Finally done! And half past midnight too!

I'm real sorry guys – my brain hasn't been creative as it used to be =/

And with my classes starting on the last week of August (plus some life responsibilities) it will be rather difficult for me to sit down in a quiet place and let my mind think.

I finished this story very, very slowly. I'm just glad I got something!

Pardon some errors that might be on here (if not more…oy vey…)

Well enough bantering! Let's get on with the story! : )

Given his most recent encounter with the captured queen of DunBroch, Ambrose hadn't seen nor spoken to her since then.

After their conversation, he left just after she had called him by his first name. Normally he wouldn't flinch by something so simple, but coming from her simply made the situation awkward for him at the instant, and left before she would notice his strange behavior.

He left her alone for the first night with her dinner to organize himself. The night before he had infiltrated into the red-hair princess' nightmare and set upon her a curse during her dream, an illness in fact.

However his plan was to make sure she wouldn't recuperate anytime soon. For this illness he had cursed upon the princess is incurable and he made sure that no customary remedy would help her. Ambrose sought to it that she was out of his way for good.

Ambrose's thoughts then trailed back to Elinor. He regretted even mentioning the topic to her on his 'silly magic trick' when he was a lad (an awful conversation starter he would say to himself). Ambrose never thought it would bring back strong, unwanted memories that made him leave the room sooner than he had estimated.

Afterwards, he'd been wandering around his 'palace' lost in his thoughts. It was the middle of the night and his mind was buzzing blankly keeping him restless.

Ambrose's castle was located in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland, a mere location surrounded by water with subtle misty hill area. Yet the land had vast green hills teeming with livestock and a few farms present, unaware of the sorcerer's location.

Compared to many abound castles, his was vacant and no larger than the DunBroch kingdom. Ambrose had no servants, no trusted companion to serve him like a nobleman would. His clan members deserted him. He became an outcast to them all. Now what was left in his comfort was his studies in books, and usage of eccentric alchemy that created strange things at his will.

Inside his domain was lavished with the finest carved-wood furnishings and findings of treasures you could stumble on in lost pirate stories or from the ancient kings in all of Scotland.

The floor was spread with crimson fitted carpet with gold trimming on the edges. He possessed the finest set of tapestries made of luxurious dye thread and rare paintings adorned with gold frames. The walls were ornamented with torches that lit the inside with its bright orange flame, emitting Ambrose's mysterious silhouette to cast down behind him.

But such fancy things didn't impress nor satisfied him at the least. He was in an escapist mood at the moment.

That was then his side bumped into something as it landed on the stone floor with a loud clank.

He had knocked down a stockpile of swords placed on a display board. There laid a scattered pile of numerous swords pointed in every direction.

Ambrose scuffed and was about to walk off until his boot stepped on a smaller weapon. In annoyance he kicked it in front of him as his expression changed and sharply gasped.

Ambrose saw it was a 'Scottish dirk', the hilt and scabbards were lavishly decorated with silver mounts. The blades measure was twelve inch length and single edged with a decorative file work.

Given to him as a gift, from Fergus…

Ambrose eyed the small steel blade under his boot and picked it up reluctantly.

He held the cool blade by the handle in his rough hand. The memories started flooding in like a seeping wave as it played in his head like it happened just a few days ago. He then began to hear the nostalgic voice of laughter swirled around echoing...

The day has come for the chosen clans to compete in the highland ceremony competition.

The clans Dingwall, Macintosh, MacGuffin, MacFarlane and DunBroch,

All five have accepted the notion that each of their first born heirs participate and compete in the Highland games to win the hand of the princess, Elinor of Sinclair.

It was the beginning of a warm and breezy summer season, and the people were bustling with excitement and anticipation for the arrival of the clans, preparing to start of the beginning of the games!

The first to arrive was clan Macintosh in their long boat. Right after them was Dingwall, then MacGuffin close behind as they docked their ships. The few clan members arrived with the Lords and their young heirs to cheer for their own kin. They greeted each other in mixed clamors of hearty cheers and sneers – as they were all each friendly rivals.

Just at the peak of the large lake's horizon came the last two long ships, clan DunBroch and clan MacFarlane, finally arriving just in time as the last ships docked.

As they boarded into the harbor, the last clans dismounted.

The eldest from his nobleman family, Crayton MacFarlane. The most brilliant alchemist of his clan valiantly walked next to his father, Lord MacFarlane, who had a sophisticated look on his broad features. Their clan resided near the great rivers and mountain peaks. Their clan was greatly known for their superiority in intellect, politics, a broad knowledge of sword skill, science and alchemy. Young MacFarlane was neither limp nor scrawny nor stout or husky but rather short and masculine. He was a quiet lad overall, a bit awkward and not well with social events but anyone who knew him would tell you he had a vivid persona, and like his father he bore broad shoulders and well-dressed features.

Whereas the DunBroch clan brought their next heir, Fergus, a brave and steady young lad loved by his clan for his optimistic outlook as he excelled all in exercise instruction, from testing his skills in playful sports to battling northern invaders. The eldest of his family, Fergus of DunBroch was a large lad, very husky and muscular with his bright wild, frizz red curls being a rather bold and distinctive look to the lad and his father.

Each suitor wearing identical kilts to resemble their father's and to show great tribute to their clan colors with pride.

As the clans prepared to unload their things off their long boats, the two young lords noticed their arrivals.

Fergus and Crayton walked toward one another with great grins on their faces. Each gave a hearty greeting and embraced one another, patting each other on the back.

"Ah, it is so good to see you again, Fergus! It has been a while since our last encounter. How are things in DunBroch my friend?" asked Crayton, his face was bright and cheery, how he had missed his childhood friend.

"Ay lad! It's an honor to have you as a competitor in these games! All is well and the weather is fair for now." Fergus said as he patted the short lad on his elbow as he eyed Crayton craddling a paperback under his left arm.

"Still keeping yer nose in those books are ya now?" Fergus snickered at his friend,

Crayton looked back and forth, noticing what Fergus was talking about.

It was true that Crayton was a bit of a bookworm and enjoyed his fair share of reading a large variety of poetry and literature. But he was no defenseless wee lamb. Crayton was indeed after all trained to become an expert swordsman and prepared physically for the highland games.

Nonetheless he unconsciously carried around his personal favorite books of different authors about stories of war, and history he enjoyed.

Crayton chuckled meekly as he felt his cheek bones warm up showing a tinted rosy color,

"Heh, ay lad. Though this isn't just your commonplace manuscript of philosophy, it's actually about-"

But before Crayton got too excited about his book, which would've bored Fergus quickly,

"Alright now lad," Fergus chuckled, "You'll have your go at telling me all about your novels of poetry and such, but for now let us enjoy our company and celebrate the games, shall we?" giving the small lad a kind grin

Crayton's eyes glanced at his friend. Fergus was right, they were all here to compete for the honor of their clans and be merry for their health and success in the games. They were all here for one purpose and as friendly rivals they would all do their best to win the hand of a princess.

Crayton nodded enthusiastically and set his book inside his satchel.

The two continued to talk more as their clans altogether then marched in pride as they entered the castle to begin the presentation of the suitors.

The large moat opened and the castle's announcer called out their arrival as they marched with pride each holding the clans respectable symbols high. Making their way to the throne room where the suitors would be presented and they would finally be able to meet and see who their prize will look like.

The large wooden double doors then opened as they made their grand entrance into the great hall that led to the throne room.

The great hall looked rather stunning, as it was embellished with different decors of floral banners on the walls. The wooden pillars were woven with ribbons of practical colored streamers, lit candle wicks stood in elegant candleholders in every dark nook made the room even brighter. And the food was already prepared as its scent filled the air, much of the castle servants and guards were all piled in the corners of the room to peek at the incoming visitors.

Each of the suitors walked anxiously to see the prize of a princess they would be competing for. Will she be as divine and fair as a wingless angel or as exquisite and graceful as a June flower? Nothing but good thoughts swirled in their minds about the princess, after all she is royalty, and no lack of enthusiasm came from that. But they reassured themselves in their heads that they would be a perfect match for her.

As the clans arrived in the throne room, they were the center of attention in front of their majesties.

The royals were seated in their thrones, the king of Sinclair sat proud in the middle, his graying beard on his strong jaw, and his majestic queen seated next to him on his right side, and on the left side of the king sat the princess.

The clan leaders halted in front with their sons next to them, intaking in the splendor of the royal family.

The five young suitors were utterly dumbfounded, simply awestruck by Sinclair's princess. They never realized how exceedingly gorgeous she was.

She sat with poise on her cushioned throne, wearing a silken maroon gown with golden lace edges. Her long russet hair that reached her elbows was tied in a half ponytail that was braided and adorned with pearl accessories, complimenting her rosy cheeks and chocolate brown eyes. Her delicate palms were placed neatly on top of her lap and fully focused on what was going on.

Crayton out of all the five was the most impressed as he felt a bit of drool escape the corner of his dry, thin lips. He saw the princess of Sinclair was much fair in all her ways that she would make the goddess of beauty green with envy.

What was odd was that he had already fallen hard for her and he barely even knew her, only that she was royalty and from Sinclair. What Crayton didn't know was that he wasn't the only one who fell for her at first sight, Fergus as well felt just the same about the princess and her beauty.

Crayton's thoughts were keeping him too occupied as each of the clan lords was introducing their sons to the family and frankly boasted about their accomplishments to show their worthy to the princess' hand.

While he kept staring at the princess he had forgotten all about the presentation. The voice of his father interupted his eluded daydream,

"Your majesties, I present to you my son…"

Crayton was still caught in a daze, mouth agape, as all eyes were on him. His father glared at him suspiciously and shoved an elbow to his ribs to snap him out of it,

"Uh, I uh…" he uttered, unable to come up with a single syllable and turned out to be quite speechless. He had planned to quote a small piece of literature to the royals, however, instead he looked to be too distracted to the princess' beauty and remained silent.

The king didn't look too amused, and Lord MacFarlane cleared his throat and finished introducing his son, who continued to say nothing and ending the presentation.

"Thank you, your majesties." Lord MacFarlane said,

Crayton's face was wholly red now as his gaze went to the floor. The princess found the lad rather charming and stifled herself not to burst into a fit of giggles, although Crayton didn't think so, as he didn't notice it amused the princess so.

The king slowly stood up from his chair, a layer of his velvet robes cascading behind him to the floor, the hall stood silent as the men's vibrant faces awaited his response.

"In accordance with our law, by the rights of our heritage, only the first born of each of the great leaders may be presented as champions and thus compete for the hand of the princess of Sinclair."

Remembering what he was there for in the first place, Crayton instinctively glanced again at the king, slightly gazing briefly at the princess' direction. Whose gaze was looking straight ahead, looking at no one in particular, listening to her father the king of Sinclair continueing to announce the opening ceremony of the highland games,

"…It is customary that the challenge be determined by the princess herself." the king motioned his daughter to proclaim which events she would like her suitors to compete in.

Elinor stood gracefully next to the king, as the suitors held their breath, ready to take on any challenge throw at them that will impress and win for her hand in marriage.

Young Elinor's posture was regal as she silently cleared her throat, to Crayton her voice sounded soft and wholesome,

"For these highland games…I choose, Archery, Hammer Throw, and a Contest of Swords." She finished saying with her father the king standing next to her giving her a small smile and nodded, turning towards the large crowd raising his arms up,

"Let the games begin!" the king's voice boomed, and with that the clans roared in delight.

Meanwhile, in the woods…

The young lords Macintosh and MacGuffin left the safety of the cave in the wee hours of the morning. Off in search of the herbal remedies within the forest to cure Merida's sudden illness. MacGuffin's theory was that she had been infected by an overnight pneumonia, and set out immediately with the encouragement of Macintosh, before she got any worse.

They continued to walk, carrying their weapons and keeping a sharp eye for any sort of monsters that would attack them. However, most of the day, hardly anything made them jump or dared to attack them, apart from a couple of squirrels that ran past Macintosh's feet startling him.

It was already late afternoon and the young lords were searching restlessly high and low for any herbs they'd recognize. But have had no such luck.

"Ugh!" Young Macintosh he grunted as he kicked a nearby rock that scuttled across the dirt floor, "MacGuffin we've been searching almost all day, where the bollix are those herbs?" he asked already fidgety from having not successfully finding anything useful, or edible in fact, not even a single berry shrub could be found in these woods.

MacGuffin was usually a very enduring person, but he was getting just as anxious as Macintosh, he wanted to help cure Merida as soon as he can.

Letting out a gruff sigh, "Ya don't think I know that by now?" already frustrated and it wasn't even half the day yet.

"Well yer the one who happens to know what these herbs look like" stated Macintosh,

MacGuffin rolled his small eyes, "Maybe so, but it's not like it would just burst through the ground and-"

Suddenly they heard a steady rustle.

Startling the young lords, Macintosh unsheathed his sword skillfully ready into a fighting position and MacGuffin held his large axe with a tight grip. Their eyes frantically scanned the area as their muscles tensed, ready to take action.

It was only after a few minutes that they only saw the movement of a small bird pass them by overhead, yet another false alarm of the day.

Both boys let out heavy sighs, lowering their weapons, as MacGuffin looked up to the sky to tell what time of day it was.

"It will be a few more hours before dusk...we should keep searchin'."

It then grew into silence between them as they continued on foot, hunting every nook and corner to find the valued plant they sought out that will, according to MacGuffin, will be the cure to Merida's sudden pneumonia.

Macintosh shoulders limped. He grew tired of looking for something he wasn't even sure this forest possessed and wondered if his companion felt the same while studied him while walking unhurriedly behind him.

MacGuffin didn't look a bit weary or dejected. In fact, he was more determined to find the herbs more than ever.

Now curiosity got the best of Macintosh,

"So," Macintosh breaking off the silence between them, "What would you say, if one would ask, what you thought about the princess eh, MacGuffin?" raising an inquisitive eyebrow

MacGuffin's head jerked up somewhat, but still kept on walking ahead as if the question didn't make his cheeks grow red as an image of Merida came up in is head.

"Uh …w-why do you ask?" he wasn't expecting that sort of question and speculated on what made Macintosh inquire in the first place. MacGuffin wasn't so easily convinced. He then remembered the time when Macintosh tried to woo the princess the first time they entered the forest. Was he trying to eliminate some personal competition?

"C'mon lad, I'm just as troubled about finding the antidote for Merida as soon as possible. If you got somethin' to get off yer chest-"

ROOOAAR!

Suddenly, a dark likeness of a wolf came out of the thickness of the woods, tackling Macintosh hard to the muddy ground letting out a startling shriek.

Although his guard was let down, his instinct took over as he unsheathed his spear dagger he kept in his small bag, struggling to fight off the drooling, sharp-tooth jaws of the wolf beast snarling to bite off his face.

This wild canine wasn't ordinary though, the creature looked as if it was made of black smog – the work of dark magic no doubt.

His startled yells immediately caught MacGuffin's attention, witnessing Macintosh under attack, struggling to pry the monster off of him. But before he had a chance to push the creature off his companion, a load of black smog wolf-beasts tackled MacGuffin from behind!

Macintosh, still struggling to avoid being mauled, then kicked his right shin under the wolf's lower abdomen as it whined in pain. He stood up and took his sword out skillfully, swiping it at the beast as it evaporated.

While MacGuffin was weighed down by the beasts, Macintosh retorted and swung his sword swiftly as the wolves on his back quickly disbanded evading the attack on them.

MacGuffin grunted and lifted himself to his feet, wearily, taking hold of his large axe with both hands.

"You alright there lad?" Macintosh asked in a stern fighting position with his backed turned,

"Y-yea, I'm good" eyes narrowed and alert,

The duo didn't realize it until now. They were surrounded by a multitude horde of monstrous wolves, inching closer snarling viciously at them.

The boys were ready to take them on.

The creatures jumped at them ruthlessly, barking with their strong jaws, gnawing their way, attacking!

Macintosh charged forward, letting out a rapid battle cry and began slashing the enemies one by one as they disappeared into black smoke. MacGuffin did the same, swaying his axe by the dozen.

This went on for what it felt like hours to them, but there were just far too many of them!

Macintosh was indeed a fine warrior as MacGuffin was too, however they were only two against an army of mythical demon creatures.

They were outnumbered and the young lords were beginning to tire out.

Macintosh swung his sword for the final time, needing to take a breather while MacGuffin was staring down a small bunch, growling at him, challenging for him to make the first move.

MacGuffin was worried. They had already burnt enough daylight trying to find the herbs in this god-forsaken forest. The sun was setting, providing very little light and with the distraction of the monsters there was no way they would be able to progress at night in the woods.

His mind was swirling about Merida and what would become of her if she didn't get those herbs in time…

Now winded, Macintosh kneeled on the floor with his sword keeping him up, exhausted. He hated to admit it to himself but he was becoming drained from this losing battle. But he couldn't give up, not yet, not when Merida's health is at stake.

Just before the black-smog wolves would make their final attack, all of a sudden a piercing crackling sound ascended from the ground!

The young lord's attention was focused on it to be a massive tree root lifting itself off the ground overshadowing them as their expressions went wide in awe and confusion.

The boys flinched preparing for an incoming impact.

But to their surprise (and utter relief) none came. Instead they started to hear the whining of the demon dogs as they were battered into black smoke by the swinging root!

To make the situation even more astounding was that even more roots were being lifted off the ground, attacking the forged mammals. They watched in wonder as they witnessed unbelievingly at the work of their environment finishing off the last of the devil dogs!

They eyed the roots as they went back to the soil where it belonged.

MacGuffin and Macintosh looked at one another, gesturing in silence if what they had just seen was real…

"Y-you saw them move too…right, MacGuffin?" asked a stunned Macintosh

MacGuffin, being just as stunned as Macintosh, only nodded as they kept their eyes on the root they saw that came from the trees.

They then heard a gentle coo, which sounded mostly like a ghostly murmur, snapping them out of their thoughts they looked around and behind them to see something vaguely familiar to them.

To them it looked like those black-tar colored imps they fought the other day, but this one was different, this one was blue and it looked more like a flame with small eyes.

Macintosh was skeptical. First they were ambushed in a monster infested forest, met a witch that put a spell on him, then the tree's moved, now he's seeing glowing fire that he could swore was waving at them!

But MacGuffin thought differently. With a determined and unfazed look he proceeded to walk near the blue flame. He recognized it from the time when they battled Mor'du. He'd seen it himself with his own eyes and from stories from his father.

"Oy MacGuffin! Are ya daft!" Macintosh stated frantically, grabbing his large shoulder that momentarily stopped him as MacGuffin looked back at the limp lad, "This could be a trap for all we know…"

MacGuffin thought for a bit, "Ay that is a possibility…but if ya hadn't noticed, the sun has already settled and we haven't made much progression since the mornin." He said, "After what had just happened, what do you suggest we do?"

He had a point. After all they didn't want to go back to the cave empty handed.

"The least they should do is trust fate and hope something well will come of this." MacGuffin stated with a soft face,

Macintosh then released his grip on the husky lad, and with a moment of pensive silence he nodded in approval.

With that the young lords then walked near the eerie blue flame that then transformed into a long trail of blue dots that led them deeper into the woods.

MacGuffin then prayed inwardly that Merida will be more patient with them in finding an antidote for her illness.

'Please wait for us my princess…I promise we will find a cure for you.' He said to himself, with Macintosh trailing behind him.

So yeah i cut it short because I usually go up to 8-9 pages of this in Word :P

It might be a bit of a cliffhanger, and yes i will continue the flashback that Ambrose is having. So there will be more :)

For now be very patient with me friends - times are tough . and i only hope this story raises your spirits just a wee bit!

Oh and thanks so much for the reviews ;D

EDIT: btw guys I used most of the monsters from the forest descriptions from BRAVE the video game! So if you aren't familiar with then you could always youtube how they look like or something :)

God Bless each and every one of you! xoxox