I woke up slowly to the gongs of the bells in the distance and the Seine river nearby. I looked around and saw that I was in the eastern part of Paris across the Seine, and as I got up, I felt shorter. I looked down and saw my outfit hasn't changed much, only that I became barefoot, and that my skirt is covered by a light blue shawl. I looked at my reflection in the Seine, and saw that I looked younger! Whoa, Jolee wasn't kidding! I look like 19! And I am 5' 2" inches at least, I think if I remember right. And my brown hair has grown to a considerable length past my shoulders. Huh, pretty good. I then heard music, I slowly went away from the Seine, and followed the sound, as I carefully watched out for any of Frollo's minions or the monster himself. I listened to the music, it was lovely and I couldn't help to hum along to the music. At a corner, I turned, and saw a couple of gypsies. One of them was dancing, and the other one was playing a accordion. The dancing person, a woman, looked like at least 24 years old, long black hair in a ponytail, and her light brown eyes was shining joyfully, wearing a bright midnight blue dress and barefoot. The accordion person was a man, about 30 years old, shaggy black hair in a well-worn hat, dark brown eyes dancing to the music, wearing a tattered purple shirt, and patched-up brown pants, barefoot as well.
I clapped softly to the music, when suddenly a whistle sounded out fiercely, and the gypsies was up, running immediately, with their hard-earned money in a bag. I gasped as I saw the bag rip, the money fell, and the woman stopped to receive them, when the minions showed up. A pudgy one and an ugly one with a mustache. I growled softly as the minions started to arrest her, and I jumped into action. I ran, rammed my knee into a unmentionable area of the ugly man, and he screamed high-pitched, as the woman kicked the pudgy man in the face. As they held in pain, the woman grabbed my hand, and we ran, cutting through corners, and ducking into an alley, as she led me to a hidden door in the wall, and we went in. We stopped, held our breaths as we listened for the minions, passing by for a few threatening moments, then they're gone. I drew out a deep sigh as I panted from the sudden adrenaline. The woman looked at me, looked like she was flashing back to something, and then laughed. I realized she saw my crude, yet effective move, and I laughed, chuckling with her.
"You must have some good moves, if you did that!". said the woman.
I chuckled, "Let's say, my mother had to convince my father to teach me to defend for myself, and I sure appreciate it plenty, that's for sure."
"You are a strange woman, if I may say." replied the woman.
"I am strange, for my parents nicknamed me Bellheart, for my voice and clever mind.". I said.
The woman looked at me, said, "Oui, Bellheart. And you just helped me, you deserve to know my name. Bonjour, my name is Merla.".
"Bonjour, Merla. It's very bien to meet you.". I replied. Merla nodded, and asked if I was new here. I said that I was, and that I am a half gypsy. Where, truthfully, I only have a t least 1/8 gypsy blood. But I want to fit here, so I had to make a half-lie for the sake of my life. Merla looked happy at that, and asked me if I've ever heard of the Court of Miracles. I told her that I only heard rumours, and nothing else. She told me that it's very real, saying that it's a safe place from Frollo and his minions. I nodded, and she led me, by shortcuts, and corners, with one close call, and we arrived there safely to the Court of Miracles. Oh, I am going to see the Court of Miracles in its secrecy.