Welcome to another installment of The Hut In The Forest AU.

Merlin belongs to the BBC.

Forging Friendships

When Freya came home after the nightly activity she wasn't expecting what she found. She had come home to many things that she considered normal. Merlin's multiple sleeping places weren't exactly normal but it was normal in their little home. She had often found Merlin fast asleep on the floor outside their bedroom, or fast asleep at his desk while using a book as a pillow, curled up on his favourite chair. On the nights when Merlin did manage to get to the bedroom she either found him asleep on the covers, wrapped up in a cocoon with the blankets or he slept like a normal person, under the blankets. What she came home to in the morning…wasn't normal. She paused at the door as she spotted Merlin sprawled out on the floor, he appeared to be asleep but as Freya approached she let out a gasp. Instead of seeing the young man she was residing with, in his place was a child. Immediately the barrier sprung to mind as she rushed to Merlin and gently shook his tiny form. She ran to Merlin and dropped to the floor.

"Merlin?! Merlin wake up!" Freya panicked before Merlin's eyes fluttered open. A smile formed on Merlin's face as he saw Freya.

"Hey…~" He spoke before Freya wrapped her arms around Merlin and held him close. She felt his smaller arms wrap around her before she pulled him away and looked at him. Merlin was now the size of a small child, his clothes were far too big on his frame now as she noticed the tunic was slowly slipping off his body. After getting over the initial shock of seeing her boyfriend as a child she couldn't help but find him more adorable with his childish features. His eyes seemed to be larger and shined with more innocence than Freya had seen. She didn't feel that she could ever be angry with Merlin in this form but she still wanted to know what had happened during the night. She wondered if his voice was going to be high and squeaky and hid her smile at the thought.

"Okay, what happened?" Freya asked as she picked Merlin up and walked over towards Merlin's chair and put him down and took the chair opposite him.

"Oh erm…I was experimenting?" Merlin spoke nervously as he shuffled awkwardly on his chair.

"And you turned yourself into a child…" Freya couldn't help but smile at Merlin. She had always wanted to see what Merlin was like when he was younger and now she could. She was going to tease him so much after the spells effect wore off and Merlin returned back to normal.

"I didn't do it on purpose…" Merlin pouted. Freya's heart fluttered as she watched as his bottom lip stuck out in his pout, he was too adorable for this world.

"I know but you know now I can't let you out my sight?" She asked with a smile. She wasn't sure what other effects that this spell had on him. Was he going to have even more childish moments now? He could be childish as a young man…but now as a child was it going to be more frequent? She dreaded to think that…the barrier! "What about the barrier?" She asked with a hint of fear. Merlin gave her a puzzled expression before he realised what she meant. He closed his eyes and focused on his magic. He could feel it flowing through his body and could feel that the only difference was that his barrier was being fed more magic, to compensate having a smaller body while having the magic of his older form.

"The barrier still stands, we're still safe." Merlin watched as Freya relaxed hearing that. She could sleep easy knowing that they were still protected.

"Right, well you're going to bed with me," Freya declared as she stood up.

"But I'm not tired…" Merlin started to protest before he let out a yawn of his own. Freya sent him a look and Merlin knew that he should listen to her. She watched as Merlin pulled the oversized tunic back onto his shoulders. They would worry about his clothes when they were both more awake. "I guess by the way you're looking at me…you want to carry me?" Merlin asked with a smile on his face.

"This may be one of the only times…" Freya looked embarrassed but she nodded. She wasn't sure if the sudden desire was because of her Bastet that still somewhat active or before she was worried that he would trip over his own tunic and get hurt.

"I do feel drained…I guess it can't hurt." Freya approached Merlin and wrapped her arms around him and lifted him gently. Merlin shuffled and got into a more comfortable position before he let Freya know that he was ready. She smiled and gently kissed Merlin's forehead before heading towards the bedroom. She glanced down at Merlin and noticed that he was already drifting off to sleep, she was going to treasure this moment.

Merlin – Forging Friendships

Merlin's eyes snapped open as he felt the barrier alerting him that someone had crossed it. He shuffled on the bed until he realised that he couldn't move, Freya had wrapped her arms around him keeping him in place. He wanted to escape but Freya felt so warm and whenever he tried to wriggle out she only held onto him tighter. Giving up trying to escape he let his magic out to try and see who had crossed the barrier. Merlin felt the power warming his eyes as they changed from pale blue to molten gold. He couldn't see the bedroom but instead see the forest, he felt like he was gliding through the forest before his magic had landed on who had crossed the barrier.

Two horses were trotting around the forest, one beautiful white stallion with a black diamond patter that decorated the muzzle with a white mane and tail. The second horse dark brown in colour with a black mane and tail. The rider on the white stallion wore a beautiful blue dress with a golden wings that decorated the chest area, below was a golden belt with jewels encrusted onto it making it look beautiful. Around her neck was a golden necklace with a turquoise gemstone hanging from the chain. Her skin was pale with shining grey eyes and long black hair which hung loosely down her back and over her shoulders. It seemed to naturally curl around itself as if it was expecting to be platted. She radiated royalty and magic. Much like Mordred though, her magic had guidance and her magic was powerful.

On the brown horse, Merlin assumed was the lady's maid. Dark skin with black hair that was tied up in a ponytail. She wore a lavender dress with a floral corset which seemed to confuse the poor insects. Her eyes were dark brown which sparkled in delight as the pair of them had a conversation. Merlin couldn't hear exactly what they were talking about but when the barrier alerted him of someone else crossing his magic reacted immediately and started to seek out who crossed. He saw the familiar blond hair and curly dark brown hair, Arthur and Mordred had accompanied the two ladies. The barrier had let the two ladies through…was it weaker? Or was it because they were with Arthur and Mordred? Merlin couldn't tell until he talked to them. He watched as Arthur took the lead now and made his stallion gallop in front of the pair.

"Mordred, before you arrive I just want to let you know that one of my spells has gone wrong. So I'm currently a child," Merlin sent a message to Mordred. He huffed when he saw amusement flicker in Mordred's eyes as he tried to hold in a laugh. One of the ladies looked at Mordred confused but he said something to them and their attention turned back to the conversation happening around them.

"I'm sorry Emrys, what were you trying to do?" Mordred's response came back with amusement dripping from his voice.

"I'd rather not say." With that Merlin withdrew his magic and opened his eyes, no longer looking at the forest and instead looking at the door. He glanced over his shoulder to see Freya looking at him, a smile on her face as she stared into Merlin's eyes.

"Your eyes are still golden," she whispered.

"We're going to have guests and half of me wants to hide."

"You know I won't let you," Freya spoke softly as she held Merlin close. "My turn to have some fun~"

"I don't know if I should be scared or excited~" Merlin giggled at her comment.

"I'll let you decide."

Merlin – Forging Friendships

"So, are you going to tell us exactly who we're going to see?" Morgana asked as she watched Arthur ride ahead of herself and Gwen. Arthur had promised them a sense of adventure and he had taken them off their usual riding track. Uther believed them to be riding around the castle walls but that wasn't what they were doing, instead they were going to see where Arthur and Mordred had rested on one of their adventures. Arthur either didn't hear her or simply ignored her. Morgana rolled her eyes and turned to Gwen. "Can you believe this?" She asked with a laugh.

"Whatever Prince Arthur is planning must be important," Gwen responded.

"Drop the titles while it's us four please?" Arthur asked as he turned to look at them. "That goes for you too Mordred!"

"It'll feel weird dropping titles here…" Mordred spoke up, the smile never leaving his face after hearing what happened to Merlin. The greatest sorcerer had turned himself into a child, it was a very amusing thought.

"It's not like he will use them anyway," Arthur spoke up making Gwen and Morgana look at each other with interest in their eyes. There was someone out here who refused to call Arthur by his title? This person either had a death wish or they had no self-preservation skills…maybe both?

"I already like the sound of this person, can we have a name?" Morgana asked.

"I'm going to do my best to keep you two apart, but his name is Merlin."

"And why's that Arthur?"

"Because his girlfriend openly told us that he has a mind of a child."

"And he's her man of chaos energy," Mordred laughed behind which received a glare from Arthur.

"Chaos energy?" Gwen asked with concern on her face.

"Freya's normally with Merlin so she'll know better than I do. I will warn you though, Merlin's strange," Arthur spoke with a strange hint of pride as they rode onwards towards the hut. Mordred shook his head but the group could feel Arthur's energy and he was excited. Morgana smiled as the hut came into view.

"That's a nice little place," Morgana commented as she looked at the hut. "Away from people where two love birds can just be together in peace. That's romantic, don't you think Arthur?"

Arthur didn't comment as they approached the hut and dismounted his horse. The others slowed down and copied Arthur as they dismounted their own horses. Arthur approached the door and gently knocked. He felt calm and relaxed already as he waited for the occupants to open the door. Mordred approached him and stood by his side while Morgana and Gwen remained behind. When they heard someone fall to the ground Arthur and Mordred took a step back as the door opened. Freya looked out and smiled at Arthur.

"Please come in sire," Freya smiled as she opened the door wider to let Arthur in with Mordred before her eyes fell on the two ladies. She bowed towards the pair as the two men entered and was followed by the two ladies. "If there I can do for you all, please let me know."

When Arthur and Mordred walked into the living room, they noticed that the room had been shuffled around making room for more people to sit around the fire without anyone having to stand. Mordred felt magic tingling around the room and he was sure that Merlin had made the room larger (or appear larger) so fit everyone in. Last time there wasn't enough room so the change was accepted. Arthur didn't comment on it either or he didn't very well notice the change. It had been a few weeks since they had come to meet the Freya and Merlin after all, Arthur was also busy being a prince while doing his own soul searching (as Mordred called it) during the night. Morgana and Gwen entered the room while being followed by Freya. Morgana had a bright smile on her face as she looked around the cosy hut with Gwen by her side.

"You have such a lovely home," Morgana spoke as she continued to look around.

"Is Merlin hunting?" Arthur asked as he noticed the lack of weird in the room.

"Before I go and fetch him, I just want you to know that he's currently under an enchantment. We were visiting a druid camp and Merlin being Merlin was entertaining the children. They showed off their magic which went a little wrong. So he's currently in the form of a child but he's still mentally…normal," she said nervously. It was a lie but she hoped that it was accepted by the group. She had a feeling that Mordred wouldn't believe her but he was aware of Merlin's magic and the warlock had probably informed Mordred before hand.

Freya noticed the mixed reactions among the group, Mordred was trying hard to hide the smile that threatened to grow on his face but his eyes betrayed him. His eyes were sparkling with delight and amusement at the situation. Freya was with Mordred, this was a happy accident in her eyes despite what Merlin thought of the situation. As Freya looked away from Mordred at Arthur she wasn't sure what was running through his mind. Was he angry about what happened? Was he amused like Mordred and herself? They didn't exactly hit it off when they first met but he didn't seem to hate Merlin. Gwen and Morgana looked concerned but as they had never met Merlin it was understandable and neither herself or Merlin were sure on how they felt about magic. Neither had felt like it was evil otherwise the barrier wouldn't have let them in, but this was the King's ward and her servant.

"How long is this enchantment?" Arthur was the first to ask.

"The druid leader said it would last a day."

"I brought Morgana and Guinevere over to meet you and Merlin. Do you mind fetching Merlin?" Arthur asked. Freya nodded and turned around to go and retrieve her boyfriend.

"Arthur, are you sure this is okay?" Morgana asked and watched as Arthur nodded, a smile starting to grow on his face just thinking about the situation Merlin had gotten into. "Don't bully him Arthur. I know that expression!"

"I wasn't going to!" Arthur put his hands up defensively before he laughed. "I'm just finding the situation amusing that's all."

"Of course the dollophead would find this situation amusing." Arthur's attention was ripped from Morgana and down at the young child. Merlin's arms were crossed but there was a smile on his face. Gwen and Morgana's eyes widened as Freya appeared behind Merlin.

"You didn't tell me he was adorable!" Morgana squealed as she leapt up from her chair and made her way over towards Merlin.

"Hi, I'm Merlin~" Merlin beamed as he offered his hand towards Morgana. This really was going to be an exciting visit.

Merlin – Forging Friendships

After what felt like 30 minutes of Morgana and Gwen fawning over Merlin like he was a precious, yet fragile animal things started to calm down. Everyone was sitting down and chatting like they were old friends. Merlin and Freya remained quiet as Morgana kept telling embarrassing stories about Arthur and all the pranks they got into when they were children before responsibilities claimed the pair. Gwen and Mordred were keeping quiet and listened, helping Freya whenever she asked for it.

"He was running around the castle with a blue handprint on his face for a good few days," Morgana laughed while Arthur groaned. He remembered that prank Morgana had pulled and she was always determined to bring that up to embarrass him.

"Freya, do you have any stories?" Arthur asked as he took another sip of water from his cup. Freya glanced to Merlin and smiled. It was the smile that made Merlin nearly choke on his water. There were many stories…she immediately discarded all stories that involved magic of course. While they didn't hate magic (as proven by the barrier) it was still outlawed and the sentence for it was…well, death.

"Freya, please…no." Merlin pleaded with her.

"You can tell embarrassing stories about me later?" She asked as if making a deal with Merlin.

"Okay…" Merlin pouted but smiled when Freya ruffled his hair. It was known to all the guests that Merlin enjoyed having his hair ruffled as it was a sign of affection but only Freya was allowed to do it. Freya had Merlin's complete trust just like Merlin had her complete trust, that much was obvious.

"When we were getting to know each other, Merlin tried his very best to impress me. He often brought me flowers, told me sweet words but what I loved the most about Merlin is that he's rather clumsy. Before we had our home we travelled around the forest, stayed at different druid camps but never for long. We stayed at one camp and we did our part, we helped out when we could and Merlin was tasked to get gather some firewood. He went out and collected some firewood and when he came back he tripped over his own feet. The firewood tumbled out his arms and when he picked himself up he had a few leaves sticking in his hair, a few insects on his face and the goofiest smile I ever saw. It wasn't the flowers or the sweet words that made me fall for him…it was the fact that he could trip over his own feet and how nature seemed to stick to him. Many times while we were travelling did he trip over something and when he stood up, there was a leaf somewhere on his body," Freya smiled as she thought over the memory.

"Is that why coin isn't accepted here?" Arthur asked and Freya nodded to answer his question.

"We don't really need coin as we don't often need it. If we need something we do our best to trade with druids. We trade when we need new clothes, or if we have nothing to trade, offer an extra pair of hands around their camp."

"The druids are peaceful people, right?" Guinevere asked as she glanced to Arthur, unsure on her next words.

"They're peaceful people but just like any group of people there will always be those who stray from the path."

"Let's have this conversation at another time, okay?" Arthur asked as he started to feel uneasy. He still wasn't used to talking freely about magic or druids. "I'm more interested in more stories about you two, to be honest."

"Yes, please tell us more about you two~" Morgana spoke as she looked over towards Merlin and Freya.

"Maybe for another day, I dunno if it's because I'm this small but I'm starting to feel tired…" Merlin admitted as he stretched.

"I'll put him to bed and then come back," Freya stood up as Merlin stood up from his chair and waddled out the room with Freya following him.

"Emrys?" Mordred reached out to Merlin.

"Mordred, not now…I'm too tired…my magic is trying to reverse the effects on my body, feed the barrier and I'm keeping it contained so none slips out in front of Arthur."

"I understand, must be taxing…" Mordred didn't get a response and assumed that Merlin was fast asleep.

Merlin – Forging Friendships

"Freya, may I talk to you?" Morgana asked as she walked into the kitchen. Gwen and Mordred were out gathering fresh herbs and berries while Arthur had volunteered to go fishing for them. Freya was more than happy to give them a meal before they all set off back to Camelot. Morgana however decided to stay at the hut to give Freya some company while Merlin continued to sleep. "I won't keep you long…"

"Is there anything I can do for you?"

"Which…one of you two has magic?" Morgana asked. Freya froze on the spot. The barrier would protect them, Merlin had said that so Morgana didn't mean any harm with that question. No, Morgana looked scared at her own question. "I promise I won't tell Uther, I just…I've been learning from Mordred. I've been…learning how to control my own and when…we came I felt something wash over me and I've been feeling magic around me since. Not malicious magic…"

"Morgana, what will you do with the information?"

"I just want to know, please…"

"What washed over you is the barrier that protects this part of the forest, it's something that had protected myself and Merlin since we settled down here."

"Tell Merlin, thank you. I don't know if he'll be awake by the time we leave."

"Morgana?"

"What is it?"

"If myself and Merlin do come and visit Camelot one day, would it be okay if I spend time with you and Guinevere?" Freya asked. Morgana smiled and nodded.

"I think I'd like that. We'd both benefit from that~"

"I don't know if Merlin would appreciate hanging around Arthur all day though," Freya laughed and was swiftly joined by Morgana. Freya just imagined what sort of trouble Merlin could get himself into by hanging around Arthur all day, could the prince handle him? "Honestly though I don't think Merlin will stay with Arthur for long. He's curious so might go looking in the library."

"Please tell me he absorbs information like a sponge."

"It certainly feels that way." There was a knock at the door. "Do you mind getting that? I'll go wake up Merlin otherwise he'll be up all night."

"Of course," Morgana smiled as she turned to leave the kitchen. Freya followed after her but turned towards the bedroom rather than the front door.

Merlin – Forging Friendships

"It's been a pleasure meeting you. I wish to keep in contact but I'm unsure how," Morgana spoke as she climbed back onto her horse. Freya smiled hearing those words but wasn't sure how else the send letters to Morgana or even Arthur. Merlin was bouncing on his feet next to Freya with the temptation to run up to the horses and start petting them, Freya was holding his hand so he didn't run off.

"I'm sorry we live in such an awkward place," Merlin smiled as he tugged on Freya's hand slightly but she held his hand firmly.

"Nonsense, I'm sure we'll find a way. Can either of you write?" Arthur asked.

"Merlin taught me how to read and write and his mother taught him." Arthur nodded to Freya before he opened his mouth once more.

"We'll find a way to communicate effectively. You have my word."

"You two stay safe," Gwen smiled as she pulled Freya into a hug. The action caught her off guard and her hand let go of Merlin's hand. It wasn't long before Merlin sprinted towards the closest horse and began running his fingers over the brown fur, Mordred watched with amusement.

"Try not to let this happen again, okay?" Mordred spoke to Merlin through his telepathy.

"I can't promise anything. Next time though I will hopefully be my normal self." Merlin smirked up at Mordred who nodded. Morgana watched the pair as Arthur waited for Gwen to get onto her horse.

"You'll keep him out of trouble, right?" Arthur asked as he looked at Merlin.

"He doesn't exactly make it easy," Freya laughed.

"I'm not that hard to look after," Merlin giggled before he took a step back from Mordred's horse and moved to another. It was only after Merlin gave each horse the same amount of attention did he return to Freya's side.

"Thanks for letting us stay, it's been a wonderful day," Gwen smiled at the pair of them.

"Have a safe trip back home. We'll work out how to send letters to you," Freya gently picked up Merlin and held him close.

"Really?" Merlin laughed.

"Really," Freya responded as everyone else joined in. With that the royal bloods and their servants turned to leave. They started off slowly before Arthur shot off with the other three following. Freya and Merlin watched as they left their home and headed back towards the barrier, towards Camelot's castle. "Merlin, I don't want to lose their friendships…"

"Neither do I. Maybe we'll visit Camelot instead of them coming to see us?"

"When you're back to normal and we can send letters, I'd appreciate that. I can tell that you'd appreciate that too. Having friends close to our age?" She asked as Merlin nodded.

"Does make me wonder though…how Lancelot is doing."

"Maybe one day our paths will cross his again."

Merlin – Forging Friendships

Freya wanted to ask why Merlin had decided to come outside during the night but while in her Bastet form, she couldn't. She simply kept silent as she lay down by a small fire to keep Merlin warm. Her wings were tucked away as much as possible with her ears twitching to any new sound that was made in the forest. She had a feeling that Merlin wouldn't be in any trouble on his own but her Bastet form considered Merlin a young cub and was determined to protect him. Freya didn't mind much and instead was glad. She was grateful that she could protect him for once. She felt Merlin shuffle closer to her, laying next to her and running his fingers through her fur. Freya couldn't help but purr.

"Hehe, you're purring~" Merlin laughed as he felt the vibration under his fingers. Freya didn't care as she moved and gave him a gentle nuzzle and a lick. Merlin gently pressed his forehead against Freya's and sighed happily. "I love you Freya."

He received another lick of affection.

So, it turns out that I've fallen in love this with AU and my brain is coming up with more stories for the AU. It's not an excuse to write more Merlin x Freya stories, nope! Okay, maybe it is. Shh~

Thank you for reading and take care~

The Hut in the Forest Series:

The Hut in the Forest, The Prince Comes to Visit, Forging Friendships, To Sleep In Ones Bed.