Clopin made his way through the catecombs of Paris to the Court of Miracles. The one safe haven for the gypsies. At least for now. As he walked he thought about Madeleine. No woman had ever captured his interest the way she did. It was more than just her beauty, which was considerable. It was also her heart.

The passage opened up and Clopin entered the main area of the Court. It was practically it's own city. Colorful tents and caravans were set up all around and gypsies milled about in front or inside of them. A great open space they used for gatherings was set at the end of the main walkway and by the back wall was the gallows where intruders were hung. The walls and ceiling had fabric in a variety of shades hanging from them in an attempt to lighten up the underground sanctuary. It was a bit odd perhaps but it was home.

Clopin made his way to a large yellow tent. Inside he saw his father Harodain Trouillefou, King of the gypsies was standing around a table with some of his confidents. Harodain looked like your typical Romani with tanned skin and dark hair, he was incredibly tall and wore a brown widebrimmed hat with a feather, a green tunic, and brown pants. His nose was slightly crooked after having been broken in a fight with a guard. He looked up as Clopin came in.

"Hello Clopin, were have you been?"

"Out performing," said Clopin not sure if he should mention Madeleine unless he had to. His father was understandably very distrusting of most gadjo's.

"Good," said his father with a smile. His father had encouraged Clopin's love of storytelling wanting him to find his own specific craft. It also brought in money to help maintain their people so that was a plus.

"Harodain, we need to find another safehouse now that the Jean-Claude the butcher is leaving. We don't know if we can trust the new people moving in," said Orferus who was practically Harodain's second in command.

"What about Henri Clement the tinker?" suggested Clopin coming over to stand with them.

"Why do you think Clement would help us?" asked Harodain. Clopin coughed. It looked like his meeting with Madeleine wasn't going to be so secret after all.

"Well, he told me today when I walked his sister home that if we gypsies needed any help he'd be happy to provide it. He's always been kind to our people." Clopin added hoping the bit about Madeleine would get overlooked. No such luck.

"I wasn't aware Clement had a sister. Regardless, what were you doing walking her home?" Harodain's tone was sharp. Clopin sighed.

"Look yesterday I had a run in with some guards who accused me of stealing. I actually didn't this time," he said quickly. "Anyway, Madeleine Clement who just moved here stepped in and helped distract the guards so I could escape. Then I saw her at the puppet show this morning. We got to talking just as Frollo passed and I walked her home by a backway so she didn't get connected with us."

Harodain sighed.

"I thought I've warned you about getting close with gadjo's it's dangerous for the Court."

"Oh please. I just walked her home. She's different than a majority of the gadjo's. She helped me for absolutely no reason. And it's not like I told her where the Court was." scoffed Clopin.

"Nonetheless, you should be more careful." his father told him. Clopin gave a huff.

"Look, Madeleine's just a friend. The point is her brother offered to help us and if you need a new safehouse why not consider him?"

His father looked thoughtful.

"I'll consider it but I don't want you taking any unnecessary risks just because you let your emotions get in the way of your judgment." Clopin rolled his eyes as he walked out.

"I'm 27 I think my judgment is fairly good."

Clopin felt annoyed as he walked back to his tent. Did he like Madeleine? Yes. Quite a lot actually. She was lovely in both looks and soul. But that didn't mean he was going to get careless and put his people at risk! He wished his father would show more confidence in his judgment. After all he was going to be the leader of their people one day.

"Clopin! Clopin!" cried a familiar voice. Looking over he saw the black hair and emerald eyes of his 18 year-old cousin Esmerelda. Who was honestly more like a sister.

"Hello Esme. What is it?," he said with a smile.

"I was hoping you could come watch my latest dance routine. I want your opinion." she said. Esmerelda was an excellent dancer. One of the best in the Court.

"Alright, just let me go drop something off in my tent." Esmerelda's face turned from one of excitment to one of concern.

"Are you alright?" she asked. Clopin shrugged.

"Just an argument with my father. That's nothing new."

"Don't worry. I'm sure it will blow over. I'll see you near the center then?"

Clopin grinned.

"Absolutely!" with that Esmerelda ran off.

As he entered his tent Clopin's mind wandered back to Madeleine. Her bell-like laugh, her golden hair, the adorable look she got on her face whenever she felt perplexed. He didn't know where the aquaintence would go but he was looking forward to finding out.

Author's note: So here's chapter three I know it's a bit short but I wanted to establish the Court and some of it's people. The names are just Romani ones that I looked up on google. Please like and COMMENT. I really want to know people's thoughts!