AN: This took a bit longer to finish than I thought it would, but it also turned out twice as long as I thought it would, so I guess that's okay. Hope y'all are staying safe! Enjoy the new chapter!
REVIEWERS!:
Acecove: Part of it is that even when you lose someone really important to you, life goes on. You miss them every single day and it still hurts, but you're not gonna talk about them every single day. Eventually you find a new Normal and life goes on. The three love Hiccup and miss him dearly, but they aren't going to be mourning every second of every day. They haven't quite moved on because they never really got closure, but they're going to keep fighting and living their lives. But yeah, I know what you mean, and they definitely don't think of themselves as the big three. They are all very aware of the fact that they are out of balance...
Guest: Welcome back! The whole 'Hiccup being the Cheshire cat' thing was not really supposed to be this big reveal, but I guess it turned out that way, soooo... SURPRISE! Oopsie! Probably should've been a little less abstract with my descriptions and such... Anyways, yeah, more will be explained as we get further into Emma's character arc, but for now just know that Wonderland is definitely more Emma's world and Hiccup just has the ability to visit it and communicate with her through it. Worried? Excellent! I very much hope that everyone has gotten attached to Emma. I've dropped a few hints about what might be coming with Rapunzel, but I'm not sure if anyone's noticed yet... Oh, well! Y'all will just have to wait and see! :)
Music: "I See The Light" from Tangled
NOTES: Those we love don't go away. They walk beside us every day; Unseen, Unheard, but always near. Still loved, still missed, and very dear...
Chapter 22: I See The Light
The train's whistle pierced the air as it traveled over the tracks that stretched the great expanse of sea between the mainland Kingdoms and The Great Moor. The sun shone brightly on the water, making it glitter as the waves swelled and dipped. A pod of dolphins skipped along the tracks playfully, getting the attention of many of the younger students on the train, no doubt. The Bridge of the Moors built to look as though it were laying on top of the oceans surface made it easy to admire the amazing scene outside.
It had been two weeks since the last task, and with the school year quickly coming to a close, so was the tournament. They were well into the middle of Spring, and their trip to the Moor would last almost a full week as the tournament concluded with it's Ball and the final challenge. After that they would all return to Hogwarts to prepare for final exams that were only a little more than a month away.
Rapunzel stared out at the bright, blue sea, marveling out how fast this school year had passed by. She and the other Champions were given a train-car to themselves near the front of the train. It looked more like a lounge than the neat seating compartments that Rapunzel was used to, but it was comfortable.
Rapunzel was curled up on a short couch-like seat beside one of the large windows, and Jim was sitting on a stool at a beverage and snack bar on one side. Elsa had stepped out to go check on her sister after the teachers had been by to see them and inform them about the Ball tomorrow night. Apparently it was tradition for the three Champions to begin the first dance of the night, and Professor Hera had gone over details with them to assure they wouldn't be caught off guard.
"Hello, ladies and gentlemen! We will be arriving at The Great Moor in about twenty minutes. Please gather all of your belongings and prepare to depart from the train." The operator's voice announced over the tin-piping communication system.
Jim jumped about half a foot in the air at the sudden noise and then sighed heavily as he leaned his elbows against the bar. Rapunzel smiled and stood from her seat, walking over to the younger boy.
"Nervous?" She asked and he turned to look at her, surprised in a less startling way this time. Rapunzel smiled and slid onto the stool next to him. "I don't think I could've done any of this when I was in my fourth year. You're doing incredibly well in this tournament, you know."
"Really?" Jim questioned, his expression revealing his doubt in her statement. "B-but you're You. Princess Rapunzel of Corona and Guardian in Training. You fought Pitch Black during your First Year! You've fought in so many battles, and you're one of the youngest leading figures in the battle against Pitch now! I've just been stumbling along! The only reason I've made it this far is because of Toby and Emma helping me."
"You three have gotten pretty close, haven't you?" Rapunzel asked. She'd noticed the three of them spending more and more time together, and part of her was really happy to see Emma finally spending more of her time with kids her own age, even if they were still a year older than her. The other part of Rapunzel was still surprised it had happened so suddenly and with two people she never would have guessed.
Though, she knew she wasn't really one to talk, and that thought made her smile with a memory of simpler times.
"Yeah," Jim said, grinning at her. "I can't really explain it, but it feels like we've always been friends... That probably doesn't make any sense."
"No, it does. Believe me, I know." Rapunzel murmured reassuringly, and Jim smiled.
"I guess Hogwarts wasn't really what I was expecting to begin with." Jim admitted with a slightly wry half-smile. It made Rapunzel chuckle in a very familiar way.
"How so?" She asked.
"Well, for one thing, I had no idea the Castle itself was magical and that there'd be moving staircases and live pictures and everything else!" Jim exclaimed, making Rapunzel smile. "But then, I think also the people too. I don't know if you know this, but the reputation of Hogwarts students is kind of intimidating."
"Says the boy from an all-boys, warrior school." Rapunzel teased lightly, and Jim scratched the back of his head with a slight grimace.
"Yeah... I don't know if you've noticed, but I'm not much the Strong Warrior type." Jim pointed out dryly, and this time Rapunzel outright laughed. "But Hogwarts is the greatest wizarding school in the world. Everyone says that Hogwarts students are destined for greatness. When I heard I'd be going up against you and your cousin in this tournament, I thought for sure I was done for!"
"And now?" Rapunzel wanted to know.
"Well, now you and Elsa have both been really nice to me, even though everyone keeps saying I cheated to get in this stupid tournament. Heck, you even saved me during the second challenge." Jim looked at her, and the gratitude in his eyes made Rapunzel's cheeks warm up a little in surprise. "And now I know Emma, too, and she's probably the nicest, most caring, and determined person I've ever met."
"If you don't mind me asking, if you didn't put your name in the Goblet of Fire, do you have any idea who would?" Rapunzel inquired, still curious about the whole event, especially now that she knew Jim a little better. He seemed so responsible, honest, and also shy; definitely not the type to get into this sort of tournament. She couldn't imagine him putting his own name in if he was allowed to, let alone trying to find a way around rules and protective spells.
Jim looked like he wanted to say something, but hesitated. He looked away from her, and then finally settled on something pretty vague. "I have an idea, but I haven't got any proof." He said. "And without some solid evidence, it'd be pretty dangerous and stupid to tell anyone."
"Do you feel like you're in danger?" Rapunzel pressed lightly, now fully facing him with the utmost seriousness. If this boy was in trouble, she wasn't going to stand by and let something bad happen to him. She's a Guardian, after all.
"Uh, well, define 'danger'." He babbled awkwardly, using air-quotes around the word as he gave a nervous chuckle.
"Jim, if you have any reason to believe someone is trying to hurt you then you can tell me." Rapunzel told him, placing her hand on his shoulder for what she hoped was a comforting weight. "We can go to Professor North together, and the Guardians can help you."
"Attention, Ladies and Gentlemen, we are about to reach our destination in about ten minutes. Please take your seats and remain seated until the train has come to a complete stop, and we hope you enjoy your time in The Great Moor." The operator's voice returned, drawing Rapunzel's gaze up to the decorated piping head, and when she turned back to Jim he gave her a tight-lipped smile.
"I appreciate you trying to help, but I don't think the Guardians are going to be much help in this particular problem... If I do need help, though, I know who I can turn to." His smile softened into a genuine expression of thankfulness, and Rapunzel inhaled to argue, but then thought better of it and relented, nodding at him.
As the two Champions went back to the couches to sit on sturdier seating, Rapunzel decided she would respect Jim's decision for now. But she was also determined to keep a closer eye on the boy in case whatever trouble he was in turned out to be bigger than he was letting on.
The Moor was as wonderful and amazing as Rapunzel remembered. This time, however, the island was alive with the new growth and bright blossoms of Spring instead of delicate snowflakes and sparkling powder. The inner city was packed full of people and creatures from all across the Allied Kingdoms. Everyone was excited to gather together and witness the history-making tournament.
The Sprites and Fairies were hurrying to and fro, preparing the town square at the center of the seasonal temples circles for the Ball that would occur tomorrow night. The Nature Fairy Queen, Queen Clarion, was there to greet the teachers, especially Toothiana as a fellow Fairy Queen, and the Sprite Elders were also part of the welcoming party.
Rapunzel had known from the start that the Tri-Wizard Tournament was heavily saturated with politics, but it still shocked her to see so many important figures had chosen to attend. Of course, most of the known Royals were not in attendance such as Rapunzel's or Merida's parents, but this was one of the few times when the leading figures of the Moor, or other Wilder-Creature tribes, were within public view. She suspected it was also used as a time to raise awareness to the general populace about concerns or issues that may be occurring in their realms. Possibly an opportunity to gain favor with Royals or Nobles who would be willing to provide political and, or financial support for whatever purpose.
The students, however, were directed away from the underlying purpose of the final challenge being located in the Moor by being sent towards their lodgings. The South-West side of the city went directly up against the water at the edge of the island, and that was where a very large, extravagant hotel awaited them with plenty of space for all of the students to stay in.
Rapunzel and Merida entered the room assigned to the Sixth Year Hogwarts girls, and they both grinned in amazement and excitement. The room was very large and every bed was a large, four-poster type bed with countless pillows and thick comforters. There were couches and soft cushions strewn about the room, an attached bedroom with several faucets and mirrors, and a dressing room with enough closet space for all of the girls.
Rapunzel looked at Merida, who matched her gaze, and they both tried very hard to suppress the grins that threatened to burst across their faces. They almost immediately lost that battle and both girls raced for the nearest pillow, arming themselves as several other girls caught on and started screaming as they, too, lunged for fluffy weapons.
That evening, Rapunzel lay awake in the middle of one of the large, soft beds. Merida lay awake next to her, and Mavis was sound asleep on her right. Ruffnut was sprawled horizontally across the foot of the bed, snoring loudly.
They liked the sleepover feeling, so instead of separating to each have their own bed, they decided to just share. That, and they had been playing games together until some of the girls had passed out from the sheer exhaustion of the day and no one really wanted to move them. Some girls were even curled up on the floor. The messiness and carefree feelings their whole evening had left Rapunzel on a high, a bright smile on her face as she stared up at the ceiling, enchanted to show the night sky, just like the Great Hall at Hogwarts.
"What are you thinking about?" Merida whispered without looking away from the stars above. Her voice was soft, both of them not wanting to wake their friends.
"The last time we were here. The four of us together." Rapunzel murmured back, her voice drifting along with her thoughts. "Things were a lot more simple back then. We were only worried about you getting betrothed."
"Seems so silly now, doesn't it?" Merida asked, turning her head to look at her with a slight chuckle.
"Maybe, but sometimes I just wish..." Rapunzel gently shook her head, still looking up at the stars as she trailed off with a silent sigh.
"I know what you mean." Merida said, looking up again. They were quiet for a few moments, just laying side by side, each of them lost in their own thoughts. "He'd be proud of you, ya know." Merida finally whispered so quietly that it was barely even a breath.
"I know." Rapunzel replied, keeping her eyes fixed on the night sky. Her voice just as soft, but there was a slight squeak to it that gave away the tightness of it. She swallowed, trying to ease the sudden thickness.
"Hey." Rapunzel closed her eyes and steadied herself with a few deep breaths, waiting until her eyes stopped swelling before turning her head and opening her eyes. Merida was already looking at her. Her eyes were bright with unshed tears, but she was smiling.
"I miss him." Rapunzel blurted out.
"I know. I miss him too." She nodded, still with that same expression the Rapunzel couldn't seem to grasp.
"Some days are easier, but there's always this ache that won't go away." She babbled, feeling the need to fill the silence since Merida wouldn't.
"It's never going to stop hurting, but that's okay. That's how you know that you still carry him with you." Merida assured her as she held her hand, giving it a squeeze. Rapunzel squeezed back, holding on tight.
"I just can't help wondering if things would be different if he were here. He was always so calm. He always knew what to say... I know he and Jack were brothers, and we were all close of course, but... You and Jack balance each other so well in a fight, and I... I'm the Sun..." Rapunzel bit her lip, staring up at the enchanted ceiling, but there was no moon. No enchantment could mimic the Sun or the Moon. They were simply too powerful. "I just wish he was here."
"I do too." Merida said.
They fell back into silence again. They both lived through a period of time when everyone just kept saying that he'd want them to keep going, that he was in a better place. Everyone tried to comfort them and make things better, but the truth is there was no bettering the situation at all. They both simply missed him, and lying there in silence together was much more comforting than any of the words that had been thrown at them back when he first disappeared.
"I think he would've made a better Champion than me." Rapunzel confided to Merida, gaining a curious look from the redhead.
"Are you crazy? Hiccup hated fighting! And he wouldn't have cared much for 'Eternal Glory' either. He probably would've found this whole thing more troublesome than anything else." Merida smothered her chuckles as she spoke, not wanting to wake the others.
"I know," Rapunzel smiled. "But he could've solved all these clues with just one glance at them... And he didn't like fighting, but he was still so talented."
"Yeah, he was." Merida nodded in agreement. "But you are too. And I know, if he were here, he'd have more faith in you than anyone else. Hiccup always believed in you."
"I just hope I can be deserving of all that faith. Of yours and Jack's, too." Rapunzel expressed, squeezing Merida's hand again.
"You already are." Merida assured her.
"I still can't seem to figure out the last clue, though. It's just a squiggly line." Rapunzel huffed a sigh.
"I'm sure it'll come to you eventually." Merida told her. "Why don't we just focus on making it through this Ball? It might be fun, and it'll give you time to relax before the final task."
"You're right," Rapunzel said, looking at her friend and grinning. "Besides, you agreed to let me do your makeup for the Ball!"
"A decision I'm starting to regret already." Merida retorted and Rapunzel laughed.
Rapunzel didn't know where she was. The island was cold and dead. Everything seemed completely void of color. The ocean raged, waves crashing angrily against the rocks and creating a damp feeling across the whole island that left a chill in her bones. The harsh winds whipped her short hair across her face as she turned and looked up in shock at the massive fortress that stood before her. It was made entirely of black stone with iron bars on every window and door.
Her vision flashed and changed to a dark corridor with prison cells lining both sides, the hall stretched so far it didn't end, it just faded into blackness. There was a distant drip, confirming that the dampness penetrated even the thick stone walls of the fortress. There were whispers of pained groaning, a distant scream cut through the air and her heart was pounding in her chest.
"Ahh!" Rapunzel cried out, touching her hands to her forehead as pain exploded in her head. The felt as though someone was driving knives into both her temples at the same time.
Through the pain her vision flashed with horrifying, bloody glimpses. There was a constant rining in her ears through every blurry sight; the crack of a whip and a body jerking against his restraints, a knife sawing through clumps of auburn hair, a needle pressing into soft tissue but in the confusion Rapunzel wasn't sure if it was injecting something or drawing blood or both...
Then suddenly the pain was gone. She felt stiff and it was cold. So cold. And dark. She couldn't see anything except for the iron bars of a cell in front of her. Her whole body trembled from the cold. She looked down at her hands and saw frost inching up her fingertips. She looked up at the cell again, peering into the darkness.
She could see a figure. Human. On their knees, slouched over themselves. Suddenly the head snapped up, revealing bright green eyes that glowed with black-slit pupils.
And there was blood. His whole body was covered in blood...
Rapunzel threw herself into a sitting position, breathing hard. Her heart was racing, she couldn't catch her breath, and a cold sweat covered her whole body. She looked around, seeing that everyone, even Merida, was still fast asleep.
Rapunzel looked down at her hands. They were shaking. But the only thing she could remember was blood. So much blood...
Merida's dress for the ball was burgundy color and sported a simple design with a close neckline and no sleeves. There was a dipping V on her back, but her loose curls covered most of it. Rapunzel decided to have mercy on her and let her go with very light, natural makeup, but she couldn't resist also giving her a dark red lipstick to match her dress. Merida was happy with the result and smiled and laughed along with Rapunzel and the other girls of their year as they all got ready together.
Rapunzel decided not to do much in the way of makeup either, preferring a natural look, though she did use a little bit of light pink, sparkly eyeshadow for fun. Her dress was light pink with off the shoulder straps that had flowers sewn onto them and down one side of her skirt that flared out at her waist.
When the time finally came, they all left the hotel together, talking and giggling. The main square of the city was situated at the foot of the Temple of Light which stood directly in the center of the circle formed by the Seasonal Temples. Directly across from the Temple of Light was another set of stairs that was the main entrance for the square. Multiple landings and two sets of stairs that merged into one on the very last flight led down to the square from an open garden courtyard where many visitors would come to view the Temple of Light in all it's splendor. Tonight that courtyard was filled with excited students as they waited to go inside with their dates or their friends.
Merida nudged Rapunzel's arm when she looked at her fiery friend, she simple nodded her head in one direction. Rapunzel followed her motion and spotted Eugene who was already looking at her with an awed expression on his face.
He was clad in a green coat with tails, a bronze under shirt, a white jabot collar, and tan pants with sturdy boots. His hair was a bit more combed, though this possessed his rogue-ish charm, and he held a single red rose with a short stem.
"We'll head down to the party. You can catch up whenever you're ready." Merida said, pushing the other girls towards the stairs and their own dates despite their grinning and giggling. Rapunzel felt herself blush, but smiled and walked over to meet Eugene. He smelled nice, too, apparently, because she caught a touch of his cologne when she stepped up in front of him.
"You look beautiful." He said, never taking his eyes off of her and Rapunzel felt her cheeks burn.
"Well, you look rather dashing yourself this evening." She smiled up at him. Eugene grinned and then swept his arms into an extravagant bow. Rapunzel laughed, playing along as she curtsied to him and then took his offered hand. Eugene straightened up and then reached out to tuck the rose into her hair on top of her ear.
"There you are!" North suddenly appeared beside them, making the pair jump and move apart slightly as Rapunzel fiddled with her fingers a bit awkwardly. "Come, come, come! We will be starting soon!" North continued without a pause, ushering them towards the stairs.
They went down to the first landing, hidden by planter boxes and tall flowering bushes on nearly all sides, and found everyone waiting for them. Varvatos Vex and Hera were there to help instruct the Champions, Elsa and Jack were there as each others dates for the evening, and then Jim was also there with a girl Rapunzel recognized as being from Beauxbatons and the same year as Jim. As Rapunzel and Eugene joined them, they all stepped to the side a bit so that students and teachers could pass without trouble.
"Good, it seems we're all lined up for the procession," Hera said, turning to the other two professors as they launched into discussing details of how the evening would be scheduled.
"I don't believe we've met, I'm Rapunzel." Rapunzel said, taking the moment of quiet to introduce herself to Jim's date. She smiled back and shook her hand.
"It's an honor, your highness. I'm Claire Nunez from Bueaxbatons." Claire said, dipping her head politely.
"Claire is one of the highest scoring students of her year. She was also one of my assigned students when I was still serving a Prefect at school." Elsa told them, smiling at the younger girl. "How did you two meet?"
"Oh, Jim and I actually grew up in the same town. We didn't really know each other until this year, though." Claire explained and Jim chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck.
Jim looked off to the side, but then something seemed to catch his attention as his head lifted suddenly with wide eyes. "Whoa." He murmured.
Rapunzel followed his gaze with everyone else, and found Emma slowly walking down the stairs. She was wearing a blue dress with layered chiffon down both sides of the skirt. The top layers were lighter than the bottom ones, creating a fade affect much like the ocean. The dress straps had one thin chiffon piece on each shoulder to act as a sleeve, and underneath was a smooth, silk base. It was all flowy and elegant, and Rapunzel smiled as Emma reached the last step and stood in front of them.
"You look great, Emma." Jack smiled at her, and Emma nodded.
"Thanks, Jack." Emma ducked her head, but couldn't hide the smile. Rapunzel knew from an earlier conversation with Jack that their mother had been so excited about the ball, she'd gone ahead and made them both some proper formal clothes. Jack's robes were traditional Winter Sprite garments, and the braid in his hair that held the beads and stones from his coming of age ceremony was getting longer and longer. It now brushed the top of his shoulder.
"She looks better than great," Elsa said, smiling brightly at Emma. "You look beautiful."
"Yeah, she does." Jim smiled, speaking so softly that Rapunzel had almost missed it, but looking over at the boy, she didn't think he'd meant to say it out loud. Claire seemed to notice, too, though, and she raised an eyebrow at him.
"Thank you. I'm going to go join the others. Good luck with the dance." Emma said, directing the last statement more to Jim than anyone else and he seemed to suddenly come back to himself with a horror-struck expression as he gulped. "You'll be fine!" Emma laughed over her shoulder as she started down the next set of stairs.
"Nervous?" Eugene asked him, and Jim forced a laugh.
"Who? Me? No way!" Jim waved jokingly, but it was stiff and awkward.
Before Rapunzel could offer any comfort the professors joined them again to inform them that it was time to line up and get into their positions. It all happened so fast, Rapunzel walked down the steps with Eugene behind Jack and Elsa, but in front of Jim and Claire. Everyone stood watching and clapping as they walked straight to the dance floor at the center of the square.
The three pairs took their positions, evenly spaced across the floor, and Eugene calmly pulled Rapunzel close with one hand at her waist and the other holding her hand. Rapunzel smiled up at him as the conductor struck up the band, signaling the opening notes. Then the music played and they were sweeping across the floor, twirling skirts and elegance as they moved through a classic waltz.
Rapunzel grinned as they dance, loving the spins and jumps as Eugene led her through the steps. In a twirl, Rapunzel spotted Merida standing off to the side with Thuggory and Camicazi. Merida stuck her thumb up in encouragement, but her smile didn't reach her eyes, and Rapunzel wondered what she was talking about with the two vikings.
When she and Eugene swept around together, Rapunzel managed to catch Jack's eyes passing by on the dance floor. She felt a warm feeling in her chest at the fun and mischievous sparkle in his eyes, but it was made bittersweet by the memories that flooded her mind after not seeing that look for so long.
Across the floor, Jim tried desperately not to step on Claire's toes, and he managed pretty well, but Rapunzel could see he was really nervous and she felt sympathy towards him. Jim was a good kid, and Rapunzel found herself becoming more and more concerned about the strangeness surrounding his circumstances.
A surge of clapping rose from the crowd as Professor North walked onto the dance floor with Professor Hera. Other Professors followed their lead, and then some of the braver students. Everyone was trickling out onto the floor, and it wasn't long until nearly everyone was twirling and swaying.
"You okay?" Eugene asked, tilting his head at her as they continued to dance, though their movements were less precise now that they weren't the center of attention and they could relax.
"I'm terrified." Rapunzel whispered, not looking up into his face. She was just too consumed by all the thoughts racing through her head.
"Why?" He didn't sound confused, just curious, and Rapunzel didn't no why that little thing meant so much, but it did. Like even if it didn't make sense, Eugene would never judge her for feeling anything.
"For eleven years I spent all my time dreaming about seeing the world, getting out of that tower. Then I came to Hogwarts and, well, I met such amazing friends and we went on crazy adventures together and I've seen so many new and exciting places and things. I've learned a lot, too, and I've experienced a lot, like friendships so deep they feel like family, o-or how good it feels to win a fight beside the people you love... Or how much it hurts when you lose." Rapunzel told him, her eyes moving back and forth and around as she tried to find the words. "And it was more than I ever could have dreamed... But now everything is changing, at least everything that hadn't already changed, and... what happens after? After the Tournament, after the fight with Pitch? What if that's it? What if the adventure is over? What do I do then?"
"Well, that's the good part, I guess," Eugene shrugged, giving her a soft smile that made her heart skip in her chest. "You get to go find a new dream."
"Yeah. I guess, you're right." Rapunzel felt her mouth turn up in a small smile all on it's own as she kept her eyes locked on Eugene's. They were still dancing across the floor, the whole night bathed in the starlight. "I don't know how you do that."
"Do what?" He asked, and there was that curious look again.
"There are times when I just felt so afraid; like when we were younger and I was more than a little afraid of you. Or just now, when all these things start piling up. Somehow you just manage to make everything okay, and I'm not afraid anymore. You know what I mean?" Rapunzel peered up at him, wondering if her babbling was making any sense to him.
Then Eugene leaned his head down so their foreheads were almost touching, and he hugged her closer as they danced. "I'm starting to." He said simply, and those three little words made her heart soar.
She wanted to scream and sing and dance and jump all at once as Eugene spun her again before pulling her back close to him. Rapunzel laughed, letting her head fall onto his shoulder as they continued waltzing right into the next song, and the song after that. Rapunzel hummed quietly, and eventually Eugene joined her, and then they were singing together. Not loudly, just enough so that they could hear, unaware and uncaring about the world around them, at least for a little while.
Rapunzel wasn't sure if it was just her, but the lanterns hanging all around the square seemed to glow brighter, casting the entire space in a warm and wonderful light. Rapunzel felt a pleasant tingle in her fingertips and she felt out of breath, but in a good way. Like she had breathed one giant sigh of contentment.
It was strange, but in the middle of all the chaos from the change and uncertainty, she'd managed to find some solid ground with Jack and Merida, and now Eugene too. She didn't have all the answers, and plenty had gone wrong these past few years, but she was determined to see a bright future ahead. One filled with love, warmth, and fond memories.