001. (v1) [audio]

[snowtop]

[The audio clips on to some panicked breathing.]

I-I thought-- I--

Th-this place, it, i-it's su--s-supposed to be a s-sa-- sanctu-- safe p--place! A-And I--

F-First I ff--find a-a guy i-in the--the c-cold room, then I-- there--

Th-there's ink i-in m-- my-- my s--skin!

[Letters are crawling onto his fingers and they won't scrub out.]

Comments

[70ftandcounting]

[The ONLY reason she's trying this (and showing someone her secret) is because she's panicked and terrified, and sees few other options.

She took a deep breath before taking his hand and wrapping the end of her hair around it.

Then, she starts to sing.]

Flower gleam and glow,
Let your power shine.
Make the clock reverse;
bring back what once was mine.

[And all...70 feet starts to glow while she sings.]

[snowtop]

[Now Xanth can't help but stare. His eyes go wide, his posture stiffens, and he very nearly pulls back his hand.]

Uh-- um-- wh-- uh--

[Okay, he's freaking out a little.]

[70ftandcounting]

[Wiiiiiince]

Pleasedontfreakout!

[snowtop]

[Xanth's eyes flick up to meet Rapunzel's. He swallows hard and bites his lip, but he forces himself to stop pulling away.]

I-Is it-- o--over?

[70ftandcounting]

[She unwinds her hair, hands a little shaky.]

Y-yes. It's over.

[snowtop]

[Xanth looks down at his hand, holding his breath... and then he lets it out in a disappointed sigh.

There has been no change. Xanth clenches his inked hand into a fist.]

I-It... didn't w-work on y--you, e-either, d--did it?

[70ftandcounting]

No...

I thought...I thought maybe it was worth a try though.

I'm really sorry.

[snowtop]

N-No, it-- it's okay.

[Xanth offers Rapunzel a smile. He hopes it's comforting and not just awkward.]

You... Y-You tried. Th--thank you.