A/N: I've recently been addicted to the movie Brave, and I must say that Elinor and Fergus are just about the cutest couple ever. This is my first Brave fanfiction, so I appreciate all constructive advice. I'm not sure if I got the accent down right, but I did my best. Please read and review! This will be a multi-chapter fic. :)

Elinor was uncharacteristically quiet on the ride back to the castle. Fergus noticed her shivering and shifted the reins to one hand in order to wrap his massive bearskin cape around her. The garment swamped her tiny frame but she burrowed gratefully into the warmth. As they approached the iron gates, Fergus slowed down and gently cradled Elinor in his arms and dismounted. Elinor's face briefly twisted in pain when the jolt shook her entire body. He touched the ground and began running up towards their room. Maudie stammered a greeting to both of them, too shocked by Fergus' behavior to notice that Elinor, normally so poised and graceful, was pale and trembling. Fergus barreled through and finally reached their room.

He gently lay Elinor in their great bed and she opened her eyes weakly.

"F-Fergus...thank you. Was that-Maudie?"

"Shh, mah darlin' Elinor," Fergus rumbled. "Yes, et was: dear, bumbling Maudie. She seemed as flustered as a wet hen...but never mind her." He pressed passionate kisses all over her face and finally met her smooth lips. Elinor began to cry when Fergus kissed her gently, for she had missed the intimate contact. Fergus pulled away worriedly and cupped her face in his large hands.

"Eli, my love, wot's the matter? 'Ave I hurt ye?"

"No, no..." Elinor choked out. She pulled him closer and gazed into his cerulean blue eyes. "I love ye so, Fergus. And I have missed you. When I was a bear...I couldn't..." She could not continue as quiet sobs cut her off. Fergus was chagrined; he remembered when he had nearly killed her in his rage. The memory of her eyes gazing beseechingly into his rage-filled ones made him feel even guiltier.

"Elinor, 'tis all mah fault. And to think I could 'ave killed ye!" Fergus brought a basin of warm water to their bedside and gently sponged Elinor's face, wiping the tears from her eyes in the process. The warm water soothed Elinor and she inclined her head in silent gratitude.

"Well, you didnae harm me, and I am glad to be back...as human." Elinor offered him a watery smile and then gasped in shock. She still was utterly naked under the sheets. "Erm, dear?"

"Yes, Eli, love?"

"Could I have...a nightgown, please? I'm still naked as a wee baby..."

Fergus chortled and glanced down appreciatively at the pale sliver of her chest. He kissed the hollow divot just between her collarbones and winked at her cheekily. Elinor shoved him weakly but playfully as he continued lower down her chest. His whiskers scratched her delicate skin and his warm breath made her feel slightly uncomfortable.

"Fergus! P-please..." Elinor winced when Fergus sucked particularly strongly at one point on her sides. Fergus immediately stopped and gazed down at her pale skin. Elinor hardly had time to blush at his concentrated stare before she yelped in pain. Fergus immediately removed his hands, realizing that some of her ribs may have cracked. The skin there was dark purple from the bruising.

"Darlin'...oh my poor wee lassie!" Fergus bolted off the bed and hastily pulled open drawers, looking for bandages. Finally, he found what he was looking for and gently coaxed Elinor to sit up. Elinor blushed.

"Fergus...could ye ask Maudie to come help...?"

Fergus looked at Elinor with feigned hurt in his eyes. "Am I not good enough fer ye, dear? I dae know how ta bandage up ribs; my brothers and I got into enough brawls for our mother to be doin' this 'round the clock fer us!"

Elinor placed a cool palm to Fergus' whiskery cheek and smiled apologetically. She lowered her eyes and murmured, "I'm sorry to offend ye, dear. It's just that...it isna proper for a lady to...to...ye know?" The devilish grin reappeared on her husband's face. He gestured for her to drop the tapestry and let him begin wrapping her in the white bandages. "Och, Eli, you shouldnae be so worried. Besides, I think I've seen yer...er...assets before. And I'm yer husband." Elinor glared at him and slapped him lightly on the shoulder. Her eyes twinkled nonetheless and she let out a reluctant giggle. Fergus smiled broadly and tugged the tapestry loose. Elinor immediately flushed and crossed her arms. Fergus chuckled, tugged her arms loose, and unrolled the bandages. His rough fingers were surprisingly nimble and gentle as he bound Elinor's torso. As he snipped the last bit of bandages and tied the ends together, Elinor took his large hand in both of hers and kissed his palm lightly. "Thank ye, sweetheart," Elinor murmured. She gathered the tapestry closer to herself and shakily began sitting up from the bed.

"Eli, love, you must rest! Wot are ye-?"

"A nightgown, dear." Elinor raised a perfectly arched eyebrow and nodded pointedly.

"Oh," Fergus mumbled, embarrassed. He held out the delicate lacy thing out to his queen and she accepted it graciously. She struggled with it for a moment before she held out her arms mutely for Fergus to help her. Fergus gingerly took it...and promptly ripped the collar down the middle. He cringed. Elinor only sighed. Then, inexplicably, she started giggling. Her giggle turned into a full-on chortle and culminated in a massive and most unladylike snort. She immediately clapped a hand to her mouth. Fergus smiled. "Elinorrr..."

"Hmm?"

"A princess doesnae chortle!" Elinor began to nod before she stopped and gave him a disgruntled look. "Aye, but a queen can and does!"

The torn nightgown lay discarded on the floor as Fergus distracted Elinor further by peppering kisses all over her face.

"Oh, my beautiful lass, I love ye so."

Elinor harrumphed but glowed at him from behind her silky curtain of chestnut hair. She pressed her lips together and in her eyes, her love for Fergus shone softly.

"And I love you, ye old coot."

Fergus grinned and reached over to stroke her hair before Elinor halted him with a wave of her hand.

"And now you've ruined my nightgown!"

Fergus' face fell and he looked as guilty as a little boy, until Elinor giggled and kissed his cheek.

"I don't mind, to tell ye the truth. I never liked that nightgown..."