The Frozen Brave

Sunrise of Beginnings

Merida woke up and immediately went into her daily routine, shooting arrows in the forest of targets.

After the Eternal Winter rescue, everyone parted ways.
Elsa, Anna and Kristoff returned to Arendelle.
Jack reported to their Northern Base.
Hiccup and the dragon riders went back to Berk.
As for her, Merida decided to go back to Dunbrock.

Her parents were surprised but more than happy to have her back. Of course, her mother Elinor didn't change much. She still had to entertain suitors but Elinor let her decide who she’d marry. Fergus, her father, said so Elinor gave in.

Today was no exception.

In two hours, a new set of suitors was coming so she took her time in the forest. She led Angus to Fire Falls, her most favorite place in the world and she climbed to the top, drank on the water and squealed so loudly at the success.

A whistle interrupted the precious moment. She looked down and saw her three brothers: Hamish, Hubert and Harris looking up at her. She groaned, knowing it meant for her to return to the castle.

When they arrived, Merida burst through the doors in frustration but stopped.
A familiar blonde, a strawberry cherry person, two black heads, and two white heads greeted her with a smile in the center of the throne room.
“Guys!!” she exclaimed and grabbed them all in an embrace.
“So nice to see you too!” Anna struggled to say.
“I’m suffocated!” Eugene complained.
“I’m being squished!” Elsa groaned.
“I’m being killed!” Rapunzel yelled.
“Help! Help! It’s a killer panda!” Kristoff shouted.
“A really strong torturing killer panda!” Jack added.

Finally, Merida let them go. They all gasped.
“I thought I was really going to die from that killer hug.” Jack leaned back and tried to breathe.
“Oops.” Merida reacted sweetly then looked around.
“Looking for a certain brown head?” Rapunzel teased.
Merida turned red. “Not really.”
“Oh sure, you wouldn’t look for him. I mean why would you look for him? It's not like you wanna see him, riiiiiiight?” Jack also teased.
“Jack, don’t push it.” Merida growled lowly as a warning.
“Gee Jack, you never know what people here do to those who toy with their beloved princess.” Anna said.
“Uhh…” Jack looked at a guard who pretended to polish his axe. Jack’s hand landed on his neck and he laughed nervously.

Everyone else especially Merida laughed and snorted at his scared reaction.

“A princess does not chortle!” Queen Elinor said from her throne. She sat with King Fergus and the triplets.
“Mum…” Merida turned to her, frowning.
“Maudie, lead our guests to the left. The suitor is here.” Maudie did as she was asked.

They all sat and Merida turned to her mother.
“Suitor?” Usually there’s about three or more but now… “Just one?”
“Why, want more?” Her mother teased.
“No, it's fine.” Merida leaned back and sighed.

Fergus clapped his hands and the doors opened, revealing people rushing in. Merida sighed and leaned back.
For awhile, she watched in silence as they entertained them with a dance. They twirled and clapped. It was the usual performance she’d seen with the other suitors.

But something about them seemed familiar to her.

The ending was done with fire bursting from the center. She jolted in surprise. Everyone else clapped, even her own father and mother.
Then the crowd settled down and a man with only one foot and a woman with long black hair appeared. Merida gasped.

It was Gobber and Vodka.

They bowed. “Your highnesses, I am Queen Vodka of Berk and this is Gobber our royal blacksmith. May I introduce my son…”
Merida gasped when the suitor appeared from behind them. She knew her heart stopped then.
“I am Chief Hiccup of Berk. I am here to ask for your daughter’s hand in marriage.” He said and bowed low.
“We know you, Hiccup of Berk. We know your father died in the hands of your own dragon. He was our friend actually.” Queen Elinor had stood up.
“What we want to know is simple: why do you want to marry our daughter?”
Hiccup turned his gaze at Merida for a moment then back.
“For the short while that we’ve been together, I can see how amazing your daughter is. She is beautiful, talented. She never hesitates to help her friends even if it meant risking her life. I admire her for her courage and strength and I unexpectedly have fallen in love.”
Everyone could feel the sincerity in his voice. “I’m in love with princess Merida and I would like to be the one to take care of her, and stand beside her forever.”
Merida gasped and smiled.
“Merida dear, come over.” She listened to her mother and went over and stood by her side.
“Would you like to say something?” Elinor asked her stunned daughter. She turned to Hiccup.
“You don’t know how happy I am to hear this from you again.” Merida cried happily. “You’re the one! Yes, I’ll marry you Hiccup!”
Hiccup was delighted and he pulled her to his arms as they all cheered for the happy couple.

When they broke free, Elinor took her hand and Hiccup’s and placed them over one another.
“Then I give you two our blessing.” Fergus stood and placed a hand on his wife’s shoulder.
“I’m happy for you my dear.” He said to Merida who hugged him.