Lord Macintosh
Merida marched her way through the woods, trying to walk off the whirlpool of emotions she was felt inside her. She felt anger at herself for being so reckless and pushing her luck yet again, she felt sadness with the knowledge that it could lead to a great rift between the people she loved, but most of all she felt a burning feeling of love for the one she just had to part from.
Her anger questioned her love why she had allowed herself to step away from caution. Why hadn't she just said goodbye? Merida had always known that the matter of her betrothal was never off the table, but with this visit she had hoped to speak her mind one last time and speak of compromise. If she could rule on her own, she could make peace with Berk.
Only now, with some miracle, if she could keep her intentions hidden and get out of a marriage, that idea had become a poor prise, because she had gone too far. It was impossible to get Hiccup out of her head and that burning feeling kept repeating the kiss inside her head. She could still feel his breath, his touch and even his sent was clear in her nose whenever she closed her eyes. A strong desire to run back to see if she could still call him back, took over frequently and it incited her anger at herself. She had to have an open mind for the next five days. Fortunately Merida knew who could comfort her and once she was inside the castle gates, she made straight for the stables to visit an old friend. Merida took her steps swiftly and quietly and not even the watcher at the gate could announce her arrival. Quick as a cat Merida hid herself from every servant she passed until she could slid between the wooden walls that made up Angus' home.
"Hallo laddie, nice tae see ye again." Merida said breathlessly to the surprised horse. Angus recognised his mistress and loyal keeper immediately and whinnied excitedly.
"Shh, keep it down, Angus. Ay snuck in here and ay don't want anyone tae know ayam here yet, understand?" Merida moved further into the stable and gave her old friend an affectionate pat on his side. Angus followed her curiously with his head, but made only low sounds now. Merida used to sneak around a lot and this behaviour was very clear to him. What wasn't clear was the new smell his mistress had brought with her and he took a powerful sniff from the top of her head, while Merida took a brush to groom him.
Merida knew Angus was curious to know what those smells meant and she laughed softly to herself.
"You've not grown stiff without me, have ye, Angus?" She asked him conversationally while she brushed the already smooth hairs of the horse.
"Ay missed ye, without ye ay shoot ma arrows walking, but ay did find a new way tae travel." Merida looked up into the horse's eyes and showed him her joy.
"Ay met a real Dragon, Angus. Ay know what ye would have done at the sight of a Dragon, you would have fled, ye big coward." Merida grinned, she gave him another powerful pat and received a face full of horse hair from Angus' tail. . Sputtering Merida continued brushing.
"Ay wasn't sure ay could trust it either and ay could have shot it if it had been alone, but it wasn't." Merida went on and she lowered her voice even more while she told the horse what she wanted, but couldn't tell her parents. Merida sought eye contact with the horse and spoke in no more than a whisper.
"Ay met a Viking, he is riding Dragons and ay flew here! I have been taking care of more than one Dragon while ay was away. It is ma new life now. I've been to his island and spent time amongst the Vikings. They are not what Vikings are tae us, trust me. They are like us really, but they have strange names like Fishlegs and Ruffnut. The Viking I met is named Hiccup and he lives next door to my apartment in Bariden.
I wish I was back on Berk, Angus, ay don't want tae marry into one of the three clans, but not for the reason ye think. Hiccup is ma reason. Ay have tae show them all that we can trust the Vikings of Berk!."
To Merida's amusement Angus flinched in alarm for he had a good memory. He knew what followed such strong words last time.
"Calm down, laddie, no magic this time, ay promise." She assured him with a laugh. Angus stopped wriggling and eyed her with some patience, waiting for a plan that he might not like either, but Merida was no longer sure of her first plan and her smile fell. She hugged Angus' neck and spoke into his mane, afraid her words were still too loud.
"Ay had hoped to face the lords without dread, but now ayam afraid. Ayam in love with Hiccup and ay don't want to be apart from him anymore after this. Marriage no longer scares me, but tae be bound tae someone other than him does."
"Merida?"
Merida pulled herself away from the horse with a jerk. For a second she thought she had doomed herself by speaking those words, but then she recalled it had to be impossible for her mother to have heard them and relaxed.
"Mom!" She called out to her in genuine delight. Her mother welcomed her with a warm smile and it was overwhelming. Merida had not known how much she missed her mother. She took a sprint to give her a warm hug. The nostalgic embrace from her mother caused her built up frustration to leak out, but Merida let it. After all, as far as her mother knew, her tears came from being away from home for so long.
"Oh darling, I had no idea you were already here. You should have let the Watch announce your arrival. We expected you tomorrow or late in the evening at best." Elinor said to her daughter when she held her at arm's length to speak to her with a bright smile and look at her with misty eyes.
"Ay left the same day ay send the letter. The lords aren't here yet, are they?" Merida asked and her smile slipped a bit.
"No, I received a notice from Macintosh, just before I got your letter. I must say I was shocked, but we don't have to worry about it right away." Elinor smiled encouragingly.
"Come, let us have a proper reunion. I want to know all about what your adventures and who you met."
Merida knew for certain her smile had left her face completely but her mother walked her up to the castle with an unchanging spirit. Maybe her mother didn't see through Merida after all and had she maintained her smile long enough, but as they set foot in the castle and it became clear that Merida's father and brothers were currently hunting, the second agenda of the queen became clear. She wanted to know about the 'dear friend' Macintosh had challenged.
Hiccup looked over his shoulder to see the green spot that was The Highlands, disappear amongst the vastness of the ocean. Knowing that he was well away with only Toothless to hear him, Hiccup let out his frustration.
"AAAAAAAAAAARGH! HOW CAN I BE SO STUPID?!" He screamed into the sky.
Toothless just let his rider be and only rumbled patiently.
"I shouldn't have done that, bud. I know you thought it was what I wanted and you were probably right, but something like this cannot happen because we want it to." Hiccup told his friend softly.
"Sorry bud, I need this." He added and without further explanation held in the handle of the saddle and made the adjustment to Toothless' tail for solo flying. Once he jumped off the back of the Dragon and felt the wind pressure carry him by releasing his own set of wings, he could feel the freedom lift his spirit, but only just. Toothless, as sensitive as he was, knew Hiccup was not in the mood for playing and flew silently next to him, his huge eyes fixed on his friend.
"Maybe five days apart will clear our heads. To be honest I'm itching to fly over there and barge right in, but this is an situation where I can't do that. Merida's comes from a world with rules and if I want to do this right, I'll have to write them a letter first, to tell them who I am before they blame Merida, but I know it's best if I wait till these days are over. I don't want to wait, that is not what I am good at." Hiccup felt new anger at himself and the situation boil his blood and he let himself drop a few feet while he ruffled his hair. Then out of nowhere an wintery wind shot him back up to Toothless and Jack appeared into view as he shot passed them and doubled back.
"Jack! What are you doing here?" Hiccup asked his roommate in surprise.
"I came to check on you, Hic." His friend told him benignly. "That must not have been easy." Jack matched his speed with Hiccup's gliding. He chose the distance between him and Toothless, who flew closely on Hiccup's other side, carefully. Jack meant well and Toothless knew that, but his unnatural presence alarmed the Dragon's instinct and it was not easy for an animal to ignore that. Jack knew what affect he caused and, despite what he might let on, knew when to leave the fun of teasing for another time.
"It could have been easier if I was thinking clearly." Hiccup moaned in reply to his friend's remark. There was absolutely no point in hiding anything. At this point, it was best if he spoke of his troubles.
"What do you mean?" Jack asked him in a mixture of curiosity and concern.
Hiccup set himself back in Toothless' saddle and kept his eyes on the way ahead while he answered.
"Merida went back home to try and calm down that Macintosh guy, before any blame could fall on her parents, without telling that I am a Viking. With all the clans together, she is going to propose a compromise of power to be queen on her own. Only then can she speak of Berk and solve the friction The Highlands has with us."
"Sounds like a good plan. So what did you do to wreak it?" Jack asked Hiccup straight out.
Hiccup grimaced, scolding himself for his stupidity. He could feel his heartbeat racing rapidly as he recalled his last moment with Merida, but he was not supposed to be excited about it.
"I couldn't say goodbye to her and in a moment without thinking I kissed her." Hiccup looked to his friend and saw a sly smile appear. Jack was thinking it wasn't that big a deal.
"For how long?" He wanted to know.
"For several minutes, twice."
With that the problem was clear to Jack and it threw him off his carefree nature. He didn't know how to react to it and so they flew on without a word, until they could feel the forever chill of the Arcepelico. Jack found himself in his element and continued the subject.
"You don't just like her a lot, do you?" He asked.
"No." A sigh escaped Hiccup's lips. He felt forlorn. He knew for certain his feelings for Merida were stronger than he had ever expressed to her in words. He didn't want to let go of these feelings, but knew it was not helping Merida or his chance to ever see her again.
"Merida kissed you back, didn't she?" Jack asked on. His tone was mono and to the point. Jack began to see the severe nature of the problem and wanted to know all about it and try to be of help.
It felt relieving to speak of it and with a heavy head Hiccup nodded. "Yeah, but she is facing marriage, Jack. It is a law of her people and it will be dealt with in these five days. I shouldn't have messed with her head like that!"
"Do you want to marry her, Hiccup?" Jack asked bluntly. It was a sudden question and Hiccup looked at him with a start, but Jack wasn't joking. He didn't even blink while he was looking straight into his friend's eyes. Never had Hiccup seen him so serious.
"I know Astrid ruined the idea for you, but I am sure Merida won't leave you and you are what they are looking for. You are the first born of a chief. Heck, you already are a chief! Trust me, I roamed this world long enough to know every culture. Merida cannot rule on her own, they will not let her be queen without a king, so you better be that king!"
Hiccup averted his eyes again. Jack had a good point. Hiccup had to be sure of what he wanted, before it was too late, but marriage was a very great deal to Vikings. It was said it could only be broken in Walhalla and your loyalty to one another would be judged. That was why it was quite common for Vikings to have second thoughts right before the ceremony. Astrid too had not want to risk it. Hiccup had been ready to share his life with her, but she hadn't and that put him in uncertainty of the idea. Merida was not like Astrid, he knew that and He didn't want to be without her, but they only just met and a marriage was not on his mind yet.
"You must know what happened when my grandfather was in charge." Hiccup said softly, avoiding the question on purpose.
"He was called the Demander and I am his grandson. If I were to ask the king and queen of Dun Broch for Merida's hand, they will see it as another Viking trying to get more power."
"So, you will let her get betrothed to someone else?" Jack asked Hiccup quite accusingly, but Hiccup matched it with his own anger.
"It is not that simple, Jack!" He snapped, but his compassion for Merida's fate brought sadness to his tone and a feeling of loneliness tore at his insides.
"I want Merida to be happy and I will speak with her parents, to show them my good will, but first Merida has to prevent a war and I can't meddle in that."
Merida tried to feel at home in the rich decorated parlour of the castle that was once her only home. To feel relaxed she tried to recapture some of her old lazy habits and turned in her chair to find the optimum position to relax in. Her mother sat gracefully across from her with a low ebony carved table between them. Embers were glowing in the hearth behind her and she watched her daughter with measured curiosity. Merida realised she had been too careless with her letter. Even with a few lines she had spoken too strongly of one friend and Merida regretted her request to return to Bariden as well. It was not possible for her to leave The Highlands for the rest of her life. She had to rule over it as queen and she had always known and accepted that. Her mother would think it very odd for her to request such a thing.
"You are not sad that you have a duty here, now do you Merida?" Her mother asked her suddenly to break the silence at last.
Merida sat up in her chair. "No, that is, until Macintosh came." She remarked with a clear dislike in her voice.
"Yes, well, your father and I will answer to lord Macintosh and his doubts. His son did not behave like he should. Not only did he made he an inappropriate demand, he also threatened your new friend. You were right to come, Merida. We will set this right."
Queen Elinor smiled to her daughter with encouragement, but Merida felt nervous. Unwillingly she had brought the conversation to Hiccup already. She didn't believe Macintosh would ever realise the truth, but now that she had reached that point, she might as well prepare her mother for what was coming.
"Eh mom, Bariden in a merchant town at sea and ayam not the only foreigner there. The town is dotted with people of the north, like Vikings."
Merida knew she took a risk by being so forward, but she thought she sugar-coated it well enough. Carefully, she looked at her mother to see her reaction to the name of the people she still feared. What Merida saw shocked her. Her mother's expression had become like stone and in one second her eyes had lost all their warmth.
"I advise you to avoid these figures, Do not take my warning lightly, Merida. Vikings are truly cruel and have absolutely no conscience when it comes to humanity." Elinor told Merida in a hollow voice that carried long forgotten pain. It struck Merida as well and a cold hand seemed to grip her heart. She could sense her mother's hurt and it affected her as well. She never wanted to hurt her mother, she would try anything not to risk it ever again, but her own feelings of love towards Hiccup, the happiness she found would pain her mother again and the knowledge of it was unbearable. Also her mother's cruel judgement of the people Hiccup belonged to hurt her as if it was directed at herself.
"But, you can't say that they all are like that!" Merida tried, she couldn't control her voice and it came out shaky and squeaky.
"Our run in with them was nearly two generations ago!"
"Merida, I beg you. You can't be naïve when it comes to those sea roamers, it can cost you dearly. I would be devastated if one came close to you."
"What if they don't sail the sea?" Merida tried with a forced smile. A lump filled her throat and her heart banged against her pressing chest. 'Hiccup isn't like that!' her mind kept saying and she truly believed he could heal her mother's old wounds, but only if Merida got a chance to make her mother open her mind to it! Bravely she took a deep breath and tried again.
"What if ay met one who was really nice and caring and we became friends. Ye wouldn't shun my friends, would ye?"
"Honestly, Merida I don't know why you are trying to find any good in them. What you speak of can never occur."
Merida dropped her hands into her lap, feeling defeated. She had no choice but to drop the subject for now, but they were four days left and she would not give up, she just had to try another time!
Of course, of all the clans, Macintosh was the first one to arrive, early in the morning. Apparently the clan had taken the journey overnight and at six o'clock AM the castle of Dun Broch was in a full uproar to make sure not even one dot of dust remained to be seen by the visitors.
Merida was unpleasantly woken by her mother to get her all dressed up for the lords. In the years between the first presentation of the suiters and present, the three clans had come and gone and queen Elinor had made sure no dress would ever be ripped apart in front of an audience again. Merida had come to the fittings and the ceremonial dresses, however stiff and heavy were now better fitting. Still, her mother insisted that Merida wore a corset and her hair in a controlled fashion. Fortunately Merida's hair had been braided daily by Rapunzel and Astrid's first hand at untangling it made her hair so much more manageable.
"I am glad you decided to do something with your hair, Merida. It looks so much better this way." her mother remarked pleasantly surprised at the sudden easiness of her job and she examined her daughter's fiercely red hair, tied in a loose braid. Merida smiled to herself. She had the quick thought of mentioning Vikings again, but caught her tongue in time.
"Two of may friends wear their hair like this and a lot other women in Bariden do too. It is a hairstyle that is worn in the north." She decided to tell her mother.
"Hmm, I think we can leave the hood and just give you a white band, to pull your hair fully back." Her mother suggested with a joyful smile and she busied away to get the needed white cloth from one of the drawers of Merida's dresser.
"Do ay have tae look this nice?" Merida asked. Despite the better fitting dress, she still felt trapped.
"This meeting was not planned as a part of ma betrothal, was it? Besides, ayam sure the young lords know ayam not fur sitting delicately."
Merida let her mother tie the band around her head and push the remaining traces of red hair away from her milky face, waiting for an answer to her question.
"We are the example, Merida. We are the highest and therefore we have to show perfection." Queen Elinor told her matter-of-factly. She took a step back to admire her work and was overwhelmed by the sight.
"You look so beautiful." She said softly.
Merida felt a small smile play on her lips.
"Mom, ye do know ay have tried to form an attachment to each of the young lords?" she asked her mother in a sincere voice. All this brought her back memories from the beginning of it all. Back then her mother hadn't spoken of her concerns for her daughter's happiness, but this time she did, the sparkle of joy left the queen's eyes and she sighed with some defeat.
"Yes, darling, I know that. I have been observing the young lords as well and I must say that I have my concerns, not only of the role as husband for you, but also for the position of king. Young lord Dingwall, for example is well educated, but has little interest in the concerns of others and the same goes for young lord Macintosh. I want you to lead a happy live so you can rule with surety. That's why I have been thinking of making sure you marry McGuffin. He is a nice lad and he is handsome and kind. Not to mention strong. He is not a good speaker, but you can help him with that. After all, neither is your father."
"If ay can even understand what he is saying." Merida mumbled stubbornly. "Ay know he is the best of the three and ay know yu like him because he resembles dad in many ways, but that's not ma type, mum."
Elinor was truly surprised by this statement and looked her daughter suspiciously in the eye. Again Merida called herself on her stupidity, but it was too late now.
"This is about that friend you mentioned in your letter, isn't it?" Her mother asked her penetratingly. Merida couldn't bring herself to speak. The only thing she knew was that she had been caught.
"I knew it!" Her mother continued and was overwhelmed with emotion once again.
"Aw, my little girl is in love!" she exclaimed in a chocked up voice.
"Mom!" Merida cried out flustered. She felt a burning heat spread across her face and her heart made a wild jump as Hiccup appeared unannounced in her mind.
"Agh, don't be shy." Her mother told her dismissively. "Tell me about him. Is he strong and from a good family?"
Merida had never seen her mother this excited and it drove all her main concerns away. A wave of happiness washed over her as she received her mother's happiness and she gave in to the desire to tell about him.
"He is the only son of a chief and proved himself to be a strong leader." She told her mother truthfully.
"Has he shown you any affections from his side?" the queen wanted to know.
Merida opened her mouth, but could not speak. Hiccup had kissed her and told her he liked her, but still she didn't want to speak about his feelings like this. She remained silent, but her thoughts were clearly readable on her face and her mother gave her a consoling hug.
"Well, today will just be a formality. We already clarified to the lords that we want to part from the tradition and we will tell them again. If that young man you fancy is willing to take your hand in marriage he can present himself to us after this and I am sure he will." Queen Elinor took her daughter's face in her hands and gave her a kiss on her forehead.
"I am so happy for you, darling." She whispered.
Her mother had been too optimistic, even without the matter about Hiccup. As soon as the two women left Merida's room, two powerful voices bellowed through the castle, trying hard to overpower one another in their argument. Niall Macintosh had spoken the truth about his father's displeasure with Merida's leave for Bariden, but as always, his attitude changed at the sight of the queen. He always tried to get her favour with sweet talk.
"Ah Elinor, Merida, please come in." King Fergus declared at the sight of his wife and child. He was clearly fed up with his visitor already and welcomed the assistance.
lord Macintosh took his chance and as if nothing happened, he turned to the royal women with a humble bow.
"My lady queen, my appreciation for your presence is great." Lord Macintosh spoke with a ringing voice. His son stood behind him, keeping his pose as if he pretended to be a stone carving. Along with his son, he had brought a few of his men as a custom to show his importance. Young Macintosh had, as always, made sure there were a few maids amongst the men to call on his greatness and they were already giggling at his poses. Merida felt sick to her stomach. The idea that anyone would embarrass themselves for that pompous show off was pure madness to her. She had seen what he was without them, uncertain and easily threatened. The memory of it served her well to endure his arrogance. Merida threw him a glare, which he noticed with utter offence. Promptly he stepped forward and gave her his most dramatic bow yet.
Merida and her mother took their places at the king's side, but the queen remained standing and took it upon herself to address lord Macintosh.
"Lord Macintosh, we grand you this private audience, however you should know that some matters will have to wait till the clans Dingwall and McGuffin arrive. With that said, you may now speak your concern."
Bravely the lord in red tartan stepped forward and puffed himself up, just like his son used to do to make himself known.
"Your highness, I am here to speak of my greatest confusion when it comes to our agreements." He told her in a loud voice.
"At least seven years ago the first games for the hand of the Princess of Dun Broch were held. Till this day it has been left undecided. We agreed to change the tradition, I understand that, but I thought it was still clear that the marriage would remain within the allied clans. Years have passed without a proper decision from the princess' or your side. Then news reached me that the princess broadened her choices with a long visit to another country. I ask, why weren't we informed of this personally? This is not what I agreed to when we joined forces."
"I know we have tried your patience, lord Macintosh." Queen Elinor began gently. "However it is for the sake of the future. The rule of this country is a delicate matter and cannot be taken hastily, my lord.
When I became queen, it was my chance to be who I was, but my daughter is different. She believes a marriage chosen freely is essential for a successful future and I agree. I hope you can see too that a loving match is better for the upbringing of the next generation.
I want to give my daughter the freedom to choose her husband, so that she can rule together with him with love and care for the future. I regret to have kept you in the dark about this, but I stay with my decision. Your son and the other young lords are still entitled to try and win my daughter's heart, but their role as suiters has been disbanded."
The queen spoke with authority and made it difficult for the lord to express his disagreement. He still felt cheated and wanted to protest, but she did not let him speak yet.
"Now as for your son's actions, what do you have to say to that? M y daughter tells me that he pointed a sword at an innocent youth." She added strictly with a voice as cold as ice. Lord Macintosh grew pale and shared a scared look with his son, but tried to defend himself nevertheless.
"This alliance was to honour our legions to the new king and strengthen our bond. I think lord McGuffin and lord Dingwall agree with me when I say that this feels like betrayal. My son travelled oversees to see if my fears were just and found a stranger interfering with our business. Tell me, if the princess brings home a love from another country, where does that leave the alliance?"
Merida stood up. She had heard enough and wanted to clear this up herself. She caught her mother's eye and the latter gave her a smile before she sat herself down.
"Ay understand what you are saying, my lord and ay will explain may actions, but this is a matter that concerns all three clans and has to wait until we are complete."
However ay will say this, no matter what the outcome of this issue, ay will be your queen some day and your actions will not be forgotten." Merida threw Young Macintosh another glare that was even deadlier than the last one and he swallowed uncomfortably. This glare Merida replaced with a stoic face she mimicked from her mother and she turned back to lord Macintosh for the last time.
"Am ay clear?" She asked him coolly.
"Unmistakably." Macintosh replied and he bowed again, before he took his short term leave.
AN: I am so sorry for the late update, but I had to give this chapter a lot of thought and a lot had to be pushed back. I will try to keep up with my weekly update, but seeing that my live s going to be more busy again, I can't promise anything.
Next chapter: The union of the four clans and the meeting of Merida with the young lords :)
Please review if you liked it! :D