A Glimpse Of Morning

The first hints of dawn stretched timid fingers across the sky, painting the world in soft hues of lavender and gold. Inside the cave, the air was still, save for the distant dripping of water echoing through the stone chamber. Rapunzel stirred first, her body sore but her spirit somehow lighter. She blinked sleep from her eyes, taking in the tranquil scene before her. Eugene was still asleep, his breathing steady, his usual guarded expression replaced by something peaceful.

She let him rest a little longer. He had done so much for her already, and she knew the journey had been just as exhausting for him, if not more so. With quiet steps, she rose and walked to the cave's entrance. The forest stretched before her, the leaves rustling gently in the early breeze. It was the kind of morning she had only ever imagined, back in her tower, dreaming of what lay beyond her small window. And now, here she was, standing on the edge of everything she had ever wanted.

Her fingers brushed against the stone as she whispered, "I'm really out here."

A groggy voice behind her answered, "And looking pretty amazed about it."

She turned to see Eugene stretching, his smirk still forming as he ruffled his messy hair. "Didn't mean to wake you."

He waved her concern away with a sleepy yawn. "Eh, I was having this dream about an all-you-can-eat feast. But fresh air is a decent alternative, I guess."

Rapunzel laughed softly. "We should get moving soon."

Eugene nodded, rubbing a hand over his face. "Yeah, we should, but... I kind of like this moment. Just for a little while longer."

She hesitated, then sat down beside him. They shared a quiet moment, watching the morning unfold. The fireflies from the night before had disappeared, but the world had replaced them with something equally magical, the golden light of sunrise filtering through the trees, setting everything aglow.

Finally, Eugene stood, dusting off his pants. "Alright, princess. Time to go see those lanterns."

The words sent a thrill through her. It was happening. Tonight, she would finally see the floating lights. But as she gathered herself, a shadow of uncertainty crept in. What would happen after? Would Eugene just leave? Would she return to her tower?

Eugene must have noticed her sudden change in expression. He nudged her lightly with his elbow. "Hey. We'll figure things out, okay?"

She met his gaze, warmth blooming in her chest at the sincerity in his eyes. "Okay."

---

Far from the peaceful morning, Mother Gothel moved swiftly through the woods, her dark cloak billowing behind her. The Stabbington Brothers followed in silence, their movements purposeful. Their deal had been struck, but the brothers were growing restless.

"We've wasted enough time," one of them grumbled. "Where is he?"

Gothel's lips curled into a knowing smile. "Patience. Flynn Rider is clever, but not invincible. He will come right to us."

The brothers exchanged looks but said nothing. They had been betrayed by Rider once. They would not allow it to happen again.

Gothel, on the other hand, had no doubts. She had raised Rapunzel to be utterly dependent on her, and she knew her lost little girl would come running back soon enough. She just needed to make sure the choice was clear. And if that meant getting rid of Rider permanently? So be it.

---

The journey from the cave was a peaceful one, at least for the first few hours. Rapunzel had never seen so much of the world all at once. Birds called to one another, their songs weaving through the trees. The river sparkled beside them, winding its way through the landscape like a silver ribbon. Everything was alive in a way she had never experienced before.

Eugene, ever the seasoned traveler, kept a relaxed pace, though he was always alert. His hands rested near his belt, where his dagger sat secured, his instincts sharp even in moments of quiet.

"What's that?" Rapunzel suddenly asked, pointing ahead.

Eugene followed her gaze to where a quaint little village sat nestled in the valley below. Smoke curled lazily from chimneys, the sound of distant chatter and laughter rising up to meet them.

"That, my dear, is the last stop before the kingdom," he said with a grin. "And, if I remember correctly, they make the best apple pies this side of the river."

Rapunzel's eyes widened. "Can we—?"

"Oh, we're definitely stopping," Eugene said before she could even finish. "But let's keep a low profile."

She nodded eagerly, her excitement barely contained. She had never been in a village before. What if they had a festival? What if they had music? What if—?

Eugene's voice pulled her from her thoughts. "Stay close, alright?"

She nodded again, her hand brushing his arm instinctively as they made their way toward the village. The path ahead was filled with possibilities, but neither of them could see the shadows lurking just out of sight.

Because while the guards had ceased their chase, other dangers were closing in.