The storm had started to pick up now, the snow falling more thickly than usual. Sensing the danger, Esmeralda quickly collected her earnings and exited the pub before anyone could stop her. Her goat, Djahli, bleated loudly at her heels. He wasn't acclimated to the harshness of Paris's winters. Lovingly, she picked him up and placed him on her shoulders before drawing her cloak around the both of them.

"I'm sure you'll get something to eat once we're home," she promised Djahli, having to hunch over since he was so heavy. Suddenly, she felt Djahli's weight leave her shoulders as he kicked off and started to run. This caught Esmeralda off guard and she fell into the snow, Djahli heedless to her cursing.

"What the hell's the matter with you?" she scolded, brushing herself off. He was attempting to drag something out of a pile of snow, but Esmeralda couldn't tell what. She pushed him off to the side and felt a wet sleeve. It was soaked to the bone and poorly covered a bony arm. She now knew that a person was underneath.

"Oh my God," she breathed, scooping up the snow in a hasty digging effort. Djahli tried to help too, moving his hooves as fast as he could. With much effort, Esmeralda managed to drag out a girl. Her dress was made of material similar to burlap. Soggy rags covered her feet. Her leg was covered in sticky blood and a ring of frozen vomit outlined her blue lips. She knew this girl, whoever she was, needed help immediately. Thinking quickly, she handed the money sack for Djahli to carry in his mouth. Then, she picked up the girl, who was unsurprisingly light and made her way to the Court of Miracles as fast as she could.

Several minutes later, she was walking through the slushy, half frozen sewer water that covered the catacomb's floor. Torchlight illuminated a stone boardwalk above her, revealing a scrawny man with a purple outfit and black beard.

"Esmeralda, how good to see you!" the man exclaimed jovially, jumping down in front of her.

"Hello Clopin, but I really don't have time to chat," Esmeralda explained hurriedly, trying to make her way past him. He held out his hand to stop her.

"Wait a moment, wait a moment, you do know only gypsies can come here without being executed," Clopin observed, motioning to the girl Esmeralda was holding.

"Yes, but she had passed out in the snow. You've seen how bad it is out there, who knows what could've happened?"

He gave her a quizzical look, mixed with pity and confusion.

"Oh alright, she can stay until she gets better," Clopin sighed. Esmeralda flashed him a quick smile as she dashed pass. Finally, she was in the Court of Miracles.

Dozen of colorful tapestries hung from the stone walls. Tents and dilapidated caravans were everywhere. The gallows stood off to the side, their ropes hanging ominously. She made her way to a small green caravan and attempted to open the door one handed without dropping the girl.

"I've got it," said Clopin unexpectedly, coming up behind her and gently turning the rusty knob. They entered into a cramped room. In the corner on the floor lay a thin mattress, covered in various quilts and furs.

Clopin lifted the blankets for Esmeralda to set the girl down.

"Now, I need you to get me some warm water with a rag and the smallest dresses you can find," she ordered as Clopin was about to reach down and cover her with the blankets.

Djahli snorted, stomping his hoof impatiently on the floor.

"Could you stop that?" Clopin spat, giving the goat a fierce look.

"It means he's hungry, get him something to eat to while you're at it," Esmeralda said offhandedly. Clopin opened his mouth to retaliate and then closed it again. Sighing, he left the caravan to get what Esmeralda wanted.