A/N: Hey guys! Thank you everyone who favorite and follow this story, and thank you for reviews! This is the full first chapter and the second should be updated soon. This first chapter is from 3.13 and the rest is set in late season 5 (any time after With All My Heart). Enjoy!

~Elara

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Disclaimer: I don't own Merlin :(

Chapter 1: Strawberries and Roses

"Merlin-"

"No. No, I'm not going to lose you, Freya. Not again." He gripped Excalibur in one hand and the Lady of the Lake in the other. He held back a sob as he clutched the arm of the woman he loved tighter.

"My love," she began, her voice laced with longing. "I have to go back, you know that. I am lucky the Sidhe allowed me this time to see you. My body is only temporary like this." She glanced down. Only her torso up could be seen out of the water; her pale blue dress was soaked through and she was paler than usual, having not been able to come up to see the sun. Merlin was the only thing holding her back from returning to the depth of the lake. To stay with him – her love, her Merlin – was all she wanted. There was no home without him.

"B-but I don't want you to leave. I miss you so much." By now he had several tears running down his face and splashing into the lake below him. Freya had moved and was now kneeling on the surface of the water like it was solid as her lover gently held her arm.

"I wish I could stay," her voice wavered as she shut her eyes to stop the tears falling. "I miss you more than anything," she rasped softly.

"Then... let's get married. Right now." Her eyes snapped open to see his hopeful expression. She opened her mouth to protest but Merlin cut her off hastily, his face determined. "I know that we can't be together right now, but there is no one other than you, Freya. I will always find my way to you because- because I love you."

Freya started, taken aback by his words. That was the first time either of them had said they loved the other. She didn't even question if he he meant it because his sincerity was as clear as day. Without hesitation she spoke:

"I love you too. Let's get married." By now they both had the biggest of smiles on their faces.

Merlin placed the sword behind him in the boat and took her hands in his.

"I, Merlin Emrys, take you, Freya – Lady of the Lake – to be my wife. To love and cherish you, in sickness and in health, for better or worse. In the name of the Old Religion, I promise to love you forever."

Tears rolled down her face freely now, but she had a beaming smile on her face.

"I, Freya – Lady of the Lake – take you, Merlin Emrys, to be my husband. To love and cherish you, in sickness and in health, for better or for worse. In the name of the Old Religion, I promise to love you forever."

As soon as she finished, a bright light enveloped them. It was gone as quickly as it came. All that was left was the faint glow around their joined hands. The light made its way up both of their arms – Freya's right, Merlin's left – and stopped just before their shoulders. It stayed there for several seconds before the gold light sunk into their skin and left a ring around their biceps. They looked closely at both of their arms and recognized the magical bonds.

Freya had read about them in an ancient book: When the Goddesses of the Old Religion favored the couple and were aware that the vows and promises were filled with truth, you would wear the emblem of the Druids and Old Religion; representing love, peace, and loyalty. Each partner would wear a band around the upper arm containing a Druid symbol, an item that represents them, and the name of their loved one.

One the front of their arms, the word 'Emrys' on Freya's, and 'Lady of the Lake' for Merlin. On each side of their prophetic names lay a Druid symbol. Next to those, a strawberry and a rose. The items on the band were both a bright, bold red with hints of gold. The rest of the writing and symbols were a pale black, like faded ink.

"It's beautiful," she heard herself saying.

"Just like you," the warlock grinned. For a moment they both forgot the world around them. All that mattered was each others loving embrace. "May I kiss my gorgeous bride?" Merlin asked softly.

As soon as he asked, she crashed her lips onto his and everything seemed to explode around them. She pulled away. "Yes, you may," she replied sweetly.

She barely noticed his adoring smile before their lips met once more. Merlin gracefully put his arm around her waist to draw her closer, and kept the other at the back of her head. She rested one hand on his cheek as the other brushed through his soft, jet black hair.

After what felt like hours – or maybe a just a few minuets – they both pulled away, panting through their grins and chuckles.

When they had got their breathing back to normal, it was Merlin who spoke first.

"Will I... Will I see you again soon?"

"We will find a way, Merlin. Somehow; I know we will." Although Merlin looked hopeful, she knew it would be a while before the Sidhe and the Elders of the Lake would allow her to see him again. But despite everything, she too had hope.

At first the guardians of Avalon didn't trust her, but they had trusted Emrys, so they had given her a chance. They were slowly gaining more faith in her, and she knew they were planning something; what, or when this was happening was a mystery. She knew Merlin had enough on his plate as it was already, which is why she kept this to herself for now. Once she knew more, she would find a way to tell him.

All of a sudden she felt a nagging sensation travel through her body.

"Oh no." Merlin looked worriedly at her so she elaborated quickly. "I have to go back. Good luck, and stay safe. I will always look out for you, my love. Goodbye Merlin. I love you." Her words faded out as her body sank to the depth of the Lake of Avalon.

"I love you too, Freya.." he whispered brokenly after her.

After a few moments of silence, he took a deep breath and sat back in the boat. He managed a small smirk as he picked up Excalibur and held it in the light. He uttered his thanks once more and began making his way back to land, and back to the prince. Thanks to Freya, there was hope after all. Thanks to her, the people could be saved; so could Merlin.

What do you guys think so far? Please review ;)