theshipyard | ✨ .//. Rapunzel

[continuing adventures from this thread...]

[days pass. for Zel, it's barely a blink: for how fast he rolls in and out of his endless wrestling match with despair, time only seems to be a factor when he looks outside himself and realizes oh yeah, there's other people involved. his loyal friends, Rodimus and Zolf, the grandparent who started all this...the girl......

when Zelgadis gets hold of a clue, a potential chance to change his fortunes -- and his cursed appearance -- he rarely lets go right away. even in despairing a failed reaction, if he can still attempt to squeeze water out of a stone, he'll keep at it until all options are spent. but that's things like ancient tomes, cursed gems, or forbidden rituals -- it's a completely new game now that his latest avenue involves a human being. he ought to just wash his hands of her and let her go, but...he can't. there might still be a chance. that flower was supposed to cure any ailment -- why would a body-changing spell not be considered an ailment?!

there has to be a way. he just hasn't found the right trick. is it the song? is it the setting? is there something more?

magic hair... hair's an ingredient in so many different kinds of spells, so...so there's got to be a way to manipulate the properties of all that hair! perhaps infusing some of it into a new conduit... if it's time that he needs to suss it out, he'll take it. anything to finally be rid of this horrible form!

but...the girl... Rapunzel, as she's apparently called: Rodimus and Zolf have taken quite a shine to her in that short period of time -- keeping her fed, making sure she's behaving...playing checkers? what is this, a hotel getaway? jeez. she's not a guest, she's--!

urgh.

he hasn't even gone in to face her since his initial approach, holing himself up in dusty archives and mapping out Corona's countryside for other clues (who knows? maybe there's more than one flower!). old gossip about the queen isn't enough to go on, and the story alters from farm to farm... this isn't going to be easy.

which is exactly why Rodimus insists on being more hospitable. some days into this, he's shoving a basket full of paint supplies into Zel's arms and pushing him down the hallway to the girl's room. If you're going to be making use of the girl, the old man huffs, you may as well be gracious with YOUR time.

which is stupid??? Zel is quick to remark that he's the bad guy here, so this won't go well, and that Rodimus should just deal with this instead, and that--]

-?!

[nevermind, somehow he's been shoved into the room, door slammed behind him. he blinks owlishly, gaping around like a mute idiot.

hell...]

Edited (TOO SMALL) 2018-05-13 19:22 (UTC)

[ It's been an incredibly pleasant surprise, finding that Zolf and Rodimus are actually quite the sweethearts. She'd been wary of them at first, as they'd more or less been the ones to put her in this predicament, but after a bit of speaking with each she came to realize they were really only following orders, and for a good reason. Their young master was looking to reverse his "condition". She still didn't approve of his methods, but... she couldn't say she was surprised they had to resort to such a drastic approach considering how protective and possessive her mother tended to be. She would never have agreed to that. In fact she might have insisted they relocate completely after having been found out, so no matter what, her life as she knew it in the tower was over. She missed the safety and the comfort of home, she missed her mother, but... except for Zelgadis being sort of broody and bossy, Rodimus and Zolf were kinder, at least than she would have expected from what she always heard of the people outside.

She looks up, surprised from where she'd been sketching with the pencil and parchment she'd requested. Hearing the door slam shut, and seeing Zelgadis stand there looking as surprised as she felt was... not what she'd expected from her visit, today. ]

... Hi...?

[ Not awkward at all. Especially since he absolutely didn't end their last conversation by calling her mother a horrible parent. Totally not awkward. ]

... It's Zelgadis... right? Are... are those for me?

[ COME ON ZELGADIS, you got this! You can both do this! BE SOCIAL. BE CIVIL. THE AUDIENCE BELIEVES IN YOU! ]

[look. cursed or not, this guy? not very socially gifted. it’s why he stands gawking for a few heartbeats longer, his mind racing to come up with a proper response. cool? intimidating? mysterious? gods forbid friendly...]

Ah— ye-yes. [he clears his throat, bristling before pushing away from the door to dump the basket of goods on the line table with a graceless thump, scattering a couple checker pieces and a pencil.]

This...[he huffs, embarrassed by the timbre of his voice.] this better last you a while. We’re not rich, you know. Bandit purses are only so fat when they’re cut.

[ Rapunzel visibly jumps with a soft squeak at the loud THUMP, but doesn't comment, simply staring at him with eyes a little wide. Better last you a while, huh? Well at least that's nothing new. Painting supplies were a rare treat from Gothel as well. Honestly she's a little surprised they were giving her things at all, considering that, but to her it's telling. He's not a cruel man despite his posturing. If anything he seems pretty flustered being alone with her when he's not talking about his cure. He's TRYING, so she'll take it. It's an improvement over their last conversation. ]

Oh. Well... Would it be alright if I asked for books, instead? Any books at all would do! And thank you for these. I'll try not to use them too quickly. [ Is that a tentative smile? Yes! GOOD JOB. ]

Books? [he’d quirk an eyebrow if he had any. his tone flattens, testing:] Not a lot of fairytale adventure books in this place. Research. Runes and old conjuring circles. Dry, technical stuff.

[ Her eyes visibly widen, completely ignoring his flat tone. Rapunzel is on her feet in a flash, sketches forgotten as she comes closer- not too close, she'd like to NOT get mistaken for attacking him, kthx, but still pretty excited and close. ]

Wait, REALLY?! Are you kidding?! You have books about MAGIC? Oh, please, please let me see them! I swear I'll be careful with them! I've only ever read books about flowers and rocks! Runes and conjuring circles sounds worlds more interesting!

Edited 2018-05-13 21:13 (UTC)

Eh-?

[he leans away anyway, as if her excitement is something physically expanding in the room. the idea that a cute girl like her would care a lick about technical magic studies surprises him...because he’s stupid and already judged her without really considering her.]

...Ah, sure, then... [his head tilts as he eyes her curiously.] If you’re already imbued with magic, it might be useful in order...to...[his eyes widen with epiphany.] unlock...the greatest potential out of that power...

[would that really work? she already has an incantation...but what if there’s a way to dig deeper, get more utility out of it?

that would mean there’s tangible hope — a roadmap of sorts...]

[ For her part, Rapunzel is just so delighted with the idea of getting to read something new that it hadn't even occurred to her that she might gain something practical from it. Once he points that out it takes her a second to come down enough from cloud nine to really process his words. It isn't difficult to imagine where he's going with that train of thought. His disappointed reaction from the other night comes flashing back to her, and remembering what his companions had said she decides not to hold it against him. He's had it rough, and he really doesn't seem like a bad person despite their ~~rocky~~ uneasy start. ]

You just had an idea, didn't you?

I think so. [hm. he frowns, rubbing the bottom his rocky chin.] I don’t know how far we can push it, but you’re already affixed to a magic source, so it bears reasoning that you’d be able to manipulate it...

[he makes a faint harrumph, folding his arms, eyeing the pile of hair on the floor.]

. . . [ Her gaze follows in the same direction as his, eyes darting down towards her hair pooled all around her feet for a moment, then back up. ] Well, you know... I'll only learn so much from books, in that case. It sure would be helpful if I had an actual teacher.... to guide me...?

[ Look, if she can gain something from this too other than just being a prolonged "guest", why not? When is she literally EVER going to get this chance again? Sure as hell not if or when he gets what he needs and sends her back to Gothel, or out on her own. ]

[his head remains tilted down, but his eyes dart back up to her. part of him wants to sniff arrogantly -- she's the prisoner here, what makes her think she can just make demands all willy-nilly?

but...another part of him isn't very in love with the concept of keeping her prisoner at all. pesky conscience, all reminding him this is neither right nor fair to her, regardless of her magical predispositions.

it'd be a...decent compromise, perhaps...

warily:]

...It wouldn't be easy. Or fun. It's work. Hard work.

[ ... You know, with a setup like that she was almost tempted to say she'd changed her mind and would rather get more paints, just to see what his reaction would be. She was pretty sure he was banking on her improving her magic somehow, though she had no idea how it would actually help in the end. That wouldn't happen if he managed to change her mind, though!

But... Doing so seemed needlessly cruel, considering how much his "cure" was riding on a successful lead. Even if he'd had her brought here against her will, she'd promised to help-

... Well, maybe not in so many words, but still. She's not going to play with his hopes like that, so instead of teasing him about it she puffs up her shoulders and stands a little taller. ]

Good thing I'm not a stranger to hard work then, isn't it?

Edited 2018-05-14 01:20 (UTC)

[his eyes narrow, and he lets out a scrutinizing sound through his nose. is that so? her natural charm in just how she carries herself is hard to refute, but that alone doesn't mean she knows what she's in for (and truthfully, neither does he, but as if he'd ever admit it!)...]

Very well. The basics of spellcasting, then. [his arms unfold as he nods.] If it turns out you have promise... [well...] We'll see where to go from there.

[he can't just cast aside the possibility that she'd milk him for a few juicy spells that she can turn around on him and make a getaway, after all. she could actually be conniving under all that sweetness.]

[ This young woman isn't going to be easily deterred, that's for certain. She's eager to learn, curious, and sincere. He'll find that even if she isn't necessarily a quick study she's definitely a dedicated one. Truthfully, if anything holds her back it'll be her lack of practice at the basics. Theory should be easier than practice in this case. But hey, that could be fixed in time, right? ]

Alright.

[ That's her hand extending, eyes glued to Zel's face as she offers to shake on it.

Yeah she's for real. ]

Don't shake on it unless you mean it. It's a promise.

[ YEAH FOR REAL SHE'S SERIOUS. This idyllic girl here, this is what you got yourself into Zel. Second, third, fourth, or fifth thoughts? ]

Hoh...?

[he can't help it -- he smirks, despite himself. the nerves on this girl, after all she's been through... he's underestimated her, that's for sure. maybe this isn't the ideal situation, but...]

Alright. [he takes her hand, fingers barely curving to accept it. it's no insult -- quite the opposite, actually: he can't really feel the heat of her hand, nor have a good sense of pressure. not a good idea to start off pinching the feeling off her fingers...]

Until there's a sense of whether or not you even have the chops...it's a deal.

[ It's the first time she's actually touching his skin, and to her credit she doesn't show her surprise. Seeing is one thing, feeling is another. That being said, his skin being cool to the touch, it doesn't surprise her much that he doesn't squeeze much. She's beginning to understand a little why he'd be so desperate for a cure, if he's been like this for a while. For her part her grip is sure, because she means it and she doesn't know how to do anything halfway once she's invested herself, something that will show itself in more and more aspects, in perhaps some surprising ways later on. Trying to imagine having to hold back on how he does something as simple as shake someone's hand... Then again, maybe his handshakes have always been that gentle, she doesn't know!

It isn't pity, she doesn't feel sorry for him like that! She'd dislike someone giving her that treatment. It's something more along the lines of sympathy... or maybe a little bit of empathy. He'd sequestered himself away from society, even if it was just hiding behind a cloak and mask, not really all that different from her being holed up in a tower. Maybe not for as long, but still. Not that different, she thinks.

Needless to say she doesn't give those thoughts voice, lest he maybe get angry at her for assuming things. Maybe, though... maybe getting kidnapped wouldn't turn out to be so bad as she first thought after all.

She withdraws her hand after a moment, nodding. ]

Okay. So, where do I start? How do I find out if I have the "chops"?

There's no one way to do it, so... [his shoulders go up as his arms fold again.] I'll have to come up with a plan. Healing properties fall in line best with old shamanistic spells, so maybe there...

[he thinks on that for a beat, his eyes drifting to the basket of paints, then down to that endless pile of hair. it's no wonder she was stuck in one place...how on earth would she get around anywhere?

he sighs.]

Wait here, then. I'll have to send for the rudimentary stuff if it's not still here. [mumbling.] Can't imagine keeping the old stuff along for the journey, though...unless Zolf...

[ It should be pretty obvious that she's excited. The whole time he's speaking she's practically bouncing from the ball of one foot to the other, as if she's ready to take off running just to burn off the excess energy she suddenly finds herself with- well, more than usual. She isn't leaving of course, and is instead stationary in her "jogging", hands clasping together, biting her bottom lip.

Shamanistic spells, plan, rudimentary stuff, wait here...? Okay. ]

Alright!

[ Said... with some finality. Taking the instruction seemingly pretty literally, Rapunzel goes back to the bed and plops down, legs folding underneath her (mindful of her skirts). GO ON THEN ZEL. SHOO GO GET THE THINGS. She can hardly wait. ] I'll be right here!

Hmh. [it's a laugh. kind of? well, it's a sound anyway -- just a little puff through his nose at the sight of her childlike anticipation and bright eyes. how she can have that much exuberance as a victim of these circumstances is beyond him and his dour cynicism.

so he leaves her to get to it, scratching his chin in thought as he closes the door behind him. but he staggers a step, suddenly very aware of something that catches him off guard. his fingers twitch, fingernails picking at the fleck of stone on his chin.

my mask... he didn't wear it this time. ...huh.]

These, to start.

[the books hit the old, wooden table with a heavy WHUMPH, rattling the empty dishes and candlesticks present and kicking up a fair bit of dust. he pays their dingy, yellowed state no heed, much more invested in their contents than their cosmetics. it's a mercy they were just holed up in a corner somewhere, still dutifully carried around in their supplies upon arriving in this land; Zel has a feeling he'd have a difficult time finding much very similar to them here.]

Philosophies and fundamentals. Once you know the context in which magic is and why, then there's the chance you can learn how to interact with it. [a half-beat. he shrugs.] ...More than you currently do, anyway.

[ In the time it had taken him to go fetch the materials he wanted her to begin reading, Rapunzel had managed to clear off the table to make space. Since she didn't know how much he was bringing or how much room she'd need for it, the basket of art supplies was settled on the floor beside the bed for the time being.

When Zel does come back he'll find her ready and curious. Rapunzel doesn't hesitate to zip back over next to him for a closer look, picking one up all but vibrating with excitement. As it is she's sort of bouncing back and forth from foot to foot, biting her bottom lip, clearly eager to start reading. ]

I can't wait to get started. I've always wondered about magic, mother would never tell me much. I'm not even sure how she figured out the incantation for my healing. Maybe I'll find answers as I go...?

[ She may end up regretting that later, but for now it's all wonder and joy. She turns a beaming smile up and over towards Zelgadis then. If she's at all phased by his appearance she certain isn't showing it, even now. Not even so much as a flicker of her eyes to the pebbles lining his eyes or chin. ]

Thank you. I promise, I won't let you down.

[ He can't know what it means to have someone actually believe there's even a chance she can do something like this. Gothel had spent years telling Rapunzel about all the things she COULDN'T do, was incapable of, even just defending herself. Zelgadis giving her a chance to prove she could do something with magic? This is huge. ]

[honestly, this girl... in the span of a few days, she's gone from a victim of a foul bargain to an eager student of the arcane. it's like some setup for a children's story or something.

but then, aren't his own origins a bit fantastical and absurd in their own rights? he can't really stand there and sniff at this -- it's practically harmless by comparison.

like he can sniff at this anyway, not with that bright smile beaming at him. he can feel blood rushing to his face despite any desire to remain cool and impassive, and it turns out blue, stone skin can still hint at a bit of embarrassment. it's actually worse at the tip of his ears, but at least that shade of purple almost blends in with his hair...]

R-right, well... [he gestures toward the door.] Grab that first one, and let's go.

[ The book is snatched up almost before Zelgadis can finish speaking. She's ready to follow nearly immediately. He'll soon find that Rapunzel is not just a quick study, nor only an eager student, but hard working- maybe more hard working than anyone else he's met, but that only time will tell.

There's almost a bounce in her step as she follows his lead out the door, hair trailing behind.

And trailing...

... and trailing...

...... and trailing......

......... and- you get the idea. ]

[the rest of the hideout isn't much more glamorous than the little room she'd been stowed away in, but there are at least windows here. dingy ones, but look. the men camping out in here aren't exactly up to snuff on their domestic skills.]

Tch, honestly... [Zel makes a face as he enters the common room to find Zolf's stack of maps still on the chair he'd been asked to remove them from. with a huff, he snatches the lot up and chucks it on top of a pile of nondescript junk towering in a corner.]

Here, [he gestures to the now-open seat.] feel free to use this space. Until evening, anyway, then it's back to the room. I'll have Zolf hex some glass for a lighting spell or something. For now is fine, and--

[he stops, having turned and seen the lengthy trail of hair that's snaking its way through the damn place.] ...Ah... [he grimaces.] There's gotta be something we can do to...keep all of that out of the way... [it's a damn trip hazard! and a fire hazard...and a topple-everything precariously piled-up hazard...]

[ Rapunzel was listening intently, but Zelgadis suddenly trailing off breaks her focus. Blinking, she turns her attention to the trailing hair as well, a thoughtful look on her face. Her gaze travels down the length of what's visible first, then back again.

And there's a moment where the proverbial light bulb goes off over her head as it occurs to her that maybe she can do something that she's always wanted to try? Gothel had always refused, saying that it was better and easier to have her hair LOOSE, for climbing and things, but- ]

Well... maybe braiding it...? But I might need some help. I mean... there's a lot. [ HE'S PROBABLY NOTICED, PUNZ. ]

...Right...

[that's sensible. braiding. tying the whole lot up and...wait. wouldn't the weight of it knock her over? snap her neck? that's a gruesome thought. maybe she ought to just...just sweep it under the table? is that discourteous? what's the etiquette for women's hair, anyway? beyond do not touch or criticize?

he stares at the snaking trail of hair for a beat longer before glancing back at her. then straightening up, being glanced back at. he blinks.]

I.

[his eyes dart to the window. nothing. back to her.]

I know nothing of hair-braiding.

[a beat. he takes a quick glance over his shoulder, out of the room. no Zolf. damn the man, off being useful elsewhere.

he looks back.]

...Is it like rope-tying?

✨ .//. Rapunzel » Tangled

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