Merida's Perspective

Dinner time had rolled around much too soon for her liking. She really hadn't wanted to attend but her mother wouldn't hear of it. It wasn't as bad as she thought it would be. Sure she had to sit with her suitors but at least they weren't bringing up the events from earlier. She was seated between Young Macintosh and Young Macguffin. Wee Dingwall sat across from her. They spent the better portion of dinner chatting away. Occasionally Young Macintosh would try to impress her with tales of his experiences in battle, she would just roll her eyes and laugh.

They were all getting along well enough, that is until the Queen decided it was time for some festivities.

Musicians began bringing their instruments to life and filling the room with a joyous song. Merida sat there and watched, slowly pairs began to dance. Why even her mother and father were dancing. That was such a rare sight to see on account of that her father wasn't exactly the most graceful dancer.

She felt some movement on her left side and looked up to see Young Macintosh standing. He held his hand out to her and asked "Might I have this dance?"

She wanted to say no but she had caught her mother's gaze. Her mother made a motion for her to go on and dance with the lad. She sighed mentally, now she really had to dance with him. She placed her hand in his and with all the graciousness she could muster answered "I'd love to."

He led her to the dance floor where he proceeded to try and "romance" her.

"My dear princess, you're the fairest lass I've ever laid eyes on." He said. He gave her a small spin and continued "Hair the color of a setting sun and eyes that rival the sky after the rain has cleared away."

"You're far too kind." She answered. Young Macintosh gave her a dazzling smile and Merida had to resist the urge to gag. He was far too good at this courting business. She wondered how many a poor lass had fallen for such pretty words. Pretty words meant nothing for a bold lass like her. She had always believed that actions spoke louder than any words could ever speak.

Her eyes wandered around and landed on Young Macguffin. She noticed the look on his face. A look of disappointment and sadness. He noticed her and shyly smiled at her, she was about to smile in return but Young Macintosh had turned them so that she no longer saw Young Macguffin.

Merida looked up at Young Macintosh and noticed something frightening. His face was mere inches away from hers! She let out a shriek and pushed him back with all her might. He landed on the floor with a very loud ufff. The room went completely silent and she could feel everyone watching her. Before she could think her legs moved on their own accord and she ran out of the room. She ran straight outside.

She made her way to a nearby field. She walked far enough to be alone but close enough that she could still see the lights of the castle. She sat there, trying her hardest to process what had just happened.

Young Macguffin's Perspective

"If you're going to pout like that, you should have asked her to dance." Wee Dingwall said.

"A dinnae ken (I don't know) …." He started to say but Dingwall interrupted him.

"I know you like the little princess." He said. He took a swig of some drink and continued on "It's not that hard to pick up. Especially the way you reacted earlier when you saved her. You looked like you wanted to kiss her then."

Young Macguffin blushed but didn't deny it. Rather than answering he turned his back on Dingwall.

He heard Dingwall chuckle behind him. "See" Dingwall said "that just proves it."

Young Macguffin proceeded to ignore Dingwall. He took to looking around the room instead. He spied the king and queen dancing rather closely. He noticed that the music had become slower and held more emotion. He caught a flash of red and his eyes followed.

He saw Macintosh talking to the princess. He felt a bit jealous that it wasn't him who was guiding her out there. He couldn't stop the small bit of disappointment that had settled in. He caught her eye and smile to her.

Macintosh turned her around and glared at the Young Macguffin before he smirked. Young Macguffin gave him a confused look before he noticed Macintosh's face creeping closer to Merida's. Young Macguffin stood at that moment and was about to call out, when the princess beat him to it. He watched the lass push the scoundrel to the floor before she ran out.

He followed.