Merida woke up the next morning feeling rather exhausted, still half-asleep she dressed up in her favorite blue dress, headed downstairs and after a quick family breakfast , she joined her mother in the kitchen.
Cooking wasn't a very queen-like activity but both had agreed after their experience in the river, that it was vital.
While both were busy plucking chicken and washing vegetables Merida waited just for the right moment to tall to her mother about the descition she had made during the night.
-Mum?- she asked cautiously
-Yes darling?- the queen aswered without looking up from her chore.
-I wos thinking about wot ye said the other night...and- "just say it" she urged herself - I wos wondering if ye could send a letter tae the Macintosh clan- she bit her lip, nervously waiting for and answer.
Her mother eyed her curiously -I take it ye want tae meet with Artair again?-
-Ar...? Oh, young Macintosh- the thought of her suitors having first names hadn't even crossed her mind. -Aye-
-And why, if I may ask, this sudden change of mind?-
Merida lied the best she could.
-He just seemed...interesting. Wot do ye think lies under all that pride?- Seeing her mother wasn't completly convinced she added -I guess we did both changed-
With a sigh the queen began to walk away -Fine, I will write tae lord Macintosh- was the last thing she said before leaving the kitchen.
Merida smilled in victory, anxious for Artair's visit.
If something was to be said about DunBrochs couriers and messengers was that they were dedicated and efficient, things like that it didn't take long for the letter to arrive at the Macintosh lands and even less for Artair Macintosh to present himself at the castle riding a magnificent white clydesdayle.
"Here goes nothing" Merida thought as she headed to the gates to greet him.