I don't know how to type their accents, so it will just be written normally. Enjoy!
Merida watched the ships of the clans sail away, until they couldn't be seen from her spot on the cliff side. She still feels giddy at the knowledge of the fact that she has her freedom, no more lessons, and no more worries about marriage! The princess looked sideways to her mom, also feeling happy that she got back the same relationship they had when she was just a wee child.
They rode together back to the castle and put their horses in the stables. As they walked to the castle, Merida still couldn't keep the bounce out of her step. She talked excitedly to her mom, who was walking next to her.
"I am so glad that it is all over!" exclaimed Merida, doing a twirl. "I am going to take Angus on a new forest path tomorrow."
"No, you won't." came the casual reply that caught Merida off guard.
"Huh? Mum, it is not like it is going to be dangerous."
"I know it is not, dear." Said Elinor, reassuringly. "I mean you are grounded."
"What?!" choked Merida, as she stopped and faced her mother with a look of disbelief. "Why?"
"Honey, you turned me into bear." said Elinor putting her hand on her daughters shoulder. "Your own family member."
"I already told you I was sorry!" Merida threw her arms up. "I didn't mean to turn you into a bear. I just wanted to change…." Her voice faded before she could speak the last word, causing Elinor to smile understandingly.
"Merida," Elinor looked at her with sad eyes. "Did you even hesitate for a moment in the thought of putting a spell on me?" The girl looked away, unable to look her mother in the eye. No, she did not hesitate for a second.
"Merida, I am not a cruel woman." Elinor said gently, she put her hands on her daughter's cheeks. "I may be the queen, but I am still your mother. You should be able to talk to me about anything." She immediately cut in when she saw the red head open her mouth. "Actually talk, not the whole childish tantrum that came out when the arrangement was brought up. I would have listened if you talked calmly and explained yourself more."
"I'm sorry." Said Merida, ashamed. A tear slid down the girl's cheek and wiped away by the mother's thumb.
"My darling, I'm not angry. I just wanted to let you know that you can always talk to me about anything." Elinor kissed Merida's forehead. "I should have also explained the marriage situation to you more, so you would better understand why it had to be done. I'm sorry."
"I didn't care about the war, even when they declared it in the dining hall."
"Most children your age do not understand the gravity war causes." Said Elinor. "Of course it is hard to take it seriously when the clan leaders act like children." They laughed as they remembered the antics of the three men, lightening the mood considerably.
"So," said Merida after the laughter died down. "What is my punishment?"
"No horseback riding for four weeks." Merida sighed with a smile as they started walking again.
"Alright, you are still my mother."
Just gonna point out that this is not a character bashing. While I do not like Merida I can never character bash anyone. It just points out the things that made me not like her in a sweet family moment.
Let me know what you think! I don't mind constructive criticism. I won't bite, but no flaming.