Rapunzel (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
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isleofavalon2021-11-30 10:19 am
closecut) wrote in isleofavalon2021-11-30 10:19 amEntry tags:
closecut) wrote in isleofavalon2021-11-30 10:19 am
•||• Return to Avalon [ for Zen ]
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He goes on a few quests, small things that won't take him far out of town.
He practices his magic, slowly but surely, worried something like the magic flu might happen again.
He slowly accumulates things. A journal, to mark down his travels and experiences in Avalon, in the hopes it might follow him back home once he returns. More clothing. Various odds and ends that he creates with his alchemy - a few of which he gives to Rapunzel.
The days pass slowly and easily as he grows closer to Rapunzel and winter comes in earnest.
One day, while practicing his alchemy, there's a sudden wave of vertigo. Dizziness washes over him. He can feel himself tilt and sway and--he's falling, the water painfully crashing around him as he impacts with the bay.
It's all oddly familiar, like the day he first arrived in Avalon. Which makes no sense at all. It makes even less sense when he makes it to shore and sees...well. A very familiar bay.
?????
Confused and alarmed, he scans the water and the beach for Rapunzel, worried she might have also been dropped back here. When he doesn't see her, or anyone else he's acquainted with, Zen makes a beeline for the Rent a Ride.
The moment his phone is back in his hand, he's sending Rapunzel a message. ]
I'll be missing dinner tonight. I ended up back at the Rent a Ride somehow. Are you alright?
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Her healing magic was gone, her hair now a soft, chestnut brown, having lost the glossy blonde sheen that accompanied her powers. In exchange, power over "dark" magic, the ability to manipulate luck and create hexes. That was a bit unsettling for a while, but less unnerving was the discovery of her elemental magic. Some weeks were dedicated to trying to learn to master that first, only to realize that she'd need to embrace her newfound primary abilities before she'd be strong enough to turn her attention to the latter.
She helped Zen where she could, cooking and keeping their room in good shape, going on what quests fell within her wheelhouse but kept her close by as well. They'd made the trip with the rest of the otherworlders, had to take care not to consume any food or drink while under the hospitality of the fae, but made it safely back to Camelot not long ago.
They fell into a routine, with Zen occasionally bringing back meat from a hunt or purchase in town, or even a reward now and again. He worked on his alchemy and crafted useful little things and keepsakes for her (and Pascal) that Rapunzel treasured and collected. She too kept a journal, though it was almost more sketchbook than an account of events.
Through it all, her feelings for Zen only seemed to grow more day by day. Things had developed so quickly between them, a whirlwind romance for the ages if ever there was one, and they were happy. Late nights, falling asleep reading only to wake up being carried to bed in his arms, his cloak draped over her shoulders. Sometimes it was the other way around and after a busy day of fulfilling quests the two would relax on the couch with his head on her lap while she read for the two of them, or they caught up on how one another's day had gone. Some nights either Zen or Rapunzel would sweep the other up into a dance to some inaudible tune, or something playing on the radio. They cooked together, sporadically broke into song together, and filled that room with so many memories it could have burst at the seams.
They'd been together from the very first day they both arrived, which made his sudden disappearance all the more jarring and heartbreaking. One moment he'd been working on his alchemy and the next, she'd turned to ask him what he felt like having for dinner only to find the spot where he'd been standing empty.
She must've stayed out the entire night trying to find him before finally accepting that he was gone the next afternoon. ]
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The couch, the dinner table, the bed, the kitchen, the reading chair.
Rapunzel wasn't one to wallow in self-pity, but she'd never felt so... lethargic and devastated before. The things he'd left behind were both a comfort and a painful reminder of the hole in her chest. Proof that he'd been real and the memories they shared were real, but a constant anchor to what she'd lost.
The part that Rapunzel struggled with the most was watching the rest of the city continue on as if nothing happened, though. It felt as if she was the only one who felt the sting of Zen's loss, even though she knew that couldn't be true.
Hours turned to days, and days turned into weeks. Just a bit over two, to be exact, just enough time for her to resolve to put in more effort into getting out of the inn room and to also try harder to move on with her life. She'd already been doing a bit of that, but probably not nearly as much as she should. At the very least, if Zen could see her he'd probably have pushed her to go spend more time trying to make friends. ]
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Something he might be proud of her for, at least, was the fact that she'd managed to connect with a couple of her distant cousins? Who knew she had family here, right? And a job. She'd gotten one of those, too, mostly because it sounded interesting, but also because the room wasn't going to pay for itself, and she didn't want to get tossed out on the street with nowhere to store all of their things.
It was while she was sitting at home on her day off, looking over a painting that she was working on finishing up that her phone began to vibrate.
At first, she didn't notice the noise. The device was still tucked into her hair and she was lost in thought, but Pascal came to the rescue and began squealing and squeaking excitedly as he hopped down onto her lap and held the device up for Rapunzel to see. With a fond smile, Rapunzel's hand moved to add another paint stroke, addressing her little green friend before her gaze shifted. ]
What is it, Pascal? Is there another sale at the--!?
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Rapunzel needs to hear his voice, though, even as she rushes to snatch her keys and she and Zen's coats, and in a blur she's OUT THE DOOR.
If he picks up her call he'll probably be able to tell that she's running as she yanks one arm through and then the other.
Pick up, pick up pick up pick up pick up! ]
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Zen!? You're back! You're okay! Oh, thank goodness! I've been so worried ever since you disappeared!
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Eventually, the jostling of other newcomers brings him back to his senses. With some quick words of apology, he gathers his belongings and leaves the building, ready to head to the carriages that will bring him back to Camelot. The air outside the Rent a Ride is cold enough to see his breath, and he fights off the chill as best he can by wrapping his cloak a little tighter around his shoulders. As protected as he can be, he fishes his phone back out of his pocket to see if Rapunzel has replied yet.
He was expecting her to get back to him pretty quickly with a Be safe! or something similar, so when he turns on the screen and sees a slew of missed calls instead, he can feel his heart jump in his chest with concern.
He tries not to overthink, but with what just happened and the volume of calls (one after another, just how many times...?), he can't help but worry. If she was calling instead of sending a message, had something happened? Was she dropped somewhere else just as he had been, perhaps back up in Elphame? Was she safe? There's no hesitation before he's clicking on her name and returning her call, but before he can even ask she's already speaking, her words a rush, as though he might end the call before she can say them.
He can hear the sound of hurried movement, the rustling of fabric in the wind and air blowing against the microphone. She's clearly moving quickly, and he's not sure what to make of it.
You're back!
I've been so worried ever since you disappeared!
Something uneasy settles in his gut, a nameless worry that constricts his throat and gives him pause. Rapunzel seems fine, and for that he's grateful, but her tone is filled with a relief that doesn't quite match the length of time he should have been gone. Her words, too. He's back? Since he disappeared? She makes it sound like he's been gone a while.
He frowns, setting that thought to the side for now. Zen tells himself it's fine. There's no cause for alarm yet. Rapunzel had been in the room with him when this happened, so of course she'd be worried when he "disappeared."
... ]
Hey, slow down, it's--I'm okay. It's only been an hour, and the Rent a Ride had one of my cloaks, so I'm not about to freeze. I'll be back in Camelot tomorrow.
[ His voice is slow and cautious, uncertain. Things don't quite line up, the situation doesn't quite feel right, so he doesn't want to just outright dismiss her. Not when his disappearance had clearly worked her up. ]
...Sorry for worrying you.
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[ In fact, Rapunzel does not slow down. Not physically anyway. She had to stop talking to let him reply, and to take a few gulps of air as she booked it, but other than that she's full steam ahead. If she hesitates at all it's when he says "It's only been an hour,". That's enough to cause her gait to falter and for her to slow to a stop for a moment.
Zen continues speaking, something about his cloak, and being in town by tomorrow, and an apology. She definitely caught an apology, but all he'll hear for a few moments is heavy breathing. She'd covered quite a distance in between leaving the inn and his picking up the phone.
Other people out on the town give her curious looks as they pass, couples, shoppers, friend groups, otherworlders and their familiars. The brunette is rooted to the spot, staring into the distance with a look of confusion and worry as she pieces it together slowly. Why is it that he sounds as if he hadn't returned home at all? Why would he say that? Unless...
Had he simply been stuck somewhere in limbo for all this time with no awareness? Was that better or worse? She'd hoped that at the very least he was back where he came from with the people who cared for him, his friends, his family. If that wasn't the case, then... could it happen again? Could any of them simply pop out of existence one day and just... stop?
Still with the panting, as Rapunzel lowers the phone a moment and doubles over with her hands on her knees, eyes closing.
Breathe, Rapunzel, breathe. Telling him about her worries wouldn't do any good, but she couldn't hide the fact he'd been gone for four weeks either. He'd notice as soon as he looked at the date.
He's missed so much in this last month, it just doesn't seem fair he wasn't even able to make new memories to make up for that lost time... ]
Just... a second...
[ She breathed out, buying herself time. The stable was in view just up ahead though, and after a little bit Zen would hear her let out a loud, dramatic breath with a "WHEW! Okay!", standing up straight with her hands on her hips as her breath condensed into little white puffs.
People were giving her straight up weird looks now. ]
It wasn't your fault, I'm just glad you're back! But Zen... you've been gone for almost a month.
[ A pause, her breathing resumes, not so labored this time, but it's clear she's walking with purpose, even as she adds on with a more playfully bossy tone. ]
And I missed you, so I'm coming. I'll meet you halfway.
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His heart nearly stops. ]
A month...?
[ He nearly drops his phone as the pieces click into place, the chill in the air all the colder, like all the warmth in his body is leeched away in an instant. For all he wants to deny it, to ask if she's sure (of course she's sure), it makes sense. It explains the things he picked up at the rent a ride, his unceremonious dip in the water--everything.
It's a difficult truth to reconcile. It had seemed like a moment. A second between the inn room and the bay, the space for a breath, the time it took to blink. Yet according to Rapunzel, it's been so much longer, the time he's been away totaling nearly half the time they've been in Avalon. A month? How could that be the truth? It would mean she's been left alone that whole time, left behind without warning. How cruel.
Their time together has been short, but he knows she values his company as much as he does hers. Their time together has helped him cope and adjust. Her companionship helped to keep his mind off the people and places he missed. He had no doubt it was the same, and could only imagine how hard it would have been to suddenly have his constant presence suddenly ripped away.
And for all that time, for all that pain, he wasn't even given the chance to catch a glimpse of home.
He nearly misses what she says, only catching the last bit, and even then it takes him a moment to process. Ah, that explains why she's in such a hurry. She plans on coming to meet him. A part of him thinks he should stop her, but he doesn't. She's capable of taking care of herself, he's seen that much in their short time together. ]
Alright, I'll see you at the inn. Be careful on the road.
[ Zen is glad she's coming, that he won't need to wait as long to see her. Talking on the phone is one thing, but he's sure actually seeing him will be more reassuring. At least he hopes.
The trip is long, and he spends most of it with his head in his hands. There's too much time to think, and unlike last time he doesn't have company on the ride. He tries to keep his mind clear, because Rapunzel was right, it's not his fault this happened, but the guilt still weighs heavy, and try as he might he can't help but wonder where he was this last month.
When Rapunzel arrives at the inn, Zen is sitting outside. It's clear he's been there a while, wrapped up in his cloak to keep semi-warm, his sheathed sword perched on his knees. He looks thoughtful, his mouth twisted into a small frown as he rubs his thumb across his family's crest.
He looks up when he hears the sound of hooves, stands once she comes close enough, and tries for a smile. ]
You got here faster than I expected. Tired?
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[ She was reluctant to say goodbye as it was, but doubly so after that. There was almost a sense of distraction in Zen's tone after that which left her feeling uneasy. Maybe she shouldn't have said anything until they were face to face. What if she'd made a mistake by telling him like that?
If it wouldn't have been cruel to the horse Rapunzel would've pushed for them to gallop the entire way, but as it was they did have to stop for rest and water, and at some point she does take the chance while "camping" to let people know where she is. Other than that, she doesn't even think about stopping again.
They reach the inn within record time, but it couldn't have been fast enough even if they'd teleported (which, in hindsight, might've been possible if she'd thought to ask the network if anyone had or knew where to buy or find a teleport spell to the Rent-a-Ride). That sentiment is doubled in her mind when she finally spots Zen among the few otherworlders milling around outside. He's seated alone and he looks as if he has the weight of the world on his shoulders. The sight makes her heart ache. The last thing she'd wanted or meant to do was cause him distress.
Once she's down from the stallion's back she gives him a few reassuring pets and hands him off to someone who offers for now, and approaches Zen, his coat in her hands. Once she reaches him and he's standing she swings the coat open and around to cover his shoulders, much like he had done for her in the past with his cloak. The look on her face is worried. Couldn't hide that even if she tried, but she tries for a smile too. ]
I'm alright, but you must be cold.
[ A non-answer, not to evade, but because she's got more pressing concerns. ]
I'm more worried about you. Zen, are you okay?
[ Even as she asks the question Rapunzel is bringing a hand up to cup his cheek, feeling the cold clinging to his skin and not liking it. As she's waiting for his answer- probably before he actually can -her arms are slipping around his waist as she steps forward to hug him, sharing some of her body heat.
Pascal is covering his eyes from where he's hiding in the hood of her coat. ]
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It takes him a moment to respond. He's so relieved to see her that it's almost overwhelming. At the same time, though, it's so like her to worry about him over herself. He almost wants to laugh. ]
I should be asking you that.
[ She's the one who was left alone. ]
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It's okay now, you're back.
[ She'd known that he would have wanted her to keep living her life here, but some days were still admittedly much harder than others, especially in the beginning when she was still doing things with two people in mind out of habit. Shopping, cooking, budgeting, and scheduling her day. Finding a way to support herself was jarring but... ultimately probably the one thing that kept her going, gave her something to keep her mind busy.
And she can't bring herself to lie to him, doesn't want him to think that getting over his disappearance was some easy thing, like his absence was just no big deal. How hurt would he be if she made it sound like it was nothing? Neither did she want to compound on the guilt she can imagine he's feeling- if just because she'd be feeling it were their positions reversed. No, simple truth was she'd missed him and never really got past missing him, life just continued regardless. Now that Zen had returned things could get back to... well maybe not normal, not with what they both knew now, but they could get back to their routine and they could heal. ]
I know how much you miss home, I felt so selfish for wanting you back, but I'm just so glad you're here again. Does that make me a terrible person?
[ The last part is stifled- no, actually all of it is probably a little muffled honestly. So was that sniffle. In fact-- you didn't hear that. Shut up. She's not crying YOU ARE. ]
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Until now, he'd forced himself to stop thinking about it. He had taken thoughts of home, of Shirayuki and Mitsuhide and Kiki and locked them away in the depths of his heart. He thought it better to focus on the present than worry about the things he couldn't change. It was something he'd learned how to do well over the years, a necessary part of growing up as the second prince of a kingdom. Sometimes there were things out of his control, and worrying about them would only make the rest of his work all the more difficult.
Being faced with disappearing as he did makes it difficult to set those feelings aside this time, not when he can see just how much it's affecting Rapunzel. ]
Hey,
[ His voice is soft and warm, though he does try to pull away from their embrace so he can try and look her in the eyes. If she tries to avoid his gaze, he'll gently tilt her chin up towards him.
Zen smiles again, though this time it's less forced. ]
That doesn't make you a terrible person, Rapunzel. It just means you care. [ He brushes some of her hair out of her face, his hand coming to rest against her cheek. ] I would have felt the same, if I was the one who stayed behind.
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The warmth of his palm was more from the emotion the touch stirred rather than his body temperature having returned to normal just yet, but nonetheless, Rapunzel cupped the back of that hand so that she could press her cheek into it a little more, expression still a little guilty as she processed his words.
Eventually, she did accept that he was right, and if for no other reason than to reassure him she mustered up a smile. The warmth and affection that she felt for him was there and for what it was worth it did seem she had taken his words to heart.
He felt the same. For now, at least with regards to her admission, that was what mattered. ]
I do, you mean a lot to me, Zen. More than anything I just want you to be happy, wherever you are.