Authors Note: There's no actual way Merida could have cut her mother out, there were people who could plausibly keep tabs on her and have word get back to Elinor. But for the sake of this story, I'm not getting into the deep depths about those roles. Merida not talking to her and Vevina agreeing just sets up the relationship issues that will be resolved later.
This story has been updated to rated M because there is some smutty thoughts and actions between our two main couples.
Special thanks to MaidenofSummer on reddit for reviewing and reading these chapters, making them fabulous!
Culture Note: Nothing specific!
Warning there is smut in this chapter! It happens here at the end with Elinor and Fergus. I marked it and if you want to skip it feel free!
Early October
Elinor's brown eyes woke up to Fergus laying next to her on his side watching her sleep. That familiar smile on his face and his eyes dancing as if amused by something. Then she remembered what they did last night before pulling the sheet around her sitting up. It was getting late before remembering that they had stuff to do.
"Fergus," she said as he put a finger to her lips.
"We have time m'love," he said, brushing hair away from her face and holding her hand. Elinor tried to get out of the bed before he had kissed her cheek. "I had it set up so we could have time alone today together."
"You did," she said, blinking a little stunned honestly. "But what are we going to do all day together?"
"I was thinking of staying in bed later," he said gesturing to the breakfast he had brought up that she just now noticed. "Have a little fun and do something special together. Maybe remind you of last night?"
Fergus pulled her close as his lips brushed against hers. Elinor gasped a little into the kiss and wrapped her arms around his neck. Something in her snapped as she felt the fire in his kiss. She wanted more of it and right now. He was gentle but with a firm touch he laid on top of her pushing her back on the mattress, her silky hair fanning out around them. What a dream this would be to do this everyday.
"What about our duties?" she asked, finally finding her voice, she knew that she'd have double the work tomorrow.
"Don't worry about them or at the very least give it until after dinner tonight. We don't talk about the kids, your mother, or duties this entire day."
She must have looked doubtful as he put both of his hands on her bare shoulders after raising her face to his.
"Elinor," he said, "you have to make time for a little fun. I know you're not exactly happy about your mother being here or Merida being married and gone."
Elinor opened her mouth to protest, her brow furrowing in mild frustration at Fergus's suggestion.
"I am happy Merida is married," she interjected quickly, her voice slightly sharper than intended.
Fergus, hands still resting firmly but warmly on her shoulders, didn't budge. He looked at her with that knowing expression of his, the one that somehow saw right through her composed exterior. She felt the weight of his stare soften her defensive posture.
"Elinor," he repeated gently, "you've been wound up tighter than a bowstring for weeks. Between the wedding preparations, prepping Merida, and now your mothers extended stay… I can see it. You've barely had a moment to breathe."
Elinor sighed deeply, her lips pursing in frustration. Of course, he was right. He always knew when she was pushing herself too hard. The endless days of planning, organizing, and ensuring everything was perfect for Merida's future had consumed her life. Now all of that training, all of the plans she had for her, had come to fruition. Merida was gone and living out those dreams she had for her.
Her mother, Moira, had arrived for an extended visit—a visit Elinor had not been prepared for emotionally. Moira had always been… difficult, to put it kindly. She had a way of making Elinor feel inadequate, even now as a queen herself.
Fergus watched her struggle with the words she couldn't quite say, his thumbs gently massaging her tense shoulders.
"I know you're proud of Merida, and I know ye love your mother, but ye haven't smiled—not really—since before the wedding. And I miss that smile of yours, Elinor."
She found herself leaning into his touch, feeling the warmth of his hands soothe the tension in her muscles. Fergus always had a way of grounding her, reminding her that there was more to life than the responsibilities she carried.
She allowed herself a brief moment of vulnerability, closing her eyes and sighing again, but this time, the sigh was softer.
"I just…," she began, her voice quieter now, "I want to make sure everything is right. For Merida, for the kingdom, for…"
"For everyone but yourself," Fergus finished for her, his tone kind but firm.
"You take care of everyone, now let me take care of you darlin."
Elinor's lips twitched into the faintest of smiles at his question. She knew where he was going with this as she glanced over at him, brown eyes sparkling.
"Maybe we could use this time for ourselves. Let's get away from her for a little while. We could go out and visit the village and let me get you something nice. Maybe I could teach you how to fish, and watch the sunset over the water."
"It sounds wonderful," she said with a sigh. "Oh alright. You could teach me how to fish and we could get each other a present."
Breakfast was excellent (they happened to have a great chef after all) as Elinor laced on a dress that she knew Fergus liked (the dark turquoise of the clan). She paused at her crown and decided that she didn't need it today. She even had her lady's maid arrange her hair like a braided crown on her head.
It felt odd to follow Fergus out to the stable area without an entourage.
"Good afternoon Maisie," she said to the horse as she winnied at the apple in her hand. She sighed seeing Angus' stall empty and even his name plate was gone. Then smiled when she saw Ferus climb up on his own powerful steed.
Once she had Maisie saddled up, she swung herself on and they were off to the nearest village. The ride was nice as they conversed and told him the story of the time she was bucked off a horse and broke her arm in two places. Elinor was very happy that Maisie was a very gentle horse.
Fergus flirted with that infectious smile on his face as she couldn't help but smile back.
"It's good to see you on a horse again and get some alone time away from the castle," he said as they tied the horses to a post once they were at the village. "It's like we're courting all over again. How about I take you back to being sixteen again?"
"What are you going to do?" she asked, grinning.
"Well," he said, leaning in close to her and kissing her lips.
Her eyes closed, kissing back, her hands on his face. He was right, it was like she was sixteen again without the responsibility of needing to be back at a certain time or paperwork. Her brown eyes popped open as Fergus was holding her hand. Slowly they walked through the vendor stalls selling wares looking around at the new stalls set up since then.
"Remember that guy?" asked Elinor as he gestured to an older man selling pottery goods.
"Yes, do you think he remembers us accidentally breaking his pots with the rump of my horse seventeen years ago?"
They giggled ducking behind a woman selling homemade quilts as the man turned to look in their direction. She could feel the tickle of his beard against her cheek as they explored more of the marketplace and she bought him a new holster for his dagger. Elinor picked out two new good ribbons for her hair and a big wooden F & E to hang over their bed.
Finally they left for a river to fish as it seemed to get later and later. It sounded unappealing as she reminded herself that she loved Fergus and that she could have fun. After all, it couldn't be that hard. She thought of Merida who would come out here alone and do who knows what. Elinor was experiencing something that her daughter did. Just without her.
"Here is the perfect spot," said Fergus as they found an overturned tree to sit on and Fergus had a homemade fishing rod, he handed to her. He sat next to her and stretched out laying down next to her.
"Oh and you're going to nap next to me," said Elinor amused watching him gaze up at her with a loving look on his face. She rocked a little in her spot and raised an eyebrow at him.
"I figured that I'd let you give it a shot first," he said. "And I can use my bow and arrow to catch some food for an early dinner."
It didn't even occur to her that it would be close to dinner. She followed Fergus's instructions and cast out the line. They talked a little as nothing seemed to bite. It was only after he started to rest his eyes, did the line move.
"Fergus," she said, nudging him with her foot.
Then pulled the fishing line as she tried to pull it in. The hook that Fergus had fashioned seemed to really catch.
"Fergus," she called as the fish started to swim away pulling at her rod.
She was pulled forward with a squeal that seemed to startle her husband awake. Sitting up straight Fergus saw Elinor topple into the water losing the fishing rod in the process of falling in.
"Elinor," he said, reaching for her in the water.
She proceeded to pull him in as she surfaced and turned to him laughing and a little annoyed. "I tried calling you twice, that's for not helping me right away," she said between laughing and coughing up water.
Fergus pulled the fishing rod and the fish caught on the end landed on the bank. They swam back as Elinor started to wring her hair out.
"Well we can't say that today wasn't an adventure," said Fergus. "Are you ok m'love? You could ride with me and we can guide Maisie back."
"I think it's time to go back to the castle," said Elinor, not so much amused anymore. She was starting to get cold as Fergus draped his cape over her shoulders. The warmth spread through her as she learned back against his strong chest. Maisie was led back but she didn't seem to mind.
After exchanging kisses in the barn, he took her hand and led her back to the dining room.
Back at the castle dinner was just being served as they snuck in the back. She immediately changed back into her green dress. Nobody seemed to even notice that they were gone for the entire day. Her mother sat with the triplets at the table as Elinor saw Hamish sitting next to him.
She took her spot next to Harris on the left as Fergus sat next to her mother.
Maudie said nothing as she just delivered the mail. Normally she did this at breakfast, but since she wasn't here she supposed now was better late than never. There was only one letter from Lady Macintosh and a package.
It was big as Elinor looked at the label. It was addressed to the entire family and she immediately recognized Merida's handwriting. Finally! She had been waiting to hear from Merida as she hoped and prayed to hear from her. She hoped that Clan MacGuffin had been treating her well.
"What's in it?" asked Harris next to her.
Elinor was delighted at the package as she opened it. "Some sweets, toys, and even a gift for us."
She found a letter that was addressed to the family hoping that they enjoyed it. Merida had written after all. Fergus got excited to see something for him as the triplets claimed a toy. Her mother even had a present. Elinor eagerly saw that there were letters in the box too.
Oddly enough, they were addressed to her in Vevina's handwriting. Hmm, that was unusual as she saw three of them. Then another addressed to her in Merida's handwriting.
She didn't know what order to read these as she picked up Vevina's first. It looked like the oldest as she read it. Oh! It was the progress report after all as she checked the date. From the first month at least as she read through it. All seemed to be going well as she reached for another letter to peek at the date.
While the others chatted about the package, she read the second letter. It felt odd to read these so late. Especially since she'd have a way to critique the way Merida was doing things. Why so many potatoes for dinner? And she tisked at hearing that Una was learning archery. She understood that Vevina wanted all of her children to protect themselves, but at such a young age? A proper lady shouldn't have a weapon if she was going to raise her correctly.
Finally, she picked up Merida's letter which seemed to be recent.
Something in her twinged as she felt her bottom lip tremble. Then reread the letter trying to keep it together at the table. Fergus looked at her questioningly and she gave him a weak smile.
"I'm going to eat in my room," said Elinor, taking her plate and the letters.
A little depressed she sulked as she felt her mind race. She had such a good day and this had to come. Merida essentially told her that she wasn't going to be writing to her (as if she would to begin with) and didn't appreciate being reported on. Fergus told her as much. Then Vevina listened to her and told her that she wouldn't write a report.
Elinor put both hands on her head frustrated. Why couldn't Merida just listen to her as she thought back to today. Merida was more than capable to learn quickly and do her duties properly if she could saddle a horse in her sleep and catch a fish with her bow. She could do a lot with a quick wit and intelligence like that.
She cut her out of her life and she wanted nothing to do but cry.
"Elinor?" said a voice as she turned and wiped her face to see Fergus there. "You left your gift from Merida downstairs."
In her hands was a necklace made of glass, stone, and amber beads. She didn't even think to look for a present in the box. She took it from his hands as he sat down next to her.
Cautiously she watched as Fergus read the letters from Vevina. Then the final one from Merida. It was quiet as Elinor found herself playing with the beads.
"Oh Elinor, it'll be alright," said Fergus as he put an arm around her. "It sounds like she's fitting in and picking things up. Listen, I know you're upset but Merida'll come around. She may not be the proper lady you want her to be, but she's a lady who knows what she wants and gets things done. To me, I think you did an excellent job teaching her."
She leaned against him and held the necklace close.
"I just feel like I failed her sometimes," said Elinor after a second. "I tried to make her life easier than mine was in comparison. Even though my mother and I didn't get along, I sent her letters bi-weekly. She asked yes, but I was glad to have the correspondence."
"Maybe if you were in her shoes you made life easier but you know what our daughter is like. Elinor - she's not gone forever. You'll see. She's coming into her own and we should both be proud of her. I know I am."
"I am, I just wish I could be part of it."
"Give her some time m'darling," he said, kissing her cheek. "Now when are you free next? I need to make up that fishing trip for something a little more exciting and less wet."
"You do, I think you can make up for that with a back massage and maybe horseback riding in the glen."
"With a picnic?" he asked, nudging her slyly.
"With a picnic," she said, "we're not catching our own food after this attempt. Now get to work with the back massage." She promptly laid back and grinned up at him.
"I'll give you a back massage," he said, going to kiss her and lay her on her back while she just laughed. Fergus could only watch as her amber eyes lit up and a smile never left her face. He hoped to make this a weekly thing where it would just be the two of them. "Maybe we can recreate last night."
They kissed deeply as he straddled her thighs sitting on top of her. She held him tightly and he was sure he must be crushing her, but every time he attempted to pull away, she would tug him back down on top of her.
Something in her stomach bubbled and she felt his tongue in her mouth before they pulled apart breathing heavily. She gave him a smile of encouragement before he leaned over her. His kiss went from her lips to her cheek, underneath her earlobe, the smooth column of her neck and down to her collarbone.
His free hand reached for her chin and titled it for him to look at her before recreating the same path down the other side. His other hand went to cup her breast. She gasped as his thumb stroked her nipple. Their pants and the groans from Elinor's lips was almost too great as Fergus didn't try to contain himself.
He studied her face, sensing she was ready and he shifted down to find her opening.
She gasped when his fingers tugged at the delicate hair to find her folds. She bucked her hips as if helping him out. She was wet, so wet and she closed her eyes still using her hips to rub against his fingers.
She gripped her pillow when she felt his hands on both sides of her hips now. She stilled when she felt his manhood at her entrance. One eye peeked open to see that he had stopped.
"Why'd you stop?" demanded Elinor.
Not saying anything one hand went to her chin to title her head back for a kiss. The other on top of her belly button. Then she felt him enter her. Her eyes flew open as he grinned at her. Weakly she guided his hands to her bare breast.
Then he grabbed her hips and picked up the pace of his thrusts, pumping in and out of her with the strength of a desperate man. She swayed with it, whining helplessly with pleasure, at the feeling of his cock deep inside.
"Fergus," screamed out Elinor as she pulled him in for a very much sensual kiss.
"Oh love," he said, reaching his climax as Elinor felt hers only moments later. Then pulled out agonizingly slow but not painful as he rolled off her, sweaty bodies unsticking. Her pants were shallow as he laid on his back briefly only to reach over to her shapely hip and pull her close to him. Elinor let out a long satisfied sigh, he could still make her quiver with excitement.