For Schermionie's 5, 10, 20, 50, 70, 100 Fandoms Challenge.
Elinor understands now. She understands that Merida doesn't want to get married. Not yet, at least. But it doesn't matter if Elinor understands or not, because although she accepts her daughter's decision, she's still worried.
Oh, don't get her wrong. Elinor can see her how happy her daughter is. She can see that all Merida wants in life at the moment is to gallop through the wilderness with that silly crossbow. And while Elinor, as a mother, is more than content to allow her daughter a little more time to enjoy her childhood, she, as a queen, knows that this just can't last.
As a queen, Elinor knows that sooner or later (most probably sooner), Merida is going to have to take someone's hand in marriage. Merida is going to have put away the targets and dreams of hitting bullseye and replace it all with queenly duties that are bound to drive her insane.
When she voices her concerns to Fergus, he laughs. "Our Merida! She'll be a free spirit till the end of time! She doesn't need a king, m'dear."
Elinor wishes she could believe it, but her mother taught her well. She knows that marriage is a necessity. She knows that a queen without a king will never amount to anything. With no king, there would be no heir. And as important as that is, that would be the very least of their worries, because while they've ensured peace within the clans for now, that little speech that Merida gave was only a temporary solution. She'll have to make her choice soon enough.
"The clans, Fergus," Elinor says, trying to convince her husband of the severity of the situation. "How long till they try again? To compete for Merida's hand? If she doesn't make a choice, they'll choose for her, Fergus. You have to talk to her."
Fergus won't hear a word of it. "Not our Merida! She'll talk to the clans when the time comes. She's a natural, she is. She'll be a grand queen, king by her side or otherwise."
Elinor doesn't doubt it. With her mind and heart, Merida would make a wonderful queen, regardless of her marital status. But if there's anything Elinor knows well, it's politics. A single queen just won't do. A princess, living without a care in the world, just won't do.
"For the sake of the kingdom, Merida will get married," Elinor tells her husband firmly, leaving no room for argument. "The clans will expect it. It will be necessary to ensure peace between us all."
"Nay, they agreed. Marry for love, they said."
"And compete for our Merida's heart, they will. But whether she falls for one of the sons or not, they'll want an answer, Fergus. She'll have to choose."
Elinor closes her eyes, sighing. There's no doubt about it; the sons of the clans will fight to win the affection for Merida and one day, she will marry.
Elinor can only hope that one of them succeeds and that when her daughter gets married, it really is for love. Not for the pride of the family name. Not because the clans are pushing for an answer. Not for politics or the crown.
It doesn't seem likely, but Elinor hopes that Merida will get lucky and fall in love.