helloeverybunny | PSL • Sorry, Your Treasure Is In Another Castle

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PSL • Sorry, Your Treasure Is In Another Castle

Characters: Cade, Rapunzel (

healingincantation) and some NPCs
When: sometime before the main events of Tangled
Where: Rapunzel’s tower
Summary: Cade and his bandit buddies raid an abandoned tower for treasure - only it’s not as abandoned as they thought.
Warnings: ~~deadly~~ frying pans, sparks (and other things) flying?

A trio of men stood by the edge of the small clearing fronting the tower, looking up at the window and the improbable task that lay before them.

Well, only one of them thought the mission’s odds weren’t in their favor. The rest of the gang - including those who’d stayed behind all cozy in their hideout - were of the opinion that it was going to be as easy as pie. A quick raid of an abandoned tower in the middle of nowhere for some supposedly high-value ancient forgotten relic of the kingdom of Corona.

Ha, Cade thought, rolling his eyes. How many times have I heard that before?

He’d tried to persuade their leaders that it wasn’t strategically sound, but they only laughed at him. His opinion wasn’t the one that mattered, after all; he was just the poor, abandoned boy they’d taken into their fold out of pity and the goodness of their hearts. Nevermind that he actually had an education in his past life.

“Oi, Cade! Get your butt over here, kiddo! It’s your time to shine.”

The blonde sighed and moved forward to join his companions, eyeing the rope warily. That grappling hook didn’t look reliable - actually neither did the rope, it already looked frayed - and the tower had to be several meters tall. He’d survive a fall, but it was going to be painful.

“Oh come on! You’ve got to have something better than that,” Cade muttered with a groan.

“We’ll catch you, don’t worry!”

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Rapunzel kept her eyes on the dagger even when it was lowered, feeling only a tiny amount of relief from the action. Seeing his face more properly didn't help at all; to Rapunzel, he certainly fit the description of a "ruffian" as explained by Mother.

Still, as wary and frightened as she was, she was curious, as well. She'd never seen a man before. She'd never seen any human besides Mother before, in fact, and it wasn't even as an artist that she wanted to take in this stranger's appearance. Instead, it was as a young woman who had never been out in the world, and wanted to learn about it.

But as he stammered, Rapunzel remembered herself, and her situation. With a tense expression, she reiterated the fact that she wanted him gone: "You're not supposed to be here."

Cade understood that behind Rapunzel's tough act was a frightened young girl. He could relate to that, more than she knew.

He closed his eyes for a moment, mostly to push away the memories of his childhood. He'd been so small and frail then, easily knocked over by a punch from one of the bigger kids. He'd tried to fight back, of course, but he'd never really gotten strong enough... although as he got older, he wondered if he'd just thought he wasn't strong enough. He certainly proved himself a capable fighter when he started hanging out with the merry band of outlaws that had taken him in.

A rattling sound, and he turned to look at the window. The grappling hook. His companions were probably wondering what was going on, and while he was sure they were normally too lazy to make such a strenuous climb, knowing there was a girl inside might be enough incentive.

"I apologize for the intrusion, my lady," he finally said to Rapunzel - in a surprisingly formal tone and with a small bow, fist to his chest. Then he tucked the dagger back into its sheath, moving to look out the window.

"Oi, you idiots!" he yelled, and very noticeably, his manner of speaking had completely shifted. A moment ago he was almost princely. Now, he was one of them ruffians again. "You made me climb all the way here, but there's absolutely nothing!"

Rapunzel jumped at the sound of the grappling hook's line being rattled, and her eyes went wide with horror again. In fact, she nearly dropped her frying pan in her fear, but she managed to keep it in her now-sweaty grip.

There were more people, that was right. She'd heard a few different voices earlier. Would they also enter the tower? She hadn't been able to take on one of them; she knew that if she was outnumbered, she'd stand absolutely no chance.

And then the stranger spoke to her, almost... Gently? It last just a moment, though, and the confusion Rapunzel felt from that was nothing compared to her confusion as he lied to her.

But if he was saying there was nothing there... They were ruffians, then. But if Cade thought there was nothing of value in the tower, he didn't know about her hair, did he? She had to think quickly: In two days, the floating lights would fill the sky again, and then they'd be gone for another year. Mother wouldn't be home for three days. She had the time, and it would seem she had the safety.

But did she have the nerve?

Yes, she ultimately decided. She did. Because she needed to see those lights.

"Wait!" she hissed. "What- What's going on?"

She just needed more information, first.

The bandits didn’t believe Cade at first. After all, their intel was good. And why wouldn’t a tower have anything of value? What in the world would you build a tower for, if not to hide something - or someone - away?

“If there ever was any treasure, someone beat us to it! Tower’s been stripped clean!” the blonde yelled back. Then, hearing Rapunzel’s question, he quickly added, “Fine! I’ll check one more time, and then I’m done here!”

He stepped away from the window, moving out of sight from his companions down below. But he’d inadvertently opened the window a little wider moments earlier, so now more sunlight illuminated the room - and his features along with it.

His expression softened as he turned to face Rapunzel again, his tone likewise reverting to polite. Apologetic, even. “We were told there’s an ancient relic hidden here, and our boss sent us to retrieve it. But... you’re here. I can’t let them find out.” He glanced away. “I don’t know what they might do to you.”

He may have gotten tangled up with bandits, but he didn’t always agree with their methods, or their lifestyle. Not even after having lived with them for years.

Rapunzel watched Cade lie, lips slightly parted in her confusion, and head tilted to the side. What was going on? She just couldn't understand; couldn't keep track, and it was scaring her.

"It's- It's like you're two people," she said, softly, but the words were still audible. She watched Cade carefully as he spoke gently, only to take in a sharp gasp of breath at his closing statement. "What they might do to me? If-If they're so bad, why are you with them?"

She was still determined to see the lights, but this certainly made things more complicated.

Two people? Well, Rapunzel got that right. But how could he begin to explain? Should he even?

Cade thought about it for a moment, then decided that he was going to tell her. He wanted to tell her, to have at least one more person understand the duality of his life and how difficult it really was. Also, seeing her frightened and confused made him feel terribly conflicted. He could never stand seeing women in that position - most especially those who have caught his attention.

“You’re right. I’m like... two people,” he started to say, shifting uncomfortably. His eyes wandered to the wall above Rapunzel’s head, which he now noticed was covered in lovely paintings. He had to smile, although he was serious again when he resumed speaking. “I was noble-born. But I was kidnapped and... well, I don’t know why, but I wasn’t ransomed. Those two outside, and the rest of the gang, they took me in. It’s not the kind of life I wanted, but better than being dead, I suppose.”

He leaned against the wall just beside the window, staying out of sight from his companions below. “I can live with some of the things they do. Breaking and entering abandoned citadels. Stealing treasures the rich wouldn’t miss. We actually give a portion of the money to the poorer villages.” Then he shrugged. “But still, most of them are outlaws and ruffians. They have a weakness for alcohol. And women.”

Cade wondered why he was suddenly so determined to protect her, although he also knew she was perfectly capable of defending herself.

Edited 2018-04-26 12:30 (UTC)

Rapunzel lowered her gaze at Cade's story, wringing her fingers together anxiously. That absolutely broke her heart. No one should be taken away from their family.

"Can't you go back home?" she asked, looking back up with wide eyes. Then, she quickly bit her lower lip. "I'm sorry, that's- It's not my business."

As he explained how the gang of outlaws operated, Rapunzel's focus shifted back to her own troubles, though. She felt a bit selfish for it, but what could she possibly do for Cade? She was so helpless. Even now, because if these men Cade was with would cause problems for her, she was still stuck in her tower.

"I was hoping I could go with you, for a few days," she admitted, surprisingly herself with her openness towards the strange man she'd feared just moments ago. But he was so open, himself. It made her feel at ease.

Cade didn’t mind the question; he was, in fact, relieved to have gotten the chance to talk about his situation to someone close to his age, and who seemed to share some of his finer sensibilities. “It’s fine,” he said gently, managing to give Rapunzel a small smile of reassurance.

Her question, though... “I could,” he started to say, but then paused, and eventually shrugged, trying to make it look like none of it bothered him. “I’m just not sure if I want to. They didn’t come for me, so maybe they didn’t want me anymore.”

He shook his head to clear his thoughts - he didn’t want to dwell on his missing mother, or his absent father, or his abusive grandfather. But Rapunzel’s next words successfully distracted him from the haunting images of his past.

“You do?” His gaze drifted to her frying pan. “Just a while ago you were trying to hit me over the head with that.” But he was grinning, his tone teasing.

"They didn't? That's- That's awful," Rapunzel whispered. She knew Mother would come running if she was ever in danger. At the very thought of danger, she shuddered. And yet here she was, about to explain to Cade that she wanted to go with him and see the world. She realized it all made no sense, but what could she say? As scared as she was, adventure, and the lights, called to her.

"Yes. And yes. I mean, I was, but only because I was- Well, I wasn't sure what you wanted here," she lied. "I thought I might be in danger."

Cade made a noncommittal noise with another shrug of his shoulders, as if to say that’s just how it is. His family had abandoned him, end of story. There was nothing he could do to change or fix that.

He focused instead on Rapunzel’s odd request, which actually brought a smile to his face and a look of admiration in his eyes. She‘d been scared when he’d barged into the tower unannounced, yet now she was willing to go with the very man who’d frightened her. For a few days, in fact. Either she was brave or stupid - but she had guts, either way.

“Do you have any rope, or know a way down that won’t involve this?” he asked, gesturing to the grappling hook and the line attached to it. “I can make them go away, but they’ll leave me trapped here for sure.”

Rapunzel couldn't help smirking at the question about getting down. She brushed some of her hair behind her ear.

"Well, I don't have a rope, but I can certainly get us down from here. You'll just have to trust me."

Trust, huh? Fair enough. They were going to be travel companions for a few days, so they might as well get started on trusting each other... enough, at least, for their upcoming adventure.

He raised an eyebrow at her, but the smile didn’t leave his face. “Well, then here goes.”

He slid out of the shadows and back into his companion’s field of vision through the window, scowling. “I told you, there’s nothing here! You were wrong about this place! The Boss was wrong!” He didn’t miss the incredulous look that had appeared on the others’ faces at his words. One did not badmouth the Boss and got away with it, and he tried not to appear like he was waiting for what was to happen next.

“Cade, kiddo, we love ya and all, but... you can’t diss the boss, man. You did that once already, when you doubted him. But to say he’s wrong...”

“... really sorry for this, kiddo.”

And they cut the line.

Cade pretended to look outraged. “What the hell—?!”

But the two had already disappeared back into the forest.

He stepped away from the window and turned back to Rapunzel, sighing in relief. For a second there, he’d thought the others wouldn’t believe him and insist on checking out the tower themselves. But it was probably too much work, he reckoned. “We should wait a few minutes before heading out, in case they change their mind and decide to come back. Do you... need to pack, or something?”

Rapunzel was surprised at what Cade did. She wasn't sure just what she'd been expecting, but it hadn't been that. Had he just cut all ties to his group, literally and figuratively, just to help her?

Well, she'd better make sure things worked out, then. Somehow. What could she possibly do to help Cade?

"Thank you," she said, softly. "That was very brave." She nodded at his suggestion they wait. It seemed like a smart idea, although-

She glanced down at the frying pan in her hands, and looked at her shoulder, where Pascal came out of camouflage to reveal himself; green little chameleon.

"I think I have all I need, already."

Cade knew he'd never be able to leave the gang without their leaders' express, unanimous permission, but he could get away for a few days and have some time for himself. He'd done it a couple of times before. They wouldn't miss him too terribly, but he'd have to prepare a peace offering - just in case.

He smiled when Rapunzel thanked him, although it turned into a slightly roguish smirk when she called him brave. "It's easy to be brave when you're sure about the odds," he said, clasping his hands behind his back. He'd meant to appear casual, but it wasn't hard to miss the way he carried himself. Not overconfident, but definitely with a hint of formality, or discipline. "But, you're welcome."

He'd begun to turn back to the window, to check if the bandits hadn't decided to return, when she'd declared that she already had what she needed. "That was fast-" he started to say, but trailed off promptly as Pascal appeared on her shoulder. "Oh. Hello there..." He wasn't allowed to have a pet when he was a child - it made kids soft, his grandfather used to always say - so he kept lizards and rats and other critters, in secret.

He reached out with a hand towards Rapunzel's shoulder, intending to pet Pascal, when he realized how forward his gesture was, and that they hadn't been formally introduced. He pulled back and straightened, appearing even taller than he already was. "Sorry. I forgot to introduce myself. I'm Cadrien. But everyone calls me Cade."

Rapunzel countered his smirk with one of her own. It was slight- more a smile than a smirk, but still, the presence was there. This would be an interesting adventure with anyone as company, being her first outing beyond the tower... But this man was particularly intriguing. His knowledge of the outside world was going to be helpful, but there was something more than that: A certain kindness beyond the confidence.

Pascal shrunk back when Cade moved to pet him, squinting at the man suspiciously. Rapunzel cast the chameleon a scolding look. "This is Pascal. Come on, Pascal. It's okay," she said, her tone gentle.

Pascal glanced up at Rapunzel, then nodded at Cade.

Cade actually chuckled at Pascal’s reaction. “I’m usually more appealing to animals,” he joked, “but I guess he’s entitled to not like me, given the circumstances.” He checked his pockets for some food, but all he had was... well, a couple of bread crumbs. “Er. I don’t think you’d want these. But it’s nice to meet you, Pascal.”

He took a moment to smile gratefully at Rapunzel before reaching out to pet the chameleon. He had strong-looking hands, but his touch was surprisingly gentle.

Then he looked up at Rapunzel again. “You still haven’t told me your name. Will I have to guess?” His teasing, less formal tone was definitely a sign that he’d started to relax around them.

"He's just protective of me," Rapunzel explained with a fond smile. Pascal nodded again, this time to confirm that statement, but he smiled at Cade after doing so. Even if the bread crumbs didn't appeal to him, the offer of food would not go forgotten. Being pet seemed to help, as well, and Pascal chirped a bit at the touch.

"Oh, I'm sorry!" she gasped, blushing a bit. "Rapunzel... My name is Rapunzel."

Ah, a smile from Pascal, finally! Cade grinned back, petting the chameleon some more.

"Rapunzel," he repeated quietly at her introduction, almost reverently. He smiled at her - that blush was really adorable - and wished he had something witty to say, or do. Should he bow? Kiss her hand? He'd never been very smooth around women, most especially those he actually liked, and that wasn't about to change anytime soon.

So instead he said, "Nice name. I... wouldn't have been able to guess that."

Then he glanced back at the window. "It should be safe for us to go now. Did you have a particular destination in mind?"

Rapunzel returned the smile, albeit with some of her earlier discomfort still in the air. But... Well, Cade seemed very kind. Nothing at all like the men Mother had warned her about, which was confusing, but reassuring.

She laughed at his comment about guessing her name. "Probably not, no." Then she inhaled, deeply, and stepped over to the window, leaning out and pointing off in the direction of the floating lights.

"Come here, I can show you."

Cade turned around to lean out of the window as well, following Rapunzel's lead. For a brief moment it occurred to him how high up they actually were, but it wasn't nearly as distracting as the thought that she was now right beside him. And she, well, she smelled nice. Her scent reminded him of a memory he couldn't quite hold on to, but would sometimes come to him if only to fill him with a strange, inexplicable feeling of warmth. Of having a home, and a family...

He shook his head to clear his thoughts, refocusing his gaze instead towards the general direction she was pointing off to. He squinted to get a better look.

"You want to go to Corona? To the festival, I'm guessing?" He'd never been there before, but some of the guys had been excited about it. A princess' birthday, they said. Wine and women would be plenty, they said.

Edited 2018-05-19 07:47 (UTC)

Rapunzel watched out the window, and though the lanterns weren't out just yet, the delight and longing she felt every year when they did fill the sky began to stir up inside of her. She smiled, and hummed softly to herself, nodding at Cade's words before realizing she wasn't sure just what those words had been.

"Oh! Um..." Wait, that did make sense, though, she realized as she recalled what he'd said. A festival would explain why those lights came every year... Though it didn't explain why they felt so directly connected to her. "Yes, the festival."

It wasn’t hard to tell how much Rapunzel wanted to go. Cade could almost feel her excitement himself, with the way she smiled and hummed and stared out the window with a dreamy look in her eyes.

And for some reason he couldn’t put his finger on — he wanted to give her that.

“To Corona, then.” He was smiling, too... until he remembered their little predicament, anyway.

He looked down, and it was a long way down. Scaling the tower had been one thing, because he’d been alone and only concerned for himself. “So... you said you got this covered?”

Rapunzel couldn't help how her smile grew when he agreed easily to go to the festival. He was kind, and if someone had to find the tower, well... Things could have gone far worse. Then, at his question, she nodded, pulling away from the window a bit and tossing her hair up so it caught in the loop outside.

"Yes. I've got this. You'll have to go first, though!"

Rapunzel would’ve probably found the look on Cade’s face amusing — it was equal parts shock, disbelief and dread. They were going to use... her hair? As rope? Really? It wasn’t that he didn’t trust her, but she looked tiny, and he was sure he weighed a ton.

But, all the same, she’d asked him to trust her. And, for some reason, he felt that he could.

He climbed up to the window pane and grabbed hold of her hair. He tugged on it a little, turning back to regard her. “This won’t hurt you?” he asked, genuinely concerned.

Rapunzel had to hide a smile as she caught sight of Cade's expression. She supposed it would come as a surprise, how she brought Mother up the tower every day.

But he wasn't so surprised that he doubted her, it would seem, as he took hold of her hair. She was touched by his trust... And it made her feel proud of herself.

"Oh, no, I'll be fine," Rapunzel assured Cade in response to his question.

He wanted to ask, one more time, if she was really sure it wouldn’t hurt her, but her expression was strangely reassuring. It wasn’t one of overconfidence or naivete; rather, it was a lot like Aghorah’s, and that woman sure as hell knew her stuff. So he supposed Rapunzel, must, too.

Still, he was very careful on the way down, trying to go as fast as possible while keeping himself light. It was most probably his training in dance that gave him the needed grace for the endeavor, and he allowed himself a moment to be grateful for that part of his old life — albeit a little begrudgingly.

As he waited for her at the base of the tower, though, he had to wonder. If she actually had a means to leave, why had she been living in isolation, almost like a prisoner? She was so sweet and so kind and she certainly didn’t deserve all that loneliness.

Of course, he knew he wouldn’t be able to bring himself to ask her that, so instead, he settled with telling himself to make it a worthwhile trip for her. It shouldn’t be too hard, since she picked a really good time; the lanterns would be a breathtaking sight, and he knew the perfect spot for the experience.

Once she saw Cade place both feet firmly on the ground, Rapunzel prepared to slide down, herself. She ran a hand over Pascal's scaly back for comfort, taking a few steps back. At first, Pascal made a concerned sound; worried she was backing out... But then Rapunzel ran to where most of her hair was looped up, and grabbed on, sliding down with a delighted laugh.

When she reached the bottom, her hair falling to the ground behind her, she looked around with wide eyes. Everything was so bright... And beautiful. What had been a grin as she made her way down became a gaping expression. She'd never thought she'd actually be outside of the tower, and while she was frightened, she was also exhilarated.

"Wow..." She wiggled her bare toes, feeling the grass and dirt. Amazing.

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PSL • Sorry, Your Treasure Is In Another Castle

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