when will my life begin

[powershines]

In the morning, Rapunzel is not disturbed until she has had a little while to go over her coded notes from last night (letter by letter - she will learn to read this just like she learned to read printed notes, but neither task is quick) and has opened the door.

The guards posted there - they've changed in the night, she notices - tell her that she's invited to take breakfast with her parents in the dining hall.

Comments

[hisowninvention]

[sundayfish]

"If she hadn't gone with you what would you've done?"

[hisowninvention]

"I really have no idea. Although it was starting to look like bringing the crown back would've featured."

[sundayfish]

Cearl nods once.

[hisowninvention]

He finishes his bread. A thought occurs to him. He goes with the impulse.

"While I'm here," he says, "thank you for the schools. They were a big help to me when I was younger."

[kindestgarden]

"You're welcome."

[hisowninvention]

[kindestgarden]

The queen finishes her bread and kisses her husband and leaves the table.

[hisowninvention]

Rolan... waits to see if the king has anything else to say to him.

[sundayfish]

"You going to want to be along if she leaves the palace grounds? For the hospital visit or anything else."

[hisowninvention]

"Maybe, probably. If she wants me there, there I'll be."

[sundayfish]

"Half-wondering if I should give you a guards' uniform. Probably not."

[hisowninvention]

"The irony might kill me. And then Rapunzel would be sad."

[sundayfish]

"Mm-hm. You do seem maybe more competent at looking out for her than anybody who was on duty eighteen years ago, is all."

[hisowninvention]

"I do guard pretty effectively, when it comes to it." He smiles briefly, then shakes his head. "I like it best of all when I don't need to, though."

[sundayfish]

"'Course."

[hisowninvention]

"I - really, really don't like to hurt people."

[sundayfish]

"Good at it, though."

[hisowninvention]

"Very," he agrees with a sigh.

[sundayfish]

"Wanna tell me how?"

[hisowninvention]

"Natural talent. And more practice than I ever wanted. I strongly prefer running away, but... sometimes you don't get the chance."

[sundayfish]

"Mm."

[hisowninvention]

"Mm?"

[sundayfish]

"Nothing."

[hisowninvention]

"Okay."