third arrow → VIDEO → both courts (forward dated a bit)

[notyetlegend]

[When the screen flicks on, it focuses on Merida kneeling over a deer. A deer as white and pure as the snow, were it not for the blood under its neck tainting its silvery fur. Gingerly, she tugs the arrow from the muscle, reaching to close its eyes with her other hand, bow itself resting against a nearby tree. Merida murmurs something in Gaelic, retracting her hand from its face.]

Forgive me, Wilder One. It's been an honor.

[She had hardly been expecting to actually shoot the White Hart down, but hunting with Saber had gotten results and proper respects must be given in any case. Placing the arrow back into the quiver at her hip after washing off the blood in clean snow, she stands, fur trimmed dress folding out around her ankles, boots deep in the snow. Angus whickers and nuzzles her hair, causing her to turn and reach to run her fingers across his nose comfortingly. Her imp scurries about, muttering to itself as it steps around the corpse gingerly, as though it fears waking it.

Merida pushes hair from her eyes, reaching into a small pouch wrapped around her quiver belt for a hairband and tying it into a high ponytail. Stooping again, she reached for the White Hart's forequarters, taking hold of his hoofs and hefting him over her shoulder with a grunt, standing and, with a bit of maneuvering, gets him onto Angus' back. That done, she dusts her hands off, picking up her bow and her locket hanging from it, noticing it on.]

Well I suppose now would be time tae announce that I've shot th' White Hart, wouldn't it?

Now how am I gonna cart all this meat back?

Comments

[video]

[forsworn_rose]

[That is surprisingly familiar, and Beatrix's smile gets a tad wider.]

I have found that the more people attempt to stop a princess from doing something, the more insistent she is that she must.

[video]

[notyetlegend]

[She can't help herself - she giggles a little.]

Know from experience, do ye?

[video]

[forsworn_rose]

Yes. The princess under my charge was...

[The General hesitates. What's a nice word for foolish, stubborn and reckless?]

Willful.

[video]

[notyetlegend]

[Merida smiles pleasantly.]

Ach, well my mam would probably say th' same about me. Once she was done gripin' about how stubborn I am.

[video]

[forsworn_rose]

That too. I was just being...polite.

[Beatrix decides she likes this girl. Or at least, the girl reminds her of Garnet, and that's a step in the right direction.]

I am Beatrix.

[video]

[notyetlegend]

Aye, aye. I understand.

[She curtsies.]

Merida, firstborn of Clan DunBroch, daughter of Fergus th' Bear King.

[video]

[forsworn_rose]

[Beatrix hasn't been using her rank much, but after that introduction, she almost feels obligated to do so. So despite having just given her name....]

I am General of Alexandria, myself. It is a pleasure to meet you, your Highness.

[video]

[notyetlegend]

[Merida herself uses her title, but she hardly expects people to oblige by it. She waves her hand.]

Please, just Merida's fine. My status hardly means much here.

[video]

[forsworn_rose]

I often find myself thinking that as well. And yet at the same time, who you were, who you are, should matter. You are royalty, regardless of being displaced.