Pigeons of Paris [on hold]

Chapter 1

"Marcel...Marcel! Oh, oh, oh, Marcel where are you?" the squawking echoed across the almost deserted square.

It was a mid-November morning and the frosty squares of Paris were empty apart from a few lonesome pigeons pecking at some stale baguette crumbs.

"Marcel, come 'ere right now!"

"Marcel, you devil of a pigeon, what do you think you are playing at?" as two or three more pigeons joined in a chorus of screeching was to be heard. In a nearby café lining the square a young woman turned around to the odd noise but quickly dismissed the matter.

"Oh, oh, oh, where is Marcel?" sounded a worried squawk. At that moment a rather sheepish looking pigeon fluttered down from the large oak tree under which the pigeons stood huddled for warmth. As the pigeon landed the group below him quickly dispersed, but one pigeon. As quick as she could she hobbled towards the pigeon.

"Ah, Emilie I'm ever so sorry. I- "

"Oh, shut up Marcel!" and she wacked him across the head with her wing. "Why did you not come down when I called you?"

"Emilie, don't get angry! I was just taking a nap."

"And you didn't wake up from the racket? You are even more stupide than I thought! But I am 'appy you are 'ere." And she nuzzled against her companion's feathery breast.

Quietly the rest of the flock fluttered and hobbled of to their roosts and left the pigeon pair.

"Come Marcel, let us make way to the bridge."

"Yes, let's." Side by side, Marcel and Emilie flew in the direction of the Seine.

Twilight was falling over Paris and the Eiffel tower was twinkling in the distance. As Marcel and Emilie huddled together under the bridge they listened to the night-time sounds of Paris. They did this every evening before they went to sleep. Below them they heard the flowing water of the river and on the bank they could here a lovesick couple talking softly to each other. Emilie took a step closer to Marcel and soon they were both fast asleep.