Third Strand * Action

[paintsthewalls]

[Perched on a swing at the playground, Rapunzel is about as forlorn as a girl can get. She has spent the day trying not to think of her mother

Comments

[refinedmaestro]

[Passing the playground on his daily walk in the woods, Frederic sees the young girl sitting on her swing and walks up to her. Obviously even he can see she has such sadness about her, so he tries to see if he can help her.]

Excuse me young miss, is it all right if I sit with you? By the expression upon your face, I thought you might need someone to speak with.

[paintsthewalls]

[Very quickly, Rapunzel tries to wipe away whatever tears are there.]

I do? I mean, I might? [Trying to play dumb and act happy is a plan that is obviously going to fail today, but she is trying anyway.]

Who are you?

[refinedmaestro]

[Frederic bow politely then sits next to Rapunzel on another swing with a faint smile.]

My name is Frederic Francois Chopin, may I have the honor of knowing your name?

[paintsthewalls]

Rapunzel. [She pats herself down, searching for a handkerchief.] I'm not usually this...sniffly, Mister Chopin. I do apologize...

[refinedmaestro]

It is all right, Miss Rapunzel. Perhaps you would feel better speaking about your troubles? I do not mind listening and trying to help.

[paintsthewalls]

[This stranger seems gentle and kind. And not really a stranger, right? They know each others' names now!]

It's silly, really; I thought of getting a new dress today. [She fingers the worn fabric of her current pink gown; it has clearly been mended quite a bit.] But I was worried what Mother would think.

[refinedmaestro]

[He looks curiously at Rapunzel along with the gown she's wearing.] Why does what your mother think prevent you from getting a new gown, Miss Rapunzel? I'm certain she would not scold you for such a simple thing.

[paintsthewalls]

W-well what if the fabric isn't the right sort or color? Or--or what if I get the length wrong?

[The dress she is wearing now is obviously too short.]

And she's not even here to tell me!

[refinedmaestro]

While I may not be an expect, perhaps I can help you with picking out a gown? I grew up with three sisters, so I am a little familiar with ladies' fashion. Do you think your mother would object to such a thing?

[paintsthewalls]

....Do you mind if I get a look at your teeth first?

[refinedmaestro]

...My teeth? Well, I've never had anyone ask me such a question before, but I do not see why not.

[paintsthewalls]

[They don't LOOK pointy. And he's well dressed...Mother might actually approve of this one.] Okaaaaay....I guess you can help me find a dress. I want to find one I can move around in easily. That's important to me.

[refinedmaestro]

[He's a little confused as to why he had to show Rapunzel his teeth in the first place, but then if it made her happy and help her then he didn't mind.]

Very well then, shall we get going to one of the shops in town?

[paintsthewalls]

[Nice teeth = nice person. Learn the math, maestro. That matter settled, Rapunzel will step lightly by his side on the short path back to town. She asks measured questions, ever polite around those who might be her betters. Mother taught her that.]

What is it that you do here in Luceti, Mister Chopin?

[refinedmaestro]

[As they walk together, Rapunzel's question floats into his ear when she asks and the composer gives her an answer.]

I teach the music class at the school, yet I also give private piano lessons at my apartment.

[paintsthewalls]

Piano!? How does one piano? [She...doesn't know what a piano is. But Rapunzel loves music.]