Brave

Chapter Two

Some say, our destiny is tied to the land

As much a part of us as we are of it.

Others say, fate is woven together like a cloth

So that one's destiny intertwines with many others.

It's the one thing we search for, or fight to change.

Some never find it.

But there are some, who are led.

The story of how Grunkle Stan lost his leg to the demon bear Mor'du became a legend. So incredible that he charges townsfolk for signatures or just to see it. He legit lives in a castle but he's a cheap con-man. He always telling folks how he's going to get revenge and hang that bear's pelt. Ha! There's no way that he can kill a demon.

As for Pinetree and Mabel, they've officially turned 16! Along with Will and me, of course. We've been studying with Great Uncle Ford ever since we were 10. Throughout the whole time Pinetree has changed from his goofy smile to a more serious view as a future king. Of course with me and the others, he's still his precious young curious and adorable self. Although if it's just the two of us then we became "troublesome", which is why Great Uncle Ford wanted to separate us. Luckily Queen Ariel let us stick together!

But that doesn't keep Great Uncle Ford from keeping us in place. He always fills our minds by saying how we should be acting like this, or that, or blah, blah, blah... ugh! Just leave me and Pinetree in peace will ya!

"Pinetree!" Dipper groaned wanting to sleep in since we've always woken early for duties. "Wake up! Don't you want to head down to the forest?"

At this Pinetree jolted up with shimmering eyes already thinking up a list of activities we could do. "Well, what are we waiting for let's go!"

After Pinetree changed and packed supplies, we mounted the royal horses; Waddles, a vanilla cream horse, and Gompers a beige horse. Both named by, you guessed it, Mable.

We spent the whole day searching the forest for any creatures to study or plants Will could use while baking. We practiced our combat with swords and bow n' arrows. Followed a hawk to a waterfall, helped each other climb the boulders, and drank from the waterfall celebrating our achievement. At the end of the day we watched the sunset on top of our horses before heading back to the castle.

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The whole family was already at the dining room having a conversation while eating haggis. Eh... better than nothing I guess. We sat down near Will and Mabel, and explained our awesome adventures but the adults seemed occupied on a letter our servant, Wendy, placed down.

Halfway through our conversation, Ford exclaimed, "They've all accepted!"

"Who accepted what Great Uncle Ford?" Pinetree inquired.

"Eh... well... umm..." Alex tried to explain the situation but he seemed unsure. "Should we tell all of them or just Mabel and Dipper."

Ariel sighed and continued on for him, "The lords are presenting their children as suitors for your betrothal!"

Mabel had the largest smile possible and immediately started shrieking with joy. As for Pinetree he choked on his food, seems like he's not happy with this idea. Which is good because I hate this plan, Pinetree is mine.

"Congratulations! Who are-who are the kingdoms?" I sent a glare at Will, how could he be happy about this? He knows I have feelings for Pinetree.

"Lords Gleeful, Mermando, and Northwest." Grunkle Stan gruffly stated before digging into his dinner.

"Oh~ I hope their handsome. Hehehe!" Tsk, of course, Mabel's been flirting with any cute boy she sees. Unfortunately it included me which was awkward. I tried avoiding her but when that didn't work, I may have gotten mad. And when I'm mad, oh boy, you're screwed.

"What if I don't want to marry... a girl." Pinetree softly whispered sinking into his chair. I heard the first part but the last part was muffled.

"Sit on your chair properly and don't mumble, kings don't mumble." Stanford criticized Pinetree which made him uncomfortable.

"What was it you said Dipper?" Before Pinetree could reply to Alex, Stanford interrupted them.

"We should use his real name, Mason, instead of Dipper. We don't want to be laughed at for such a silly and unprofessional name." Pinetree seemed shattered at Stanford's statement.

"That's rude! First of all you interrupted Pinetree and second you yourself said his nickname is silly!"

"I'm just saying, if we want him to get married, we should act powerful and professional!"

"Enough! You all know how much I hate my birth name! And I said I DON'T want to get MARRIED!"

"Mason, you've been preparing this for your whole life!" Stanford shouted to Pinetree before speaking in a more threatening tone, "You wouldn't want to disappoint the kingdom, do you?"

Pinetree's eyes widened and he shrunk himself before nodding no. The whole table went silent but inside I was boiling.

"That's unfair!" I blurted out. For a second Ford scared me but I continued on. "Pinetree is allowed to choose whether he wants to get married or not. Plus you still got Mabel."

Pinetree sent me a small smile and Mabel nodded proudly. Ford seemed angry but Stan beat him to it.

"Look kids, as much I as I love Mabel, she's unable to rule the kingdom. She'd have to marry and even then the suitor would be in charge, not her. I don't see why you're worried about Dipper anyway. You and Will should be in the guard, concurring new lands."

Will whimpered and sank in his chair not wanting to be included. I was enraged, how dare he force us to do this, how dare he drag poor Will into this. Will wants to be a baker but he's not bold enough to tell them.

Before I could say anything Pinetree numbly stated, "Their right Bill, I have to think about the kingdom. You should be thinking about them too. Now may I be excused."

Ariel nodded and we watched Pinetree leave the room. "This is unfair! Why do we have to follow these stupid social rules!" I got up and chased after Pinetree.

"Maybe-maybe you sh-should talk t-to them." Will suggested.

"I guess I should."

"Are you sure Great Uncle Ford? I mean, you were the one who made the conversation blow up." Mabel awkwardly laughed while Stanford gave her an annoyed glare. Ariel was about to add on but Stanford signaled her to pause.

"Don't worry, I have the perfect way to explain this whole thing peacefully." Stanford went to search for the two boys ignoring the other's neglections at his idea.