Arthur was incensed by Sarrum and couldn't see how he was supposed to deal with the man. There was no way that the other King would ever accept magic and without that how could they have a meaningful treaty. He had tried to get Sarrum to see how magic would help his people but it seemed all he had heard about Amata's leader was true; he didn't care about his people at all. Even Cenred had been better to his peasants than Sarrum and that was saying something.
Merlin had stomped of in anger, but had found Freya taking some water into the castle so he stopped and helped her. He hated to see her having to do such hard work. He knew the queen was a good mistress, but he wanted more for Freya, he wanted to look after her himself. So he decided there and then to sort their lives out. After he had helped Freya with the water he went to find Guinevere and asked her if Freya could have that afternoon off. Guinevere willingly agreed. The Merlin went to see Mary in the kitchens and asked for a picnic for two. Mary gladly agreed and set to making a special basket up for her favourite member of the castles ruling body. Merlin also went and saddled two horses from the stables. Then he went to collect his picnic basket and Freya. He had changed out of the ridiculous clothes he had worn to the meeting with Sarrum, and was now in his familiar brown trousers, blue shirt and neckerchief.
Freya hadn't been expecting to have the afternoon off so was surprised when Merlin told her they were going on a picnic. She had wanted to change from her drab working dress but Merlin said it was her he wanted and it didn't matter what she was wearing. Once they had collected the horses they were soon off into the surrounding woods. Merlin knew just the spot to take Freya. It overlooked a valley and had good views. It was also off the beaten track, but at the same time well away from the trade routes which sometimes had bandits on. The wards he had put up over the past few years had significantly reduced bandit activity any way. Also the increased well being of the peasants had prevented many young men turning to crime.
Once they had reached Merlin's chosen place he set out the picnic and they sat and enjoyed the view before other things took over the young couple's minds. After several minutes of kissing Merlin decided now was the time so plucking up courage he took Freya's hand in his and looked into her eyes.
"Freya I know we are still young and I haven't known you long, but I love you and believe you love me. I have never met anyone who I wanted to protect and be with as much as I do you. I am in a position where I can look after you well. Would you do me the honour of marrying me?" Merlin looked a Freya the love clear in his eyes.
Freya was surprised by Merlin's proposal she hadn't been expecting it. But it took her seconds to know the answer to his question.
"It would be an honour Merlin."
They finished their outing in a way that young couples throughout history did and lie in the grass kissing and cuddling, both having decided they wouldn't go further until they knew it was forever."
It was several hours later when they rode into Camelot to find a worried Arthur looking for Merlin. "Were have you been?" he demanded.
"Out with Freya" Merlin answered not sure what all the fuss was about.
"Well next time tell someone where you are it will save us all looking for you." Arthur told his Court Warlock.
"I didn't want you to know where we were." Merlin told him "Anyway since you're here clotpole I suppose we should tell you, only let me tell my mum before you spread it everywhere. I asked Freya to marry me and she said yes."
That shut Arthur up for a moment before he turned and looked at Freya "Do you know what it is you're taking on Freya?"
"I do Sire" Freya said as she curtsied.
"Hi none of that you're to be the wife of my chief minister, make sure you tell Guinevere she'll need a new maidservant." Arthur grinned. "I won a silver piece of Gwaine."
"What for?" Merlin asked
"I said you'd ask Freya to marry you before Sarrum left and he said after."
"You bet on my proposal?" Merlin was scandalised "Is nothing sacred."
"Go and tell you mother and Gaius then you best tell the Queen, and your High Priestess. I warn you they'll be planning the wedding before you've left the room." Arthur grinned "Then come to the training grounds and tell the knights. I want to be there when you tell them…go on hurry."
Hunith and Gaius were overjoyed at the news and so were the Queen and Morgana although as Arthur had warned they were already discussing the wedding. Merlin left Freya with then and went down to the training ground. At least this way every one would be told together. As Merlin reached the training grounds Lancelot shouted Hello and the others waved. Then Arthur stopped the training
"Well knights I think our Court Warlock has something to tell you." Arthur announced.
The knights all stopped fighting and looked at Merlin who found himself getting nervous. What would his friend think; after all they were all quite a bit older than him and not yet married.
"Well…..you tell them Arthur" he asked pleadingly.
Arthur grinned and obliged."Well boys it seems our little brother Merlin is a faster mover than all of you, he has asked Freya to marry him and she has said yes."
There was a roar of approval and Gwaine and Lancelot grabbed Merlin and lifted him onto their shoulders "This calls for a drink" shouted Gwaine "Come on lads the Rising Sun."
They were all pleased for their friend, as Arthur had said they all thought of him as their younger brother and were glad he'd found someone to love and be loved by.
"Gwaine you can use my winnings to buy the first round" Arthur shouted. "And no getting Merlin drunk or the Queen will have our guts for garters."
"Yes, remember last time? She had us all cleaning up the mess after Merlin literally painted the town red with his magic." Leon laughed. "That was all Gwaine's fault."
"It always is boys, it always is." Gwaine shouted out.
Arthur couldn't help but think the day had finished better than it had started, even if he did have to face Sarrum again in the morning.
