The one that almost got away (2nd version) Chapter 14, a How to Train Your Dragon + Brave, 2012 Crossover fanfic

I do not own the story of How to train your dragons or any of the original characters. Any names matching public or historical figures are strictly coincidental. The story is rated M because of language and adult situations. Anyone below the age of 17 should probably not read this story.

Chapter 14 The Joining Explained

Hiccup was beginning to like taking a bath. The Queen carefully ran a cloth filled with soap over the boy's many injuries. Though he did not act like it, those small injuries must sting. The other thing that bothered the queen was that at every noise Hiccup jumped and he looked around as if he were looking for a place to hide.

"Hiccup, there are four heavily armed guards posted at the door of mah chambers. No one and Ah mean no one can enter these rooms without mah permission. No even him." said the queen.

Hiccup seemed to relax some. Elinor had sent for the healer before they entered her chambers and there was a knock at the door and immediately the boy sunk below the water of the tub. "Enter" the queen shouted.

One of the guards came in, bowed an said, "Pardon the intrusion, your majesty, the healers are ootside. Shall Ah let them in?" the sentry asked.

"Certainly. Show them in," said the queen. Gothi and Yara entered the room.

"Good afternoon my queen. Where is the prince? asked Yara. About that time the little boy had run out of oxygen and a little head popped up from the water in the tub, gasping for air.

Yara smiled at the boy, "Good afternoon your highness. My name is Lady Yara and I am the queen's healer. How are ye feelin?. '' Hiccup merely shrugged his shoulders.

"Well," said Yara, "Her Majesty has asked me to look ye over to make sure you are alright. Do I have your permission yer highness?" asked Yara.

Hiccup looked up at Elinor and asked, "Your majesty, why do people keep saying stuff like that? I'm not a prince. I'm not even going to be the heir, said Hiccup.

Queen Elinor picked the boy up and toweled the little prince off. She then put him in front of her so Gothi and Yara so the two witches/healers could examine him.

Elinor; "Ye see Hiccup, we Scots see you like a Prince. Ye are Stoic the Vast's firstborn son. To the Scots, a Chief is the same as a king, so to us you are a Prince. So get used to it mah little man because for yer stay in Dunbroch your title is Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III, Viking Prince of Berk," said the queen.

Yara once again asked," May I have permission to look at your wounds my prince?" asked the old lady. Hiccup just nodded yes.

The rest of the clans had arrived. The Macintosh Clan led by Brodie Macintosh, a tall arrogant with brown eyes and hair. He feared nothing and no one. He argued over everything and although he put up a hard exterior, he had two soft spots, his family and children.

His wife Olivia was a tiny woman with blonde hair and brown eyes and standing only 4'11". She was kind and quiet and Brodie adored her. Olivia had borne him three children, Scarlet aged 14 and one of the most beautiful maidens in the kingdom, next came Rayden aged 12, totally devoted to his father and wishes to be exactly like him and last was Phoebe age 8 and she was going through a boy crazy stage.

The Dingwall clan came next being led by Lieth Dingwall. Dingwall was a soft-spoken man who was probably the most intelligent man in the kingdom. He was good friends with King Fergus and was totally loyal.

Leith's wife, Nicole was tall at 6 feet. She had hair black as night, and she was brave and totally devoted to her husband and family. Her children in order were, Ozzie (14) who had a not so secret crush on Scarlet Macintosh.

Next time Patrick aged (10) was a short boy who never backed down from a fight. He and Gilmer Macguffin had a running feud. Lucas came next. Lucas was (7) and lived to have fun. Last was Freda. Freda (4) had blood red hair like her father which flowed down her back nearly to her waist. She was a precocious and was her father's favorite.

The Captain of the Guard welcomed them, "Welcome my Lords and ladies to Dunbroch castle. Ah ave summoned the chief steward and e will direct the ladies to yer accommodations.

My Lords, the King has given me orders to bring ye to is office immediately upon yer arrival".

Lord Dingwall inquired, "Can ye tell us why we are being called to the king's presence on such short notice?" asked Ian.

The Captain; "A'hm afraid no mah lord. No if Ah intend to keep mah tongue."

The Captain then led the two men to King's office, where they were announced by the captain of the guard, "Your majesty lord Macintosh and lord Dingwall are here as requested."

Fergus; "Thank you, Captain. Captain, Ah want the guard doubled. No one is ta enter this room until Ah say."

The captain replied, "As you command sire," and he then left the room.

Brodie and Lieth saw that MacGuffin was already here. The King rose to greet them as they both bent the knee in respect of their liege lord.

King Fergus; Pour yerselves a drink and be seated gentleman" said the king.

A few minutes later the King cleared his throat to gain everyone's attention, "Ye know aboot the treaty and the alliance Ah am trying to forge with the Vikings of Berk.

We need our northern sea lanes protected from attack and Stoic the Vast can provide that. We will send them our excess grain and iron ore and they will send us high-quality wool and dragon skins."

Dingwall; "My king yu don honestly believe that malarkey aboot dragons do ye? asked the Lord.

The king rose and brought out a sack that he dumped on his desk. There were dragon skins, dragon claws, and dragon teeth.

Fergus; " Aye Ah do believe in em. Did ya know Leith, at a dragon skin is impervious to fire?"

The king then walked over to the fireplace and pulled something out of the ashes. The skin smoked for a second then the smoke cleared. The skin was the same as those on the table.

The king turned to face the lords once again, "At skin has been in the fire for three hours." Dingwall whistled in amazement.

Fergus; "A problem has arisen that has affected me on a personal level and A'hm givin you lads a heads up because I need your support," said the king as he took another gulp of his whiskey.

"Stoic and Ah have been friends for a long time. We have fought side-by-side with the man and we all have witnessed is prowess on the battlefield.

A few days ago e arrived with is wife Valka and is son Hiccup," the other men laughed at the name. The king held up his hand and they stopped.

"Hiccup is 16 months old. E was born two months early and e is small for is age. The boy only stands three and a half feet tall and e probably weighs less than forty pounds on a good day. E is a very bright child and fearless. Ye will be shocked when ye speak ta im because he will answer ye like an adult. E can even write some and do simple sums," the king explained.

"So at is the problem sire?" asked Macintosh, "A'hd be glad to have a smart child like at," he said.

King Fergus; "Well that's no how the Viking Chief sees it. To Stoic, a proper Viking child is brawny, brave and wants to train with weapons to strike down dragons and their enemies. Hiccup will never be brawny.

The boy wants to become a blacksmith rather than a warrior or chief and e told Stoic so. Stoic was enraged and nearly beat the boy to death and when is wife Valka tried to stop him, e hit her twice so hard he broke her nose.

Macintosh, "At sixteen months the boy is still a baby! What size is Stoic? Ah would estimate im to be over seven feet tall and A'hll wager he weighs at least 300 pounds. Wha man beats a toddler anyway? No one in mah Clan, at's for sure," said Lord Macintosh.

Ian; "Just wait, the story gets worse. Much worse."

The King continued; "Chief Stoic despises his son. Ye will see this yerself when ye talk to the man. E takes every opportunity to berate the child in public.

Stoic has told me, e intends for is wife to continue ta produce children until she delivers one to is specifications. Once that occurs, e intends to remove Hiccups' birthright and make a younger offspring heir.

Leith Dingwall; "Where is the laddies mum in all this? If Ah ever laid hands on Nicole and survived the ensuing battle, A'hd never be able to close me eyes again for fear of her killing me in me sleep let alone lookin over mah shoulder wonderin when her family would kill me."

Lord MacGuffin; "Ah have observed that Lady Valka is so terrified of the bastard she no longer makes an honest effort ta defend the boy. Wouldn't yu agree yer majesty?" he asked.

"Aye that I would Ian. Yesterday at breakfast the Chieftain saw the affection the Princess has fer me. Merida did nuthin she doesn't du every morning. She gave her old man a kiss. For some odd reason, this made Stoic jealous and he demanded that his son, who was sitting at the children's table, come over and do the same.

A look of terror, the likes of which Ah've never seen on a child, came over the boy's face. The lad then stood, told is father no, then took off at a run. It

took us five hours to find the wee lad. The search only ended two hours ago" said the king.

Leith; "Ah bet the father was really angry then. At did the old man du when e found him?" asked the Lord of Dingwall.

The king; "Chief Stoic never searched for the child. In fact, the bastard told me ta call off the search. E told me the boy runs and hides all the time and that Hiccup would come back on is own when e got hungry."

Dingwall; "We have always known the Vikings were savages but at kind of a man refuses to look for a lost child? A mere babe at that?" asked Leith.

Macintosh; "Where was the boy finally located?"

Ian looked at Brodie; "The boy was hiding on the roof of the northwest tower." Both of the Lords looked shocked.

Brodie; That tower has to be wha, like 200 feet above the ground? And how'd e get on the roof? Ah recall the access hatch is way too heavy for a toddler ta lift."

Ian MacGuffin chuckled as he answered; "Ye want ta know wha this very un-Viking like child did? Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III evaded at least thirty highly trained personal guards of the royal family.

E then climbed four long flights of stairs, getting by the guards at each entrance, then e climbed up into the northwest tower, slipping through a firing hole then using only handholds climbed onto the roof and hid behind a smokestack.

We wouldn't have found im at all but for an alert guard who heard im cough. E never answered anyone or let imself be seen until King Fergus finally talked to him."

There was grumbling then, "Where is the boy now?" asked Macintosh.

King Fergus; "The boy is with the queen. Elinor has taken personal charge of im. Elinor has formed a very close and special bond with Hiccup," Said the King.

Dingwall; "Aye, her majesty has always had a soft spot for wee ones. Ah remember when she came to help care for Frida last winter when she caught sick. Ah'll never forget her kindness and generosity."

King Fergus; "My friends, both Elinor and Ah believe that Stoic intends to murder the boy. E will probably make it look like a tragic accident but poor Hiccup will be just as dead. The queen has grown to love this boy even though she has only been around im a short while.

The Princess absolutely adores the boy and has bonded with im. It seems is father, through fear, has isolated the boy. The children no longer come to visit or play with im.

The only way Ah got the boy to come to me was ta promise that Stoic couldn't take Merida, Elinor or meself away from im," said the king.

Macintosh; Tis truly a sad tale but wha can we actually du aboot it? If we get involved, we will have the entire Viking archipelago against us. They are liable to forget everyone else and just concentrate on us," said Brodie.

The King; "Stoic and Berk desperately need this proposed alliance. They need it far more than we do. Anyway, the queen has asked me to do something so Ah ave decided on a course of action. One ye may or may no like" said the king.

Ian: "Well, that explains why ye brought oot the good stuff," laughing as he took another drink of whiskey.

Brodie Macintosh; "Alright my king ye got our attention, ye softened us up na give us the poison," stated Macintosh.

King Fergus took another big drink; "Ah intend to make the young prince to valuable to kill. Tomorrow at the feast, in front of all the Lords and ladies Ah will bring Hiccup forward.

The first thing Ah will du is to award him a new title "Friend of the Queen". This award is special because it will allow the Prince to address the queen without formality, without having to use her titles when e speaks. It will be signified by a heavy gold chain with a Star emblem.

Second, Ah am going to make him a Lord and citizen of Scotland," said the King.

Interrupting Lord Macintosh asked; "Excuse my impertinence sire, but how in the bloody hell are ye going to du tha?"

King Fergus; "Ah will bestow the title of Lord of Delaney. He will receive Delaney Castle, 200 acres of land and fifty sheep. The land will have a farmer and his family to tend the sheep, farm the land, and take care of the castle," answered the king.

Leith Dingwall: "Excuse me for sayin so sire but the last Ah saw of Castle Delaney it was only good fer spiders, birds, and bats."

King Fergus; "At's very true Brodie. Ah'm going to gradually repair the place and make it at least livable," said the king.

MacGuffin; "Hopefully, by the time Hiccup is old enough to care, the farm will be producing enough to be profitable. Then, Ah will teach young Hiccup how to run the place imself," said Ian.

King Fergus; "Ian, when Hiccup is in Scotland will be my ward until e is an adult. When e goes to Castle Delaney e will be under your protection. As a person with property, Hiccup will be a Scottish citizen. As the Lord of Delaney, he will have the same rights and protections as all of yu."

Dingwall; "There's somethin else isn't there? Ah have know ye and yer family all me life and Ah know ye. Ye wouldn't be gambling all our futures unless there was another card to play. Wha is it my King?" asked Leith.

The King gulped down, set the mug down, stood looking at all of them and said, "Tomorrow I will announce the betrothal of my daughter, Princess Merida of Dunbroch to LORD Hiccup Horrendous III of Delaney".

Lieth Dingwall; "Ah protest yer majesty. Ah got two boys close to Merida's age and so is Gilmer MacGuffin. Ye just canno go betrothin the next queen a Scotland to some Viking savage even if it is ta save is life. The people will no stand fer it."

King Fergus; "ENOUGH DINGWALL! Ye will no tell me how ta handle the affairs of me kingdom or me family. Merida will be betrothed to whomever Ah see fit.

First, yer boys are more than five years older than me girl. Second, this treaty can and will be sealed by blood. Third, Merida already has eyes fer the wee lad. Fourth, they were promised to each other as infants and finally fifth, it is the queen and Ah's believed tha Hiccup is a good match."

Ian MacGuffin; "Besides the fact at Gilmer is too old fer the wee princess, Ah happen ta know me son has his heart set on Scarlet Macintosh. In fact Brodie an I have been negotiating a marriage contract."

Brodie Macintosh; "Aye Leith, wha Ian says is true an befer ye start yellin at me aboot yer sons Ozzie and Patrick I'll jest tell ye tha mah Scarlet has been in love with young Gilmer since sh were seven years old so yer boys never stood a chance.

King Fergus; "I can see at twitch in yer eye Dingwall and as ye know me, Ah know ye. Young Prince Haddock will be visiting Scotland every six months. Any time e is here e will be havin swordsmanship trainin. Also know ye this, even if yer sons were to defeat Hiccup in combat I am is mentor. At means should e be challenged, I will take on the challengers family as well. Are we clear Lieth?"

Lord Dingwall; "Crystal clear yer majesty".

The Queen had finished bathing Hiccup. He was now sitting in her lap covered in a small blanket next to the fireplace. As the housemaids finished

with cleaning the bathroom Elinor had sent one of them to fetch Lady Helga and for Hega to bring him some extra clothes.

Helga arrived a few minutes later being warmly greeted by Hiccup. Queen Elinor knew there was going to be a feast in honor of the treaty and Chief Stoic.

Elinor was looking at little Hiccups wool tunics and leggings, "These will just not du," she said.

Helga, "What du you mean my queen?" asked the nanny.

"Tomorrow night we have a royal dinner in the great room. All the Lords and Ladies of the other three clans will be in attendance along with their children, our honored guests and with just about fifty servants in attendance.

Ah can't have our little Prince here to be presented in these. These clothes are more than wonderful for everyday use but not for a Royal dinner.

Helga, please go tell one of my guards to fetch the royal tailor and the royal barber," asked the queen. Helga did so.

Elinor; "Hiccup, some men are coming. They work for me and are quite safe. Ah would like to have some clothes made for you and to have your hair trimmed. Would that be ok with ye?" asked the queen.

The little boy looked at himself, then up at the queen, "But your majesty, I already have clothes," said Hiccup.

The queen looked at the boy with a big smile and said, "Ah know my sweet one, but these are very casual and ye need some clothes to wear at court," said the queen.

"What's court, your majesty?" asked Hiccup.

Elinor smiled and kissed the boy on his forehead. "Court my sweet little Prince is a formal meeting we have that is attended by all the Lords and ladies of the kingdom. It's where we discuss important matters, celebrate happy occasions, and reward those that the king feels are deserving.

Everyone wears their best clothes. It is also where we introduce new people to our society. Ye and yer family will be properly introduced this evening. Do yu understand," asked the queen.

Hiccup nodded yes and said, "Yes, your majesty, I understand.

The queen looked at him seriously and said, "Hiccup, ye are very special to me, Merida and the king. Ah give yu special permission to just use our names without the formality when we are in chambers. Du ye understand that too?" asked Elinor.

"Yes ma'am, I understand," answered Hiccup.

Soon, Helga, Franklin the barber and George the tailor had arrived. Elinor stood Hiccup on the floor and the tailor took measurements. Franklin placed a bunch of towels on the floor, took a chair and placed towels on the chair as well.

Elinor; "George, Ah need ye to make a suit fine enough for the presentation of Prince Hiccup to court. Ah want the suit not to be gaudy, but when the Lords and Ladies look at im Ah want no doubt in their minds this boy is royalty.

Ah would also like three sets of clothes sturdy enough for a very active little prince, lastly, Ah would like you to make him several sets of underclothes and a couple of sleeping shirts. Oh, yes Ah need the suit completed by 5 pm on the morrow as we have court that night at six," demanded the queen.

"Yes my queen as ye have requested, it shall be done!" George bowed and began to leave but turned and addressed Hiccup, "Mah prince Ah thank ye and her majesty for this opportunity to serve ye," George then turned and left.

Franklin then motioned for Hiccup to come to sit in the chair he had prepared, "Please sit here yer highness. Ah promise to be quick," said the barber.

Hiccup looked up at the queen and asked, "What's he gonna du Elinor?".

The queen gently picked him up, kissed his cheek then walked over and place him in the chair. "It's ok my love, Franklin is going to cut yer hair for court.

E will be using a pair of scissors," (Franklin showed the little boy the scissors), a comb and a brush. There is nothing to be afraid of. E has cut the king's hair since e was a young boy."

Elinor nodded to the barber and Franklin brushed and trimmed the little prince's hair which was past his shoulders.

In her drawing-room, the queen watched as the barber finished cleaning up the mess. Hiccup looked wonderful. His hair had been cut much shorter in a style that would be easy to take care of.

The queen marveled at the little prince. The little boy was very attractive, almost beautiful in the face. He had a smile that lit up a room. He was unknowingly charming to a fault.

She smiled to herself, someday that boy would be a handsome man who could charm the knickers off a girl without trying. He had intelligence beyond his years and was incredibly articulate. He was a good match for her darling Merida. He would be a wonderful boyfriend and husband someday. But only if the boy survives.

Now, the two healers were waiting in her office. They had both told her that they needed to speak with her about Merida and Hiccup. They emphasized that for the little prince, it was a matter of life and death.

Elinor couldn't explain the bond, the closeness, the love she had for this little child. She couldn't explain her desperate need to help him. She had never been drawn to any other child this much except for Merida. She had

never feared so much for a child's life or wept so much for a child's misfortune.

She had Hiccup In her lap and had been chatting pleasantly with Helga, whom she believed loved the boy as she would her own children if she had any sons.

"Hiccup, Ah must leave ye to take care of some queenly business. Ah was thinking of having Helga bring Merida up for her afternoon nap. Ah think ye could use one too. Merida wants to be around ye very badly, is it ok if we put ye both together for the afternoon nap. It would make Merida feel better," the queen asked.

Hiccup; "Yes ma'am, it's ok with me. Actually, Mer makes me feel better and I love to cuddle with her," said the boy. Helga, taking Hiccup's answer as her cue, left the queen with a bow and with Hiccup in her arms to go get the young princess.

Merida had been happily playing with Grace, Sophie, Kaitr, and Freda. When Helga came and told Maudie that the queen requested that the prince and princess take a nap. When the little Princess saw Hiccup she literally screamed with joy.

Helga put the little Viking down and immediately Merida had him in a bear hug and was kissing all over his face. Grace, Sophie, Kaitr, and Freda giggled at the sight. Helga picked up both children and proceeded back to the queens quarters.

Helga handed Hiccup to the queen and she followed the queen to the sleeping chamber that had been set up for the prince and princess. Elinor laid Hiccup down and not two minutes after she had kissed and tucked him in, the tiny little boy was fast asleep.

As lady Helga and the Princess came into the room Elinor gave Helga a quiet sign and Helga placed Merida in the queen-sized bed next to the sleeping little prince.

Merida immediately crawled over to the sleeping form of the little boy. She laid down on a pillow and gently pulled Hiccup over to her and wrapped her arms and a leg around him.

The queen watched her little girl lightly kiss the boys cheek and say, "I love yu Hiccup". The queen bent over and kissed her daughter. Sure enough, within five minutes Meria was asleep too.

Merida was a couple of inches taller than the boy and definitely had more to her body. The queen and Lady Helga took a last look at the sleeping toddlers.

Helga laughed and said, "Yep, Maudie was right, we are definitely going to need a marriage contract"

The queen gigged, "Ah think yer right Helga, Ah think yer right." The queen then went to her office.

The two old sages bowed when the queen entered (and witches don't like to bow). The queen motioned them to sit and they did.

Amazingly, it was Gothi who spoke first, "Your majesty, we come to you on a mission of great importance, so important the fate of the Kingdom, perhaps Midgard rests in the balance."

Queen Elinor was at first astonished that old Gothi was speaking to her. Then, after considering what she had heard; "You have my attention, please continue," said the queen.

Gothi continued, "Hiccup is in grave danger. His own father plots to kill him. His mother will soon abandon him to his father's clutches. The boy will be placed in the care of Gobber and his wife to raise him but Lady Helga is not long for Midgard. In fact, when the Valkyries come for her, Hiccup will be there and witness her death.

Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III has been favored by the gods and touched by Odin himself," said Gothi.

Queen Elinor; "Really, touched by Odin imself ye say, (skeptical) tell me more."

Yara spoke, "You have a bond with the young prince. Your heart breaks for him. You love him as if he were your own son. Even at this moment, you are skeptical because you worry about his welfare. Do you think you're feelings are happenstance?"

The queen knew the sages were speaking the truth. "Go on", said the queen.

Gothi; "Hiccup is destined for great things if his father doesn't kill him or have him murdered."

Curious the queen leaned forward looked them both in the eyes and asked, "So our fears are correct. Chief Stoic of Berk intends to kill is own son an Heir?"

Gothi; "Yes, your majesty. As things stand at this moment and if they do not change Stoic will kill his son, his wife, Lord Gobber and Lady Helga.

"As things stand now, ye say," said the queen, "What must happen to prevent is death?" asked the queen.

Gothi; "Hiccup is destined to become the Dragon Prince. He will become the greatest warrior in Norse history. He will save Berk from the most dangerous threat Berk and the world has ever seen.

He will never be the Chief of Berk. He will rule the largest kingdom the earth will ever see. He will defeat the dragon queen and take the dragons to a secret place where all dragons will be safe.

He will never be a king yet he will be loved by his people because he was able to bring peace, and with his mind create things that will make life easier for them to live.

He will not do this alone," said the sage. "Who will help him in this quest?" asked the queen.

Yara; "Many people and the dragons. His soulmate a well as another who will love him and who will help him rule the north. You have the most impact on his life."

"How so?" asked the queen. The two old ladies looked at each other and nodded.

Gothi; "You're decisions this day will determine the future of Berk, Scotland and even Midgard itself. The gods have already blessed you. Your husband has a plan that may prevent the prince's death. His plan will come to fruition only if you agree.

You have another role to play this day as well," said the old witch.

"Wha are these plans? Wha is this other thing Ah must du?" asked the queen.

Gothi; "Hiccup, if he lives, will face much adversity. He will see people he loves die. He will be abused by his peers. His father will have him beaten many times. He will face ridicule until his fifteenth year.

He will discover and tame dragons and he will discover he has two sisters. His father will take his inheritance and he will disown the boy.

Many women will love him but if the joining takes place, he will not be able to love them back. You, if Hiccup lives, will be his mother and your mate the king his father. You won't be able to prevent the abuse or heartache but you will provide love and you will give him encouragement.

You will make a great sacrifice that will save him and make him the man he is to become!"

The queen sat back and pondered what had been said. Out of nowhere a hot pot of tea and several cups appeared.

After a few minutes, Gothi spoke again, "Your daughter Merida has also been touched by the gods. She will grow to be beautiful and very intelligent.

She will prove herself a great warrior. She will be the wisest in her kingdom and decisions she makes will positively affect the entire world.

She will love one and only one. She will worry, she will feel much anguish. She will be helpless her soulmate falls in battle and is near death.

She will have a mate who will love her as no other and she will love him. They will help each other in all things. She will be the only person other than yourself who will be able to calm her mate in times of stress.

She will become Queen and rule the largest kingdom in all of Midgard and she will bear five children who will continue her rule. But only if the joining takes place," said Gothi.

Queen Elinor; "Ye speak in circles. How can she rule the largest kingdom in history if it is already ruled by another? When will she become queen? Who is this mate you speak of? And finally, when will she produce these heirs and what the Hel is the joining?", the queen asked now very upset.

Yara calmly spoke, "Many important questions you ask. Answers I will give you but you must remain calm."

The queen took a deep breath and a sip of tea. "Yu two have told me much. Ye have told me things concerning two helpless children that Ah love with all me heart. Ah still donna understand, please help me understand," pleaded the queen.

Yara; "Your daughter will become the queen of Scotland in her 16th year. When Merida an her mate come to rule the great kingdom is still to be decided by the gods. You will be instrumental in that.

As for when and who she marries, you must decide. A joining begins when a male and female are blessed and touched by the gods, usually when they are young.

In this world we have marriages. Earthly marriage is a physical thing. It is consummated by a male inserting his penis into the female and releasing his seed.

A joining is a spiritual marriage so to speak. It can only occur where there is true love. It connects the hearts, minds, and the very essence of those involved.

The joining must take place only in an area approved by the gods, usually the stone circles made by the ancients.

It must be witnessed by at least four members of the sisterhood which is made up of healers, quite often called 'witches' by ordinary humans. We speak the words given to us by the gods, it must be agreed to by the guardian.

Those to be joined will be asked three questions which each must answer voluntarily and honestly. Finally, it is sealed by an unexpected and unprovoked kiss.

At that time in the joining for you as guardian to be asked if the two chosen ones can be joined. It is for you and you alone to decide.

As for the mates to be joined, they are Prince Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III of Berk and Princess Merida, first of her name, of Dunbroch" said the old woman.

"Merida and Hiccup are babies. They donna understand love. They are too young ta be married. They canno consummate their vows," shouted the queen.

Gothi; "The Prince and Princess have already their love for one another in front of many witnesses. I have observed Merida and Hiccup. The Prince and Princess are chosen ones. Age does not matter.

They have been touched by the Gods because they already love each other. You know this is true my queen, as you have seen and felt this yourself. This very moment they are embraced in each other's arms whilst they sleep.

My queen, you love hiccup like he is your own. They can be soulmates forever if the joining is successful," said the old lady.

Yara; "If yu agree, just before midnight, you will bring the children to my hut next to the forest. You will go to the back of my hut. If the prayers of the sisters have been answered you will be met by a Wisp who will guide your path where we will be waiting.

You will place the children in the center of the circle. You will stand right behind them to give them courage. We will ask you, the guardian, if you approve of the joining. You will give your answer.

These things must happen. First, they must freely join hands, this is the beginning of the bond. Second, they must freely state their love for each other before you, the sisters and the gods. Third, we will ask, and they must agree individually to be joined. Lastly, they must seal the joining with a kiss, freely given."

Queen Elinor; "What does a joining do?" asked the queen.

Yara; "My queen, the joining, if successful, will be a marriage of the spirit. They will share thoughts in that one can tell what each other is thinking and can communicate using just thoughts.

They will feel each other's emotions. They will know each other's happiness, sadness, joy, fear and most importantly, love. They will be bondmates.

They will have a bond that no one can break, not even themselves. They will share spiritual love, a love no other can share nor understand. Spiritual love has no sexual component. It is a joining of their hearts. Physical love can happen, but it is not motivated by the joining.

They will never intentionally hurt each other, and they will walk each step knowing the other is with them. These are gifts and more given by the Gods as a reward to them for joining.

As Guardian will also be blessed by the gods with gifts. You will have a spiritual connection with them all of your life.

Your spiritual presence will give them comfort even the darkest of times. They will always turn to you for help and they will never lie to you.

The gods will extend all your lives farther than any known before ye. Your life will be extended because of the love ye have now, for the chosen ones.

Consider carefully my queen, but I must tell you, time is short."

Elinor closed her eyes and thought. She looked up and asked, "What happens if I say no,'' asked the queen.

"Stoic will murder Hiccup and his mother with his bare hands. He will cause the ship to sink within sight of the shore. He will be the only survivor.

Merida will be the queen of all Scotland. Out of duty, she will marry. She will produce two children in a loveless marriage. She will abdicate to her brothers in her thirty-second year.

Merida will be abandoned by her husband for a concubine. She will live simply, dying in the depths of despair in her fortieth year."

The queen had turned her back on the two witches as they gave her the answers she sought.

With tears pouring down her face she looked boh sages in the eyes "Ah love my daughter more than me own life and Ah love little Hiccup too. Ah cudna bear knowing he died.

Ah cudna live with meself knowing Ah could have prevented his death and did nothing. Ah want Merida to be happy. Ah donna want her in an arranged marriage.

Ah want er ta burn with lust and desire on er wedding night. When she is with Hiccup she smiles that big smile of ers and when he is gone she cries. It is the same for him. I want er ta always love that boy.

There is only one answer Ah can give. Ah agree to the joining, explain again in detail wha Ah must du?" The two witches gave her the details. Gothi and Yara actually smiled.

Yara; "We must leave ye now my queen to prepare."

The two old women left and the queen said to herself, "The children must truly be touched by the gods. How else could Ah agree to such insanity?"