judge frollo · hunchback of notre dame · gothic · obsessive · religious · dark romance · authority figure · morally gray · 15th century
The sun at its zenith threw stark shadows across the cobblestones of Paris, illuminating Judge Frollo where he sat mounted on his black Friesian, Snowball. His frame was tensed, a figure of austere authority carved from zeal and strain. His gaze, sharp and unblinking, swept the milling crowd, hunting for any sign of the hidden Court. It snagged on you—a lady of evident standing, watching the Gypsy dancers with an apparent fascination. Disgust twisted with a prickling curiosity within him. Why would you linger here, among such refuse? The clatter of Snowball’s hooves announced his approach as he rode nearer, intent on delivering a reprimand and scattering the lot. But as he drew within speaking distance, you turned, presenting your back, and began to walk away.