Wow, this chapter was so not worth the wait. Believe it or not, but I have more time during the school year to write than I do at the summer. School... shutter... enjoy the ah... infomative chapter. Side note, I don't think I spelled Phoebus's fiance's name right cause I was too lazy to look it up. I just wanted to get this one out since its been so long.
There was no sign of Celeste's midnight departure the fallowing morning. Her parents did not suspect a thing. Celeste still wished to forget it had never happened. Even after the previous night's events, Celeste felt renewed. She felt strangely relaxed and pleasant, even after remembering the cruel things said about her from her father to her younger sister. Aside from falling in the river, the walk alone late at night was exactly what she needed.
That day she, Ninette, and Gabriella were going to the other side of the city to pick up a new pair of boots for her father and Gabriella had to pick up something as well. They left early in the morning to start their journey. Ninette sang and skipped the whole way while Gabriella caught Celeste up on the latest gossip.
It was a very nice day out. While the air remained chilled, the sun shined brilliantly. Celeste was enjoying the day with her friend and sister. Everything seemed to be going wrong lately, she was grateful for whatever joy she could find in life. It didn't feel like long when they were done their shopping and started heading home.
"Celeste," Gabriella said, "I need to quickly buy some flour over here. I will return shortly." she informed her, pointing to a bakery as they passed through the market, almost home. The two sisters browsed the other side as they waited for Gabriella. A woman brought out a big basket of shinny red apples. "They look delicious!" Ninette observed. "Oh Celeste, may I have one?"
"They are your favorite aren't they?" Celeste smiled, searching her pocket for whatever money she had left as Ninette nodded. With the last coin she had she paid for the fruit. Ninette's face was full of glee as she sank her teeth into the apple.
A sudden low voice startled Celeste. "Charity! I beg you." A dirty lame man in rages for cloths begged Celeste. His horrid appearance caused her to gasp. Even on a crutch he kept coming closer to her holding out a hand. "Er, sorry sir. That was my last one."
"No change?"
"I can't help you." Celeste grabbed her sister's hand and headed back to the center of the market. Her heart slowly ceased its pounding. She always felt uncomfortable around beggars. They scared her. It was true she had no money left with her. He may have tried to rob her if she did. Naturally she felt sorry for the unfortunate souls, but there was nothing she could do. And no one liked a beggar.
Another person appeared at her side suddenly. Only this time he was much friendlier. "Gingoire!" she exclaimed. He hugged her.
"How nice to see you my dear."
"Gringoire, truly you are my greatest friend. I don't know how to thank you for your gift."
"Just keep smiling like now. It pains me to see you distraught by depressing truths. Be happy."
"Oh I am happy!"
"As am I Celeste. For I must have done something good in giving you that gift." His face showed pure bliss. "I am married."
"Married?" Celeste questioned. It had only been a day since she had seen him and all was normal, and suddenly he is married? It just didn't seem possible.
"It is true! Right after I hid your gift, I stumbled upon a pack of gypsies' in their safe haven. The Court of Miracles! It▓s where all the gypsies in all Paris collect in a lair!"
"The Court of Miracles? How horrible!" Judge Claude Frollo has been after the safe haven for as long as Celeste had been in Paris. Sometimes her father would be sent on pointless chases to find it, but it would always be a dead end. As marvelous as a Court of Miracles sounded, Celeste wasn't sure what would be down there, in a nest of all the scoundrels of Paris. It sounded as dangerous as it did magical.
"Oh, it was at first!" Gingoire continued with his tale. "They were going to hang me for intruding." Celeste gasped but he went on, "My only way out was to become a gypsy if a gypsy girl would marry me. I never felt so judged. When it seemed no women wanted me, from the crowd emerge the beautiful goddess in rags. The banished gypsy dancer, La Esmeralda." He looked off in a daze. Celeste was in shock.
"You married the dancing gypsy? She is the most wanted criminal in all Paris."
"She is far from a sinner. She is a saint who saved my life. I owe her my soul and my love!"
"You are in love then. How wonderful! Even if to a beggar, love finds a way." Celeste felt so excited for her friend. To be married to the brave and enchanting Esmeralda. Gingoire was a lucky fellow. At the same time it seemed strange, the beautiful Esmeralda wanting to marry Gringoire. Celeste of course loved him to death and would also marry him in an instant, but she couldn't imagine that anyone else would.
"Alas, it is a one sided love. She only took me to save me, for she is in love with another. A sun god, Phoebus she told me. Her marriage to me was a pity marriage." He said, lowering his head. But he did not stop smiling.
"Oh Gringoire..." It didn't seem fair, but it did explain it. She made Gringoire believe they were truly married when she only did it out of pity while she was in love with another, this Phoebus fellow.
"But how can I be ungrateful? She saved my life, and has given me new meaning to live. Even if she does not love me, I have the joy of knowing her." His voiced seemed so sincere. Celeste hugged him, as congratulations, and with sorrow. Gingoire was so sweet, the gypsy better treat him right.
She released her friend. "You are aware then, you are married to a fugitive?"
"I am aware of that. And I will guard her with my life." He struck a heroic pose. Never have he looked so noble.
Suddenly he was tackled from behind by a man who looked only slightly younger then him. "Pierre Gringoire! You old reciting goat! How goes the poetry? Surly your rhyming ancient truths have earned some respect from the filth of Paris." The young man let go of him. He had messy black hair and styled beard outlining his face. He was thin and fit and seemed like the kind that was always jolly and up for a bit of tomfoolery. Gringoire's face was not as amused.
"Jehan, your clever remarks will not taunt me today. I beg of you not to ruin my good mood."
"You stomp on all my fun Gringoire. No matter, I would not waste my breath conversing with you, seeing as you would do all the conversing. I would much rather talked with the Lady Orvelle." Jehan turned to Celeste and kissed her hand bowing. "Mademoiselle," He smirked looking up.
"It▓s not like you to be a gentleman Jehan Frollo."
"And since when as it been like you to be a lady? No doubt, you still have the beauty of one. I would take you either way."
"You are flattering. What are you doing outside the University today? It▓s not a holiday."
"I admit, I am playing a bit of hooky today. The University is no fun and I would much rather visit with my dear friends that I have not seen in ages."
"I find that very hard to believe." Gringoire grumbled. Jehan showed a face of defeat.
"I am also out to see my brother at the cathedral."
"Ah ha! Money no doubt." Gringoire accused.
"Part of it, possibly. Your certainly offend me Gringoire."
"That is because I am certain."
"Well you are much cleverer than I. And yet it is you outcaste on the streets, and the ones who don't deserve it in castles and schools. I was just telling my good friend Clopin the other day..."
"Clopin?" Celeste asked, remembering her savior's name. And not only that, but the ruler of all the gypsies in Paris.
"Yes that is his name. Clopin. I doubt many would know him, although everyone has seen him. He is a beggar, but no one bothers with their names."
"It is true I suppose. For one not so clever Jehan, you speak noble truths more then the clergy does."
"It does not take a diploma to see that is around you. Well then, I better get going before the evening mass if I wish to see my brother. Au revoir. And I hope to see more of you my dear Celeste."
"I wish the same Jehan. Au revoir." And he departed toward the church.
"It is hard to believe he is related to that Judge Frollo." Gringoire observed.
"Yes, they are very different." Celeste mindless agreed noticing her sister had gotten bored with the elder friends and wondered off to small talked childishly with the apple seller who seemed to find her adorable.
"The judge has morals unlike that jester."
"He does seem more carefree then his older brother, but I don't know what to make of Frollo's morals as you call them."
"Well he supposed to have them. I have yet to see the just one. He is the enemy of us gypsies." Celeste chuckled.
"I will have to get used to you referring to yourself as a gypsy. Shouldn't take too long I suppose seeing as my parents always thought you were."
"They did?"
Before their conversation could go on Gabriella came rushing over with the flour held in a bag in her arms. "That took much longer then I had anticipated. I am sorry. Oh, hello Gringoire."
"Bonjour Gabriella."
"Thank you for entertaining Celeste and I would love to chat, but we must get going. We were making such good time before my side trip. Let's go Celeste."
"Ninette. Come along now." Celeste called. Her sister said her good byes and skipped over to them. Celeste gave him one last hug, not knowing when she would see him next and what surprises he may bring. They then left the poet. Not too long after it was time for Celeste and Ninette to leave Gabriella and go their separate ways. On the way home Celeste remembered how the subject of the gypsy known as Clopin had yet again found its ways back to her. It seemed impossible for her to avoid him. She hoped it was the last time she would ever have to hear his name. But the thought of him haunted her all the way home.
They arrived right on time. To their surprise her father was home early. "Papa, you are home." Celeste exclaimed seeing him in the kitchen. Ninette ran to him for a hug screaming his name. "Papa! Why are you home early?" she asked still hugging him.
"The Captain let us off early. Speaking of him, he will be joining us for supper tonight, so I would like for you girls to dress nice and help your mother. I wish to make a good impression on the new Captain of the guard."
"What is his name Papa?" Celeste asked.
"Captain Phoebus de Chateaupers."
As Celeste helped prepare dinner the captain's name kept repeating in her ear. Phoebus, Phoebus... where had she heard that name? She had never met the man she was sure of that. But she knew she had heard the name, recently in fact.
She never did figure it out before he arrived. There was a knock on the door and her mother went to answer while the two sisters put the last plates of food on the table.
"The Orvelle house hold I presume?" The captain said when the door opened.
"This is good sir."
"Ah, then you must be the beautiful Rosabell Orvelle I have heard much about." He took her hand and kissed it. Rosabell curtsied.
"You are too kind monsieur. You've been on our front stoop long enough. Do come in."
"Merci madam." The man stepped in. He was wearing dark purple and gold robes. His hair was short and tidy blonde lock and his face was outlined with a well trimmed beard. He was tall and brawny, exactly as one would picture the captain of the guard to look. His face was also kind, something not expected but Celeste was not ungrateful for that feature.
Her father then came down the steps in his nicest dark blue robes, his hair and hair brushed. It had been a long time since Celeste had seen him looking so nice. "Captain Phoebus de Chateaupers! Welcome my friend!" They gave each other a hardy handshake.
"Monsieur Orvelle, you should know by now there is no need to be so formal. Phoebus will do just fine."
"In turn, I insist you address me as Astor my friend." The two men turned to the three women now in the kitchen. "You have met my lovely wife Rosabell. The goddess of Italy." She chuckled elegantly.
"Oh Astor, not now..."
"And these are by beautiful daughters. Celeste is the eldest." Celeste curtsied.
"An honor to meet you monsieur. Welcome to our home."
"Such manners! You must be a proud father Astor." He bowed and extended a hand for Celeste's. "A pleasure meeting you young lady. And God bless the man who wins your hand in marriage." He politely greeted her with a kiss on the hand as well.
"Monsieur de Chateaupers..."
"Call me Captain." He straightened himself.
"Captain, you are too kind for words."
"I get by." He noticed the shy little girl hiding behind her older sister's skirt. He bent down. "And who is this ravishing young lady."
"N-Ninette Monsieur..."
"Well, beautiful Ninette. I thank you for gracing me with your presence." He took her small quivering hand and kissed it as well. Ninette smiled.
"Well my friend," Astor patted the handsome captain in the shoulder. "My beautiful ladies have made a special meal for you on the table. Let▓s get it while it▓s hot!"
The evening meal when incredibly smoothly. They all got along and kept intriguing conversations going, mostly between the two men. Celeste was not sure is the Captain could tell but she knew her father was really trying to impress him. Whenever Phoebus would try to converse with one of the women, but Astor would immediately but in and talk about himself, the captain, or their work. Celeste refused to admit it to herself, but she lost a slight bit of respect for her father.
Astor continued to brag about his captain. Phoebus looked a little uneasy hearing it. Celeste had to wonder why he just didn't order him to cease talking. "And of course after he saved the young maiden she offered him just about everything to repay him. She even offered herself! Of course this was not the first time a woman has thrown herself at him. He is quite the handsome bachelor eh? But not for long right Phoebus?" He gave the captain a pat on the back. Phoebus had been taking a drink, but then a force smack him from behind he tried to stop himself from choking. "The lucky man's engaged!"
"That's wonderful." Celeste said. Her father shot a glare at her.
"Celeste! Don't distract him while he is drinking. You see, you made him choke." Celeste looked away in shame, and tried her best to keep her anger inside. Never had she seen her father act so cruelly.
"Ahem, no Astor, I'm fine. And I thank you for happiness Celeste." She smirked at his kind face.
"Congratulations Captain. Who is the lucky lady?" Rosabell asked.
"Fleur de Lays." Phoebus answered with a timid smile.
"You'll live happily ever after with your princess. Like in the stories right?" Ninette said innocently. Phoebus started to laugh. So did everyone else.
Another sound stopped their laughter. There was a knock on the door. "Captain! Orvelle! It▓s Antoine! You both in there?" Astor came to the door.
"Antoine?"
"The gypsy witch! She has been spotted. All guards are to report to Frollo. Now!"
"Alright, I shall get my armor. I'll be right down." He rushed up stairs.
"I should get ready to go too." Phoebus stood up.
"Celeste, get him his coat from the closet." Her mother commanded. She got up and went to the other side of the hall to grab his cloak. When she turned around, Phoebus was there.
"I'll take that mademoiselle. I better wait for your father." He took the cloak and threw it over himself.
"So, you are going after La Esmeralda?"
"Thoughs are our orders."
"What exactly are her crimes?" Celeste realized she let the unnecessary question.
"Insulted an official, disturbed the peace, thief, witchcraft..." She looked down in defeat.
"Oh..."
"Something wrong?" He asked seeing her face. Seeing his concerned face, Celeste felt very comfortable. She forgot all about her father's wishes, and spoke honestly to the man.
"I just, have a hard time figuring out what she has done wrong." There was a strange moment of silence, but before Celeste could regret was she had said, Phoebus spoke.
"You and me both." Celeste's head snapped up. Footsteps trampled down the steps.
"Okay Captain, I'm ready, let's get that witch." Astor said. The Captain of the guard bowed.
"Pleasure meeting you ladies. Sorry to cut it short. Thank you for the lovely evening."
"Captain! Let's go!" Antoine said at the door with Astor next to him.
"Coming men. Good night everyone." And with that, the guards left.
It all fit together there and then under Phoebus's kindness. It was like all of the magic words had been said. Phoebus... marriage... Esmeralda... This dashing captain was the man that had stolen Esmeralda's heart according to Gringoire. Then what was Esmeralda to him if he was engaged?