had tried, but nothing had worked. Lucky Charm after Lucky Charm failed spectacularly. And even if some of them succeeded in keeping the fire at bay, they disappeared with her transformation -- freeing the raging inferno to prey on the ancient wood of Notre Dame’s roof. Miraculous Ladybug wouldn’t fix what an akuma hadn’t caused.

Ladybug and Chat Noir did what they could to make sure everyone was safe. They helped to carry out every piece of art that could be moved from its place. They assisted the firefighters in moving the heavy equipment as close as possible. They’d been warned not to try anything risky, because the old construction might not survive it.

There was nothing more to do but watch. And grieve.

‘This is not your fault, Marinette,’ a familiar voice spoke by her ear.

She turned around only to see Master Fu coming to stand next to her.

‘Sometimes even magic is helpless and fate laughs in her face,’ the old Chinese man said sadly. ‘There’s no jewel in my case that could assist us today.’

Marinette wiped the tears that gathered under her lashes and sniffed in defeat. This was the worst day of her life.

‘There is one that could help,’ Fu continued. ‘But it’s out of our reach.’

She raised her eyes to the guardian, a question she did not dare to ask freezing on her tongue when she spotted the akuma.

The butterfly fluttered industriously over the heads of the silent crowd.

‘No!’ She cried.

She wanted to scream her lungs out. Not now. Not over this. Was that man insane to choose such a moment?

Marinette wanted to stand in the way of the akuma. She wanted to warn people, she wanted to stop it, but once again she was too late. The cursed insect landed on the helmet of a fire crew sergeant and disappeared, causing a wave of black smoke to envelop the man.

She didn’t waste another second. She couldn’t fight the fire, but she could fight the akuma and the filthy Hawkmoth, who wanted to stab Paris in the back at her lowest moment. Using the commotion, she called on her red suit behind a kiosk and quickly returned, ready for battle.

Only there was no battle, no attack. The crowds watched in baffled silence as the akumatized firefighter hovered over the cathedral roof. He had transformed into a lean, agile figure, with leather clothes and harness over a chest that looked as if it had been oiled. His skin glimmered in the evening sky. The heavy makeup, including the generous amount of eye-liner and the beard that must have been oiled too, brought a circus artist to mind. The firefighter skipped over the construction, taking no notice of the flames licking his feet.

Chat appeared at Ladybug’s side and they both observed in astonishment as the akuma raised his hands. Two torches danced in them. The man swiped the items over the flames and the fire jumped from the burning roof to the heads of the torches.

The crowd gasped as the akuma stuck one of the torches into his mouth and...  ate the flame as if it was nothing more than candy floss. He licked his lips and repeated the action with the second torch. The roof under his feet was no longer on fire. Only faint wisps of smoke indicated it ever had been.

Fire Eater started to run over the Notre Dame rooftops and swiped his torches at the fire. He proceeded to eat the flames he gathered as if it had been a treat at a fair. A path of fumes marked his route, the remnants of the roaring beast.  

At last the rooftop of the cathedral was free of fire and the akuma entered the structure, apparently looking for something more to satisfy his appetite. He reappeared at the main entrance a few minutes later, licking his lips with gusto. He went straight for Ladybug and Chat Noir who had made their way to the front of the building. His belly must have been stuffed with all the fire he’d eaten, because it expanded visibly. Little beads of sweat gathered on his forehead.

Fire Eater paid the heroes a short bow, but when he opened his mouth to speak a purple outline appeared over his eyes.

‘He says that’s all he could do,’ the akuma rasped. Little wisps of smoke escaped his lips. ‘He says it doesn’t mean he’ll stop.’

Chat reached for Ladybug’s hand just in time to prevent her from taking out her yoyo.

‘Why?’ the feline hero asked.

‘He is a Parisian too,’ the man replied with a shrug. ‘This is the city of love, his love as well.’

The heroes watched as the torches disappeared from his hands. With one last look to the blackened walls of Notre Dame Fire Eater murmured, ‘He says you can purify the akuma now so that it doesn’t multiply.’

Once again dark smoke enveloped his figure and the butterfly broke free of its confinement. The firefighter collapsed to the ground. Chat was at his side in a blink.

With one throw of her yoyo Ladybug captured the akuma. She caught Master Fu’s gaze. Tears glimmered in his eyes and it was easy to guess why.

‘This is what the butterfly miraculous was meant for,’ the old man whispered. ‘This is how it should be used.’

Ladybug hesitated looking at her weapon. She felt the insect fluttering inside. The sign of help that came from the least expected direction. The proof, that there was a human on the other side.

Beside her firefighter crews were already entering the church. It was time to asses the damage, to clean and fix it. She felt so small in the face of such a tragedy. Sometimes even magic wasn’t enough.

Chat squeezed her shoulder. ‘You okay, bug?’

She shook her head remembering herself. She opened the yoyo and released the white butterfly.

‘Come on,’ her partner said. ‘I bet we can help them with the heavy lifting,’ he wiggled his brows.’

‘Good idea,’ Ladybug nodded.

She watched the butterfly until it got lost in the sea of people rushing into the cathedral. Everyone wanted to help.

Today we’re all Parisians, she thought as she allowed the crowd to carry her inside. A small smile tugged at her lips. Because despite all the damage the fire had done, it didn’t destroy the most important thing of all.

Hope. There was still hope.

*************

Author’s Note: L’espoir means hope.

I was shocked when I heard about the fire at Notre Dame, I was sad when I saw the pictures. This is my way of coping with events like that.

Those of you who know me, know that I don't believe Gabriel is a rotten villain beyond redemption. I want to believe this would have happened if there were miraculouses in Paris yesterday.