Maiden Voyage

Chapter 3: Main Course

{Hey! This chapter is building more plot mostly: Moana kinda getting into her feels and Merida having some character development. There's only a few moments dedicated to the romance in this chapter. I think the real spice will start to heat up in Chapter 5 and 6 ;) Slight trigger warning for judgmental family members and old fashioned ideals about gender roles. I hope you enjoy, let me know what you think!}

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She had been staring at her for far too long now, but it was hard to look away. Less than twenty minutes ago she was smirking at her, naked. The image of her perfect body was seared into her mind. And now there she was. Laughing, talking, punching another curly redhead (probably a relative) in the arm like nothing happened.

Maybe nothing has happened. Maybe that wasn't a "moment" at all. Maybe the intensity of that exchange was just in her head, and Merida didn't notice.

Why was she analyzing this so much?

Moana threw back the rest of her drink and set it down on the nearest table.

It was awkward, not knowing anyone at such a big ordeal in a foreign country. She meandered, walking through the crowd to bring herself closer to Merida, who stood on the opposite side of the massive room.

As she weaved through the guests she overheard snippets of their conversations:

"-poor girl, both parents gone just like that..."

"-a loose cannon! No way is she ready-"

Were they talking about Merida?

"It's irresponsible, such a vulnerable girl, child even-"

"-just doesn't make sense, really, she needs ta build a family.

Was everyone here gossiping about Merida?

Finally, Moana had made her way over to Merida who was roughhousing with her little brothers. Moana giggled at their little scuffle. Somehow Merida was pinned down by the three of them together.

What Moana didn't see were the glares and scoffs of nearby onlookers.

Merida blew a raspberry at the tiny redheads and sprung out of their grasp. Standing up as her brothers ran off, Merida saw Moana and broke into a grin.

"Moana!-"

The servant, George, who had spoken with them earlier rang a bell. There was a lull in the overlapping voices as he cleared his throat.

"Dinner will now be served!"

The crowd began to migrate towards the center of the room, where the longest table Moana had ever seen sat.

"Come sit by meh." Merida placed her hand on the small of Moana's back, leading her to the head of the table. She held back a small gasp as Merida's palm settled into the dip in her spine. Her face grew hot and all she could feel was that hand on her back until Merida removed it to pull out Moana's chair for her. Moana thanked her and scooted in. The elderly man next to her gave her a strange glance before quickly turning away. Moana didn't have the chance to process that she was the only one sitting before Merida unceremoniously sat down, resulting in all of the guests politely waiting behind their chairs to follow.

Why did Merida treat her differently than her other guests?

Waiters came out in droves, steaming food in tow and first served Merida, then Moana, and then went down the table. No one touched the meal until Merida took her first bite, when everyone followed suit. Once again, the chatter began to pick up, and soon the room was at full volume once again.

"So Merida," A woman across from Moana started, "When do yeh think you'll manage ta find a husband?"

Merida almost choked on her meat. "Erm... I'm not sure yet, Catherine."

"Well yeh oughta find one soon if yer gonna be the Queen, aye?" A man who appeared to be Catherine's husband spoke up.

"I'm next in line, I don't needta be married to rule."

"Well, Merida, it's just the right thing ta do. You'll need an heir yeh know." Catherine responded.

Merida opened her mouth to speak, but instead ate a potato. Merida looked up to Moana, and realizing she had been staring, busied herself with her own potatoes.

"She's right yeh know. Yer only nineteen, and let's be honest, yeh could use some help. I mean, yer simply not ready to lead alone. Yeh still run out on that wee horse of yers every day and play archery! A good man would straighten yeh out, alright. A good man could-"

"I get it James!"

"No need ta get snappy, girl."

Merida rolled her eyes and went back to her food. Moana could tell Merida was holding back.

"I'm just sayin'-"

"LOOK! I'm NOT getting a husband ANYTIME soon." Merida shot back at James, slamming her fists on the table so the silverware clattered. Most of the table fell silent, looking towards the sudden noise.

Merida's nostrils flared and her hands shook, still balled into fists. She was full of rage; what was previously bubbling just under the surface was starting to overflow, but Moana could tell this was only the tip of the iceberg.

Merida balled up her napkin and let it fall onto her plate. She set her elbows on the table and didn't pick up her fork again. Slowly, the table went back to eating, but now stealing glances back to the source of the outburst from time to time.

Moana was more surprised by the condescending tone of Merida's relatives rather than her aggressive reaction. Did they question Merida's authority because they were genuinely concerned about her well being? Was it because they were jealous? Or was it just because they didn't believe in the young woman?