Prologue
AN: Despite what some people believe, I think Mother Gothel loved Rapunzel in her own twisted way. After all, in the tower scene where she discovers Rapunzel is missing, she seemed genuinely panicked for her safety.
There will be OOC Gothel in this story. Just read on and you'll understand.
It had started raining about the time she had left town. She briefly considered turning back and seeking refuge until the storm ended. However, thoughts of the four year old waiting at home alone changed her mind. So she continued walking through the downpour. It was a bitterly cold January day, and the rain made it worse. About halfway to her home the cold set in and she started to shiver. It grew so that it was almost impossible for her to walk. She soon reached the secret entrance to the valley where she lived.
She pushed aside the dead vines to reveal a lone tower in the middle of a valley. Upon seeing it, the woman sighed in relief. She knew her goods from town were ruined, but at that moment, all she cared about was getting inside out of the rain. She approached the secret door in the side of the tower, opened it, and climbed the staircase that was revealed. Opening the trapdoor at the top of the steps, she was greeted by the sight of her daughter happily painting on a wall. The girl, hearing the slight squeak the hinges made as the trapdoor was opened fully, spun around and squealed in delight, launching herself at the figure emerging from the floor.