The Lady and the Gypsy (Clopin x OC romance)

Preparations

The day was extremely sunny as Madeleine and Clopin walked through a bright green meadow near the Clement's house. Spring had passed and Summer was upon them. For Clopin this meant that preparations for the Festival of Fools were underway.

"So, have you got any special plans for the festival?" asked Madeleine.

"Come now, you can't expect me to spoil the surprise said Clopin placing a hand on his chest in mock offense. Madeleine laughed, the beautiful bell like sound even clearer in the empty meadow. 

"No I suppose not," she replied, jumping up on a narrow rock wall and beginning to walk along it with her arms out for balance. Clopin walked along side the wall with her fingertips resting on the palm of his gloved hand. 

"Are you excited for the festival ma cherie? It will be your first time." 

Madeleine smiled.

"Oh yes! A chance to see you all performing together? It's going to be marvelous!" Cloppin grinned at her words.

"Yes it's the most wonderful day of the year!" he paused, "Well, second most wonderful."  Madeleine glanced at him in confusion. 

"Second? What is the first?" her distraction caused her to slip and Clopin, having anticipated this moved quickly to catch her. He smiled down at her as she put her arms around his neck. 

"The first is the day that you rescued me mon amour," he said softly. Her smile widened and she kissed him. They pulled apart and he set her on her feet. "I'm afraid I have to leave early today. My father wants me to help prepare to smuggle a family into Paris tonight."

Madeleine nodded.

"It's alright." There was no hint of disappointment or annoyance in her tone.

"Merci Madeleine," Madeleine shrugged. 

"Da rien mon coeur." Madeleine's understanding of his people's plight was one of the things he loved most about her. Other women might have gotten jealous or annoyed that he couldn't always pay attention to them but Madeleine did not.

He took her hand and they carefully made their way back to the Clement's house.

HoND

Clopin entered the hustle and bustle of the Court of Miracles and made his way straight to his father's tent. Harodain looked up as he entered.

"Busy day?" he asked with a small smirk. Clopin rolled his eyes good naturedly. 

"Immensely." 

"Good, are you ready for tonight then?" his father asked. Clopin nodded. The attempts to smuggle people in and out of Paris were one of the most dangerous operations. There was so much that could go wrong. The tale of how the Hunchback came to live in Notre Dame was a perfect example. 

"Absolutely. They're coming by boat correct?" he asked. Harodain inclined his head.

"Yes, we have three hours until we leave. Be ready." 

"I will," said Clopin before turning to leave. As he began to walk away he was intercepted by Esmerelda and her goat Djali. 

"Hello cousin," she said cheerfully.

"Hello Esme," he replied with a smile.

"I still can't believe your father won't let me perform at the festival!" she said to him indignantly as they began to walk. 

"Your ankle is still recovering from when you sprained it. You might cause more damage to yourself. And besides, Frollo has been particularly harsh recently. It'a bad time to get noticed by him." Explained Clopin.

"I'm not afraid of him!" said Esmerelda her green eyes flashing. Clopin sighed.

"I'm well aware of that."

"Someone should to something to stop him! People should fight back!" Clopin shook his head at her idealism. He wanted Frollo gone as muchas any gypsy, but one thing his father had taught him was caution. The odds of them overthrowing Frollo were not good. And even if they did the cost would be far too great.

Clearly realizing she wasn't going to get any support on the idea his cousin changed subjects.

"Sooo...How's your girlfriend?" she asked with a wicked grin that made Clopin feel wary. "I really need to meet her. I have some wonderful stories about you to share." Clopin's eyes widened.

"You keep quiet!"

"Hmm maybe the one about the time your prank on your aunt failed and you ended up..." Clopin made to cover her mouth but she ducked and grabbing his hat, ran. Clopin chased her all the way back to her tent where he tackled her and began tickling her. 

"Stop! Stop! I give in!" she gasped between laughs. He let her up and she returned his hat. Esmerelda smiled.

"Seriously though, I would like to meet her given how you seem to have fallen madly in love with her. Clopin nodded.

"I'm sure you two would get along very well."

"I'm going to teach Djali some new tricks," she said motioning to her goat. "Want to come?" Clopin shook his head. 

"I have to get ready to go out with Father," he told her. Worry filled Esmerelda's face. 

"Good luck then. And watch out for the guards." Clopin took her hand.

"I will. Don't worry though. Father's done this before. We'll be there and back before you know it."

"I hope so," said Esmerelda before leaving. Clopin walked back to his tent to wait for his father. He felt a sense of foreboding but shoved it aside. Everything was going to be fine. Wasn't it?

Author's note: Part 10 is complete! Please let me know what you think in the comments and thanks again to those of you who already commented. Your words me a lot! Thanks also to the reviewer who corrected some of my French. Until next week!