Betrothal (a merricup story)

Ten - prepare for the duelling tournament

The lords were all gathered in the hall, before the royal family. Queen Elinor had summoned them for an announcement. "In two days, we will begin the duelling tournament between the candidates for Merida's hand." She announced.

Merida looked up in surprise. A duel? She glanced at her father. "Is she serious?" She hissed. "With weapons?!"

Fergus nodded. "It's mandatory." He said.

"And...if they get hurt?" Rapunzel asked from beside Merida.

Fergus snorted. "When don't they get hurt? It's a duel, lassie, not a game." He said.

Merida looked at Rapunzel. "Hiccup."

~~~

Hiccup swallowed, looking at the trio nervously. "Um...guys, what's up?" He asked, glancing at the sword in Merida's hand.

"Ok, Hic." Jack said. "You're going to be in a duelling tournament in two days, right? And, knowing how you're like when it comes to weapons-"

"We figured you needed some help." Rapunzel finished.

"So, we're gonna give you some pointers." Merida said, expertly twirling the sword around.

Hiccup stared at them. "But-"

"No buts." Rapunzel said firmly, steering Hiccup by the shoulders. "Now lets go!" They walked over to a clearing by the river.

Merida stepped forward. "Ok, in the tournament, you're not allowed to use the bow or arrows. I don't think Dragons aren't allowed either.... It's only swords, knives, and hand to hand combat." She said, in full commander mode. "So, lets see how you do with a sword." She handed him a sword. "Jack?"

Jack lifted his sword. "Are you ready?" He asked.

Hiccup gulped. "I don't think this is a good idea..." He said, lifting his sword.

"Go!" Jack swung his sword at him. Hiccup yelled, blocking in the nick of time. "Whoa!" Hiccup struggled under the weight of his sword. "Oof!" He fell over, dropping the sword. "Ow."

"Hic! You ok?" Merida asked, standing over him.

He sighed, getting up. "I told you it wasn't a good idea." He said.

Jack looked at Merida. "Maybe we should try something else first." He said.

The rest of the afternoon passed by with them trying to teach Hiccup how to handle a weapon properly. Merida sighed, lying on the riverbank, completely soaked from falling into the river when Toothless surprised her. Hiccup sat beside her, equally wet.

"You know.... I haven't won a single challenge." Hiccup said.

"I know." Merida said.

"So....why are you still friends with me?" He asked, looking at the ground.

Merida sat up. She stared at him. "What was that?" She said. "Look. Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III, I don't give a damn about all that. Ok?"

"But-"

Merida glared at him. "I like you just the way you are." She said. "Even if you don't win challenges, you're still going to be my friend."

Hiccup looked at her. "Even if you get married?"

"Do you even need to ask?" She said. She looked up at the sky. "It's getting late. I need to get back." She stood up. "Oh, and Hiccup?"

"Yeah?"

"I hope you'll win."