The following day, Elinor was preparing her daughter for the Highland Games today and making her look more presentable for the three lords and their sons upon their arrival. Despite Merida's protests and chagrin, Elinor did everything from combing her untamed red mane, much to her pain, and placing her in a horrifyingly perfect formal dress that was painfully tight and uncomfortable. In fact, Merida was having trouble trying to breath and move her arms and legs. She practically had to waddle for mobility. Magnus, on the other hand, was to wear a traditional medieval Scottish attire.

Once everyone made it to the throne room, Magnus stayed quiet about Merida's attire, not because Merida was sending warning glares his way, but because the Queen firmly tasked him with maintaining a professional air within her presence during the games. Elinor had everyone stand where they needed to be while the royal family took their seats at their respective thrones. Magnus stood by Merida and watched as she managed to sit down, despite the constrictions of that horrid dress she was forced into.

"I would like to announce the arrival of the…" The guard by the doors shouted out, but the three clans marched right in before he could finish, smacking him out of the way in the process with the door. And as Magnus watch, the clans Dingwall, Macintosh and MacGuffin proudly marched inside side-by-side with each of the lords leading them. Bagpipe music filled the air as the three lords brought their clansmen toward the King and Queen.

Now Magnus took note of the appearance of the three. There was the big, tough guy with a dirty blonde beard and thick eyebrows covering his eyes, a tall, skinny dude with unkempt black hair looking like Mel Gibson's William Wallace straight out of Braveheart. And finally there was the short, old man with grey hair, shrimpy arms and a belly full of jelly. He seemed to notice that he was dwarfed by the other two and ordered one of his men to bring him a stool to stand on so he can appear taller. With that, everyone cheered uproariously.

Once the cheering subsided, King Fergus stood from his throne to address the three clans of the tournament.

"So, here we are." He began, but started to lose his sentence. "The four clans…..gathering….for…."

Elinor sighed in exasperation and stood to help her husband out.

"The presentation of the suitors."

"The presentation of the suitors!" Fergus followed suit and everyone howled with appraisal, though Merida was certainly not getting into it as much. Magnus knew exactly why, almost pitying her.

"Clan Macintosh!"

"Macintosh!" cried the aforementioned clan in response before their lord spoke.

"Yer Majesty, Ah present me heir and sire who defended our land from the Northern invaders and with his own sword, stabbed bloody, vanquished a thousand foes!" Lord Macintosh said as he presented his son, a devilishly handsome young lad who had his father's looks, to the Dun'Broch monarchs. The young man demonstrated his mad skills before striking a pose with his sword, flexing his pecs and sending a flirtatious glance toward the princess to impress her.

However, Merida was not moved at all by his skills nor his advances and was initially disgusted by him. Magnus felt like he was already hating this guy already. He seemed like a total womanizing douchebag. And honestly, Magnus felt a little jealous.

"Clan MacGuffin!"

"MacGuffin!"

"Yer Majesty, Ah present my eldest son." Lord MacGuffin stood forward with his own son, who was just as brawny as he was, but looked a bit nervous to say the least. "Who scuttled Viking longships and with his bare hands, vanquished two thousand foes."

Holding up a log, the young MacGuffin demonstrated his own brute strength by snapping it in half with ease like a toothpick. Merida, in spite of herself, couldn't help but steal a glance at the large boy. Magnus appeared more jealous by this.

"Clan Dingwall!"

"Dingwall!"

The old coot stood down from his stool to seemingly gesture to the towering, muscular warrior by his side.

"Ah present my only son who was besieged by ten thousand Romans and he took out a whole armada single-handedly."

Merida and her parents looked rather surprised, if not impressed, by such a tale of the warrior's list of achievements and almost seemed to wonder if that really was his son. Magnus, however, didn't seem convinced and was skeptical of this supposed relation.

"With one arm, he was…" Lord Dingwall cut himself short with a huff of annoyance before yanking out his son - his REAL son - into view from behind the large behemoth; a short, scrawny and wimpy-looking boy who appeared to be lost in his own world and barely held the physical traits and attributes of a tough and noble warrior. In an instant, Merida was turned off right away.

"With one arm, he was steering the ship and with the other, he held his mighty sword and struck down a whole attacking fleet."

"Lies!" shouted a person from an opposing clan. The other two clans all murmured their own skepticism, but Lord Dingwall was insulted.

"What?!" He demanded towards the crowd. "Ah heard that! Come on! Say it to ma face! Or are ye scared, simpering jackanapes? 'Fraid to muss yer pretty hair?"

"At least we have hair!" Lord Macintosh remarked tauntingly.

"And all our teeth!" added Lord MacGuffin.

Suddenly, his son spoke out a somewhat mocking sentence in the thickest Gaelic accent and dialect that anyone has ever heard. The entire crowd fell silent as no one in the room had the faintest idea of what the boy had just said. Magnus was more fluent in the dialect then they were, so he could make out the words to be "If he was a wee bit closer, Ah could lob a caber at him, ye ken."

"And we don't hide under bridges, ye grumpy old troll!" continued Lord Macintosh.

Everyone then howled with laughter, as well as King Fergus, but was silenced by his wife' stern glare as this was not the time to engage in any sort of immature shenanigans. Both Magnus and Merida were equally not amused by this playground-level of insults. Merida suddenly wished the merciful gods would just smite her and put her out of her misery right then and there and not have to put up with any of this nonsense.

"Oh, ye wanna laugh, eh?" Lord Dingwall shouted towards his son, "WEE DINGWALL!"

The scrawny boy was immediately pulled from his dazed and confused expression and whipped his head toward Lord Macintosh with a dangerous look in his eyes. And just like that, Wee Dingwall lunged right at him, biting at his shoulder like an angry attack dog, causing him to scream in terror and pain.

Lord Dingwall, himself, earned a punch to the jaw by Macintosh's son in retaliation. As the bagpipes filled the air once again, all three clans erupted into a violent brawl in a matter of seconds. Each clan member traded blows, punching one each other in the face and other weak spots, using any kind of weapon they had or could find. Wee Dingwall, like a rabid dog, bit one person in the leg, Young Macintosh raised his sword, only to be pinched in the underarm, making him let out a high-pitched, girlish squeal.

The two archer teens groaned and rolled their eyes at the pathetic, childish display of aggression. Fergus was only encouraging them all, until Elinor sent him a wordless gesture to get him to call off this foolishness before it got any worse. Heaving a sigh, the king arose from his throne.

"Shut it!" He bellowed, forcing everyone to freeze, ending the giant fight and bringing their undivided attention to him. "Now, that's all done. Ye've had yer go at each other, show a little decorum and no more fighting!"

Magnus noticed the three triplets appear from the stone floor in midst the crowd and purposely slamming a weapon onto Lord Dingwall's foot, causing him to scream in agony and get punched in the face. Now the brawl was back on and the fighting only got more and more intense. Fergus soon joined in by literally throwing himself into the ring and delivering a few blows of his own, having the time of his life. Lord Dingwall even eye-poked one enemy á la Three Stooges and sent him to the floor before attempting what is known in modern times as a diving elbow drop, only to land painfully on his back.

Finally, Elinor decided enough was enough as she calmly, but irritatedly marched her way through the wrestling crowd and approached her husband and the three lords. Then she dragged them all back to the front by the ear like misbehaving little children. Magnus sighed as the four men were blurting out excuses and apologies for their behavior. The king returned to his throne while the queen resumed the announcement.

"Now, where were we? Ah, yes. In accordance with our laws, by the rights of our heritage, only the firstborn of each of the great leaders may be presented as a champion."

"Firstborn?" Merida suddenly spoke in a whisper and turned to look at Magnus as if looking for approval. However, he shook his head, reminding her not to engage, making her frown at him.

"And thus, compete for the hand of the princess of Dun'Broch. To win the fair maiden, they must prove their worth by feats of strength or arms in the games. It is customary that the challenge be determined by the princess herself."

"Archery, archery!" Merida suddenly shouted, jumping from her seat a bit too excitedly. Magnus facepalmed and shook his head. The queen turned to face her, causing Merida's excitement to diminish and recollect herself for a moment. "I choose...archery. Also, me guardian here is from a very advanced tribe."

Magnus's eyes widened at her, taken aback by what she was doing. Elinor secretly glared at her daughter for bringing Magnus in on the subject. However, all three of the clans were suddenly intrigued by the princess's claims.

"Is that so?" Lord Dingwall replied, lifting a hairy eyebrow.

"Yes, I'm afraid that is true." sighed Magnus.

"How advanced, lad?" asked Lord Macintosh, whilst everyone else nodded their heads, suddenly desperate to hear about this.

"And who are you?" Lord MacGuffin asked.

Elinor was about to object, but Magnus stepped forward, deciding there was no harm in it.

"My name is Magnus Donoghue and I was born in Scotland too." Magnus started with confidence. "Back where I come from, we don't need horse for transportation, we have vehicles. Cars, planes, and boats too. We don't always need to write letters to communicate long distance, we have objects called phones. You all familiar with texting? No? Anyway, enough about that. I'm actually part of a tribe. But I used to live with my mother and this bastard named Sean who would pound on me at every chance he had when my mother wasn't present and forced me to keep quiet about it to her or else."

"Magnus!" retorted the Queen sharply, grabbing his arm. "This is not the time for this! Ye know yer place! I gave ye orders and I recommend you obey them."

"That's enough, Elinor!" Fergus intervened, approaching the two.

"Fergus, shush!"

"Nay! Leave the poor lad alone! He's acceptable enough for our taste. I say let the boy participate in the games." declared Fergus.

"YEAH!" The entire crowd roared.

Magnus shared a glance with Merida who seemed to nod, signalling for him to agree.

"Ah will not have the boy distract the princess during the games. It is imperative that-"

"Stop overreacting, love. Guard or no guard, he displays more keen prowess than Ah've ever seen. What's the harm, anyway?"

At that moment, Elinor tried to think of an argument, but she knew they weren't going to let this go easy and maybe it wouldn't hurt if the teen tried out for the tournement.

"Och, very well. As you wish." Elinor sighed in defeat. "Let the games begin!"

The clans all gathered outside the castle where sports of strength and heavy lifting were step up. Magnus, having not been to a Highland Games in years, was exploring all the activities these guys were all doing. Caber tossing, weight throwing, hammer throwing, even a tug-a-war. Admittedly though, Magnus's athletic prowess was more on his speed rather brawn, sans the sword though. Passing by the tug-a-war he notices many clan members on one side (possibly from Clan Macintosh) trying to pull against a lone member from Clan Dingwall. Of course, remembering its Merida's buff crush, Magnus rolled his eyes because of course he'd win.

While as much those events are fun, Magnus was trying to find where the archery tournament would be. In some ways, he wanted to show off his skills to the kingdom, oh boy, if only friends could see this. Yet, there was also the hope maybe he could... No, that's stupid. He's not a first-born heir to a clan! He's just the just the bastard stepson of a Scottish gangster from an entirely different time! Magnus briefly gets out of his self-deprecating thoughts as he took in the surrounding clan tents and entertainment. Bagpipes playing while women dance on stage in traditional folk dance. At least that's what it'd be called in Magnus' time when he's not trying to cover his ears at how fucking LOUD the bagpipes are. GOD DAMN!

In his effort to trying and ignore the noise, he paid attention to the dancing women. Twirling and jigging, Magnus could remember how his mum had taught him and his sister how to do that. He thought himself as pretty good at it, not that he would admit to it. His migraine calmed down slightly as he took notice at one of the women who gave him a wink. Whether she was flirting with him or not, Magnus couldn't say but gave subtle two-finger salute to the ladies on stage.

Still trying to find his way to the archery field, the dark haired teenager passes by what looks to be a game for young kids of a straw piñata-like thing in the shape of a bear. There's no pinatas in Scotland, Magnus mocked himself somewhat. Bears, yeah, that's something he needs to look out for. Maybe if he wins the tournament he can make sure Merida doesn't go to the witch and-

His thoughts were suddenly interrupted as found himself in a maze of tents with vendors, traders, and food from the clans all around him. Great, now he's even more lost that he was. Then a barrel with pastries on top and legs at the bottom comes running past him followed by the husky, but well-endowed maid, Maudie. Magnus tries to stop Maudie in an effort to find where the archery tournament will take place, but she ignores him and continues to pursue the running barrel. Poor woman, Magnus thought sympathetically, but yet rolled his eyes at the young triplets' torment of their maid.

Suddenly, the sound of a horn being blown is heard and everyone stops to gather around. Crap, it's time! Following the crowd like a sheep, Magnus berated himself for how late he'll be and how much the Queen would be picking him apart because of this. Taking notice of the lords and how they're approaching a gazebo-like stand, the teen notices the royal family.

"It's time!" King Fergus announces loudly with excitement, the crowd responding in kind.

The lords, however, only glared at what they saw was a bumbling king.

Magnus now seeing the archery set up with the lords' sons slowly trekked to the field as to not catch the ire of the queen. The teen couldn't help, but look back though as even with her heir of grace dignity he thought he saw a glare. Yep, she's gonna have my head, Magnus thought as he kept his head down and speed-walks to the his position, one after the the dazed-looking Dingwall boy was.

"Archers to your mark!" Queen Elinor decreed, her husband trying to repeat her word but fumbling once more. "And may the lucky arrow find its target."

Magnus saunters his way over to the added position where he passes the lords sons and taking in their anticipation, the burly blond boy looking terrified, Sir Shirtless Pretty Boy winks and salutes his crowd as women scream in excitement while he struts to his position, Dingwall's boy, well, he appeared to be in lala-land as he pulls the bow string like a child's guitar distractedly. Remembering the story and how they shot, Magnus can't help but chuckle. This is gonna be a piece of cake.

"Oi! Get on with it!" He heard Fergus cried out with impatient excitement.

"Yes, get on with." Magnus jokingly added to himself, remembering Monty Python and the Holy Grail.

Young MacGuffin goes first and Magnus couldn't help, but feel a little sorry for the dude with how nervous he was as he's clearly trying to not break the string due to his brute strength. Letting go of the string it's clear he wasn't quite steady with his aim, has the strength, but this sport isn't made for him. Despite his jealousy, Magnus sets his own bow and arrow down that he had on him and rushes for toward MacGuffin.

"Hey, look." Magnus orders the quiet rival, the lad's eyes turning downward in fear of what he might say along while the crowd continues to laugh.

"Look, you can't be afraid of the bow." Magnus demonstrates as he holds his arms out on MacGuffin's bow without the use of an arrow. "This bow is a little too small for you and you need to stretch the string out with your arm back, keep it steady, your feet as well, and boom."

Giving MacGuffin back his bow, the boy nodded in thanks.

"Hey, can we have redo here, he was just getting warm up. 'Sides, he needs a bigger bow." Magnus shouts to the crowd in question.

"One shot. One chance!" Someone yelled.

Dejected by this he gives a sympathetic look to MacGuffin, and Magnus stomps back to his position, passing a fierce-looking young Macintosh who looks as though he's more motivated than before to hit this target. At the sound of the bowstring being stretch out Magnus glances at Sir Shirtless. He's got a pretty good stance, steady hold, the bow is perfect size for him… but turns his head to the crowd briefly, huffing as his hair flicked in the direction of his fangirls before focusing back on the target.

WHOOSH!

The arrow hits but just barely misses the bullseye! Magnus can't help, but show a cheeky grin as the young Macintosh throws a tantrum and his bow at the crowd. Yeah, thank god Merida didn't have to get with that guy. Merida. Magnus suddenly remembered that this challenge was for her hand. He was being given this chance. If he won, than she wouldn't have to marry someone she didn't know and maybe they could…

Interrupted by his thoughts was the cheer of the crowd! Oh right, Dingwall won… accidentally, but still.

"WWWWAAAAAAAIIIIIITTTTTTT!" Magnus bellowed to the crowd as they all became silent.

Magnus while not shy was a little awkward with having to yell like that.

"Uh, hey guys! Yeah, I'm a part of this tournament too. Like, the king and queen gave me permission and all to take part in archery." Magnus began to the crowd from all clans before clearing his throat. "Now, let me show you why I got!"

With that, Magnus exhales and takes ten steps backwards and turning his back away from the target. The boy smirks as he aim his arms stretching the string and the arrow from behind him and let go upon aiming. Turning around, he struts forwards to the target and his audience gasping in shock at the bullseye!

"Well then." Magnus said with confidence, before noticing the crowding turning to a new figure, in a cloak and carrying the Dun'broch symbol. "Oh no…"

"I am Merida. Firstborn descendant of Clan Dunbroch and I'll be shooting for my own hand!" The princess announces to her subjects, and especially in her mother's direction with a fierce and undeterred look of determination that earned a look of shock and concern from the queen herself.

Magnus races over to Merida as she readies herself for the first target, everyone getting to truly see the princess for who she is. She grunts in frustration at the constricting dress while Magnus questions her.

"Mer, what are you doing? It's over." Magnus started before being interrupted.

"Curse this dress!" She shouted as she bends her body, screwing the damn dress and all its limitations and firing a bullseye once she felt her body could move!

"Merida stop this!" Queen Elinor ordered sternly, leaving the throne and her husband's side to stop her daughter.

"You have to marry someone you don't know!" Magnus tried to talk her, shadowing her as she fires the second target, another bullseye.

"Don't you dare loose another arrow!" The Queen ordered dangerously as she advanced closer to her rebellious daughter to try and stop her.

Moving on the third target, Dingwall's bullseye, she turned to Magnus, glaring at him.

"I don't. Want. To marry. At all." She tells him coldly, spelling out each spoke word in her sentence with emphasis so that he'd understand what she's saying. "Now stop my mother."

Magnus, hurt by her order and unshakable prejudice against marriage in general, takes steps back as he watches out for her mother coming closer. This is certainly not gonna end well at all. Taking a deep breath, she focuses on not just the target, but the arrow in it as well.

"You can do it, Mer!" Magnus cheered in spite of himself, though the girl's eyes never left her focus even as he blocks her mother, side stepping the queen.

Focus, steady, hold tight, arms stretch, muscles relax, breath out and… everything seemed go in slow motion, the arrow loosening, the reactions of the queen, the lords, Fergus, the crowd, all in shock as Merida's arrow splits the already planted arrow in half, the sharp point cutting it through like it was nothing and even Magnus was shocked as it pushed through pass the bullseye and into the stand holding the target. They both knew she could do it…

Unfortunately, Magnus's distraction of skill had allowed Queen Elinor to pass him, as she and her daughter glared at the other for what she's done.