The Tooth Fairy
Disclaimer: I own none of the franchises used in this fanfiction.
XXX
Merida fell in love with the mountains almost immediately. She'd seen them before, of course, but never the ones visible from Arendelle. They were massive, a continuous reminder of this country's relationship with all things snow, including its queen.
Sadly, Merida wouldn't get much time in those mountains. She turned her gaze to the left, watching the fjord as the ship was secured to their reserved spot. She heard her father giving orders, helping guide the ship in as her mother ushered her brothers into formation.
Merida felt like an island in the eye of a storm, on the edge of pure chaos. The moment she stepped off the ship, everything that happened in that ring became true. It was easier to put it out of her mind.
"Merida." And, suddenly, the storm had arrived, "Are you ok?"
The wild princess turned away from the fjord and faced her mother. She was staring at her, a deeply concerned look in her eyes. She had switched into 'queen mode,' which meant complete control over herself.
She really must be worried to even let her fear reflect in her eyes.
"Not really, Mum." Merida answered, "But that's to be expected: I've got quite a journey ahead of me."
"Journey?" Queen Elinor asked, "What do you mean? We've just arrived."
Merida sighed, "I need to speak with Queen Elsa. Along with the rest of her guests."
Elinor frowned, "Well, I think you're about to get your chance, dear."
Merida followed her mother's gaze and found a small procession heading their way. At the front were a pair of guards, dressed in the colors of the Arendellian Royal Family. Behind them was the queen's sister, Anna.
Her hair's almost as red as mine, Merida thought to herself.
Well, maybe not quite that red. Anna was dressed in a stylish gold/brown/purple dress, one which was equal parts elegant and functional. It was the kind of dress Merida could see herself wearing, one she felt wouldn't be very difficult moving in. Anna seemed a bit distracted, what with the way her gaze kept turning back to the castle and the way she was biting her lip.
Behind her was Elsa, Queen of Arendelle. She was a beautiful woman, something that clashed a bit with the way Merida had always imagined her. It was well known that the Snow Queen was beautiful, but she was often spoken of as bewitching and menacing. This was just a beautiful woman who was trying to lead her country as best she could, something Merida was so happy she couldn't relate to.
She had three brothers to take care of that.
Behind the queen was a...unique character. If she hadn't already been aware of the Vikings staying as the queen's guests, she would have already turned her bow at him. He was a tall man, dressed in furs and leathers. He had dark hair tied into a braid, and four tattoos along his chin. He walked with a swagger, the kind that told exactly who he was without even hearing him open his mouth.
The last man was clearly another Viking, though he was much smaller than the other. Not to say he was weak, by any means. He was clearly powerful, as she could tell by the way he scanned the environment, constantly looking for threats.
Though she wasn't sure what threat the queen's backside posed to him, as his gaze had a habit of drifting to it every now and again.
The moment his eyes locked with hers, she sent him a knowing smirk, making him blush in the most adorable fashion.
Too bad it was clear which direction his heart was pointing. Merida hadn't been interested in a man in quite some time, and he would have qualified otherwise.
The Snow Queen either didn't notice this or chose to ignore it, as she stepped forward to greet her parents. They exchanged the typical ceremony of royals greeting each other, all of which was terribly dull to everyone except Queen Elsa and her mother. Judging by the pleased smile she wore, Queen Elinor thoroughly approved.
Finally, it was Merida's turn.
"Queen Elsa," her father began, "May I introduce you to my only daughter, Princess Merida of Clan Dunbroch."
Merida performed the typical curtsy, though with a tiny amount of eye rolling. Princess Anna made an amused sound, which she quickly covered up. The two Vikings merely smiled, though the bigger one seemed to smirk more than anything.
Queen Elsa, unlike her mother, showed no offense.
"It seems you like protocol as much as my companions do." Elsa smiled, sending a mock chiding look over to her other guests.
"I'm sure my daughter meant no offense, Queen Elsa." Elinor said as she frowned at her daughter.
"None taken." Elsa said, "In fact, I've come to enjoy free spirits in my company. I seem to have a habit of collecting them."
Now her guests were blushing.
Oh, I like her, Merida thought with a smile.
"Yes, might I ask who your charming companions are?" Fergus asked, his gaze locked on the two Vikings.
"Of course, King Fergus." Elsa nodded, gesturing for her sister to step forward, "This is Princess Anna, my sister and confidant."
"Your Majesty's." Anna curtsied, her's much better than Merida's (though she honestly couldn't care less).
Fergus scoffed, "The only majesty here is my darling wife, lass. Feel free to call me Fergus."
Anna smiled wildly, "Then you may call me Anna, Fergie."
Her father chuckled gayly, "Oh, I like you. Best be careful, Your Highness. The moment your sister is alone with my daughter, they'll get into all kinds of mischief."
Elsa nodded, "Fortunately, we're quite used to mischief here. Speaking of mischief, allow me to present Hiccup Horrendous Haddock the Third."
The smaller man stepped forward, revealing the apparatus that served as his left leg. He had absolutely no difficulty walking, so much so that you wouldn't believe he'd lost it unless you'd seen it.
"King Fergus," Hiccup greeted him, extending his arm as he did.
Fergus returned the gesture, both gripping their forearms in a show of diplomacy. It served to assure each other there were no hidden weapons on their wrists. It was what Elinor would have called 'good form,' and what Fergus called 'manly.'
"A pleasure to meet you, lad." Fergus showed a hint of cunning as he pretended to be oblivious, "But who exactly are you?"
Hiccup smiled, "I am the son of Chief Stoic, the Vast. He is the leader of Hairy Hooligans, a Viking tribe."
"Ah," Fergus noted as he released his arm, "So the rumors are true. I assume that means there's a dragon nearby."
"Two, actually." Hiccup replied.
"And I assume all your tribe are dragon riders?" This time Elinor spoke up.
Hiccup nodded, "Yes, Your Majesty."
"I think I'd like to hear about that." Fergus said.
"Later, Da'" Merida spoke up, "Right now, Hiccup, Princess Anna, Queen Elsa and I have an appointment."
Queen Elsa quirked an eyebrow, a disapproving look on her face, "I don't recall such an appointment."
"We do now." Merida said, ignoring the scandalized sounds her mother was making, "We have business to discuss, regarding a certain clock that's stuck at two minutes to midnight."
Elsa narrowed her eyes, while Hiccup's hand went to his sword. The bigger one even moved between her and the princess, clearly intent on defending her if she chose to attack.
Not that she would. Even with her new bow, she'd never defeat the Snow Queen.
"What business is that of yours?" Elsa demanded, her hands frosting lightly.
"None, if I had things my way." Merida spoke truthfully, "But it's been made clear to me that you and your companions need some assistance. I'm here to facilitate it."
Elsa's dangerous look calmed slightly, "And who, may I ask, gave you such knowledge?"
"A Valkyrie." Merida said, a soft smile on her face.
Hiccup and the big man gaped at her, so much that the former lost his grip on his sword.
"What's a Valkyrie?" Princess Anna asked.
"Valkyries are the servants of Odin." The big one explained, "They're the ones who choose who dies in battle, and carry them to Valhalla where they prepare for Ragnarok."
Merida nodded, "What he said. So, Your Majesty, shall we?"
Elsa stared at her for a moment before glancing at Hiccup. The Viking gently nodded, and the queen turned back to her.
"We will escort you to the castle."
"Queen Elsa," Elinor spoke up, a worried look on her face, "May I remind you that that is our daughter, and a citizen of our realm, not yours."
"I'm 22, mum." Merida called out, "And I'm quite capable of looking after myself."
Elinor frowned, causing Fergus to sigh, "I'd like to send two guards along as escort, Queen Elsa."
It was a perfectly understandable concession, one which Elsa was quite ready to agree to.
Merida, however, was of a different mind.
"I'll be safe with them, Da'. Besides, I kinda bungled this whole thing (Not that I reckon this could've gone any other way, Merida thought to herself), so I imagine I'd gain some credibility if I went alone."
The big one smirked slightly, "Bloody stones on this woman."
He thought he'd said it quietly but Hiccup could hear him, if Merida had to guess. None of the others, not even her mum gave notice. Her Da' was already going deaf, what with the decades of war, but her mum had excellent hearing and would have let everyone from The Highlands to Hell itself know her displeasure.
So the infuriated look she wore when Merida said this made perfect sense, "More like cannonballs, you piece of shite."
Elsa frowned deeply, her gaze traveling to the big man. Hiccup glared at the man, but he wasn't paying attention. Instead, his eyes were locked on her, an amused smile on his face.
"Too right, Princess." The man said, ignoring the royals around him, "Certainly bigger than mine."
Oh, joy. Merida thought, recognizing that glint in his eye, Another one who wants to 'tame the untamable.'
"Thank you, Eret, Son of Eret." Queen Elsa snarked, watching as Hiccup casually tossed him into the water, "And thank you, Hiccup."
"My pleasure." The Viking nodded.
"So, shall we?"
Merida curtsied, "Many thanks, Your Grace."
XXX
Elsa guided them to a specific conference room, one she used whenever she had to meet with a potentially hostile diplomat. Being a young queen with magical powers capable of putting an entire city under an endless winter tended to breed enemies and, unfortunately, she sometimes had to deal with such enemies.
This room was actually where she'd had Prince Hans thrown out of her country and into the hands of his very embarrassed and even angrier family.
This room was as opulent as any of her conference rooms, but came with a few extra features. The paintings, for example, were actually miniature rooms where spies could hide and listen in on what was going on. If she said a specific sentence, they would be there to rescue her and apprehend any enemies.
It wasn't strictly necessary, considering she would be with Hiccup, Kristoff, Captain Hofferson and Eugene (She'd instructed Anna to sit with Rapunzel, as she was still adjusting to the aftermath of her dream), not to mention her powers. Still, better safe than sorry.
In addition to the hidden spies, Minister Sibbern would be joining them in the room. He would have insisted, even if she hadn't instructed him to. Before becoming a member of her government, he'd served her father as both a soldier and spy. He was well trained in seeking out a lie, something she knew could be necessary.
After all, it wasn't everyday a foreign princess showed up claiming to have answers to your recent troubles. It was highly suspicious, to say the least.
The group situated themselves in the room, with Merida sitting across from Elsa. Sibbern and Hofferson sat beside her (though she could tell Hiccup wanted to, which made her heart flutter), while Kristoff and Hiccup sat around Merida so they could restrain her if need be.
Eugene stood off to the side, leaning against the wall with his arms crossed. He looked troubled, undoubtedly because of his fiancee, but had offered to come as they may need a thief's perspective.
Merida smirked, "My Da' would have a big problem with the seating arrangements."
Elsa frowned, "If it's all the same, Princess, I'd sooner we drop the act."
Eugene nodded, "It's pretty obvious you're scared and out of your depth."
The redheaded princess frowned slightly, but she dropped her mask a bit. Elsa had no doubt this woman was every bit as brash and uncouth as Eret or Kristoff when he'd first met Anna, but she'd heard about her before from other dignitaries. They'd always said it was clear she had no desire to be there, but she was never rude or crass. She would sit there and try to interact with whatever was happening as little as possible.
Most men found that attractive in a woman, but Elsa doubted those men would find Merida receptive. Those same dignitaries told her of how the princess would leave any event as fast as she could, change into more rugged clothes and take off into the wilderness. The Merida she'd seen so far was a woman who was out of her depth, so she wasn't sure if she should be the demure princess or the rugged adventurer.
So, she tried both.
She failed miserably.
"I apologize, Your Majesty." Merida acknowledged, "It's just...this whole thing got dumped on me. I spent most of the voyage here trying to get a handle on it all, and I still haven't."
"Why don't we start there." Hiccup offered, a kind look on his face, "You said a Valkyrie sent you. Tell us about that."
Elsa felt a warm affection for Hiccup, pleased with how he'd done that.
Merida took a breath before she spoke, "My Da' and I were watching the Northern Lights before we'd left The Highlands. It's something we do often, just...watch the night sky. After he went to bed, I stayed up for a while. That's when…"
"When what?" Eugene asked, his eyes locked on the princess.
She struggled for a moment before asking, "Do any of you know about the Will O' the Wisps?"
"What do they look like?" Elsa asked.
"Like little blue flames." Merida said, "They look like they've got a little person or animal in them."
Kristoff tensed slightly, earning everyone's attention, "You said they were blue?"
Merida nodded.
"You've seen them before, Kristoff?" Elsa asked.
Kristoff shrugged, "I'm not sure. It was...after your coronation, Your Highness."
Elsa held back a frown; she didn't want to make him think she disapproved, but she couldn't help but be upset about that day.
"Go on." Elsa gestured.
Kristoff nodded, "It was cold and hard to see. Sven and I were trying to get to Oaken's for supplies, but in the cold and wind we got a bit lost. I've been on the ice for over a decade, so I felt okay even if I was lost. I just had to hunker down and wait for the snow to stop. Instead, Sven pushed me a bit and I saw a light in the distance."
"A Wisp?" Merida asked.
Kristoff nodded, "I think so. I've told Anna about the light before, but I honestly thought it was just the light in Oaken's shop. I swore I could see it...bounce in the distance, but I put that up to the storm."
"It might've been a Wisp." Merida said, "They're supposed to lead you to your destiny."
"I'm sorry." Sibbern interrupted, "What does this have to do with your purpose here?"
"The Wisps lead you to the Valkyrie." Eugene said, completely sure of himself.
Merida nodded, "Yes, only this was a greenish-purple Wisp. I never knew they could look that way. She was waiting for me in the ring of stones."
"Ring of stones?" Hiccup asked.
"A set of standing stones, hidden in the woods." Merida explained, "I'd been there before, so I knew the place pretty well. It was different this time, though. When I went inside the ring, it was like a-a gathering of Wisps. They were dancing with each other, like it was a party. But when they went between the stones, they sort of, well, rippled."
"Rippled?" Sibbern asked skeptically.
"Aye." Merida replied, her eyes narrow lightly before returning to normal, "Rippled. When I went inside the ring, they all sort of froze. Then a horn blew, and they were gone."
"An ambush?" Hiccup asked, puzzled.
Merida nodded, "Aye, but it was more of a test. There was this woman, but she was really more of a bird."
Hiccup frowned, "A bird?"
Eugene frowned too, "Sounds more like a harpy than a Valkyrie."
Elsa quirked an eyebrow, "Where did you learn about harpies?"
Eugene smiled, "I read a lot when I was a kid."
"I dunno what a harpy is, but this wasn't one." Merida said, "She was more bird than woman, and she was fast. She fought with iron darts and dual swords. I have to admit, I was a little overwhelmed. I'm a good archer and none too shabby of a fighter, but this woman could have easily killed me."
"But she was just testing you." Elsa said.
"Aye, and that's the only reason I'm still alive " Merida smiled tightly, "I thought I'd gotten her, too. Stabbed her with my arrow, but she just came back."
"What did she want with you?" Eugene asked.
Merida sighed, "She said 'it's time the Guardians met.' We're the Guardians, Queen Elsa."
"What does that mean?" Sibbern asked, a deep frown on his face.
Merida locked eyes with Hiccup and Elsa, "The three of us, along with Princess Rapunzel, have to go up the fjord."
"Up the fjord?" Elsa asked, a disbelieving look on her face.
"Aye. The Wisps will lead the way, and there, the Guardians will meet us. They'll have answers for you, and gifts."
Hiccup frowned deeply, "I don't like this."
"You think I do??" Merida almost snapped, "I was just planning to enjoy the anniversary party, maybe get in some hunting. Not this whole 'end of the world's nonsense."
Sibbern stared at her, "I realize I'm not quite up to speed on what's been going on," he barely resisted glaring at his queen for that, "But what do you mean by 'end of the world'?"
Elsa stared at her Minister of War for a long moment, then casually gestured to Eugene. The man stepped forward, bending down to listen to her instructions.
"Take him outside and brief him on what's been happening." She whispered, "Then have Rapunzel meet us in the archive."
Eugene nodded and gestured for Minister Sibbern to follow him, which he reluctantly did. Once they were alone, Elsa casually leaned back in her chair and tapped the wall twice. This was a prearranged signal, letting her spies know it was time to leave.
"We will be moving to the Royal Archives shortly." Elsa informed, "But before we do, I need to know exactly what happened that night."
So, Merida told her story.
XXX
Flashback
XXX
The stones were frightening and oppressive, even in the glow of the Northern Lights. It made Merida feel trapped, something which the giant bird woman that somehow came back to life didn't help.
Her bow was steady, her eyes locked in the top of her breast where her heart was. If she had a heart.
"You can lower your bow anytime, Princess Merida." The woman smiled cheekily, seeming amused by Merida's caution.
"Why should I?" Merida asked, only to feel a blade crawl up her neck.
The woman had vanished, only to reappear behind her, "Because I could have already killed you, if I'd wanted."
Merida relaxed her bow, realizing she had no choice about it. The woman giggled a bit, and let her blade dip, fluttering away from her while staying in the ring.
Merida studied her for a moment, still not sure what she was. Merida was almost convinced that she was cursed, like her mother and Mor'du had been. But neither had been bound to a ring of stone, which this bird woman seemed to be.
But this woman was powerful, and clearly was connected to the Will O' the Wisps. She wasn't just magically powerful, she was a warrior the likes of which she'd never seen. She'd sparred with more than a few guards over the years, and had defended the castle as an archer four times since she'd turned twelve. Those incidents paled in comparison to tonight.
"Who are you?" Merida finally asked.
The woman gave her a sad smile, "I've had a lot of names over the years. I've been called Taina of The East, Tootie by a little girl in Britannia. I'm often addressed by my current profession, The Tooth Fairy."
Merida gaped, "You're the Tooth Fairy?!"
The woman, Taina, giggled and fluttered around her like a giant hummingbird, "Oh, yes. It's such a rewarding position, so different from my last one."
"What was your last one?" Merida asked, only to frown as Taina slowed to a stop, "I didn't mean to-"
"No, it's just not something I like thinking about." Taina admitted, "I...I used to be a Valkyrie."
Merida frowned, "What's a Valkyrie?"
"Think of us as angels." Taina suggested, "We would fly around battlegrounds and bring the souls of the fallen to Valhalla, where they would feast and train until Ragnarok, the Doom of the Gods."
Merida, despite being raised Christian, had been taught about the Old Gods whom many still worshipped. Her grandfather had been the last of the Highland Houses to officially follow the pagan faith of their country. He'd been a fan of Eochaid, and had a tattoo of the Allfather on his left shoulder.
Despite having this background, she'd never heard the terms 'Valkyrie' or 'Ragnarok' before.
Taina seemed to understand her confusion, if her sad smile was an indication. It was actually sort of scary how easily she could read her.
"Why did you leave?" Merida asked.
Taina sighed, lying down in the air while her wings held her aloft, "The Gods were brutal and wonderful, and the soldiers I collected were always so grateful to have found a place in Valhalla. But it was always a constant cycle of war and service. When I wasn't on the battlefield, I was serving the soldiers of Valhalla.
"One day, I watched a boy no older than ten fall in battle. He was terribly brave, kept firing his bow until he was cut down. I was the one who delivered him to Valhalla. He was the last one I ever collected. After that day, I couldn't be a Valkyrie anymore. So, I signed on with Máni and became the collector of children's teeth, which are much more valuable than you may realize."
Merida nodded, "Aye, I got a gold piece for my last one."
Taina spun excitedly in the air, "Yes! You'd had the bright idea of tying it to an arrow and firing it into the woods. Took you the rest of the day just to find it."
Merida shot her a suspicious look, "You've been spying on me."
"Don't need to." Taina smirked, "Every tooth you lose has all your memories, 'Mer.'" (A/N: Mer sounds like Mare in this case.)
"'Mer??'" She hated that nickname.
"I always liked that nickname." Taina floated to the ground in front of her, "You're so free and a force of nature, just like a horse."
"Huh. You really do know me."
"That's why I chose you." Taina admitted, "You and I are so alike, Merida. You were born for a role, but made your own path. Just like me. You're wild and free to explore as you please."
"Not quite like you, though." Merida said, eying her wings as she spoke.
Taina fluttered her wings, floating gently into the air, "Oh, don't you worry, Mer. You'll fly, soon enough."
Merida's light mood evaporated; she'd almost forgotten that this spirit had lured her here for a reason.
"I suppose it's time." Taina floated to the ground, her face serious, "Your father told you of the recent troubles, but he didn't know everything that's been happening."
So, Taina told her about Rapunzel and her encounter with the wolves, Hiccup and his dragon, even about the clock beneath the Snow Queen's castle.
"How is all this about a clock?" Merida asked.
Taina sighed, a pained look on her face, "I told you I decided to work for Máni. Do you know who that is?"
Merida shrugged, having no clue who that could be. Taina stepped towards her, her hands raised to signal peace and gently lifted her head to the sky.
The Northern Lights pulsed in the sky, bending like the flow of a river up towards the moon. It was a beautiful sight, one which mesmerized Merida for a moment until the Aurora disappeared, leaving only the moon.
Merida gasped, "The man in the moon??!"
Taina nodded, "Máni. He took me in, along with others. We are his Guardians."
"But, who do you guard him against?"
"The one held in the clock. He has been the enemy of Máni since his father was first chained. Hati, son of Fenrir Wolf, will break free of his bonds. When the clock strikes midnight, Hati will set out to swallow the moon and bring never ending darkness to the Earth."
Merida felt an icey claw strike her heart, and dread filled her soul. The loss of the moon would wreak havoc on the world, and invite monsters like Mor'du out from their hiding places with no light for man to see in the dark.
"Why?" Merida asked breathlessly.
"Because he is angry and a coward, and fear is his weapon." Taina said, "When the darkness comes, he will launch an armada of monsters against the world. When his work is done, it will be the end."
Merida sighed, doing her best to calm down from these revelations. Her entire world had been flipped upside down in a matter of minutes.
Or was it?
This Taina was clearly a fairy, and the fae were well known to trick mortals.
Taina rolled her eyes, clearly knowing where Merida's thoughts had gone. With a gesture of her hand, a pair of Wisps came into the stone ring. They held a bow in their tiny hands, the same one she would have in the morning.
"A bow?" Merida shot her a confused look, "A metal one, at that?"
Taina smiled, "Just like an archer. Try it, Mer. When you do, you'll have all the proof you need."
Merida frowned, but accepted the bow and sat her own down by a tree. Merida drew an arrow from her quiver and nocked it, then drew back the drawstring and aimed at the ground.
"You really should aim at the sky." Taina suggested.
Merida frowned, but dutifully lifted her bow and aimed it skyward.
"Away from the moon." Taina said, a hint of frustration in her voice.
Merida smirked, and eased the bow away from the moon. She focused her aim on Polaris, took a few breaths then one long one, releasing her hold on the bow as she exhaled.
The arrow flew true, but once it was free of the bow, it lit itself with a blue flame that rapidly expanded in a massive bolt of lightning. The lightning arched in the sky, becoming massive as it reached past the pull of the Earth and into the vast reaches of space.
Once the bolt cleared the metal bow, the sound of thunder echoed throughout the forest. It rattled the landscape, driving anims from their hiding places. Even Taina seemed to be affected, as she winced from the sound.
"Bloody Hell!" Merida cried, "What the fuck was that?!"
"Your gift." Taina said, "Each of the Guardians have left you and your fellow Guardians gifts to help you overcome your future trials."
Merida frowned, "But, I thought...if you guard the moon, who do we guard?"
Taina smirked, "The Earth, of course."
Merida paled, although some of that was definitely because of the bow. Taina nodded, glad she could see the seriousness of it all.
"Why us?" Merida asked, a tired and angry note in her voice.
"Because you are the heroes of this age." Taina admitted, "You, Hiccup, Elsa and Rapunzel. We will do what we can to stop Hati, but I doubt we alone will be enough to stop him. You and your fellow Guardians will be called to duty, very soon."
"I don't want this." Merida spoke softly, "And if I don't want it, I'm sure they won't."
"No, and I don't blame you. But out of every child that lived, lives or will live during this time, only you four are able to defeat this foe. I truly wish it were otherwise. I wish we had more time."
"More time?"
Taina frowned, "The clock will reach two minutes to midnight before you arrive."
A deep, echoing howl reached them. It came from further within the woods, and drew a concerned gaze from Merida and a terrified gaze from Taina.
"He's found us." The Tooth Fairy said, gripping Merida's shoulders to get her attention, "When you arrive at Arendelle, you must get them to travel up the fjord. There, you will be guided to your destinies."
The Wisps flowed from around her, blinding Merida in a sea of color. Taina lead her to the edge of the rings, her eyes wide.
"You are capable of this, Merida. It's in your blood."
Merida didn't get to ask what she meant. Taina pushed her into the barrier.
"Be brave, Mer."
She fell through the stones, landing roughly on the grass. Merida quickly got up, nocking another arrow into her bow and ready to leapt into the rings again.
But it wasn't dark anymore. Now, despite having seen the moon bright in the night sky mere minutes ago, the morning sun was rising over the horizon.
Merida stared at the ring for a long moment, until she heard the sound of something approaching from behind. Merida turned, her bow rising until she caught sight of the creature.
"Angus!" Merida cried, dropping her bow and wrapping her arms around his head. The horse neighed at her, concern in his eyes.
"Oh, I'm sorry for worrying you." Merida cried, tears blossoming in her eyes for a moment before she pulled herself together and patted his side.
"Let's go, Angus." Merida said, securing the bow to her back as she lifted herself into his saddle, "I can't be late."
XXX
A/N: So, when I lost all my notes, I was pretty depressed. Without them, I had no idea what was going to happen next. Thankfully, I'd started this fic before I'd watched HIMYD 3 and Frozen 2. After watching those two movies, I had sufficient material and inspiration to begin again. I'm happy about it, and I must apologize again to everyone for taking such a long time getting back to this one.
So, some things to take care of. First and foremost, I've decided on a schedule for my posting. This week is Nightmare Clock, next week is The Next Life, then it will be a break week, then It's All On Us, and the cycle repeats itself. I hope this gives me enough time to keep up with my writing schedule and life in general.
Next, some tidbits. First off, the forearm shake. Oh Lord, this thing. I honestly considered making it a bow or normal handshake, but I honestly couldn't see Fergus caring about being bowed to, especially by a Viking. Elinor, yes. Historical records are pretty clear that this handshake is a Hollywood invention (though some articles indicate otherwise, I couldn't find anything that could definitively say it was a real thing), but it's a trope I see some use in, so I decided to bring it.
Secondly, my description of Valkyries was an abbreviated version but it conveys the lore fairly well. Harpies are a Greek monster with the body of a woman and wings, sharp talons that are capable of producing storm-like winds. I almost made them a Greek version of Valkyries, but I tossed that out as it didn't fit with the lore.
Next, the Wisps. They were regarded as omens and heralds of destiny. In reality, they were an effect of the fumes from bogs breaking down organic matter. Fortunately, this is fiction so we can enjoy the mythology of them.
Next is Eochaid, also known as Dagda. Eochaid is the chief god of the Celtic pantheon, specifically of the Scottish variant. There's a strong possibility that Eochaid is just another version of Odin, hence why he was addressed as Allfather. Eochaid was a warrior god, well known for drinking, fighting and being married to the Morrigan, much like how Odin is married to Freya.
Sorta like how Zeus is Jupiter in Rome.
Finally, Polaris is another name for the North Star. It is the brightest star in the sky, and a part of Ursa Minor/The Little Dipper.
Next chapter will focus more on Elsa and Hiccup, and will introduce the Northuldra from Frozen 2. For those of you who are missing the dragons, hold on for the next few chapters, as both Toothless and Stormfly will be making a comeback.
I hope you guys enjoyed this chapter,.and I apologize for any spelling/grammar mistakes I've made. Please feel free to leave a review and have a good weekend.