Merida of Nirvati (ONGOING Revision)

PROLOGUE

SHE RAN AS FAST AS SHE COULD, trying not to look back. All she could hear was her rapid breathing, her heartbeat, and the sound of dried leaves whenever she stepped on it. Running has always been her favorite part since she was a child. The aftermath of running that feels like being chased by death is one of the reasons why she loved running. The sweaty feeling with her soaked cloth and barely catches her breath. Just like now, running is great but the reason for her trying to go far is not as great as the feeling of fulfillment when she was a child. This time, it is suffocating.

When she realized she was already far from the place, her legs suddenly lost their strength to walk, and just let herself flop on the ground. This was by far the most exhausting kind of running she did in her entire life. She let herself get immersed in the silence. It is far from where she came from. Everything is chaotic, loud, and suffocating. She doesn't want to be there. She just wanted to spread her wings and see the beauty of life with her own eyes. But how can she make it when she was held captive by the responsibility given to her even before she was born?

She squinted her eyes when she saw a familiar figure. She knows that person. If Merida was not allowed to be here, so is she. No one is allowed to stay longer here in this place. Her curiosity arises when she sees another familiar figure. This leads her to use her senses and try to listen to what they are talking about. She gasped at what she heard and quickly ran away but before escaping, she made sure there would be no trace of her in this place.

"They better not know that I've been here."

The swirling wind passed on her and cleared her marks, even her scent so that they did not know where she was heading. She must leave no trace just like what her father always taught her to be. As someone who will soon hold the biggest responsibility, she must possess a lot of great attributes to maintain peace and harmony. She is a role model. She should be perfect in the eyes of Vati.

"Do you think running and hiding would solve all the responsibilities you are trying to escape from?"

Her face dimmed with what he said. "And do you think that following me is the right thing to do?"

The man stepped back when he saw her face. Scared that it might be his last. Now, he's doubting his choice of following her for her safety. He just wanted to make sure she was safe because the place where they are right now is not a place for someone like her to be at. It is not as protected as Nirvati. This place lies between the land of Nirvati and Trigon which indicates danger. This place could also mean death. Either way, it is not safe for her to be out in the woods.

"I am not running away from my responsibilities anymore. I am running away from the person who is taking away everything from me."

With that, Tarik realized that Merida had already come to terms that she would soon lead Nirvati. That is a good sign because he knows she can be a good leader. He guesses that it has something to do with the Queen again.

"I hope you remember what this place is. The history of this place...."

"And I hope you also know that I can protect myself even if I'm here."

"I know you can but still, you are not bound to be seen here. Neither side is allowed to be here unless something happens. Unless it is necessary."

"Stop it, Tarik!"

"So what, Merida?"

She chuckled. "I bet you're thinking of making sure that I am safe. You're funny, Tarik."

"We both know I am bound to protect you no matter what it costs. Even my life."

She shook her head. "I don't want to hear it. Stop it. It's not making things better for me. I hope you know that." She went near him and tapped his shoulder. "You should go. They might be looking for you, especially your sister. I don't want her to hate me if something bad happens to you."

"Let's go home, Merida. Everything will be fine. Tell your father how you feel, he will listen to you."

Her eyes twinkle with sadness as she looks into his eyes trying to make him realize that even the person whom she trusts the most doesn't care about her at all. He didn't even try to stand up for her. He chose to be silent and let her mother scold her for speaking up for herself. He might not be the man she thinks of him.

"He is a coward."

She let out a deep sigh and stared at him for a while then she motioned him to sit beside her. He silently obliged. He let her head rest on his shoulder. They stay that way for quite a while when he suddenly hears her snoring. That put a smile on his face. "Does she even know the word sleep? I hope she's not spending so much time studying how to be a great leader."

She opened her eyes only to find herself waking up in a familiar room. "That man!"

"Yes?"

She looks for that voice only to find Tarik sitting comfortably on the chair while reading one of her favorite books. "You are so tired you didn't even realize I carried you home. Do you even know the word sleep, Merida?"

She rolled her eyes and stood up. "Did she see us? What did she say? Does her nose about to blow some fire? She might be thinking of a way to punish me after I ran away. She hates it whenever I disrespect her."

"Calm down. She doesn't even know you're here. You probably forgot I also have power."

"I h—"

"There you are! I've been looking for you! You are not allowed to leave your room until I say so!"

"Say what, Mother, I just went out to Shunn after you scolded me. You didn't even notice that I was missing, that I went out of the border of Nirvati. You can't stop me. Never."