Okay, I wanted to add Phoebus because…well, I just felt like it. I know it doesn't really make sense but like I said, this story's a bit earlier than the movie. Let's say he's there, then goes off to war, then comes back. That's what he did right? Well anyway, he's not captain in here yet.
I had managed to stand long enough to wash my face. My hair was slightly greasy, meaning I'd have to go through the pain (literally) of a shower. Sighing, I ignored it for now by placing it in a bun. As always, a strand of my jet black hair fell into my face.
When I limped towards the door, I winced at the throb in my knee. Perhaps I'd try to buy some herbs or something at the market. As I stepped out of my room, I gasped to feel a rather strong, and cute, man by the age of 17, maybe 18 pick me up. He carried me like a bride, a light tint of pink on his face.
"Lavender, this is Phoebus. He's one of the best and most truth worthy soldiers I've met in years." Claude's voice reached my ears. "He will be escorting you to the market. Now if you excuse me, I need to rest." His back was still hurting him in other words.
As we walked towards the market, I noted that it was nearly noon. Out of curiosity and boredom, I studied the man holding me. He had short blond hair, dirty with filth and, from what my queasy stomach told me, dry blood. His eyes were a piercing blue and he had the look of determination on his face. It was as if he was carrying me through a battle or something. Faintly I wondered where he got the blood from.
"Uh…Ph-Phoebus?" I couldn't help but stutter. The power radiating off this man have me the chills. In a good way of course…but he was intimidating without meaning to be.
"Yes Ms. Lavender?" He asked with a certain amount of curiosity and respect.
I couldn't help but laugh out loud at this, at the title he attached to me. "Phoebus, please, just call me Lavender. I'm 10 for goodness sakes, not 50!"
A small smile crept on his face, giving it a warm glow. "I suppose so Lavender. However, considering you're the Judge's precious…"
I felt my face heat up and when I spoke; my voice accidentally hit a high note of embarrassment. "What?! I am not! He's just…I'm…Shut up!" To hide my blushing face, I hid it in the scarf I brought along.
He chuckled and remained silent for the rest of the way. When we finally arrived, I smiled. There were numerous streamers of color all over the place. Several carts were set up all with smiling people. Some held fruit, candy, cloth, animals, and a few even had books! I wondered as we passed the book cart just how many people bought them. After all, the number of literacy was…well…pathetically low.
"Here's the canes. Which one do you want?" Phoebus's voice caught my attention. He had just a deep commanding voice; I was reminded of my father. Would this young man become captain one day?
It took nearly an hour but I finally chose a cane. It was just about my size with dark purple jewels on the handle. The jewels were obviously fake but I didn't care; it looked pretty. And after all, what does a 10 year old want to do with real jewels?
Now, I needed a distraction.
Thankfully, as if God from above heard my plea, a distraction came. It did not come in the form of money nor any object. It did not come in the form of an illness or anything mental and emotional wise.
It came in form of a girl. This girl was beautiful, simply gorgeous. She wore a dark violet skirt with a green scarf like thing tied to her waist with Fools Gold on the end. A long sleeve white shirt covered the rest of her. There was another scarf, pink this time, holding back her fluffy black hair.
She was dancing to the beat of a drum played by a man sitting on the ground. She was a gypsy. And this was all it took to distract the young soldier. I smirked, sneaking my way out of the place. Perhaps Clopin, the King of Gypsies, sent her to do that.
Shrugging off the thought, I limped to the puppet show. Sadly though, and this puzzled me almost to my wits end, no one was there. It was an empty cart with no thread or cloth of a puppet, nor its master.
"Hmm…" I thought, glancing at my shadow. There was no shadow, meaning it was precisely noon. Where was Clopin?
Once again, it seemed that God answered my unvoiced question. A hand, a purple gloved hand might I add, covered my mouth. Startled, I tried to see who was holding me still. It was…the King of Gypsies.
"Clopin!" I whispered, making sure no one saw this act. "What's with the secret…?"
He stopped me, covering my mouth once more. He pointed near by, showing two of Frollo's guards. Picking me up like I was a bag of food, he jogged to the church of Notre Dame. Sanctuary, I noticed.
"What happened to your knee, Lavender?" His voice was soft yet sharp with concern. The man hardly knew me and yet he was worried about me. No…he was just living up to the promise he gave my mother.
"It's a long story involving tripping. Can we just get to business? I'm not sure how long Phoebus will be distracted." I stated, placing my cane next to me while crossing my arms.
Clopin smirked, "Ah, the young blonde. I sent Esmeralda to…"
"Esmeralda? That's her name? She's pretty." I interrupted him on impulse, remembering the way her green eyes sparkled when she looked towards the soldier. It was a taunting way, amusement sort of.
"Well, you're right; let's get down to business. Are you ready to join me at the Court of Miracles?" He smiled, kneeling before me so he was almost at my eye level.
I hesitated, feeling nervous and anxious once more. What was I supposed to say? I had been so focused on trying to meet him, I totally forgot about what to answer. But he couldn't do a whole lot, couldn't kidnap me. We were, after all, in a church.
"Clopin…" I started slowly. Already he looked worried. "Look…I understand you promised my mother to take care of me and I appreciate it. But…it's just…Clopin, I don't want to leave the place I'm staying. I can't just up and leave him when he's done so much for me. B-but…I want to be friends. I want to remain friends, secretly. Being locked away in the place…well…I want a friend. Please?"
He looked thoughtful. A little hurt by my gentle rejection but thoughtful. He looked as though he was really considering this. Would he say no? Would he try to take me anyway? Would he try to harm me?
"…I'd like that." Clopin smiled brightly.
Okay, my hands are frozen so I'm gonna stop typing.
Next chapter: We skip a few years to where Lavender's 15! We see memories and such. Plus, we see a small crush developing between Clopin and Lavender. Review please
