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

[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?

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Ah, but a pupil's only as masterful as her teacher.

I like to think optimistically.

I'd like to think there's no rule saying that a pupil can't better their teacher, after all.

Well when you put it like that, I suppose there isn't. My dad would still be th' best archer in th' land if that was the case.

Of course, of course. So, there's no reason for you to be overly modest, y'know?

Reap the benefits of your accomplishment until you get sick of it!

[She laughs.]

I think I'll reap th' benefits of a nice warm bath for starters.

That's definitely a good priority to maintain, Princess. Say--what kind of rooms did you get? They gave me really a really lavish room to make use of, but I never had any interest in it, myself.

You could use mine if you want.

[Funny enough--there was absolutely no ulterior motive, here. It was pointless bait.]

[Hardly missing a beat.]

Princess roomin'. [Duh] I moved out of th' castle ages ago though.

[Despite her short stay after you know what.]

[One had to wonder what that would equate to. He had his own 'Princely' room, but if she were going by the gender specific--]

Somethin' for royalty or Princesses, specifically... [Hmm.] Well, I guess it's not important, I guess. They weren't up to your favor?

Bed was nicer than mine back home at least. [There's a shrug in her voice.] More like I didn't want tae live under Morla's eye much longer than I had tae.

Don't like her that much, huh? [Admittedly, Lancer felt the same about Solais. Solais was radiant and kind and lovely, but she was still a Queen with his leash. No matter how much he liked her, he couldn't abide by being someone's personal dog.]

That easy tae tell, huh?

[She sounds a little sheepish, scratching her cheek.]

I met her once, back when I first arrived.

[Even if she hadn't told him, he figured he should have known.]

Have you? Supposedly, she and my Master are sisters. Still, I don't think there's any resemblance, anymore.

[She almost questions his use of Master, but brushes it off before she opens her mouth. He's a warrior, of course he'd use something like that. Instead, she gives a small sigh.]

If this war's been goin' on for as long as they say, I'm hardly surprised by that knowledge.

[Especially after being continuously told the tale of the four brothers.]

[Lancer was pretty sure the initial war dispute they got into was something ridiculously petty, too.

It made sense, given where he came from.]

Hey, least we're not privy to it. Their spat could be so mind-numbingly dull or stupid, we'd want to rebel on the spot.

[She covers a hand to stifle her laughter.]

It's no wonder it's not public knowledge if that's th' case.

Or, maybe it's the Kings? Maybe the Queens simply misunderstood the Kings' petty arguments and were looking for an excuse to fight.

[He got a laugh--so, he was a proud.]

The scandal would be incredible.

[Nope. She's outright laughing now.]

Ahhh, I see. I guess I can still make ladies laugh, these days. [Just when he thought he was losing his touch.]

[Once she's done giggle snorting, she'll respond.]

Well I hope ye don't make too many laugh, I might get jealous.

What a thing to get jealous over--my weak sense of humor?

A woman can get jealous over a lot of things.

[Pause, then cheekily]

But I'm guessin' ye already know that.

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

Audio;

Audio;

Audio;

Audio;

Audio;

Audio;

Audio;

Audio;

Audio;

Audio;

Audio;

Audio;

Audio;

Audio;

Audio;

Audio;

Audio;

Audio;

Audio;

Audio;

Audio;