A Highland Love Story

Chapter 9

The celebrations in DunBroch had drawn to a close, and the Scottish moon hung high in the night sky, casting a silvery glow over the castle courtyard. The bond between Merida and Y/N had grown stronger with each passing day, and the promise of a new future beckoned like an unexplored horizon.

In the days that followed the Highland Games, Y/N often found himself in the castle courtyard, a place that had become a familiar ground for honing his skills. Engaged in a heated sparring match with Fergus, the clash of swords echoed through the air, creating a rhythm that seemed to resonate with the beating heart of DunBroch.

Y/N's proficiency with a sword had come a long way under Fergus' tutelage, and he was determined to prove himself not only as a skilled swordsman but as a worthy match for Merida, who observed the duel with keen interest from the sidelines.

Their blades met in a symphony of steel, and Fergus, with a seasoned warrior's precision, locked eyes with Y/N. "You've improved."

Y/N grinned, his movements fluid as he disarmed Fergus with a swift and practiced move, the edge of his sword now at Fergus's throat. "I've had a good teacher."

Fergus, with a broad smile revealing his approval, chuckled. "Well done, lad. Ye've earned this."

In a gesture of recognition, Fergus presented Y/N with a finely crafted sword, its hilt adorned with intricate Celtic designs. It was a token of thanks, a symbol of gratitude for his role in freeing Merida from the constraints of betrothal.

Y/N's eyes gleamed with gratitude as he accepted the sword. "Thank you, Your Majesty. I'm truly honored."

Fergus, clapping Y/N on the back, nodded in approval. "It's well-deserved."

Before Y/N could extend his thanks further, Merida stepped forward, her own sword in hand. "Y/N, care to have a round with me?"

Eager for the challenge, Y/N nodded. "Of course, Merida."

The clash of their swords echoed once again in the courtyard, a dance of blades that mirrored the intricate steps of the Highland reel. Merida's fiery determination met Y/N's focused precision, and they sparred with a spirited energy that spoke of the bond they shared.

As the intensity of their sparring reached its peak, a voice interrupted them. Queen Elinor, with her regal presence, emerged from the castle, her eyes holding an aura of quiet authority. "Merida, Y/N, it's time for dinner."

Reluctantly, Merida lowered her sword, and Y/N followed suit. The competitive glint in their eyes softened as they turned to head inside, their camaraderie evident in the shared laughter that followed.

As they entered the castle, Elinor motioned for Y/N to hold back for a moment. She had a proposition for him. "Y/N, the royal stables have offered to give you one of their horses as a personal thanks from me."

Y/N was taken aback by the generous offer but expressed his gratitude with a respectful nod. "Your Majesty, that's incredibly kind. I'm deeply honored."

Elinor smiled warmly. "Consider it a symbol of our appreciation for your role in recent events. The stable master is expecting you tomorrow morning."

With a promise to meet the stable master, Y/N bid Elinor goodnight and retired to his chambers. Anticipation filled him at the prospect of having his own horse, a companion for the adventures that awaited him in DunBroch.

The next morning, Y/N arrived at the royal stables, a place imbued with the earthy scent of hay and the soft sounds of horses. The stable master greeted him warmly, introducing him to the horses, each one a majestic creature with its own unique personality.