Once again, thanks to Yami no Eyes for reviewing andpointing out that Lavender is a gadja. She's an impure outsider and such and I suppose I totally spaced and forgot to…well…put that in lol.

Thanks to Opaque Opal for reviewing, this chapter is dedicated to you.

I'd also like to point out that this whole thing takes place a few good years before the Disney movie version, hence Frollo is barely thirty if not younger and Lavender is ten.


The sun was slowly setting behind the huge buildings on the West side of Paris. Shadows overtook the little huts and homes of the city of lights. The sound of silence echoed loudly through out the neighborhoods.

And I watched it all from the window.

I had sat on a very cushioned seat all day with my leg propped up on an equally cushioned chair. The maid came in several times to check up on me, re-bandage my knee, and to give me meals. It surprised me that she gave me yet another glass of red wine, watered down of course.

There was a very dull throb of pain in my knee when I moved it. I assumed of course that was one of the reasons why the maid gave me alcohol, to numb the pain. When the maid had been re-wrapping half my leg up, I risked a glance. It looked a purple-ish greenish color, as though a huge bruise…except cut up with red blood in it.

The only thing I could do was assume it was healing alright. As I watched the sun die down completely, I smiled to myself. I had injured myself so many times in the past week. First I skidded and basically skinned my knee from the dungeons, remaining knelt down in the dirt and grime. Then I walked through sewage water and tripped a few times…Wow. And I was still alive, how amazing!

I looked around and saw a book on my bed, cursing the four feet distance between us. Carefully, hoping I wouldn't injure myself even more, I hobbled over there. Once I had the old looking book in my hand, I remained laying on the bed. There was no way in the world I'd risk hurting myself again.

The book was about religion; shock shock to find in Frollo's palace. It wasn't the Bible, but just another book with poems of religion and sins. After a few pages, I grew sick of reading it. I had recently had nothing but bad things happen to me, I didn't need to read depression material to worsen it.

What was I supposed to do all night? There were no other books, at least not in walk able distance for a girl with a bad leg. Suddenly that thought and realization stopped my heart.

What was going to happen if it didn't heal right? What would happen to me if it was useless? If I couldn't walk without a cane again? My blood turned to ice at the thought and I felt a cold sweat coming on. Would I be able to marry Frollo?

Surely he'd still have my hand in marriage, even if my leg is scared for my life. Right? He was a deeply religious man, hypocritical I noted, but still. He would go back on a promise with a gentleman, would he?

"Lavender?" A voice echoed softly.

Looking over to the doorway, I jumped and gave a hiccup. "Claude!" I exclaimed, a little surprised at how I failed to notice the door opening. "What is it?"

"Are you alright? I heard crying down the hall." He looked uncomfortable as he stepped closer. I blinked, confused at first. When I hiccupped again, I touched my cheeks and felt wetness from the secret tears.

Looking up, slightly embarrassed, I answered, "Oh…yes. I didn't realize I was crying."

"Alright then, I see." He gave a crisp short answer and turned, ready to leave.

I grabbed his sleeve and when he looked at me, I felt more tears appear. "Please stay?" He looked embarrassed and uncomfortable once more. Nodding almost against his will, he sat at the edge of my bed, next to me.

That's how we remained until the candles near by died down at last. It had to be midnight at the least, maybe one in the morning. I finally caved into my desires and curled up into his arms, listening to him inhale sharply. When he wrapped his arms around me, I smiled weakly. I think I'm starting to…love him.


The next morning, I awoke to hear the bells ring. The bells already rang around six in the morning, just a little after dawn. It was comfort when I was back home with my mother and father because it meant I could go to the church. It meant, back then, that if I had any problems I could go see my parents.

Where was my father? I winced mentally at the question, pushing it out of my mind. Something deep inside me told me that I did not want to know just yet. Right now, I thought as my eyes slowly opened, I had to focus on the market.

How was I to convince Frollo that I needed to go?

Speaking of…I looked up above me and smiled. Claude was there. I was still in his arms and he leaned against the bed, supporting me while he slept. He looked so peaceful right now. That was another thought to consider; after sleeping in that position all night, he might be too sore to move a lot. Perhaps I'd get a maid to come with me.

"Claude?" I whispered, shaking him awake. (A/N: I'm sorry that I'm not going into more detail of how Lavender awoke him because the entire act of it brings up memories that I'd like to push away for now without crying.)

He stood up with a groan, rubbing his back while trying to stand straight. Faintly I wondered if he regretted sleeping in the same bed with me like that. "The market?" He voiced, slightly confused. "We just went there. What do you need and I'll have a servant get it."

I inhaled slowly, trying not to snap, "I want to go with them though! I…want to go to church as well."

"Lavender…" Frollo was trying to control his temper. "No. You're in no shape to walk anyway."

That's when the thought, the idea hit me. I said quickly, "That's what I need though, a cane. I need a cane so I can walk. It's not healthy for a young girl to remain in bed, Claude. I promise to stay within the Palace if I have a cane."

He studied me for a few moments. He was thinking if I should go or not, if he should go with me. Finally he gave in, "Fine, I'll have one of the servants carry you over there, you'll buy a cane, and walk back. Understood?"

It took all of my will not to smile. "Yes Claude."


Next chapter: Clopin's reaction; can Lav and him be secret friends? Review please.

I made this a short chapter because I'm have some love problems and working on the fluff is…isn't really helping to say.