"Bye mum!" I yell, waving to my mother at the stables.

"Merida, dear, why are you leaving so early? The sun's barely set!"

Mounting Angus I looked to her, " Why not? The ride's long, so I might as well start now!"

She sighed, "Alright. Just promise me you will be back within two days."

"Sure thing!" Pulling my cape's hood over my bed head I started to head to the gates leaving the stales with my mother in tow, "When have I ever given you a reason to worry?" I teased.

She rolled her eyes, " Gee let me count..."

I giggled, "I'll be fine." Angus picked up speed.

"I love you! Have fun!"

"Bye mum!"

Angus was now galloping through the woods on a path out of our kingdom. Today was my first trip alone after the incident with my mom, hence her worries. But she was always worrying, that was her job. This time though, I was going to see the coast for a day or two, which was father than I had gone before.

We passed the boundaries of our kingdom and within hours, I had made it to the coast. Being alone gave me time to think, though lately there wasn't much to ponder. So this trip was to find an adventure, something exciting and new.

I started setting up camp and fed Angus to the lull of the surf.

Looking out, I scanned the horizon . Suddenly, a dark streamline silhouette with wings soared through the sky, passing the lowering sun. Hiking up my dress, I ran parallel to it.

What is that? It looks like some huge bird...

Whatever it was, it flew much too fast for me to keep up. I hesitantly slowed my pace. Raking my hair with my fingers, I followed it with my eyes as it lowered near the tree line, out of my sight. I could've gotten Angus to take me there, but he had enough travel for one day.

Sighing, I head back to my camp. Finishing dinner, I snuggled into my bedroll under the stars.

What was that thing?

Was it dangerous?

What's it doing here?

Sleep was impossible.

I got up in pitch black and got a drink. Staring again at the water, a little voice in my mind prayed I would see whatever it was again.

Out of the corner of my eye, I see a faint blue glow.

I've seen that glow before! Whipping around, my suspicions are confirmed.

A wisp.

War raged within me. Follow it and what would happen?

We all know what happened last time Merida. Part of me said, thinking to the time when my mother and I learned not to mess with wisps.

But isn't the whole objective of this excursion to find adventure? Another nagged.

I huffed, and sided with the latter. What's the worst that can possibly happen? I asked myself.

The answer came immediately:

You could turn into a bear.

I had learned that lesson, though. I could handle it.

With that decision, I grabbed my bow and quiver of arrows. What to do with Angus? Praying this wasn't the worst idea I had in my life, I leave the bulk of my provisions and guide him with me.

The wisp disappeared once we came close.

I looked in all directions for the others, and eventually saw another and another. They ever so slowly made a path leading for the trees.

Leading to where that figure landed.