Wanderlust

Chapter 7

The following morning and subsequent evening were more full of life than anything Dunbroach had experienced in months.

Around dawn people were already up and moving, so Merida made a point of dressing nicely. Her gown was an elegant, gentle ash-green color, and her hair was combed as best it could be. Her loose hair was also away from her round face, held back by a small bow. The detailed metal accent of which was engraved with her family crest.

Merida had sprung from her bedroom as soon as she was prepared for the day, with both her excitement and her dislike of formal wear forcing her from the chamber.

She raced down the stairway, dashing clumsily into the dining hall. With hidden relief she counted the member of her family (her mother sitting casually at one end of the table, flipping through papers) and her eyes widened only slightly once she noticed their guests.

Hiccup sat next to Merida's father, King Fergus, a sign of one's respectable position. And down the table Valka similarly sat next to Queen Elinor.

"Merida," cooed Merida's mother, without looking up from the small papers she was reading. "Please join us dear."

"Yes Mum," Merida replied, stepping as casually as she could across the vast room. She sat across from Hiccup, glancing up at him as she took a seat. "Good morning everyone." She added as she adjusted her chair.

"Good morning your highness," Valka smiled, looking up from her food. "How was your evening?"

"Peachy," Merida retorted, placing some food onto her own plate as she spoke. "It's an evening better morning though." She continued, looking up to her mother.

"A new day," Valka sighed. "A new beginning." She raised her glass lightly as if in a toast before taking a sip.

Next to Valka, Hiccup had moved to better sit in his chair. Clearing his that as he did so. "I think that's enough Mom." His tone was a little stern, although Valka didn't seem to notice. From the corner of her eye, Merida questioned if Valka had sent him a wink.

"Mom," Merida repeated, testing the word. "So Valka is your Mother, Hiccup." She spoke plainly. "That makes sense." Merida knew the older woman had reminded her of someone.

"Aye," Fergus laughed. "That's where the lad gets his dashing looks." He said plainly. "Stoick was a great many things, rest assured." As he spoke, Fergus looked down towards the young lad. "But a little battle can do quite the damage."

"Dear," Elinor spoke gently from the opposite end of the table. "A man who looses a leg to a demon bear should not be one to joke about battle scars." Her tone was harsh, but her smile revealed her insincerity. A light laugh also escaped her lips a moment later.

Merida held back  sigh, resting further into her chair in an effort to relax. She sent a look to her three brothers, who sat playing with their food and whispering among themselves, laughing every once in a while. The princess cracked a smile, relieved at how little seemed to phase the triplet boys. Merida let out the breath she hadn't noticed  she'd been holding before she rejoined the -relatively bland- breakfast discussions.

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When given the opportunity, Merida immediately dashed from the breakfast table. Although excited, and thankful for her mother's return, Merida was likewise excited for the countless festivities surrounding the event.

The relatively green and grey landscape of spring-summer rains had faded a few days prior, and the countless tents and tables that had began to pop up along the countryside helped further color the rolling hills and forests. The tents had been set up the night before, but now sounds and scents wafted out of each and every one. It became all to apparent to Merida as to why her brothers had hardly touched their food that morning.