"So…that's my story of how I ended up down here." I ended the one-sided conversation with a much needed inhale of air. It was starting to get cold down here, meaning I would assume that night was coming. If I didn't get back soon…

Luckily I managed to lie about where I was currently living. I told them I stayed with a couple on the outskirts of town and traveled to the Palace to talk to my father. Everything from trying to go to the graveyard from following Clopin was truthful otherwise.

"So it was you I thought I saw that night." Clopin muttered most likely to himself.

I blinked and nodded, "I thought I saw someone standing near a grave when I got taken away by…soldiers."

There was a certain type of silence that overcame us both. It was not uncomfortable or tense but it wasn't happy and joyful. It was just a soothing silence, a calming kind. It was the kind that gave comfort.

We were sitting underneath one of those big, and I mean big, colorful tents. I somewhat lay on a huge pillow with my knee propped up, making it hurt less thank goodness. Clopin sat on a chest, a very old one at that, and watched me carefully. It was as though he was studying me…to see if I was an enemy…to see if I lied…to see my mother in me.

"What time is it?" I asked carefully, a yawn slipping from my grasp of control.

The man smiled at me and shrugged, "Probably six by now. It starts getting chilly around then."

I smiled back with a fake smile, wondering how I was going to get out. Frollo surely would have noticed my disappearance already! If I stayed and if they heard of his search for me, they might use me as a hostage. But how was I to leave?

"Clopin…?" I whispered quietly. My gaze was turned on my knee, away from the man I was about to lie to. "The family I live with, they will get worried if I'm not there soon. They might even tell the Judge to search for me. Is…I mean, I need to make sure they don't worry."

"Do you want to stay here?" His calm gentle voice took my by surprise. His question stunned me.

I hesitated, unsure. So many thoughts were racing through my mind! If I stayed, I'd be able to find out about mother and live with my own kind, the kind my father hid from me. But if I stayed, Claude would worry about me and might kill Father for the information of my whereabouts, if he hadn't already I mean. And part of me actually really liked Claude, the idea of him worrying made me feel bad.

If I left, I'd be stuck with Claude who was trying to turn me into a 'proper lady'. I'd have to marry him at the age of 15 and…what did couples do? I ignored the question for now, feeling that the answer would be bad. If I left now, this might be my only chance to see this beautiful place called the Court of Miracles.

Without realizing it, I had started to cry. I was only ten years old; I didn't need this kind of stress! So many things that happened these past few weeks, so many choices I needed to chose right now…I couldn't take it! Tears fell from my eyes silently as I slowly crumbled.

"Shh…" Clopin suddenly hugged me, pulling me close in his embrace. "It's alright Lavender, don't cry child. You can go home right now and we'll meet in the market in two days."

Immediately I felt a heavy weight lift off my shoulders. My tears slowly stopped and I could only feel…sleepy. So many drama…

"You're so warm…" I whispered softly, my eyes closed. I buried my face in his chest and fought to remain awake.

I felt him chuckle and lift me up with ease. "So are you, Lavender. I'll carry you to your home…"

As we got outside, I inhaled the crisp fresh air. Did I mention fresh? The moon shined brightly on us and the tombs near by. The breeze, very fresh indeed, brushed against me as I snuggled closer to the King for warmth. We walked through the town like this for several long minutes. I felt myself ready to fall asleep but…

"You there!" It was a soldier! I cringed inwardly; Frollo must have sent them out to search for me!

On impulse, Clopin took off in a sprint. As we ran, I said, "Clopin, put me down and I'll walk to my house. I don't want you to get in trouble…They're after me anyway."

I could feel the way he hesitated but thankfully, he stopped. We were in the shadows and he put me down. I leaned on my uninjured leg. "I'll meet you at my puppet show at noon two days from now." He whispered, running off as the sound of running soldiers came closer.

I tried walking out of the alley but the sharp pain in my knee made me cry out. Lucky for me, I managed to get into the light so the soldiers saw my face. "Where's Claude?" I asked with a very tired voice.


Frollo paced the floor, exhausted and tired. He spent the last three hours pacing in front of the dying fireplace. The weather outside was turning from chilly to freezing. Although he tried to stop it, he couldn't help but wonder if Lavender was okay.

"Please God let her be safe…" He whispered softly for the fifth time.

Suddenly the door opened. He looked over with a curious look. It was a soldier, "Sir, we found her!"

Frollo nearly fell to the ground as he ran over to the doorway. There stood Lavender.


I stood there in the doorway of Claude Frollo's room. I could practically hear him running over to see me. This made me grin slightly, to know he cared that much. Carefully he helped me inside and let me rest on the couch.

I could only imagine how vile I smelt after traveling in the sewage water. I could only picture how messy I looked; my hair and skin messed up and covered with dirt. My dress, I could guess easily, was probably torn up and ripped.

"Lavender!" He exclaimed as we waited for the maid to bring some tea and medical supplies. "What happened to your arm?!" I winced as he grabbed it, looking at the bruise that looked suspiciously like a handprint.

The maid placed a bucket next to me and got a wash cloth, scrubbing the dirt off my face first. Thankfully this gave me time to think of an excuse. After she was done, she left for a moment.

"I…I tried to get something under a building but one of the bricks fell." I looked away, knowing it was a weak lie.

"Good God!" He nearly shouted with disgust. "What happened to your knee?!"

I blinked in confusion. When I glanced down, I finally lost control. So many times I stopped myself from throwing up but this time I lost it in the bucket next to me. On the bandages wrapped around my knee, it was soaked in brown black water. My blood was running freely still down my leg, dirt and scum in the wound.

Well, at least he was distracted for a moment.

Suddenly my vision blurred with my head hurting. I could feel myself fainting and could only see a very worried Claude shout at the maid about something. Whatever it was, I felt no pain. I felt numb.


Next chapter: Lavender awakes and is interrogated by Claude. Will she give up the location of where she's been? Will she meet Clopin in the market? Review please.