Fractured Encanto Ch. 01
Merida is currently overseeing a transport of goods from somewhere called Colombia. She didn't really want to, but her mom convinced her that it be a good opportunity to practice building relations with other nations as future queen.
The princess releases a heavy sigh, as she attempts to keep herself from dozing off. If she were to do that and her mother found out, she'd never hear the end of it.
"E-excuse me?" a voice asks.
Turning, Merida sees a local girl who could be no older than herself. "Yes?"
"Um," the local looks from Merida and over to the ship. "Is that your boat."
The redhead looks over at the ship, "Ey," and back over to the local. The princess then takes notice of the large sack she's carrying. "What of it?" she asks, even though she already suspects.
"I-I seek passage," the local pushes her glass on the brim of her nose before reaching into her sack. "I'm not sure how much this is worth but I'm willing to pay." the girl holds up a handful of coins.
Merida eyes the money before accepting the offer and looking back up at the girl before her. "Yer not used to currency, are you?"
"Well…" the girl starts fiddling her fingers together. "Where I'm from, everyone is used to working together as a community. The only currency we really have is trading what we have for what someone else needs."
The Princess once again eyes her before returning the money. "Here! Your home sounds like it's close to perfect. You should get back to your family," she then turns to start walking towards her ship.
"My family doesn't want me."
That stopped Merida in her tracks, and she turns to find this local looking down at her feet. "I'm sure that's not true," the redhead walks up to the girl and places a hand on her shoulder. "Family can be rough. I know that for a fact. Had a problem with me mum once. But we had a transformative experience," she lets out a chuckle at that last part.
"I-it's different for me. I've never fit in with my family and they hardly notice when I'm there. And when they do notice me, everyone just gets annoyed because I'm in the way. I doubt anyone would know that I'm gone."
Merida took a good look at the sadness in the local's eyes. "Are you sure you want to leave? I can't promise that we'd be back."
The girl looks at the princess with determination. "I'm certain," and holds out the coins.
The redhead smiles. "Keep yer money. I don't think they're worth that much anyway," she starts walking back to the ship. "Come! We're about to set sail."
The local smiles and runs to catch up with Merida. "Where to? Back where you're from?"
"DunBroch? No!" Merida answers halfway up the ramp. "We have more stops before heading home. There's Arendelle, Corona, even Thebes before heading back home."
"I read about those. It be amazing to see them in person instead of just reading about them in books," once they set foot off the ramp, it gets removed.
"Well then, welcome aboard!" the ship then starts moving. "I'm Merida," the princess holds out her hand.
The local smiles as she accepts the offer. "Mirabel," she finally introduces herself. "I feel bad for hitching a ride for free. Is there anything I can do to help?"
"Sure! What can you do?"
"Other than helping cleaning and cooking," Mirabel shrugs. "I can sing and dance."
"Maybe you can help entertain everyone? I'm sure they could use something to keep their minds at ease with some songs they never heard of. Many of them get annoyed singing the same ones over and over and over," the princess seems rather irritated herself.
Mirabel smiles and reaches into her sack. "Good thing I brought my accordion," she brings out the instrument.
"That's, uh…" Merida examines the instrument, "…an unusual choice for music. Is that a piano on the side?"
"You never seen one of these before?"
"Can't say I have. I'm new to this traveling thing me self."
"Well, travel buddy," Mirabel readies a song. "I'm sure you're going to love this."
.oOo.
Twelve Years Later
Mirabel walks out of her home with a smile. "Morning, Corona!" she says to the streets and buildings around her. Then places a hand on the door and quietly adds, "Morning, Casita." That saddens the woman as sometimes, she expects the house to answer. Even after all this time.
With a sigh, Mirabel looks back into the house. "Come on, Diego! Don't want to be late for school!"
"Coming, Mama!" a little boy walks out and grabs Mirabel's hand. "Mama! Will you tell me more about our family?"
Mirabel smiles at the boy. "I don't know. I'm pretty sure I told you everything by now."
"I don't care. I always love your stories."
"Very well, mijo. How about…" the trails off while thinking. "…I know! I'll tell you about one time, Camilo turned into your Tia Luisa and tried arm wrestling her."
"I love that one!" Diego beams. "I hope I get to meet them someday."
Hearing that saddens Mirabel. "Maybe one day. Maybe."
NOTE: This is yet another experimental story exploring a what if scenario for Mirabel Madrigal. Not really sure where it'll go from here. Might have a few ideas. But nothing concrete.