Though she didn't want it to look like she was playing along, Esmeralda couldn't help but feeling curious about Frollo's suggestion. When she heard the judge leave to attend his own business, she decided there was no harm in sneaking a quick peak to the stables and see what that was all about.
When she walked through the door into the open courtyard, the sunlight almost blinded her. That made her realize, once again, how dark the inside of the Palace was. She was beginning to get used to it… and she didn't like that. So she soaked in the sun, facing up and rolling up her sleeves to leave the maximum amount of skin exposed. The heat was so soothing. She closed her eyes and for a moment, all she could hear were the birds in the nearby trees and the soft breeze moving their leaves. If she remained only listening, she could even fool herself that she was anywhere else, out in the open, free.
Suddenly, the silence was interrupted by a neighing. Esmeralda opened her eyes and looked down, covering the sun with one hand to be able to see better. The entrance to the stables was right in front of her, so she walked towards it. She entered the dim corridor, and the smell of hay and horse filled her nostrils. It was a deep, earthly smell, hot and rich, and somehow comforting. She carefully looked over the nearest wood panel, but that particular box was empty. So she walked over to the next, only to find it empty as well. So much for an adventure, she thought to herself, kind of bored.
Then she felt a warm blow of humid breath over her shoulder, and turned around to meet face to face with Frollo's horse. His massive head was just inches away from her, and he was staring in a very intimidating way.
With a gasp, she took a couple steps backwards, until she hit the wooden panels.
- Sorry, miss! - an unexpected voice said, with a cheerful tone. - He's a nosy one!
A young teenage boy, slim as a wand, appeared under the horse's muscled neck. He had big eyes and a freckled face, and though his teeth were apart and yellowish, his smile was genuine and pure. Esmeralda liked him immediately.
- And who would you be? - she said, smiling back warmly.
The lad blushed notoriously under her gaze, and puffing out his chest, he replied in a dignified tone:
- I'm Patrice, the keeper of the stables, miss.
- Wow – she replied, impressed. The boy felt such pride he was almost floating. - You must really have a hand with horses then, Patrice.
- Everyone calls me Pat. - the boy revealed with a gentle nod.
- Well, nice to meet you Pat. I'm Esmeralda. - she introduced herself, offering her hand.
But before the guy could shake it, the horse whined loudly, startling both of them, shaking his head and hitting the ground with his front hooves. Pat grabbed the reins and pulled him away from Esmeralda, who looked frightened.
- Fear not, miss. He won't harm you. He's just nervous.
- Why is that? - she asked, still distrustful and keeping her distance.
- I do not know. He's been restless and won't eat for a few days now. Master Frollo ordered that we let him rest, and only take him on gentle walks under the sun, but he doesn't seem to be getting any better.
She looked at the horse, wondering. He seemed strong and healthy. He was, in fact, the biggest horse she had ever seen, both in height and size. She imagined the strength it would take to control and ride such a horse, and suddenly she felt an unexpected tingling in her lower belly. But before she could scold herself for that inconvenient thought, a loud bleat interrupted her.
Esmeralda turned her head to see a goat running over the cobblestones towards her, with a clinking noise coming from his right ear, where two golden rings clashed with every step.
- Djali! - she screamed, falling to her knees and throwing her arms around the goat's neck.
The goat was so excited he couldn't stand still. His hooves kept hitting the ground with small leaps, and delighted bleats. Esmeralda also felt like leaping. This was the first moment of joy she'd had since she had arrived at the Palace. Being able to hug her friend warmed her heart even more than the blazing sun had before.
Pat chuckled, while taking Frollo's horse to his box, and uselessly insisting him on eating.
- He's a devilish one, you know- he said, pointing to the goat with a smile. - He sneaks up on me on every chance he gets and then bumps into my knees from behind and makes me fall.
Esmeralda smiled at him, still kneeling besides Djali, and lovingly petting his head.
- He means well, right Djali? He likes being the center of attention. But wait – she said, getting up and wiping her hands on her skirt, suddenly thoughtful – How did he get here?
- Master Frollo brought him in yesterday at sundown, after his visit to the cathedral. He said Djali was to be our new guest of honor, and instructed me to place him in the biggest box, and only feed him the best patches of hay, like we feed his own horse. He ordered that he'd be treated with the utmost care.
Esmeralda's eyebrows lifted impossibly, mouth slightly opened in disbelief. She remembered his enigmatic smile when suggesting she visited the stables. "What the hell…?" How did he find out about Djali in the first place? And where did he found the goat? How had he managed to bring such a hot-headed animal all the way to his stables?
Suddenly she felt a sharp pain in her heart, and frowned. Just because she was a prisoner, didn't mean that her beloved pet should have to become one as well. Pat saw the change in her facial expression.
- What's wrong miss? Did I say something bad?
- Oh, no, not at all. - Esmeralda quickly reassured him. - It's just… Djali is a free spirit, you see? I don't think he's made for a stable life.
- Oh, he most certainly isn't! - the boy affirmed, with an intriguing wink. He invited her with a hand gesture to follow him.
They walked towards the other end of the corridor, where a back door opened into a small, messy backyard, filled with buckets, ladders and other stable tools. There, was the Palace's south wall, that separated the compound from the outer world. There was a crack at the top, where a few stones had fell down, and no one had repaired.
As if wanting to make a demonstration, Djali ran towards the wall, and jumping gracefully over a barrel, he effortlessly reached the crack and disappeared on the other side. After a few seconds, his face showed up again up there, and he was back in the backyard with a simple leap and a satisfied bleat.
- You smart friend! - Esmeralda laughed, rubbing him in between the horns.
- It's a secret, though. I don't think Master Frollo would be very pleased to know his guest of honor can run off at any moment.
- I agree – Esmeralda said, grimly. - But don't worry. I won't tell him if you don't.
- Deal. - Pat answered and they both smiled in complicity.
Knowing Djali was free to come and go as he pleased lifted the burden from her heart, and all that was left was joy to have her friend near again. They walked back into the stables, and suddenly Patrice stopped right on his tracks. Speaking of the devil…
- Master Frollo! We were just… I was just… showing her around. - he said nervously, his face going alarmingly red.
But Frollo wasn't paying attention to his face. Instead his eyes were fixed on Esmeralda's, trying to decipher her expression.
He had wanted to see her reunite with her pet, see her reaction and try to gain some ground with her. But he didn't want to be too obvious, so he had prepared an excuse.
- I came to check on my horse. - he announced plainly, turning his back on them and walking towards the compartment.
Pat threw Esmeralda a relieved look and rushed to his master. Esmeralda walked slowly towards them as well, keeping her distance.
- He still hasn't eaten – the boy announced with a worried voice.
Frollo was observing from the door, but the horse didn't come near him. Instead, he was cornered into the furthest point from the man.
The judge's deep frowned was of pure concern.
- Did you take him out for a walk? - he asked the stable boy.
- Yes Sir, we just got back. But he was restless the whole time, though he doesn't seem to be hurting anywhere specific.
- I don't understand. - Frollo replied, rubbing himself in between the eyes with frustration.
It was weird for Esmeralda to see him like that. Discovering a new facet of the many that hid underneath his always composed appearance. He was worried. Caring.
It upset her that he could show such concern for a horse and at the same time, have no mercy towards humans. Most humans, at least.
- I'm sorry. - Pat apologized, nervously rubbing his hands and looking down, almost about to tear up.
- Don't worry, it's not your fault. - Frollo replied, absently, his eyes still fixed on the beast.
Wow… had that been a glimpse of gentleness?
Esmeralda took a few steps forward, and stood by Frollo's side, also looking at the horse. She could feel Frollo stiffen next to her, but he didn't move.
The animal was throwing his head up and down, anxiously. His short hair allowed them to notice how the pulse on his neck artery was accelerated. He was clearly in distress.
Esmeralda was certainly afraid to come closer to such a huge, unpredictable creature, but her compassion overcame her fear.
She slowly walked towards him. She heard Frollo inhale as if to say something, but he decided to remain quiet and observe.
- It's okay – she whispered to the horse, that was looking at her with wide eyes. - It's alright. I'm not gonna hurt you.
She slowly raised her hand and placed it near the animal's nostrils, so he could smell her. The horse carefully sniffed, and lowered his head a bit, as if granting his permission to come closer. So she did, and with a soft but firm movement, she placed her hands on his neck.
Frollo was holding his breath. His horse wasn't aggressive, but he certainly wasn't keen on pampering either. He usually never allowed anyone but himself and Pat to touch him. In his current state of nervousness, Frollo was afraid he could react violently and involuntarily hurt the girl.
But the horse seemed to find her touch soothing. His breathing was still shallow and fast, but he had stopped moving and kicking the floor. Esmeralda started caressing his long neck up and down, while whispering gentle words into his ears that Frollo could barely discern.
- He likes you. - he pointed, surprised.
She looked at him for a second, with a brief hint of a smile, and then turned her attention back to the horse.
- When was the last time you mounted him? - she asked, out of the blue.
Frollo was caught off guard and had to ponder for a second.
- Last week – he said, in a tense tone, before adding – the night at the mill.
Esmeralda's body involuntarily tensed as well. For a second, her whole mind had been on the animals, the stable boy, the present. But the memories of the burning mill and the screaming family, and Phoebus's rescue, and the arrow to his heart while fleeing on that very horse… She shook her head, trying to focus again. However, remembering that helped confirm her suspicions.
- I think he's just scared.
- What? Scared of what?
- Think about it – she began, trying to keep a neutral, non accusatory tone – All animals are afraid of fire, and loud sounds. The chaos around him, being unwillingly mounted by...- she hesitated for a second – a stranger, the arrows flying past him. He must have been scared to death.
Frollo stared at her with an impenetrable expression. He felt the unspoken reproval in her words, but at the same time, he could tell she didn't mean them as an attack. He just wasn't sure how to react or what to say now. Esmeralda noticed this, and tried to break the silence.
- Maybe he just needs your reassurance. If you haven't spend time with him this week, that may be what's wrong. He trusts you. Maybe try telling him everything's okay?
He lifted one eyebrow, skeptically. But he decided there was no harm in trying, so he took of his cape and chaperon and left them on a small wooden stool before entering the box.
Esmeralda made room for him, and gave the both of them some space, retiring to the entrance.
The horse blew heavily, getting nervous again, but the man quickly placed his hands on his muzzle, with a reassuring firmness. The animal stood still, calming his breath.
Then Frollo started murmuring with a lowered, profound voice:
- There you go, my friend. See? Nothing to fear here.
Esmeralda's reaction to his voice took her completely by surprise. Her whole body trembled like a dry leaf in the wind when his deep sound reverberated in her ears. It was so soft, like black velvet. She had to fight the temptation to close her eyes in order to pay the sound her whole attention and be aware of every vibration of it. Sure, she knew the man had a low voice, but she was used to hear him use it in trying to conceal his emotions. But this time it was the opposite; he was trying to convey his emotion, and not just any emotion; love, and safety.
It was absolutely mesmerizing. She forced herself to snap out of it, and asked the first thing that came to her mind:
- How long have you had him?
Frollo made a humming sound has he tried to recall, which didn't help with the heat she was feeling.
- It's been almost twenty years now. I got him when he was a young stud, from an ignorant man who intended to use him for heavy work in the fields. I don't know where he got him from. But I saw his potential, though he wasn't as big as he is now, and offered the man a fair amount for him. - he explained, all the while still soothing the horse, who, by now, appeared much calmer.
- Maybe you should try feeding him yourself, Sir. - Pat suggested from the corridor.
- That's actually a good idea – Esmeralda approved with a smile towards the boy, who smiled back humbly.
Frollo went to the feeder and took some hay in his hand. He carefully placed it under his horse's mouth, who, after a quick sniff started chewing on it happily.
The man let out a sigh of relief, and much to her regret, Esmeralda couldn't help but smile with sympathy for both of them. Frollo turned around and saw it, but she quickly diverted his attention asking another question:
- What's his name?
The apparently innocent question shifted the energy of the atmosphere instantly. Pat stiffened and turned around nervously, as if wanting to flee the scene but without being obvious about it. Esmeralda looked at him intrigued, and then at Frollo. He had his eyes fixated on the floor and a very strange look on his face that she couldn't identify. He answered something between his teeth, but in such a low whisper that she couldn't understand it.
- What did you say?
Frollo sighed with exasperation, and finally repeated in a clearer tone:
- Snowball. His name is Snowball.
Esmeralda looked at the man, whose face was slightly blushed, and then at the massive, black as a moonless night, imposing horse.
And then she burst out laughing. It was a clean, bubbling laugh, and she couldn't stop. It felt as if all the tension, the anger, the sadness she had bottled up inside in resignation was pouring out of her, transmuted into this hysterical laugh that made her tear up.
Pat was looking at her, horrified. He knew that the horse's name was a forbidden subject in the presence of his master. It had been the previous owner who named him, intending it to be a joke due to the horse's dark color and personality. And, as hard as Frollo had tried to rename him, the horse only answered to his original one. So finally he'd had to accept it, as much as he despised having a horse with a cheesy pun for a name. But it was a very sensitive matter; any time he overheard his guards or anyone at the stables joking about it he was infuriated and there were unpleasant consequences for anyone who had dared to laugh at it.
Frollo himself was in shock. He was waiting for the familiar wave of boiling shame turned to anger in his veins, but instead a much softer, though also warm feeling sent a quiet tingling through his arms and chest. It was the first time he had hear her laugh. And this wasn't just a chuckle, or a seductive giggle like the one she used to address to anyone who'd give her some coins while dancing on the streets.
This was pure, unfiltered joy, coming right out of her belly. And it was exquisite. To his own surprise, he felt his lips curling up in a smile, at the sight of her having to clutch to a post in order to not lose her balance, her face all red and shiny.
He wanted to go ahead and help her stand, wipe the tears of laughter rolling down her cheeks, and just soak in all that bubbling energy. But instead he stood there, with a shy titter.
Pat was utterly astonished. But watching his master timidly laugh, he dared to also throw a discrete smile his way. Frollo's almost relaxed expression felt so foreign on his face that for a second there, the lad felt as if he was looking at a different man. And just when everything seemed to have gone the right way, a loud sound startled all three of them.
The wooden stool had been knocked over by Djali, in a successful attempt to grab the red silk strip hanging from Frollo's chaperon, that was now proudly being chewed away on his mouth.
Esmeralda gasped loudly, covering her mouth with her hands in horror. Pat looked at Frollo, whose smile had frozen on his pale face. He braced himself for an explosion.
But, to Frollo's own surprise, he just frowned affectionately at Djali, like you would with a naughty child, and with a carefree gesture of his hand, he said:
- Let him keep it. It was worn out anyway. I'll have a new one made.
Esmeralda looked at him in disbelief.
- Are you sure…? Maybe I can just … - she started, intending to kneel beside the goat and try to remove the hat from his mouth. But she was frozen on the spot when she felt Frollo's cold hand impulsively grabbing her own, as he stopped her.
- Leave him, it's alright. - he said, before realizing what he had just done.
Time stood still for an instant. They both looked at each other, Esmeralda's eyes still wet from her previous laughter, and Frollo's suddenly burning ablaze.
Every bone on his body wanted to pull her closer, but he was rigid as if he had just turned to stone. He didn't even dare to breathe. He was expecting her displeased reaction any second now.
But it didn't came. Instead, (much to her own surprise), she surrounded his fingers and gently pressed them.
- Thank you – she mumbled, hoarsely. And taking a step towards him, she placed her other hand around his as well, and looked deeply into his eyes. - And thank you for bringing him here. - she added, pointing her head to the goat, still busy chewing on the remnants of the hat.
Frollo was speechless. He feared if he opened his mouth, all sorts of confessions and hidden truths would pour out uncontrollably. His inexperience dealing with women, or feelings of that sort, was so utter that he had no clue of what was expected from him at that point. His insecurity climbed up his chest like an avid monster, swallowing all the warmth and confidence he had felt just moments ago. He pulled away abruptly, releasing his hand, and with a tone much colder, more usual in him, he stated:
- Well, I don't have time for this. I'm a busy man. I should be on my way.
And grabbing his cloak from the floor, shaking it to take the hay and dust off, he walked away without looking back.