A/N: Finally, I'm continuing Love Thy Enemy. Ok, expect more interfering hijinks from Clopin, some conflict in Esmeralda, humiliation for poor Frollo and…Gringoire in love with a goat?
Chapter 9
Calumny and Consternation
Frollo
I must say if I thought Esmeralda was already happy that I agreed to walk here, she looked positively elated when all her friends gathered around her, thanking her profusely. Some were kissing her feet in a most worshipping manner. Others shook her hands vigorously. All in all, they were incredibly grateful to her for aiding in their quest for freedom. I knew before we left I would have to sternly inform them that their confirmation would be on the very same day Esmeralda was to be confirmed. The King did not want any delays. It was my duty to ensure every single one of these heathens was confirmed as pure Christians before even dreaming of a life of worth and profit.
Observing them now, I noticed an abundance of potential. The gypsies, though uneducated, had been cunning and determined. Some even seemed to possess a hint of intelligence. Esmeralda had also informed that all of her friends weren't illiterate but that their language skills were limited to only French and their own native language. I hoped Gringoire would remedy that. It would make teaching a lot easier if each of the gypsies mastered Latin. That reminds me; Esmeralda had to learn as well. She is still being pawed and applauded by all her friends. She looks up at me and grins gratefully. I smirked; my work here is done. I turned around to survey the Court of Miracles when I noticed Trouillefou staring at me. Well, it was more of a hateful glare then a stare and for once, there wasn't a scheming smirk on the gypsy's face. It was more of an annoyed scowl. He beckoned me closer.
"She isn't as naïve or as stupid as you think, Frollo," He mutters to me, his eyes holding mine in a steely glare. I was caught off guard. Trouillefou was acting really strange after Esmeralda's rescuing me. I was certain out of all the gypsies he would be the one who was most gratified. That didn't seem the case. "You think you're so smart, don't you?" He's practically spitting all his words out now. "You think that if you were to act like the goody-goody holy man in this situation, she's just going to fall into your arms. Esmeralda isn't a fool, Frollo." Now, I was the one getting angry. After all I had done, I would have expected more gratitude out of the King of Gypsies.
"Listen here, gypsy. I'm pretty sure out of all of Esmeralda's previous liaisons, I am the only who actually believes she had sense and sensibility far beyond her years. I have no intention to mislead her. When a pious man makes a promise, he jolly well better keep it," Trouillefou wasn't budging however. What did this heathen have for a brain? A boulder? His arms were crossed over his chest in a dead serious manner. I was shocked. Because Trouillefou was probably the most foolhardy gypsy there ever was. To see him so serious and deadpanned was most amazing. "Frollo, we both know what kind of man you are. No leopard can change its spots. And definitely not in a short period of time. You've known Esmeralda for only what…a few days? A week, maybe? And you're already putting on this façade of kindness. Well here's a bit of harsh reality. You may be pulling the wool over my people's eyes," With this, he gets right into my face and hisses defiantly. "But you're not pulling it over mine."
Flabbergasted, I watched as the gypsy glared at me with his bronze pupils. Never had I expected such insolence from the very people I was trying to save. Rage formed in my heart. Suddenly, I wondered whether if I had made a smart move. I knew I was honoring one of Esmeralda's deepest wishes but as she had said, there were limits. Trouillefou's downright rudeness was testing those rocky waters. I now knew that Gringoire was facing a challenge; Clopin Trouillefou was one those more obstinate gypsies who'd rather fool around, putting on worthless puppet shows than actually studying and bettering yourselves. That gypsy hopefully would improve his work ethic and his attitude. If not, as I had warned Esmeralda, my hand would be forced. In fact, it was being forced at this very minute. I was about to give Trouillefou the worst reprimand ever when all of a sudden; a tall figure stepped out of the shadows.
The figure was clad in a simple brown tunic, black straight slacks, tawdry shoes and a cap with a feather in it. His hair was in unruly brown curls and his eyes lit up in a sky blue. His skin was cherubic and fair. He had an addictive smile and a dreamy look about him. In his hand, he held a notebook and a feathered pen. I looked down and noticed that a young female goat with white fur and several grey patches was brushing affectionately against his calf. I immediately recognized the arty, dreamy and rather intelligent-looking man.
It was Pierre Gringoire, one of my old protégés.
Clopin
For once, I was actually happy that Gringoire kid interfered. If he hadn't, I'm pretty sure Frollo would have gone all infuriated on me or something. Usually, the guy often spooked me. When he taught us, he'd go all excited and childishly happy. Like the kids I fascinated with my puppetry. Truth be told, I didn't like people who were overly zealous. Not to mention, that he was also infatuated with Esmeralda's goat for some sick, twisted reason.
"Good afternoon, Your Grace," Gringoire greeted Frollo with a respectful bow. "I never expected you to enter the Court of Miracles…" He glances back at the execution platform with a wince. "…Unscathed." Frollo returned the greeting before answering that he was alright. Had it not been for Esmeralda. I still was in disbelief at her actions. If she was falling in love for Frollo, I knew my life was ruined. It would be disastrous if she ever did love Frollo. I'd better set her straight soon. Frollo gives me a long sideways glance before asking to leave him and Gringoire in privacy. I shrugged and left. At least now, I can go talk to Esmeralda.
It may be hard for her to hear but she needed to know the truth.
Esmeralda
My head was swimming due to the day's rocky events. First, my friends ambushed Frollo and me. Second, he was nearly executed. Third, I saved his life almost involuntarily. Something I wouldn't have done if it his execution had occurred a week earlier. Then lastly, he kept to his promise of educating my people and trying to soften the laws just for them. I couldn't believe how much effort and time he had put in to set things right. Yes, they still had compromise some luxuries in order to live a life free from treachery and tyranny but Frollo was offering more than I had thought possible. I suppose things weren't going to be as terrible as I had feared. If you didn't count the near execution.
"Esmeralda, can I have a word with you?" I turned and there was Clopin. He had a deep sense of urgency around him. I could immediately tell something was afoot. He leads me to a dark, shadowy corner of the Court of Miracles. He immediately launched into quite a lengthy speech.
"Look, Esmeralda, to me, you're like a little sister. And as your 'brother', I want nothing but the best for you," Clopin was grabbing my hands protectively now. "So please listen to what I have to say. I don't want you to spend your life with…" His voice dropped to a rather inaudible whisper after he whipped his head around, checking if anyone was eavesdropping. "…That bastard." I blinked. I expected Clopin to be reluctant about my decision but never this repugnant.
"Clopin," I told him patiently. "This is my choice. You know me; I always keep my promises. Besides, if I hadn't chosen him, we'd all be at a disadvantage. Frollo is practically under my spell. He willingly does whatever I tell him. And I have used that in order to help all of you." Clopin didn't like my answer.
"You don't seriously think he loves you, do you Esmeralda?" He mumbles angrily, his grip tightening on my hands. "This man is cruel, wicked and vile. He's a total douche bag. He's just luring you into false security and once you get all cozy and comforted…Wham!" With this Clopin smacks his fist into his open palm for effect. "He launches an attack on all of us. Trust me Esmeralda, you'd better not put your head in the lion's mouth." I was shaken by Clopin's speech. Maybe I had been too caught up with Frollo. Maybe I shouldn't be so taken in by his fiery kisses and his godly body. However, it was hard. Frollo was pampering me, educating me, keeping me safe from the scandals the other ministers were spreading and generally making life with him rather wonderful.
Clopin, however, was reminding of his past evil deeds. He had done so many underhanded and terrible things. He burnt down an innocent man's home with his family still trapped inside it. He attempted to kill Phoebus. He isolated poor Quasimodo in the bell tower. He didn't stop the townspeople from pelting him with rotten produce while he was tied to the pillory. He had committed so many horrendous deeds.
And yet, not one day went by where he did not openly declared that he loved me. Or commented on how beautiful I looked in a dress he had purchased for me. Thinking back, I discovered as the days went by, his company went from loathsome to tolerable. I still felt rather uncomfortable with him touching me and kissing me. After our first kiss, I had never felt more confused, hateful and…aroused. Oh God, why was it so hard to love and hate this man?
I knew, in all of reality's harshness, that Frollo would never fully change. The bitterness in his lonely heart might never be vanquished. Yet, this had been the happiest I had seen in Frollo. Whenever he was not riding on that fearsome black steed of his or giving out excruciating sentences to culprits, he was a real human being. No longer a cold-hearted monster but an emotional and passionate human. And yet…I knew I could never completely forgive him for all the cruelty and prejudice he had bestowed upon my people for over twenty years now. Nor could I forgive him for attempting to grope me in the cathedral. Of course, there was also the imprisonments, the obsessive searches, the killing of so many and my near execution…Oh God, my head was starting to throb in the agony of it all.
Frollo was and always will be a vicious, heartless villain in the back of my mind and in the deepest trench in my heart. Nothing would ever be able to make that fact disappear. Then again, he as treated me so inexplicably well. Ever since I chose him, I've slept on the softest silk sheets, ate the most sumptuous food, acquired a considerable amount of knowledge about Christianity and wore the most exquisite and expensive dresses that have ever existed in all of Paris. Still, would I ever be able to actually utter those three little words that he had declared to me so freely? 'I love you' never were difficult words to say before. To me, they were. Ugh. This emotional conflict was killing me.
I guess if I were to conclude my true feelings for Frollo, I would say I no longer thoroughly despise him. I may still be uncomfortable with his affectionate but I believe in time, I might allow him to hold me tightly and securely in his arms. Honestly, I may never be able to work up the true devoted feelings in order to tell him I loved him. My tolerance may advance into liking. But liking could never truly become real, undivided, perfect and sentimental love.
"Clopin, I am growing accustomed to Frollo's presence. Ever since I accepted his proposition, he has never been happier. This has been the most human I have ever seen in him. Believe me; he could change. He's just…slower than others," I hope Clopin accepted my reasoning. His expression softened but he still looked utterly disappointed. "Besides, Clopin, as you can see, I have been treated and lavished on very well. Frollo's treating me as if I were a princess. He hasn't tried to physically attack me either. So, I believe I can stand being his companion and…"I trailed off. I couldn't bare to say that I would rightfully be Frollo's wife. The day when he was going to propose was drawing near. I knew he'd ask me immediately after my confirmation. It was something I had long accepted. Accepted, dreaded and longed for.
"Do you…love him?" Clopin's enquiry buzzed in my ear. It was a pest, irritating my eardrums. I had reasoned it out that I would never be able to actually love Frollo but maybe, I could like him and allow myself to be in his arms. "I…don't know, Clopin. I seriously don't know."
The most difficult part about being Frollo's consort wasn't the learning, the confirmation, the uncomfortable physical contact or the difference in status. It was the whirlwind of feelings you get when you were with him.
Frollo was a man you feared, dreaded, hated and…desired.
Frollo
I wondered what calumny Trouillefou was drilling into Esmeralda's skull. That gypsy was making it so hard to keep to my promise. If he wasn't willing to keep to his end of the bargain, I didn't see any sense in keeping mine. Gringoire and I were having a pleasant chat about history, science and literature, his pet subject. He was still that same young boy I tutored years ago; with his head in the clouds and his hands scrawling poems and plays. He reminded me a good deal of Quasimodo. And of someone else I had tried to block out of my mind.
"So how have the gypsies treated you, Gringoire? They haven't attempted to assassinate you, have they?" After experiencing a full-blown ambush and near hanging, I knew the gypsies might just try something. Gringoire smiled and petted the goat that was still clinging against him. It seemed that goat and Gringoire held somewhat of a bond by the way the goat was hanging on to him. "They are surprisingly quite eager to learn. Even though they all can't read, write or understand Latin, I have made good progress with them. Yes, there have been the occasional taunt and prank now and then but it seems like I am getting through to them. I struck a deal with them. I teach them something; they teach me something in return," With that, Gringoire produced a little hand puppet he had stuffed in his pants pocket. That puppet was the spitting image of dear Gringoire.
"Why just yesterday, that Clopin gypsy taught me how to sew my own puppet." With that Gringoire began animating the cloth figurine. I just stared on in my usual reserve. How anyone finds a doll worn on your hand entertaining, I shall never know. I turned back and saw Clopin embracing Esmeralda, patting her on the back reassuringly. I wondered what they had been discussing. Whatever it was, it must've upset her.
"About Clopin," I resumed my conversation with Gringoire. "Do you have any problem with him? He is a rather wild and free-spirited character. There are times I even worry for the poor man's sanity." Gringoire shrugged and informed me that Clopin was the most begrudged out of the lot. It had took a lot of time and a lot of humiliating effort in order to finally get Trouillefou to settle down and actually study. I frowned. I had suspected that. Gringoire continued on to tell me that despite Clopin's childish shenanigans and foolish puppetry, he really seemed like the smartest out of all the gypsies. I turned to scrutinize the gypsy again.
Maybe, he was just a little too smart.
Clopin
Esmeralda completely broke down after telling me she had no idea about her true feelings for Frollo. I tried my best to console her. As I consoled her, I inwardly blamed Frollo for crushing her free spirit. Even though he hadn't hit her or punched her, he had inflicted emotional pain upon her. I had never seen Esmeralda so confused over her feelings for any man. I had brought her up ever since she was just a toddler. She was so lonely, so helpless and I had saved her. She had always agreed in my description of Frollo and how he was a terrible man but now…she seemed to not only hate him, but like him as well. Even though, I had not been able to convince her, I knew I shouldn't force her. Esmeralda was a free spirit. She was not used to a person instructing her.
"Esmeralda," I lifted her head and gently kissed her cheek. "If this is your choice, well, I guess I can grow to accept it like you have. I may never like Frollo or even thank him for all he has done for us but I will try to tolerate him. Uh, you and him haven't um…you know?" I made a few twisting movements with my fingers and her eyes widened in shock.
"No of course not!! He says he won't touch me like that until after we are married. Which might come sooner than I think," She answers, blushing. I screwed my face up in disgust. The mental image was really disgusting. I couldn't resist cracking a joke. "Hey, at least it won't be that long. He probably can't brandish his sword anymore." Esmeralda burst into giggles. Ah, I loved making her laugh. That's when I heard a deep, authoritative voice. I winced. Uh oh.
"Very amusing, Trouillefou," Frollo mutters, deadpanned and serious. "But despite what you think, my sword is still as sharp and as strong as ever. And I can still brandish it, thank you very much." I glared at him while Esmeralda blushed hotly. He'd better be the best damn husband to her if he was to marry her. If not, well, let's just say my dagger and I will have a lot to say about this.
I left them since it seemed that Frollo wanted a private word with her. I pulled my puppet Clopin and decided to talk to him.
"Even if it's her decision to stay with him, I'm not going to enjoy it."
"But you said you would try."
"So, I lied. Sue me."
"Liar! Liar! Pants on fire!"
"I can do without the name calling right now, thank you very much."
"Whatever…liar. So anyway, when are we going to torture Frollo?"
"Right about…now!" I smirked deviously. This visit was might just turn out to be fun.
Esmeralda
After my tiny emotional breakdown, I was able to think well. Frollo had arrived and was now holding my hand protectively. He didn't want me to just leave. I looked up at him and noticed that he really was attractive. If I couldn't love him, I could at least allow myself to appreciate his looks and his presence. I decide to lead him around the Court of Miracles and introduced him to some of my friends. Some of my companions were rather nervous at first and tried their best to look presentable around Frollo. They hid their weapons, stopped guzzling drinks, straightened their patched clothes and wiped the grime from their faces. Surprisingly, Frollo was as civil as ever around them. He smiled when they bowed and greeted him. I breathed a sigh of relief. The visit was advancing better than I expected.
Or so I thought.
For at that point, Clopin bounded up the execution platform and announced to everyone that maybe they should play charades in order to make Frollo feel welcomed. One look at that scheming smirk and I knew Clopin had something up his multi-colored sleeve.
Needless to say, I had to forcefully drag Frollo into the circle the gypsies had made. He didn't seem to be enthusiastic in the least. Clopin quickly told us the rules of charades for Frollo's benefit. He will act out a scene and someone had to guess whom he was acting as and what he was doing. With that Clopin began folding his arms and pacing up and down, pulling his best scowl. The gypsies began buzzing whom he could possibly be when one hurriedly raised his hand and shouted.
"Ooh, I know! I know! I know! You're Frollo when he can't figure out where Esmeralda is!" Almost immediately, all my friends broke out into fits of laughter. Frollo, however, was not amused. In fact, he was looking downright offended. I gulped. Clopin, however, decided to continue the game.
"How very smart of you, Dumas. I must say Frollo is such a hard character to play. But I can surely try. If you all want to see…" My friends began cheering him on to go for it. Clopin's impersonations were uncanny. However, this time I got quite a sinking feeling in my stomach instead of the usual bubbly feeling. Clopin cleared his throat and took out his little 'Frollo' puppet. Putting his deepest, most sinister voice, Clopin started ridiculing.
"You filthy heathens!" He aimed the puppet at the gypsies who instantly shrank back. "You are nothing but the filthy dredges of mankind! You do nothing but wallow in a drunken stupor!" An uproar of laughter echoed from the crowd and off the walls of the Court of Miracles. I began sending telepathic messages to Clopin to stop while he was at it. Clopin was either ignoring my messages or he didn't receive them. He fished out a stick from his pocket and smacked the Frollo puppet with it.
"Shame on you, Your Grace!" He began repeatedly smacking 'Frollo' on the head with the stick. "That's no way to treat your future relatives-in-law." My friends were guffawing harder than ever. Frollo was stewing like an over boiled pot of soup. I noticed his hand had balled into a fist. A fist that might just interface with Clopin's face. I patted his arm in order to calm him.
"You are not to hit me, gypsy!" Clopin kept imitating Frollo like it was just another walk in the park. "You do know I am a figure whose clutches are as iron as the bells of Notre Dame." Clopin tsk-tsked.
"If that's so, Your Grace, why is it that such a strong, celibate and highly intelligent man such as yourself become so discombobulated around a pretty gypsy girl?" Clopin asked, prompting an answer. Some of my friends were now practically hanging on his every word. Clopin held the Frollo puppet to make it look like it was ashamed of something.
"It's not my fault women make me uncomfortable. I can't help that I'm a 50-yr old virgin." My friends were now clutching their sides, rollicking in laughter at Clopin's remark. Some were beating their fists against the ground while they chuckled uncontrollably. Frollo looked set to erupt! His fists were clenched. His face was red with boiling rage. His eyes had a look of pure evil and infuriation. Clopin, please, stop it. Stop it right now.
"Why once, I often thought a woman's vagina was actually her ear," Clopin lamented in his sepulchral voice. "Wow, Esmeralda," This time, he turned to me and in his normal voice 'whispered', "Are you sure you're making a right decision here? Who knows what hang ups you guys would encounter in bed? Having a man's area in your ear is awfully painful." I swear my friends were flopping about like fish gasping for breath as they laughed till their sides ached and their voices became hoarse. I shook my head. What an ending to a perfect visit.
Frollo was angry. And this time, he looked angrier than when he was nearly executed. I gulped. Things were going to get messy.
Frollo
"Alright!!" I boomed, approaching Clopin furiously. "Enough is enough!!!" I snatched his puppet away from him and hurled it to the ground. He sulked at me for doing so. I have had it with this gypsy. He has tried to execute me, turn Esmeralda against me and generally made a mockery out of me. I swear if Esmeralda wasn't here to witness it, I would have gladly slit Trouillefou's throat with his own dagger. Coming to the Court of Miracles had been a terrible mistake. I had had enough of this ridicule.
"Look here, gypsy," I spat in Trouillefou's face. The gypsy doesn't even quiver. "I have been very patient with you when I arrived. I have given you your freedom. I have voluntarily brought Esmeralda here to visit all of you so I expect you to at least show me some proper respect and decorum. I shall not be made a fool off by anymore of your kind any longer!!!" I was panting as I let all my rage pour out. Yet, Clopin just tsk-tsked again.
"Geez, Esmeralda," He called to her. "You're going to end up marrying a guy who has no sense of humor whatsoever. Good luck handling him." I was fuming. I had to leave this sinful place before the huge vein in my forehead decides to explode. I told Esmeralda we were to leave. Now. Esmeralda meekly rose and followed me. The gypsies fell into total silence. Some shrunk away from me like before. Others just hung their heads. Esmeralda whispered polite goodbyes and hugged Clopin before following me back into the sewer tunnel. That's when we both heard the bounding of hooves and a protesting voice.
"No, Djali!" It was Gringoire. He was running after the same female goat who had cuddling against him. That goat leapt into Esmeralda's arms and licked her face happily. Esmeralda giggled and then stared up at me pleadingly. I sighed exasperatedly; I seriously just wanted to leave this unholy place. Yet, I nodded yes; the goat could stay as well. I might need to find a place to keep it though. Gringoire didn't look very happy with my decision. In fact, the man looked downright depressed.
"No, Djali! Don't leave me!!" He screamed as we all departed. Clopin who was standing behind him chided him.
"Buddy, it's a goat!! Get over it already!!" I rolled my eyes. It seemed that anything that entered the Court of Miracles exited feeling both humiliated and crazed.
God kill me if I ever decide to enter that Devil's home again.
A/N: Ugh, it sucks I know! It's just that I'm kind of in an energy meltdown nowadays but I am really trying to meet my quota of publishing a new chapter every week. So sorry for any content that is crappy or shitty.
