Author's note: A running nose is no excuse to keep going, I have been reading some really good stories and I feel inspired. We are back with Clopin and Esmeralda of the present time and finally, yes! We get to know who has surprised the poor girl. But we all wonder, does Clopin remember Laura? Will they meet?

Short chapter but enough for now to introduce Marius, "The Metequé". Song belongs to Evanescense.

14. Forgotten But Never Lost

Clopin stirs in the dark that surrounds his mind. He moans loudly before feeling the voice of someone calling him. The gypsy opens his eyes and sees a beaming Marco and the youngster Johan looking at him. His head is throbbing, his whole body aches but he is happy. He has make it back.

"Hey."

"Morning, señor. You got us all dead worried. Naughty" Marco chuckles.

"Am home."

"Aye. The whole Court is going crazy, so you made it just on time."

"What do you mean?" The king blinks.

"Since Esmeralda´s speech, Frollo has gone crazy. He is capturing all the gypsies of Paris in search for Esme. And the people here have gone almost crazy. They blame the poor girl for what happened to you."

"Good grief." Closes his eyes for a moment. "Speaking of her, where is she?"

"She was here just a minute ago."

"I go check" Marco walks towards the passage.

"Mmm." Rubbing his forehead, a sudden image comes to his mind. Laura. Smiling like an angel. Clopin stares at the ceiling. Remembering that brief moment inside that room, he can feel his heart beating like crazy. Why is her face so familiar? So unlike Esmeralda and yet, so warm and cosy. Still, Esmeralda is his only light and yet, with Laura now in his mind, all is confusing. "Has Conrad write?"

"Yes, Everything is fine in the Utopia house. Soldiers have come a few times but have hardly done anything. Are you worried about Laura? I heard that she is away from the country."

"Yes, visiting her family." Goes quiet for a long while until Marco comes back in with news. "Well?"

"I can't find her anywhere."

"What?" Clopin goes pale. What if anyone turn her in to try stop Frollo? But, no, no one would or yes? "I must find her." He tries to stand up and almost faints in the effort.

"You are far too weak, Clop." Marco helps him back to the bed.

"We must find her."

"I know, I know. I do not want Esmeralda a la brasa either."

"What can we do?" Clopin rubs his temples.

"I know. Candela. Let's ask Candela" Says Johan.

"That is a good idea. She must be in her favourite spot in town."

"Isn't it dangerous for her to be in town with those gadjes chasing us?"

"You know her. Candela is like the wind. She disappears whenever she wants. I go ask her"

"Be careful, Marco. Please."

Outside, the rampaging forces of Frollo are taking over the city. Every gypsy in sight is captured and taking into prison. By the looks of it, it can't be good. Not at all. Having a look at the bottle's last drop, he sighed. What a boring day! So full of guards and no fog rum. Too bad.

HM?

One of the gypsies is pulling from a young woman of his kin towards the guards. Now that is no usual picture. Looks like someone has to teach this somebody some manners about women.

"Why don't ye try not pulling? Is net a donkey, but a lassie." Sniggers the man.

"Mind your own business"

"Why should I? You don't look as you were taking her to dance."

"This bitch has sentenced all of us to death."

"Let me go! If Frollo is crazy…" Esmeralda pulls with all her might.

"Is your fault!"

"Pal, that minister has always been out of his hat so leave her alone."

"Or what?"

"Let's put it this way. If you leave her, I let you go in one piece. If not, ye got a big problem."

"Get out of here, you rascal!"

"Make me." The gypsy jumps towards and the stranger dodges with ease. Grabs his oppponent´s arm and kicks him hard on the face. "Not bad for a borin day. Come to think of it, ye are Clopin´s lassie!" Says the man.

"You know Clopin?"

"Course. I wouldn´t call me self giptian if I didn´t." Giptian! People who love to wander around the world with their water eyes and agility of a monkey. She has heard of them before. "Now, we must be off the streets to tell the tale. Follow me." He walks pretty fast but soon enough they are in Utopia. A safe haven and a woman is waiting at the door. Esme glances at the man.

"Marius, what took you so long?"

"Nothin too serious, laddie. Little Esme here. Remember her, Nils? She used to dance with ye."

Esmeralda stops death. Nils? What? Is this the one who taught her to dance? Wasn´t she dead? And wasn´t she in love with Clopin? What is she doing in Paris? Is Laura with them? The gypsy woman starts to feel dizzy and faints.

"Just great! Hope ol Clopin does not notice the dust."

"Dear my love, haven't you wanted to be with me, and

Dear my love, haven't you longed to be free

I can't keep pretending that I don't even know you

And at sweet night, you are my own

Take my hand

We're leaving here tonight

There's no need to tell anyone

They'd only hold us down

So by the morning's light

We'll be half way to anywhere

Where love is more than just your name

I have dreamt of a place for you and I

No one knows who we are there

All I want is to give my life only to you

I've dreamt so long I cannot dream anymore

Let's run away, I'll take you there

We're leaving here tonight

There's no need to tell anyone

They'd only hold us down

So by the morning's light

We'll be halfway to anywhere

Where no one needs a reason

Forget this life

Come with me

Don't look back you're safe now

Unlock your heart

Drop your guard

No one's left to stop you

Forget this life

Come with me

Don't look back you're safe now

Unlock your heart

Drop your guard

No one's left to stop you now

We're leaving here tonight

There's no need to tell anyone

They'd only hold us down

So by the morning's light

We'll be half way to anywhere

Where love is more than just your name."

Always glad to be back.

Hope you like it.

Next stop: The Siren