A Mericcup Drabble ~The Kitten Tradition~

The Kitten Tradition

Merida sat before the small fire as she cooked dinner for Hiccup and herself. A small pot, which was hung by chains above the fire, simmered with stew inside. Filling the cabin with meaty smells, Merida sighed in relaxment as she enjoyed the warmth. As she pulled her cloak closer to her, she imagined the on-coming spring season, for it had been winter for the passed six months and was, in fact, the coldest winter she had yet experienced. Because it was agreed by both Dunbroch and Berk that Merida should stay with Hiccup's people, so as to learn the Norsemen culture and traditions before marriage, Merida had lived at Berk throughout most of their engagement. And living just a house away from Hiccup was a wonderful thing; however, the cold and empty cabin did get a bit boring and even lonely at times.

She stirred the stew inside the pot, tasting the latal when she removed it. Mmmm, that is good food, she thought and returned the spoon to the pot. It was a yack stew with tomatoes, onions, potatoes, and beans- a traditional Viking dish. She remembered the first time she attempted to cook with such different equipment. Her haste and neglect caused a half under cooked, half chard goop which neither Hiccup nor she consumed. Toothless, however, was able to stomach the mess. And now, with a little patience and experience, she seemed to have mastered the simple dish. Hiccup would be proud.

Merida and Hiccup had grown closer and closer as a couple since their engagement. They had learned how to cooperate as a couple and also communicate as friends. Merida was preparing to help him as a wife, such as cooking stews and mending clothes, while Hiccup provided her with essentials, much like her cabin and food. But most importantly, they were learning how to be a Chief and Chieftess for all of Berk as well as ambassadors of Scotland. They were going to be great leaders when they would be married in the spring. With a shiver, she knew spring couldn't get there soon enough!

Soon she heard footsteps trailing through the snow, approaching the cabin. Excited, she jumped up and dashed for the door, opening it to peer outside. Hiccup and Toothless had finally come home; she no longer had to sit with her wondering thoughts. Toothless pulled a sled full of fire wood as Hiccup carried an ax. With bright red cheeks and nose, Hiccup smiled as he saw Merida standing at the door.

"Hello, m'lady! Would you care for some freshly cut fire wood?" Hiccup asked proudly as both him and Toothless struck masculine poses.

"I would indeed like some wood from two strong boys like yerselves. I'll exchange my hot stew for it," Merida replied, playing along with their game. Hiccup placed the ax on the sled, shaking his head in laughter. Then he ran up to her with opened arms, embracing her in a tight hug. Merida blushed. He was even warmer than the fire, despite being outside in the cold all day.

"I've missed ya," she whispered, holding onto him like a life boat.

"I've missed you too. I'm sorry we were gone all day. Work caught up to us," Hiccup replied, guiding her into the house. Toothless pounced along with them, immediately curling up near the fire.

"I could help you if you want," Merida offered as they sat down.

"You wouldn't want to. Its really boring stuff," he answered, retrieving two empty bowls. He opened the lid of the pot and the smell filled his nose. "This smells amazing, dear."

"Thank you," she said, taking the bowl of stew he handed to her. "But I can help! I've been on Berk for five, cold months, Hiccup. I'm sure I could do something more than sit here and read, clean, mend the fire, and write to ma mum."

Hiccup took a bite of stew, moaning at the hartiness of the meat.

"This is so good," he complimented her again. He was too consumed in the taste that he hadn't acknowledged her.