Somebody to Love
Chapter 16
BourbonCowboy
Someday My Prince Will Come
Merida slept late the next day. When she finally woke, she braided her hair swiftly over her shoulder and pulled on a comfortable pair of breeches, long-sleeved linen shirt, and a dry pair of soft boots. Then she fastened on her corset-style belt. Rapunzel called it Merida's "Scout uniform". It was comfortable, sturdy, and easy to run in so Merida didn't mind the teasing. She strapped on a few extra magical bags to her belt and paused at the hallway mirror.
"Call Rapunzel," she told the magic mirror. There was a short delay during which time the surface of the mirror rippled like water and then her friend's freckled face appeared in the frame.
"Merida! You're home!"
"Aye. I just returned last night. Are ye home? I need to go shopping and would be glad of the company."
"Ooh! I wish I could come. I'm at the gallery teaching art classes today. You should come by! We're doing watercolors!" Rapunzel's eyes gleamed. What was funny was that she really thought that the impatient red-head would enjoy painting with watercolors.
Merida just shook her head with a smile. "Maybe next time. I have to restock my supplies before I can take on any more missions. What about Eugene? I wouldn't mind a bit o' his advice on a new sword purchase."
"Another new sword? What happened to the last one?" Rapunzel laughed when her friend just pulled a face at her. "Alright I won't ask. Eugene left with Jim yesterday. Jim sure has been gone a lot recently, huh? Anyway, just a quick jaunt to the Mainland, they said. Don't worry!" she winked a grass green eye, "Your dashing captain will be back to escort you to the ball tomorrow night!"
"I had nearly forgotten about the ball. I suppose we'll be spending all day tomorrow making ready." Merida pretended to grouse, ignoring the jibe about Jim. Rapunzel was well aware that things had cooled between the captain and the Highlander but that they remained friends. Rapunzel just giggled at her, used to her friend's feigned disinterest in feminine things. It had been one of the hardest things that Merida had learned while in Camelot: that she could be both. She could run wild in the forest as a King's Scout and also enjoy the pampering that came with being a princess. She could wear pants one day and a ball gown the next and that was okay. The only one who thought it was strange was Merida herself. She was still struggling a little with the balancing act, but she honestly enjoyed every minute of it. "Alright, well I won' keep ya. Dinner tonight?"
"Absolutely!" Rapunzel waved and then the picture faded.
Merida contemplated calling Anna and Kristoff or even Charlotte, then decided that she would be okay on her own. She grabbed an apple tartlet off the counter in the kitchen (curtesy of Rapunzel of course), snagged her heavy clock from by the door, and walked out of her apartment. Merida stepped out onto the street and took a deep breath of the crisp air. It was a beautiful winter's afternoon in Camelot. Standing in the sunshine, one didn't mind the cold. Her breath puffed out in white bursts as she made her way to the stables a few streets over where her own horse, Angus, was being kept. She offered him an apple from her cloak's pocket and rubbed his long velvety nose while he chewed. As she stood cooing to her horse, a figure materialized from the shadows. Merida glanced up, startled.
The shadowy figure stepped fully into the light. It was a young woman, around Merida's own age. She had a lot of blonde hair that hung unbound around her shoulders and down her back, over her red leather jacket and gray tank top. She had suspicious blue eyes that assessed Merida from top to toe unashamedly. Merida opened her mouth to demand what this specter wanted when she remembered where she'd seen her before.
"Princess Emma?" Merida asked, confused now why the woman was lurking in the shadows of the stables. Was she here to see her?
"Emma is fine. You're my mom's new protégé, right?" it was framed as a question, but the look in her eyes said Emma was well aware of Merida's identity.
"Yes, that's right. Did Mary Margaret have need of me? Or may I help ye with something?" Angus twitched under Merida's hand, prancing in agitation. Merida calmed him with a touch and offered him a second apple before stepping away to better speak with her visitor.
Emma studied her quietly for another long moment. "Are you going to the ball tomorrow night?"
"Uh…yes. Yes I am."
"Good. I want you to continue doing everything you normally do. We don't want to raise any suspicions." Emma nodded to herself as if any of this made sense.
"Umm…okay? Look, Emma, I dinna ken what you're on about but if there's nothing else I do have things I need to be seeing to today." Merida huffed, becoming irritated. While her mother had impressed upon her the need to always be diplomatic, Merida's fiery temper still managed to overshadow her better judgement at times and something about this woman was bringing that fire close to the surface.
Emma stepped close, almost toe-to-toe with the Highlander. Merida rocked forward onto the balls of her feet. She felt her nerves and muscles pulled taught as a bowstring as she readied for anything. Emma's voice was pitched low as she spoke, "I am very close to discovering what is going on. You must have some suspicions about how all of this is possible, right? I saw your face at the dinner with the king. You sense it too: that there is a darkness to Camelot. Well I am going to expose it. Where does that magician get the power to run all these spells? Have you thought about that? Do you have any clue how much magic is required to run this mecca of enlightenment as they call it?" Sensing that Emma was merely trying to impress upon Merida the weight of this perceived problem, Merida relaxed again. She shook her head in answer to the other princess' question, more bewildered now than anything.
Emma continued, "Not too long ago I came across schematics for a machine that they are building which will harness a ton of magical energy and use it to power the spells that keep Camelot going. I also found some references to a Time Spell and how it will be used to keep someone in stasis. Stasis! Who are they keeping captive and why? I have been digging for months but haven't been able to find out any more about the prisoner, so I am focusing my attention on the machine. Just where is all of that magical power going to come from? Maybe I can get information out of the engineers in charge of building this monstrosity. That's where you come in. I saw you leave the Guild yesterday. Who do you know there?"
Merida had taken several steps back during Emma's rant once she realized the blonde was not looking for a fight. She now cartwheeled her hands in front of her face a few times in a physical show of how tumultuous her thoughts were in that moment. She scrubbed her face and then finally looked at Emma again.
"If I am to understand you correctly, ye think that there is some sort of, what? Evil plot to generate a bunch of magical energy to keep somebody captive but the rest of Camelot thinks it is just to power the spells that run the city?"
"My mom said you were smart." Emma said dryly.
"Who would be at the center of this evil plot then?" Merida asked.
"I'm not sure yet. But you can bet I'll find out. So are you going to help me or not?" Emma asked, hands on her jean-clad hips.
"I don't know how I can help ye. I'm not sure I want to!" Merida pushed passed the blonde woman, taking Angus' reins and leading him to the stable's exit.
"I can see you aren't ready yet," Emma said quietly. "When you are, I'll find you."
Merida watched as Emma tucked her hands into her red leather jacket and headed off down the street without a backwards glance. She shook her head and patted Angus' tall shoulder. The horse leaned back and lipped at one of her red fly-away curls. Affection attended to, she climbed up onto his bare back and guided him with her knees towards the North Ring, putting thoughts of Emma and her crazy conspiracies into the back of her mind to be contemplated later.
It did not take long at all to find the blacksmith's shop that Cornelius had recommended the evening before. Even if she had not been able to get instructions from a helpful sailor, Merida was certain she still could have found the business. Something about it called to her, guided her steps as surely as if the path were marked by will-o-the-wisps. It was like a memory from a dream, though she did not recall ever having dreamed of such a thing. The shop boasted the highly original name of "North Ring Smithy". It was a large open workshop two blocks from the wharfs. The ringing of the hammer striking against the anvil was music to her ears. Or was that actual music? Sure enough, as Merida stepped thru the open door, she could hear someone singing in a lovely, rich tenor, though the words were strange. What could Upendi mean? The question flitted out of her head when she abruptly found herself staring at a strong, sweat-drenched bare back. She gulped. Heat rushed to her cheeks as she studied a pair of broad shoulders thick with muscles that tapered to a trim waist. Her eyes started to scan down past the waistband on the man's pants, but she caught herself with a stern shake of the head.
"Hulloo the shop!" she called.
The blacksmith paused in his work and his singing and turned. Merida was struck by the intensity of the dark-skinned man's emerald-eyed gaze. He raised his left eyebrow, drawing attention to the long vertical scar over that eye.
"Are ye the Viking?" Merida asked.
The man smiled. The change this had on the atmosphere in the shop was instantaneous. Like a bubble popping, the tension in the air evaporated. No longer grim and imposing, his big white teeth flashed against dark skin. His eyes crinkled at the corners in amusement.
"No, Jua, I am not the Viking. You are searching for Horrendous Hiccup." He answered.
"Horrendous Hiccup?" Merida whispered in confusion. Then louder, "Umm…maybe? I'm not really sure. Cornelius Robinson suggested I come here for new weapons." She left out how she felt a strange familiarity with the shop. She did not say how something about the place made her heart skip a beat. Or was it the incredibly handsome company?
"Of course. Cornelius is another good friend of Horrendous Hiccup," the blacksmith gave rapid instructions to another man who took over the forge and gestured for Merida to join him outside away from the heat and the noise. He picked up a towel from a bench near the door along with another article that may have been a shirt – not that he deigned to cover himself. "So, you are a warrior then, Jua?"
"Merida," she corrected. This strange man confused her. The shop confused her. Being outside after the warmth of the shop was like being plunged into an icy lake and she shivered, crossing her arms over her chest and pulling her cloak tighter. "I don't know if I am a warrior. I am a Scout for the King. I lost my sword and my bow and arrows to a hippogriff yesterday and must replace them."
"You fought a hippogriff but you don't know if you're a warrior?" a new voice asked.
"My mate, Kiara," the blacksmith said by way of introduction. "Seems Camelot is overflowing with beautiful warrior women today!" he winked at the newcomer.
"You flirt!" Kiara smacked him gently and then smiled at Merida. She held out her hand and Merida shook it, studying the other woman. Kiara was dressed simply in dark blue jeans, a white cotton shirt and a tan light-weight jacket with wide lapels. Like her husband, she also had a dark complexion. However, where his skin was a dark umbre with cool blue undertones, his wife contrasted him with skin of warm, tawny beige. Large amber eyes framed by thick curling lashes twinkled with amusement beneath obsidian corkscrew curls that floated cloud-like around her face.
Without thinking Merida said, "I wish my curls would behave as yours!" thinking ruefully of the two hours she had spent washing, combing and drying her unruly mop-top the night before. Kiara blinked those big amber eyes and then tilted her head back laughing.
"I like your new friend, Kovu," Kiara finally chuckled. "So, you came looking for Hiccup to make you a new sword and find only my lazy husband," at this Kovu scoffed but Kiara ignored him. "And you need a new bow, too?" Merida handed the other woman her broken bow. Kiara looked it over with a keen interest. "This is a fairy bow, isn't it?" she asked. Merida nodded. "You won't be able to repair this. Fairy magic is too temperamental. But we can certainly get you a new sword."
Disheartened at the loss of her favored weapon, Merida shrugged it off. No sense crying over what was lost. Instead she said, "That would be great. Thank you." Merida accepted the broken pieces of the bow back and slipped them inside her satchel again. "I'm afraid I keep losing my swords. Imps, goblins, trolls, other Scouts…it's almost like a conspiracy to keep me from ever becoming a strong swordswoman! I'm great with me bow, but in tight quarters I have to be able to handle myself with a sword."
"You have been having adventures!" Kiara exclaimed. "I think you may need an enchanted sword. My love, do you have any enchanted swords in the shop?"
Kovu, who had finally pulled on his long-sleeved tunic top to cover his bare chest while the women were talking, now shook his head. "We just delivered a big order of all of our enchanted weapons to the palace last week. Shang has a fine collection of enchanted weapons at the barracks. Maybe he would make a gift of one to you."
"I'm afraid I don't know him," Merida admitted. She had spent some time at the barracks under Eugene's tutelage. They had worked with blunted practice swords against training dummies, but she hadn't spent much time there with other warriors.
"I'm good friends with his wife," Kiara stated confidently, "If you have time now, I can introduce you."
Merida agreed. Kovu offered to have Angus returned to his stable, which Merida accepted graciously. She thanked Kovu for his help and averted her eyes as Kiara lavished her handsome husband with affection before the women started off down the road. Kiara explained to the Highlander about Camelot's population of women warriors. While she had heard before of the female fighters, Merida was surprised to hear that there were so many. She knew that the women here were unlike the villagers back home or the noblewomen she had met in the past. In Camelot there was no "normal" way for women to act, behave, or dress. Everyone did what they wanted. Rapunzel often wore short dresses or skirts and no shoes. She spent her time teaching art, baking, shopping, etc. Her mentor, Snow White, was usually to be found in long pants and a button-up shirt. The queen enjoyed reading quietly and horseback riding, but then could turn around and show Merida a thing or two with the bow! Anna wore a combination of dresses and pants, depending on her mood and what new activity she was trying that day. Anna often said she was determined to try at least one new thing every day – whether it was a new kind of dance, new food, crafting, or a new athletic activity. So it really should not have surprised her to learn that there was a whole group of women who enjoyed getting together to practice the fighting arts. Merida was excited not only to meet them, but to hopefully join their ranks.
It took no time at all to arrive at the barracks. Kiara led the way inside to an office on the first floor. Sitting behind a large wooden desk was a pretty young woman with lots of silky black hair that hung straight to her shoulders and then waved gently down to the middle of her chest. She was dressed in a sleeveless, high-necked pale green top that clung to her curves, tucked in to cobalt blue pants. A brown belt at her waist held her sword. When she glanced up at their arrival, Merida was struck by her eyes which were almond in both color and shape. Her full lips parted in a smile.
"Kiara! I wasn't expecting you today!" the woman came around the desk to hug her friend.
"I've brought a new recruit!" Kiara joked, nudging Merida with an elbow. "This is Merida. She's a King's Scout who has lost her sword. Merida, this is my good friend, Mulan. She's one of the finest swordswomen in Camelot and an excellent teacher."
"Rule number fifteen! A hero is only as good as her weapon!" Mulan joked, shaking hands with Merida. "How did you lose your sword?"
"It's a long story…" Merida started. The two women looked at her expectantly and she chuckled. "Why don't we sit down? I'll spin ya a yarn."
The three women moved to sit in a plush seating area to the side of Mulan's office. Merida stretched out her long legs and crossed them at the ankle, settling into what Rapunzel liked to call her Scottish story-telling pose. Merida was not offended. Being good story-tellers was something her people were quite proud of. At the ring of a bell, servants brought refreshments for them to nibble on while Merida told of her time training with Eugene to become a Scout. She told them of how much she had learned on her first solo mission – especially the importance of packing adequate provisions. Even when it seemed like the job would be an easy one, she had learned nothing was ever truly easy in Camelot. Fortunately, Merida had always been resourceful. She brought them up to speed on her latest run in with the hippogriff and then sat back, tired all over again as though she had relived the adventure. Her audience was impressed.
"It sounds like you've been busy!" Mulan exclaimed. "Well, I think with all the fighting you do in the wilds it's a good idea for you to learn to handle a sword better."
"I know I'm to aim the sharp end of it at the monsters, but I know my form is terrible," Merida admitted with a self-deprecating smile. "I'm much better wi' me bow, but it's nae good for close quarters combat."
"Well you are in luck," Mulan smiled warmly, "I can help you practice your form and footwork. I'll even get you a new sword! My husband has a collection of enchanted swords, including some with built-in return spells."
"That's a spell that magics the sword back to you if you drop it or throw it or what have you," Kiara explained. "Makes it harder to lose your weapon."
"If you'd like, we can head down to the yards and run some drills now. Then I'll send a messenger round with a sword for you later." Mulan offered.
Merida agreed happily, and the three women stood to leave Mulan's office. Mulan led the way first to an armory where she retrieved two swords – one a dull wooden sword and the other a plain broadsword. She explained that she wanted to run a few passes with Merida first to evaluate her baseline and then she would assign the girl exercises to practice with the heavier sword. She explained that practicing with the too-heavy sword would help build her muscles and increase her speed. Merida did not argue. She was grateful for the help.
Outside, Merida noticed a large number of women scattered amongst the male soldiers. They were dressed as the men were. They practiced and sweat and swore like the men. She caught sight of two of the women kissing in the shade of the building and blushed. Was that the way of it then? Were the women just trying to be like the men in every way? Did her participation in this activity mean that she thought herself a man? She glanced over at Kiara and Mulan, who were walking in front of her. She studied their curves, wondering if perhaps she had been looking for a lover amongst the wrong gender. Looking at the women did not make her feel the way she felt when studying a handsome man. She thought back to her shameless appraisal of Kiara's husband earlier inside the blacksmith's shop and flushed with embarrassment. Okay, well she was definitely attracted to men. But how many men could there possibly be that fancied a strong warrior woman? Sure, both Mulan and Kiara were married, but looking back over towards the female lovers she wondered if they had turned to each other because there just weren't that many men interested in a woman who could best him in battle. A tiny voice in the back of her mind whispered that Jim liked her just fine. Och! All this thinking was making Merida's head hurt. She stubbornly pushed aside all thoughts of lovers and decided to concentrate on what she was here for – learning the sword.
Mulan led the way to the center of a practice ring. Kiara found herself a spot on the fence to watch the action. Merida stood in the middle of the ring with Mulan, gripping her wooden practice sword with sweaty palms. Mulan smiled encouragingly and held up a hand, indicating that Merida was to attack first. Merida gulped. She adjusted her grip on the sword and held it out in front of her at the ready. Then with a cry she attacked. Merida lunged forward, bringing her sword down from above. Mulan stepped aside, dodging the attack easily. Merida turned the sword over and swung out sideways. Mulan simply flicked her own sword and pushed aside the attack effortlessly. This continued for several minutes. Merida would hack at the other woman in a frenzy while Mulan would calmly defend. Irritated, Merida again brought her sword in a downward strike towards Mulan's clavicle. For a moment she was worried she would hit the other woman and hurt her. Mulan just smiled, stepping aside and past Merida at the last second. As Merida's momentum carried her forward, Mulan smacked her sharply on the butt with her sword. With an undignified squeal, Merida dropped her sword and clutched her bottom as she fell to the ground. Kiara's laughter rang in her ears. Merida sat in the dirt stunned for several long moments, round cheeks blazing like the sun. Then a pale hand was being offered. Mulan's almond eyes were kind as she helped the other girl to her feet.
"That really wasn't bad for your first time," Mulan offered. "I can see Eugene's influence on your style. But you need to remember that you are not a man. You don't have the same upper body strength that a man has and so you cannot rely on a strategy that utilizes nothing but brute strength. I will teach you to move and flow like bamboo in the breeze."
Merida took in this information without complaint. She knew the other woman was right. Mulan showed her several exercises and set her to practicing on a dummy with the heavy broadsword. Kiara joined her, working on her own form. They practiced together for several hours, until Merida's arms and shoulders were aching and her breath hitched. Mulan tossed her a canteen of water and she could barely lift it to her lips.
"That's enough for today, Merida," Mulan praised her strong work and promised to send some lotions home with her to rub into the new blisters on her hands and into her sore muscles.
"Thank you. I'd hate to be unable to dance tomorrow because I was too stiff an' sore!" Merida admitted with a chuckle. The laugh died on her face as she realized what she had said. It wasn't the admission that she would be dancing, but rather the implication. The only dance tomorrow was the one at the palace. It had been named Cinderella's Waltz and was to be a masquerade ball in celebration of Cinderella and Henry's wedding anniversary. Only the aristocracy would be in attendance. Merida grimaced, wondering if her new friends would regard her differently knowing she was royal.
"You're going too?" Kiara asked with a grin. "That's great! We will all see each other there. I will be wearing a lioness mask, of course."
"I'm wearing a red dragon mask!" Mulan said.
Relieved, Merida told them she would be wearing a bear mask and that she would be arriving in a carriage with several of her friends. Her heart felt lighter now in the presence of these other royal warriors. Women who, like her, straddled the line between being brave, strong warriors one minute and elegant and regal the next. The three talked for a while longer with Kiara telling Merida about what it was like being a princess and a fighter. Apparently where she was from, all of the women were warriors. Mulan promised to tell Merida her own tale of how she stole her father's armor, ran away from home, impersonated a soldier, deceived her commanding officer, destroyed a palace, and saved her country. "Och! You can't just tell me that and then say you'll tell me the tale later!" Merida grumped. Mulan just chuckled and pointed out that Merida was dead on her feet. She waved down a stable boy and had him take Merida home in a cart so she would not have to walk.
Merida thanked her new friends for everything and promised to see them tomorrow at the ball. As she relaxed back in the cart and let herself be carried home, Merida closed her eyes and sighed deeply. No longer distracted by physical exertion, her treacherous mind once again started to mull over that which had brought her to Camelot several months ago: the search for True Love. She had been putting off thinking about it for months now. Instead she had been focusing on getting to know herself, who she was now. She was still brave. She loved the adventures offered by being a Scout. She also loved her girlfriends and being able to do those princess things that she had previously hated. She liked getting dressed up and going dancing. In her lessons with Snow White, Merida was learning that the best leaders were those who were true to their hearts. It was heartwarming to have the approval of her mentor as she took her time getting used to Camelot and herself. Perhaps though she had allowed herself to avoid the idea of love for too long. If she kept it up, she would be accused of cowardice. She could picture Rapunzel's, Anna's, and Charlotte's faces as they questioned why she refused to allow men to court her. They had (mostly) given up on the idea of her marrying Jim. If she didn't find someone on her own soon, they were bound to start bringing suitors by for dinner when she least expected them! Oh well. Nothing to do about it now. She was too tired to think about men right now. Besides, the ball was set for tomorrow. If one believed in all the fairy stories that was the best place to start ones happily ever after. Maybe, just maybe, she really would meet her own Prince Charming at the ball tomorrow night! With that thought, Merida allowed the gentle bumping of the cart down the road to lull her to sleep.
In her dream, Merida remembered her first ball in Camelot. It too had been a masquerade ball. It had been three days since her return from the Fire Falls when Snow White had informed her that she was expected to attend a ball in honor of Sir Lancelot's return to Camelot.
Merida slipped away from the ball and into the cool night air. The breeze lifted heavy tendrils of flame-colored hair away from her neck. She closed her eyes and willed the wind to carry away her fears, her insecurities, and her doubts. She begged the wind to silence that small voice inside her that kept asking "What are you doing here?" Merida opened her eyes. Someone had spoken the words out loud. Turning wild blue eyes, she found herself staring into the strong face of a female warrior. The woman had chestnut brown hair pulled back from her oval face and tied in a tail at the nape of her neck. Her deep brown eyes were full of curiosity and lacking any malice. Most surprising was that the woman was wearing gleaming silver plate armor, like the knights of the round table. "Are you lost?" The woman asked, having noted Merida's fine ball gown, carefully styled hair, and makeup beneath the peacock mask that concealed her identity. The knight assumed that this was a ball guest who had taken a wrong turn and ended up outdoors. "No ma'am, I am not lost." At least not physically, she thought. "I just needed a bit o' fresh air is all."
"Is this your first ball?" the lady knight asked.
Merida sighed. "Is it that obvious?"
"Just a guess. Are you not having a good time?"
"It's not that. It's just me. I'm thinking too much." Merida studied this strange lady knight. She felt no judgement from her, just friendly curiosity. "May I ask you a question?"
"Go right ahead."
"Are ye really a knight?"
The stranger laughed. "Why yes! Yes I am. I'm Sir Kayley." She held out her hand and Merida clasped it, smiling and blushing a little. "My father, Sir Lionel, was a trusted knight of the round table. He defended King Arthur with his life when I was very young. Growing up, I always knew that I wanted to be a knight, just like my father. And now I am!"
Merida shook her head. "Camelot is such a strange place. Queens who work! Lady knights! What next? Dragons?"
"You haven't seen the dragons?" Kayley asked, her head tilted slightly to one side. Merida wasn't sure if the lady knight was serious or not. She let the question drop.
"If your father was a knight, your mother was a lady. How is it a lady of gentle birth, such as yourself, was able to become a knight? Didn't they try to stop you?"
Kayley huffed out a breath. "It wasn't the easiest thing, I'll say that. But it was my Dream. I knew that if I wanted it bad enough, worked hard enough, and refused to give up that I would become a knight." She shrugged as if that was all there was to it. Merida wondered for a moment if love was like that; if she could just wish hard enough then she could fall in love. The Blue Fairy had said she would find her love here. She just had to trust that. Merida sighed a little and turned her gaze up to the stars. There it was. The thing that had started this whole crazy adventure. The evening star shone even brighter in Camelot. The two women were quiet for several minutes. Then Merida spoke, "Since I've been here, I have felt off-kilter. My whole life I was brought up to think that a lady, a princess, behaves a certain way. Yet everywhere I turn in Camelot there are women like you. Women who do not behave as Ladies and yet are accepted for what they are. I wish I had the same sense of purpose you do."
Kayley took Merida by the hand and led her to a little bench beneath a towering oak tree. "It's a difficult transition for many, when they first arrive in Camelot. Even though I was born in this world, it was hard for me to overcome my family's desires for me. Or should I say, what my mother wanted for me? But I wanted to live my life the way my father said I would. With courage as my light, fighting for what's right, the way he made me believe I could."
Merida remembered fondly the day her father had given her her first bow. The same day he lost his leg. "My father always supported me wanting to be a warrior. My mother though," Merida blew out a breath, "She wanted to prepare me to be queen one day. She didn't think there was much room for warrior stuff. We've mended our bond, but I've started to think she may be right. How can I be both?"
"Maybe that's what you are here in Camelot to learn." Kayley suggested gently. "There are more than a few warrior maidens here, you'll see."
Merida liked that idea. She would seek out these other women warriors. Then she blushed. "Do men, that is to say, how do the lads feel about…I mean…?"
Kayley laughed outright. Merida blushed scarlet feeling like a fool. "Oh Princess!" Kayley brushed a tear from her eye and touched a hand to Merida's shoulder. "Is that what you're worried about? I can tell you all of the women warriors who want to be are happily married to men who understand them. Not all men do, but then there only needs to be one. How could you be happy with a man who didn't love all of you? If being a warrior is part of you, then you have got to embrace it."
Merida nodded. She felt better after the short conversation with Sir Kayley than she had felt since this strange adventure had begun. The two lapsed into companionable silence for a time. When Merida had determined she'd spent enough time hiding she stood and brushed off her beautiful skirts. Sir Kayley nodded in approval and offered her arm to escort Merida back to the ballroom. As they approached the side door, it swung open. A handsome knight with shoulder length straw-colored hair and pale eyes stood there, staff in hand. "Kayley?" He inquired softly. "Here, Garrett," Kayley responded. "I'm just escorting Princess Merida back to the ball." Merida didn't ask how the lady knight came to know her first name. Sir Garrett nodded, holding the door open with his staff until they had crossed over the threshold. Together the three moved down the long stone corridor back towards the lights, the music, and the laughter. Merida wondered if she could find a nice corner in which to stand alone. The two knights bid Merida a good evening and as she thanked them and turned to the party, she glimpsed Sir Garrett clasp Sir Kayley's hand and bring it to his lips for a tender kiss. A woman could be a lady, soft and genteel, and she could be a knight, brave and strong, and that did not make her un-loveable!
The room was full of beautiful men and women. They danced. They laughed. They twirled beneath the soft glow of ever-changing lights. Merida allowed the wonder and magic to wash over her as she swayed gently to the music. Despite the masks the guests wore, Merida was able to tell who many of the guests were. She saw Snow White dancing with her handsome husband, David. The two only had eyes for each other as they waltzed around the floor in graceful circles. Her neighbor, Vladimir, proved light on his feet as well with a large blonde woman in a fashionable pink gown. "That must be Sophie!" Merida thought to herself. Rapunzel smiled and waved to Merida enthusiastically behind Eugene's back as they swished by. There were others, so many others. She recognized many of the couples she had met in her short time in Camelot. Belle and Adam. Anna and Kristoff. Giselle and a handsome, dark-haired man. They were all enjoying their fairy tale endings. She noted more than a few couples of two women or two men dancing together as well, something she had never encountered in Dun Broch but seemed to be accepted here in Camelot.
Merida became aware of someone watching her. She turned to her left, bringing her gaze up to meet stormy gray eyes behind a black half-face mask. Long brunette hair, almost shoulder length framed a chiseled face. He wore a handsome black velvet tunic over a crimson silk shirt and hose the dark green of a deep forest. "My lady," the man bowed gracefully, "May I have this dance?" Merida brought her eyes back up to his and wondered, "Are you him?" Then she shook the question from her head. The man looked startled. He thought she was declining his invitation and Merida reached out impulsively to grab onto his upper arms, noting how strong he felt beneath his fine clothes. "I'm sorry!" she gasped out. "I was just trying to clear my head! Yes! I'd love to dance!" The man offered a dashing smile. Merida touched her own mask self-consciously. She wondered if the emerald peacock feathers were able to hide her blush. Her partner offered his hand and Merida accepted. She allowed him to glide her out onto the dance floor.
"May I ask your name, fair lady?" the gentleman asked.
"Princess Merida of Dun Broch," she answered, "And you sir?"
"Sir Lancelot Du Lac, at your service, m'lady."
Someone was shaking her. Merida blinked open tired eyes and looked around in confusion. She was in the back of a small cart. A young boy was regarding her shyly. "I'm sorry to wake ya, ma'am, but we're here. You're here. I mean. You're home now." He gestured behind her. Merida turned her head. There was her apartment building. She blushed and thanked the lad, climbing out of the cart and dragging herself into the building. The doorman made a joke about her always looking so bedraggled when she returned home, which Merida chose to ignore. She crossed the ornately decorated lobby to the elevator and pressed the button. When the doors dinged open, she moved slowly inside and pressed the button for her floor. She rested her head against the wall, allowing her eyes to droop closed while the elevator whisked her upstairs. When the doors opened again, Merida made her way to her apartment on auto-pilot. No sooner had the door closed behind her, Merida was stripping out of her things. Her belt dropped to the floor in the hallway. She walked out of one boot then the next on her way passed the living room. She shimmied out of her pants in the kitchen where she grabbed a large glass of water and drank it almost in one gulp. Her top fell outside the bathroom door and her underthings made it to the cold tile floor as she turned on the faucet for a shower. Fifteen minutes later, Merida flopped face-down on her bed, naked, and was instantly asleep.
"Why are you always naked?" a familiar voice asked. Merida felt a heavy blanket fall across her nude form and blinked blearily.
"Rapunzel?"
"Yes! You missed dinner last night, girl!" the barefoot princess groused. Merida just groaned and snuggled under the newly provided covers. "Merida! You've got to get up! We have to get ready for the ball! Charlotte and Anna are going to be here soon and you're still in bed. Naked!"
"I was too tired to put on bedclothes last night." Merida rolled over, parting her wild red hair with her hands to view her friend, "I finally met those women warriors everyone kept telling me about. Mulan helped me with some sword training."
"Oh Mulan's so sweet! I'll bet she's the one who sent that care package. I found it by the front door. Its filled with lotions and potions for sore muscles and whatnot. I left it on the counter in the kitchen for you." Rapunzel sighed and walked to Merida's closet. She selected a soft blue button-up shirt and a short brown skirt, tossing them on the bed for her friend. Then she disappeared again into the bottom of the closet in search of shoes. Merida rolled herself out of bed and crossed to her dresser to pull out underthings. Clad in only white cotton underwear and brassiere, Merida shuffled out to the kitchen. She found the basked where Rapunzel had said and wincing lifted the note that was tied to its handle with a string.
Merida,
You did excellent work today and I know you are going to feel it tomorrow! You'll find three days work of tonics for sore muscles in the glass tubes. Drink one first thing when you get up with a full breakfast. The purple jar contains a body lotion which will help. Have a friend rub some into your back and shoulders too! The little green jar is aloe for your face – even though it was cold yesterday, the sun was out in full force. My experience with red-heads is that you tend to burn easily. Finally, there's an orange tub with a blue lid on it full of linament oil for your hands. Use a liberal amount and then wrap your hands for at least an hour. Remember to drink plenty of water today too! Can't wait to see you tonight at the ball.
Mulan
P.S. Save the small brown package for last!
Merida smiled at the note and eyeing the potions longingly, turned to start on breakfast. She had learned the hard way that if the apothecary said to eat with a potion, you had best eat! Otherwise you're likely to spend the whole day with stomach gripes. "Have ye eaten yet then, Rapunzel?" Merida called as she placed a large cast iron on the stove. She could hear the other princess scurrying around and could guess that her friend's obsessive-compulsive cleaning habit had reared its head. "I'll eat if you're cooking!" Rapunzel called back. Within twenty minutes Merida had the table lain with a full Scotch breakfast. There were bannocks and jelly, fresh fruit, fluffy eggs and crispy bacon, and of course porridge. Rapunzel returned the broom to its cubby off the kitchen and rolled her eyes at her friend's continued state of undress as she crossed to the table. Her nose wrinkled at the sight of the porridge. Merida just shrugged and shoveled hers in quickly. "You'll never find a Scotchman complaining of constipation!" Merida pointed out as she finished off the bowl and then dug into a plate heaped high with eggs. Rapunzel laughed as she buttered one of the biscuits. "I read the note. After you eat, I'll help you with the lotions. You look like you need them." Merida nodded and scooped up one of the glass tubes of potions, finishing it in one gulp and pulling a face at the taste. Rapunzel giggled again and reached into the basket for the first tub of lotion.
Some thirty minutes later, greased from head to toe and finally wearing clothes, Merida opened the front door of her apartment to admit Charlotte, Anna, and Tiana. The three women rolled in with all of the grace and noise of a landslide. Merida just shook her head as she reached for a jacket near the door. Rapunzel had just finished tidying the kitchen and emerged drying her hands on a small hand towel. The brunette grinned from ear to ear and asked if the ladies were ready for a full day of pampering. This was greeted with a hardy cheer and next moment, Merida found herself pressed in amongst this gaggle of girls on the way down the elevator and out to town.
"I'm so glad you could come, Tia!" Charlotte was saying, "I have the best feeling about tonight. I just know I'm going to meet my very own Prince Charming at a masquerade ball."
"That's wonderful, Lottie," Tiana winked at Merida. They had given up on telling Charlotte that the right man would be a prince in her heart, even if not in title.
"Have you been able to get approval for your sister to join you in Camelot, Anna?" Merida asked. Her last mission had kept her out in the field for several weeks and she was eager to catch up on the gossip. Anna had been trying to get approval from the King's Council to give her sister the Queen of Arendelle access to Camelot almost since she first arrived herself.
"No!" Anna exclaimed, "And I don't understand. Why would they invite me and Kristoff but not my sister? I'm not the queen! I'm not in charge of anything."
"But if your sister never marries, you will one day inherit the kingdom," Rapunzel pointed out kindly.
"I don't want to rule Arendelle! That's Elsa's job and then her children's job when she has kids." Anna jutted her chin out in a familiar show of stubbornness.
The group stepped out of the lobby and into the waiting carriage, continuing their conversation from the warmth of the coach's interior.
"Anna, didn't you say your sister is cursed with a frozen touch?" Tiana asked.
"It isn't a curse," Anna tried to explain, "She's just magical, that's all. There are so many magical people here in Camelot I'm sure that if they would just let her come, she would find her own True Love."
"I wonder what their objection is to Elsa learning of Camelot." Tiana and Charlotte exchanged puzzled glances. From her seat across from them, Merida was reminded of her strange conversation with the Princess Emma yesterday. Could this be related? When Merida had first arrived in Camelot, Snow White had cautioned her that the fairies were not as altruistic as they seemed. How did they choose who was allowed into Camelot and who was not?
"It may have something to do with the timeline," Rapunzel said softly. The other girls looked to her questioningly. "Well, I mean there are people in Camelot from all different realms and times. I remember talking to Merlin once about it. They have to be very careful not to unduly influence any one time as the repercussions can't be fully understood. Maybe there's something about Elsa's magic that would, I don't know, mess up Camelot's own magic? Or maybe she'd be imperious to the spells that make us forget things when we go home? I don't know I'm just guessing!"
"Well whatever the reason, I'm sorry for ye, Anna." Merida reached across and squeezed her friend's hand.
"It's alright. Let's not talk about it anymore." Anna squeezed back. Then her face took on a mischievous look. "So…I hear that Captain Hawkins is going to escort you to the ball tonight." She waggled her eyebrows suggestively.
Merida laughed outright. "Aye, the captain is going to escort me tonight. Jim and I are friends, nothing more."
"You keep saying that, but I've seen the way he looks at you." Anna pointed out. Rapunzel elbowed her cousin in the ribs. "Ouch!"
"I've never met the good captain," Tiana said.
"Neither have I," Charlotte said, touching a finger to her chin in thought, "Now that I think of it, I can scarcely believe we've never crossed paths."
"Ever since our return from the Fire Falls, Jim's ship has been much requested for missions by other scouts and the king himself. He stays so busy, I hardly ever see him anymore either." Merida admitted, "But you'll meet him tonight."
"That's right! The men are picking us up in front of our building this evening," Rapunzel exclaimed.
Hiccup was roused from sleep by an incessant pounding at the door to his chambers in the castle. He bounded from bed, landing in a one-legged crouch as he did not routinely sleep with his prosthetic on, with his dagger in hand. Looking around in confusion, he realized the banging was not a raid but rather someone trying to get his attention. Glancing to the corner of the room, Hiccup realized Toothless must be out and about – probably playing with the wild dragons on the outskirts of Camelot. His visitor banged on the door again, louder. This time a voice accompanied the pounding. "Horrendous Hiccup! I know you are in there, my friend!"
Rolling his eyes, Hiccup hopped to the door and unbolted it. Standing in his doorway, looking too large and too happy to be allowed when someone was as tired as Hiccup, was Kovu. Having permitted his friend entry, Hiccup groused back over towards his bed and flopped down on the edge to strap on his leg.
"I saw your mighty dragon this morning and knew that you must have returned." Kovu said by way of explanation. "For this, I am glad. My mate is forcing me to attend another one of the palace's formal dances tonight."
Hiccup chuckled, "Well count me out. I've got work to do,"
"Oh Hiccup, you must come!" Kovu picked up the dagger his friend had set down, balancing it expertly on its tip and the end of his finger. "You know I cannot stand all the prancing and preening that goes on at these events."
"And you think I like them!" Hiccup asked incredulously. Having attended to his leg, the Viking stood and crossed to his bathroom.
Kovu simply continued speaking to Hiccup thru the closed door. "No sane man likes these things. I am most certain that they were invented by women as a form of torture for their mates. But you must come all the same. My mate insists."
"If Kiara wants to go, you have to go with her," Hiccup said as he came out the bathroom, shaking water off his hands. "You have to go. Not me."
"Ah! But you see, Kiara has met a new friend and she has it in her head now to introduce the two of you. So you must come and I must help you make ready or be forced to sleep on the floor until I find some way to get back into my mate's good graces."
Hiccup groaned in an exaggerated fashion. He leaned a hip against his work desk, somehow managing not to knock over any of the hundred stacks of papers and schematics that littered the space. "Not another set up! Between Kiara and my mother I…I'm fed up! I'm sick and tired of women! They hear that I'm single and they can't wait to introduce me to their cousin, or their aunt or their best friend…none of whom actually want to meet me! The women in my village are terrified of what Astrid will say if they agree to go on a date with me. The women at court are horrified by my leg," at this he stuck out the peg leg and shook it.
"Some of the women were willing to overlook your missing appendage when I told them that you were a king in your land." Kovu pointed out.
"Wonderful! They only want to be with me for my title." Hiccup could not resist the urge to roll his eyes.
"I understand your concern," Kovu placated. He prowled over to where Hiccup stood and placed his large hands on the Viking's shoulders. "But you must still come to the ball and meet this newest trollop or my wife will lop off your other leg."
Hiccup had a feeling Kovu was not joking. With a sigh he allowed his friend to manhandle him out the door of his suite and off to the castle tailors. He learned that tonight's ball was a formal occasion to celebrate Queen Cinderella and King Henry's wedding anniversary. Standing before the tiny troll tailor, Hiccup eyed the formal black and white tuxedo with some disdain. He never had to wear such nonsense back home. Kovu of course managed to still look handsome and dangerous in his tux and the scoundrel winked a big green eye upon seeing Hiccup assessing him in the mirror. The tailor had said something, but Hiccup had missed it while glaring at his friend. The troll huffed something in its native language and spoke again, in the deep gravely voice of his people. "You want I should put an enchantment on that leg for the ball?"
"An enchantment? What for?" Hiccup stared down at the tiny creature.
"I could enchant it so you look like you've got two good legs instead of one. Just for the night mind you. You want extra enchantments, that'll cost extra."
Hiccup and Kovu exchanged startled looks and then Kovu laughed. "What was that you were saying about the courtly ladies being offended by your missing leg? Now no one will notice!" Hiccup thanked the troll and as they strolled out of the tailor's rooms in their fine clothes he thought tonight might not actually be that bad.
Several hours later, the women returned to the lobby of the apartment building. They stood together admiring the effects of their preparations in the floor to ceiling mirrors. They'd gone from one salon to the next, first having their hands and feet scrubbed and nails painted, then to a light lunch at an outdoor café, then to a hair salon where Rapunzel had allowed the fairies to brush her hair out to its magical blonde glory. They had their faces painted and then gone to the dress shop to get into their gowns, having them hemmed and altered magically as needed. In honor of Cinderella, the women were all sporting glass slippers in varying shades that matched their gowns. A little jewelry stall had provided that last bit of frosting and now they stood ready to put on their masks.
Rapunzel was resplendent in a lilac a-line gown with a deep v-neck and full sleeves. The skirt was embroidered with pink, white, and purple flowers.. She topped it with a matching flowered mask. Tiana was effervescent in a one-shoulder, draped, emerald gown. Golden flower earrings and a purple, green, and gold Mardi Gras style mask topped by her dark curly hair with a few golden streaks in it completed the ensemble. Anna had selected a royal blue gown with a scoop necked, beaded top, and ¾ length sleeves. A satin ribbon was tied about her waist from which the skirt flowed. She wore a thin black velvet choker and pearl stud earrings and a matching dark blue mask with intricate lacy swirls and beads. Charlotte was in her signature pink color. Her gown boasted a sweetheart neckline, no sleeves but a pair of white gloves that came up past the elbow. She had a full skirt all covered in flounces and lace. It should have been ridiculous, but she was so sweet that Merida had to smile. Merida herself was wearing a beautiful gray and white ensemble. The bodice was cut almost scandalously low, the sleeves started off the shoulder and ended in lacy bells just after the elbow. The bodice created an inverted triangle in white, covered in silver leaves. The white continued down the center of the skirt with the silver leaves becoming more numerous as they approached the bottom of the skirt. Almost looking like a second dress that met on either side of the ethereal white and silver, the remainder of her gown was a deep gray. Her curls had been pulled up into a large bun atop her head, with several flyaway pieces free around her face, ears and neck. A thin piece of lace wrapped about the long column of her neck was her only other ornamentation. Merida fingered the deep gray half face mask shaped like a bear's face. She and Charlotte were the only ones not to have put their masks on yet.
"Be still my heart," came a fervent male plea from behind them. Merida turned to see Eugene clutching his chest dramatically as his eyes took in the sight of his beautiful wife. Rapunzel chuckled and crossed to him as though she were floating across the floor. Eugene swept Rapunzel into an embrace and dipped his head to kiss her thoroughly. Merida averted her eyes only to see that the other two married women were receiving similar treatment from their husbands. With a slight huff, Merida turned back to the door. There stood Jim. He was pristine in his white and gold military uniform, topped with a gold mask that did not hide how wide his eyes were or how flushed his face was. Merida was momentarily embarrassed, thinking this reaction was to her own appearance. Jim began to cross the floor slowly and Merida quickly realized that his trajectory was off. He was not coming to sweep Merida up for breathy kisses like the other men had with their wives. But no. Jim walked right passed Merida and offered a courtly bow to the blonde and pink confectionary that stood slightly to Merida's right. Merida was opening her mouth to tell Jim not to waste his time since Charlotte was only interested in finding a prince, but she stopped herself. Charlotte's expression mimicked Jim's own. As Jim straightened, the two locked eyes and Merida felt the charge of electricity from several feet away.
"Captain James Hawkins, at your service my lady," Jim intoned formally.
"Lady Charlotte La Bouff," Charlotte dipped a deep curtsy herself.
"Lady Charlotte," Jim breathed her name like a prayer, "Might I have the pleasure of escorting you to the ball this evening?"
Merida winced. He was supposed to be her date! But watching the two together, she had to admit that they made a handsome couple. Something had clearly passed between them in that moment of first meeting. Was this love at first sight? She had heard of the phenomenon but of course had some difficulty in believing it. Charlotte was shaking her head slowly from side to side, as if dazed.
"My dear captain, I do believe you are already promised this night." Charlotte's words seemed heavy with regret, her deep southern drawl even more pronounced in its sadness. But Charlotte was a good friend and despite whatever her feelings were, she would not intentionally poach Merida's man. Charlotte looked over to Merida helplessly.
Merida crossed over and squeezed Charlotte's hand in reassurance. "It's alright, Charlotte," she shifted her gaze to Jim who appeared startled at seeing Merida. Clearly he had not noticed anyone beyond Charlotte from the moment he walked in the room. The captain had the good grace to appear sheepish. Merida waved away their mutual discomfiture. "Please, Charlotte, allow Captain Hawkins to escort you tonight. I was hoping to catch up with some other friends once we arrived and now I won't need to worry about who will keep poor Jim company in my absence."
Jim and Charlotte were once again lost in each other's eyes. They both murmured some form of "Well if you're sure…" for form's sake. Merida heard Tiana asking her husband what had happened to him obtaining a date for Charlotte and wondering if they could escort Merida. Naveen rubbed the back of his neck as he admitted he had forgotten to ask his prince friend if he was coming.
"Do not worry, Merida," Naveen flashed a charming smile, "There will be plenty of eligible bachelors at the ball, I am sure. It will be my pleasure to introduce you to some of my friends once we arrive." Tiana scowled at her husband and tried to apologize to Merida. Merida felt her cheeks flushing with embarrassment as Tiana, Anna, and Rapunzel all suddenly realized that she was now dateless. Their sympathetic looks made Merida want to run upstairs, throw her gown in a corner of her room and cry until she fell asleep. Instead she put on her mask and a brave face and asked if they were all ready to go. The four couples and Merida climbed into the waiting carriage and headed off to the castle for what was bound to be an incredibly romantic evening…for most of them.
Two hours later and after several fortifying glasses of wine, Merida found that she was indeed enjoying herself. Each of her friends' dates had insisted upon twirling Merida around the dance floor for a dance or two. They were determined to make up for her lack of date by forcing her to dance more than she really wanted so she would not feel left out. She had just extricated herself from Kristoff's clumsy attempts at dancing with the excuse of needing to find the ladies' room. Slipping off towards the edge of the dance floor, Merida turned back to watch her friends. The music was in full swing. The Grand Ballroom was decorated in beautiful blues and silvers, from the drapes to the huge floral arrangements. Surrounding the large dance floor were round tables draped in silver linens, with blue and silver centerpieces topped by glass slippers and surrounded by tiny white votive candles. The whole scene was incredibly romantic. Everyone seemed to be having a marvelous time. The couples were paired up again. Eugene twirled Rapunzel around the dance floor, the latter appearing to float on air. Naveen led Tiana around with a gentle grace. He was clearly a wonderful dancer. Tiana had admitted she was not very good at dancing but enjoyed it because her husband loved it so much. Kristoff and Anna laughed as they stepped on each other's toes or bumped into other couples in their sad approximation of formal dancing. They were so clearly in love with each other that their poor form was nothing in the face of their happiness. Nearby, Jim and Charlotte dipped and swayed as though they had known each other forever. They seemed to know each other's movements before they were made and twirled effortlessly through the crowded room, lost in each other's eyes. Merida watched them for a few moments more before turning away.
Perhaps a trip to the loo was a good idea after all. The princess made her way to the ladies' bathroom. After tending her business, she splashed some cool water on her face and studied her reflection in the mirror. She was a handsome woman. She was brave and spirited but also gentle and kind. She was not unlovable. Why then could she not fall in love? One of the other stalls opened and closed. Merida wiped her eyes quickly to hide any mistiness and reached again for her mask.
"Merida! There you are!" a familiar voice said. Merida glanced up and saw a young woman with straight black hair like silk wearing a beautiful red and gold dress with a red dragon mask. The woman lifted the mask and smiled. It was Mulan. "I've been hoping to bump into you. Are you here with anyone?"
"I came with some friends," Merida nodded, tying her mask back on as the two stepped out of the bathroom and started back towards the ball. "They are all dancing right now. I was planning to come looking for you and Kiara."
"We're all over this way," Mulan pointed, "come on!"
Mulan led the way to the other side of the ballroom and several tables occupied by her friends. She introduced Princesses Mei, Su, and Ting-Ting and their respective husbands. Kiara stood up from her table next to the Shang's and hugged Merida. "I'm so glad you made it!" Even with the lioness mask, Merida recognized her friend. Her tan gown hugged her curves and somehow made her appear beautifully feminine and yet strong simultaneously. "We were just taking a quick break and grabbing a bite to eat. Sit with us." Merida took a seat at the table between Mulan and Kiara and the three fell into easy conversation. The table was laden with finger foods: cheese and meats and fruits. The girls nibbled as they talked and Merida found she was enjoying herself immensely. The music faded out and there was an announcement that they were too far away to hear clearly. The three friends craned their heads to see as the dance floor suddenly cleared and Cinderella and Henry took their places in the center of the room. The music began again, softly and the royal couple began to dance. After a couple of minutes, the Queen beckoned for everyone to join them and the dance floor filled with lovers. Merida saw Snow White and her husband amongst all the other royalty. Kovu materialized out of the shadows and whisked his wife away to dance. Mulan stood also, taking the hand of a man in a matching dragon mask. Merida watched her friends go with a small pang of jealousy. Suddenly she realized she was not alone.
Seated at the next table over was a man. He had shaggy brown hair, braided in several places. His hair fell over the top of the black dragon-shaped mask he wore. The man must have felt her stare for suddenly she found her eyes locked with a pair of intelligent, eyes the same blue as a storm off the sea. For the first time in her life, Merida felt her heart skip a beat. Her breath caught in her chest as she tried to remember did she usually have to think about breathing? Her bodice felt tight. The air in the room was suddenly too warm. She wished he would blink so that she might free herself from his gaze and yet she also felt like she never wanted this moment to end. Someone passed between their two tables, breaking the moment. Merida blushed and looked down at her hands. What was that? Should she get up and go over to him? Did she have a kerchief she aught to drop on the floor? No, surely such a feminine gesture was beneath her. Plus it was so dark probably he wouldn't see her drop the darned thing. While she waffled back and forth trying to figure out what to do, the man stood. Merida's eyes leapt back up. Was he leaving? No. The man made his way around his table towards her. Something about the way he walked seemed off and yet oddly familiar. Merida didn't have time to dwell on that thought as suddenly the man was standing before her. He offered a hesitant bow. Could he be feeling the same uncertainty that she felt? White teeth flashed in a smile and Merida noticed he had a small silver scar running vertically down his clean-shaven chin.
"It…uh…it seems a shame that y-you should miss out on the Cinderella Waltz, my lady," the man spoke. He tripped and stuttered over his words endearingly. Merida caught a faint flush on the man's cheeks as he offered his hand. "M-may I have this dance?"
Merida did not remember putting her hand into his larger one or being pulled to a stand. It was as though one moment she was seated at the table and the next she was flying. He was not the smoothest dancer, though he seemed to know the steps well enough. No, there was that something about how he moved that was too disjointed to be graceful. Yet Merida felt like they were the king and queen themselves, floating beautifully around the dance floor. His hand was slightly sweaty in hers, but she enjoyed the warmth his body exuded as he pulled her slightly closer than was proper. Merida tilted her head up and caught his eyes again. She felt giddy and silly and shy all at once. She had to know… "Do ye…that is…do you feel it too?" she asked. She tried to keep the broad Scots out of her voice so that he might understand her but felt like she may not understand his answer as all of her thoughts were twirling about in Gaelic. She needn't have worried as his answer was a nonverbal nodding of his head.
They danced through the waltz and the next three songs before they realized the first song was over. They had not spoken after Merida's softly voiced question. It was as though their souls knew each other already and it was only their minds and bodies that needed to catch up.
"I think the song is ended," Merida whispered.
"Yeah…"
"Should we stop?" she asked.
"I don't want to," the man responded and then blushed, "I'm sorry. Are you tired? We can stop if you want to."
"I dinna wish to stop either," Merida felt her own face flame, "I feel as though I could dance with ye all through the night and never tire."
"Me too." He answered. So they didn't stop. They kept right on dancing through the next song and the next.
Was it the light in the room or was his face getting closer? Merida tilted her head slightly. Her body was flush against his. She could feel the strength of his arms and the drumming of his heart in his chest. His eyes were at half-mast as he dipped his head down towards her. Merida closed her eyes as her lips parted. She felt his warm breath on her face for a moment and then it was gone. An icy chill crept through the princess' body and she blinked her eyes open in confusion. A pale-skinned man with white-blonde hair and eyes like ice had put his hand upon both of their shoulders. Apparently, they had jumped away from each other in embarrassment at being caught and now stood several feet apart. Funny how Merida could not recall the movement.
"There you are, buddy!" the newcomer was saying to her dance partner. With a blush Merida realized she had been about to kiss a man whose name she did not even know. "Cornelius sent me. There's trouble at the lab. He needs you right away."
"Right now?" her partner said, eyes flicking from the newcomer to Merida and back again. "Is it serious?"
"He said it was an emergency. I'm sorry, but you need to come now." And he began to pull the other man away.
"Wait!" Merida called. Her partner, who had seemed like he was going to rush off into the night, paused and returned to her. He took her hand and looked into her eyes. "I don't even know your name," she whispered.
"Even if I tell you, you won't be able to remember tomorrow," he said sadly, "Didn't you hear that they had placed a Cinderella Enchantment on the ball tonight?" Merida vaguely remembered hearing Charlotte complain about it while they had been out earlier in the day. She was worried she would meet her prince and then would not be able to find him next day because of the silly enchantment. It was supposed to be romantic. It was meant to simulate the circumstances of Cinderella and Henry's first ball. Oh! she wished she had paid better attention to that particular story. How had the lovers found each other afterwards?
"We have to go now!" the newcomer insisted.
Her dance partner squeezed her hand, "I'll figure something out. Don't worry. I'll find you."
Merida stood alone on the dance floor and watched the two men disappear. Somewhere nearby a clock began to chime midnight. Merida looked down at the floor. One of her glass slippers poked out from beneath the edge of her gown. Merida let out a single, strangled sob upon seeing it and a tear rolled down her cheek.
Author's Note: Thank you so much to everyone who has read and reviewed. Special shout out to QueenLinear who must've sat and binge-read this entire thing. Bless you! I was thinking there was something wrong with my email because I had so many emails from and then I realized that it was you, reading and reviewing. I was having a rough day at work and those reviews were just the pick me up I needed, so thank you truly. I hope that this extra long chapter lives up to everyone's expectations and has been worth the wait. I almost split it into two chapters, but I had promised the fated meeting between our two star-crossed lovers would happen in this chapter so I kept it all together. Poor Merida seems to be getting the short end of the stick here, but rest assured things are looking up. Hiccup is not going to let something like a little enchantment stand in the way of love! More adventure and romance to follow! Thanks again everyone! ~ BourbonCowboy