I've Got a Dream

As time went by, Merlin and Freya journeyed deep into the forest.

Everything about the forest fascinated Freya—the trees, the plants, the streams, berry bushes, everything. She didn't ask a lot of questions as she didn't want to annoy Merlin, but one could tell by the look on her face that she was quite excited.

Merlin, however, didn't have a problem answering Freya's questions. He thought her a bit queer and he was a little annoyed about what she'd done with his satchel, but other than that, he thought she was a sweet and pretty young girl and he liked her.

Aithusa was enjoying himself too. When he wasn't chasing something, he was either trying to climb a tree or leap off the branches, but fortunately Merlin stopped him before he did something he shouldn't have.

Eventually, they stopped walking when they came upon a little tavern.

Merlin turned to Freya. "Freya, want to get some cider?"

"I've never had any. Mother never let me," said Freya, softly.

"Well, we'll have to remedy that, won't we?" said Merlin. He took her hand. "Come on. I know this place. You'll like it, trust me."

He led her inside the tavern where there was a large amount of noise from the tavern's customers. They were either chatting, or having toasts or singing horribly off-key. They mainly big, burly men and the rest were the Knights of Camelot.

One of the Knights was laughing after collecting his card-game winnings. A certain long-haired, bearded Knights.

"Hello, Gwaine," said Merlin. "Win another game of cards?"

Gwaine looked up and smiled when he saw Merlin. "Ah, Merlin. Good to see you."

"Merlin, Arthur's looking for you. Something about the crown you were supposed to take care of and not being back in time for work," said Leon.

Merlin sighed. "Look, just tell him something's come up and I'll be back with the crown when I can, okay?"

"Sure thing, mate," said Gwaine. He took a sip of his drink. "So, who's your shy and pretty lady friend?"

Freya was timidly peering out from behind Merlin. She felt quite shy and somewhat frightened around all the enormous men with their armor and weapons.

"It's okay. These men are my friends," said Merlin, gently, as he squeezed her hand. "No one here is going to hurt you, I promise."

Feeling somewhat relieved by this, Freya finally came out fully.

"My name is Freya," she said.

"Pleasure to meet you, Freya," said Lancelot, smiling warmly. "I'm Lancelot. This is Gwaine, Elyan, and Leon."

"I'm pleased to make your acquaintance," said Freya, smiling a little.

Suddenly, an angry woman yelled, "MERLIN!"

They turned to see the barmaid looking very cross as she held up Aithusa, who'd snuck off. The little dragon was dangling upside-down by his tail and finishing off a piece of meat. He then licked his lips and let out a happy noise.

"Your little friend's pet dragon just ate my entire roast!" said the barmaid, angrily.

Merlin tried and failed to stifle a laugh.

"Aithusa!" scolded Freya. She looked apologetically at the barmaid. "I'm sorry, ma'am. He doesn't usually misbehave like that."

"Just make sure he doesn't do it again," said the barmaid, gruffly.

"Freya, take Aithusa and go sit down. I'll pay for the roast and get us some cider," said Merlin.

As Freya took Aithusa into her arms, Merlin quickly dished out some coins from the pouch on his pouch and paid the barmaid and ordered them some drinks.

"So, how'd you wind up with Merlin?" asked Elyan.

"Oh, um, well…he came to my tower and I asked him for a favor. I promised to give him his satchel back if he took me to see the lanterns tomorrow night for my birthday," said Freya, shyly. She decided not to tell them she'd knocked Merlin out with a frying pan.

"You haven't seen the lanterns before?" asked Leon, surprised.

She shook her head.

"I could only watch from my window. It's been my dream to see the lanterns in person ever since I was a little girl," said Freya. She hesitated and then said, "Have any of you ever had a dream?"

A strange look crossed everyone's faces and then suddenly, music started playing and Gwaine burst into song.

Gwaine:
I'm a handsome, foolish drinker
I fight evil on a daily basis
And though I'm loyal and a fighter, I'm not always the fastest
But despite my drinking habits,
And my laziness and lack of wealth,
I've always yearned to be a part-time bartender!
Can't you see me owning my own little pub?
Working there once a week with all the ale I could drink?
Yep, I'm proud to be a Knight, but there's something else I want,
To serve others the same way I've been!
Thank you!
'Cause way down deep inside
I've got a dream!

Tavern Chorus:
He's got a dream!
He's got a dream!

Gwaine took out a piece of paper with plans and little writings on it and showed it to Freya before he started explaining about his dream and that of the others in the room.

Gwaine:
See, I ain't as ridiculous as I seem!
Though some may think crazier than some,
You can count me with the dreamers
Like everybody else
I've got a dream!

Everyone's attention then turned to Lancelot, who started singing along with them. His dream was a particularly sweet one that many others shared.

Lancelot:
I've got scars and lumps and bruises
I'm barely richer than a beggar,
And let's not even mention my complexion
But despite all misfortunes
And my poor
I really want to make a love connection
Can't you see me with a special little lady
Rowing in a rowboat down the stream?
Though I'm one poor fighter,
I'm a lover, and a writer!
'Cause way down deep inside
I've got a dream
I've got a dream!

Tavern Chorus:
He's got a dream!

Lancelot:
I've got a dream!

Tavern Chorus:
He's got a dream!

Lancelot:
And I know one day romance will reign supreme!
Though my finances are lacking,
There's a man who's still dreaming,
Like everybody else
I've got a dream

Tavern Chorus:
Kay would like to be a florist
William does interior design
Mordred wants to be a physician
Elyan's blacksmith work is sublime
Olaf knits
Leon sews
Percival does little puppet shows

Gwaine:
And Ahnora is Keeper of the Unicorns!

Everyone turned to look at Merlin.

"Your turn, Merlin," said Leon.

"I beg your pardon?" said Merlin, raising an eyebrow.

"What's your dream?" asked Elyan.

"Uh…"

Merlin was about to refuse to tell, but one pleading look from Freya got him going, and before he knew it, he was participating in the little song-and-dance routine.

Merlin:
I have dreams, like you—no, really!
Just much simpler, and sort of smiley
They mainly happen somewhere
warm and sunny.
I dream of fulfilling my destiny,
And seeing Arthur on the throne
And sharing my life with a special lovely woman!

Freya had to admit, Merlin's dream was a lovely one indeed. Feeling much less afraid and considerably happier, Freya danced and sang along with the other men. Her voice was clear and beautiful, making everyone listen to her every word.

Freya:
I've got a dream!

Tavern Chorus:
She's got a dream!

Freya:
I've got a dream!

Tavern Chorus:
She's got a dream!

Freya:
I just want to see the floating
lanterns gleam!

Tavern Chorus:
Yeah!

Freya:
And with every passing hour
I'm so glad I left my tower!
Like all you lovely folks
I've got a dream!

The Knights all danced with Freya and seemed to adore her. The feeling was mutual as Freya was enjoying herself as much as they were. With every passing moment, she was feeling braver, more confident and at ease.

Tavern Chorus:
She's got a dream!
He's got a dream!
They've got a dream!
We've got a dream!
So our differences ain't
really that extreme!
We're one big team…!
Call us insane
Brave…

Gwaine:
Loyal—

Lancelot:
And grotesquely optimistic

Tavern Chorus:
'Cause way down deep inside
We've got a dream!

Gwaine:
I've got a dream!

Lancelot:
I've got a dream!

Knight Chorus:
I've got a dream!
I've got a dream!
I've got a dream!

Freya:
I've got a dream!

All:
Yes way down deep
inside, I've got a dream!
Yeah!

As the singing and dancing ceased, a boy who was sitting at the window, whistled. "Hengist is coming! He's got quite the bruise on his face. Who made him mad now?"

Merlin bit back a groan before he turned to Gwaine. "Gwaine, Freya and I have to go. Is there a backdoor out of here, by any chance?"

"Sure, Merlin," said Gwaine.

He led them to a secret passage behind the counter that led down into an underground tunnel.

"This'll take you down the road to Camelot," said Gwaine. "It's not the route you're used to, Merlin, but it'll work. I've used it dozens of times." He kissed Freya's hand. "Farewell, milady."

"Thank you very much, sir," said Freya, smiling. She turned to Aithusa, who was sticking his head in tankard of cider. "Aithusa, we're leaving!"

Aithusa got up, scurried over to Freya and then curled up on her shoulders.

"Good luck to you both," said Lancelot, smiling.

"Thanks, Lancelot," said Merlin.

Freya took his arm and then together, they went down into the tunnel, unaware that Nimueh had seen it all and was planning to catch them when they reached the tunnel's end.

XXX

Hours later, Merlin and Freya were still in the tunnel.

Because it was so dark, Merlin had had to light a torch so they could see their way. Aithusa walked ahead while Merlin and Freya trailed behind. Freya kept her hand on Merlin's arm so they wouldn't get accidentally separated from one another.

They'd been talking throughout the entire trip down the tunnel and were liking one another more and more. They had several common interests. They liked the same foods, music and they were both interested in magic and so much more. It was quite pleasant.

More than once, they talked about what had happened at the tavern and laughing over it.

"That was definitely the weirdest thing I've ever seen them do," said Merlin, as he finished laughing. "I'm sorry if my friends startled you when you met them."

"No, no, I was just a little shy, that's all. Your friends were wonderful. Perfectly charming," said Freya. Merlin's friends had been absolute gentlemen and she adored them.

"Don't let Gwaine hear you say that. He's my friend, but he's an enormous flirt," said Merlin.

Freya giggled.

"Merlin, may I ask you a question?"

"Sure. As many as you'd like, if you don't mind me asking a few," said Merlin. He knew there were some questions Freya didn't want him to ask, but there were others that he could.

"Okay," said Freya. "Where do you come from?"

"Well, I was born and raised in a little village called Elador, but for the past few years I've been living with my uncle in Camelot. I work as Prince Arthur's manservant," said Merlin.

"Is he the one you called a 'royal prat'?"

Merlin chuckled. "He's not really a prat. I call him that whenever he annoys me. We didn't get on when we first met, but after a while we became friends."

"Oh, I see," said Freya.

"My turn," said Merlin. "Freya, if you want to see the lanterns so badly, why haven't you gone before now?"

Freya hesitated. "Well…"

She was cut off when Aithusa started anxiously squeaking and there was the sound of rumbling. She turned to see that there was a large group of men running towards them. Hengist was right at the lead and he didn't look happy.

"Freya, run!" yelled Merlin.

Freya quickly obeyed him and ran with Aithusa in her arms. As she ran, Merlin stayed behind for a moment and flung out his hands, making Hengist and his men fly backwards.

They ran outside, only to find that the path to Camelot was farther away than they'd expected and worse, they were standing on the edge of a cliff where a somewhat fragile dam and aquaduct system lay. There was a ladder leading down, but it was incredibly steep and too dangerous.

Just then, Hengist and his men came up from behind them. Merlin blasted them away again, but he knew it wouldn't last long. They'd be back in just a few moments.

He turned to Freya. "Freya, can you use your hair to get yourself and Aithusa away?"

Startled, Freya nodded.

"Then do that while I hold these men off. Go, now, quickly!"

Knowing she didn't dare argue, Freya obeyed.

She used her hair like a rope and swung away to safety with Aithusa. She then watched as Merlin fought off Hengist's men armed with nothing but his spells, and after a few moments, she could stand it no longer and then used her hair again, this time to pull Merlin to safety. He landed on an aqueduct, and then suddenly, the dam started to break thanks to Hengist and his men, who sabotaged it in an attempt to stop them permanently.

"Merlin!" cried Freya.

"I'm coming!" yelled Merlin.

Quickly, he slid down and then together, they ran into a tunnel just as the dam collapsed and then they were trapped.

Despite their efforts, they could not find a way out and worse, water was coming in fast. Within moments they were caught in a corner with no sign of escape.

"Oh, no, no, no," said Merlin.

He tried and failed to find a way out by going under the water, but could see nothing as it was pitch dark underneath them. Worse, when he tried to create a glowing ball so their way out would be lit, his spell would not work, despite many attempts and Aithusa's attempt at fire-breathing a way out didn't work either. The water was coming in quickly and they were trapped like rats.

Tears came to Freya's eyes as the situation settled on her. "I'm sorry, Merlin. This is my fault. I never should've done this," she said, sadly.

"Shh, shh, Freya, it's okay. We're going to get out of this," said Merlin, as he held her hand. He couldn't explain it, but he felt protective of her and he was not going to let anything happen to her. "I promise. If I can just get my spell to work, we can find a way out. We just need a bit of light, that's all."

We need light? Of course! Freya's face lit up. "I know what we can do. Flower gleam and glow, let your power shine…" that was as far as she got before the water completely enclosed them.

While immersed in the water, Merlin recoiled in shock when he saw Freya's hair had completely lit itself up. In all his years, he'd never seen hair glowing before. Ignoring his shock, he looked and saw that her hair was being sucked in at a small area mostly covered with rocks, just below them.

Quickly, Merlin incanted a spell in his mind that made the rocks burst and within moments, they were freed. They found themselves on the banks of a river, gasping for breath and quite exhausted, but alive and well nevertheless.

"We made it," said Freya, as she caught her breath. "You saved us."

"We saved each other," said Merlin, smiling.

Freya smiled back, but then she noticed Merlin was clutching his arm.

"Merlin, what's wrong with your arm?" asked Freya. Without waiting for a reply, she pried Merlin's fingers off the place on his arm he was clutching and gasped when she saw what he'd tried to hide. "Merlin!"

The sleeve of Merlin's jacket was torn and there was a somewhat nasty-looking wound on his arm. Most likely he'd gotten cut on the rocks or during their escape into the tunnels. Quickly, Freya tore off part of her skirt and made a makeshift bandage to use for the moment.

When they made camp later that night, she had Merlin sit down beside her and then she started wrapping her hair around his arm wound.

"Freya, honestly, I'm fine. It's nothing. It's just a scratch," said Merlin, trying and failing to get out of her grasp.

"Merlin, you're not fine. You got hurt trying to protect me. Please, hold still and let me help you," said Freya, as she finished wrapping her hair around Merlin's wound. Thankfully, he'd finally stopped protesting and was staying still as she asked. "Don't be frightened."

Before he could reply, she closed her eyes and started singing.

Flower, gleam and glow
Let your power shine
Make the clock reverse
Bring back what once was mine

Heal what has been hurt
Change the Fates' design
Save what has been lost
Bring back what once was mine

What once was mine

Merlin watched in amazement as every single strand of Freya's hair glowed as she sang and when she was finished singing, she took her hair off his wound. Only, there was no wound because it was completely healed, as if it had never been there at all. Even his torn jacket sleeve was completely mended, as if it hadn't been torn at all.

"Wow," said Merlin. He looked gratefully at Freya. "Thank you."

"You're not scared of me?" asked Freya, hesitantly.

"Scared of you? Why would I be? Your gift is amazing," said Merlin, kindly. "How long have you been able to do that? Were you born with magic, like me?"

Relieved he was taking it so well, Freya nodded. "I believe so. I don't know any spells and I can't do what you do, but my hair's always been able to heal anything."

"That's incredible," said Merlin. "Is that why your hair's so long?"

Freya nodded again. "You can't always trust people. My mother told me when I was a baby, people tried to take my power for themselves by cutting my hair. But once it's cut, it turns black and the magic's gone." As if for proof, she pulled her hair back and revealed the hidden black strand of hair. "My gift has to be protected, kept secret, so that's why Mother never le…that's why I…"

"You never left that tower," finished Merlin. He looked at her incredulously. "You spent your entire life in there, never leaving until this morning, and you want me to take you back there after the festival tomorrow night?"

Freya sighed as she looked down at her hands. "It's complicated."

Truth be told, she was feeling slightly conflicted about it all. Part of her longed to be free like Merlin was, but another part of her felt a sense of duty and loyalty to her mother.

Wanting to change the subject, Freya then said, "Merlin, tell me about Elador and your parents."

"Okay. Well, my father was Balinor the Dragonlord. He was a great man, loyal and devoted to his family and the dragons. He died a few years ago. Anyway, my mother's name is Hunith. She's the most selfless and caring person I've ever met. She's the kind of person who always sees a cloud's silver lining. She has a way of being everyone's mother if you know what I mean," said Merlin.

Freya smiled. "I'd like to meet your mother."

"Well, maybe you could. I know she'd love you," said Merlin, smiling back. "Anyway, life in Elador's simple. You live in your own little hut, grow your own food and everyone pitches in, and sometimes we have village dances. It's about a day and a half away from Camelot on horseback. It's a small place, but it's got fields, a couple of cows, wildflowers and there's a lake not far from it."

Freya sighed in contentment as she imagined Merlin's old home and his family. "It sounds wonderful," she said, as she rested her head on his shoulder.

Merlin wrapped an arm around her and stroked her hair. "It is wonderful. Maybe I'll take you there sometime."

"I'd like that," said Freya. "So, if you were happy there, why did you leave?"

"Well, I needed help with my magic; help that no one in Elador could provide since my father was gone, and I wasn't really fitting in anymore. I guess part of me was ready for a change in my life, so I went to live in Camelot with my uncle, Gaius. The next thing I knew, I found my place there. I found a job, my destiny, great friends and a lot more," said Merlin.

"But don't you ever miss Elador?" asked Freya, curiously.

"Sometimes," he admitted. "But I visit now and then, I write to my mother every week and sometimes she comes to visit me, so it all works out."

"You're so lucky, Merlin," said Freya. She wished she had known the life Merlin had. He'd grown up unafraid of the world around him, he had friends and family and he had a destiny worth following.

Merlin smiled. "I feel luckier now that I've met you," he said, making her blush. "I've never known anyone as special as you before." He kissed her head. "I'm going to get some more firewood. I'll be back in a moment."

"All right," said Freya. "Take Aithusa with you. He needs to hunt."

Merlin nodded and then he and Aithusa walked off into the forest.

Freya sighed in contentment. This day had been the most exciting day of her life. She'd had adventure, met so many amazing people, and even better she'd found someone who seemed to care for her deeply. How many men said they felt luckier for having met someone? Merlin was definitely one of a kind. With him, she felt special and something more.

Suddenly, a voice snapped her out of her thoughts.

"It's about time. I thought I was going to have to hex him to get him to leave."

Freya's heart skipped a beat as she stood up in shock. "M-Mother! What're you doing here? How did you find me?"

"I went back to check on you and when I found you gone, it was easy enough to figure out what happened. My powers aren't what they were, but anyone with even the smallest magical skill can use my Scrying Pool," said Nimueh, smirking as she held Freya close. "Finding you after you left the tower was easy."

Freya sighed as a wave of guilt washed over her as she pulled away. "Mother, I'm sorry I disobeyed you, but I just wanted to see the lights so badly. I met someone willing to take me to and from there safely before you came home. He promised me."

"Yes, I know. You met Prince Arthur's manservant, Merlin," said Nimueh. She said his name as though it left a foul taste in her mouth.

Freya's eyes widened. "You know him?"

"We've met," she said, shortly. "And trust me when I say, he's not the kind of person you think he is. He's not someone I want you associated with, and he's a bad influence. Now, I think it's time you came home."

She grabbed Freya's wrist, but Freya pulled away.

"Mother, please, you don't understand. I can't go back, not yet. You've no idea what I've experienced. I've learned so much, and I'm so close to fulfilling my dream." Freya rubbed the back of her neck in slight nervousness. "Merlin's not bad. He's caring, gentle, sweet, and I think he really cares about me." She herself was growing increasingly fond of the scarf-wearing warlock.

Nimeuh just scoffed in disbelief. "Cares about you? Freya, don't be ridiculous. That's mad."

"But Mother, I—"

"This is why you never should've left!" interrupted Nimueh, dramatically. "My little flower, this ridiculous romantic delusion of yours just proves that you're far too naïve to be here. Merlin is a warlock of the Old Religion, a Dragonlord, and he works for the Prince himself! Why would someone like Merlin care about someone like you, a girl who's spent her entire life hiding in a tower because of what she is?" She then tossed strands of Freya's hair into the air. "Come on, now, be serious! Look at yourself! You think he's impressed by you? Believe me, he's not."

Freya said nothing, trying to ignore how much her mother's statements hurt. Was it really so fantastic to believe she could be loved like Merlin was?

Nimueh smiled. "Don't be a dummy. Come with Mummy. Mother—"

"No!" interrupted Freya, sternly. She'd had enough of this. She was almost eighteen years old and she was not going back to the tower, not yet anyway. She set out to see the lanterns with Merlin and she was going to do just that, heaven help her.

Nimueh looked taken aback by Freya's new-found confidence and attitude and then a smirk crossed her face. "Oh. That's how it is, is it?"

Freya knows best
Freya's so mature now.
Such a clever grown-up miss
Freya knows best
Fine, if you're so sure now
Go ahead, then give him this!

Suddenly, Nimueh made Merlin's satchel appear from nowhere, much to Freya's shock.

"How did you—?" she asked, but she was cut off.

Nimueh thrust out the crown, as if she was proving her words.

This is why he's here!
Don't let him deceive you!
Give it to him, watch, you'll see!

Freya caught Merlin's satchel when Nimueh threw it to her after the crown was placed back into the bag. "I will!" she declared. Mother was wrong about Merlin. He wasn't bad like she said he was!

Trust me, my dear,
That's how fast he'll leave you
I won't say I told you so - no
Freya knows best!
So if he's such a dreamboat,
Go and put him to the test!

Nimueh swung her cloak around before she headed off, as if to leave. But before she disappeared, she put in her two cents.

If he's lying
Don't come crying
Mother knows best!

With a swish of her cloak, Nimueh vanished, leaving Freya alone with her feelings and Merlin's satchel. She sat down as she tried to collect her thoughts.

Mother's wrong about him. He wouldn't just leave me because he got this crown back. He's not a bad influence or whatever she says he is. He's not!

But what if he is? said a soft, nagging voice.

Freya bit her lip. She didn't want to believe it, but what if her mother was right? What if Merlin left her when his belongings were returned to him?

No. Merlin's better than that. He's my friend and he wouldn't abandon me. He's done nothing but be kind and protective towards me. He cares about me.

Still, she couldn't ignore the pang of fear and worry she felt. Deciding she'd deal with it later, Freya hid the satchel just as Merlin and Aithusa returned. Merlin's arms were full of firewood and a plump pheasant was dangling from Aithusa's jaws.

"Freya, are you okay?" asked Merlin, noticing the look on her face.

Freya nodded and put on a fake smile. "Yes, I'm fine." She wasn't going to tell him about her mother's visit. He didn't need to know about it.

"Okay. If you say so," said Merlin. He must've sensed her desire not to pursue the subject, so after he added more wood to the fire, he asked, "Are you hungry?"

"Starving," she admitted. She hadn't eaten since they'd stopped at the tavern and that had been hours ago.

"If you'd like, I could cook you the pheasant if Aithusa lets me," offered Merlin.

Upon hearing this, Aithusa placed his catch at Freya's feet, but Freya shook her head and beckoned for the little dragon to eat his captured prey, which he did. Pheasant never really appealed to her and she wanted Aithusa to have some supper of his own.

"I don't like pheasant much," she said.

"Well, neither do I. So, what would you like instead? Just name it and I'll make it," said Merlin.

"Strawberries," she said.

"Strawberries it is," said Merlin.

He muttered something under his breath as he cupped his hands, and his blue eyes flashed gold. But a rose appeared in his hands instead of a strawberry.

Merlin blushed as Freya giggled.

"That's not a strawberry," she said.

"It's the right color, though," joked Merlin. He handed Freya the beautiful red blossom.

"Thank you," she said, as she smelled its beautiful fragrance. "It's beautiful."

Merlin smiled. "You're-Welcome."

He did eventually conjured strawberries and some other food for them to eat. It was all delicious and after an hour or so of talking, they put out the fire and went to sleep.

Sometime during the night, Freya shivered a little in the chilly night air, and then she felt something covering her. She peeked open her eyes to find that Merlin had placed his jacket over her shoulders and was curling up on his side to go back to sleep.

She was deeply touched by his kindness. He'd just given up his jacket to someone who was little more than a stranger so she could keep warm.

Oh, Merlin. Why do you have to always be so sweet?

Freya got up and curled into Merlin's side and somehow managed used her hair as one giant blanket as Aithusa curled up in between them, adding to the warmth. She smiled to herself when she took Merlin's hand and he tightly gripped her fingers in his sleep.

"Thank you, Merlin," she whispered, before she fell into a deep slumber.