A Little Destiny, a Little Fate, and What's Written in the Stars

by Roseisarose123

Fate is a funny thing, it can be mysterious, it can be illusive, but it's always there. Some people spend their whole lives chasing it, while others try to avoid it. But sometimes we meet our fate on the very road that we take to avoid it. * FYI- made a small change to ch 10(11)due to sm. discrepancy in my timeline, making it 8 yrs after HTTYD1 rather than 5 yrs.*

24. Chapter 24

Chapter 23

Dunbroch Castle

Harris peeked into the dining hall from the cracked open door, secretly listening in on his parents' conversation as his brothers huddled behind him. When their mother sent them away shortly after Merida stormed out, the three boys secretly lingered by the door in an attempt to hear what their parents had to say about their sister and the suitors. They thought perhaps they could find something out that could help Merida in some way. So far, they had learned very little.

"I do wonder though," Elinor said.

"What's that, dear," Fergus questioned.

"All that talk about love earlier," Elinor replied, "Merida was so oddly specific...it almost sounded like...like she may be in love already. She has been spending a lot of time away from the castle lately...do ye think she's spending time with a boy?"

Harris silently pondered his mother's question. Earlier, during the argument between Elinor and Merida, he and his brothers began to wonder if part of the reason their sister was so upset about the impending arrival of the suitors could also have something to do with her new "friend".

Judging by how she spoke of him when she confessed to her brothers, it was clear that she seemed to have taken a liking to this boy. She trusted that he was a good and honest person and she was willing to help him even though his people had a questionable past with Dunbroch.

If there was anything the three brothers knew of their sister, it was that Merida was not easily fooled. Much like their mother, Merida had a certain intuition about her, and from their personal experience they knew it was often near impossible to pull the wool over her eyes.

If Merida believed in this boy enough to keep his secret and to help him, than it must be that she trusted him. Given the fact that her trust wasn't so easily earned, made her brothers assume that this boy truly was a good person and perhaps his intentions were good as well. It was far more than they could say for the Lords' sons. The lot of them vied for her hand only with the throne in mind. Merida had seen right through every suitor that had ever come her way, giving them little opportunity to woo her further. But perhaps this boy was different somehow. Perhaps the fact that he was not of Dunbroch meant that he had little care for the throne. Perhaps this new friend only sought Merida's affections and vice versa.

It was fairly obvious by the way she defended her friend when her brothers questioned her, that Merida truly did care for this boy. But after the argument that they witnessed between her and their mother, the boys began to wonder if perhaps Merida's feelings for this boy ran much deeper than that of friendship. Elinor's question practically confirmed their suspicions.

"Well, if she is," Fergus replied, "let's pray he's not a spoiled cad like the Lords' sons." Elinor rolled her eyes.

Harris covered his mouth as he tried his best to stifle a giggle at his father's comment.

"What," Fergus asked defensively. Elinor just shook her head. "I just want Merida to be happy dear," Fergus replied, "I know she won't be happy with any of those spoiled lads."

"Does mum think Merida is in love," Hamish questioned in a loud whisper. Harris turned to Hamish and glared at him.

"Weeesht ye dummy," Harris said impatiently, "do ye want mum tae hear ye?" Hamish gazed back at Harris sheepishly as he shook his head. Harris turned back to the crack of the door, only to see his mother approaching quickly. His eyes went wide as he instantly turned to his brothers and urged them to hide. The three ran from the door and quickly ducked behind the tapestry that hung on the wall across the hall. They held their breath and tried to remain as still as possible as they heard the door creak open slightly.

"Aye, ye forgot stubborn dear," Elinor replied, as she paused by the open door.

"Aye and stubb...hey!" Fergus replied. Elinor chuckled.

Within a moment after their father's last comment they heard their mother's footsteps exit the room and begin to head down the hall. They anxiously awaited her steps to round the corner before emerging from their hiding place, but instead her steps paused. Harris' heart froze as he bid his brothers stay silent and still. Much to their dismay Elinor's steps headed back in their direction and then stopped not a foot from where they hid. The three held their breath for what seemed like an eternity.

"Boys," their mother's firm and knowing voice caused the three to sigh in defeat.

"Come out this instant," Elinor said firmly. The three boys came out from behind the tapestry one by one, each hanging their heads in shame. Elinor gazed at them pointedly as she crossed her arms over her chest.

"What have I told ye about eavesdropping," Elinor questioned. The three boys remained quiet.

"What have ye to say fur yer selves," Elinor questioned.

The boys remained quiet still as they kept their eyes averted from her critical stare.

"Aye, ye best start expainin' this instant," Elinor warned.

"We were just worried about Merida," Hamish blurted out, "we wanted to know about the suitors comin' so we could help her." Both Hubert and Harris glared at Hamish in irritation. Hamish shrugged as he looked back at his brothers sheepishly. Elinor's glare softened a bit with Hamish's explanation.

"Ye wanted to help her how exactly," Elinor questioned. Harris continued to glare at Hamish warningly. Hamish kept his eyes on the floor trying his best not to break under the pressure of both his brothers and his mother. He pursed his lips tightly together as if it could help him somehow to stop from talking but try as he might he could not hold his tongue.

"We just want Merida to be happy," Hamish replied.

"Aye," Hubert interjected quickly before his brother could say more, "none o' them bampots is good enough for Merida! She'll ne'er be happy with any one o' them!" Elinor sighed in dismay as she gazed at her sons. As always, she couldn't be prouder of her sons for sticking up for their sister. Despite their typical sibling arguments and disagreements at times, all of her children cared for one another and had each other's backs no matter what. But despite her pride and their seemingly well-meant intentions, Elinor began to question the true motives for her sons' blatant spying. She could not help but wonder if her sons knew something more about Merida. Perhaps even, they knew something about what she had begun to suspect that her daughter had been hiding.

Elinor took a deep breath and exhaled slowly as she gazed at her sons.

"I appreciate ye three lookin' out for yer sister, truly I do," Elinor replied, "and I can promise ye that tis nae my intention to force a choice upon her that will make her unhappy."

"Then why don't ye call off the suitors mum," Hubert questioned. Elinor sighed heavily.

"Tis a far more complicated situation than ye can understand boys," Elinor replied.

"But Dad is the King," Harris replied, "if he tells them, they have to listen."

"Aye, rulin' a kingdom is nae so easy as ye think," Elinor replied, "ye can't just tell yer people what to do and expect them to listen without question. A king is nae meant to just rule ower his subjects with an iron hand. He is meant to serve his kingdom and to lead with his subjects best interests in mind. He is meant to hear the grievances of his people and act to remedy them as best he can."

"What has that to do with Merida choosin' a suitor," Harris asked.

"Yer sister is next in line for the throne," Elinor replied, "as such she is just as responsible for the subjects o' Dunbroch. She must think o' more than just herself. Her choice will decide the future of Dunbroch and her choice must be wisely made."

"Is that why the Lords have to approve of who she marries," Hubert asked. Elinor nodded in Hubert's direction.

"It is because whoever she chooses will be the next King of Dunbroch," Elinor replied, "he will hold the very future of Dunbroch in his hands. Because of this the Lords must have a say."

"But that's not fair," Harris replied, "Merida is the heir, not who she marries!"

"Aye," Hubert agreed, "she'll be the one in charge, not him! If she's to be Queen it shouldn't matter who she chooses!"

"Aye, I'm afraid that's nae quite how it works boys," Elinor replied.

"Why not," Hubert questioned.

"Because a Queen has never ruled alone," Elinor replied, "it's just nae how it's done."

"But why," Hamish asked, "Merida could lead just as well as any King." Elinor sighed softly as she tried her best to help her sons to understand.

"Aye," Harris agreed, "and didn't great great nana rule on her own?"

"The circumstances for Queen Mairead were completely different than Merida's," Elinor replied, "yer great great nana was wed before she took the throne, and the only reason she ruled on her own at all was because her husband died. The throne was only thrust upon her because her eldest son was far too young to lead."

"But she still proved that it can be done," Harris replied.

"Be that as it may," Elinor replied, "tis not the way it's supposed to be."

"Says who," Harris replied haughtily.

"It's been tradition for hundreds of years," Elinor replied firmly, "and far be it from us to abandon tradition"

"But ye broke tradition when ye gave Merida her freedom to choose a suitor for herself," Harris replied, "why can't ye just break this tradition too?"

"Aye, and should I just break all our traditions as flippantly as ye three break the rules," Elinor replied in slight amusement.

"No," Harris replied as he rolled his eyes and crossed his arms over his chest, "just the glaikit ones." Both Hubert and Hamish snickered at Harris' comment. Elinor sighed as she shook her head.

"Now, that is quite enough," Elinor replied firmly, "don't ye three have a fencing lesson to get to?"

"Aye," the three boys groaned.

"Off with ye then," Elinor replied. Hubert and Harris quickly scampered off but Hamish lingered behind. He turned his eyes to his mother and gazed up at her thoughtfully.

"But mum," Hamish questioned in a soft tone, "Merida can still choose whoever she wants right…sh-she does nae have to choose one of the Lords' sons, does she?" Elinor smiled slightly at Hamish, the most sensitive of her three sons. She could see that he seemed genuinely concerned for the happiness of his sister. She knelt down before him and smiled reassuringly.

"Aye," Elinor replied, "Merida still can choose for herself. When the suitors come, they each will try their best to sway her, but if she does nae wish to choose one of them then she is free to refuse them."

"But she still has to get married to be queen," Hamish questioned.

"Aye," Elinor replied. Hamish nodded his head. He stayed quiet for a long moment as he pondered his mother's answer. Elinor furrowed her brow as she gazed upon him in curiosity.

"Mum," he questioned.

"Aye," Elinor replied.

"Does Merida have to marry a Scotsman," Hamish questioned. Elinor gazed at him, curious as to what exactly was running through his head.

"Well, it is certainly preferred that a Scotsman remain on the throne," Elinor replied, "but I guess that all depends."

"On what," Hamish asked.

"Whether or not he would be a good leader," Elinor replied, "and what he'd have to offer Dunbroch as King."

"And how he treats Merida," Hamish said firmly. Elinor smiled.

"Aye that is of just as equal importance," Elinor replied.

"So, then it doesn't really matter where he comes from," Hamish questioned, "so long as he's a good person?" Elinor nodded.

"Aye," Elinor replied, "ye cannae be an honorable King lest ye are first an honorable man." Hamish nodded as he thought over all his mother had said. Perhaps, he thought, if Merida truly had fallen for this new friend of hers; and if he proved to be as good a man as she seemed to believe him to be, then just maybe he stood a chance after all. He smiled at his mother slightly as he gazed back at her seemingly satisfied with her answer. Elinor gazed back at him curiously, sensing that there just might be more behind his questions.

"Hamish," Elinor replied in a questioning tone, "is there anything ye want to tell me... something about Merida perhaps?" Hamish gazed back at his mother with a sudden expression of nervousness. He shook his head without a word. Elinor gazed back at him knowingly. Though he had not uttered a single word, the truth was evident on the young boy's face. He clearly knew more than he was admitting to and Elinor could not help but to wonder if perhaps her earlier inklings about Merida were more accurate than she'd realized. Perhaps the very thing that had been weighing on Merida's mind as of late, could very well be the answer to the dilemma with the lords.

---

Hiccup's camp

As Hiccup and Merida continued to talk, Eret sat quietly by the fire wondering what might have happened to upset Merida so much. He glanced up at them every once in a while in concern, trying his best not to seem as if he were intentionally trying to listen in. Of course, it didn't really matter even if he were trying, as the two were far enough away that Eret couldn't really make out what they were saying at all. Whatever it was, Merida was clearly upset about it and Eret couldn't help but to wonder if, perhaps, it had something to do with her mother.

From all that Hiccup had told him previously, it seemed that Merida and her mother had a bit of a rocky relationship. Not to mention, her mother disliked Vikings as well. He could only imagine that if Hiccup and Merida did attempt a relationship, Merida's mother might just be their biggest obstacle. He began to wonder if the reason Merida was so upset was because her mother had somehow found out about Hiccup. He prayed that wasn't the case, otherwise, they all could be in danger. Eret took a deep breath as he tried to push the thoughts from his mind. He tried not to let himself get too worried about whatever had possibly happened to upset the princess, until he knew for sure what it could be.

Eret turned his eyes once again to the flames of the fire that burned before him in a somewhat vain attempt to mind his own business, but try as he might, he simply could not hinder his curiosity about Merida. However, his concern about what had upset Merida was not the only thing about her that fueled Eret's curiosity. For some inexplicable reason, Merida was of great interest to Eret from the start. At first it was because he was curious about the girl that seemed to have stolen Hiccup's heart. But the more Hiccup talked about her the more curious Eret became. Then his curiosity was piqued by his accidental discovery of the symbol that had been pressed into the wax seal of the princess' letter; the very symbol that matched that of the pendant he'd worn all his life. Now after his brief encounter with her, he found his curiosity had only intensified.

Though Hiccup had not even introduced them formally, Eret found himself inadvertently drawn to her. It seemed that since the moment she halted her horse before them, Eret had a strange feeling about her; a feeling he couldn't quite explain. It was like a familiarity that didn't quite make sense. There was just something about her, her mannerisms, her body language, the expressions on her face; something familiar that he couldn't quite place.

Eret continued to watch Merida and Hiccup as he silently grappled over these strange and baffling feelings that seemed to flood his heart. The feelings were unexplainable and quite unanticipated and it left him feeling somewhat perplexed. Eret continued to wonder what the significance of all of this was. Surely there had to be an explanation, it was simply too coincidental. Only days ago he had discovered the symbol and now he was met with these reminiscent feelings that seemed to pervade his heart at just the sight of Merida. He began to wonder if it truly was possible that he had somehow inadvertently discovered the very place his father could never find. Perhaps he had even stumbled upon a part of his family that he had never known. Could this be the reason he felt as he did? Despite Eret's curiosity, he felt that his inklings about this place and even about Merida were, for now, better left unmentioned. As he muddled over his thoughts, he was suddenly distracted when Fish came up beside him.

"Man, she is really upset," Fishlegs said as he sat down on a log across from Eret.

"Yeah, no kidding," Eret chuckled slightly. He looked up at Fishlegs to see him blatantly staring in Hiccup's direction. Eret smacked his leg impatiently causing Fish to turn to him in annoyance.

"Ouch, what was that for," Fishlegs fumed.

"Quit staring Fish," Eret replied, "you're being rude."

"I am not," Fish replied. Eret raised an eyebrow at him skeptically.

"Look, I can't help it, okay," Fish replied, "I mean, aren't you even the least bit curious about what is going on."

"Of course, I'm curious, "Eret replied, "but that doesn't change the fact that it's none of our business. If they want to tell us about it later, fine, but for now just try to keep your curiosity to yourself."

"Hey, there's no harm in just looking," Fish replied, "I mean, it's not like we can hear anything they're saying from here anyway." Fish glanced over at the pair curiously once again. He observed Merida pacing in front of Hiccup, still visibly upset. Eret looked back at Fishlegs and rolled his eyes.

"I'm serious Fish," Eret groaned.

"Oh, oh, he's going in for a hug," Fish exclaimed, totally ignoring Eret. Eret couldn't stop himself from turning to look at the pair once more.

"Do you think he's gonna tell her," Fish questioned excitedly. Eret rolled his eyes again.

"I'm not sure telling her now is quite the right time," Eret replied as he turned his eyes back to Fish, "not while she is that upset.

"I don't know Eret, "Fish replied, "look how he's looking at her." Eret turned again toward the pair and observed Hiccup holding Merida and wiping the tears from her eyes as he spoke.

"What do you think he's saying," Fish asked. Eret sighed heavily as he turned back to Fishlegs.

"I don't know, "Eret replied in annoyance as he rolled his eyes.

"Eret look," Fish exclaimed suddenly, "sh-she's kissing him, she's kissing him...I knew it!" Without thought Eret instantly turned in their direction once more and observed Merida and Hiccup wrapped in one another's arms in what seemed an intimate moment.

"I told you," Fish exclaimed as he smacked Eret's arm, "he totally told her and then she kissed him… I knew it!" Eret chuckled in surprise.

"Well, it's about bloody time," Eret replied with a smirk.

"This is seriously amazing," Fish laughed.

"Alright, alright already," Eret replied in amusement, "calm down mate, do you want them to know you're blatantly eavesdropping?" Fish immediately quieted down but could not wipe the smile off of his face. Eret shook his head.

"You are seriously way too invested in Hiccup's love life, Fish, "Eret chuckled.

"As if you're not," Fish smirked.

"I don't know what you're talking about," Eret replied.

"Right," Fish replied flatly, "you can't tell me that the reason you keep pushing Hic to take a chance with Merida, isn't because you secretly hope that Hiccup moving on with her might make things just a little easier on you and Astrid." Eret rolled his eyes as Fishlegs spoke, but he couldn't deny the truth in his words.

"Okay, fine," Eret admitted, "maybe a little part of me is hoping that Hiccup moving on will help me and Astrid move forward, but that's not the only reason." Fish crossed his arms over his chest and gazed at Eret skeptically.

"It's not," Eret reiterated. Fish continued to gaze at Eret disbelievingly.

"Look, Hiccup is my friend, regardless of our falling out," Eret explained, "I still care about him like my brother no matter how many times he writes me off or pushes me away. Yes, if he moves on it will make things between Astrid and I a little easier, but besides that I just want Hiccup to be happy. You can't tell me that since Hic met Merida that he hasn't been the happiest we've seen him in years. I mean, look at them." Eret gestured toward Hiccup and Merida. Fish glanced in the couple's direction briefly.

"He is head over heels for that girl," Eret continued as he turned back to Fishlegs, "I knew it the moment he first spoke of her. But all of his issues with love and trust a-and his fear of getting hurt was stopping him from taking a real chance with her. I can't help but feel somewhat responsible for that because of what happened with Astrid. So yeah, I pushed him a little but it wasn't just for my own sake." Fish nodded as he continued to gaze in Hiccup and Merida's direction.

"They do seem rather perfect for each other," Fish replied, "don't they." Eret glanced once again in Hiccup and Merida's direction, but this time what he saw startled him. A strange blue orb appeared before the pair glowing eerily and seemed almost to be beckoning them to follow. Eret furrowed his brow as he tried to make sense of what exactly he was seeing.

"What is that," Eret questioned aloud. Fish turned back to Eret immediately sensing the urgency in his voice.

"What is what," Fish asked, in confusion.

"That," Eret replied frantically as he pointed in the ghostly orb's direction. Fish turned in the direction that Eret was pointing but he didn't see anything other than Hiccup and Merida. Fish scratched his head looking more confused than ever.

"What are you talking about," Fish questioned. Eret groaned in annoyance then quickly jumped up and ran in Hiccup and Merida's direction.

---

"A wisp," they whispered in unison as they gazed at the glowing orb in surprise. Merida and Hiccup turned back to each other and smiled. Hiccup held his hand out in front of her invitingly.

"We should follow it," Hiccup urged. Merida smiled as she slipped her hand in his.

"Aye," Merida replied enthusiastically, "let's go." But the moment after Merida slipped her hand in his, Hiccup heard Eret cry out.

"Look out Hic!" Hiccup turned to see Eret frantically running straight toward them. Without pausing, Eret pushed right through the pair as he drew his sword. Before Hiccup could even react, Eret lunged forward and swung his sword at the wisp slicing right through it. Just as in Hiccup's original dream, the wisp seemed unfazed and for a few moments, the glowing orb remained, but then it dissipated shortly after.

"Eret, what did you do," Hiccup exclaimed as he turned toward his friend in disbelief. Eret just continued to stare at the area where the strange blue light had been in fear and confusion.

"What was that thing Hic," Eret questioned as he turned to face him.

"It's called a will o' the wisp," Hiccup replied somewhat impatiently, "and it was here to help us, not hurt us!" Eret looked back at Hiccup as if he had lost his mind.

"To help," Eret questioned skeptically.

"Yeah...i-it's like a-a spirit," Hiccup explained impatiently,"it's meant to lead us!"

"Lead you? Hic, a-are you telling me you meant to follow that thing," Eret questioned as he pointed to the place the wisp had been with his sword.

"Aye, until ye scared thaim aff ye glaikit jimmy," Merida yelled in frustration as she stormed up to him," a' fur ye wur feart o' a wisp!" Hiccup furrowed his brow at Merida trying to decipher her exact meaning, but Eret responded immediately.

"I'm not afraid of that…that…bloody thing," Eret replied in irritation as he turned to face Merida, "I was trying to protect you! How was I to know it wasn't dangerous, it's not like I've ever seen one of those things before!" Hiccup looked at Eret in surprise.

"How come didnae ye stoap tae think afore ye acted lik' a bampot," Merida replied with her hands on her hips.

"Okay…hold on," Hiccup attempted to intervene but Eret pushed past him and answered before he could.

"I wasn't acting like a fool," Eret replied defensively, "I thought you were both in danger, and I had no more than a split second to react, so excuse me if I didn't stop to think!" Hiccup shook his head in confusion as the two continued to come at each other.

"Twas juist a harmless wisp," Merida yelled in reply as she threw her arms up in exasperation, "it nae lik' 'twas gonnae come efter us or huv a go tae murdurr us!"

"Hey," Hiccup interjected as he tried to step between them.

"Like I said," Eret huffed as he gazed past Hiccup and glared at Merida, "I've never seen one of those things before, so how would I know it wasn't going to hurt you!"

Hiccup and Fish looked at each other in confusion, then turned back to Eret and Merida as the two continued to argue like a pair of siblings. But the thing that drew Hiccup's curiosity the most was the fact that Eret seemed to understand her thick Scottish dialect with what seemed like little effort.

"Yer hee haw mair than a typical jimmy," Merida argued, "ye uise yer fists afore yer heid!" Eret raised his eyebrows in surprise of her comment.

"Excuse me," Eret replied.

"Ye heard me ye glaikit viking," Merida snapped.

"Alright, alright already," Hiccup yelled out, finally gaining the pair's attention, "enough!" The two turned back to face Hiccup.

"She started it," Eret replied as he pointed to her. Merida crossed her arms over her chest and glared at Eret.

"Me," Merida replied in exasperation, "Ah'ament th' yin swinging mah sword aroond wi'oot thinking!"

"Seriously," Eret replied as he turned back to her, "that's the thanks I get for jumping to you and Hic's rescue without any thought of myself!"

"Aye, shuid ah the noo ye wi' a medal then," Merida huffed, "fur th' world's biggest eejit!"

"I don't want anything from you," Eret huffed, "least of all a bloody medal! Next time I'll just leave you to your own devices then, how about that!" Merida scowled at him.

"Seriously," Hiccup yelled in frustration," for the love of Odin, will the both of you please shut-up!" Both Eret and Meirda quieted down and turned to Hiccup instantly once again. He stepped forward and took Merida's hand. "Can I talk to you for a minute please?"

"Aye," Merida huffed as she rolled her eyes. Hiccup quickly led her away from the others, but Merida looked back over her shoulder as they passed Eret and she scowled up at him once more.

"Yer jaiket's on a shoogly peg Viking," Merida huffed. Eret snickered at her comment in spite of himself.

"Merida," Hiccup said as he pulled her forward, "please just drop it already!"

"Why should I," Merida fumed, "after what he just did!"

"You're just as much in the wrong right now as he is," Hiccup replied.

"Me," Merida huffed as she quickly pulled her hand from his, "if it wasn't for him, we might have been led to another clue, but he had to go and scare off the wisp! Nae, not only did he scare it off, he attacked it, with a sword no less! The wisps will probably never come back now!"

"And what exactly do you hope to accomplish by starting a fight with Eret," Hiccup replied firmly. Merida crossed her arms over her chest and huffed in annoyance. Hiccup sighed heavily as he gripped the bridge of his nose in frustration. He looked back up at Merida with a dismayed expression on his face. He sighed once again as he thought about what she had said.

"Okay, look, I understand your frustration Merida," Hiccup replied calmly, "I really do, but arguing about it, a-and slinging insults at each other certainly won't help the situation!" Merida sighed heavily as she thought over Hiccup's words. Though she still was angry about what had happened with the wisp, she knew that Hiccup was right.

"Aye," she groaned, "I...I'm sorry." Hiccup reached for her hand and squeezed it gently in reassurance as he leaned forward and kissed her upon the forehead.

"It's alright," Hiccup replied softly, "you just let your frustration get the best of you, it happens...Just take a deep breath okay." Merida nodded as she pulled away from him. She gazed up at him for a long moment with a troubled look on her face.

"It's just, with the suitors coming in a week, a-and my mother forcing me to go along with this whole courtship thing," Merida replied frantically, "I-I can't help but to worry. I mean, what if we run out of time to find the proof we need to lift Berk's banishment? If we can't prove Berk's innocence, then...w-what chance do we have Hiccup? She paused for a moment as if to gain control of her fraught emotions. It seemed that both the news of the suitors and the wisp's abrupt disappearance had sent her over the edge with worry. She continued to gaze at him with a distraught look on her face.

"A-and now, with there bein' no evidence to be found in the archive, whatsoever," Merida continued, "the wisps may be our only hope. If they don't come back than all hope for us could be lost." As Hiccup gazed back at her, he could see tears building up in her pale blue eyes once more. Merida's words of worry caused Hiccup's heart to sink. Though solving the mystery of their grandparents was just as important to him, he didn't believe that it was the only way to get her parents' approval. Honestly, he wasn't entirely sure that finding definitive evidence after nearly three hundred years was even possible. Sure, they had some pretty valid arguments and even a few good theories, but real actual proof was going to be hard to come by. While finding proof was obviously the best-case scenario, it certainly was not their only option. In fact, he was fairly confident in his ability to connect with people, to negotiate an alliance or even to argue his case. Even though the odds seemed to be against them right now, Hiccup was far from hopeless. As far as he was concerned the two of them were meant to be and he was very much determined to prove that above everything else. But as confident as he was, he had not considered that Merida might succumb to her fears about love that she'd harbored for most of her life. He had not realized the amount of pressure Merida had put on herself regarding their search. The fact that she actually believed that if they couldn't prove Berk's innocence that they wouldn't stand a chance was slightly disheartening. He gazed at her for a long moment as he tried to find the right words to ease her troubled mind.

"Listen to me Merida," Hiccup replied firmly, "I am just as anxious as you are to find proof of Berk's innocence, but honestly, it..it doesn't really matter." Merida looked up at him questioningly.

"Doesn't matter," she repeated in confusion. She gazed up at him with a somewhat distressed look on her face.

"All we have been trying to do from the start is...is find the truth about what happened between Berk a-and Dunbroch," Hiccup went on, "but what if there is more to it than that?" Merida shook her head in slight confusion as he spoke, looking almost as if he had just pulled a rug out from under her. "Finding the truth is important, Merida, but it's not the only thing that matters."

"What are ye sayin' Hiccup," Merida questioned emotionally. Hiccup sighed heavily as he gazed back at her. He hadn't meant his words to upset her, but it seemed that was exactly what they had done. He sighed once more as he struggled slightly to right his words.

"Look Merida," Hiccup replied as calmly as possible, "all I'm trying to say is that even though we have a lot of theories about what happened to our grandparents, "we still don't really know what the truth is, a-and there is still a very real chance that we may never really know." He paused a moment before continuing.

"I truly believe Berk was wrongfully banished," Hiccup went on, "but...what if we can't ever prove it...or worse, what if we end up being completely wrong?" Merida gazed back at him in concern.

"How can ye say such a thing, knowing what we know thus far," Merida replied emotionally, "ye don't truly believe that there is a possibility that we're wrong about Berk, do ye?" Hiccup shook his head.

"No," Hiccup replied assuredly as he gazed back into her blue eyes, "I don't think that we're wrong, but the chances of us finding any legitimate proof after three hundred years are slim at best." Merida gazed at Hiccup in concern as he spoke. She could feel her heart sink with his words. She gaze up at him questioningly with tear-filled eyes causing Hiccup's heart to ache at the sight. He stepped closer to her and gently took her face in his hands as he gazed at her reassuringly.

"But that doesn't mean that you and I don't still have a chance," Hiccup said, "I mean, you're basically saying that if we don't find proof, that there is no hope for us at all, a-and that's just not true!"

"Without proof," Merida replied tearfully, "how can we ever expect my parents to believe a word we say?

"I told you before Merida, whatever we find or don't find," Hiccup went on, "a-and regardless of what it may prove, it doesn't matter. I don't care what happened three hundred years ago, I don't care whether or not Berk's banishment was legitimate o-or fabricated and I certainly don't care whether or not my great great grandfather's actions were the cause. All I care about is you. Being with you matters far more to me than finding the truth." Hiccup paused for a moment as he gazed into her eyes with a determined expression on his face. "Even if the wisps never come back, it doesn't make a difference to me. I promised you before, one way or another I will prove myself, with or without the evidence." As Merida gazed up at him, he could still see the uncertainty in her sky blue eyes. He gazed back at her warmly trying his best to set her mind at ease. "I meant every word Merida and I still do. I will do whatever it takes to be with you. You have my word." Merida nodded in reply.

"I love you, okay, and nothing will ever change that," Hiccup said firmly. Merida smiled up at him warmly.

"I love ye too Hiccup," she replied. Hiccup smiled back at her.

"Please just try not to worry so much, okay," he replied as he leaned forward and kissed her gently upon the forehead once more, "I know we have our work cut out for us, but we are in this together okay, just trust me." He dropped his hands from her face and then took both her hands in his.

"Alright," Merida replied. She sighed slightly as she took comfort in his words. It seemed the knowledge of the Lords' proposal had caused her worries to take over her mind, but Hiccup's sheer determination in the matter seemed to renew her hope. But though she tried her best to push her worries to the back of her mind and to focus on all that Hiccup said, her deep-rooted fears still smiled at her reassuringly.

"And also, maybe, you could try to take it somewhat easy on Eret," Hiccup went on, "it's unfortunate that he scared off the wisp, but he did mean well. I mean, he legitimately thought we were in danger." Merida sighed and rolled her eyes.

"I know," she replied in slight annoyance, "yer right."

"Besides," Hiccup smiled, "I really don't want my girlfriend and my best friend to be at odds with one another, okay. I'd much rather the both of you get along." He raised an eyebrow at her and smirked. Merida furrowed her brow at his statement as she smiled up at him in amusement.

"Yer girlfriend," Merida repeated in a questioning tone. Merida pulled away from him abruptly and put her hands on her hips as she smirked up at him. Hiccup chuckled slightly.

"Aye," Merida replied sassily, "did I miss the part where ye asked me to be yer girlfriend?"

"Well, I just thought that it was fairly obvious when I basically professed my love for you," Hiccup replied flatly as he crossed his arms over his chest.

"Oh, ye did, did ye," Merida replied as she raised an eyebrow at him. Hiccup chuckled slightly as he shook his head. He smiled at her mischievously as he took a few steps closer to her.

"You actually enjoy this, don't you," Hiccup replied flatly as he continued to smirk at her.

"What's that," Merida questioned haughtily.

"Making me work for this," Hiccup replied as he motioned to the space between them. He took a few steps closer to her.

"Aye, am I not worth the effort," Merida replied. Hiccup raised an eyebrow at her and smirked once again.

"That goes without saying princess," he replied haughtily. She raised an eyebrow at him questioningly.

"Well I don't know how things are done in Berk," Merida replied, "but here in Dunbroch it's customary to ask a girl before just assuming she'll be your girlfriend." Hiccup chuckled slightly under his breath as he gazed at her with a coy look in his eye.

"Alright," Hiccup replied with a shrug, "I might as well do this right then." Without a word Hiccup pulled the dagger from the holster on his left forearm as Merida watched curiously. He paused a moment and gazed down at the dagger, twisting it in his fingers as if debating his actions. He then turned his eyes back to Merida and smiled at her warmly.

"In Berk," Hiccup said, "it's tradition for a man to present the woman he's interested in courting with a weapon." Merida gazed at him in intrigue.

"That being said," Hiccup dropped to one knee and held his dagger out before her. He looked up at her with a smile. Merida blushed slightly as she gazed back at him in surprise.

"Merida of Dunbroch," he said with a warm smile, "I would like nothing more than for you to accept this gift as a token of my affection and, if it please you, my offer of courtship." Merida gazed at him warmly, she could feel her heart pounding in her chest and her breath catch in her throat. Hiccup continued to gaze up at her hopefully.

"In short…will you be my girlfriend," Hiccup reiterated. Merida giggled slightly. Hiccup furrowed his brow at her reaction but continued to smile up at her. Merida reached out and gently lifted the dagger from his hand as she smiled down on him.

"I accept yer gift, and yer offer," she said in a regal voice, "in fact, there is nothin' I want more than to be yer girlfriend." Hiccup's heart leapt with her words and he practically jumped to his feet. He pulled her quickly into his arms, lifting her from her feet and spinning her around, causing Merida to giggle slightly in surprise. He then put her down and gazed at her warmly. Dagger still in hand, Merida wrapped her arms around his neck and smiled up at him.

"So are we official now," Hiccup questioned anxiously as he raised an eyebrow at her. Merida nodded as she continued to smile up at him.

"I'd certainly say so," Merida replied. Hiccup chuckled at her answer. He leaned forward resting his forehead against hers and smiled down on her.

"You don't even know how happy that makes me," Hiccup replied.

"Oh, I think I have a pretty good idea," she replied as she smiled up at him. Hiccup chuckled at her response as he leaned forward pressing his lips softly to hers. As he kissed her and held her close, he was nearly overwhelmed by his feelings for her. He gently pulled her closer, gradually deepening their kiss. Merida tightened her arms just slightly around his neck as she reciprocated his actions.

Hiccup was nearly beside himself with joy. Kissing her and holding her felt like the most natural thing in the world yet it still caused his heart to beat wildly out of control. The feelings that ran through his heart and soul as he held her, he simply could not put into words. It was as if everything he had ever been through, and everything he had ever done had led him here to this moment with her. It was as if the stars themselves had aligned to bring them together and he knew now exactly where he was always meant to be. He had honestly never been happier than he was now, in this moment, knowing, without doubt, that Merida loved him just as he loved her. He knew with absolute certainty that from this day forward, his heart was hers and hers alone and whatever more he did in this life, he did it for her, and for their future.

He pulled away slowly as he gazed lovingly into her pale blue eyes. As he gazed at her, he could see that her lovely face was flushed as she smiled up at him and a look of pure love and contentment reflected back at him from her sparkling blue eyes.

It was crazy how much he loved her in so short a time and he wondered how it was possible that he had fallen so fast. How was it that this amazing girl before him, whom he had only just met, now held his heart and soul in the palm of her hand. The fact that she cared for him just as deeply, equally blew his mind. For years he had told himself that he would never trust another completely with his heart and yet, trust had come so easily with Merida. It was as if somehow from the start his heart knew that they were meant to be before he had even acknowledged his feelings. He smiled warmly once again.

"I am certain I will never get tired of kissing you," Hiccup said with a smirk. Merida blushed slightly with his words and she chuckled in spite of herself.

"I love you," he said warmly.

"I love ye too Hiccup," Merida replied.

"Alright, come on," Hiccup replied happily as he pulled away from her, "I should probably introduce you to my friends properly." He held his hand out to her. She smiled up at him as she slipped her hand in his.

"Aye, and I probably owe Eret a bit of an apology," Merida replied with a slight expression of trepidation on her face. Hiccup chuckled slightly.

"Don't worry," Hiccup replied, "he's a fairly understanding guy...I mean, he may come off a bit tough on the outside and all, but he's really not…a-and he has a good heart."

"He must if ye gave him a chance to begin with," Merida replied regretfully, "which only makes what I said and how I acted that much worse." Hiccup sighed at her statement.

"Yeah, but you didn't mean what you said," Hiccup replied, "you just…overreacted...he'll understand."

"I hope so," Merida replied, still sounding slightly concerned. Hiccup smiled in reassurance.

"Come on," Hiccup replied with a smile.

---

Dunbroch castle

Elinor entered the courtyard where her husband and a few of his men were practicing some battle strategies. After her conversation with her sons and in particular Hamish, she was absolutely certain that Merida had met someone. What she could not understand was why Merida felt the need to hide this from her parents, especially in light of the situation with the suitors. After what Hamish had inadvertently told her, she could only assume that the reason Merida was keeping it secret was because this boy, whoever he was, must not be of Dunbroch at all. But her conclusion also raised many questions. Who was this young man and where did he come from? Why hadn't he come forward to them from the start? How had he arrived in Dunbroch unnoticed? Why didn't anybody have any knowledge of a foreigner arriving in their kingdom?

After she had spoken with Hamish, Elinor did a little digging of her own, out of sheer curiosity. But she only found what she already knew, that there were absolutely no reports of a ship or boat arriving since Lord Dingwall visited a little over a week ago. It was certainly all very mysterious and Elinor was perplexed. The only way to their land was by boat and he certainly could not have traveled by boat alone and without notice. Unless of course they were trying very hard to not be noticed. This very much concerned Elinor. She was initially anxious just to know if her inklings were true. If Merida had met someone, if she had fallen for this mysterious boy then that might be the answer to their dilemma with the lords. But the more she thought about it the more worried she became. She began to worry whether or not the stranger might have ill-motives, for remaining hidden. She immediately called for Maudie and ordered her to keep a closer eye on the boys to see if she could learn anything else from them. She was to report back to Elinor any information she could gather. Now Elinor was considering having a guard secretly follow Merida to find out more about this boy, if he existed. However, Elinor was still uncertain if that was wise. She certainly did not want Merida to think that she did not trust her, nor did she want her daughter to feel intruded upon.

When she arrived in the courtyard, she could see a few of the men were engaged in a mock fight as Fergus looked on. She hated to interrupt his training but the subject was of great importance, especially with the Lords coming soon.

"Fergus," Elinor called out. Fergus immediately looked up at his wife and smiled. The men instantly paused and bowed to the queen.

"I'm sorry to interrupt ," she replied, "but I must speak with ye." Fergus nodded. The men turned back to Fergus expectantly.

"Aye, ye lads carry on," Fergus replied, "I'll be but a moment." With that the men resumed their mock battle.

"Now then," Fergus said as he approached his wife, "what is this about? Did Merida return?"

"No," Elinor replied, "but this does concern her." Fergus gazed at his wife curiously.

"Now I'm not sure," Elinor replied hesitantly, " but I have reason to believe that there may just be a lad that she is set on." Fergus chuckled slightly.

"Is that so," he replied with a wide grin, "well...who is he?" Elinor paused for a moment as she debated on how exactly to answer her husband's question. Fergus gazed at her expectantly.

"Is he a commoner," Fergus asked impatiently, "a stable keep...one o' my guards?" Elinor shook her head to each of his suggestions.

"I...I don't know exactly," Elinor replied, "but I have reason to believe he is not of Dunbroch."

"Not of Dunbroch," Fergus replied questioningly, "well where is this lad from, how did she meet him?"

"I don't know anything really," Elinor replied, "I...I stumbled upon the boys earlier, listening in on our conversation about Merida." Fergus nodded as he listened.

"They claimed they wanted to find out about the suitors so that they could help Merida," Elinor replied, "and when I questioned them, they just went on and on about how she'd never be happy with one of the Lords' sons. They really didn't tell me much of anything."

"Okay," Fergus replied in slight confusion.

"Until I talked to Hamish alone," Elinor continued. Fergus raised his brow in understanding.

"I see," Fergus replied, "and Hamish let the secret slip, did he?"

"Not exactly," Elinor replied, "he did not say it outright, but his questions gave it away. He asked if Merida had to marry a Scotsman, and he questioned what would happen if she chose someone not of Dunbroch."

"I see," Fergus replied.

"But after what she said earlier about love," Elinor continued, "and the fact that she's been spendin' so much time away from the castle; th-there can be but one explanation." Fergus nodded in reply as he thought over everything his wife had said.

"But what concerns me is the fact that we know absolutely nothing about this young man," Elinor went on. Why has this young lad not come forward?" How is it that we know nothing of his or his people's arrival?" Fergus ran his fingers over his beard as he thought thoroughly over his wife's concerns.

"Aye," Fergus questioned, "do ye think he and his people remain hidden because they bear ill-will toward Dunbroch?"

"I don't know Fergus," Elinor replied in a worried tone, "I was thinkin' on having a guard follow Merida in secret just to find out somethin' about this mystery lad."

"Aye, it might be wise," Fergus replied thoughtfully, "of course if Merida suspects it she'll not be happy. She might even pull back even more."

"Aye," Elinor replied, "that's what I'm afraid of."

"Perhaps we should just ask her straight out," Fergus replied. Elinor looked up at him questioningly. Fergus chuckled slightly.

"Hear me out dear," Fergus replied, "Ye and I just discussed not a few days ago to give Merida the freedom to make up her own mind, to make decisions for herself, to start treating her as the grown woman and Queen-to-be that she is."

"Aye," Elinor replied.

"Merida is a smart lass," Fergus replied, "I'm certain no man could pull the wool over her eyes."

"What are ye sayin' Fergus," Elinor questioned.

"I'm sayin' have patience," Fergus replied, "and trust Merida. She's kept this lad's secret this long, she must trust him. Ye and I both know that Merida's trust is nae so easily gained."

"Aye," Elinor replied, "but she an' a' mak's glaikit hings tae decide when she's pure upset."

"That is true," Fergus nodded thoughtfully, "but she has grown a lot since the bear incident. She came from that experience a bit wiser, don't ye agree?"

"Aye," Elinor replied as she thought about it.

"This decision she's facin' now," Fergus went on, "of who will rule beside her, is probably one the most important of her life. It's a true test of her future as Queen. We should trust her to make it." Elinor nodded as she thought over all that Fergus had said.

"So we wait for her to come to us," Elinor replied questiongly.

"For now," Fergus replied, "I dinnea think it will take very long, now that ye broke the news about the suitors. Ye saw how upset she was. If there truly is a lad she's fallen for then I'm certain right this very minute they are scrambling to figure out what to do.

---

Hiccup's camp

Hiccup led Merida to the campfire where the others were currently sitting. He cleared his throat as they stood before the two men to get their attention. Both Eret and Fish turned to face the couple, glancing back and forth between the two of them curiously for a moment.

"Guys," Hiccup said with a smile, "uh…I'd like you both to meet Princess Merida of Dunbroch." Hiccup glanced at her with a loving smile on his face. Merida blushed slightly under the weight of his gaze. Hiccup then turned back to his friends and both men instantly rose to greet her.

"Merida, this is Eret, and Fishlegs," Hiccup said as he pointed to each of them. Eret smirked at Merida while Fishlegs beamed. "And those are their dragons over there with Toothless, Skull-crusher and Meatlug. Hiccup pointed in the dragons' direction. Merida looked to the dragons in curiosity, then turned her attention back to the two men before her.

"Nice to finally meet ye," Merida replied with a smile as she looked at each of them, "Hiccup has told me so much about ye both." Eret immediately stepped forward. He took her hand in his and bowed his head slightly.

"The pleasure is all mine m' lady," Eret said suavely as he glanced up at her with a nearly smoldering smile, "Hiccup has also told us all about you as well…and let me just say, he told us you were beautiful, but he didn't quite do you justice." Merida blushed slightly at his comment. Hiccup just rolled his eyes in slight annoyance.

As always, Eret was naturally charming, and though Hiccup was fairly certain Merida would be unimpressed with his charm, that didn't stop him from feeling just slightly insecure given the newness of their relationship. Even though he knew in his heart that he had nothing to fear, the unfortunate history between him and Eret did not help to alleviate his insecurities. This caused him to feel slightly guarded as Eret spoke to Merida.

"I mean, I've seen many a pretty girl in my day," Eret continued, "but you definitely give them all a run for their money." Merida narrowed her eyes slightly as she politely pulled her hand from his. She crossed her arms over her chest and gazed up at Eret incredulously.

"Aye, yer laying it on a little thick, don't ye think," she replied flatly, "I wonder what yer wife would have to say about that?" Hiccup turned to Merida instantly as he tried his best to stifle a laugh. As always, she was direct and to the point with her words and he was quite impressed with her quick wit. It would take a lot for anyone to impress her with charming pleasantries. Eret raised his eyebrows in surprise at her comment, but he quickly recovered from his initial loss of words with a quick response of his own.

"Well, my apologies your highness," Eret replied haughtily, "see I didn't include my wife in that assessment because as far as I'm concerned, she far surpasses even you." Merida smirked at his answer.

"Aye, good answer," she replied haughtily. Eret chuckled slightly at her response. He looked at Hiccup and grinned.

"Oh, I like her mate," Eret smirked, "she's a regular spitfire, this one, eh." Hiccup grinned at Eret's statement. He was proud that Eret took notice of her uniqueness in that way but at the same time he couldn't help but to feel slightly protective of her and he subconsciously felt the sudden need to impress upon his friend that Merida and he were now an item.

"That's what I love about her the most," he replied as he took her hand in his, making a slightly obvious show about it. He glanced in Merida's direction and smiled warmly.

"Eh hm….it's very nice to meet you, your highness,"Fishlegs chimed in. Merida turned her attention to Fishlegs.

"Nice to meet ye as well….Fish...legs was it," Merida replied in a questioning tone.

"You are correct," Fish smiled, "but you can call me Fish for short, uh, if you like your highness."

"Okay," Merida replied as she smiled at him warmly, "and ye can call me Merida…uh, just Merida."

"Will do your high…uh I…I mean Merida," Fish replied. Merida smiled brightly at him.

"I hear ye've been helpin' Hiccup with this mystery from the start," she replied. Fishlegs smiled at her proudly.

"Sure have," Fish replied, "in fact, I initially suggested that Hiccup's dream was giving him clues as to where to find his soulmate."

"Fish," Hiccup groaned. Merida raised her eyebrows in surprise as she glanced back at Hiccup. Hiccup blushed slightly.

"Alright, alright, technically Valka suggested it," Fishlegs clarified, "but I wholeheartedly agreed that it could be a definite possibility."

"Valka," Merida questioned.

"Yeah, she's Hiccup's mom," Fishlegs explained, "she was sure that Hiccup would find his soulmate, but Hiccup didn't want to hear it at all." Hiccup gripped the bridge of his nose and shook his head in both annoyance and embarrassment as Fishlegs spoke. Merida glanced back at Hiccup with a smirk on her face.

"See Hic sort of has this uh, well, I guess you could call it a phobia of anything that has to do with love for the past couple years," Fish went on, "and when his mom suggested it, boy did he totally freak out."

"Did he now," Merida questioned, trying her best to stifle a laugh.

"Alright Fish," Hiccup groaned, "I think she gets the picture."

"Sorry chief," Fish replied, "you know me, once I get to talking...it's hard to hold anything back."

"Oh, I know," Hiccup replied flatly. Hiccup then turned to see Merida grinning up at him. He chuckled slightly.

"What," Hiccup replied as he crossed his arms over his chest, "you already know most of that anyway." Merida just shook her head as she continued to grin up at him.

"Well, by the look of things, I'd say Hic's overcome all of that anyway," Eret interjected knowingly, "and by the looks of that dagger in the fair princess' belt I'd say things are quite serious." Both Hiccup and Merida glanced at each other briefly before turning their attention back to Eret.

"You could definitely say that," Hiccup replied with a smile as he took Merida's hand in his once more. Merida glanced up at him and smiled back with a slight blush on her face. She then turned her attention back to Eret.

"Well good," Eret replied as he slapped him lightly on the shoulder, "it's about time mate! I'm happy for you."

"Good," Fish exclaimed, "it's not good, it's fantastic! Just wait til Valka finds out! She'll be so happy. You know she's been so worried about you finding your soulmate….more worried that you would be so caught up in yourself and all your wallowing that you wouldn't notice….but…" Hiccup blushed slightly as he displayed a mortified expression on his face.

"Alright Fish that's enough," Eret exclaimed quickly, "quit embarrassing Hic in front of his girl, mate. What's wrong with you?" Fish looked at Hiccup regretfully.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to," Fish replied, "I'm just so excited….and happy and I just can't control what comes out of my mouth sometimes...I..."

"Alright, alright, Eret interceded, "relax Fish, why don't you go tend to the dragons, mate. Keep yourself occupied for a bit, eh. I'm sure meatlug would love to hear all about it, right." Fishlegs' eyes lit up at Eret's suggestion.

"Of course she would," Fish exclaimed. He quickly scampered off in excitement.

Merida chuckled slightly under her breath. Eret turned back to Merida and smiled.

"Gotta love Fish," Eret replied, "he's certainly one of a kind...he's a bit much sometimes though."

"That's an understatement," Hiccup chuckled.

"Well you certainly can't blame him for being excited," Eret replied, "it's been a long time since you've taken a chance mate, and we are just happy for you."

"Thanks Eret," Hiccup smirked. Eret simply nodded in response.

"Um…Eret," Merida said as she gazed up at him, "uh…I wonder if I might have a word with ye." Eret furrowed his brow questioningly, as he gazed back at her but he nodded in agreement. Merida glanced back at Hiccup and smiled.

"You sure you're good," Hiccup asked as he looked warily back and forth between the two of them. Merida nodded. Eret shrugged.

"Aye," Merida replied, "we just need to clear the air." Hiccup smiled as he leaned forward and kissed her gently upon the cheek causing her to blush slightly once again.

"Alright then," Hiccup replied with a sigh, "I'll be just over there with Fish and Toothless if you need me." Merida nodded in response. Hiccup turned and glanced at Eret briefly with an unreadable expression on his face. He nodded slightly at his friend, then turned and headed over to where Fish was.

After Hiccup had gone, Merida turned her attention back to Eret. He looked down on her curiously, with a slight smile on his face. Merida gazed back at him for a long moment. Though she could not put her finger on why, she felt a strange familiarity with Eret that she hadn't noticed before in the midst of their argument. There was just something about his dark brown eyes and the subtle expression on his face that seemed strangely familiar. It was almost as if she'd seen his face somewhere once before but she could not quite place it, nor could she explain it. Eret suddenly cleared his throat, snapping Merida from her thoughts.

"I'm all your's your highness," Eret said with a smirk, "what exactly is it you wish to speak with me about?" Realizing she'd been inadvertently staring at him, Merida quickly averted her eyes and cleared her throat. She sighed slightly before turning her eyes back to him.

"Uh…it seems ye and I may have gotten off on the wrong foot," Merida replied. Eret crossed his arms over his chest and raised an eyebrow at her curiously. He was unsure exactly where this conversation would go.

"Be that as it may, I…,"Merida took another deep breath before continuing, "I…I wish to apologize for my…rudeness." Eret smiled slightly.

"Is that so," he replied.

"Aye, I let my frustration get the better o' me," Merida replied, "and I took it out on ye. Ye didn't deserve it and for that I am truly sorry." Eret nodded in her direction as he mulled over her apology for a few moments.

"Well, I accept the apology," Eret replied, "if anything, for Hiccup's sake." Merida nodded as she gazed up at him.

"Ye must understand," Merida replied, "finding the answers we seek is important to us…especially now with the state o' things. The wisps may be our last hope to find the truth. It's been near a week since they showed themselves to Hiccup and I, and now when they finally do…" Eret nodded in understanding.

"When they finally do, I go and screw it all up," Eret replied apologetically.

"It wasn't yer fault, not really," Merida replied with a sigh, "ye didn't know a-and ye thought we were in danger. Ye acted without thinkin', just as I did when I insulted ye. It…it happens to the best o' us."

"I appreciate the understanding," Eret replied with a smile, "but regardless, I owe you an apology as well, for scaring off the wisp…and every moment after."

"Aye," Merida replied, "there's no need, as I said, it was an honest mistake. And besides, ye thought ye were protecting us. If anything ye've proven yerself a brave and honorable man."

"Well I certainly appreciate the compliment your highness," Eret replied, "still, if it wasn't for me, you and Hic might have found another clue, or maybe even the answers you've been looking for."

"Aye, the wisps have led us this far," Merida replied, "I'm sure they'll return. I just pray that when they do, it won't be too late."

"Too late," Eret questioned. Merida just gazed at him a moment with a look of worry on her face.

"Aye, it seems the obstacles continue to stack against us," Merida replied. Eret furrowed his brow as he thought over her statement.

"I don't suppose you mind elaborating on that a bit," Eret replied, "you were quite upset when you arrived…. Does that have something to do with these…obstacles you speak of?" Merida sighed heavily before continuing. She gazed up at Eret with an uncertain look in her eye.

"It's always been expected of the crowned princess to marry a suitor chosen for the throne," Merida replied, "the Lords and the sitting King choose the suitors and then they compete for her hand and the throne itself." Eret nodded as he listened.

"It's been this way for hundreds of years," Merida replied, "but since my family has been on the throne, I am only the second crowned princess and heir to the throne since my great, great nana. As such, I've been expected to do the same but I wanted a different path. My parents saw fit to grant me the freedom to choose for myself…. but the Lords only begrudgingly agreed. I fear the Lords never intended to allow me to have my own say in my future as queen. Now they are once again trying to force me to choose between one of their sons." Eret nodded in understanding.

"I see," Eret replied, "and you believe that if you and Hic can't find the proof you need in time, that you could be forced into a betrothal before you can get the banishment of Berk lifted." Merida nodded.

"If that were to happen, all hope for Hiccup and I could be lost," Merida replied somberly. Eret nodded as he mulled over all she had said.

"Well, given all that the two of you have discovered about what happened to your grandparents, I understand your concern," Eret replied, "but rest assured, this is Hiccup we're talking about. Once he is set on something he will never give up and he will never back down. Now, his heart is set on being with you; I have no doubt that he will do whatever it takes to make that happen."

"Aye," he said as much," Merida replied, "and I believe him with all my heart; but I fear he may underestimate the will of the Lords."

"Well, I wouldn't worry too much just yet," Eret replied, "Hiccup has a knack for this sort of thing. I mean, we are talking about a man who single handedly convinced his dragon-hating people to make peace with the dragons after three hundred years of war. If anything, the Lords may underestimate him." Merida smiled as she thought over all that Eret had said.

"Despite everything the two o' ye have been through," Merida replied knowingly, "ye still think very highly of Hiccup, don't ye." Eret smiled in return.

"I…I respect Hiccup for the person and leader he is," Eret replied, "but more than that, Hiccup is my friend. I feel for him…as if he were my own brother." He took a deep breath before continuing.

"I know that may sound strange given our complicated history, but it's true nonetheless," Eret replied, "it's because of him that I have the life I do now."

"Well then, I am glad to have met ye Eret of Berk," Merida replied with a slight nod of her head, "and I hope, despite our initial meetin', ye and I can be friends as well." Eret smiled back at her.

"I'd like that very much, your majesty," Eret replied as he held his hand out to her. Merida smiled as she reached out to shake his hand. But the moment their hands touched, a chill went through her and the initial feelings of familiarity flooded her heart once again. It was as if she recognized him somehow, though she could not put her finger on how or why. It was as if they had crossed paths long ago but the when and where had been long forgotten. As she gazed up at him in slight confusion, she couldn't help but to wonder if they hadn't met before.

---

Hiccup sat by the fire silently as Fish sat across from him going on and on about meeting Merida. As Fish droned on, Hiccup was barely listening to anything his friend was saying. Though he tried his best to act aloof, his attention was completely on Merida and Eret. He couldn't hear a word they were saying from where he sat, but he kept glancing in their direction, trying to decipher from their body language how he thought their conversation was going. More than anything he wanted his friends to like Merida, at least that way, they'd have some support once they came forward to Merida's parents. But, while the sight of Merida and Eret together, smiling as they spoke was a good sign, it also inadvertently brought up some residual feelings of insecurity as well. Though it was an unconscious reaction, Hiccup remained on edge the longer she and Eret spoke. It was when he saw Eret holding Merida's hand in a friendly gesture that Hiccup stood from his place and headed over in their direction. Though there was literally no parallel between the situation with Astrid and this new one with Merida, and though he knew logically that he had no need to worry, Hiccup felt suddenly compelled to interrupt their conversation.

---

Eret furrowed his brow in curiosity as he gazed back at Merida. He wondered why it was that she was looking at him in such a strange way.

"Are you alright your highness," Eret asked in slight concern. Merida shook her head and averted her eyes as she quickly pulled her hand from his.

"Aye," she replied, "I uh, I just uh, I…I thought of something…but it just slipped my mind…no worries."

"Okay," Eret replied somewhat skeptically.

"Hey," Hiccup interrupted suddenly, "how's it going?" Merida turned to Hiccup instantly as she backed slightly away from Eret. Hiccup looked back and forth between the two of them questioningly. Though it was not plainly evident, Hiccup sensed a bit of tension between them. "Is everything okay," Hiccup asked as he gazed curiously at Merida.

"Aye," she smiled, "we've made amends…haven't we." She turned to Eret and grinned. Eret was still slightly confused by her sudden change in demeanor but decided not to press the issue.

"We have," Eret replied with a slight smile, "and I must say, you found yourself a pretty amazing girl Hic, she's a keeper." Hiccup grinned at Eret's comment. He turned back to Merida and smiled warmly as he once again took her hand in his.

"Believe me," he said as he continued to gaze lovingly at Merida, "I know." Merida blushed slightly with Hiccup's words. Eret crossed his arms over his chest once more and smirked at the two of them.

"Well, seeing as though the two of you only just made things official," Eret replied with a smirk, "I'm sure you want to spend a little time alone, so I'll just go and give you two a bit of privacy then…right."

"Thanks Eret," Hiccup grinned at his friend. Eret nodded in response. He patted Hiccup on the shoulder as he walked past him.

"No problem," Eret replied, "and don't worry…I'll keep Fish occupied." Hiccup chuckled as he shook his head in slight amusement. After Eret had gone, Hiccup turned his attention back to Merida.

"See I told you he wasn't so bad," Hiccup replied with a sigh.

"Aye," Merida replied, "and to think, not that long ago ye were dead set on ne'er forgivin' him."

"That is true, but a lot has changed since then," Hiccup smirked. Merida smiled up at him but he could still see an uncertain look in her eye, as if she were still troubled by something.

"Are you sure you're okay," Hiccup asked again in slight concern.

"Of course," Merida replied nonchalantly, "why do ye ask? Hiccup shrugged.

"I don't know, you just… seem off a bit is all," Hiccup replied, "like you're a little distracted." Merida sighed as she crossed her arms over her chest.

"Aye, I cannae scouk muckle fae ye kin I, "Merida replied flatly. Hiccup furrowed his brow in confusion.

"What, "he questioned in slight amusement. Merida huffed slightly.

"I said, I can't hide much from ye can I, "she repeated her words so he could understand. Hiccup chuckled at her answer.

"No," Hiccup replied with a smile, "nor I from you." He reached for her other hand, raised it to his lips and kissed it softly. He then gently pulled her to him, wrapped his arms around her shoulders and held her close. Merida sighed heavily as she lay her head upon his chest and took comfort in his arms.

"What's up," Hiccup questioned softly. Merida sighed heavily as she pulled away from him.

"Ye asked me to trust ye," Merida replied as she looked up at him, "and I do, with all my heart…but I still fear what's to come. I fear that our story will end just as our grandparents' did." Hiccup nodded his head as he gazed at her in worry. He could feel his heart seemingly freeze mid-beat with her ominous and troubled words and he immediately felt the overwhelming urge to encourage her otherwise.

"Don't do that Merida," Hiccup replied firmly.

"Do what," she questioned.

"Don't start to compare our situation to theirs," Hiccup replied, "their situation was far more complicated than ours is. If you really think about it, we already have a few advantages that they didn't." Merida gazed at him questioningly.

"What advantages," she questioned.

"Well for one, you're not betrothed yet," Hiccup replied.

"Aye, yet, being the key word," Merida huffed.

"Hey, I know, the suitors coming is a big deal, and it has certainly complicated things a bit," Hiccup replied confidently, "but they aren't here yet. And when they do get here, the Lords can't possibly expect you to just choose someone overnight…courting takes time. Not to mention that the amount of time it takes is technically up to you. You are the one making the choice after all. I'm guessing you could probably drag this out as long as possible." Merida nodded as she thought over what he had said.

"Time is a huge advantage for us," Hiccup continued, "our grandparents' time was limited, but you and I still have plenty of time to figure out what to do, we have time to find the truth and most importantly, we have time to appeal to your parents."

"Aye, my parents who hate Vikings," Merida lamented. Hiccup sighed slightly at her seemingly overdramatic statement.

"Yeah, but, from what you've already told me," Hiccup replied with a shrug, "it sounds like your dad might be willing to at least hear Berk's side of things. You said yourself, he believes that Berk is innocent just as Mairead told him. That means that there is at least a real chance that he will be on our side. Of course, your mother might be a little more difficult to convince given her history with Vikings; but then, she's never met a Berkan Viking before. I'm certain I can get through to her if given the chance."

"Ye don't know my mother," Merida replied. Hiccup sighed heavily at her response.

"Well help me to understand her better then," Hiccup replied, "what exactly was her experience with the Vikings that raided her village?" Merida sighed as she carefully contemplated his question.

"Well, I…I don't exactly know many details," Merida replied, "she rarely speaks of it. But I do know that she lost her older sister in the raid." Hiccup gazed back at Merida solemnly.

"Her sister…was killed," Hiccup questioned.

"I don't really know," Merida replied, "Mum only ever said that her sister was taken…but I think she's always assumed the worst." Hiccup nodded as he thought heavily on Merida's words. It couldn't have been a worse circumstance. Hiccup knew from some of his previous dealings with other more brutal Vikings, that young women were stolen from their villages for one reason and one reason only. For these unfortunate young women that reason was most certainly a fate worse than death. The thought of it made his stomach turn and caused his heart to sink.

It all made sense now, the Queen's hatred of all Vikings, her belief that his grandfather was only using Mairead for his own gain, the fact that she warned Merida about the brutality of Vikings all her life, and her strict rule that Merida could never be outside the castle walls after dark; it all seemed to stem from this one tragic incident. The terrible trauma of losing her sister in such a horrible way had caused the queen to become overprotective of her only daughter and instantly distrustful of any and all Vikings. Honestly, Hiccup couldn't blame the queen for feeling as she did, nor could he blame her if she were to do everything in her power to protect Merida from the threat she might perceive him to be.

One of the downsides of being a Viking was the unfortunate reality that he and his people were often branded as evil barbarians who took what they wanted without remorse and without care. He and his people strived to separate themselves from those barbaric clans, but too often they still were misjudged.

After learning this new detail about the Queen, Hiccup began to worry that trying to convince her that he and his people were different, might be a far more difficult task than he had initially thought. Still, he was determined to try for Merida's sake. If they were to be together, then gaining her family's acceptance and approval would be of the utmost importance. After all, her parents would ultimately be the deciding factor.

Though the Lords had some power, it was the King and Queen who'd have the final say. In the end, the Lords would be wise to obey their monarchy. Of course, it was possible that the Lords might try to defy the King and Queen, but if that were to happen, they would not only have the king's army to face, but also Hiccup's dragon riders. Of course that all was assuming he could convince the King and Queen to form an alliance with Berk and also assuming the worst-case scenario, that the Lords would attempt to force the King's hand. Hiccup sighed heavily as he thought about it all. He hoped that the situation would not come to that. He hoped above all else that Merida's parents and the Lords would see that he and Merida were a good match and that they would allow their relationship to progress without incident. He hoped that they all would see that he was no threat to Merida's rule, nor the whole of Dunbroch.

Regardless, he would do whatever he had to do to be with Merida. Right now, the most crucial thing he needed to do was to win over the Queen. Hiccup turned back to Merida with a serious expression on his face.

"I'm sorry that happened to your mother…and to her sister," Hiccup replied morosely. Merida nodded in appreciation of his sympathy.

"I can see why she feels as she does about Vikings," Hiccup replied, "a raid in itself is traumatic as it is, but to watch them take someone she loved away….I can understand how devastating that is. Actually...I...I sort of know exactly how that feels." He averted his eyes to the ground as his mind once again replayed the moment his father was killed in front of him.

He felt the familiar pain reverberate through his heart as images of that fateful moment flashed through his mind, Drago's heartless glare as he pointed his staff at Hiccup, Toothless' blank mind-controlled stare as he prepared to strike him down despite Hiccup's pleas, Stoick's face as he ran toward Hiccup to save him, his mother's heartbroken gaze when she realized Stoick was dead. The far off memory still made his heart feel numb and though he tried his best to conceal the pain it caused him, Merida could plainly see the heart break on his face. She gazed at him sorrowfully as his meaning dawned on her.

"It was an enemy Viking that took yer father," Merida remembered aloud. Hiccup nodded as he turned his eyes to her once more. His green eyes were filled with such sorrow as he gazed back at her that for a brief moment the resemblance between he and the Viking in her dream was so eerily uncanny, that it was a wonder she hadn't noticed their similarities before. Merida took his hand and squeezed it gently in reassurance. She then quickly pulled him into her arms and held him comfortingly. Hiccup sighed as he gave into her soothing embrace. He loosely wrapped one arm around her as he leaned slightly against her and for the first time in a very long time Hiccup simply allowed himself to be comforted. But although Hiccup's sorrow over his father's death was still nearly as debilitating as ever, it also gave way to his unwavering determination. He knew now exactly what he needed to do to be with Merida and he was completely resolute. He pulled back from her and gazed at her, with a purposeful look in his eye.

"It seems your mother and I may have something in common," Hiccup replied firmly, "that might just work to our advantage. Finding some common ground with her may be just what I need to get her to listen."

"Aye," Merida replied, "but what if ye appeal to my mother and she still refuses to see yer side…then where will we be? Not only will she never accept us but she may just go back on her word completely and force me into a betrothal that she does approve of."

"Then we will cross that bridge if it comes to that," Hiccup replied firmly. Merida gazed up at him with an uncertain expression on her face.

"Look," Hiccup continued, "I'll be the first to admit that we have no control over how your parents will see me or whether or not they will accept me." Merida dropped her eyes from his as he spoke. She could feel her worry over the situation begin to grow with Hiccup's words. Hiccup gently lifted her chin and looked into her light blue eyes.

"That's why it is imperative that we do this the right way," Hiccup said confidently, "if I am ever to convince your mom to see me and my people any differently than the Vikings that took her sister, then I need to talk to her myself. If I come to her of my own free will, a-and throw myself at her mercy, she just might be willing to listen. I'm certain that if I can just get her to hear me out, then she will see for herself that I'm not like those other Vikings at all." Merida sighed as she thought over Hiccup's statement.

Of both her parents, Merida knew her father would most likely give Hiccup the benefit of the doubt, but she was still concerned that her mother would remain immovable in her opinion of Hiccup's kind. While it was true, as King, her father's word was absolute, her mother also had equal say. She feared that if her mother would not give Hiccup a chance, neither would her father.

"My mother thinks that Mairead was foolish and naïve to have fallen for Hiccup the first," Merida replied, "what's to stop her from thinkin' the same o' me once we come forward? And who's to say she won't speak against us to my father?"

"Do you honestly believe your mother would do that," Hiccup questioned skeptically, "after all that you've been through?" Merida gazed at her intently as he spoke.

"Do you really think that your own mother would be that callous," Hiccup questioned further, "as to speak against her only daughter….o-or that she would side with Lords over you?"

"No," Merida replied in a confused tone, "I...I don't know...I...I don't think she'd do it to hurt me, but to protect me she would not hesitate. If she feels you are a threat...I don't know what she'll do." Hiccup dropped his eyes from hers as he thought over what she had said.

"So you think my coming forward might hurt us more than help us," Hiccup replied morosely.

"I don't know," Merida replied, "maybe." Hiccup felt slightly disheartened by her comment. Though she had previously agreed with his suggestion to meet her parents and even had encouraged them to come forward sooner, she now seemed to be suddenly rethinking their decision.

"Merida," Hiccup replied in concern, "yesterday you were all about my meeting your parents. Please don't tell me that you are second guessing yourself now."

"Aye," Merida replied in frustration, "but now our situation couldn't be more complicated! I thought my parents would always stand firm in their decision to grant me my freedom, but now it seems as though they're flounderin' under the pressure of the Lords!" She looked up at Hiccup once more with a plethora of emotions showing in her eyes. "What I fear more than anything, is that when my mum finds out about ye, she will take my choice from me and force my betrothal to someone I dinnae love at all!" She paused once again as she tried to fight the tears she could feel forming in her eyes. "I…I dinnae wantae lose ye Hiccup, not when I just found ye."

As Hiccup listened, he could see the worry on her face and he could feel his heart sink with her words. He would do anything to take the worry from her mind and the fear from her heart. But it seemed this new dilemma with the Lords had caused her fears to spiral and he felt almost as if nothing he could say would quell them. Hiccup sighed heavily as he gazed at her for a long moment. Without a word he pulled her gently into his arms once more and held her tightly against him. Merida laid her head upon his chest and simply allowed him to hold her. His arms were strong and comforting and as he held her close, she felt safe enough to let the tears she'd been fighting to spill from her eyes. Hiccup could feel her gentle and quiet sobs and tightened his arms a little more.

"It's okay," Hiccup said soothingly, "you're not going to lose me, not if I can help it." He pulled back slightly and took her face in his hands as he gently wiped the tears from her eyes. He gazed at her reassuringly. "I know this whole suitor thing has sort of thrown a wrench into everything, and I know you're afraid of what might happen with your mother when she finds out that I'm a Viking, but I promise you, it will all be alright. I will not give up until they see that we belong together."

"And what if they never do," Merida questioned tearfully. Hiccup sighed as he dropped his hands from her face, but he continued to gaze at her assuredly.

"Then we will find another way," Hiccup replied firmly.

"I don't think ye fully realize the fight yer in for Hiccup," Merida replied in a grave tone. Hiccup nodded in understanding.

"This isn't the first time I've had to fight for what I love, and what I believe in," Hiccup replied firmly, "believe me, I know exactly what I'm in for."

"Yer really willin' to stand against my parents," Merida questioned, "knowin' the risk ye'd be takin'?"

"If I have to, I will," Hiccup replied without pause, "though I will try my best to not let it come to that." Merida gazed back at him in uncertainty.

"And what makes ye think that it won't come to that the moment they discover ye are a Viking from Berk," Merida replied.

"Listen Merida," Hiccup replied, "I've been through enough predicaments like this to know that taking the path of least resistance is our best course of action. Trust me, it's far better for your parents to be on our side, then for you and I to stand against them. But if that's what it takes to be with you, I will not hesitate."

"Ye make it sound so easy," Merida replied, "as if ye can talk anyone into anything...but what if ye can't Hiccup? What if despite all yer efforts, they still see ye as nothin' more than a...a despicable Viking?"

"And what do you suggest we do otherwise," Hiccup questioned slightly impatiently, "should we just give up before we even take a chance?" I mean, what was the point of even telling me that you love me at all Merida? Why bother if you're not even willing to...to take a chance at all?"

"Because that's how I feel Hiccup," Merida replied, "I do love ye...and I do want to take a chance...but I..I'm still afraid." Hiccup nodded at her reply.

"You say that you're afraid of what will happen, that you're afraid of losing me," Hiccup said as calmly as possible, "well, I hate to break it to you, but that is exactly what is going to happen if we don't come forward!" Merida just gazed at him tearfully as his words pervaded her mind. He gazed back at her remorsefully.

"I'm not trying to upset you Merida," Hiccup replied, "I'm really not...but you are not thinking this through. We can't hide forever. At some point someone will discover us. You already said as much yourself," Hiccup went on, "you said, it's better to come forward than to wait to be discovered. You know as well as I that the sooner I meet your parents, the better."

"Aye, I'm not sure I'd have agreed with it, if I had known my mum had already accepted the proposal of the lords," Merida replied emotionally. Hiccup raised his eyebrows in surprise.

"Seriously, Merida," Hiccup replied, "if anything, this whole thing with the suitors should be even more incentive for me to meet your parents as soon as possible." Merida gazed at him doubtfully. "Meeting your parents now, before the suitors come, will give them time to get to know me better, and to accept me for who I am." Merida gazed at him in uncertainty as she thought over what he had said.

" I know you're afraid of what they'll do when they find out I'm a Viking," Hiccup continued, "but I'd rather it all be out in the open so they can see that I'm a good person, that I can be trusted, and that my feelings for you are genuine."

Merida nodded as she thought over all that Hiccup had said. Though she still feared the outcome of coming forward, she believed that if anyone could win over her parents, it would be Hiccup. After all, he had gained her trust when they first met, just by being himself. Surely her parents would look past the fact that Hiccup was a Viking and see him for his worth. But more than that, Hiccup was absolutely determined to prove himself one way or another and Merida found herself swayed by his unwavering confidence and steadfast determination. Hiccup stepped closer to her and gently took her face in his hands once more. He gazed deep into her sky-blue eyes with an impassioned look upon his face that caused Merida's breath to hitch.

"I'm asking you again Merida," Hiccup said softly, "please, just trust me on this." Merida's gaze softened and she smiled slightly.

"I trust ye more than anyone," Merida replied, "I trust ye with all my heart." Hiccup smiled at her answer. He leaned forward until they were only inches apart and he continued to gaze at her lovingly.

"As I trust you with mine," he replied warmly. He leaned down closer to her and gently captured her lips in a soft kiss. He slowly dropped his hands from her face and wrapped his arms around her waist pulling her closer still. As he pulled away slightly he smiled against her lips and kept his eyes locked with hers. Merida gazed back at him lovingly as Hiccup brought his hand to her cheek and gently brushed the unruly red curls from her beautiful face.

"Whatever happens," Hiccup whispered, "we're in this together...okay." Merida smiled as she nodded in reply.

"Aye," she smiled, "'Tis ye 'n' I 'til th' wheels fall aff 'n' th' horse keels ower." Hiccup chuckled at her response.

"I literally have no idea what you just said," Hiccup replied in amusement. Merida smiled up at him.

"I said it's ye and I until the end," Merida reiterated.

"Right," Hiccup replied, "so what does the horse have to do with it exactly?"

"The horse is dead Hiccup," Merida replied, "it's keeled over….it's the end o' the horse." Hiccup furrowed his brow as he pondered her explanation. He suddenly raised his eyebrows in realization.

"Oh, okay," he snickered, I get it...because the horse is dead...that's a pretty interesting way to put it...violent...but interesting."

"Violent," Merida questioned," I said the horse keeled over, not that it was murdered."

"You have to admit, your version is far more graphic than mine," Hiccup replied with a smirk, "I mean at least mine was somewhat romantic." Merida rolled her eyes and groaned as she pulled away from him. Hiccup chuckled as he followed after her.

"You Scots certainly have a way with words, I'll give you that," Hiccup replied in amusement.

"Is that so," she replied as she glanced back at him with a smile. Hiccup smiled back at her warmly.

"Hey can I ask you something," Hiccup questioned. Merida paused and turned to look at him curiously.

"What you said to Eret earlier," Hiccup replied, "uh yer jaijets on a shoo gilt woogily...something or other?" Merida raised a brow at him in amusement.

"Yer jaikets on a shoogly peg," Merida reiterated.

"Yes, that one," Hiccup replied.

"It means, yer pressin' yer luck," Merida replied flatly.

"Ah...makes sense," Hiccup replied with a shrug, "given the context." He grinned at her mischievously," I'll have to remember that one." Merida chuckled.

"Aye, do ye plan on pressin' yer luck often then," Merida smirked as she crossed her arms over her chest.

"Please, I'm already pressing my luck just by being here, remember," Hiccup replied with a smirk.

"That is an understatement," Merida replied as she turned and walked a few steps ahead of him. Hiccup snickered at her comment. As he gazed after her his mind inadvertently drifted once again to the earlier argument she'd had with Eret. His curiosity over Eret's ability to understand Merida's Scottish dialect once again pervaded his mind.

"Hey Merida," he called out as he jogged a few steps to catch up to her. She paused as she turned to him in curiosity.

"Aye," she replied.

"I sort of have a strange question," Hiccup replied. Merida looked back at him in intrigue.

"What is it," she questioned.

"Did you happen to notice anything, uh, sort of….strange about your argument with Eret earlier," he asked curiously." Merida froze for a moment at his unexpected question. She recalled the strange feelings that rushed through her when she touched Eret's hand. She wondered if during their argument Hiccup had noticed something that she hadn't at the time. Merida gazed at him, curious and slightly concerned as to what exactly he was asking.

"No...not particularly," Merida replied, "why? Hiccup nodded at her answer. He remained quiet for a long moment, as he thought over her response. He was not entirely surprised that she hadn't noticed what happened in the midst of the argument, as whenever she got flustered she tended to just react without thinking. Still his curiosity of the incident remained. He turned his eyes back to her and gazed at her curiously for a long moment. He thought perhaps if he were slightly more specific it might jog her memory and maybe she would recall something.

"So, you didn't notice, at all, how easily Eret understood your Scottish dialect," Hiccup asked. Merida furrowed her brow at his question. She tried to think back to the argument. But she had been so frustrated and angry in the heat of the moment that she hadn't really paid attention to this curious detail. During their argument she had simply reacted to Eret's comments with very little thought.

"No," she replied, "I...I didn't. I...I mean, I didn't think much about it in the heat o' the moment." Hiccup furrowed his brow as he thought over her answer. Merida gazed at him curiously. He stood before her with eyes averted and a serious expression on his face. He seemed to be in deep thought over the incident and she could not help but to wonder why.

"What exactly is it that yer thinkin' Hiccup," Merida questioned curiously. He turned his eyes back to her and gazed at her for a moment before responding. She gazed back at him expectantly.

"I don't really know," Hiccup replied, "it...it just stood out to me as a little odd. I mean, both me and Fish were scratching our heads at mostly everything you said...but Eret... Eret just came back at you without even pausing to think." Merida furrowed her brow as she thought over all he had said. Her mind drifted once again to the strange reminiscent feelings she had when she looked at Eret, she wondered what all of this could possibly mean.

She looked back up at Hiccup in uncertainty as she debated telling him about her feelings. Considering they were about Eret, she was slightly unsure how he would take it given their complicated history. The absolute last thing she wanted was for him to feel at all insecure about it.

"That is strange," Merida replied, "I didn't even take notice really, I just was so frustrated that I gave it little thought...what exactly do ye think it means?" Hiccup shrugged.

"I'm not sure," Hiccup replied, "I guess... it could mean that Eret has heard Scottish before somewhere." Merida gazed at Hiccup in intrigue as she thought over his suggested explanation. She wondered if that could explain why she found Eret so familiar.

"It's not entirely far-fetched," Hiccup continued, "given he's a Viking...he might have come upon either Dunbroch or one of the other parts of your kingdom with the Vikings he traveled with." Merida gazed at him questioningly as she thought over his suggestion. It certainly seemed like a logical explanation except for one glaring disparity.

"I don't see how that's possible," Merida replied, "no Viking has set foot in Dunbroch or any of our other neighboring lands since I was nothin' more than a wee bairn."

"A wee bairn," Hiccup questioned.

"Aye," Meirda sighed, "a baby." Hiccup gazed at her curiously as he pondered her words.

"I was nae a month old when my father led the clans to defeat the Northern Invaders," Merida explained, "since then, no Viking has returned...until now anyway."

"Well he must have been exposed to your language at some point to understand it so well," Hiccup deduced, "maybe he came across someone who left Dunbroch. Maybe someone associated with his old clan once lived in Dunbroch, or maybe it could even have been someone taken in a raid, and then forced to serve in Drago's army.

"Are ye thinkin' that Eret's old clan was somehow associated with the Northern Invaders," Merida questioned.

"Well Drago's influence was extensive," Hiccup replied, "there is a very good chance that the Vikings that invaded Dunbroch later joined Drago."

"And this Drago," Merida questioned, "he is the leader of Eret's old clan?" Hiccup looked back at her anxiously. He had uttered Drago's name inadvertently and he was fairly reluctant to explain further.

"Yeah," Hiccup replied. Merida continued to gaze at him expectantly.

"I told you before," Hiccup replied gravely, "I know firsthand that there are terrible and ruthless vikings in the world...but Drago...Drago was among the worst." Merida gazed at him curiously.

"He was completely obsessed with controlling all the dragons," Hiccup went on, "and then using them to control and conquer everyone else. He was creating a dragon army that he planned to use to conquer and enslave any tribe that would stand against him."

"And Eret was a part of his clan," Merida questioned in surprise. Hiccup nodded as he averted his eyes from hers. Merida inadvertently glanced in Eret's direction. He sat by the fire smiling as he talked with Fishlegs. It seemed so unbelievable that the man she had just spoken to had been once an ally of such a seemingly ruthless Viking. She simply could not fathom Eret being a part of such a violent clan. She turned back to Hiccup and gazed at him curiously. Hiccup sighed as he turned his eyes back to her once more.

"He was one of Drago's dragon trappers," Hiccup replied, "but Eret's more than redeemed himself since then. If anything, Eret was just as much a victim of Drago as anybody else."

Merida remained quiet as she pondered this newest information. She noticed his slight change in demeanor, he was quieter and more subdued as he told her about this Drago and she couldn't help but to wonder why. She could only imagine what he and his people had been through at the hands of Drago. She gazed up at him in both concern and sympathy. His brief answers regarding his old enemy left Merida to deduce that he did not wish to discuss it further and she decided not to push the issue. If there was more he wished to tell her, he would in his own time. As she thought over all he had said, an ominous thought occurred to her.

"Hiccup," Merida replied, "what if the answer is simpler than that?' Hiccup looked at her curiously.

"What if Eret was the one taken," Merida questioned, "what if he was stolen as a wee lad, just as my mum's sister. It's possible he was no more than a wee bairn himself if it happened during the war." Hiccup furrowed his brow as he thought over her suggestion. "Do ye think it's possible that he could be of Dunbroch?" Merida questioned.

"I don't know," Hiccup replied, "but it's certainly not impossible. I mean it could certainly explain how he could understand your Scottish dialect."

In light of this new possibility, Merida began to wonder if perhaps her feelings of recognition weren't as far off as she thought. What if she had met him somewhere before. Maybe the reason she could not quite place him was because she was far too young when she knew him to recall exactly. Hiccup noticed her puzzled expression and became extremely curious as to what she was thinking about.

"What is it," Hiccup questioned.

"It's nothing," Merida replied, "I...I mean i-it could be nothing….but it might be something." Hiccup furrowed his brow in concern.

"What do you mean," Hiccup asked. Merida gazed at him in uncertainty.

"Merida...talk to me," Hiccup insisted.

"Well...I...I'm not sure exactly," Merida replied. She paused for a long moment as if debating on her words. "It's just a feeling," Merida replied cautiously.

"A feeling," Hiccup questioned.

"Aye a feeling," Merida confirmed, "not unlike when I met ye." Hiccup shook his head in confusion. He could feel his heart freeze with her words.

"The same as when you met me," he replied in slight concern, "like you are drawn to Eret?"

"No...no," Merida replied, "not like that! He just seems familiar...like we've met before...I can't explain it exactly…when I spoke to him to apologize I just...I couldn't shake the feeling that it wasn't the first time we met. There is just something so familiar about him. " Hiccup furrowed his brow as he thought over all she had said. Merida looked back at Hiccup questioningly.

"But that's impossible...right," Merida questioned. Hiccup looked up at her thoughtfully.

"Not necessarily," Hiccup replied. Merida gazed at him curiously.

"Eret doesn't exactly know much about his family," Hiccup replied, "or where he comes from. He had his mother until he was eight, but he doesn't even really know much about her or her family either..." Hiccup paused for a moment as a surprising thought suddenly occurred to him.

"His mother," Hiccup muttered almost to himself. Merida furrowed her brow as she gazed at Hiccup. Hiccup looked up at her with a surprised look on his face. As if the answer had been right in front of his face the whole time.

"His mother," Hiccup replied again, "of course."

"What's this yer goin' on about his mother," Merida questioned.

"Eret told me his mother was taken from her home by Vikings," Hiccup replied, "he said his father helped her escape...and eventually they had Eret...but she never spoke of her home so he doesn't really know anything about where she came from nor her family...Merida what if her home...was Dunbroch." Merida gazed at Hiccup in surprise. Hiccup gazed back at her as he tried to make sense of his deduction. He didn't know exactly how to go about telling Eret of his sudden yet quite compelling suspicions. It was clear, when Eret spoke of his past before, that he wanted nothing to do with finding the homeland of his father, but would he feel the same about possibly discovering the homeland of his mother?

"Aye, should we ask him about this," Merida questioned.

"No," Hiccup replied quickly. Merida looked at him questioningly.

"I mean, I just don't want to confront him about this yet," Hiccup replied, "Eret only just told me about his past...and when I suggested we look into it further he was completely against the idea. I just don't want to push the issue." Merida continued to gaze at him curiously.

"Are ye sure it's wise to keep this from him," Merida questioned. She still looked a little concerned about the whole thing. Hiccup nodded.

"For now, yes," Hiccup replied. Merida gazed at him a little skeptically.

"Look, I'll ask him more about his past, just to see what I can find out," Hiccup replied, "but until we know more, I really think we should just...keep this between us okay." Merida nodded.

"Okay," she agreed.

He smiled at her lovingly as he held out his hand to her. She smiled up at him as she slipped her hand into his.

"Come on," he said with a smile, "we have time to figure all of this out, but for now we need to focus on this whole suitor problem," Merida nodded in agreement. He held his hand out to her. She smiled as she slipped her hand in his once more,

"We still have a lot to talk about," Hiccup continued, "and a lot of plans to make. Not to mention a wisp to summon." Merida raised an eyebrow at him in intrigue.

"Do ye think it will really work," Merida questioned, "that a will o' the wisp will come when ye call?" Hiccup shrugged.

"Honestly, I have no idea," he replied with a sly grin, "but I can't wait to try it."