mother knows best

[powershines]

Rapunzel doesn't sleep well, and she does wind up wrapped up in her hair overnight like a golden-cocooned butterfly. She's still dozing fitfully when the sun comes up.

Comments

[powershines]

Rapunzel nods thoughtfully.

[hisowninvention]

"That's about all I can think of, off the top of my head. But now that I know you want to know, maybe I'll pay more attention."

[powershines]

"Thank you."

[hisowninvention]

He smiles.

[powershines]

"Are you going to be in lots of trouble if I eventually mention to the king and queen that you have made a habit of stealing people's teacups, besides the crown thing? Should I not do that?"

[hisowninvention]

"Well... it depends on what they think of it. But they're probably going to find out anyway, if I stick around. I'm a moderately well-known thief. My guess is that if you stick up for me they'll let it slide. Although I might have to promise not to do it anymore. Will you be annoyed if I promise not to do it anymore without particularly knowing if I will or not?"

[powershines]

"Why would you do that?"

[hisowninvention]

"Well, if it's between making a promise I don't mean and getting arrested, I'd definitely rather make the promise."

[powershines]

"Well - I mean - you could also just stop stealing things."

[hisowninvention]

"I might really stop stealing things for a while. But I don't even know how long I'll be staying here or where I'll be going next, and I'm not going to consider a promise I made to avoid getting arrested very important the next time I'm eyeing somebody's teacups."

[powershines]

"That makes sense."

[hisowninvention]

[powershines]

"I'm worried me being nervous around people isn't going to go away very soon - or have an exception for m-my parents - and I'm not nervous around you."

[hisowninvention]

"...I could stay a while if you want. Assuming they don't arrest me. And I'm pretty sure they won't arrest me."

[powershines]

"I will ask them not to arrest you."

[hisowninvention]

"Thank you. I appreciate that."

[powershines]

"And I would like it if you would stay."

[hisowninvention]

"Then I will."

[powershines]

"Thank you."

[hisowninvention]

He smiles at her again and brushes breadcrumbs off the front of his shirt.

[onerequest]

Someone who was observant might be able to hear approaching hoofbeats at this time.

[hisowninvention]

"...Huh, I think I hear somebody riding up behind us," says Rolan. "Maybe you should bundle up your hair again in case they step on it."

[powershines]

Rapunzel nods and starts spooling.

And then drops her hair in shock when the person behind them catches up.

[onerequest]

"Hello, Rapunzel."

[powershines]

"Mother."