Chapter One: Crash meeting

My bare feet pounded the cobble stone as I ran from the soldiers on horseback. Thief? No. Murderer? Hardly. Troublemaker? Yes, absolutely. What had I done wrong then? I had gone against the ever honored Frollo, pompous idiot if you ask me.

A group of poor gypsy children were dancing on the corner for coins or anything when I passed by. My story is the same as any gypsy around here, with a slightly darker beginning than most. The children had pulled my heartstrings and I pulled as many coins that I had earned from my dancing from the sash around my waist and was about to drop it in the children's pouch when Frollo and his group of guards showed up.

He ordered me to keep from giving the children the money. As you can probably imagine I blatantly stared him down as I dropped each and every coin into the old hat and picked it up and have it to the children before making them run. And then I myself ran, of course.

I panted as I pumped my legs harder and harder, willing myself to keep ahead of the horsemen as long as possible. A smile crossed my face and I laughed and threw my arms out behind me, fully enjoying the rush of adrenaline from the chase through the streets. I was pulled from my reverie when I saw a brightly clothed man cross my path.

"Get out of the way mon ami!" I called, still laughing, to the man who was now facing me. He made no move to actually move from my path and I laughed as I raced by and latched my hand onto his wrist before pulling him along behind me as I continued to run at my fast pace.

The man, though greatly surprised by my grabbing his hand, ran along next to me, as he switched from me holding his wrist to us holding hands and running along like children that were running from the sweet cart with stolen goodies.

"And why are we running madame?" He questioned, his deep brown eyes twinkling with mischief. I laughed and threw my head back, enjoying the feeling of the wind flowing across my face and through my thick, white hair as it blew out behind me.

"Because it's fun! And because I'd rather not let Frollo get ahold of me, or another fair traveler." I stated, giving him a wink before facing the way we were running.

"Yes," He laughed, "that indeed is a wonderful plan! Let us run on!" He laughed as we sped up as much as we could. I laughed along with him and quickly led him down a branching alleyway before ducking into an abandoned shack that I had discovered some time ago.

We collapsed on the dirty, hay covered floor breathing heavily as we struggled to hide our laughter. We ducked out of view as the horsemen rode by.

"I think they're gone." I whispered to the man sitting next to me. He nodded and slowly turned around as he looked out the window.

"It seems we have lost our followers, what a shame." He said with mock sadness.

I laughed and nodded as I tucked some hair behind my ear, "Yes, tis' a woeful shame that our lives aren't at risk anymore."

We shared a hearty laugh before the man gently grabbed my hand and brought it up to his lips, my brass bracelets clinking as he kissed my knuckles.

I flushed a bright red as he smiled at me.

"And who, mademoiselle, do I have the pleasure of hiding with?" He asked as his eyes twinkled and I laughed.

"Well, if you insist on formalities comrade. My name is Luminitsa." I said giving him a bow of the head before flashing him a smile.

He nodded thoughtfully, "Yes. Your smile does make you fit your name. Little light indeed."

I blushed before hesitantly probing, "And may I ask what your name is monesuir?"

He grinned and winked, "My name is Clopin."

There you go peoples! I know you are probably unhappy with how slow my other stories have been going but now that school's out I can finally get back to my passion! Hope you all enjoy and feedback and reviews are all appreciated!