Frozen
The Dragon Princess
Brave Dragon Part 4
After half a day's ride the two girls found themselves riding through the gates of Dun Broch castle. Unlike Arendelle Castle this was rougher looking and built for defense, all grey stone walls, towers and parapets.
"Let's get Angus settled and we'll head inside" Merida said.
"Our stable master taught me how to tend to the horses" Anna commented as she helped muck out the horses stable and get his food and water.
"Stable master eh?" Merida asked.
"Um, did I say stable master?" Anna asked catching her mistake.
"Yer a princess aren't ye?" Merida asked.
"Um no I'm not" Anna tried to lie.
"Ye are aren't ye? A dragon princess" Merida said.
"Ok, ok, I'm a princess, but does it really matter?" Anna asked as they finished.
"What land do ye come from?" Merida asked as they walked through the servant's door into the kitchen. She took an apple and tossed one to Anna before taking a platter of pastries.
"It's not just a land, it's a time. I come from about three hundred years in the future" Anna said biting into the apple.
"So ye can transform, fly, and travel through time? Is there anything ye can't do?" Merida asked as they entered into the dining hall.
"I can't shoot a bow" Anna said.
"Ah Merida there ye are" A woman said shooting to her feet. She was a little older than Anna's mother with a grey streak in her hair wearing a deep forest green dress.
"Sorry I was out fer so long mum, and I'm really sorry for worrying ya, but I had to help me new friend sort out a problem" Merida said putting the platter on the table.
"Mum, da, this is Anna a princess from a far off land. She was lost in the forest when I found her" Merida said.
"Wait what?" Anna asked shooting a look of shock at Merida.
"Oh poor dear what happened?" The woman asked.
"I wasn't lost, I was on a quest, and Merida stopped and helped me" Anna said earning a look of her own from Merida.
"Well, ya both look like yev become fast friends" a giant of a man roared good naturedly. He was dressed in a jerkin and a skirt of all things, and had long red hair and a grey streaked beard.
"Why are you wearing a skirt?" Anna asked. Merida snorted in laughter and even the woman cracked a smile as the man roared with good natured laughter.
"I kin see why you befriended this girl lass" he said wiping his eyes.
"Anna, this is me mum Queen Eleanor, Me Da King Fergus, and me three brothers Harris, Hubert, and Hamish" Merida introduced her family, as three boys not much younger than her who looked exactly alike appeared in front of her.
"Hi" Anna said, secretly elated at meeting kids her own age. The three smiled at her while jostling each other.
"I think they like ya" Merida bent down and whispered.
"Alright let's get back to dinner. Prepare a plate for our guest" Fergus roared. A place was set next to Merida while the boys sat on the opposite side of the table looking at her. A plate was brought to her of some strange meat that still smelled delicious. Anna took the knife and fork and taking a big piece stuffed it in her mouth, chewed and swallowed.
"Delicious" Anna said as she dug in, earning looks of shock from the boys.
"What is it?" Anna asked.
"Sheep stomach" Merida whispered. Anna looked down at it, shrugged and continued eating. She went through three helpings before she was satisfied.
"I like a lass with a healthy appetite" Fergus said laughing.
"So, ah, where's Anna sleeping? Because I was wondering, if it's alright she could stay with me?" Merida asked
"I don't see why not, though you'll be responsible for minden her" Eleanor said.
"I don't need a babysitter" Anna huffed.
"Then prove it lass" Eleanor said giving Anna a stern look.
"Yes mam" Anna said subconsciously sitting up straighter.
"So lass, if you tell me where what kingdom you come from, maybe we can help you get home" Eleanor said.
"I can get home just fine. I'm just resting here for a few days" Anna said.
"Ay, I invited her to stay for a few days then we'll send her on her way" Merida said.
"With no one with her, at her age?" Eleanor said.
"Ah, she's more capable than ya think by just lookin at her" Merida said.
"Excuse me, but I can hear you" Anna said.
"Ah leave off Eleanor. If Merida says the lass can get back home on her own, then believe her. As long as she's here, let's treat her like family" Fergus said jovially. Anna giggled which led into a huge yawn.
"Alright it's time for bed. Tomorrows the great festival" Eleanor said.
"What festival?" Anna asked.
"It's that time already?" Merida asked.
"I told you a week ago before your little adventure in the woods" Eleanor said raising an eyebrow. Merida slouched down in embarrassment.
"So off to bed" Eleanor said. The two girls got up from the table and Merida led them through the narrow halls of the castle to her room, a large stone structure with a large bed. Anna looked around as Merida pulled off her dress to reveal the shift under it. Anna Yawned again and lay down on the floor.
"Good night" Anna said. Merida rolled her eyes and reaching down picked the girl up.
"If ya don't have trouble sleeping next ta me in the forest, then ya won't have a problem sharin a bed" Merida said.
"Ok, good night" Anna said and snuggle up to the girl.
"Good night lamb" Merida said as they both fell asleep. Morning came bright and early and with it preparations for the great fair. Anna was delighted by all of it, especially when the triplets practically dragged her out of the castle to run around the tents and steal treats. After a morning of exploring and gorging on pastries they drug her back to the castle around midday.
"Ah there ya are. Did ya have fun gallivanting around?" Merida asked them. She was dressed in a finer dress than normal, of a silk of light green and her hair looked to have been brushed.
"You look nice" Anna said.
"Thank ye. During the great festival the other clans visit to renew alliances. It's the one day of the year I have to dress up" Merida said rolling her eyes and Anna giggled.
"Should I wait in your room or somewhere else?" Anna asked.
"As a visitin princess, Yer required to attend. I think we could find something nice to dress ya in" Merida said.
"I think I can do something about that" Anna said and closed her eyes. She was enveloped in a red energy and when it cleared her shirt and pants had changed into a smaller version of Merida's dress only colored red with orange trimming. All three boys whistled in amazement as Anna did a small twirl. A horn blew and Merida grabbed the smaller girls hands as the four of them hurried to the great hall. They entered and Merida took her seat, putting Anna in her lap.
"Merida?" Eleanor hissed.
"Don't worry. We'll say she's a visiting noble, which she is" Merida said.
"Don't worry love. It's still our castle and we can invite anyone we wish" Fergus said.
"Alright, as long as she behaves" Eleanor said. Then the horn sounded again and three men and three boys about Merida's age entered into the hall followed by a large group of men. The groups stopped in front of the thrones. The first man stepped forward, small and squat dressed in green with a grey mustache and grey fly away hair.
"Dingwall" He shouted
"Dingwall" The crowed behind him said.
The second man stepped forward the largest of the three with a blond beard.
"MacGuffin" He shouted
"MacGuffin" the men behind him shouted
The third stepped forward, the scrawniest of the three with a bare chest and blue paint on his arms chest and face.
"Macintosh!" He cried
"Macintosh" The men behind him shouted.
"Who are they?" Anna whispered
"The lords of the three largest clans in the land"
"There's a king and clan leaders?" Anna asked. She usually didn't pay attention to her political tutors, but she knew that kingdoms usually had one leader.
"I know it makes things, interesting" Merida whispered, causing Eleanor to shush.
"Pardon me your Highness, but who's that on Merida's lap, certainly she's not one of yours?" The large man Macguffin asked.
"She's a visiting noble" Eleanor said and Anna hopped off Merida's lap to stand in front of the assembled lords. She took a deep breath; reaching down for all the etiquette she was taught.
"Greetings my lords. I am Princess Anna of the Kingdom of Arendelle. It is a pleasure to meet you all, and I hope we can form a strong and lasting friendship" The little girl said, standing straight and as tall as possible before giving a graceful curtsy. Silence permeated the room, and Merida has to work not to let her jaw drop. Macguffin cleared his throat.
"Well, it is a pleasure to meet you your highness. On behalf of the clan MacGuffin, allow me to extend warm welcomes and greetings." The man said bowing to her.
"The clan Dingwall welcomes you as well" Lord Dingwall said bowing.
"Ay, Clan Macintosh welcomes you as well, though if I may ask, whey send such a young member of your royal family here, alone" Macintosh asked lifting an eyebrow.
"oy, don't be rude" MacGuffin growled.
"I'm just curious" Macintosh said.
"I'm here visiting on my own, but I assure you my lords that when I return to Arendelle I will let my parents and my whole kingdom know of your kindness" She said gracefully, trying her hardest to keep her face smooth and placid as she'd been taught.
"How does Elsa make this look so easy?" Anna wondered.
"Well, very well said Princess Anna" Eleanor said standing. She gave a slight nod to Merida and the girl jerked her head at Anna. She took the hint and scrambled back into the girls lap.
"Very well said lass, guess there's a bit of polish on ye after all Fergus" said good naturedly.
"Now that the introductions and pleasantries are out of the way, let the first annual games begin" the king said to loud cheers.
"Finally" Anna whispered.
"Excited eh?" Merida asked, and the girl nodded. The games were rugged, crude and rowdy and Anna loved every moment. The log toss, stone throw, and swordfights were amazing and Anna found herself cheering as loud as anyone. But it was the archery event that she would always remember.
"Where are you going?" Anna asked. Merida has gotten up and put the girl in her seat.
"Just watch" Merida said winking. Anna watched as three young boys that looked like younger versions of the three lords walked out onto the field.
"The shooting match between the highlords will now begin" The crier announced.
"Hello lads, I hope you been practicing?" Merida asked shouldering her quiver.
"Ah don't get braggy princess. Ye may be the best shot in the kingdom, but I'll by flummoxed if I let ye beat me easily" the young Macintosh said. The young Macguffin said something unintelligible.
"Ay, we won't be beaten easily" The young Dingwall said.
"Macintosh" the crier said. The boy stepped forward and raised his bow. Striking a pose he drew back and aimed, then released. The arrow flew straight and hit on the ring closest to the bulls eye. The boy grunted angrily and stalked back to the line.
"Mackguffin"
The boy stepped forward holding the bow like a toy in his hands. He drew it back gingerly and released. The arrow hit the bull's eye almost dead center, to the cheers of the crowed.
"Dingwall"
The smallest boy stepped forward, a vacant expression on his face. He took the arrow and carefully notched it, drew it back and let it go in one smooth motion. It hit the bull's eye dead center to the cheers of the crowed.
"Dun Broch" Merida stepped forward.
"Ay, Princess, stick with yer target this time" Macintosh said, earning light laughter from the crowed. Merida just turned and stuck her tongue out at the boy before she drew back and released. The arrow flew straight and hit the bull's eye dead center, but she wasn't done, she quickly pulled another arrow out and fired, and a third after that. The second arrow hit the first shattering it, and the third hit the second shattering that one. The crowd erupted in cheers.
"Better luck next year lads" Merida said smirking as she walked back to her seat.
"That was amazing" Anna said as she settled back into the older girls lap.
"Ah, it was nothing" She said. After the games there was a great feast with the lords and their men. Ann sat next to Merida with the lord's sons as they laughed and joked with each other.
"I'll beat ya one day princess, mark me words" Macintosh said.
"Archery, swordplay riding, I'll take ye on and beat ya in anything ya want" Merida said.
"Alright, how about an arm wrestling competition with Macguffin?" Dingwall asked Merida looked at the giant boy and he looked back nervously.
"Ya did say yad beat us in anything we chose eh princess. Ya aren't welchin?" Macintosh asked.
"Of course not" Merida said grumbling under her breath as she set her arm on the table. Macguffin garbled something incomprehensible but desperate.
"Just set em up you big lummox" Merida said. The giant boy sighed and put his arm on the table and they clasped hands.
"Ready, go" Dingwall said and the two started. Anna expected the giant boy to win instantly, but it looked like he was straining against the girl, who was pushing back.
"Come one Macguffin, stop goin easy on her and end it" Macintosh said. The boy garbled something as he begin to turn red.
"Come on Merida, I believe in you!" Anna cried. With a great shout Merida threw all her strength behind one big push and slammed the giant boys arm down on the table with a crash that echoed through the hall. Everyone fell silent looking at the panting princess and the young lord nursing his arm.
"We have a winner" Merida said holding up the girls arm.
"Told ya" Merida panted.
"That's my girl" Fergus roared and lifted his glass earning a round of cheers.
"Ya all right Macguffin?" Merida asked patting the boys shoulder. He garbled something and rotated his arm.
"All right, I think that's enough for tonight" Eleanor said clapping her hands. The lords filed out of the hall back to their tents while Merida led Anna up the stairs to their room.
"That was so much fun" Anna said swinging her arm in Merida's hand.
"Ay" Merida said holding Anna's hand tightly.
"You know, ya don't have ta go home just yet. Ya could even stay forever" Merida said and stepped ahead of Merida when Anna stopped. They were alone in the hall which was only lit by candles.
"Merida, I can't remember the last time I had so much fun. Staying with you and your family, it's like it was with mine. But you see, that's why I have to go home. I have to try and get my family back, to make it so that we can have the same kind of fun you have. I hope you can understand" Anna pleaded. Looking into the older girls eyes. Merida smiled remembering her own adventure to change her fate.
"Ay lamb, I understand perfectly" Merida said kneeling down and drawing the younger girl into a hug.
Though I may speak some tongue of old
or even spit out some holy word
I have no strength with which to speak
when you sit me down and see I'm weak
Then next day the lords were ready to depart, and the royal family saw them off.
We will run and scream
You will dance with me
We'll fulfill our dreams,
and we'll be free
As the lords ships sailed away Anna and Merida watched from atop a cliff overlooking the harbor.
We will run and scream
You will dance with me
We'll fulfill our dreams,
and we'll be free
We will be who we are
And they'll heal our scars
Sadness will be far away
They rode into the forest from the eyes of anyone whom might see and dismounted. Merida bent down and gave Anna one more hug. The younger girl backed away and transformed into her dragon form. She gave Merida a parting look before becoming invisible and flying away.
So I have done wrong to put me right
my judgment burned in the black of night
Then I give less than I take
It is my fault, my own mistake
We will run and scream
You will dance with me
We'll fulfill our dreams,
and we'll be free
We will be who we are
And they'll heal our scars
Sadness will be far away
The return trip was easier than Anna thought, maybe because she was well rested and getting better at flying. Either way she arrived back on the barren rock that would be Arendelle castle and landed where the garden would be. She rested a few hours and ate the provisions Merida had given her for her journey. Then taking out her stone she focused, and felt herself snap back to her present, a few moments after she left.
"Well, how did it go?" Borealis asked. Anna silently brought out the heart of earth and showed it to him.
"Is something wrong Anna?" He asked.
"No, I just had more fun that I thought I would" She said smiling.
Okay, new chapter. Sorry there was no action in this one, but I wanted to highlight the sisterly bond I think Merida and Anna would share. Also I kind of want to make Merida and Elsa rivals for her affection down the road. If you're wondering how Merida got away with some of the stunts in this chapter, I would like to think after the film while Merida learned to be a little more mature, Eleanor also lightened up and allowed her to be herself a bit more, which included allowing Merida to compete alongside the boys.