I assumed, through simple logic, that as I progressed back down the mountain I would get slower but, this was not the case. The farther I got from Elsa's castle the stronger I felt and faster I could walk.

It was cold, and I was cold but, I didn't feel weak like I had during my time with Elsa. I got lost a couple of times but, eventually I found my way back to Oaken's Trading Post. I went inside and spoke with the man behind the counter. I'd left my horse here for safe keeping while I made my way up the mountain and it was time to pay him.

"I need my horse, please," I said pulling out some money.

"Very well," He took the money from off the counter and pointed me to the stables.

I untied the horse and led him out into the cold dawn air. I'd been walking all night but, I still didn't feel weak or tired. I walked back to the front door of the trading post, realizing that my hands were freezing. I tied whiplash, named for his speed, to the railing and went inside. I removed my hood and grabbed a pair of gloves from a shelf.

"How much are these?" I asked politely

"Hmmm," he said, looking me, and the gloves, over. "1 gold piece,"

"Alright," I said pulling the gold out of my money bag.

The man examined the piece to make sure it was real, then handed me the gloves. I put them on and made my way to the door. I caught a glimpse of my reflection in a mirror. I gasped, making the man jump and give me a strange look. I walked closer to the mirror and looked intently at it.

My hair was not only blonde again but, it had grown a good 4 inches since I'd last seen it in Elsa's castle. Something, however, was wrong. I knew what my blonde hair was supposed to look like and my hair was to dull. It was blonde, yes but, it wasn't shimmery. I looked closer and found that the roots of my hair were once again turning brown.

I was completely at a loss for words. I needed to talk to Eugene about this. He could figure it out. He could figure anything out. I held in the scream that threatened to escape my lips and ran outside.

My heart was beating extremely fast. I jumped on whiplash and rode off. The wind was whipping my hair around my face. I pushed whiplash as fast as he could go, I needed to get back to the castle.

When I arrived I dismounted and lead whiplash to the stables. I asked one of the stable boys to tend to whiplash while I found Eugene. He nodded and took the reins from me. I kept my hood up even when I got inside. I didn't want to alarm anyone. Something was going on but, I couldn't figure out what it was.

"Rapunzel," Eugene said with relief when I walked into our room. "I'm so glad you're safe!"

He pulled me into a hug then realized something was wrong. He pulled away and looked right into my eyes.

"What's wrong?" He asked with concern "What happened?"

I burst into tears; I couldn't hold it in anymore. So much had happened over the past 2 days. Eugene's concern for me had pushed my emotions to the breaking point. I pulled my hood off and he simply stared with his mouth hanging open.

"I- don't know- what- happened!" I stuttered through my tears.

Eugene recovered from his shock and hugged me again. His warmth made me feel safe and at home. I knew he would protect me from anything; even my own confusion.

"It's okay," He soothed "We'll figure it out. I promise, and when I promise something I never, ever, break that promise."

I giggled at his attempt to mimic my voice from when we'd first met. I pulled away from our embrace, and wiped my wet eyes, then looked at him. He could tell I was about to begin explaining all that had happened but, he stopped me.

"No time to talk now," He said grabbing my hand and pulling me toward the door.

"Why not?" I asked, ready to pull my hand away from his.

"Hans has Elsa,"

I asked no more questions. I simply let Eugene take me to wherever we were going. Those words swirling around in my head like a nightmare. Hans has Elsa.

Hi there! Sorry about the wait, I've been super buys lately. I promise the next chapter will not be so far behind. And when I promise something I never, ever, break that promise. lol Thanks for all your support!