exsilium | [ video ]

[ She was bored. So very bored. She wasn't training, because that's what they wanted from her, and the last thing Merida wanted to do was satisfy the people who wanted her to fight for them. She wouldn't do it. She wouldn't! And that was the end of it.

However, this didn't leave her with much to do. She wandered the city, even explored a bit of the Outlands, but she didn't go far. She was daring, but she wasn't stupid. She knew this world was dangerous, and she didn't want to lose her head without a good reason.

So she finally takes the painstaking time to learn to use the strange device she had been given upon her arrival. It took her plenty of attempts to get it working properly, and even when she does, there are several segments of very brief footage of the redheaded princess growling at her tablet in frustration. ]

Oi, is it working now? About time. [ She clears her throat. ] I want someone to tell me more about the land outside this city. [ It was much too crowded, too cluttered here. She wanted a freer space. ] A good place to explore, t'actually, you know, move around - that's what I'm lookin' for. How do you even stand it in this city?

[ She taps her chin. ] An' while you're at it, tell me what you do around here t'keep busy. I'm goin' out of m'mind.

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[ AT HER RANGE. She shoots him a sour look as she falls into pace. ]

It's Merida. Firstborn of Clan DunBroch.

[ Probably from a different time or world than he is. Still, there's something familiar- ]

From the highlands of Scotland, or the lower lands? [ Pause. He flashes her a smile. ] I've known a Scot or two in me time.

The highlands. [ She matches his grin with a feisty one of her own. ] Then you're a privileged sort, dependin' on where they hailed from.

I've never asked where exactly he's from, but he commands a regiment of Highlanders, so I guess he's from the same place. [ One-shoulder shrug, and a widening of the grin. ] He's a good man by the name of McCandless. Met 'im in India, though he's not the only Scot I know.

[ He likes her feistiness. It's adorable in one so young. (It's a good thing he's been here for some time and his opinions on women are slowly changing, though.) ]

[ McCandless doesn't ring a bell - and India definitely doesn't. She was prepared to hear unfamiliar places plenty on her first day, though, having been informed that she was quite behind on the times. ]

Better have made us proud and left a good impression on you.

[ He laughs. ] I'm not a leader or anything fer someone ta have made a good impression on. But Scots are brave ones, aye; I've seen plenty of 'em do great things in me time. Brave soldiers.

[ Pause, and he reaches over and ruffles his hand through her thick, red hair. ]

It'll be another fifty paces before we get towards the forest, lass. Then you can show me how good that bow of yers is when it comes ta shooting.

[ She grimaces when he ruffles her hair, but she can't hold back a snort of laughter. ]

Better prepare yourself, then. This won't be a bet I'm losin'.

[ He laughs at that. Her enthusiasm is catching. Endearing, too. ]

Then let's quicken our steps, aye?

Aye. [ So she does just that, picking up her pace, arms swinging wide as she walks. ]

[ They walk for a while before Sharpe swings his rifle around. Then, whispered: ]

Behind the trees. Ta the east, thirty or so paces away. Careful of yer feet, and don't look directly at it.

[ It's a stag, coming up, the sight of it barely blocked by a small copse of dead trees. Opal antlers (five of them), diamond skin- it's nearly impossible to look directly at it, because it was so bright, and every inch of its body reflects the sun.

(But try not to miss the mouth full of teeth.) ]

[ It takes all her restraint not to look directly at it, curious as ever to see what beastie they've come upon. Even out of the corner of her eye, she catches sight of the glint, and she's so perplexed for a moment she nearly forgets to keep her voice down. ]

What is it? [ She hisses. She had heard the animals out here would be strange, but she hadn't imagined this strange. ]

[ It's also a good idea not to look at it directly because it blinds the hell out of people. The first time Sharpe met that thing, he was blinded and shot wildly (and it's the first time he realised his gun can fire three rounds with every one he reloads) until he actually scored a hit. In that mean time he nearly had his head eaten.

Now he snorts at the question. ]

I ain't got a name fer it, lass. But it looks somewhat like a stag. [ He pauses, and shoulders the butt of the rifle. ]

If you shoot, get ready ta run like the hounds of hell are at yer tail. These bastards have sharp teeth.

[ She didn't like the idea of not being able to see what she was aiming at, but she would have to try anyway. She still didn't doubt her skill, of course - this added difficulty wouldn't steer her away from the challenge. ]

You say that like I can't kill it in one shot.

[ A well-aimed arrow through the neck. She'd done it before, she could do it again. ]

[ Sharpe laughs under his breath at that. ]

I'd like ta see you try, lass. [ He jerks his head towards the stag. ] G'on.

[ The glittering coat isn't just for show, sadly. ]

[ Well, at least she's not so overtaken by pride not to ask about that first. ]

What's on its hide?

[ Sharpe isn't exactly pleased that this is the first creature they met out of the city - it's one of the most dangerous. And biggest. So when he answers, his voice is a raspy growl: ]

I've killed one before, and I don't know what is it. It's hard as stones and gems, that's all I know.

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