Think of Me
Paris 1869
The sun shone brightly and the day held much promise for all one fine autumn day.
The Opera De Camelot was stunningly beautiful in its make of white stone, its seats of red velvet and the gold that lined the walls and painted the statues. It was also a fantastic source of music and entertainment. Many a story went underway, both on the stage and behind the curtain. It was home to many a soul.
There was Mr. Draco Kilgarrah, the theatre manager was a kind and wise old man with a riddle in the source of advice. Madame Morgause Le Fey the ballet mistress with little tolerance for disobedience or recklessness, but she was a mother figure to her dancers and her young ward. There was Jonas Golem, the opera house's little lacky who worked the ropes from the top of the stage—no one liked him, except for Katrina, whom he worshiped like a goddess. But why, no one knew as people said she looked and smelled like a troll.
And there was rumors of a ghost in the opera house who made things happen when people disobeyed her orders. Few believed she actually existed, but those who did lived in fear of her and always obeyed her commands.
At that moment, there was a rehearsal going on for Hannibal. The stars were currently screeching. None of the other actors or even the opera house's servants liked the stars as they were both horribly stuck-up and rude. No one at the theatre liked their singing voices for that matter; particularly that of Agravain du Bois, who sounded like a cat with a throat problem and Katrina Tregor, his wife, was no better. In fact, those who had the misfortune to be near them when they were singing often stuffed their ears with cotton to block out the noise. It didn't help that usually while in costume; both singers looked like overdone clowns.
Rehearsal was not a really anticipated time, especially now during the stars' performance.
Katrina Men's Chorus:
This trophy from our saviors, from our saviors! From the enslaving force of Rome!Girls Chorus:
With feasting and dancing and song, tonight in celebration,
We greet the victorious throng, returned to bring salvation!
The trumpets of Carthage resound! Hear, Romans, now and tremble!
Hark to our step on the ground!
Hear the drums, Hannibal comes!Agravain:
Sad to return to find the land we love threatened once more by Roma's far-reaching grasp!
Merlin Emrys let out a sigh of relief when the screeching ceased for a few moments. With so much racket going on, he could barely concentrate on the painting he was doing. True, he was used to it, but that didn't make him like it.
Merlin was a young boy of just twenty years, was an orphaned stagehand. His father had died before he was born and his mother had died of an illness when he was a child. He'd lived at the opera house ever since as his uncle, Gaius, was the opera house's conductor and resident physician. He was poor and usually wore the same attire of brown pants, shoes, a brown leather jacket and a blue shirt with either a red or blue neckerchief.
Technically, he was just a mere stagehand and practically a servant, but he actually did a bit of everything. He cooked, he sewed, he danced if an extra was needed, he cleaned the stage and the opera house, painted sceneries, and he worked very hard. He was patient, caring, generous, helpful and very friendly. Everyone at the opera house loved him except for the stars, Agravain du Bois and Katrina Tregor, for reasons completely unknown.
"Gwen, your skirt's torn," said Merlin, as she came down with the rest of the dancers. He happened to look up from his work and noticed it.
Guinevere "Gwen" Leodegrance had been orphaned when she was seven years old shortly after she'd come to live and train at the ballet dormitories. She was the opera house's finest dancer and often helped with the sewing if she was needed as she was also a skilled seamstress. She was a very sweet young lady and loved by many there.
"What? Oh, drat!" Gwen looked dismayed to find the hem of her skirt badly torn from being caught on a nail. "I don't have time to fix it. Rehearsal for the ballet dance is in two minutes."
"Don't worry, I'll mend it," said Merlin. His blue eyes flashed gold as the skirt quickly mended itself. Merlin wasn't just a servant, he was secretly a warlock, having been born with magic. "There, all better."
"Merlin, you're a life saver," said Gwen, gratefully, as she kissed his cheek. She and Merlin had been like siblings since they'd met at the opera house and were the closest of friends.
"Just dance like the angel you are and we'll call it even," said Merlin, smiling. "Go."
Gwen smiled as she went out onto the stage. However, before the dancing could take place, Mr. Kilgarrah came onto the stage along with two other gentlemen, interrupting the rehearsal.
"…are underway for a new production of Hannibal," he was saying.
"Monsieur Kilgarrah, please! I'm trying to rehearse," said Gaius, sharply. Gaius rarely tolerated interruptions unless there was a good explanation for them.
"Monsieur Gaius, Madame Le Fey, ladies and gentleman, if I could have your attention for a moment?" said Mr. Kilgarrah, gently. Everyone turned to look at him. "As you all know, for some weeks there have been rumors of my imminent retirement. I can now tell you these are all true and it's my pleasure to introduce to you the two gentleman, who now own the Opera de Camelot, Monsieur Uther Pendragon and his son Arthur."
There was bit of applause as the two gentleman bowed. Despite being related and wearing expensive suits, they looked little alike. Uther was a slightly rounded man with balding grey hair and equally grey eyes. He had the appearance of a soldier, not a theatre manager. Arthur was the complete opposite. He was fair with golden hair, brown eyes and looked like a prince from a storybook.
"Thank you, all of you," said Uther, smiling.
Immediately, Agravain and Katrina went over to them, expecting to be fawned over as they used to.
"Mr. Pendragon, Mr. Pendragon, our stars, Katrina Tregor and her husband Agravain du Bois. They've been our stars for five seasons," said Mr. Kilgarrah.
Katrina looked quite pleased as her hand was kissed by both gentleman and Agravain's hand was shaken by them.
"It is indeed an honor to be here and it is also a great honor to introduce our new patroness, the Countess du Lac," said Arthur, proudly.
A stunningly beautiful young lady with curled black hair and deep blue eyes dressed in a simple yet flowing and lovely purple gown came onto the stage, smiling.
Merlin and Gwen peered at the newcomers, and Merlin's eyes widened slightly.
"Oh my word," breathed Merlin. "It's Arthur and Freya."
"Are they the people you spoke so fondly of when you came here?" asked Gwen.
Merlin nodded and a smile flickered across his face as he thought back to those long ago times when he'd been a carefree young child. "Before my mother died, I lived in a village by a lake. Arthur was my best friend and Freya was…well, I guess you could say we were childhood sweethearts." He sighed and turned away before he could be seen by his old friends. "Ah, well. It doesn't matter now."
"Why not?" asked Gwen.
"It's been years, Gwen. It's better if they don't know I'm here. Besides, I doubt they'd even recognize me, much less want to associate with me," said Merlin, sadly.
He saw no reason why his beliefs weren't correct. After all much had changed since those long ago days when they'd been carefree children. Merlin would play tag with Arthur as they teased each other and they'd been brothers in all but blood and he'd spent a lot of his time with Freya, reading to her by a lake. They hadn't seen one another since childhood and he'd changed since then. They all had. Arthur was now a wealthy theatre manager and Freya a beautiful countess whereas Merlin was just a mere stagehand and a servant in all but name. Why would they wish to associate with the likes of him now?
"Nonsense," said Gwen, dismissively. "Give it time. As soon as they see you, they'll want to be with you." Personally, she thought Arthur was an exceedingly handsome young man and she wished to be acquainted with him.
"Nevertheless, I implore you to say nothing to them, Gwen, please," said Merlin. If they recognized him, there'd be a great reunion. If not, then perhaps it was better that way.
Gwen reluctantly nodded.
Freya smiled and curtsied as all applauded her arrival. "It's an honor to meet you all, ladies and gentlemen, and as great an honor to be able to support this magnificent theatre. Please, forgive me for interrupting your rehearsal. I'll be here tonight to share in your great triumphant. Good day."
There was more applause and Merlin felt a twinge of sadness as he watched Freya leave. Though he'd never spoken of his feelings, during the time they'd spent together as children, Merlin had fallen in love with Freya. She was the most caring person he'd ever known. He had no idea if she returned his affections, but severely doubted she would. Why would a divine and beautiful countess love a poor and lowly stagehand?
Merlin then shook himself and resumed working. He was painting the final piece of the scenery for the performance while listening to the rehearsal. Thankfully, it was time for the ballet, which meant no screeching.
"We take particular pride in the excellence of our ballet, sirs," said Morgause.
"I see why," said Uther, approvingly. "Rarely have I seen such grace and skill."
"That dark-haired beauty seems to be the best one, if I may say so," said Arthur, as he gazed upon Gwen.
"My ward, Guinevere Leodegrance," said Morgause, briskly. "She was orphaned at the age of seven when she came to live and train in the ballet dormitories. She's our finest dancer and has very promising talent."
"I don't suppose I could become acquainted with her after the rehearsal or the performance this evening, Madame?" asked Arthur. He seemed quite enamored with her.
Morgause paused in consideration for a moment. "If she wishes it. I shall speak with her. But take care, Monsieur Pendragon, for she means much to me."
"Yes, of course," said Arthur.
Merlin just smiled and chuckled to himself. He'd seen the way Gwen had looked at Arthur and now it seemed as though Arthur felt the same way about her. He wouldn't be one bit surprised if they ended up falling in love with one another. He then fought back a wince as the singing picked up again.
Chorus:
Bid welcome to Hannibal's guests, the elephants of Carthage!
As guides on our conquering quests, Dido sends Hannibal's friends!Chorus with Agravain and Katrina:
The trumpeting elephants sound, hear, Romans, now and tremble!
Hark to their step on the ground, hear the drums! Hannibal comes!
It ended, but Katrina and Agravain seemed most displeased by the lack of attention they were getting from their managers as they were very spoiled prima donnas.
"The Countess is very excited about tonight's gala," said Uther.
"Oh, is she now?" said Agravain, irritated. "Well, I hope she's as excited by dancing girls as you both, for I shall not be singing!" And with that, he started to storm off the stage with his wife, much to their horror.
"What do we do?" asked Arthur, startled by this new turn of events.
"The answer's quite simple, Mr. Pendragon. You must grovel to his needs if you wish him to stay. If not, then I believe you shall find a diamond in the rough if you care to look," said Mr. Kilgarrah, simply. "Which will you choose?"
As neither man knew what Kilgarrah had meant by the latter, they chose to grovel to Agravain to get him to stay.
"Please, monsieur, do not go. You are what holds this theatre together! You are the God of Music, our star!" said Uther. He was smiling, but by the look in his eyes, one could tell he hated groveling. "Is there no way we can convince you to stay?"
"Perhaps you'd like to give us a rendition of that marvelous aria you have in act three," suggested Arthur. "Please, monsieur."
Their groveling worked, for Agravain's agitated face turned that of a sickening smile. "If my managers command. Monsieur Gaius, will you perform the music?"
"If my star commands," he said, stiffly.
"Yes, I do," said Agravain, briskly.
Merlin just shook his head and chuckled yet again as he finished up his work and watched the scene unfold from a small corner. This was going to be swell, he just knew it. While the Pendragons looked relieved to still have their star, they had no idea what they were getting themselves into.
After taking a deep breath and while looking exceedingly smug, Agravain began to sing.
Think of me, think of me fondly,
when we've said goodbye.
Remember me once in a while -
please promise me you'll try.
When you find that, once again, you long
to take your heart back and be free -
Agravain's ear-drum splitting performance was cut short when the heavy scenery that was being held up by thick ropes suddenly came tumbling down and landed right on him as some of the chorus girls screamed.
"Monsieur du Bois!" cried Arthur, as the man was helped to the stand and the heavy object lifted off him. "Sir, are you alright?"
"Janos Golem, for heaven's sake, what's going on up there?" yelled Mr. Kilgarrah, angrily.
A weasel-looking man peered over from his post. "Please, kind sirs, don't look at me! As heaven's my judge, I wasn't at my post! Please, sirs, there's no one there. If there is, then it must be a ghost."
A ghost or the opera's phantom? thought Merlin. He wasn't at all surprised by what had just happened, but he hadn't been able to stop it as he hadn't been looking. Merlin had looked down to find the cotton he kept in his pockets when it occurred.
"Monsieur, I'm sure this was just an accident. These things do happen," said Uther.
It was the wrong thing to say, for Agravain looked furious. "For the past five years, 'these things do happen' and did you stop them from happening? NO! And you two!" he pointed a finger at the Pendragons. "You're as bad as him! Well, if these things 'do happen' then until you can stop them from happening, I shall not happen! ALL OF YOU, WITH ME NOW!"
And with that, he stormed off the stage and left the building with his wife, who refused to sing without her husband, much to the managers' dismay.
"Well, gentleman, good luck. Should you require advice from me, I shall be in my cottage by the sea," said Mr. Kilgarrah, sweetly, before he too, left.
Both the Pendragons groaned in dismay.
"Please tell me Agravain and his wife both have understudies," begged Arthur.
Gaius shook his head. "Katrina does, but Agravain does not."
"Oh, good heavens," groaned Uther, as he wiped his brow with his handkerchief.
Morgause then came up to them, holding a letter in her hands. The envelope had been sealed with wax and marked with small dragon. "Messieurs, if I could have but a moment of your time? I have a message from the Opera Ghost."
"Oh, heavens above, you're all obsessed," said Uther.
Morgause ignored him. "She welcomes you to her opera house."
"Her opera house?" repeated Arthur, looking indignant. "Pardon moi, but we own this place, not this supposed ghost!"
"And commands that you continue to leave Box Five empty for her use and reminds you that her salary is due," continued Morgause, as though Arthur hadn't spoken.
"Her salary?" repeated Uther, frowning.
"Monsieur Kilgarrah used to pay her twenty thousand francs a month in exchange for her written operas and music," said Morgause, shrugging.
"Twenty thousand francs!" said Arthur, astonished. He was willing to pay for new operas, but twenty thousand francs? Surely that was a bit much?
"Perhaps you can afford more, with the Countess as your patroness?" said Morgause, coolly.
"Madame, I had hoped to make that announcement public tonight when Countess du Lac was to join us for the gala, but obviously we shall now have to cancel as it appears we have lost our star!" said Uther, furiously. "A full house, Arthur! We shall have to refund a full house!"
"Sirs, I believe I have the solution to your problem," said Morgause. She walked over and grabbed Merlin's hand. She brought him over to the Pendragons while he let out a whispered stream of protests, which immediately ceased when he was face-to-face with his managers.
Merlin faked a smile to conceal his nervousness.
"Bonjour, monsieurs," he said, keeping his eyes down.
"Gentleman, this is Mr. Emrys, nephew of our conductor and our finest stagehand. He's talented in many areas, singing being one of them. His voice is quite beautiful," said Morgause, proudly.
"A stagehand?" repeated Uther, incredulously. "You're suggesting a stagehand take Mr. du Bois' place? Madame Le Fey, are you quite insane?"
"Father, please," said Arthur, trying to keep things calm. He frowned at Merlin's face and then his face lit up. "Wait a second. I know that face. Merlin? Merlin, is that you?"
Merlin smiled for real this time. "Hello, you royal prat," he said. "I wondered when you'd recognize me."
Arthur let out a laugh as the two men embraced like the old friends and brother figures that they were, any awkwardness completely forgotten.
"Who're you calling a royal prat, you completely useless servant?" teased Arthur. "Why on earth didn't you tell me you were here?"
"That's a bit hard to do when one's friend doesn't bother maintaining a regular address," said Merlin, folding his arms across his chest. Arthur had moved around a lot, making it difficult for Merlin to keep regular contact with him.
"Never mind that now!" interrupted Uther, impatiently. "Merlin, is it? Is it true that you can sing as well as Agravain?"
Merlin shrugged. "I don't know about, sir, but I can sing fairly well."
"Nonsense. He's just being modest. He has a stunning voice, far better than Agravain's and it's just as well he should, for he's been taking lessons from a great teacher," said Morgause, proudly.
"You have?" said Gaius, surprised. When Merlin nodded, Gaius then asked, "Merlin, why didn't you tell me?"
"You didn't ask so I didn't see reason to tell," said Merlin, shrugging. No one except for Morgause had known and that was only because she knew everything that happened at the opera house. Part of him had liked keeping his tutelage a special hidden secret.
"Who is your music teacher?" asked Arthur.
"I actually don't know her name," admitted Merlin. He felt a tad embarrassed admitting that. She'd taught him to sing and to hone his magic, and yet he'd never once asked for his tutor's name. He referred to her by something else entirely. "But if you wish me to, I shall sing for you. Madame Le Fey thinks I've been well taught, but I've rarely put it to the test."
Among other things, Merlin was shy and modest and he thought very little of himself. He loved to sing, but got butterflies in his stomach at the thought of signing in front of other people.
"Then do so now and sing for us, Merlin," said Gaius, kindly. "Sing."
Merlin sighed and took center stage. He felt nervous and slightly ill. Just breathe. Breathe. He took a deep breath and began to sing.
Think of me, think of me fondly,
when we've said goodbye.
Remember me once in a while -
please promise me you'll try.
When you find that, once again, you long
to take your heart back and be free -
if you ever find a moment,
spare a thought for me!
As he sang, everyone stopped what they were doing and listened to him sing. His voice rang out sweet and clear and all were looking at him with great awe and respect. Merlin wasn't even halfway through the song when the Pendragons decided he'd be perfect to replace their star.
That evening Merlin found himself performing onstage for the first time, dressed in an expensive and fine costume in front of hundreds of people. He felt nervous as well as excited to actually be performing.
We never said our love was evergreen, Think of all the things Think of me, think of me waking,
or as unchanging as the sea -
but if you can still remember
stop and think of me…
we've shared and seen -
don't think about the way things
might have been…
silent and resigned.
Imagine me, trying too hard
to put you from my mind
Recall those days
look back on all those times,
think of the things we'll never do -
there will never be a day,
when I won't think of you . . .
As Merlin's mysterious tutor listened with great pleasure from her lair, the countess watched from her seat. Her heart leapt with great anticipation as she recognized the young performer. She knew that face, those large yet adorable ears and those blue eyes like the evening sky.
"Can it be him? Can it be my Merlin?" Indeed it was him. It was her Merlin. His very presence made her heart flutter with delight and she felt joy as she recalled that time she spent with him. He'd become even more handsome than she remembered. Freya rose up and clapped. "Bravo!" she cried before she left her seat.
"Long ago, it seems so long ago
How young and innocent we were!
He may not remember me,
but I remember him…" she sang to herself, unaware she was being watched.
XXX
Merlin continued singing the final lyrics of the song, feeling happier and more comfortable with every note he ever sang.
Flowers fades,
The fruits of summer fade,
They have their seasons, so do we
but please promise me, that sometimes
you will think of me!
Merlin made the 'of' part linger with great skill and pleasure until he finally ended the song with a great crescendo. Right after that, a great and thunderous applause went up. Everyone in the audience and even everyone who worked at the theatre stood up and applauded as they cheered his name and tossed flowers onto the stage.
Merlin just bowed gracefully with the rest of his fellow performers and then left the stage as the curtain fell, ending the evening's opera.
XXX
While a great gala went on upstairs, Merlin journeyed down below the opera house to the little corner where he often spent his leisure time. It consisted of grey stone, some candles, beautiful stained glass window and a place to light candles for lost loved ones. Merlin was the only one who went down there regularly. Not only did he find solace along with peace and quiet, but he could hear his tutor's voice in there.
Carefully, he lit two candles, one for his mother and one for his father. He deeply missed his parents, Hunith and Balinor Emrys, and wished desperately they could've been there tonight to see him perform. He still had Gaius, but an uncle wasn't the same as having parents.
"If only you could've been here tonight," he murmured. "You would've been proud of me for once." He didn't think he'd given his parents reason to be proud until tonight as while he was a good man and helped others, he'd accomplished so little until tonight. "I miss you, Mother. I wish I could've known you, Father."
It was of small comfort to know they were in heaven and with him always, though. He smiled a bit when he heard a familiar voice coming from an unknown place in the opera house.
"Bravo! Bravo! Bravissimo!" said his tutor. Her sweet voice brought joy to Merlin's soul as it pleased him to know she had enjoyed his performance.
"Merlin? Merlin!" called Gwen.
"Merlin…" sang his tutor. "I shall see you tonight at ten past nine to share in our great triumph, my sweet angel…"
Merlin smiled to himself as his tutor seemed to vanish and then Gwen came down and sat beside him.
"Merlin, where in the world have you been hiding? Everyone's waiting to meet you and congratulate you," said Gwen. She smiled. "You deserve it. You were astounding."
Merlin blushed slightly. "No, I wasn't. I just sang to the best of my ability and helped out."
"Oh, Merlin, when will you see the beauty in yourself?" murmured Gwen. "I only wish I knew your secret. Who is your great tutor and why did you not tell me you were being taught how to sing and use magic?"
Merlin hadn't just sang, he'd used his magic to make the theatrics of the operas greater and now Gwen finally knew as she'd seen Merlin's eyes flash gold that evening.
"Promise to tell no one?" whispered Merlin. He didn't like the idea of people knowing he had magic. He wasn't ashamed of it, but he preferred to blend in with a crowd rather than stand out among them. And only Gaius, Freya and Morgause knew of his mother's promise she'd made to him before she died.
Gwen nodded.
"I've had magic since I was born, but I never had much control of it because I had no one to teach me. That all changed. Before my uncle brought me here to live with him, when my mother was dying, she promised me she'd send an Angel of Music to me when she was in heaven. Whenever I'd come down here or when I was alone somewhere in this magnificent place, I'd hear her and she'd be there. I've seen little of her, but I've spoken to her often. She's taught me how to sing and to hone my magic, Gwen," whispered Merlin, with delight. "A very special woman whom I owe a heavy debt."
"Merlin, are you saying that your mother's spirit is coaching you?" asked Gwen, concerned.
Merlin shook his head. "No, but I think that someone unlike anyone else I've ever known before has been. If she's not the angel my mother spoke of, then who or what else could she be, Gwen?" His voice rang out clear and beautiful as he sang once again.
Mother once spoke of an angel
I used to dream she'd appear
Now as I sing, I can sense her
And I know she's here!
Here in this room she calls me softly
Somewhere inside hiding
Somehow I know she's always with me
She, the unseen genius!
Gwen frowned in concerned as she and Merlin rose up and left the room. She didn't quite know what to think about what Merlin was saying.
"Merlin, you have been dreaming. Stories like this can't come true. Merlin, you're talking in riddles and it's not like you!"
Merlin shook his head. Why couldn't she understand? Someone had been with him guiding him and helping him from the moment from the moment he'd entered the opera house. Someone who'd become his friend and ended his loneliness before he'd met and befriended Gwen, someone who was special in so many ways. She'd become his friend when he'd been lonely and pining for Freya and taught him so much.
Merlin
Angel of Music
Guide and guardian
Grant to me your glory!Gwen:
Who is this angel?
This…Both
Angel of Music
Hide no longer
Secret and strange angel
Gwen was both confused and intrigued as they walked to the party.
Was Merlin actually being taught by angel? And if he was, then who was this angel? What was her name and why did she conceal herself? No one had ever seen this angel. Someone would've said something if they had. But was this "angel of music" the same opera ghost who'd haunted the opera house for so many years and caused Agravain's departure?
Merlin stopped in his tracks and looked around. "She's with me even now."
Gwen frowned when she felt Merlin's hands. "Merlin, your hands are cold!" How long had he been downstairs in that cold and lonely place? Far too long, it seemed, for his hands felt like ice in her warm palms.
"All around me…" murmured Merlin, as though Gwen hadn't spoken.
"Your face, Merlin, it's white!" exclaimed Gwen. He needed to eat more and spend more time in the sunlight, rather than the dark shadows.
Merlin grew a bit paler when they reached the entrance of the room where the gala was being held. "Must I go? It frightens me," he admitted.
"Don't be frightened," soothed Gwen. "I'll be here the whole time."
Merlin took a deep breath and entered the gala.
After spending two hours amongst the guests, Morgause finally gave the boy some peace by shooing away the guests and audience members who wished to know more about him or at least gain his autograph, and taking him to his dressing room. Merlin was very grateful, for he was feeling overwhelmed by all the attention.
"You did very well, Merlin," said Morgause, smiling. "Your uncle's said he's exceedingly proud of you."
"I know," said Merlin, smiling. Gaius had told him that twice now and it made him happy to hear that. "Is she truly pleased as well?"
Morgause was the only other one who knew of Merlin's tutor. Morgause nodded as she took a beautiful blue iris tied with a red ribbon off the table. "She's very pleased."
Merlin fingered the blue bloom, feeling happy to see it. It was his tutor's signature. He'd leave her little figurines of dragons and she'd leave a flower she said was the color of his eyes. "May I have a moment alone?"
"Yes, of course. Should you wish to have supper, the dining hall is open to you and you know how to fetch Gaius and I should you require anything else," said Morgause. She then left Merlin alone in the dressing room.
Merlin calmed his nerves by drinking from the glass of punch that lay on his dressing table. He was happy about tonight, but he didn't think it would last. Sooner or later, Agravain would come back and he'd be forgotten. He just knew it.
There was a knock on the door.
"Come in," said Merlin.
He kept his back to the door and then let out a small gasp of delight when he felt a familiar pair of hands covering his eyes.
"Do you remember me, Little Bird?" asked a sweet voice.
Merlin smiled as he turned to face Freya, who looked beautiful in her scarlet gown and with her hair pinned back. "How could I possibly forget you, my Lady of the Lake?" he said. Those were the names they'd always called each other as children.
Freya smiled as she placed her hand on his cheek. "Oh, Merlin, I thought I might never see you again. You've no idea how glad I was when I saw you onstage."
"I think I can wager a guess," said Merlin. "Oh, Freya, it's so wonderful to see you. You look so beautiful. I've missed you so much." Though he'd thought it best if she didn't see him, he was exceedingly happy that she'd recognized him and was with him now.
"As I have you," said Freya, as they shared a tight embrace. "Really though, you were perfect. You looked and sang like an angel tonight."
"Thank you," said Merlin, as they pulled apart. "Oh, where are my manners? Please, do sit down, Freya." He seated her in the only chair in that room.
"You haven't changed in the slightest Merlin. You must tell me everything. How long have you been singing here? Have you been visited by an angel as your mother promised you?" asked Freya.
"I only started singing tonight," admitted Merlin. "Agravain quit in a huff after you left and I was his replacement. As for my angel, well, I like to think I have been visited by one."
"I know you have," said Freya. She squeezed his hand. "Will you join Arthur and I for dinner tonight? We can catch up and it'll be like old times. You can tell us everything and we'll celebrate your success."
Merlin was about to eagerly say yes, but then remembered his tutor's words and sighed in disappointment. "I wish I could, but I can't. My tutor wishes for me to remain here this evening. She means well, but she can be a little strict. But perhaps you and I can celebrate a little here tonight before she arrives."
"Of course," said Freya. She looked a little disappointed, but did not protest.
Freya informed Arthur of her plans while Merlin arranged for a slice of the strawberry pie (strawberries were Freya's favorite) to be brought up so they could split it. As they ate and chatted, it felt like old times and when the clock chimed nine o'clock, Freya rose up to leave and Merlin walked her to the door.
"Before you go, I have something for you," he said. He closed his and his eyes for a moment and when he opened them, he had a red rose in his palm.
Freya looked delighted as she took the rose. "You remembered," she said. When they'd first met as children, she'd been sitting alone by a lake crying over the loss of her parents. Merlin had seen her and had had the luck of picking roses from his mother's garden that morning. He'd gone over to her and given her one of the scarlet blooms to cheer her up and had kept her company until her guardian came for her. It had been their little secret for many years.
"Of course," said Merlin. He took her hand in his and without thinking, kissed it. "I'll see you tomorrow, Freya."
"Until then, Merlin," said Freya, smiling. "I wish the best of luck to you."
Merlin nodded and then closed the door.
The sound of silence signaled to him that everyone had either left or was in bed, as he should be. He went behind the dressing screen and changed from his costume and into a plain white shirt with black pants and boots. He was unaware that the lights were going out all over the theatre or that he'd been locked in his dressing room after Freya had left.
When the lights went out in his room after he emerged from behind the screen, Merlin knew he wasn't alone. It was nine past nine and his tutor would make an appearance soon. When the big hand on the grandfather clock hit the two, he heard her sing loudly. She sounded almost angry.
Insolent girl,
this slave of fashion
basking in your glory!
Ignorant fool!
This brave young countess,
sharing in my triumph!
Merlin felt a twinge of fear. He knew he'd done nothing wrong, but for some reasons, his friendship and celebration with Freya had displeased his mentor. He felt a great deal of loyalty to her and cared about her, but he didn't want to risk his mentor's wraith, especially if she turned her gaze to Freya and decided to use her as means to punish him.
Knowing his voice pleased his mentor, he sang to her. Angel! I hear you!
Speak, I listen…
stay by my side, guide me!
Angel, my soul was weak
forgive me…
enter at last, Mistress!
He felt both relieved and even a little excited when he heard her sing back to him, sounding quite pleased and happy with him. Flattering boy,
you shall know me,
see why in shadow I hide
Look at your face in the mirror
I am there inside!
Merlin turned his gaze to the mirror and saw a tall young woman with black hair in smooth waves to her waist with blue eyes. She was dressed in a flowing black gown, black gloves, a black hooded cloak with scarlet, a gold and sapphire necklace gleamed on her neck, and a white mask covered half of her face.
Merlin had seen her before, but never quite like this. He was amazed by what he saw and ended up singing to her once more. Angel of Music!
Guide and guardian!
Grant to me your glory!
Angel of Music!
Hide no longer!
Come to me, strange angel
His angel of music seemed exceedingly pleased at his words, for she held out her hand for him to take and she sang to him.
I am your Angel of Music
Come to me: Angel of Music
I am your Angel of Music
Come to me: Angel of Music
Like the song of the sirens, her voice seemed to enchant Merlin and he found himself taking her hand before she led him through the mirror and down a tunnel he'd never known had existed until now. He was entering the Phantom's lair.