The Lady and the Gypsy (Clopin x OC romance)

Notre Dame

The day was cool and crisp. Autumn was beginning to creep up on the city of Paris. Clopin had increased the number of puppet shows he did in an attempt to get more money. There would be far less crowds once the weather became cold again.

Clopin had been especially busy lately. There was much to do when it came to organizing the Court and looking after his people. He had of course done some of it while his father was alive however, as the cooler months neared the pressure of his role as King grew heavier. 

Madeleine had actually been very understanding about the situation and was always there for him if he needed to talk. She was the only person he trusted himself to be vulnerable around now.

Clopin had just finished counting the coins he had earned for his work today, when he heard a commotion he looked over to see some guards harassing a gypsy family. 

"Hey!" called Clopin drawing the guards attention.

"Why don't you nitwits pick on someone your own size? Or are Frollo's big bad guards just cowardly little bullies?"

The guards immediately rose to the bait and began to head towards Clopin who started to run as far as possible from the gypsy family. He knew he needed to stay in sight long enough to give the family time to run so he purposely allowed the guards to follow him. 

After several minutes of darting in and out of alleys and the twisted streets of Paris the guards were catching up with him. Suddenly Clopin saw Notre Dame towering in front of him he increased his pace and skidded over the threshold calling,

"Sanctuary!" The guards stopped as they reached the steps of Notre Dame, cursing.

As Clopin moved further inside the church he looked around. He had never actually been in Notre Dame before. It was quite beautiful the windows were stained glass with various saints clopin couldn't identify. The colored glass cast rainbows on the floor. The ceiling was high and vaulted. 

He turned to see the arch-deacon approaching.

"Can I help you my son?" he asked. Clopin was surprised by the kind tone the old man spoke in. 

"I'm just seeking Sanctuary for the moment. I'll be gone soon," explained Clopin.

"Take your time, you are safe here," the arch-deacon said, patting Clopin on the shoulder before walking away. 

Clopin was about to continue his exploration so to speak when he saw a familiar blond figure standing in front of some candles on an alter. Madeleine. He slowly approached her.

"Bonjour Clopin," she said turning to look at him as he approached. "I didn't realize you were the religious type."

"I'm not. The Cathedral just makes for a good hiding spot from Frollo's minions." Madeleine glanced back at the candles.

"So you don't believe in God?" she asked her tone was not accusatory. Simply curious.

"God's never done much for me or my people. If he's so just and wonderful why does he permit evil people like Frollo to be in power? Surely he should protect the innocent?"

"A fair point," agreed Madeleine looking pensive. "It does seem strange that he should allow such suffering yet I believe in him none the less."

"Has he ever answered your prayers?" asked Clopin skeptically. 

"Yes," replied Madeleine with a smile. "I asked him to send me a good man who I could love and who would love me in return."

Clopin couldn't help but smile at her words. 

"I'm glad he answered that prayer." Clopin looked at the candles and the long match in Madeleine's hand.

"What are you doing?" he asked stepping closer.

"Well I light a candle for each significant thing I pray for." Madeleine struck the match and placed in next to the wick of the first candle.

"One for my family, that they will remain safe and well," she lifted the match and placed it next to a second candle "One for your people that they may be delivered from the injustice they face," she moved to a third candle, "And one for the man I love. That the Lord will protect him and help him succeed in his duties when it comes to caring for others." She blew out the match and set it to the side.

Clopin was touched by her prayers. He could hear other people praying for status and riches yet Madeleine didn't even pray for herself. She prayed for those she loved. Clopin considered himself very lucky he was in that number.

Madeleine held out her hand for Clopin to take and she drew him next to her as she knelt.

"Would you care to join me? After all what's the worst that can happen?" she asked. Clopin paused thinking. He supposed she was right, he had nothing to lose if God didn't actually exist so one might as well try. He knelt next to her and copied her entwined fingers.

God, I don't know if you can actually hear me. Honestly I can't say I'm certain you even are real. BUT Madeleine believes it so I suppose this can't hurt. My people need help. Every day they are treated unfairly and nobody seems willing to do anything about it. Please protect them and help me to lead them safely. Please deliver us from this prejudice. I can't stand to see my people in pain. And if you can't help them then please show me the way to do so. And thank you for sending Madeleine to me, if you are responsible for  our meeting. I don't know what I would do without her.

HoND

Quasimodo looked down into the main area of the Cathedral. Strangely he saw the storyteller who's puppet cart was near Notre Dame. His Master always said gypsies were evil but Quasi hadn't ever seen anything bad about the story teller. Next to the storyteller was a blond woman Quasi recognized not only from coming here to church but also as having visited the storyteller quite often. 

He looked down and saw the woman take the storyteller's hand in a gentle gesture. He wondered if they were together. The loving way they smiled at each other was beautiful. He wished someone would stare at him like that. Still thinking about the strange couple Quasi made his way back to the towers to ring the bells.

Author's note: So we finally meet Quasi! I know this got a bit religious but I liked the idea of comparing the two perspectives of Madeleine and Clopin. Thanks to all my readers and especially to those that have commented. PLEASE leave your thoughts in the comments if you like the story or even have some suggestions of things you'd like to see. Until next week!