Day 1: Stumbling upon the Tower
In the aftermath of kidnapping the princess, abandoning her own child and evading the royal guards, Mother Gothel soon stumbled upon a hidden tower deep within the forest.
As for the princess herself, after singing the last incantation, baby Rapunzel eventually fell asleep. And she continued to do so while Gothel took a closer look at the mysterious tower that stood before her. At the same time, the morning sun began to rise upon the tower. Giving Gothel a clearer view.
It appeared to be a strong structure made of stones, covered with plants, vines, and had a large hut at the top. As for the area itself, it was quiet, secluded from being surround by mountains, a running waterfall and uneasy to find due to the curtain of leaves she had just walked through. Making it the perfect sanctuary for her and her new "magic flower."
Once Gothel approached the tower, she couldn't find a way in at first. That is until she found a small hole at the bottom and felt a touch of air coming from within.
She gently placed the baby down on the grass without waking her, and began clawing her way through the wall until she uncovered a secret entrance leading to the top.
'Come, my flower. Let us welcome you to your new home. Where you will be safe and secure… forever.' She said as picked up the baby and walked up the spiral staircase leading to top.
It was tricky with one hand, but Gothel was finally able to open the hatch, moved it aside and officially enter the inside of the tower.
Regardless of all the rot, dust and cobwebs in the area, the tower had a strong structure and all the comforts of home. Windows, open spaces, stairs, two bedrooms, a bathroom, a kitchen, a fireplace and all the necessary pieces of furniture such as tables and chairs.
'Well, it's no castle. Then again, how would you know? Because you're never going to see that place again, little flower. This is where you belong. Hidden and safe. This place might need some cleaning up, but I'm sure once you're big enough, you'll do a fine job.'
Soon enough, Gothel had gathered a few pillows on the floor, placed the baby on top of them, sat herself down on a chair, held out a hairbrush and began to sing again while brushing Rapunzel's hair. Allowing it to glow and make herself more beautiful.
Flower, gleam and glow
Let your powers shine
Make the clock reverse
Bring back what once was mine
Heal what has been hurt
Change the fates' design
Save what has been lost
Bring back what once was mine
What once was mine
From that moment on, Gothel made a decision. To not only keep her new magic golden flower hidden from the rest of the world, but to also raise the child as her own. Making sure Rapunzel remains in the tower forever and never knows her true heritage as the royal princess.
And when the times comes, when Rapunzel grows up and asks about the outside world, Gothel will simply explain all the dangers that lie ahead. Ruffians, thieves, lava, quicksand and how the only thing people would ever want from her was the magic within her hair.
Which would give Rapunzel all the more fearful reasons to stay in the tower.
In her mind, Gothel also thought, 'Of course, even if she looks past the darkness that is the world, what could it possibly offer Rapunzel? She may be just a newborn now, but even so, she could never handle herself out there. And with all the pressures of being royalty… If anything, I'm protecting her from that too. Rapunzel is better off here. Where she is safe and never has to worry about pleasing an entire kingdom and making tough decisions.'
Yet, even though Rapunzel would grow up in the tower, neither it's walls or Gothel's inflicting fears could contain the hopeful spirit of a true princess.