Brave 2: A Story of Strength

{Boyd is Young McGuffin and Callum is Young Macintosh. ---> for reference of wordage.  http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/Appendix:Glossary_of_Scottish_slang_and_jargon -it will be reedited tomorrow-}

Merely months have passed since Merida had escaped an almost arranged marriage. Now, it's her best friend, Moira McGuffin, Young McGuffin's little sister, who now faces the same ordeal. It's not that Moira doesn't want to marry, it's just the choice of suitor her father chose for her that has Moira all flustered. If it were any other guy, but no, it had to be him. Young Macintosh.

Moira McGuffin

Age: 16

Hair: Straight blonde

Eyes: Teal

Weapon of choice: poleaxe

Chapter 1: Betrothal

Ever since I was a wee bairn, I've looked up to my eldest brother, Boyd McGuffin. My other two brothers were the twins Cedric and Craig. They always liked to tease me when Boyd was gone learning his new fascination; a language from the far areas of Scotland.

One day, I came back from my own alone time. I was practicing my hand at the works of a poleaxe. No one ever believed I could wield one, because I was too petite and delicate. It was true that I was very slight in build, but I had the hidden strength of a giant. That's what Boyd says at least. I scaled the castle and entered my room, hiding my weapon beneath my bed, and made sure my two braids that hung down my front were still straight and firm in place. Suddenly there was a knock at my door and I opened it, to find my father, Lord McGuffin.

"Da." I said with a nod.

"Moira, come to dinner we have guests over."

I sighed but nodded and followed, "Awrite then."

My father led me into the dining hall and my face paled. It was my worst nightmare. It was the Macintosh lad, Callum Macintosh. I will admit his name was prettily rolled off the tongue, but for all his looks, he wasn't worth the dirt underneath my nails. I remember meeting him when I was a wee lass. He was too much, just a man of action and looks. He was so into himself it was unseemly.

"Moira, you remember Callum."

"Aye, that I do."

Callum smirked, "Moira."

"Callum, what an…unexpected surprise." Moira said tightly, her cheek muscles twitching.

"Aye, it is."

"Father, what's this about then?"

Callum frowned in confusion, "Ye weren't told?"

"No, what's going on?"

"Moira, Lord Macintosh and I both agreed that you two should be wedded."

"WEDDED!?" Moira exclaimed.

The others gave her odd looks.

"N-No! I-I-I can't!"

"Why ever not?" Lord Macintosh asked, sounding offended.

"B-…Because," I couldn't just tell them I hated Callum, so what would I do?

"Because Merida and I promised to spend a week together before I promised myself to anyone."

"Oh? Is that all then?" Father asked.

I nodded.

They laughed in good humor, and Lord McGuffin said, "If that's all, then of course my wee lass. We'll allow you that much, and during that time, we'll prepare for the wedding."

I sighed in slight relief; I bought time to think things through. Merida was my only female friend, and knowing how she had gone through a similar situation, she'd be able to help me. She would know what to do.