Brave

A Change of Fate

A/N: I hope everyone had an amazing holiday season and a very Happy New Year to all of you! I know it's been a while since an update, but the holiday season was a bit busy. Thank you to everyone for the positive reviews and new followers of this story. Hope you enjoy this chapter!

I do not own Brave. Disney does!

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Merida listened to Angus's hooves thump against the earth in an uneven rhythm. They were on their way to the Dark Sea, her "new home". She silently glared as Braden's back who was riding in front of their small group. Merida focused on anything except her thoughts which were filled with this morning's final goodbyes. She didn't want to dwell on it. It was filled with too much crying and promises of seeing one another again.

She was the only female in their small riding party. Braden had introduced them as his loyal guards, but they barely looked her way unless she stumbled or fell. She wondered if Braden told them not to acknowledge her. Either way it only made the journey more uncomfortable for her. However, what really insulted her was the snail pace they were riding at. It was plainly obvious they did it because of her, while in reality she could ride circles around any one of them.

After nearly four hours of constant riding through the dense forest they finally reached a small clearing.

"We will camp here for the night." Braden said and dismounted his horse.

Without hesitation the rest of his men did the same. Merida soon followed, her but sore from a long day of riding. She looked around as the men started pitching tents and making a fire.

"I need two men to follow me into the woods to hunt for food." Braden announced in a stern voice.

Merida's ears perked up at his request. This was one thing she could do to make herself seem useful. Besides, it would pass the time and make her tired enough

"I will go with you." Merida said while picking up her bow.

"No" Braden said flatly.

Merida did a double take at his words.

"What? Why?! You know I am just as good as you with a bow! If not belter." Merida said offended.

Braden smiled at her and Merida could almost swear there was affection in his eyes or was it only amusement?

"I have no doubt in your archery skills my lady, but these woods are dangerous. Very different from Dunbroch and it is my duty as your husband to keep you safe."

Merida made an unladylike snorting sound.

"I have faced a bear! An evil possessed bear! I can handle any other wild animal that might attack me."

Braden pinned her with a serious look. All previous amusement gone from his face.

"It is not the animals I am worried about my lady."

Merida didn't bother arguing any further. She could tell from his tone of voice that it was final. She gave a silent shriek of aggravation and threw her bow in a heap near her things. With a loud sigh she sat on a nearby rock close to the fire. She was about to start poking the fire with a nearby stick when she heard a rumble of deep laughter from behind her. She whirled around to find one of the guards laughing at her.

"It seems being rude and disrespectful is common in the Dark Sea." Merida spat at him.

The guard was the oldest of them all. He had big shoulders with dark brown hair streaked with grey. His eyes were light grey which were kind as he smiled at Merida.

"I meant no disrespect my lady. It just that you reminded me so much of my dear sister just now. She is full of fire, just like you." The guard said in a deep booming voice.

His smile was contagious and soon Merida was smiling with him as if she knew his sister too. When was the last time she laughed? It felt good.

"I am sorry for my brashness. I am just a little out of my comfort zone. What is your name?" Merida asked in a more friendly tone.

"Captain Titus McAlister of Lord Falconers most trusted guards." He said with a low bow.

"Please to meet you Captain McAlister. It is nice to see a friendly smiling face for once."

Titus smiled at Merida. "Just call me Titus my lady and don't fret. Soon things will start to look up. Even Lord Falconer will be himself soon."

Merida rolled her eyes to indicate that she didn't believe Braden had another side except annoying. "He makes me so mad!"

"He has his reasons my lady. Times have been tuff in the Dark Sea as well as before it."

Merida's interest peaked at his words. "Before?"

Titus nodded. "Aye my lady." Titus could see that Merida wanted to know more so he started telling her a story about two brothers and a forgotten kingdom.

"Before our people settled near the Dark Sea we were a glorious kingdom. Our kingdom was located in the highlands far away from here. The ruler of our kingdom was King Andiron Falconer. He had two sons. The youngest was Braden Falconer who was a generous and brave prince. The eldest was named Arro and he was cruel and unforgiving. The people feared for the day that he would become king."

When the king fell ill he was afraid that Arro would be unfit to rule the kingdom. Thus, on his deathbed King Andiron proclaimed that it would be the youngest prince who would succeed him to the throne. Arro was enraged. He gathered his followers and proclaimed war on Braden and the kingdom. The war lasted an entire year, but by the time Braden drove out his brother and his army the kingdom was in ruins. The people were poor and starving."

Merida felt a pang of sadness for the people who lost their home. It was a sad tale. "What happened next?" she asked.

"Lord Braden took all his people and settled near the black sea were there was enough food and resources to start anew. His plan was to form part of your father's mighty kingdom in order to give his people a new chance. A new home were they could be safe from his brother and his army. That is where you come in my lady."

Merida was silent for a few minutes before speaking. "So Braden gave up being a prince, being a king and married someone he didn't love. In order to protect his people."

Titus nodded.

Merida felt a tiny bit of respect boiling up inside her for Braden. He gave up everything to save his people just like she did to feed her people. Maybe they did have something in common. Merida quickly shook her head in order to get rid of the new feelings.

"Well. He's still rude." Merida said bluntly.

Titus laughed loudly at her words.

"That he is my lady that he is."

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Hope you enjoyed the chapter and if you are still on holiday I hope you enjoy the last few days.