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Esmeralda watched the snow falling from her window. She had almost forgotten last night's events completely…..probably because she shoved them down her soul like there was no tomorrow. The Girl hardly even realizing she was bound.…..chained to the ground of her cell. But of course she was harshly reminded when her steps wandered a little too far towards the iron bars that were concealing her spirit. The grasping, pinching steel around her wrist bit her harshly, pulling her backwards in a yelp of pain. All of a sudden she heard a sigh coming from the other side of the wall. The Gypsy Knew this sigh……this voice. The girl slowly approached the wall.
“Phoebus?” She whispered.
“Esmeralda?.....Esmeralda what are you doing here? Your bargain with Frollo was clear ....”
Her voice shook with something she could not define. Fearing that it could be guilt. Whether it be from the previous night or elsewhere. Guilt was just an emotion that had always came easily to Esmeralda. “I made him angry. “
“What happened?”
“Let's just say even saying your name is forbidden in his Palace” the Gypsy spat.
“And you were crazy enough to keep talking about me just to piss him off weren’t you? Esmeralda I am surprised at you causing so much trouble.” His playful smirk that formed could almost be heard in his teasing, yet soft voice.
The Gypsy giggled weakly, defeat and confusion of her night with Frollo still so present in her voice, and yet so was her fire and spunk. “Don't flatter yourself Soldier boy! We both know I have never been very good at following the rules!” There was a pause as fear rushed through the girl's veins, all life draining from her face that was already in darkness. “He said he would be back to get me this morning.
“And then?”
“and then” she whispered
No further words were needed .
“Merry Christmas Darling.” Phoebus whispered sweetly, trying to keep his beloved calm.
She let out a snicker followed by a longing sigh . “I had almost forgotten.” The Gypsy’s voice began to crack as she continued. “I wish we were away from here. I wish we were together for Christmas…not apart ... .not like this. I wish I were with you .”
“We can be. Close your eyes. “
“What?”
“Just trust me on this. Sit down and close your eyes. What do you see?”
The girl rolled her eyes at the notion of fantasy. “Hell! I see absolute hell” Phoebus let out a laugh at the sarcasm in his beloved. This was good…. She was still herself . She left her old self slightly which could be easily mended now . “I see reality Phoebus. What did you think our lives were gonna be some fairytale? My life is not a fairytale .“
Phoebus was on a mission now, a mission to change this new mind set of hers created by a monster. He had to show Esmeralda the light outside these dungeons. “Alright then miss nonbeliever of dreams i’ll start. I see a beautiful wreath with lights all inside . there is red… green… And blue..hmm mm…… And what are those? Why are those purple lights I see????? Your favorite color.” The Soldier beamed with pride knowing in his heart he had to have caused a slight smile to spread across Esmeralda's lips. She certainly loved purple and even just the thought of a color might bring her back to a simpler time. “There is even a big red ribbon I bet you made by hand in the court.” The ex Captain hesitated for only a moment wondering at this point if he would truly help or make things worse.. “but I also see Dejali eating chunks out of the wreath.”
They shared a laugh together at that and tried not to wonder where that crazy animal could be . It was clear now they both needed to instead focus on the present. All they had to do was focus on the present for their love to survive. For the time being they were safe and together through their voices. That was enough. Together would always be enough. “alright Es what do you see?”
The Gypsy finally gave in with a sigh and closed her eyes . Her protest earned a chuckle from her companion on the other side.
The lights on the tree I wish you could see. I'll see it everyday
“I see the biggest Christmas tree in all of Paris….. Almost as tall as the Palace Of Justice” her voice growing high pitched in excitement. “It's decorated all in silver and gold . Every light sparklingly……as it reflects off the walls.......its beauty fills the entire room…..way better than my room upstairs” Esmeralda growled. “There's an white angel on top with short blonde hair and a silver flowy dress…. My mom's angel that she gave to me ” she said sentimentally, thinking fondly yet painfully of her lost childhood . “It really does just glow all through the dark snowy night doesn't it”? She stopped realizing a wide smile had formed on her face. For a brief moment the girl had left reality. She left reality with her Phoebus . “how did you do that ?….its like you took me out of this place”
But I can dream and in my dreams I'm Christmasing with you
“Christmas magic” the Soldier teased , delighted with the hope in her voice . Though he could still sense her raised eyebrow at his comment. He didn't have to see it to know it was there.
“Very funny Captain. You really are a dreamer.”
Suddenly there was a commotion down the hall . They both couldn't deny they knew exactly what they were hearing . the sound of a whip striking followed by the screams of an older woman. The striking and the screaming echoed through both their walls over and over and over again. The sound loomed and screeched over them. How it consumed both of their beating hearts. Esmeralda's heartbeat grew more and more rapid at each striking sound . Almost as if she could burst from agony at any moment.
Upon hearing his beloved gasp in horror Phoebus acted quickly . By hell was he going to let that monster undo all the progress he just made to help lift Esmeralda's spirits on this difficult day. ““Esme it's Ok…... .It's OK darling……I'm still here ... .Phoebus is here with you.”
“How could he do that to someone on Christmas ?” She cried . Her breathing and rising of her chest growing beyond what was healthy, increasing speed as panic started to wash over her. A simple sound was literally sucking the life out of her. What was this feeling? True desperate fear . The Gypsy's body trembled abruptly as she realized they would both most likely face the same treatment today . And that was the best case scenario ! . She made Frollo angry at her and her beloved all because of her temper.
“Tell me what else you see Esme”
“I should have kept my mouth shut last night.” The girl's voice shook wildly so much she almost stammered as she gasped for air she would not be receiving.
“Esme Bumble Bee, stay with me now . What do you see?
Logs on a fire fill me with desire to see you
“I see you putting logs on the fire……. And as the flames grow you and I sit on a maroon rug. The rug……. It has fringes on it…..and I play with them.”. Her hands lowered to the stone floor mimicking the motion from her imagination to ground herself. Esmeralda’s voice was getting steadier and calmer with every word. “You pull me into your lap and kiss my forehead just like you always do” she sighed content and full of desire . but only desire for his love and affection nothing else.
The Soldier’s voice was gentle and loving ,pouring all the comfort through the wall that he possibly could. “And then I stroke your hair. Each little black strand…..up and down. Until you close your beautiful eyes . Can you feel me petting you my Darling?”
“Yeah” she purred, slouching back on the wall letting her eyes closed . giving into a picture perfect fantasy. And it was a beautiful fantasy. For this one moment nothing else mattered . The unknown future did not linger into her mind once.
Everyday was a holiday when I was near to you
“I see us dancing by the tree” Phoebus continued their fantasy with an idea to spark his Gypsy. “Hey finally something we can really make a reality. Would you care to dance with me?” He asked all too confidently.
“Phoebus…. There is a wall between us . Even you can't be that stupid …….its just not possible “
“Well sure it is! Well join my being stupid then…. stand up and sway with me …..dance with me.” They both got up facing the wall holding out their arms, imagining they held each other and swayed to the left and to the right as if they were together at a royal ball. They both somehow managed to move faster in unison and started to twirl in their sway movements.
“Get ready for it . Get ready for it. I'm gonna dip you . Are you ready for the dip?. I’m gonna dip you. I’m gonna dip you.”
Esmeralda ‘s laughter rang out and filled the air , the walls, the entire Palace most likely . It was as if that unmistakable, nasal female voice was a jingle bell in the air. She scooped down as if he truly was there, dipping her towards the ground and then lifting her back up by the waste in a graceful spin. Though she couldn't see the Sun God's wide grin she could sense it greatly. It was as if they were in fact able to see each other regardless of the wall. .They could see every expression….every gesture…..all of it with their hearts. Both spinning to their hearts content completely alone and together at the same time. Enjoying the moment of each other’s company.
Tears began to appear in Esmeralda’s eyes. This ended up being a far better Christmas than she could have hoped for. “I love you “ she whispered. I
I'v just one wish on this christmas eve . I wish I were with you
“And I love you sweetheart . You see? We're always together. Always. We're going to be together forever. Remember this little trick every time that bastard is scaring you .” His voice soothing every fear right out of the Gypsy’s body. How it pleased them both to make light of such a situation. It was the way their relationship was always meant to be. Filled with joy and comfort despite the winds and storms of the world.
“Always a soldier boy," she said seductively with a hopeful giggle. “I just wish I–Esmeralda's head suddenly jerked to the sound of clapping . As her voice faded into silence .
They weren't alone. Had they ever been alone ?
She hurdled as close to the wall as she could, looking upon the black robed man smirking at her hungrily . “having a nice time?” Frollo formed a sinister smirk . She ignored him looking at the wall once more . How she hoped The Archdeacon wouldn't hear. But yet she didn't care, this may be the last chance they get. “It's time. I have company, I'm afraid. Merry Christmas Soldier boy.” Her whisper now weak and quivering compared to her lighthearted laughter seconds ago.
“Merry Christmas Esmeralda My darling. Remember…… just remember…….remember. Don't lose hope …. don't give him that . And all will be fine. “
“How sweet. and merry Christmas to you as well Captain Phoebus” Frollo barked out mockingly. “I am sure a very special gift for you will be carried out soon.” He looked the Gypsy up and down for a moment, his unreadable face stumping her wildly spinning mind. Oh how he revealed in breaking up this disgusting celebration……celebration indeed he thought. “and as for you” The Archdeacon commanding baritone thrashed upon her like a wave. “ Oh, I have something very special planned for you. Come along….now.”
That evil cold, stern hand wrapped around her wrists with a harsh pull. The Gypsy fought it…she fought it hard pulling herself in the opposite direction with all she had left. Both rivals used so much force in a desperate need for power that it sent the female flying to the cold , stone-hard ground.
But Suddenly Frollo was gone and the girl's terrors began to still as everything went black. The horrible moment had disappeared just like that. As Esmeralda looked around with a terrified gasp upon waking, she noticed she was in the safety of their bed. No longer at the Palace but at the Court of Miracles with her greatest protector . It was all just a dream. One crazy sick unbelievable dream. The bastard is dead, everyone is safe she whispered to herself over and over again, stroking the bed to ground herself. A half sleeping Phoebus rolled over and wrapped his arms around his beloved as he began to whisper encouraging words in the dead of night.
“You are safe too… You're safe with me. I promise….... Besides it's our first Christmas without a lunatic for an Archdeacon, this is going to be a happy day.”
She looked down, discouraged by the nightmares that she still wasn't free from. “Yes. I am aware of that.”
With that the Soldier kissed the girl's forehead. “Try to get some more sleep. I've got you sweetheart. “
“Phoebus?”
“Hmm” he groaned.
The tremble of her voice was clear before she even began. “Are you sure……are you sure we're safe ?”
The blonde Sun God held her even tighter in his arms to reassure her and stroked her long raven hair so gently it tingled her skin with assurance. Assurance that he would keep her safe. Assurance that their love was forever. The action itself brings a half smile to her face. “Darling it's nearly been a year. He is dead. He did not survive the fall. Regardless, as long as I'm alive you will always be safe…. No one is going to hurt you, I promise. Please try to relax now…try to enjoy yourself….enjoy this. “ he grazed her chin lightly. A satisfied grin escaped the Soldier, feeling his beloved’s tired body relax into his. Tentative at first, but finally, truly relaxed. Warmth filled the room as Esmeralda nuzzled her face into her beloved, burying it deep into his chest. Though she still clung to Phoebus for dear life, Sleep was starting to overtake them both in their closeness to each other alas.
“Good girl.”
“ This is going to be a happy day " Dhe whispered, full of determination. Determination to enjoy their first holiday without fear. To enjoy this new year filled with hope. There would be no need for fleeing or fear or hideouts this time. Maybe the haunting memories would last , but that cruel man's power over her would not. Esmeralda was choosing happiness starting today . Frollo took enough days from her…..this christmas would not be another one. Those days were long behind. The best victory would not be how she stepped into the afternoon sun last year confirming their enemies death. The truly best victory was now leading the life she wanted for herself and seizing it . Peace finally filled the room and the girl grasped it, never letting go. Drifting off with an unmistakable smile as joy found her once again. The Gypsy would create a new dream, thinking only of their anticipated celebration with Quasimodo they would have later that night. As sleep came to Esmeralda again she envisioned how lovely Quasimodo would have the bell tower decorated and all the dancing and merriment the three of them would share. No one was more happy for this proper celebration than Quasi. Christmas may mean peace on earth to many. But for them it also meant freedom and progress. Though even lost in her much improved dream, she still heard the faint whisper of a certain groggy Captain also entering sleep very quickly.
“Merry christmas Darling”