[Private] The Hunchback of Notre Dame (AdAstra)

[UncoordinatedPisces]

Aimee had come inside from the garden after a wind had picked up and made her way upstairs before Frollo had arrived. He seemed to dislike the fact she liked going downstairs to go to the garden, and always stressed to her the fact she should not go even further downstairs. In the week she had been there, she had seen most of the Palace of Justice, expect that one room. The temptation to go there when Frollo was out was strong, but his maid always had a close eye on her.

Sighing, she made her way to the dining room to sit down. She looked onto the table and realized one of drawings were there. She often took some parchment and some ink and inked delicate little patterns. Aimee reminded herself to tidy up after herself next time. She placed the drawing underneath her table mat and waited.

[AdAstrα]

"Good afternoon, Aimee." Frollo said as he entered the dining room. The maid immediately turned up, seemingly out of nowhere, pulling out a chair for him and serving the food almost simultaneously. He nodded approvingly, but that was the only recognition he could be bothered to show her. It seemed to be enough for her however, because she promptly curtsied, before dashing out the door and thus vanished once again, just as suddenly as she had appeared.

He looked up at his niece. "Have you had a good day?"

He didn't really care, even if there had been moments when he had been vaguely interested in hearing about the girl's opinion on life at the Palace, today was not one of those days.

[UncoordinatedPisces]

Aimee gave a small smile when she saw her uncle. She was always a little pleased to see him, she presumed that it was purely because he was a relation. "Good afternoon Sir". She watched the maid rush around him, placing food on the table both where he sat and where she was sitting. She managed to mumble out a quick thank you before the maid rushed out again. Aimee tried to be polite and grateful all the time, she had grown up knowing manners were a good thing.

"Yes, I have...the weather was nice so I sat out in the gardens". The girl waited for Frollo to start eating, she didn't like starting before him. So, instead she took a drink of water. Suddenly, something came to mind, it was a thought about this so called 'Feast of Fools'. A gypsie festival. Amiee almost grinned at the thought of it. "I did overhear a conversation between some of your staff earlier though...about the Feast of Fools. You...um...wouldn't mind if I went as well would you?". She wondered what his reply would be. She knew nothing of his hatred toward gypsies as of yet.

[AdAstrα]

Frollo merely nodded as Aimee mentioned the garden. He did not fully approve of her going out there, afraid that it might give her strange ideas. Like trying to escape.....or wanting to find out what was going on down in the basement. He had made it very clear that she was not to wander off on her own, however; surely she would not dare disobey when she knew the consequences so well? Still, his gut feeling told him that she should be supervised at all times. He had to constantly remind the maid of this, because as hard-working as she was, she often forgot things.

He was just about to start eating when Aimee started speaking once more. And this time he most certainly disapproved of what she was saying. He looked up at her, his eyes narrowing, unable to believe it for a moment. It was clear however that she was not trying to be rude or push limits, she was just clueless. This was the only thing that stopped him from shouting at her; instead he remained rather calm.

"The Feast of Fools is not for you, my dear." he began, gazing at her. "It wouldn't be appropriate for you to attend it. I only go because I have to, it's not nearly as entertaining as it sounds."

[UncoordinatedPisces]

Aimee gave a small disappointed frown at his reply. She really wanted to go out into town again, she missed being out there at times, even though it could be a cruel place at times. She let out a small sigh,
"Oh...ok. I just thought it would be a bit of fun you know, seeing as it's dedicated to the gypsies...". Her stomach told her she needed to eat so she started. She had been brought up with table manners as well, lost them on the street, but obviously she re-learnt them when put into sophistication like this. However, she didn't know her last comment may push some buttons with Frollo.

[AdAstrα]

Frollo could hardly believe what he was hearing. How incredibly naive she was....

"The gypsies do nothing but cause havoc wherever they go." he snapped, frowning. "Heathens and thieves, all of them. I hardly think that's something worth celebrating! They do not belong here. If you knew what they have done to this city...how much trouble they cause me on a daily basis...I very much doubt you'd feel like joining in their silly celebrations."

[UncoordinatedPisces]

Aimee didn't know whether to be surprised, shocked or upset by this unexpected outburst. She gave him a bewildered look, which turned into a glare of sorts. She knew for a fact all gypsies weren't bad people, she had grown up alongside them. She wanted to argue, she really did. But Aimee didn't know how he'd react, so she held her tongue. "It's the most sensible thing to do", she thought to herself. "Surely he knew mother had been friends with the gypsies for a long time".

"I'm sorry", she replied, looking down at her food. It wasn't a fully genuine apology of course, she could never agree to what he had said, but it was an apology all the same. She began eating again when there was a knock on the door of the dining room door, a guard entered and said,

"I apologize for interrupting, but Captain Phoebus wishes to tell you he will arrive this evening at the Palace of Justice Sir. That is all". The guard left quickly, not wanting to wait for a reply. Aimee wondered who this could be, and gave a curious glance towards her uncle. Still, she didn't say anything, but quietly finished her dinner.

[AdAstrα]

"Apology accepted." Frollo replied, picking up the fork and continuing to eat without looking at her. He should, of course, have seen this coming...his sister being what she was. Of course this girl had been taught from an early age that gypsies were friends....family almost....

Oh well. That would have to change.

He looked up as the guard entered. Oh, so Captain Phoebus was in town at last! This news lifted his spirits somewhat and he quickly finished his dinner, wanting to prepare properly for their first meeting. The man had a good reputation, and Frollo was looking forward to meeting someone of such skill and determination.

[UncoordinatedPisces]

Aimee was glad he accepted that apology, even though she hadn't meant it. For the rest of dinner she was ignored, that didn't surprise her or bother her. However, this Captain Phoebus remained on her mind. She really wanted to see someone, a week of only seeing the maid and Frollo was not exactly boring her, but she knew it was making her miserable. And heck, she wanted to do some exploring. She had again and again resisted the temptation to go into the 'basement'.

As soon as she had her last mouthful the maid was in the room collecting the plates, she went back out and came back in, whisking Aimee off her chair. Aimee witheld a groan. It was always after dinner she wasn't allowed out of her room. Aimee began walking out of the room, she turned to look at Frollo,
"I hope you have a nice evening Sir". Not waiting for a reply, the maid hurried her to her room. As annoying as the maid was, she was generally nice to Aimee. When they did get to her room, Aimee sat down on her chair, next to the drawers and took out her parchment. The maid had seen the delicate drawings while tidying the room.

"They really are good Miss, how you go into such detail I do not know". Aimee smiled at her,
"Thank you". The maid appreciated Aimee's manners, for she did not get many thank you's off her employer. She didn't mind though, she was earning money and that's what mattered in this world.
"Do you want me to get you anything?". Aimee thought for a moment and then nodded,

"I'd love a glass of milk and a warm croissant please". The maid nodded and left. The young girl sighed, she was alone for now. In her head, she began planning how she was going to get out of her room. The maid usually had stuff to attend to, so she could sneak out then. Sighing, she just waited for the maid to return.

[AdAstrα]

The maid; a short, dark-haired woman named Estelle, returned to the room a few minutes later, carrying a tray. Putting it down on the table, she looked up at the girl and smiled. "There you go, miss. Let me know if there's anything else you need."

She cared a great deal about Aimee, seeing in her a daughter she knew she'd never have. Leaving her alone on this particular evening didn't feel quite right somehow, but there was no use dwelling on it. There were so many things that needed doing, and Frollo would be furious if he returned to find that she hadn't finished them all.