. www.able.co.nz Captions were made possible with funding from NZ On Air. Able 2014. . (birds chirping) WOMAN: Where are you? Come out. Come out. (chuckling) Come on out. (chuckling) I'm coming to get you. (giggling) Where are you, you little rascal? I'm coming to get you. Hmm. (chuckles) Where is my little birthday girl? Hmm? I'm going to gobble her up when I find her. -Och! -(screams) -I'm going to eat you. I am. (playful gobbling) -(laughing) Och. Fergus. No weapons on the table. Can I shoot an arrow? Can I? Can I? -Can I? Can I? -Oh, for heaven's sake. `Please, can I? (laughs) Not with that. Why not... -use your very own? -(gasps) -Happy birthday, my wee darling. -Now, there's a good girl. -(grunting) Draw all the way back, now, to your cheek. That's right. Keep both eyes open. And... loose. (grunts) I missed. Go and fetch it, then. A bow, Fergus? She's a lady. -(gasps) Och, you. -(laughing) (panting) (distant animal calls echoing through forest) (gasps) (distant bird squawking) (gasps) A will-o'-the-wisp. (deep growling) (gasps) They are real. -(gasps) -(wisps whispering) (pants, giggles) WOMAN: Merida! -Come along, sweetheart! We're leaving now. -I saw a wisp. I saw a wisp. A wisp? You know, some say that will-o'-the-wisps lead you to your fate. -(laughing): Oh, aye. Or an arrow. Come on. -Och. Let's be off before we see a dancing Tatty Bogle. Or a giant having a jigger in the bluebells... Your father doesn't believe in magic. Well, he should, cos it's true. -(gasps, screams) -(growls) -Mor'du! -Elinor, run! -Sire! -(yells) -(roars) -(men yelling, grunting) Oh. (panting) -Come on, you! -(roars) (wind whistling) YOUNG WOMAN MERIDA (voice-over): Some say our destiny is tied to the land, as much a part of us as we are of it. Others say fate is woven together like a cloth... (distant thunder rumbling) ...so that one's destiny intertwines with many others. (birds squawking) It's the one thing we search for or fight to change. Some never find it. But there are some who are led. -(grunting) -The story of how my father lost his leg to the demon bear Mor'du became legend. -(growls) -(man whimpers) -I became a sister to three new brothers. -Oh! I dinnae see that. -The princes. -Boys! Stop it. Go away. -Hamish, Hubert and Harris. -(boys giggling) Wee devils, more like. They get away with murder. I can never get away with anything. (creaking, clunking) I'm the princess. (sighs) I'm the example. (crunches, slurps) I've got duties, responsibilities, expectations. My whole life is planned out, preparing for the day I become, well, my mother. She's in charge of every single day of my life. (sighs) "Aye, Robin, Jolly Robin, and thou shalt know of mine." -Project. -"And thou shalt know of mine!" Enunciate. You must be understood from anywhere in the room, or it's all for naught. This is all for naught. I heard that. (sighs) From the top. A princess must be knowledgeable about her kingdom. She doesnae doodle. That's a C, dear. -(bird squawks) -Argh! (laughing) (chortling) -Mmm. -Doesnae stuff her gob. Rises early. -Is compassionate. -(chicken clucking) Patient. Cautious. Clean. And above all, a princess strives for... well, perfection. MERIDA (voice-over): But every once in a while, -(rooster crows) -there's a day when I don't have to be a princess. No lessons, no expectations. A day where anything can happen. -(woman gasps) -MAN: Whoa! Whoa! A day I can change my fate. -(horse neighs) -Yeah! # When the cold wind is a-calling # and the sky is clear and bright, # misty mountains sing and beckon, # lead me out into the light. # I will ride, I will fly, # chase the wind and touch the sky. # I will fly, chase the wind and touch the sky. # Na, na na na-na, na na na-na, na-na, na. -(Merida whooping) # Na-na, na na, na-na, na na, na-na, na na, na-na-na... # (bird screeching) # Where dark woods hide secrets # and mountains are fierce and bold, # deep waters hold reflections Of times lost long ago, # I will hear their every story, # take hold of my own dream. (horse whinnies) # Be as strong as the seas are stormy # and proud as an eagle's scream. # I will ride, I will fly, # chase the wind and touch the sky. # I will fly, chase the wind and touch the sky. # Na, na na na-na, na na na-na. # Na-na, na. Na-na, na na, na-na, na na. # Na-na, na na, na-na-na... # Touch the sky. -(Merida whooping) -# Na, na na na-na. Na na na-na, na-na, na. # Chase the wind, chase the wind. # Touch the sky! # (townsfolk chatting) (horse whinnies) I'm starving. You hungry, too, Angus? (sputters) Oats it is, then. (Angus splutters) Oh, good day, Princess. FERGUS: Then, out of nowhere, the biggest bear you've ever seen! His hide littered with the weapons of fallen warriors. -(snoring) -His face scarred with one dead eye. -I drew my sword and... -Whoosh! -(gasps) One swipe, his sword shattered. Then chomp! Dad's leg was clean off. -Down the monster's throat it went. -Aw, that's my favourite part. -Mor'du has never been seen since, and is roaming the wilds waiting his chance of revenge. -Roar! (snarling) -Let him return. I'll finish what I guddled in the first place. -Merida, a princess does not place her weapons on the table. -(annoyed): Mum! It's just my bow. A princess should not have weapons, in my opinion. FERGUS: Leave her be. Princess or not, learning to fight is essential. Mum, you'll never guess what I did today. -Hmm? -I climbed the Crone's Tooth and drank from the Fire Falls. -(gasping) -Fire Falls? They say only the ancient kings were brave enough -(laughs) -to drink the fire. (laughs) -What did you do, dear? -Nothing, Mum. -Hungry, aren't we? -Mum... -You'll get dreadful collywobbles. -Oh, Fergus, will you look at your daughter's plate. -(dogs barking) -So what? Aye, you great beasts! -(Fergus laughing) -Don't let them lick-- Oh. -Boys, you're naughty. Don't just play with your haggis. -(grunts) -(gagging) -Och, now how do you know you don't like it if you won't try it? That's just a wee sheep's stomach. It's delicious! Mmm. (smacking lips) -My lady. -Thank you, Maudie. -FERGUS: You're getting too big, the two of you. -Psst. ELINOR: Aha. From the Lords Macintosh, MacGuffin and Dingwall. Their responses, no doubt. Aye, aye! Hey, hey, hey! Oh, hey! (laughs) Stay out of my food, you greedy mongrels, you. Chew on that, you manky dogs. (laughs) Fergus. They've all accepted. Who's accepted what, Mother? Boys, you are excused. (boys giggle) Oh! -(dogs barking) -Hey! Hey! (laughs) -What... did I do now? Your father has something to discuss with you! Fergus. Oh. (coughing, clearing throat) Uh,... Merida... -The lords are presenting their sons as suitors... -Arr! -....for your betrothal. -What?! -The clans have accepted! -Dad! -What? I-I-- You-You-- She-- Elinor...?! -Honestly, Merida, I don't know why you're reacting in this way. -Oh! This year, each clan will present a suitor to compete in the games for your hand. I suppose a princess just does what she's told! A princess does not raise her voice. Merida, this is what you've been preparing for your whole life. No! It's what you've been preparing me for my whole life. I won't go through with it! You can't make me! Merida! Eh? Merida! (grunts) (dogs barking) Boys! (grunting) Mother, suitors? Marriage? Once, there was an ancient kingdom... Ah, Mum. Ancient kingdom. ...its name long-forgotten, ruled by a wise and fair king who was much beloved. And when he grew old, he divided the kingdom among his four sons, that they should be the pillars on which the peace of the land rested. But the oldest prince wanted to rule the land for himself. He followed his own path, and the kingdom fell to war and chaos and ruin. That's a nice story. It's not just a story, Merida. Legends are lessons. They ring with truths. Och. Mum. I would advise you to make your peace with this. The clans are coming to present their suitors. It's not fair. Och, Merida, it's marriage. It's not the end of the world. (grunting) (Elinor muttering quietly) FERGUS: You're muttering. I don't mutter. Aye, you do. You mutter, lass. When something's troubling you. I blame you. Stubbornness. It's entirely from your side of the family. (chuckles) I take it the talk didn't go too well, then. (sighs) I don't know what to do. Speak to her, dear. I do speak to her. She just doesn't listen. Come on, now. Pretend I'm Merida. Speak to me. What would you say? (scoffs) I can't do this. Sure you can. There! There! That's my queen. Right? Here we go. (imitating Merida): I don't want to get married. I want to stay single and let my hair flow in the wind as I ride through the glen, firing arrows into the sunset. (sighs) Merida, all this work, all the time spent preparing you, schooling you, giving you everything we never had -- I ask you, what do you expect us to do? Call off the gathering. Would that kill them? You're the queen. You can just tell the lords the princess is not ready for this. In fact, she might not ever be ready for this. So, that's that. Good day to you. We'll expect your declarations of war in the morning. I understand this must all seem unfair. Even I had reservations when I faced betrothal. -Eh? -But we can't just run away from who we are. I don't want my life to be over. I want my freedom. But are you willing to pay the price your freedom will cost? I'm not doing any of this to hurt you. If you could just try to see what I do, I do out of love. But it's my life. It's... (sighs) I'm just not ready. I think you'd see, if you could just... I think I could make you understand, if you would just... -...listen. -...listen. -(neighs) I swear, Angus, this isn't going to happen. Not if I have any say in it. (drum beating a steady rhythm) (men grunting) (sniffs) MacGuffin! (gasps) MEN: Dingwall! Macintosh! (groans) (sighs, grunts) You look absolutely beautiful. I can't breathe. Och. Shush. Give us a turn. (groans) I can't move. It's too tight. (grunts) It's perfect. (groans) (grunting) (gasps softly) Merida? Mum? Just... ...remember to smile. (snoring) (boys giggling) (grunts) (snoring) Aye, they're coming! Places, everyone. Places. -(boys yelling) -Hey, hey, no, hey. Mind! (groans) Ow. (boys grunting) (laughing) (grunts) I look fine, woman. -Leave me be. -GORDON: My Lord! I want to announce the arrival of the lords... Ow! Who goes here? Uh, who goes here? (bagpipes playing) Uh, boy! (men cheering) (clamouring) So, here we are, eh... the four clans! Uh, gathering! (sighs) Uh, for, uh... The presentation of the suitors. ...the presentation of the suitors! (cheering) Clan Macintosh! MEN: Macintosh! Your Majesty, I present my heir and scion, who defended our land from the northern invaders, and, with his own sword, "Stab Blooder," vanquished a thousand foes. MEN: Macintosh! (sighs) FERGUS: Clan MacGuffin! MEN: MacGuffin! Good Majesty, I present my eldest son, who scuttled the Viking longships, and with his bare hands, vanquished 2,000 foes. MEN: MacGuffin! Clan Dingwall. MEN: Dingwall! I present my only son... who was besieged by 10,000 Romans, and he took out a whole armada single-handedly, with one arm. He was... With one arm, he was steering the ship, and with the other, he held his mighty sword and struck down a whole attacking fleet. -Lies! -What? -I heard that! -(men murmuring) Go on. Say it to my face. Or are you scared, simpering jackanapes 'fraid to muss your pretty hair? At least we have hair. -(laughter) -And all our teeth. If he was a wee bit closer, I could lob a caber at him, ken? -(confused grunts) -Huh? And we don't hide under bridges, you grumpy old troll. (laughter) You want to laugh, huh? Wee Dingwall! (laughing) (screams) Get off me! (laughs, grunts) (men grunting) Huh? -(yells) -(screams) -(high-pitched scream) -(sighs) Nut 'em! Nut 'em! That's the way to do... All right. Shut it! (music, clamouring stops) Now, that's all done. You've had your go at each other. Show a little decorum. And no more fighting. (loud clank, screams) (music, clamouring resumes) (yells) (grunting) (yells) (yells, grunts) (chuckles) Och! (laughs) (screams) (boys grunting) Ha-ha! (men grunting) -Come on! -You want a fresh one? Oh, yeah! Uh... (music, clamouring stops) (men grunting in pain) Crivens, you're fierce. I didn't start it. It was his-- Sorry. My lady queen, I feel terrible. -Sorry. -My humblest apologies. We mean no disrespect. I'm sorry, love. I-I didn't b-- Yes, dear. (clears throat) Now, where were we? Ah, yes. In accordance with our laws, by the rights of our heritage, only the firstborn of each of the great leaders may be presented as champion. Firstborn? And thus, compete for the hand of the Princess of DunBroch. To win the fair maiden, they must prove their worth by feats of strength or arms in the games. It is customary that the challenge be determined by the princess herself. Archery! Archery! I choose... archery. Let the games begin! (cheering) (panting) (grunts) Ow! (grunting) Pull! Pull! (men grunt) (bagpipes playing lively music) (grunts) (man roaring) (girls screaming) (people chattering, cattle mooing) If I said you have the prettiest eyes in the village, would you give me one of them buns? -Well, I'll just take one. -(chuckling) Ooh! Oh! Now, I have told you, you're not allowed to-- Oh! (gasps) Aye, you! (laughs) Oh! (people chattering, sheep bleating) (grunts) (grunts) (horn blowing) (dogs howling) (crowd cheering) It's time! (Fergus laughs, men grunting) Archers to your marks! Yeah, aye! Archers to-to your marks. And may the lucky arrow find its target. -CROWD: Hooray. -(Fergus chuckles) (crowd cheering) (bowstring strumming musically) Oi! Get on with it! (crowd groans, laughs) (groans): Oh. Och! I bet he wishes he was tossing cabers. Or holding up bridges. (laughs) Shh! (women shriek) No...! At least you hit the target, son. (screaming, sobbing) Oh, that's attractive (!) (continues sobbing, screaming) -I got it! -(crowd cheers) Good arm. And such lovely flowing locks. -Fergus. -What? (crowd chuckles) (gasps) Oh, wee lamb. Oh, come on! Shoot, boy! (crowd cheering) Ha-ha! Well done, lad! Well done! Ya da deedley da da dee Da hope da dee da dee Feast your eyes. -(men groan loudly) -(child cries) -You dinnae! -That's my boy. You just dinnae! (laughs) Well, that's just grand now, isn't it? Guess who's coming to dinner. Fergus. Oh, by the way, hope you don't mind being called Lady Ding... (whimpers, pants) (crowd gasps) I am Merida, firstborn descendant of Clan DunBroch. And I'll be shooting for my own hand. (men gasp, crowd murmurs) What are you doing? (grunting softly) Merida. Curse this dress! (grunting) (crowd gasps) (crowd murmuring) Merida, stop this! Don't you dare loose another arrow! (breathes deeply) Merida! I forbid it. Michty me! I've just about had enough of you, lass. You're the one that wants me to... You embarrassed them. You embarrassed me. -I followed the rules. -You don't know what you've done. -You just don't care how I... -It will be fire and sword if it's not set right. Just listen! I am the queen. You listen to me. Ugh! This is so unfair. (scoffs) Unfair? You're never there for me. This whole marriage is what you want. Do you ever bother to ask what I want? No. You walk around telling me what to do, what not to do, trying to make me be like you. Well, I'm not going to be like you. Och, you're acting like a child. And you're a beast. That's what you are. -(gasps) Merida. -I'll never be like you. -No! Stop that! -I'd rather die than be like you! (gasps) Merida, you are a princess... -and I expect you to act like one. -Mum... (screams, gasps) (whimpers, sniffles) Merida! Merida! Oh, dear. (gasping) Oh, no. What have I done? (crying) (sobbing) (sobbing) Oh! (screams) Ow! Whoa! (grunts) (cries) Angus! (neighing) (neighing) (neighs, growls) (gasps) (neighs softly) (gasps) Come on, Angus. Angus! (anxious whinny) (sighs) (whispering): Merida... (neighing) (gasps) (whispering) (neighs softly) (whispering) (growls) (whispering) Why would the wisps lead me here? (clunking, creaking) -(bell jingling) -(gasps) Uh... (steady clicking) (tapping) Oh, look around. You holler if you see anything you like. Everything is half off. Uh... Who are you? Just a humble woodcarver. Um, I-I don't understand. (gasps) See anything you like? -Uh... -Perhaps a touch of whimsy to brighten any dank chamber. But the will-o'-the-wisps, they... Oh! This is one of a kind. I'll make you a deal for this rare prize. (gasps) -Your broom! -(snaps fingers) -It was sweeping by itself. -Hmm? Hmm. That's ridiculous. Wood cannot be imbued with magical properties. I should know. I'm a wi... whittler. Of wood. Oh! How about this conversation starter? It's made of yew wood. -(wood rattling lightly) -Tough as stone. Oh, uh, ah-ah-ah-ah-ah! That's stuffed. (chuckles) Staring is rude. (gasps) The crow-crow is talking! That's not all I can do. La, la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la... # -(snaps fingers) -(grunts) (fierce growling) (Merida gasps) You're a witch! Woodcarver. That's why the wisps led me here. Woodcarver. You'll change my fate. Woodcarver! You see, it's my mother. I'm not a witch. Too many unsatisfied customers. (sighs) If you're not going to buy anything, get out. (snaps fingers) No. The wisps led me here. I don't care. -Get out! Shoo! Get! -(Merida screams) Be gone with you. I'll buy it all. Wh-What was that? Every carving. (stammers, chuckles) And how are you going to pay for that, sweetie? With this. Wha...? Oh, my, that's lovely, that is. That would set us up for months. Ah! -MERIDA: Ah, ah, ah. -(gasps) Every carving and one spell. (cawing) Are you sure you know what you're doing? I want a spell to change my mum. That'll change my fate. Mmm. Done! (laughing) Where are you going? -(snaps fingers) -(crow cawing) There. What are you doing? You never conjure where you carve. Very important. -(humming) -(cawing) -(gasps) -The last time I did this was for a prince. -(claps) -Aye? Easy on the eyes. Tight pants. He demanded I give him the strength of ten men. And he gave me this for a spell, a spell that would change his fate. And did he get what he was after? (laughs) Yes. And made off with an especially attractive -mahogany cheese board. -(crow caws) Now, what do I need? Ooh! Just a little bit of this. Whoo! (grunts, laughs) Poo! Poof-a! -(cawing) -(yelps, grunts) Fee-fee-fee-fee. Whoosh-a! -That'll do. -(cawing) Mm-hmm. (hums) (caws) Dee-bee-dee-dee-bee-dee-beep. Ah! Uh, what the... (whoosh, then an explosion) (neighing) (caws) And now let's see. What have we here? (sizzling) (gasps) Oh! (cawing) -Hey! -(squawks) Eh, a cake? -You don't want it? -Yes, I want it. You're sure, if I give this to my mum, it will change my fate? Oh! (laughs) Trust me. It'll do the trick, dearie. Expect delivery of your purchase within a fortnight. Ooh. Uh, oh. (sighs) What was that thing about the spell? Did you say something about... the spell? Hey! # Mor'du, Mor'du, Mor'du, Mor'du. # Now the time has come for all of us to slaughter you. Hey! # Mor'du, Mor'du, Mor'du, Mor'du... (door creaks shut) -(door opens) -ELINOR: Merida! -Mum! Oh, uh, I, uh... Oh. I've been worried sick. You... You were? I didn't know where you'd gone or when you'd come back. I didn't know what to think. I... -Oh, look at your dress. Oh. -Oh. Angus threw me, but I'm not hurt. Well, you're home now, so that's the end of it. -Honestly? -I've pacified the lords for now. Your father's out there entertaining them. # Come taste my blade, ya manky bear. For gobbling up my leg I'll hunt ya, then I'll skin ya. -# Hang your noggin on a peg. -(cheering) # Mor'du, Mor'du, Mor'du, Mor'du. Of course, we both know a decision still has to be made. # Mor'du, Mor'du, Mor'du, Mor'du... # What's this? It's a peace offering. I made it... for you, special. You... made this for me? Mmm. (grunts) Oh, interesting... flavour. How do you feel? What... What is that? Different? Mmm, tart. And, um, gamy. Have you changed your mind at all about the marriage -(water swishing, gargling) -and all that? Oh, that's better. Now, why don't we go upstairs to the lords and put this whole kerfuffle to rest, hmm? Ooh! Mother? I'm woozy suddenly. Oh, my head's spinning like a top. Oh! -Mum! -Oh, suddenly, I'm not so well. Uh, how do you feel about the marriage now? Merida! (groans) Oh, just take me to my room. FERGUS: All right, that's fine. That's just fine. Just a little to the... That's good. Th-That's good. That's good. A wee bit to the left. That's good. Oh, in the name of the... That's good enough! Now, clear out of there, boys. I don't want you to spoil my shot. -What? (clears throat) -My Lady Queen! We've been waiting patiently. Milords, I am out of sorts at the moment, but you shall have your answer... (belches) (gasping) ...presently. Now, if you'll-- ooh-- excuse us. -(men cheering) -FERGUS: Elinor, look. It's Mor'du. (laughing) Elinor, are you all right, dear? Fine. I'm fine. Go about avenging your leg... Oh! Aye. You heard her, lads. I dream about the perfect way to make this devil die. (men cheering) Mor'du, Mor'du... -(groans) -Just take all the time you need to getting yourself right, Mum. Then, maybe in a bit, you might have something new to say on the marriage. What was in that cake? (sputters) Cake? (groaning) Mum? So, I-I'll just tell them the wedding's off, then. (Elinor groaning) (clattering) Mum? (groaning) (growling) (gasps) (screams) (Merida panting) B-B-B-B-B-B-Bear! (grunts) (frightened roar) (panting) -(roars) -(screams) (whimpers) (roaring) (whimpers) -(groans) -(Merida yelps) (panting) (whimpers) Mum? (confused whine) You're... You're a bear! (puzzled bellow) Why a bear? Oh! That scaffy witch gave me a gammy spell! (whimpers, then huffs) It's not my fault. I didn't ask her to change you into a bear. I just wanted her to change... you. (roars) (clansmen cheer) Shh. Did you hear that? -Eh? What is it? -(Fergus sniffs) Something's not right. (whimpering, whining) There's no point in having a go at me. The witch is to blame. Goggly old hag! (whines) Eyes all over the place. (stammers) Unbelievable! (satisfied whine) (stammers) I'll get her. -I'll get her to fix this. -(heavy, huffing sigh) Why do I always get blamed for everything? -(grunts) -It's just not fair. (sniffing) Everybody, follow me. And keep a sharp eye. Here we go, another hunt through the castle. (mouth full): Well, but we haven't had dessert yet. Since you're... it, and I was... of... myself, I'll get... off a little. (snickers) I have no idea. -(grunts) -Mum! You can't go out there. Mum! Wait! (Merida panting) What are you doing? -(inquisitive grunt) -Dad! The Bear King? If he so much as sees you, you're dead. -(Merida gasps) -Ah, another one of your entertainments -(sniffs) -to bore us to death! MACINTOSH: Oh, and just what exactly -are we after... -Mum! -(Merida grunts in frustration) -...my liege? -MacGUFFIN: Ha-ha! -DINGWALL: Best to humour him. He is, after all, the king. (sniffing) He's like a hound with that nose of his. -Oh. -(spits) Mum! Wait! -(anxious whine) -We have to... (clanking) Follow me. Stop. Stop! (exhales, gasps) You're covered with fur! You're not naked. It's not like anyone's gonna see you. B-B-B-B... (gentle grunt) (screaming) Now you've done it. (screaming) -Maudie! -B-B-B-B-B... Just calm down, lass. -What is it? -B-B-B-B-B-B... Spit it out, Maudie! A bear! I knew it! (yelling) Would you just listen to me? We can't go this way. You'll be seen. FERGUS: Kill the bear! Quick! This way! Mum? (whimpers) (all grunt) (all gasp) (pants) -Mum? -(overlapping shouts) -(gasps) (clansmen shouting) (sighs) (yelps, grunts) (Elinor Bear growling) (gasps) (grunting with effort) (curious grunt) A witch turned Mum into a bear. It's not my fault. We've got to get out of the castle. I need your help. (groans) All right. You can have my desserts for two-- three-- weeks! Okay. Fine! A year. -(distant roaring) -(gasps) -Did you hear that? -Shh! (yells, roar echoing) (yells, roar echoing) There it goes! (men yelling) (grunts) (roaring) (men yelling) (men yelling) There it goes! (men yelling) Come on, lads! (grunting) (imitating bird call) (grunting) Come on, Mum. (grunting) DINGWALL: Do you think we should lay a trap? Try shutting yours! (men arguing) (roaring) -There he is! -There it goes! (grunting) (men yelling) Huh? It must have sprouted wings. Was carried away by, uh, a giant birdy. A dragon, perhaps. Bear in the castle. It doesn't make sense. Cannae open doors. He's got big giant paws. (sighs) Let's just get inside. (grunting) It's locked. Dingwall was the last up. DINGWALL: I propped it open with a stick. (men grumbling) Oop. WOMAN: What did you see, Maudie? (Maudie stammering) Just spit it out, Maudie. (gasping, stammering) Oh, for goodness sakes, Maudie. Would you get a grip? (screaming) Maudie, honey, come here. It's all right. Come on, Mum. Quick. (groans) Shh. (grunts) (pots clattering) (boys giggling) (sneezes) (groans) They'll be fine. Won't you, boys? (sniffles) Mum, we've got to hurry. Now, I'll be back soon. Go on and help yourself to anything you want, as a reward. (boys gasp) (grunting) (sighs) Right. MERIDA: Where are these wisps? Come out, wisps. Come on out. Lead me to the witch's cottage. I'm here. Fine. Don't come out now that my mum's watching. (grunts) I was standing right here, and the wisp appeared right there. Then a whole trail of them led me off into the forest. (chuckles) (sighs) Does she think we're just going to happen upon the witch's cottage? (owl hooting in distance) Oh! Mum, I know this place. The witch's cottage... It's this way! Come on! Hurry! I can't believe it. I found it! (puzzled grunting) No. She was here. N-No, really. She was just here. (groans) Oh, wait. (sighs) No. No. No, no, no! (gasps) (gasps) (bubbling) Welcome to the Crafty Carver, home of bear-themed carvings and novelties. I am completely out of stock at this time. But, if you'd like to inquire about portraits or wedding cake toppers, pour vial one into the cauldron. If you'd like the menu in Gaelic, vial two. If you're that red-haired lass, vial three. To speak with a live homunculus... Princess! I'm off to the Wickerman festival in Stornoway. I won't be back till spring. There's one bit I forgot to tell you about the spell. By the second sunrise, your spell will be permanent... (gasps) ...unless you remember these words: Fate be changed, look inside, mend the bond torn by pride. "Fate be changed." "Mend the bond." What does that mean? One more time. Fate be changed, look inside, mend the bond torn by pride. That's it! Ta-ta! Oh, and thank you for shopping at the Crafty Carver! No. W-Where'd you go?! Welcome to the Crafty Carver, -home for all your... -What?! If you would prefer to speak with a live homunculus... Maybe there's a book of spells or-- Look around... ...aisle five... ...the deadbeat has a... ...I'm off to the Wickerman festival in Stornoway... (witch's phrases overlapping confusingly) (grunts): Uh-oh. (overlapping phrases continue more rapidly) Have a lovely day. (thundering boom) (grunts) (grunts) We'll sort it out tomorrow. (sighs) (thunder rumbling) (Elinor singing in Gaelic, slowly fading in) (singing in Gaelic) (thunder cracks, Merida screams) (sobs) Nahona hona whee. My brave wee lassie, I'm here. I'll always be right here. (both continue singing) (birds chirping) Uh... good morning? (grunting): Good morning. (chuckles): So... what's all this supposed to be? (grunts) Oh. (grunting angrily) What? (grunting) Sorry. I don't speak bear. (grunts): No...? Oh. (gasps) (grunts) Find those by the creek, did you? (grunts): Mm-hmm. They're nightshade berries. (grunts): Mm-hmm! They're poisonous. Where did you get this water? It has worms. (birds squawking) (giggles) Come on. Breakfast. Oh, wait. "A princess should not have weapons," in your opinion. (grunts): Uh-huh. There you go. (sniffing) Oh, go on. (growls) How do you know you don't like it if you won't try it? (grunts): Ah... (gulps, grunts) (burps) (grunts) This love it is a distant star # Guiding us home whatever we are # This love it is a burning sun # Shining light on the things that we've done # I try to speak to you every day # But each word we spoke the wind blew away # How did we let it come to this? # What we've just tasted we somehow still miss # (laughing) How will it feel when this day is done? # And can we keep what we've only begun? # (gasping) Could these walls come crumbling down? # I want to feel my feet on the ground # -(laughing) -# Can we carry # This love that we share # Into the open air # Into the open air # -Hey! - # Into the open air? # Where you going? (panting) This love it is a burning sun. # (giggles) Mum, come back. (growls) (gasps softly) Uh... Uh... (growling) Uh... Mum? Is that you? -(roars) -(shrieks) Uh... Mum? You changed. Like you were a... I mean, like you were a bear on the inside. A wisp. Mum! Stop it! (wisp giggles) Mum, no! (gasps) (growls) Mum! Jings, crivens, help ma boab. Mum, I know you're scared, you're tired, you don't understand, but we've got to keep our heads. Just calm down. Listen. (wisps whispering) (whispering continues) They'll show us the way. (whispering continues) . . Mum, look. (wind whistling softly) (inquisitive grunting) Why did the wisps bring us here? Whoever they were, they've been gone for a long, long time... (screams) (whimpers) I'm fine, Mum! Just fine. (grunts) It's a... a throne room. You suppose this could've been the kingdom in that story you were telling me? (grunts) The one with the princes? (groans) One, two, three, four. The oldest. Split, like the tapestry. (gasps) (panting) The spell. It's happened before. Strength of ten men. "Fate be changed." Changed his fate. Oh no. The prince became... (gasps) (growling) ...Mor'du. (roaring) (grunts) -(roars) -(gasps) (grunting) (roaring) (groaning) (roars) (gasps) (roars) (screams) (grunts) (grunts) Mum, we need to get back to the castle. If we don't hurry, you'll become like Mor'du. A bear. A real bear. Forever! -(groans) -"Mend the bond torn by pride." The witch gave us the answer. The tapestry. (grunts) Mum! Do you have a better idea? (low growl) (wind whistling) (grunting with effort) Huh? That'll do. CLANSMEN: -Aye, here. -Chasing. Up ahead. What bear? -No bears there. -Over there. (clansmen shouting) (inquisitive grunt) No more talk! No more traditions! We settle this now! You're the king! You decide which one of our sons your daughter will marry. -(gasps) -FERGUS: None of your sons are fit to marry my daughter! DINGWALL: Then our alliance is over. This means war! -(grunts) -Oh! (grunts) (yelling) They're gonna murder each other. You've got to stop them before it's too late. (grunts) I know, I know! But how do we get you through there and up to the tapestry with the lot of them boiling over like that? -(grunts): I don't know. -(Merida grunts in frustration) (deep grunting): Oh! You go. (clansmen clamouring) (yells) (all yelling) (yells) Huh? Uh... Ah... (clansmen murmuring) What are you doing, lass? It's all right, Dad. (clears throat) I, um... I have... (anxious laugh) Well, you see, I... (clears throat) I have been in conference with the queen. Is that so? -Aye, it is. -Well, where is she, then? -CLANSMAN: Right! -She, uh... -How do we know that this isn't some trick? -I'd never... -This is highly irregular. -What are you playing at? -Where is the queen? -Right. Bring her out. -We will not stand for any more -of this jiggery-pokery. -(growls) -MacGUFFIN: Aye. That's right. Let's see her! Shut it! (Fergus laughs) (clears throat) Well, I, uh... (murmuring, whispering) Uh... (clansman coughs) Once... there was an ancient kingdom. What is this? MERIDA: That kingdom fell into war and chaos and ruin. Och! We've all heard that tale. -Lost kingdom. -CLANSMEN: Aye. Aye, but it's true. I know now how one selfish act can turn the fate of a kingdom. DINGWALL: Bah, it's just a legend. Legends are lessons. They ring with truths. Our kingdom is young. Our stories are not yet legend. But in them, our bond was struck. Our clans were once enemies, but when invaders threatened us from the sea, you joined together to defend our lands. You fought for each other. You risked everything for each other. Uh, Lord MacGuffin, my dad saved your life stopping an arrow as you ran to Dingwall's aid. Aye, and I'll never forget it. MERIDA: And Lord Macintosh... -(inhales) -...you saved my dad when you charged in -on heavy horse and held off the advance. -(Macintosh sighs) And we all know how Lord Dingwall broke the enemy line. With a mighty throw of his spear! I was aiming at you, you big tumshie. (laughter) The story of this kingdom is a powerful one. My dad rallied your forces, and you made him your king. It was an alliance forged in bravery and friendship, and it lives to this day. CLANSMEN: Aye! Aye! She's right! Good. But I've been selfish. I tore a great rift in our kingdom. There's no one to blame but me. And I know now that I need to amend my mistake. And mend our bond. And so... there is the matter of my betrothal. (sighs) I've decided to do what's right and... And... And... break... tradition. -Hmm? -Oh? (clansmen murmuring, grumbling) M-My mother... ...the queen, feels, uh, in her heart that I-I... ...that we be free to... ...write our own story. Follow... our... hearts... and find love in our own time. DINGWALL: That's... (all sniffling) ...beautiful. The queen and I put the decision to you, my lords. Might our young people decide for themselves who they will love? Huh? Well, since you've obviously made up your minds -Uh-huh. -about this, I have one thing to say. -This is... -A grand idea! -(startled grunt) Give us our own say in choosing our fate. What? -Aye. -Huh? Why shouldn't we choose? But she's the princess. I didnae pick her out. -It was your idea. -(groans) -And you? -Mm-hmm? You feel the same way? It's just nae fair, making us fight for the hand of a queen that doesnae want any bit of it. Ken? -Uh... -(grumbles) (giggles) Well, that settles it. Let these lads try and win her heart before they win her hand, if they can. I say the wee Dingwall has a fighting chance. Fine, then. Seems for once we agree. It was my idea in the first place. (laughter) (quiet whimper, grunt) Just like your mum. You devil. (Merida gasps) Uh,... everyone, to the cellar! Let's crack open the king's private reserve to celebrate! (clansmen cheer) (inquisitive grunt) -Oh. -FERGUS: Whoa! (laughs) Whoa, whoa, whoa! Psst! Bring the tiny glasses. You think you're dreaming. You're not. (indistinct chatter and laughter) (laughs) (relieved groan) (laughs) (singing cheerfully, laughs) (affectionate grunt) (gasps) The tapestry! (sighs) Mend the bond. Mend the bond. Stitch it up. This'll change you back. We just need needle and thread. (grunts) (huffing, growls) Mum? (growls) Mum? -(sniffs) -Not now. -(grunts, sniffs) -No! Please, not now! Mum? (Fergus laughing, Merida gasps) -(growls) -Shh. -(Fergus laughing) We'll boil yer head with dumplin' bread # To make an ursine stew... # (gasps) (grunts) Elinor, dear! You'll never guess who just solved our little suitor problem. Huh? (thunder rumbles) Elinor! It can't be true! Elinor! Answer me, lass! Elinor! (grunts) -Merida! -(growls) -What the...?! -Dad, no! It's not what you think. Merida! Get back! (grunts) No! (growls) Ah! (blade whipping, ringing) No, Dad! Don't hurt her! -(Elinor Bear growls) -Get out of here! -(growls) -(yells) Merida! No! (growling fiercely) No! (growls) (grunts) (grunts, coughs, sighs) Mum! (whimpers) It's all right. I'm all right. It's nothing. It's just a... -little scratch. -(Elinor Bear grunts) Mum! My liege! (laughter) Fergus? -Bear! -Oh! -(gasps) -ELINOR BEAR (grunts): Uh-oh. (groans) -Dad! -Oh, count your stars, lass. It almost had you. Are you hurt? It's your wife, Elinor! -(roaring) -(overlapping shouts) Close the gate! -You're talking nonsense! -It's the truth. There was a witch, and she gave me a spell. It's not Mor'du. Mor'du or not, I'll avenge your mother. But I'll not risk losing you, too. No, Dad! Just listen to me. Listen! You can't! It's your wife Elinor! Maudie, keep this. And don't let her out! What about the bear? Just stay put. (dogs barking) (anxious breathing) Oh! (gasps) (grunts) (yells) (gasping) (yells) (grunting) (clansmen yelling) (frustrated grunt) Come on, you sorry bunch of galoots. Yah! (grunting) (gasps) Mum! No. No... Mum... (crying) (gasps) (gasps) (grunting) (yelps) (gasps) Maudie. Maudie! -(Maudie whimpering) -I need you! Now! (Merida gasps) Ah, no. Maudie! (yells, gasps) Get the key. (whimpers anxiously) (all roar) (screaming) Gah! (screaming) -HANDMAIDENS: Maudie! -(clunk) (screaming) (both scream) Needle and thread, needle and thread, needle and thread! Ah! (dogs barking) (breathes heavily) (grunting) There he goes! Needle and thread. Needle and thread. Needle and thread... ah! Ya beauty! (anxious gasping) (gasps) (grunting with effort) (whimpers, grunts) (shuddering) (gasps) (yelps) (whimpers) Ah! (gasps) (screams) (anxious gasping) One, two, uh... (gasping) -(Maudie shouts indignantly) -(little bear grunts) (grunts) (startled gasp) (happy grunt) Whoa! Steady, Hamish! FERGUS: There he goes! (dogs barking) (men shouting in distance) We've got his track! (dogs barking) -Get some light on him! -Back, back, back! -That's it! Get him! Get him! -(yelling) Angus! Easy, laddie. Whoa! (grunts) Hubert, Harris, help Hamish! -(grunts) Whoa! -Watch your blade. You're gonna take somebody's arm off! -Oh, aye, he's a monster he is! -Aye, we've got you now. -Give me a hand over here! -Put your back into it, Dingwall! -I'm doing all the pulling here! -Down you go, you scoundrel! (laughs) Done! Argh! (whispering) Hyah! (deep growl) (grunts) (whimpers, grunts) (yells) Get back! That's my mother. -Are you out of your mind, lass? -Mum, are you hurt? -(Elinor Bear grunts) -(Merida gasps, grunts) -(yells) Merida! (grunting) (Fergus screams) I'll not let you kill my mother. (screaming) Boys. (screaming) Boys?! -(growling) -(gasps): Mor'du! -Kill it! -(clansmen yelling) Oh, you scoundrel! Come on! I'll take you with my bare hand! (grunts) (screams) (gasping) (growling) (screaming) (roaring) (both roaring) Mum! (gasping) (stone crackling) (grunts) (gasps softly) (gasps) The second sunrise! (grunting) (plaintive grunt) (plaintive grunt) Oh no. I don't understand. I... (sobs) Oh, Mum. I'm sorry. This is all my fault. I did this to you. To us. You've always been there for me. You've never given up on me. I just want you back. I want you back, Mummy. (crying softly) (Elinor singing in Gaelic) (Young Merida joins Elinor singing in Gaelic) (Merida crying) I love you. (gasps) (laughs) Mum! You're back! (laughing) You changed. Oh, darling, we both have. Elinor! (grunting): Oh, oh, oh! (laughter) Oh, Elinor. Oh. Ah! Uh... ugh. (laughs): Oh dear. -Ah! -You're back. It's a great day for this kingdom. You're back to us. (Merida laughs) Oh! Mum. Ooh. -Um, dear? -Eh? I'm naked. (whispers): I'm naked as a wee babby. Well, don't just stare at me. Do something! What the...?! Avert your eyes, lads! Show some respect. -(men chuckle) -Whoops. (boys giggling) (laughs) Now that's what I call a wee naked babby. (Elinor kissing, Fergus laughs) Ah. Oh. Merida, Elinor, hurry up. They're leaving. -Mum. -Oh, they're off! Come on, come on! We've got to wave them off! Come along, come along! Ooh! # Though I may speak # some tongue of old # or even spit out some holy words. (laughter) # I have no strength # with which to speak. # (grunts, screams) -(laughs) -That's enough. Fair enough. That's fine. OK, right, very good. (laughter) All the best. (laughs) FERGUS: Good-bye! All the best! Fair wind to your sails! Huh? -(boys laughing) -# We will run and scream # -Woo-hoo. -Bye-bye. -But how did this-- Oh! -# You will dance with me # -(dogs barking) # We'll fulfil our dreams # -(grunting) # And we'll be free... # MERIDA (voice-over): There are those who say fate is something beyond our command, that destiny is not our own. But I know better. Hyah! Our fate lives within us. You only have to be brave enough to see it. (wisp whispers) (giggles) www.able.co.nz Captions were made possible with funding from NZ On Air. Able 2014.