hey there guys, i seem to be on a complete roll, so i thought id publish this to make up for all the time i didnt put anything up at all.
im really glad you all seem to like the two new characters i introduced and their gonna be a big part of the story. i must warn you that there might be a lot of oc's since i have to create a whole village and i have to show how eugene and rapunzel are interacting in their new life. but not very many of them will be important only one or two.
i hope you all like mattie who im introducing now, she's based off a doctor friend of mine. the other new important face will be the new priest im introducing. there will be a few more this chapter but their really just filler characters jsut to progress the story. next chapter there will be about six more, but again there only there to progress the story and have no other purpose than to show how eugene and rapunzel are getting on with their new life in teh village.
funkywatermelon: well, shes about three months pregnant in november, so im planning to have her due in early may late april. i also made rapunzels birthday in may due to "march winds, april showers, bring forth may flowers". with the whole healing flower thing i thought it would be appropriate. im thinking that eugene's birthday should be in october, so hes only seven and half years older than rapunzel. what do you think?
hannah jane: well, im guess this will make you very happy, two chapters in one day and all.
reverend lovejoy: thanks for the endorsement, i tried to make the new characters believable and sweet. like rapunzel and eugene.
emily snow21: i know i still have a few typos sliding, but i dont have a beta so it happens.
lndcrazygirl:i couldnt let anything really bad happen to her.
anway, here it is, my very long quick turnabout chapter. forgive the typos, i did try and find them all
disclaimer: yet again, ownership of nothing, literally, i had to sell my car.
Chapter Thirty-Six
Eugene didn't sleep much that night. He kept on thinking that Rapunzel would slip away from him as soon as he closed his eyes. When dawn finally broke he had only had one or two broken hours of sleep, but hearing Rapunzel say his name first thing in the morning made it all worth while.
"Hi," Eugene said sleepily, "How did you sleep?"
"Good, thanks." Rapunzel replied stroking his cheek softly while Eugene leaned into the soft caress of her smooth hands.
"How are you feeling?" Eugene asked softly.
"Better."
"Thank God." Eugene sighed as he leaned forward to seize her lips in a passionate kiss. In a moment he finally released her and leaned his head against her shoulder, taking in her fresh scent. He refused to voice to her that he thought he was going to lose her, but she knew. She was afraid of the same thing. Before she had lost consciousness she was so scared that she would lose both their baby and would never see his face again.
"Eugene, where are we?" Rapunzel finally asked. She had been very confused as to why she had woken up in a warm bed and all the voices that were talking to her through the night.
"Oh, we're in Estrella. At the blacksmiths specifically. They let us stay here for the night. I better actually go downstairs and thank them. You just stay here. Stay warm. I'll be back later." Eugene said as he wiped the tears from his cheeks and hers while getting up and leaving the room. He looked over his shoulder to see Pascal crawling onto Rapunzel's shoulder to nuzzle against her neck, this brought out her smile. At last Eugene relaxed; he knew that she was going to be alright. Now all he had to do was sort out their accommodation, their work, the midwife, Max, their belongings… the list seemed endless.
"Good morning." Said a very cheerful male voice which brought Eugene out of his thoughts and plans.
"Good morning, Robert?" Eugene said, taking the pre-offered seat at the table across from him. The man nodded, affirming that that was indeed his name.
"How did you sleep?" Robert asked him handing over the teapot so Eugene could get a hot drink.
"Um, ok, I guess. I mean I was kind of worried about Rapunzel but the bed was… good. It was a good bed." Eugene stuttered while he was handed a bowl of porridge.
"Wow, I thought Flynn Rider was supposed to be very articulate." Robert said calmly, enjoying the shocked look on his companions face. It was rather comical. He had his full spoon half way to his mouth and was gawping at him, open mouthed. Robert had to suppress a chuckle. After a few moments the young man finally came back to his senses and lowered his spoon, but not before dropping most of the porridge on the table.
"Well I… um, that is to say I…" Eugene stumbled out looking absolutely terrified while Robert just sat there, helping himself to more toast. This was Eugene's worse fear. He hoped that he could try to escape Flynn Rider, but that seemed to be completely impossible. A now this man knew who he was he could easily get the local authorities to capture him until the guards came to hand him. He had no idea if this man would, but the reward was a big incentive to capture Flynn Rider.
"More tea Eugene?" Robert asked standing up and moving towards the kitchen. He was enjoying tormenting this poor young man, who was currently looking up at him with the most confused expression on his face that Robert had ever seen.
Eugene was about to say something when he heard someone enter the house. In fact he heard several someone's enter the house. He spun round to look at Robert. The man was obviously stalling him until the authorities arrived to arrest him and Eugene had fallen for it. He should have noticed that Emily wasn't there; she must have gone to find who was in charge in this village while his husband kept Eugene here. And there was no way he could leave; Rapunzel was upstairs and still too weak to move. He was trapped.
Eugene was thinking of a possible escape plan but was completely taken aback by what he saw. It wasn't the local authorities. It was Emily, an old woman, a middle aged man, plus a young woman holding a very young child.
"Oh, Eugene, good you're awake. How did you sleep dear?" Emily asked sweetly as she walked over to him to kiss him a the check. Once again Eugene was so shocked that he couldn't move or form any coherent sentences.
"Good morning Mattie, how you doing today?" Robert asked, directing his question towards the oldest woman.
"Oh fine, this rain though, it was awful, we've already been called out to another three homes today and probably a few more after this." The older woman answered in a very mythical sounding voice as she gestured and punctuated every word with various arm movements. She was a fairly short woman while with wild curls of white hair. She obviously was a very attractive woman in her youth and she still seemed to keep an air of grace and mystery around her.
"Oh Eugene, this is Matilda O'Brien, she's the best midwife around. I went to get her this morning as soon as I got up and finished breakfast," Emily said as the old woman shock Eugene's hand.
"Hi." Eugene said in a stunned voice. He had no idea what else to say.
"It's nice to finally meet you Eugene. I honestly had no idea that these two had any other children let alone a son-in-law, and to be expecting their first grandchild. Well, it is amazing that you decided to move out this way so your wife can be close to her parents." Matilda said in a sweet voice, but communicating so much more with her eyes. She was telling him that this was the story he had to stick by. That this is what is going to keep him safe.
"Yeah, well, it's our first child so we're not really that sure what to do, so we thought who better to ask than mum and dad, right?" Eugene said looking up at the two people who were smiling at him and who may have basically given him the new life that he craved.
"We're just so glad that they're here. I mean we were heartbroken when we left the capital and Rapunzel refused to come with. But she had to finish school and she was completely in love with this one here. We're just lucky we had a friend who would let her stay with her when we left."
"Yes," Mattie said looking straight at Eugene, "You are lucky."
That was directed at Eugene and no one else. He could see that this woman was a force of nature. He managed to realise that they were using this opportunity to give him the back story that they must have come up with last night, but he couldn't understand why. He was a perfect stranger. No, in fact he wasn't a perfect stranger; he was the notorious thief Flynn Rider who had the biggest reward on his head that the kingdom had ever seen. Why on Earth would two strangers do so much for him?
"So, where is the girl?" The middle aged man finally said. Eugene had completely forgotten about the others. He had a hunch that it was convincing Mattie that mattered.
"Oh so sorry, this is my son Nathan, my eldest granddaughter Alison and my youngest great-granddaughter Caroline. My son is the apothecary and my granddaughter is training as a midwife and could use all the experience that she can get. I hope that's ok." It was a statement, not a question and Eugene knew it. This woman was obviously the one in charge and he had a feeling that a lot of the village probably looked up to her. And who wouldn't, she seemed larger than life and so confident.
Eugene took a moment to look at the other members of the group. Nathan was a very slim man but with a little bit of a gut, though he still looked very dignified behind the reading glasses. The younger woman, who Eugene assumed was his daughter as they both had the same dark eyes, was very pretty. She was taller than her grandmother but much shorted than her father. She had light brown curly hair and a kind smile. She seemed like a very sweet girl. So did the two year old she was clutching in her arms.
After all the introductions were made Emily lead the three up to the spare room where Rapunzel was still resting. During all the talk she had made up a tray to take upstairs which included porridge and a pot of tea. Once they were out of earshot Eugene was desperate for answers.
"Why did you do that?" Eugene asked, sounding a bit too snide than he really should have.
"Because, everyone deserves a second chance, as long as you believe you deserve it too. You looked so sincere last night. And I was given a second chance when I was your age, what kind of person would I be if I didn't give you one too." Robert said as he clapped a hand on the dumbfounded young mans back.
"Just don't make me regret it." Robert said with the most serious tone he could muster.
"We won't, thank you." Eugene answered; still shocked at the treatment he was receiving.
"Your welcome. Now don't you have someone to see?" Robert asked, taking his seat once again to finish his breakfast.
"Huh? Oh yeah, I do. You don't happen to know where Father Patrick Byrne is?"
"The priest is your friend?" Robert asked, now it was his turn to be shocked. He didn't think a priest would be friends with a thief.
"Well, not Father Patrick. His brother was the minister for the orphanage I grew up in and he's been trying to help us. He actually recommended this place, but I have a feeling that he wanted someone to keep an eye on us." Eugene said as he finished his slice of toast.
"I'll bet. Well he'll be in the vicarage, which is just along the lane there, about four cottages down. If he's not there then I'm sure he'll be in the church, which is in the centre of the village. You should see the spire from the vicarage. You really can't miss it at all." Robert explained with adequate hand gestures. Eugene thanked him, grabbed the letter and set off in the direction that Robert had indicated. The sooner he got on with the list the better.
Eugene had walked down the lane for about ten minutes, passing each of the cottages. He couldn't help but look at them. They were all very well made and the gardens were so neat and tidy. There were small children running everywhere, each one slipping every once and a while on the ice that had formed from yesterdays rainstorm. There were housewives hanging out washing to dry, but not hoping for much and there were husbands who were just starting to leave for work. He could tell that many were farm hands or servants who worked in the local nobleman's house, but they all seemed rather pleasant. Each person he passed had smiled at him and nodded in his direction, while a few of the children followed him curiously. They must not get very many new comers that often.
At last Eugene found the vicarage. It was a very small cottage in comparison with the others he had just passed, but it looked very well loved. The garden was the neatest he had seen so far; even though it had frosted over he could see the areas devoted to flowers, herbs and vegetables. Eugene took a very deep breath to steady his nerves before he walked up the path to knock on the large oak doors. There was no answer, so he knocked again.
"Someone there?" Came a cry from the somewhere that definitely wasn't inside the house.
"Hello?" Called out Eugene walking away from the door and round the back of the vicarage. That was when he saw who was obviously the vicar except he was looking definitely un-vicar like. The man was in a pair of baggy trousers and a lose shirt, and was currently moving what appeared to be a boxing bag. It was obvious that this was Father John's brother; they were built the same way and had the same curious eyes. The only difference was that this vicar was a bit more well built and had more streaks of gray through his hair.
"Hello there," the man said once he finally caught sight of the young man looking at him.
"Boxing practice," the vicar said gesturing at the bag, "I compete in the kingdom championship every year and I also teach it to the orphans. It gives them a sense of purpose and belonging. I'm Father Patrick Byrne, and may I ask who I'm speaking to?" The vicar asked offering his hand to Eugene.
"Hi, I'm Eugene Fitzherbert." Eugene said accepting the offered hand.
"Oh, I thought you weren't meant to be arriving until spring?" Father Patrick said a little bit startled.
"We had a change of plans." Eugene said, refusing to meet the vicar's eyes.
"Is she pregnant?" Father Patrick asked stoically.
"Why does everyone always ask me that?" Eugene said with fake outrage, but then he saw the look on Father Patricks face. It was the same look Father John gave him when he knew he was lying.
"Yes," Eugene said looking down at his feet feeling like a naughty eight year old boy again.
"Well, what's done is done. I guess we better go inside and make plans then." Father Patrick said as he leads his new young charge into his home.
Father Patrick it turned out was a very good host and unlike his brother he liked to entertain in his house rather than at the church. Once Eugene entered the vicarage he was hit by a warm and cosy feeling. It was a very quaint house, with simple furniture but lots of home comforts and what was obviously home made trinkets and pillows.
"Would you like some tea Mr Fitzherbert?" Father Patrick asked from the kitchen.
"Um, yes, thank you." Eugene called back. In a few moments both Eugene and Father Patrick were seated at the table with a cup of tea in hand, exchanging a few pleasantries.
"I was expecting your wife, Rapunzel was it? Yes, I was expecting her to accompany you here," Father Patrick asked.
"She would of, but she was a bit under the weather this morning. We got caught in the storm last night and she's with the doctor and midwife now. Just having a check over. I think she'll be in bed for a few days just recuperating." Eugene said sighing into his cup. It was obvious that the young man was still worried about his wife and Father Patrick gave his hand a reassuring squeeze.
"Well, I guess we better get started then," Father Patrick said as he got up to receive a note book from his desk. Eugene could see that it had Mr and Mrs E. Fitzherbert written on the cover. He had no idea the amount of work that the two priests had obviously put into helping him. The thought of Father John though had reminded Eugene about the letter he had to give.
Father Patrick accepted the letter and read it out loud to Eugene. It didn't contain anything that Eugene didn't already know and basically just filled the other father in on what had happened in Peroni. Including the reason for the early arrival.
"Well, this does explain a lot, but I'm so sorry my son. the work I had found was to be the manager of the grounds both at the church and here, but the man who manages them now has yet to retire and he wont be due to retire until the summer. I will of course try to look around and see if anyone if going to be hiring at the moment, but most round here wont take on new workers until early spring at the earliest. And as for accommodation, the managers job did come with a small home, but with the man not retiring yet I cant offer you that. I would offer to let you both stay here, but it's a very small house and with a baby coming soon I wouldn't possibly have room for all three of you." Father Patrick explained, looking quite upset that he couldn't help this young man any further.
"That's alright. Robert Hill, the blacksmith, he's letting us stay there for a few days, until we get things figured out."
"Well, I was hoping that someone would open up their home to you, after all it is the Christian thing to due. Now all we have to do is come up with a story for why you're here."
"Oh, well Robert thought of that too. He's told the midwife that Rapunzel was their daughter and that we're here because of the approaching birth." Eugene said looking quizzically at the strange smile crossing over the priests face.
"I was actually going to approach them about something like that. Did Mattie accept that story?" Father Patrick asked with a grin, to which Eugene nodded.
"Everyone looks up to Mattie. If she says something then very few people will disagree with her. She's kind of like a village elder of sort. She possibly delivered almost everyone in the village and manages to create some a great community spirit. She's also a great judge of character. If she likes you then I'm sure that you'll do very well here. But be warned Mr Fitzherbert, if you go back to your old ways I swear I will call the palace guards myself."
"Yes Father," Eugene replied solemnly. He expected that.
"Now, lets talk about your penance."
"My penance?" Eugene asked slightly bewildered. No one had said anything about a penance.
"Of course Mr Fitzherbert. You cant expect not to have any comeuppance for over thirteen years of criminal activity." Father Patrick said this so matter-of-factly that Eugene was sure that his brother had already discussed this with in him in one of his earlier letters. There was nothing that Eugene could do put nod along.
"First and foremost I expect both you and your wife to attend my services and confession. I expect we might have to divided that up over a few weeks."
"Fair enough," Eugene replied with a shrug.
"Second, I expect you to find and keep a job."
Again, Eugene nodded.
"Third, if I hear of any thefts in the area and if I can relate them in any way, shape or form to you the deal is completely over."
"I expected as much."
"Fourth, you are to help with the orphanage. I understand that you helped my brother with the orphans in his care. I don't want that kind of help; I merely want an able bodied man to help with odd jobs and with the education of the orphans themselves."
"I'll try my hardest."
"Fifth, I expect you to be charitable and to help this community. I will rely on you to help the other villagers. If they ask for any help which I feel a young, healthy man is suited for I will send them your way."
"Sounds fair."
"Well, since you agree to all of this there is not much left for us to discuss today. I will try my hardest to help you find work and to incorporate you in this village. I think the first thing we need to do is show you around, so allow me to get change and I will take you on a tour of Estrella personally."
It only took Father Patrick a few minutes to change into something more appropriate for a vicar to wear and he took Eugene on a quick tour of the village. He pointed out the church and repeated that he expected to see him there. He pointed out all the most important buildings such as the apothecary, the butchers, the bakers, the library, the orphanage and the school. Once they were in the centre of the village he pointed in the directions of the most important farms as well as the local noble's houses. There were a few around and he was told they kept the trade flowing freely through this village. He was also pointed to the local prison. On the way back to the vicarage he introduced Eugene to various villagers who they saw on the way. He remembered to introduce Eugene as Robert Hills son in law, to keep up the story. The more people corroborated the story the more likely it would be believed.
When the tour was over Eugene walked back over to the blacksmith's to see Max out in the field. He looked so free and happy, just galloping and playing away with the other five horses out in the field. Eugene couldn't help but smile. Maybe this would work out for everyone after all.
As Eugene walked around the side of the house he saw that Robert was in the smithy, shoeing a horse. He walked through the house to see that Emily was in a side room which was obviously her workshop. They seemed to be so happy working. Hopefully both he and Rapunzel could find something that would make them that happy too.
Rapunzel was still in the room they shared the night before, but she was not sitting still as he knew she wouldn't. Currently she had unpacked everything and was sorting it out into piles which obviously represented stuff ruined by the rain and stuff that was still fine. The look of concentration on her face was adorable. She was still wearing the borrowed nightdress and she had bunched it up as she sat reading a slightly damp book. She was absentmindedly stroking her stomach as she worked, which had started to gain some size. It still looked small but now she was starting to look pregnant.
"Eugene!" Rapunzel squealed as she jumped up and engulfed Eugene in a bone breaking hug.
"Hey Blondie," Eugene replied embracing his wife lovingly.
"Where have you been all day?" She said into his chest.
"Trying to work some things out. What did the midwife say?"
"Oh," Rapunzel said letting go of Eugene and walking back over to the bed, "She said I should be fine, I just have a bit of a cold. She did put me on bed rest for the next few days though."
"And sorting through all of our stuff is your idea of bed rest?" Eugene asked with a quirk of his eyebrow.
"Well, I was bored. And it needed to be done. Now tell me what happened today."
Eugene sighed and joined Rapunzel on the bed. His head resting in his hands. He slowly explained everything to her. That they didn't have a place to go or a job to go to. That they were under conditions and that there was a cover story they had to live by. He told her that he was worried that they might not get their happy ending but he was going to try his hardest. But Eugene and Rapunzel didn't realise they were being overheard.
Emily had came upstairs to bring Rapunzel something to eat. She didn't mean to eavesdrop on their conversation, but she couldn't help it. What was the point in doing all they could to make sure that they were safe here if they couldn't live. She had to do something. She couldn't let these two kids down.
Emily set the tray down and went downstairs to the smithy's that was attached to her cottage. Robert was where he should be, his anvil. He was working on new swords for the palace guards. His workmanship was something to be proud of and he needed someone to show it to. Emily smiled to herself as she called her husband over to explain her plan to her husband, but it seemed that he had thought of the same thing.
well, there it is. i hope you all enjoyed it, plus my new characters. i think im gonna have fun with mattie and maybe ill find a little filly for max.
as always, please rate and review. i think i still have about 19 chapters to write and since i have nothing to do at the moment but apply for funding i might have a few more out by next week.
xx