A Highland Love Story

Chapter 12

As the words "Mor'du " etched into the ancient stone family tree stared back at them, Y/N became confused and disbelieving. The numbers just didn't add up. How could he be Mor'du's son when Mor'du had become a bear over 80 years ago?

"It doesn't make any sense," Y/N said, his voice trembling. "I'm only 18 years old. How could I possibly be Mor'd'u's son?"

His words hung in the air, an enigma that neither of them could unravel. Y/N's memories were hazy, but he did recall being found and raised by a foster family. He knew nothing of his true lineage until recently.

Merida, deep in thought, realized that there was something far more peculiar at play here. "Wait," she said, her eyes widening with realization. "Y/N, if you and Mor'du are related by blood, and Mor'du never aged after becoming a bear, it might have affected you as well."

Seeing the perplexed look on Y/N's face, Merida continued to explain. "It's possible that you were still in your mother's womb when Mor'du was cursed. He was linked to you until he fully succumbed to the curse, severing that connection. That's when you were born."

Y/N's eyes widened in comprehension as he processed this information. His mother hadn't died because of childbirth; instead, she had lived on, caring for him in her womb until she succumbed to old age, and only then was he born. She spent most of her life pregnant and died as soon as she gave birth. She died of old age IN childbirth.

As they turned back to the family tree etched into the stone, Y/N spotted something new. Scratched next to his name, as if clawed in anger, was another name: Sgàl'Bàs.

Just as they were about to ponder the significance of this name, they heard a low, ominous growl. The hair on the back of their necks stood on end, and they spun around to face the source of the noise.

Emerging from the shadows was a colossal, menacing black bear. It stood at a towering 13 feet in height, with sharp teeth dripping drool and white, unseeing eyes filled with malevolence. The aura surrounding this creature seemed to scream one thing: danger.

Without hesitation, Merida notched an arrow to her bow and let it fly, aiming for the bear's heart. But the arrow, with all its might, merely bounced off the bear's impenetrable hide. This was no ordinary bear; it was a creature of great power and darkness.

Realizing that their attacks were futile, Merida fired more arrows to get the bear's attention, giving Y/N a chance to reach their horses. They turned and ran, the sound of massive paws echoing behind them.

The bear was relentless in its pursuit, its enormous form moving with incredible speed. Fear gripped Merida and Y/N as they sprinted towards their horses. Merida reached her steed first, leaping onto its back, while Y/N lagged behind.

Y/N drew his sword one more time, making a desperate slash at the pursuing bear. The blade connected with the creature's hide but shattered instantly, as if it were made of brittle wood.

Merida, realizing the urgency of the situation, continued to shoot arrows at the bear, using herself as bait to distract it. This gave Y/N the precious seconds he needed to reach his horse.

With a final leap, Y/N mounted his horse, and together they rode away with the bear hot on their heels. The beast's roars reverberated through the ruins of the fallen kingdom.

They rode for their lives, the only thought in their mind to reach the safety of the castle. As they sped back towards the stronghold, they glanced over their shoulders and could still see the menacing silhouette of the bear in the distance.

Upon their return to the castle, King Fergus was taken aback by their frightened expressions. Y/N recounted the terrifying encounter with the giant bear.

Fergus assured them that they were safe now, but the mystery of the bear and the name Sgàl'Bàs weighed heavily on their minds.

The castle's great hall buzzed with life as the inhabitants enjoyed their evening meal. Fergus, ever the jovial host, regaled the guests with tales and jests, his booming laughter echoing through the stone walls.

As Fergus was telling the story of Mor'du for the 50th time, Merida indicated Y/N to go under the table.

"Alright" said Merida "lets recap"

What if the bear isn't just an ordinary beast?" Y/N whispered, his voice barely audible amidst the lively chatter of the hall. His eyes sparkled with a mixture of intrigue and uncertainty, as if he were navigating uncharted territories within his own thoughts.

Merida, ever eager for a new adventure, leaned in, her eyes gleaming with curiosity. "You mean something beyond mere curses or legends?" she speculated, her mind open to the myriad of possibilities that Y/N's words hinted at.

Y/N nodded, his expression thoughtful. "Exactly. What if Mor'du's transformation wasn't just a curse but something deeper, something tied to the very fabric of his being? What if there's a connection between him, the bear named Sgàl'Bàs, and me?"

Merida's gaze intensified, captivated by the unfolding mystery. "Are you saying there's a connection between you and Mor'du beyond what we know? How is that even possible?"

Y/N took a moment to collect his thoughts before continuing. "Think about it. Mor'du may have had a child after his transformation, with another bear. I mean, they are animals after all, you know what they are like, loud and savage."

Merida raised an eyebrow, her mind processing the unconventional theory. "You're suggesting Mor'du, in his bear form, might have fathered a cub? That's quite the leap, Y/N."

At that exact moment Fergus gave a loud burp and slammed the table. Merida gestured towards her father and raised an eyebrow.

Y/N, noticing the sudden commotion above, couldn't help but chuckle. "More than us, at least," he remarked, casting a wry glance at the tied-up Fergus. "It seems unlikely, but we can't rule out that possibility. Nature can be unpredictable, and Mor'du's curse might have woven a tale beyond our understanding."

"You have a bear as a brother," she said, a hint of amusement in her voice, realizing the absurdity of the situation.

Y/N grinned, his eyes reflecting a mix of amusement and skepticism. "Well, not exactly a brother in the traditional sense, but the connection is there, buried in the mysteries of this kingdom."

As the commotion continued above, Merida gestured toward her father with a playful smirk. "Perhaps we should focus on more pressing matters first: finding out more."

The mischievous triplets, having successfully secured Fergus to his chair, reveled in their accomplishment and ran back up to there seats, like nothing happened

Y/N raised an eyebrow, feigning seriousness. "Tomorrow, let's go back to the witch. She probably knows what to do in situations where one finds themselves with a ursine sibling"

The mischievous triplets, having successfully secured Fergus to his chair, reveled in their accomplishment and ran back up to there seats, like nothing happened

"Or tied to a chair by your three little brothers"

Merida chuckled, her eyes twinkling with mirth. Suddenly their gaze met, slowly inching closer to each other. Y/N's heart was pounding at the prospect of what may be coming. Every second that paced another inch between them disappeared. 1 second, Y/N could feel her presence getting closer, 2 seconds, her eyes really where beautiful

"HA!".

The moment was interrupted by Fergus's sudden eruption of laughter. The unexpected sound reverberated through the hall, catching them both off guard, and causing Merida to lose her balance and tumble atop Y/N.

"Welp, best be off to bed" said Fergus. Y/N and Merida looked at each other wide eyed, realizing what bracing themselves for the embarrassment the next couple of seconds would bring.

Fergus pushed himself off the table and took less than one step away with his ped and flipped the table over. Those around Y/N and Merida, their cheeks flushing with embarrassment, had a very confused look on their faces.

Harris, Hubert, and Hamish could not stop their laughter.