Just a setup for my new story, I know it's a little shorter than my other pieces but I think it's a good first step.

Merida began to stir as the gentle rays of a new day peaked threw her window. She began to wonder why her mother had yet to come in and wake her, before she could return to sleep, her body sprung to attention. A large smile grew across her features as she remembered the upcoming events. She quickly dressed and made her way threw the castle. Ever in a hurry she took the least lady like route, sliding down banister and leaping from furniture to furniture. She scurried her way threw the kitchen, silently stealing a few pies as she went, and rushed outside the castle walls. From it's entrance she saw the activity stirring on the Games' field. Her mother and father we no doubt down on the green, making sure everything was as it should be. Tomorrow would be the first day of the traditional games, and more so the first day of the games she was allowed to participate in. the last time the clans arrived for such an event was just for the sake of her would be wedding. No scores were kept, no bragging rights earn, as it was all just a show till the even that would have decided her husband was called. For lack of better words, it was just to entertain the men while the politics were underway. These were the real games, the ones that brought honor to each clan while strengthening their bonds threw friendly composition. Being the first born from clan Dunbroch, and after finally gaining permission from her mother, Merida would be able to stand beside her clansmen in the Game's trials. Her father and the other lords were not allowed to compete, not that it stopped them from relishing in their clan's bragging victories. With her mother too proper and her brothers too young, it was left to her to represent the royal family.

Merida saw her parents across the way, her mother giving direction on the proper display of the throwing stones and her father giving the young men advice on the best throwing methods. Her mother still had her hair free and flowing, symbolizing her less wound attitude. Since their grand adventure six months ago, both brave women had deepened their bond and grown from the experience. Neither had seen her so Merida decided to get some last minute practice with her bow in. The lords and their sons would be arriving later that day, with having to entertain the three other clans, she doubted if she would have the time to train later. She took her bow from her side and placed the arrow inside. Four targets were set for the clans, though not properly placed yet they stood at different distances. Merida took her stance and began shooting at the targets. Her thoughts traveled to the clans that would be arriving that day. Since the event with Mordu and her mother as a bear, the young princess began to take her duties more seriously. After speaking her mind in the royal court, with her mother's help, it had finally sunk in that one day she would be the queen of the land. People would look to her with the same regard and respect they showed her mother. Since then she paid closer attention to her lessons and to the court rules her mother tried to pass to her. There were still grounds for argument, mostly over her attire or the attempt to make her look more like a traditional princess. Luckily they were able to find some middle ground on most topics, the amount of yelling between the two on the topic was another story. Merida took a deep breath and placed another arrow. She had already shot five dead center in the various targets but felt the need to finish her set. She could hear low murmuring behind her, turning to see some of the local village boys gawking at her. One began to flex at her while the other had the gal to wink at her. Merida rolled her eyes and let out an obvious sigh of annoyance before returning to her training. It was now well known that she had the free choice to marry whomever she wanted, many men took this translation as anyone who married the princess would be king. Be it a humble blacksmith or farmer, an easy life of nobility could be theirs if they could win her heart. She hoped that the young lords would not act in such a way, or to be more specific that their fathers wouldn't make them act. Each Lord still wanted their son to be king, the game was still the same but the rules and time limit had changed. She thought of the 3 young men she had met only half a year ago. Young Dingwall, who was small but sweet of nature. Young Macintosh, who was handsome but spoiled in deed. And then there was Young Macguffin who was … BAM!

Merida's arrow took to the sky as she was blinded by pink smoke. Her mind raced as her feet retreated, not sure of the attack she posed for battle as the villagers scattered for safety. Even her admirers were nowhere to be seen when the smoke cleared. She heard her father and mother call for her retreat, but before she could move something caught her eye. She stepped closer to where the smoke began to fade. In the middle of the patch was a small stuffed bear. Merida knelt down to try and examine it closer. It was a cute little thing, soft grey fur, a strange scent of lavender and a bright blue ribbon around it's neck. There was a strange symbol at the end of the ribbon from the box, at first glance one could mistake it for a butterfly. Merida looked closer to see the symbol was actually in two parts. A pair of delicate wings were placed on either side of a downward dagger. Merida's eye's widen in delight, looking for the source of the gift. She heard the wheezing breath of her father, turning to face both of her parents.

'Merida! Are y'ah alright lass?'

'Yes dear, what was all that commotion? What was that smoke…and why are y'ah smiling?'

Merida handed the small doll to her mother as she broke into a happy jig, a habit of hers from a young age. Elinor and Fergus looked at the bear in confusion before their faces li up in delight.

'Oh my, now this is a grand treat!'

'Do y'ah think they're still here or have they gone to the castle already?'

'I'm not sure but you know those two. They'll make themselves known when they're good and ready. Speaking of ready dear, we need to get you changed before the lords arrive.'

'Alright Mum.'

'Oh Grand! The three Lords, the clans, the games and those two! I'm exhausted just thinking about it.'

Merida and her mother let out a shared laugh as they made their way back to their home.. the prospects of so much future joy made them blissfully unaware of the many eyes watching them. Pairs from deep friend and most fearsome foe.

The echo of drums sounded as each clan docked, the elder fathers greeted each other with friendly gestures as they hurried off their ships, each fighting for some sort of friendly superiority. Lord Macintosh stood to make himself look taller, Lord Macguffin tried to make himself look stronger, and Lord Dingwall kept ordering his men for different tasks. The short balding man had brought twice as many men as the others, if he couldn't show off in size or strength he knew he could show off his numbers.

The younger Lords greeted each other with a genuine since of friendship. Everyone wondered if they would maintain these ties or if their friendship would turn more juvenile to mimic their fathers'. Young Dingwall raced to the dock at such a speed, forgetting his own footing, tumbling to the feet of his friends. Young Macintosh let out a hardy laugh while Young Macguffin took hold of the smaller lad and lifted him to his feet with one mighty hand. Young Dingwall gave a sheepish smile, his reputation for his clumsiness had not let up over the last six months. While still in his grasp Young Dingwall noticed a box under Young Macguffin's other arm. It wasn't too terribly large or small, adorn with carved Celtic vines that decorated it just enough to give it notice. Young Dingwall cast a skeptical grin towards the gentle giant.

'What cha got in the box there?'

Young Macguffin dropped the smaller man, placing his now free hand protectively over his box. Protecting it from the various prying eyes.

'Ah don't ask. The boy won't even tell me. Me, his own father!'

'Probably a gift from his mommy to help the wee one sleep at night.'

Lord Dingwall slapped the back of the blue face Lord as they and their sons shared in a boisterous laugh.

'Or it could be his secret weapon he plans tah use against your sons.'

'Oi what do yah mean there!'

'Don't tell me yer intend to cheat there friend.'

'Why would my boy need to cheat, especially when competing 'gainst your sons!'

'Them's fighting words Macguffin!'

'Oi then let me say em again! Been needing a stretch after sailin and boppin a wee troll might just be the warm up I need!'

The three clan leaders renewed their timeless bought. Biting, punching and eye pocking to emphasis their points. Young Dingwall and Young Macintosh turned their heads in shared embarrassment as they joined their caravans towards the castle. Young Macguffin secured his box under his arm before casting his eyes towards the castle. A faint shade of red past over his features as he tried to gather his courage. He had planned and rehearse what he would do and say for months, but now with the task truly in sight did the looming fear strike him.

So what did you think? Chapter 2 I promise we will meet the creators of the bear and why Merida is so excited.