Skip the Drama, Stay with Mama

Oh, well, hello there my dear and welcome, although I'm not exactly sure how you found this tower... Well, I am Mother Gothel, and I always know what's best, so should you need anything don't hesitate to ask. I'm sure we can help each other out in one...

[oh-look-youre-here-too]

See The Sun (Gothel & Rapunzel)

[i-do-like-ducklings-blog]

Rapunzel pursed her lips, unsure of what emotion she should keep at bay. Anger told her that she had just realized her life had been a lie. All those years she spent looking out a window, and now the trap door was open for her to leave like nothing happened. What kind of sick joke was that? Happiness argued that she should rejoice at the fact she was being set free. Yet fear also crawled on her back at her impending journey.

She couldn’t face Gothel, her gaze cast downwards. Rapunzel could see the bottom of her red dress come to view indicating she had come close.

There was assurance in hearing that her ‘mother’ would be okay. Even if they had a relationship founded of deceit, the emotions deposited in it were real. Or at least, for Rapunzel they were.

Still, she had a sinking feeling that Gothel cared for her too. Which made this goodbye a lot harder than she expected.

She pulled her ‘mother’ in a hug that felt like the last.

“I-I’m really going to miss you.” Her voice cracked. Since when did she start crying?

[oh-look-youre-here-too]

Gothel paused before pulling the girl into a tight hug and giving a soft laugh. She pet the girls hair, but it only reminded her that now she was on borrowed time. 

Pulling back from the hug, wiping away a tear from Rapunzel’s cheek. Gothel’s eyes were still on the girls hair before she shook her head and looked into the girls soft green eyes. 

“I’ll miss you too…now, it’s time for you to go to your new home. Mother needs to pack her own things and get on her way. A cottage I can handle, but the authorities I can not.”

Gothel chuckled and let her grip on the girl go. 

[i-do-like-ducklings-blog]

Rapunzel chuckled too, but somehow it came out pinched and forced. What was wrong with her? She should be happy. She was going home. 

Letting out a small sigh, she wiped the rest of her tears on the fabric of her sleeves. She steeled herself to stop crying but her red nose indicated that she wasn’t doing a very good job at it. 

“I wish you all the best, mother.” Rapunzel smiled, her words sincere. Casting her gaze downwards, she adds with finality, “Come on, Pascal…” 

There was no point hiding him now. He crawled out of his hiding spot in a shade of blue that seemed to match her mood. “I-I’ll just take a few things from upstairs.” Rapunzel mumbled, picking up her friend before escaping towards her room.

[oh-look-youre-here-too]

Gothel sighed deeply before grabbing her own cloak and satchel from the cabinet. She gave the tower one last look over and smiled weakly. These walls had been a home and a prison for her in a way as well. Shackled to the flower as she had been, always having to return back here. It was a wonder she hadn’t found Rapunzel to be missing sooner. 

The tower was all lit up inside from the morning sun which was contradictory to her darkened mood, but then again she’d never been agreeable with the sun. Someone should snuff that thing out, she mused to herself. But she couldn’t hide from the sun anymore. Couldn’t hide from the dark that would come after it. The future was barreling towards her. She wondered whether or not There would be a light at the end. Probably not, if she was being honest. But maybe this good deed would count for something. For everything she did to those dear to her. The lives she ended and ruined. The lies she told. Maybe this would be the feather to tip the scales. 

With one last look up to the girls room Gothel shrugged and turned to the long winding staircase. She’d had enough of goodbyes. It was time to go. 

[oh-look-youre-here-too]

See The Sun (Gothel & Rapunzel)

[oh-look-youre-here-too]

Gothel turned back to Rapunzel dusting off the shoulders of the cloak and making sure the girl was properly bundled up in it. 

“Short answer; No, far away, and yes for now.”

After being assured the girl was ready for the road Gothel took in a deep breath. The sun outside had finally reached up and shone through the window of the tower. It was as blinding to Gothel now as it always had been and she squinted in irritation before gripping Rapunzel’s shoulders softly.

“Long answer; If you were to see me again I’m sure you;d be unwittingly leading the royal guard to me. I’ve a small cottage back centuries before you were born that’s quite a ways away I’ll be staying at. And I’ll live out the remainder of my short wicked life there…”

It was one thing to think of the possibility of her death, and another to openly accept it. Gothel gave the girl a weak smile and stoked her cheek. 

“Don’t worry about me petal. I’m past my time. Everything I had tethering me is gone. So you go and live your life. Make new memories.”

[i-do-like-ducklings-blog]

Rapunzel pursed her lips, unsure of what emotion she should keep at bay. Anger told her that she had just realized her life had been a lie. All those years she spent looking out a window, and now the trap door was open for her to leave like nothing happened. What kind of sick joke was that? Happiness argued that she should rejoice at the fact she was being set free. Yet fear also crawled on her back at her impending journey.

She couldn’t face Gothel, her gaze cast downwards. Rapunzel could see the bottom of her red dress come to view indicating she had come close.

There was assurance in hearing that her ‘mother’ would be okay. Even if they had a relationship founded of deceit, the emotions deposited in it were real. Or at least, for Rapunzel they were.

Still, she had a sinking feeling that Gothel cared for her too. Which made this goodbye a lot harder than she expected.

She pulled her ‘mother’ in a hug that felt like the last.

“I-I’m really going to miss you.” Her voice cracked. Since when did she start crying?

[oh-look-youre-here-too]

Gothel paused before pulling the girl into a tight hug and giving a soft laugh. She pet the girls hair, but it only reminded her that now she was on borrowed time. 

Pulling back from the hug, wiping away a tear from Rapunzel’s cheek. Gothel’s eyes were still on the girls hair before she shook her head and looked into the girls soft green eyes. 

“I’ll miss you too...now, it’s time for you to go to your new home. Mother needs to pack her own things and get on her way. A cottage I can handle, but the authorities I can not.”

Gothel chuckled and let her grip on the girl go. 

[oh-look-youre-here-too]

See The Sun (Gothel & Rapunzel)

[oh-look-youre-here-too]

Gothel only stared more before shaking her head and wrenching up the trap door. A thick cloud of dust rose up from the old unused door and Gothel swatted away at it to clear her vision. The dark tunnel was still as inviting as the first time she’d come up through into the tower. Which is to say it wasn’t. Gothel headed over to the cabinet to fetch herself a purse of coins and a cloak for Rapunzel. 

“Alright this should be enough for you to get to Corona with no problem, just head down the tunnel, use your hair for light or whatever and go back to the King and Queen. They’ll probably recognize you and you can have a whole teary eyed reunion and live happily ever after. As for me I don’t have time for bonding anymore. I need to pack and get out of here and somewhere I can’t be found.”

Thrusting the objects at Rapunzel, Gothel motioned for her to hurry up. 

[i-do-like-ducklings-blog]

It had been so long ago since she had seen the trap door open. It reminded her of a time when she hadn’t had hair as long as it was now. That in itself meant a really, really long time.

As Rapunzel stared at the cloak and pouch tossed at her, her hopes of getting her mother to stay diminished. Logic told her to be happy. She was finally free. She was going home. She had a chance to begin her life - fresh and new.

And yet…

 “Will I ever see you again?” She asked meekly, feeling somewhat defeated. She wrapped the cloak around her neck slowly, as if she didn’t want to leave. Not yet.

“Where are you going exactly? Will you be okay?”

[oh-look-youre-here-too]

Gothel turned back to Rapunzel dusting off the shoulders of the cloak and making sure the girl was properly bundled up in it. 

“Short answer; No, far away, and yes for now.”

After being assured the girl was ready for the road Gothel took in a deep breath. The sun outside had finally reached up and shone through the window of the tower. It was as blinding to Gothel now as it always had been and she squinted in irritation before gripping Rapunzel’s shoulders softly.

“Long answer; If you were to see me again I’m sure you;d be unwittingly leading the royal guard to me. I’ve a small cottage back centuries before you were born that’s quite a ways away I’ll be staying at. And I’ll live out the remainder of my short wicked life there...”

It was one thing to think of the possibility of her death, and another to openly accept it. Gothel gave the girl a weak smile and stoked her cheek. 

“Don’t worry about me petal. I’m past my time. Everything I had tethering me is gone. So you go and live your life. Make new memories.”

[oh-look-youre-here-too]

See The Sun (Gothel & Rapunzel)

[oh-look-youre-here-too]

Gothel stared at Rapunzel as if she’d grown another head. All the girls life she’d wanted to leave. Hadn’t she? But she wanted to stay? To explore and come back home? Gothel shook her head and scowled walking back into the center of the room. 

“Oh please Rapunzel, people who actually loved me back couldn’t forgive me for what I’ve done. I can’t even forgive myself. So you certainly can’t and neither can your parents. No, the place for you is home, and the place for me is anywhere but Corona. So go pack some things and head into town, maybe get a haircut while you’re at it. I’d hate to have someone use you worse than I could.”

Gothel kicked up the rug that revealed a trap door The wood was worn and aged, and the hinges rusted from lack of use. She started to tug at the handle, but froze at the mention of a name. 

“What was that? Does someone know where I am? Where we are?”

Fear welled up inside of her chest. If someone knew where the tower was, then even if she released Rapunzel, there could be someone on their way to the tower right now. Someone leading a cavalry of troops to bring the princess home and send Gothel to the executioner. 

[i-do-like-ducklings-blog]

Rapunzel had oftentimes pictured the day her mother would let her be free. But not like this. Never like this. For some reason, in all her imaginary universes, Gothel was still in the picture. If living life outside the tower meant saying goodbye to her, then maybe it wasn’t all that grand…

But then again, that was before. Now she knew the truth - that back at the kingdom there were people waiting for her. It left a bitter taste in her mouth. When did everything become so complicated…

She was still stuck in that post-shock haze when she realized Gothel was starting to leave. Her face paled when she realized she had mentioned Flynn’s name. Rapunzel didn’t know why, but instinct told her that he should remain a secret. 

“N-Nothing!” She laughed nervously. “Wait, what about breakfast? I thought you wanted to share a meal? Mother-daughter heartfelt bonding thing??” Her hands moved in a circular motion, which she often did subconsciously when she was trying to think of words to say. 

[oh-look-youre-here-too]

Gothel only stared more before shaking her head and wrenching up the trap door. A thick cloud of dust rose up from the old unused door and Gothel swatted away at it to clear her vision. The dark tunnel was still as inviting as the first time she’d come up through into the tower. Which is to say it wasn’t. Gothel headed over to the cabinet to fetch herself a purse of coins and a cloak for Rapunzel. 

“Alright this should be enough for you to get to Corona with no problem, just head down the tunnel, use your hair for light or whatever and go back to the King and Queen. They’ll probably recognize you and you can have a whole teary eyed reunion and live happily ever after. As for me I don’t have time for bonding anymore. I need to pack and get out of here and somewhere I can’t be found.”

Thrusting the objects at Rapunzel, Gothel motioned for her to hurry up. 

[everytanglehasastory]

What is also fascinating about this film is that the villainess (Gothel) masks her villainy in the guise of love. She does not have the wealth of Cruella De Ville, nor the magic of Sleeping Beauty’s Maleficent. She is only equipped with an arsenal of emotional manipulation and self-esteem grenades, designed to keep Rapunzel afraid of the world and herself. As such, she is an amazing archetype for the devouring mother that many women must (to greater or lesser degrees) face in order to get free, and fully come into their own. [x]

[oh-look-youre-here-too]

See The Sun (Gothel & Rapunzel)

[oh-look-youre-here-too]

Gothel let out a cold laugh and shook her head. She’d expected this, but she didn’t want it. Didn’t want the pity or sympathy. Didn’t want to be cared about. She didn’t deserve it after all.

“Rapunzel, your parents would have me imprisoned on the spot. Eighteen years they’ve been sending out lights, hoping you would see them and come back home. That I’d find it in my heart to bring back the daughter they’d always missed. But guess what?”

Gothel flourished with a pained smile on her face.

“I have no heart for anyone but me. I’m a selfish old witch who kept you here for myself. And you just couldn’t listen to me. You couldn’t just stay here. While I was out ruining everyone’s lives who I touched, you went off and made people’s better. I’ve done everything in my power to find some cure for my age, some magic so I wouldn’t need the flower. Wouldn’t need you. But I can’t.So I give up. I’m done with this life. And rather than leave you up in this tower with no way out, I’m just letting you go home. I want you go and never come back.”

[i-do-like-ducklings-blog]

Rapunzel didn’t understand why this had to happen.

To be honest, she had never really thought about living life outside the tower. Spending the day out of it? Yes. Running away? Crossed her mind more than once -  but she figured she’d always come back after a while. But leave for good? The place she had considered home for so long? It was way past her comfort zone and it was happening all too abruptly.

“Y-you don’t know that for sure!” She struggled to find the right words in vain. And Gothel - the woman, the only person she had been looking up to all this time, she was going to leave too? “I forgive you…” Another mumble, sounding unsure of her own statement. “I don’t see why they can’t do the same as well….right?”

It didn’t take a mind reader to see that Rapunzel couldn’t even convince herself.

Frustrated, a name accidentally slipped through her lips. “Flynn would know what to do…”

[oh-look-youre-here-too]

Gothel stared at Rapunzel as if she’d grown another head. All the girls life she’d wanted to leave. Hadn’t she? But she wanted to stay? To explore and come back home? Gothel shook her head and scowled walking back into the center of the room. 

“Oh please Rapunzel, people who actually loved me back couldn’t forgive me for what I’ve done. I can’t even forgive myself. So you certainly can’t and neither can your parents. No, the place for you is home, and the place for me is anywhere but Corona. So go pack some things and head into town, maybe get a haircut while you’re at it. I’d hate to have someone use you worse than I could.”

Gothel kicked up the rug that revealed a trap door The wood was worn and aged, and the hinges rusted from lack of use. She started to tug at the handle, but froze at the mention of a name. 

“What was that? Does someone know where I am? Where we are?”

Fear welled up inside of her chest. If someone knew where the tower was, then even if she released Rapunzel, there could be someone on their way to the tower right now. Someone leading a cavalry of troops to bring the princess home and send Gothel to the executioner. 

[oh-look-youre-here-too]

See The Sun (Gothel & Rapunzel)

[oh-look-youre-here-too]

Gothel’s face deadpanned and she sat back in the chair giving a slow clap.

“Eighteen years being a blonde haired green eyes girl, and you only just now get it. I’m almost proud.”

She shook her head rubbed her eyes in frustration before looking back up to the girl. 

“So that’s the big secret. You’re not my daughter, I’ve kept you here to keep me alive because your parents were fools…but they weren’t bad people. I’m a bad person. I’ve lied, stolen and even killed for my own selfish gains. But this isn’t some change of heart. Just an acceptance of what I’ve done.” 

Gothel stood up pacing, looking out at the now risen sun. She always did hate it, and every day it seemed to just be worse. 

“I’m leaving Rapunzel. For good. You can leave. Find your family, whatever you want. I just want to be sure you’re not going to do anything stu-errr silly, when you’re out there. I’m hoping I at least got you prepared for the world.”

[i-do-like-ducklings-blog]

She should be mad. Furious even.

She was practically facing a confessed kidnapper and con artist. Rapunzel should scream at her, blame her, accuse her of being the reason of a wasted lifetime. She should hate her, want nothing to do with her ever again-

But she couldn’t.

“You’re leaving? W-wait.. Maybe we can figure something out!” All logic was out the window. Emotions welled up, years of seeing Gothel as a motherly figure did that to a person. Because even if Gothel had done something so… despicable-

She was still family. Or at least, to Rapunzel, she was. She always had been for the past 18 years.

“You don’t have to go.. I’ll.. talk to my parents.”

Parents… what a foreign word.

[oh-look-youre-here-too]

Gothel let out a cold laugh and shook her head. She’d expected this, but she didn’t want it. Didn’t want the pity or sympathy. Didn’t want to be cared about. She didn’t deserve it after all.

“Rapunzel, your parents would have me imprisoned on the spot. Eighteen years they’ve been sending out lights, hoping you would see them and come back home. That I’d find it in my heart to bring back the daughter they’d always missed. But guess what?”

Gothel flourished with a pained smile on her face.

“I have no heart for anyone but me. I’m a selfish old witch who kept you here for myself. And you just couldn’t listen to me. You couldn’t just stay here. While I was out ruining everyone’s lives who I touched, you went off and made people’s better. I’ve done everything in my power to find some cure for my age, some magic so I wouldn’t need the flower. Wouldn’t need you. But I can’t.So I give up. I’m done with this life. And rather than leave you up in this tower with no way out, I’m just letting you go home. I want you go and never come back.”

[oh-look-youre-here-too]

See The Sun (Gothel & Rapunzel)

[i-do-like-ducklings-blog]

Rapunzel felt like crying. It was as if the world she learned to love was slipping from her fingers.

After her trip she had felt somewhat trapped but none as more as this moment. Her head bowed down in resignation, her eyes unable to meet her mother’s.

She found that that it became easier to talk this way. “N-Nothing much.. Just that the lights were floating lanterns all along…” She didn’t mumble but her voice was soft, defeated.

[oh-look-youre-here-too]

Gothel groaned in annoyance and sat back down. She couldn’t keep still and fidgeted in the chair and shook out her hair before looking back at Rapunzel. 

“There was once a golden flower. A magical flower that when you sang a magic tune, would restore one’s youth and vitality. I owned this flower for a very long time. Kept it hidden away to myself so I could stay young and beautiful. But one day…”

Gothel grimaced and swallowed angrily.

“One day the stupid king’s wife became ill. Hearing legends of the flower, he sent his men to find it. Rather than use the incantation to heal the queen, he got it in his head to grind the flower up and make it into a drink. She drank it and was healed. So who was left alone in the dark? Me. Who found out that the queen’s eventual child had the powers of that magical flower? Me. And who needed to take what was rightfully hers because some useless idiot royals couldn’t care ABOUT ANYONE?!?!”

Gothel at this point had risen up over the table and was gripping the edges with white knuckles, her face full of rage. Not at the girl, but from the memory of those who had ruined what life she was content to have.

[i-do-like-ducklings-blog]

Rapunzel’s face wrinkled in confusion. What was she talking about? Now that the initial shock had faded somewhat, she was suddenly bombarded with all this information. It was a lot to take in.

Golden flower? King and queen? Child??

It all seemed like a puzzle to her - with pieces that just didn’t fit. What was the connection and what did it have to do with her?

She cringed at Gothel’s outburst, once again drawing away her gaze to anywhere else. It landed on the flag. Rapunzel glared at it as if it had insulted her. It wasn’t much to concentrate on, but at this point, she couldn’t bring herself to care. 

And suddenly, a montage of flashbacks all sharing the image of the sun came to her. They pieced together the puzzle in a way that finally made sense.

“I’m not your daughter.” She mumbled, clearly in a state of shock.

[oh-look-youre-here-too]

Gothel’s face deadpanned and she sat back in the chair giving a slow clap.

“Eighteen years being a blonde haired green eyes girl, and you only just now get it. I’m almost proud.”

She shook her head rubbed her eyes in frustration before looking back up to the girl. 

“So that’s the big secret. You’re not my daughter, I’ve kept you here to keep me alive because your parents were fools...but they weren’t bad people. I’m a bad person. I’ve lied, stolen and even killed for my own selfish gains. But this isn’t some change of heart. Just an acceptance of what I’ve done.” 

Gothel stood up pacing, looking out at the now risen sun. She always did hate it, and every day it seemed to just be worse. 

“I’m leaving Rapunzel. For good. You can leave. Find your family, whatever you want. I just want to be sure you’re not going to do anything stu-errr silly, when you’re out there. I’m hoping I at least got you prepared for the world.”

[oh-look-youre-here-too]

Gothel was starting to get used to this. The calm of the forest. Wind blowing through the trees. The fresh air was doing her some good she thought. The woods were quiet today and the only sounds were the soft crunch of leaves and grass under her shoes and the creek of her old bones. Going to the riverside Gothel prepared her bucket to get water and swept her thinning grey hair from her eyes. Only then did she spy the young woman nearby. Was she a newcomer? Or had Gothel never noticed her before? Shrugging slightly Gothel called out to her.

“Excuse me young miss? Would you be able to help an old woman?

[aurora-of-the-dawn-deactivated2]

Briar Rose looked up, suddenly noticing a woman she had never seen before. Was she from King Stefan’s Kingdom? No one ever trekked into the forest, so far away. She quickly stood up, tucking her golden hair behind her ear. 

“Of course!” She hurried quickly to her side, glancing at the woman curiously. 

“Surely, you are far from home…?” 

[oh-look-youre-here-too]

Gothel gave a warm smile, handing the girl the bucket and settling down onto the soft grass. 

“Thank you my dear. And yes I’m quite a ways away. But my homeland is no longer home anymore. I live in a cottage not far from here these days. I had some...family trouble. So I decided on a fresh start. What about you though? A young woman like yourself all alone out here?”

Gothel had a concern about her. The golden hair and kindly demeanor were very reminiscent of Rapunzel and the thought brought memories flowing back. But the past was just that, and Gothel didn’t want to dwell. Taking her time in the present was what she needed most.

[aurora-of-the-dawn-deactivated2]

Briar Rose sat near the small creek in the forest, sinking her toes into the cooler water. She managed a deep sigh as she glanced up all around her. The forest was quiet; most of her bird friends had flown away with new distractions. 

“Perhaps I’ll never meet anyone…” 

[oh-look-youre-here-too]

Gothel was starting to get used to this. The calm of the forest. Wind blowing through the trees. The fresh air was doing her some good she thought. The woods were quiet today and the only sounds were the soft crunch of leaves and grass under her shoes and the creek of her old bones. Going to the riverside Gothel prepared her bucket to get water and swept her thinning grey hair from her eyes. Only then did she spy the young woman nearby. Was she a newcomer? Or had Gothel never noticed her before? Shrugging slightly Gothel called out to her.

“Excuse me young miss? Would you be able to help an old woman?

[oh-look-youre-here-too]

See The Sun (Gothel & Rapunzel)

[i-do-like-ducklings-blog]

Rapunzel wasn’t sure where she was going with this, but at the mention of the lights, she could feel her heart rate elevate. She had a hunch this wouldn’t end well.

Her suspicions were confirmed as she stared at the traitorous flag. At this point, all mental faculties seemed to shut down. If Gothel was talking, she couldn’t hear it. For all she could think of were internal curses (Flynn would be proud) on how could she be so careless?

She could only imagine the gravity of the consequences. Would they have to move towers? Will her mother abandon her? What if she finds her notebook too? Will she ever see Flynn again?

All of these fears kept her rooted and silent. She couldn’t deny the fact she went out because the evidence was there. But that doesn’t mean she affirmed it. She simply sat there with an expression that was crumbling but struggling patch up to no avail.

[oh-look-youre-here-too]

Gothel could only stare at the now frozen girl and smirked. Rising from the chair and crossing back to the window, Gothel gave a harsh chuckle. 

“I had my suspicions you know? You seemed distant, lost in your own thoughts and then there was the tune you hummed. I just had to go searching and find proof. I’m almost surprised we didn’t bump into one another between us both going out places. But I suppose that’s the luck you were born with. That magic of a brilliant flower that will keep you young and beautiful, for goodness knows how long.” 

Gothel put her back to the window and faced Rapunzel. The sun was still low enough that the light steamed out around Gothel’s frame, making her look like a very large shadow blocking out the light.

“Rapunzel. What did you learn about the world outside? I asked you a question. And don’t dare mumble.”

[i-do-like-ducklings-blog]

Rapunzel felt like crying. It was as if the world she learned to love was slipping from her fingers.

After her trip she had felt somewhat trapped but none as more as this moment. Her head bowed down in resignation, her eyes unable to meet her mother’s.

She found that that it became easier to talk this way. “N-Nothing much.. Just that the lights were floating lanterns all along…” She didn’t mumble but her voice was soft, defeated.

[oh-look-youre-here-too]

Gothel groaned in annoyance and sat back down. She couldn’t keep still and fidgeted in the chair and shook out her hair before looking back at Rapunzel. 

“There was once a golden flower. A magical flower that when you sang a magic tune, would restore one’s youth and vitality. I owned this flower for a very long time. Kept it hidden away to myself so I could stay young and beautiful. But one day...”

Gothel grimaced and swallowed angrily.

“One day the stupid king’s wife became ill. Hearing legends of the flower, he sent his men to find it. Rather than use the incantation to heal the queen, he got it in his head to grind the flower up and make it into a drink. She drank it and was healed. So who was left alone in the dark? Me. Who found out that the queen’s eventual child had the powers of that magical flower? Me. And who needed to take what was rightfully hers because some useless idiot royals couldn’t care ABOUT ANYONE?!?!”

Gothel at this point had risen up over the table and was gripping the edges with white knuckles, her face full of rage. Not at the girl, but from the memory of those who had ruined what life she was content to have.

[oh-look-youre-here-too]

See The Sun (Gothel & Rapunzel)

[oh-look-youre-here-too]

Mother. Gothel wasn’t sure why that had ever really been her title. She despised children. Full of youth and life, innocent to the evils of the world. Blissfully unaware of the darkness, only knowing to be afraid of it. She had always tried to keep Rapunzel away from that darkness, knowing that the girl would always have the golden flowers light to keep her safe and warm. She was still bitter about the King and Queen, but Gothel was bitter about a lot of things so this wasn’t new. 

“Do you remember the lights festival? The one that happens every year for your birthday? You asked if you could go last time, and I distinctly told you not to. That the world out there is too dangerous for a girl like you.” 

Taking a shuddering breath, Gothel reached into her sleeve and placed something on the table. A small purple handkerchief with the Coronan sun embroidered on it. 

“I found this in your room some time after the festival. So this leads me to believe either you’ve been out of this tower, or by some chance one of those lights had this on it and floated this way. Which I find highly doubtful.”

Gothel narrowed her eyes and sat back in the chair, folding her arms. her eyes were cold, hiding an anger, but she held it back and blinked slowly. 

“What did you learn in the outside world? About me? About everything that’s out there?” 

[i-do-like-ducklings-blog]

Rapunzel wasn’t sure where she was going with this, but at the mention of the lights, she could feel her heart rate elevate. She had a hunch this wouldn’t end well.

Her suspicions were confirmed as she stared at the traitorous flag. At this point, all mental faculties seemed to shut down. If Gothel was talking, she couldn’t hear it. For all she could think of were internal curses (Flynn would be proud) on how could she be so careless?

She could only imagine the gravity of the consequences. Would they have to move towers? Will her mother abandon her? What if she finds her notebook too? Will she ever see Flynn again?

All of these fears kept her rooted and silent. She couldn’t deny the fact she went out because the evidence was there. But that doesn’t mean she affirmed it. She simply sat there with an expression that was crumbling but struggling patch up to no avail.

[oh-look-youre-here-too]

Gothel could only stare at the now frozen girl and smirked. Rising from the chair and crossing back to the window, Gothel gave a harsh chuckle. 

“I had my suspicions you know? You seemed distant, lost in your own thoughts and then there was the tune you hummed. I just had to go searching and find proof. I’m almost surprised we didn’t bump into one another between us both going out places. But I suppose that’s the luck you were born with. That magic of a brilliant flower that will keep you young and beautiful, for goodness knows how long.” 

Gothel but her back to the window and faced Rapunzel. The sun was still low enough that the light steamed out around Gothel’s frame, making her look like a very large shadow blocking out the light.

“Rapunzel. What did you learn about the world outside? I asked you a question. And don’t dare mumble.”

[oh-look-youre-here-too]

See The Sun (Gothel & Rapunzel)

[oh-look-youre-here-too]

Gothel turned away from the rising sun and gave Rapunzel a sad smile. She pulled up chairs for them to sit down at the table and gestured to the meal with a slight shrug.

“I…I just figured we could have a meal together. For old times sake.We haven’t exactly been with each other much lately. With me always going places and you…stuck in here. I feel like we haven’t had that connection we used to. A real mother daughter heart to heart. So it just seemed like now might be best. You’re a grown young woman, so you have a right to speak your mind openly”

Gothel sat down smoothing out her dress and clasping her hands, trying to keep the mood calm. Her mind was racing, trying to find words she wanted to say and she was afraid of what would come, but she knew it’s what she had to do. 

[i-do-like-ducklings-blog]

Rapunzel blinked, briefly looking surprised.

No, this was not what she expected at all.

Truth be told, she was a lot more cautious around Gothel nowadays. She feared that time would come when she would slip an unwanted hint or two. It was a lot easier to simply avoid her whenever she can.

Swallowing, Rapunzel smiled again and took a seat. Her hands curled against her skirt, in hopes that clenching them would mask their tremors.

“That sounds nice. I’m glad we have the opportunity to do this, mother.” Was that a safe answer? She deeply hoped so…

[oh-look-youre-here-too]

Mother. Gothel wasn’t sure why that had ever really been her title. She despised children. Full of youth and life, innocent to the evils of the world. Blissfully unaware of the darkness, only knowing to be afraid of it. She had always tried to keep Rapunzel away from that darkness, knowing that the girl would always have the golden flowers light to keep her safe and warm. She was still bitter about the King and Queen, but Gothel was bitter about a lot of things so this wasn’t new. 

“Do you remember the lights festival? The one that happens every year for your birthday? You asked if you could go last time, and I distinctly told you not to. That the world out there is too dangerous for a girl like you.” 

Taking a shuddering breath, Gothel reached into her sleeve and placed something on the table. A small purple handkerchief with the Coronan sun embroidered on it. 

“I found this in your room some time after the festival. So this leads me to believe either you’ve been out of this tower, or by some chance one of those lights had this on it and floated this way. Which I find highly doubtful.”

Gothel narrowed her eyes and sat back in the chair, folding her arms. her eyes were cold, hiding an anger, but she held it back and blinked slowly. 

“What did you learn in the outside world? About me? About everything that’s out there?” 

[oh-look-youre-here-too]

See The Sun (Gothel & Rapunzel)

[i-do-like-ducklings-blog]

Rapunzel was painting. Not on the walls this time, no. The content of this page was secret, just as all previous entries were. It had been a few days since Flynn had gifted her with a notebook. It didn’t take long for it to become Rapunzel’s new obsession. Granted it was difficult to find time to fill it in, she made do. She painted whenever Gothel was away. Though it soon became apparent that these short, inconsistent moments were not enough. She began waking up earlier, if only to quell her desire to paint for a few minutes more.

But why risk all this? Simple, she was forgetting. Rapunzel hated that little by little, she couldn’t remember the words Flynn said to her, the names of the thugs, nor even the way Maximus’ had a distinct posture different from the other horses.

She hated it. Rapunzel was different before she left the tower. She was different when she came back. And new Rapunzel? Wasn’t bad.

New Rapunzel loved the way the grass felt under her feet. New Rapunzel wasn’t scared of ruffians and thugs.  New Rapunzel fell in love with a thief. New Rapunzel fulfilled her dream.

These snippets of memories were the ones she struggled to put into painting. If only to remind herself that these events did happen - that they were real. Something to keep herself from reverting back to her old self which seemed like a lifetime away…

Speaking of which,

Rapunzel’s eyes widened in panic. Had she lost track of time again?

In haste, Rapunzel did her best hide all evidences. She knew her mother wouldn’t look too kindly if she ever found out.

Plastering a smile, she did her best to maintain a façade of naivety. “Hazelnut soup! What’s the occasion, mother?” She asked as she descended down the stairs.

[oh-look-youre-here-too]

Gothel turned away from the rising sun and gave Rapunzel a sad smile. She pulled up chairs for them to sit down at the table and gestured to the meal with a slight shrug.

“I...I just figured we could have a meal together. For old times sake.We haven’t exactly been with each other much lately. With me always going places and you...stuck in here. I feel like we haven’t had that connection we used to. A real mother daughter heart to heart. So it just seemed like now might be best. You’re a grown young woman, so you have a right to speak your mind openly”

Gothel sat down smoothing out her dress and clasping her hands, trying to keep the mood calm. Her mind was racing, trying to find words she wanted to say and she was afraid of what would come, but she knew it’s what she had to do. 

[oh-look-youre-here-too]

See The Sun (Gothel & Rapunzel)

Gothel wasn’t a fan of light. The sun was a blinding ball of fire that hid no secrets. You couldn’t hide from it’s light, and it destroyed the darkness that she had used so often to hide herself in. The darkness had it’s downsides as well. The dark was cold and just as blinding. It enveloped people and they couldn’t realize what they were until it was too late. Darkness also meant death, which was the one thing Gothel had been afraid of for years. By now though it had been a fear for centuries. 

Staring out the window of the tower as the sun began to rise, Gothel thought over her past years. The heartbreaks she’d had, the new faces she’d met, the cruel deeds she’d done. They all had weighed on her.She’d been in the dark so long, and she was getting older every day. When she thought back to Mary and Hans and Bert, all the pain and suffering that had happened because of their lives crossing, she could barely recognize herself. She was a vain old woman who brought misery to so many people’s lives. She couldn’t remember her own parents names. Could barely remember the girl she used to be. Her shriveled old heart still beat in her chest and while it did, she knew she would have to make a choice that she wanted nothing to do with. So she wouldn’t make that choice. 

She turned around to make sure the small table in the center of the room was set. A warm bowl of hazelnut soup steamed cheerfully. Letting out a deep sigh, Gothel called out. 

“Rapunzel, darling, breakfast is ready. Mother needs to have a word.”

@i-do-like-ducklings

[oh-look-youre-here-too]

Sock Him in the Jaw: Gothel & Prim (Punch AU)

Gothel took one feeble step back, a chill going down her spine. She had raised this Prim when she was a girl, and then stolen her child when she was a woman. She had about a million questions and was sure Prim had a million and one, but Gothel didn’t see this going well for her in any way shape or form. 

“I…I don’t understand, what are you doing here? You should be in your castle! Not in this…hovel.” She heard to tone of Prim’s voice and felt herself weaken a little. What was she supposed to say? ‘Sorry I stole your child, but your husband ruined my life?’ That would go over well. She should just leave. Run and never speak to Prim again, let her think it was all some fantastic dream of sorts.

“What…do you want to say?”

[floatinglightsandsunflowers-blog]

Rose - Primrose - Rothaid. They spun in perfect choreographed confusion through her mind - Rose automatically grimacing at the mention of castle spoken far too loud for her liking and Rothaid wanting to cling to the woman who had been more instrumental in her childhood than her own - lovely but distant mother. Sometimes she suspected that her mother had distanced herself after her father had chosen her as his successor. 

“Hush - please,” she glanced cautiously around the bar and saw that so far her cover was not - quite - blown. Rose the Thief, perhaps, was looking a little shaky - but Primrose the QUeen was not completely unmasked. They were still drawing more attention than she wanted to. “Can we talk outside? I need your help. I - my daughter - please, can we talk outside?”

[oh-look-youre-here-too]

Gothel nodded slightly, keeping her eyes to the ground. She took Prim’s hand in her softly, wincing internally as she did. The hands she had held on the way to the market place, were no longer tiny and weak. They weren’t rough or calloused, she was a queen after all, but they were strong, and fit in Gothel’s grip evenly. She guided them to the door and outside, wanting nothing more than to just melt into the ground and never be seen again. But it was too late. She was here, and she was going to have a confrontation. She knew it wouldn’t end well. But it had to be done. Letting Prim’s hand free, Gothel crossed her arms around herself and sighed heavily. 

“What is it you want to know?”

@floatinglightsandsunflowers

[i-do-like-ducklings-blog]

A Song || Rapunzel and Mother Gothel

The water was warm that day.

As she looked down, her reflection greeted her back. It was oddly calming and she couldn’t help but feel nostalgic. 

Before she realized it, she was thinking about the lake. The water, the flowers,  the boat, the lights... 2 days that changed her life and the way she looked at it. Those days now held her most precious memories. 

She remembered looking at her own reflection back then too. It had been the first time she shared one with someone other than her mother. He had been holding flowers, offering them in his open hand. 

She remembered placing the delicate petals on the water, creating ripples as they floated away.

She remembered the first shimmer of light.

She remembered the lanterns.

She remembered him...

She remembered all those experiences condensed into the most magical song. 

And it’s warm and real and bright And the world has somehow shifted All at once everything is different Now that I see you….. 

oh-look-youre-here-too

[oh-look-youre-here-too]

The time and effort Gothel put into being a real mother could be seen as the greatest con she had ever pulled off. She kept Rapunzel safe in the tower, gave her food and a bed, bathed her and read to her, what more could a child want. She knew that she was keeping her from the outside world, but what was wrong with that? Out there where there were cruel men, and senseless violence. Out there where there was sickness and pain. Who out there would care for Rapunzel like she did? But Gothel knew she wouldn’t love the girl. Couldn’t love the girl. Only the magic that her hair had. Gothel didn’t have a motherly bone in her body, but she was a damn good actress. Every day was just a new scene where she played the good mother until she had to go fetch food for her daughter. Then she could be out there and be herself, the cold sneering witch. But today something was off. Something broke the scene. A soft whispered song. Gothel’s brush strokes slowed and she cocked her head to the side, a smirk and a small laugh rising to her face. 

“Why my dear, what song is that you’re singing?”

@i-do-like-ducklings