Brave Twins

Chapter 2

    "Who's accepted?"We spoke at the same time, but didn't care.

   "The suitors from the other clans! Erin's going to be betrothed!"

    I was silent, but so was Erin. She stroked the medallion, the symbol of our clan, and she nodded in acceptance. And then I wasn't so silent. I stood up, being sure to shove my chair back from me, and stomped up the stairs.

"Rida, wait!"
    Erin ran after me, and everyone watches us leave. Everyone watches the two, torn apart sisters leave.
--
    "Merida, stop, you'll tear up the bed post. Look, it's not that bad!"Erin stood in the doorway, not wanting to get too close to my rapid swinging.

    "Not that bad?! Erin, you're being forced into marriage! You're being taken from me! They're separating us!"I yelled. How could she even think that this wasn't terrible. Did she want us to be separated?

    "Merida, I have to. And you know that."

    "Yoo don't have to do anything! What they need to do is stop forcing us into things! But you know what you do need to do?! Stop being a pushover!"I screamed. I slammed the door in her face, and she sighed from outside, as I continued to slice at the bed post.

    And it was then that I remembered our lessons, but not so that I would remember anything we learned. I remembered, her scolding me for drawing a rude picture, right alongside mom, her laughing at me as I messed up a note on the lyre, her scoffing as the eagle I released went straight into Dad's face.

    But then, I remembered something better. I blinked. I remembered her holding back giggles, and instead scoffing. I remember her, always sticking up for me. I remember her, being obedient, because she wanted to please everyone. I remembered her hugs, I remembered her crying. I remembered her selflessness, her kindness.

    I remembered that she would do anything for me. And I remembered that I'd do just the same. I stopped swinging, and let Erin into the room. I didn't say anything. I had a plan to work on.
--
    It was the day. The day, where a prince would take home my poor sister. Boats and ships arrived, I watched them. Everyone was celebrating, and it was like a fair. Mum had taken mercy on me, giving me a free day, as only the youngest princess was supposed to be present at her own betrothal. I knew Erin was getting ready inside. I was getting ready, too.

    I walked inside, a cape already on. Black as night, it was, hiding my face and my identity, at least for now. I walked through the kitchen, grabbing an apple, biting it, and going upstairs. Everyone was too busy to stop me. I went to our room, and I stopped short, standing next to the wall, listening as Mum instructed Erin.

    "Remember everything I've taught you. Oh, this is so exciting! I can't wait to see who will win!"Mum was gushing about this, this contest for my twin's freedom, and I could see her slight scowl, though all she said was 'Yes, Mother.'

    My mum walked off, not seeing me, and I went in. It was such a wonder that she could move so fluently in that tight dress. I couldn't.

    "Who are--"

    I took the hood off my head.

    "Oh, hello Merida." I could hear the flood of relief in my sister's voice.

    "Erin, when they ask you to pick a sport, chose archery. Alright?"I told her, and I hugged her tightly. She blinked.

    "Merida, that's your sport... What are you planning on doing?"

    "It's a surprise. Just please." She sighed, and she nodded.

And I ran out, as mom came back in.