I feel the tears streaming down my face in the rain as I hold you, limp and almost lifeless in my arms. I touch your cheek and you look up at the Lake of Avalon, your final resting place.
"You remembered." Of course I remembered – I could never forget. Ever.
"I don't want you to go" I whimper. You look me in the eye. "I wish I could save you." You should live. But the wound is too deep. If only I was more competent with my magic.
"You already saved me," you murmur, "You made me feel loved." Your eyes begin to close. I am losing you. "One day, Merlin," you say my name with such truth, such honesty, "I will repay you." The words linger in the air. I gasp as your heart stops. Your head falls back, and I cry into your still-warm body. I have to give you at least one more thing.
With flowers all around you, I push the boat out. This will not be the last I see of you, Freya. I hold out my hand and instruct the fire to start. A funeral fit for the king himself, and yet you deserve so much more.
Goodbye, Freya. Beautiful Freya, wonderful Freya, brave Freya, amazing Freya.
I know one thing about that young girl if nothing else– she will be loved. If not by the world…
…By me.