Inktober day 19: Plump
Yeah, I'm several days behind. Hoping to catch up this week. But I was on a hunting trip over the weekend and didn't have the time or energy to get caught up then.
I singled out this background character from HoND and named him Xavier. He's Clopin's second-in-command, and the highest ranking member of the Court of Miracles' kris (council). He's a few years older than Clopin and is his most trusted advisor and friend. He eventually succeeds Clopin as Rom baro ("big man"; chief).
In canon, he's the Rom who helps Esmeralda bring a wounded Phoebus to Notre Dame. He later helps capture Phoebus and Quasi when they enter the Court of Miracles, accusing them of trespassing. I believe he stopped Esmeralda from bringing Phoebus straight to the Court, as even though Phoebus was no longer captain of the guard, he was still not someone Xavier felt could be trusted with the knowledge of the Court's location. As Clopin's second, it's as much Xavier's job to protect the Court as it is Clopin's.
Xavier is normally a very friendly guy. He's fond of kids and has a bit of a sweet tooth. He always has a funny story for every situation. He helps keep Clopin grounded and acts as the voice of reason when Clopin's temper gets the better of him. He's a jungle gym for several of the children in the Court. He has his own family, and his children are mostly grown by the events of HoND. He has a few grandkids by the time of the sequel (which I rewrote and in which he now features prominently). When Esmeralda was young, Xavier was one of a handful of people she felt safe venting her frustrations to. He was always a good listener and had some good advice and nuggets of wisdom for her. When she's in trouble, Xavier is one of the people she feels safest falling back on. Which is why she went to him for help bringing Phoebus to a safe location.
I've made his hair a bit curlier than in canon. Romani hair types tend to have more curl than average. More Roma have hair like Esmeralda's than like Clopin's.
That guy!