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

[sundayfish]

"It'll have to do for public occasions, if you can put up with it, but we don't have to call you that if you'd rather. Going to have to tell Ranae and - get word out for everyone else."

[powershines]

"So you think I'm the princess too."

[sundayfish]

"Think so."

[hisowninvention]

[sundayfish]

"You're in time for your lantern ceremony, too. But - usually we have your crown out when the first lantern goes up - it's -"

[powershines]

Rapunzel elbows Rolan.

[hisowninvention]

"...maybe less missing than it may appear," says Rolan, and he produces the crown and sets it carefully on Rapunzel's head.

[powershines]

"Please don't arrest him."

Hug of arm. Hug hug.

[sundayfish]

"Crown's here, isn't it, why would anybody be getting arrested?"

[hisowninvention]

[powershines]

"Thanks."

[sundayfish]

"All alone in that tower? Except for this - Gothel character?"

[powershines]

"Um. Yes. Until yesterday."

[hisowninvention]

"I'm pretty sure Gothel is the one who took her in the first place," says Rolan. "And I don't know if she might try again. She's... kind of persistent."

[sundayfish]

"Can increase the guard for a while." Cearl gets up. "Rapunzel, you can invite your friend to stay in the palace for a bit, if he makes you feel better. I'll get Ranae. She might - cry, might try to hug you, you don't have to let her if you don't want to."

And he turns to go.

[powershines]

Rapunzel looks up at Rolan.

[hisowninvention]

Rolan smiles down at Rapunzel. "I'll stay."

[powershines]

Armhug. "Thank you."

[hisowninvention]

"You're welcome."

And, what the hell, he puts down his bag and gives her an entire hug. Hugs are important.

[powershines]

Entire hug. "Am I being too - clingy, I can't tell."

[hisowninvention]

"Not at all," he says. Hug hug.

[powershines]

"Okay. Good." She swallows. "He seems nice though, I guess."

[hisowninvention]

"Yeah, he does."

[powershines]

"I guess I can let the queen hug me if she really wants."

[hisowninvention]

"She probably really wants," he says. "But it's okay not to, even so."