The rustling blob of orange below was what currently captivated the Queen's utmost attention. She leaned against the wall of the rooftop, a content grin and lidded eyes adorning her face. She had been observing her daughter for over an hour now.
The princess was yet again giving her siblings an archery lesson, this time staying nearby to insure they would behave themselves. The target she had set up for them had yet to be pierced by an arrowhead other than her own.
"No no, Harris- shot from your chest, not your arms. They only guide the bow." She gently instructed a brother. He attempted to comply, but his arrow ended up plowing into the soil. Again. Merida stared at it's landing spot.
"Tell you what." She started, then looked to them. "If you boys really put some effort into this, I'll make sure it's worth your while." She produced a pouch out of the folds of her gown, which she emptied into her palm. She waved the three cakes temptingly by her face, grinning slightly. The boys gasped, then proceeded to swarm her whilst grabbing upwards for the treats.
"Ah ah ah! Not until one of you hits that target!" She said in a sing-song voice, but the boys had successfully tackled their sister to the ground. She landed on her back with an 'OOMF!,' giggling as they crowded her to get their cakes. She laughed and hugged them while they chowed down.
Elinor chuckled aloud at the scene below her. For the past seventeen years, she had been preoccupied by what her daughter was to become- specifically what needed to be adjusted so she could get to that point. Now that they had come to agreements and a new bond, the Queen had realized she didn't know her daughter outside of her responsibilities. So, she had vowed to learn her well one way or another. She had watched her bake, shoot, sing, play with her brothers, test Angus's jumping ability, everything that could possibly be on her agenda. Each of her tasks brought out a new side of her to Elinor. Most of all, she was fearless. She plunged into adventure without second thought. This may concern most mothers, and it concerned Elinor at first. But the closer she observed her, the more confident she was in the fact that her daughter was smart enough to handle anything she got herself into.
"Enjoying the show?" A familiar voice graced her ears. She didn't turn as large hands caressed her shoulders.
"For the most part." She replied with a grin, leaning against her husband. "It's hard to believe I had to change species to realize how wonderful she is." She said, mostly to herself. Her smile disintegrated, and a thoughtful expression grew on her face. "Do you think," she paused, "Do you think she'll be able to forgive me?" She asked hurtfully, looking Fergus in the eye. He slowly smiled, wrapped his arm around her back and said, "I don't think she already has." He smiled widely, knowing he was wise in his words. She smiled back, and for a moment they simply held one another and watched their heiress chase the triplets about the yard.
In time, Elinor came to realize that all those years of pushing her daughter towards what she wanted her to be- was exactly what she feared to become herself.
I've no idea what this is- I just wanted to be one of the first to write Brave fanfiction. I absolutely adore Merida, Elinor and the whole gang.
~6/26/12