Hello everyone! I am back, and I am really excited for the story that is going to come forward now.
I don't know how you all are gonna react, but this part is seriously going to be an emotional mess, or atleast it was for me. It was the most complex decisions that I made for this story. I was really stuck that should Merlin fall for Freya or not. But I finally decided and here is the result. Please leave your lovely reviews as they definitely cheer me up and make me write more.
Loads of Love from your author. Let's get to the chapter.
Lady of the Lake
In the thunderstorm during the dark ends of the night, a carriage with a cage could be seen passing through the isolated paths of Camelot. The carriage came to a halt and the man driving it stepped down from it. The man was bald and definitely a bit healthy, with a bear like structure. He was clad in black leather clothes as he looked up at the dark sky, facing the drops of rain on his face. He moved forward, circling around the cage, he neared the lock, holding and checking it before he stepped ahead, and looked through the bars. A scared girl was sitting in the cage.
"Haa!" The man snarled at her, making her flinch and back down, making the man scowl.
Before he moved to the tavern, leaving the poor girl alone in thunderstorm.
In one of the houses of the lower town, Gaius was treating a patient as he placed a wet cloth on his forehead. He then stood up moving out. Merlin helped him with his coat while Gaius talked with the patient's wife.
"If he's not better in the morning, let me know." He told her before the pair left.
As the pair left, they passed the cage where the girl was kept. Suddenly the girl leapt towards Merlin, resticted by her bonds, making him jump.
"Gaius!" He called, stopping and motioning at the girl.
"She's fallen prey to a bounty hunter." He explained, his voice carrying the sympathy.
"She's only a girl." Merlin said, baffled.
"She'll still fetch a good price, though." The older man told her.
"Someone's going to pay for her?" Merlin asked, disgusted.
"Uther offers a handsome reward for anyone with magic." Gaius expressed sourly.
"There must be something we can do." Merlin pressed. But Gaius quickly shut him up.
"Merlin, bounty hunters are dangerous men. They're not to be meddled with. You of all people should understand that." He warned the young boy. He turned to leave while Merlin just stared at the girl who was looking back at her.
Alexia was sleeping in their chambers, but Merlin was far from asleep. He looked outside, trying to sneak out while Gaius was asleep. He crossed half of the room when Gaius coughed, making Merlin stop in his path. But the old man just snorted and slept again. Merlin then quickly went out before going through paths and reaching back at the cage. The warlock moved to the tavern and opened the door slightly before peeking around and making sure the Bounty hunter was occupied. As his gaze caught the man and when he was assured, he stepped back and closed the door.
He went back to the caged girl.
"Don't worry, I'm not going to hurt you." He consoled her before raising his hand at the lock.
"Tospringe."
The cage lock broke, giving Merlin entrance as the warlock stepped inside. His eyes fell on the manacles she was wearing before he put a hand over her manacles. The girl watched him curiously.
"Unspene þás mægþ!"
The manacles broke off and Merlin quickly took her hand, leaving the cage. They swiftly hid behind the cart just as the Bounty hunter exited.
He looked at the empty cage, before moving to the manacles, only to find them all broken. He looked around, trying to find the girl but didn't have any success.
He moves around the cage and the carriage, trying to find her when he stopped just below the tavern sign.
Merlin catching the opportunity, chanted.
"Ic bebíede þis giestærn tácen fielan." The tavern sign broke and striked the Bounty hunter in the head, making him yell and fall.
Taking in the moment, Merlin quickly ran along with the girl.
The had to halt as they saw Camelot gaurds doing their patrolling. He looked back to see the Bounty hunter standing again before he moved inside the tunnel.
"Byrne." As the spell rolled through his tongue, the torch lit up with fire.
After many twists and turns they reach an aclove in the tunnel.
"They won't find you here." He assured, before taking of his jacket.
"Here." He moved to give the jacket to the girl but she just stepped back, shrinking in her own.
"Sorry." He backed off. "Sorry, I didn't mean to frighten you. I just thought you might be cold." He explained.
"Why did you do that?" The girl finally spoke up.
"What?" Merlin asked confused.
"Help me." She explained.
Merlin looked at her.
"Well, I saw you and..." He paused as he fumbled. The girl looked at her. "...it could've been me in that cage." He shrugged. "You'll be safe down here. I'll come back in the morning with some food and candles. Will you be alright till then?" He asked carefully.
The girl just gave a nod.
"I'm Merlin, by the way." Merlin introduced himself.
"I'm Freya." The girl replied softly.
"Freya." He repeated, giving a soft smile.
He looked at her before giving out his jacket to her, she hesitantly took it before wrappi the it around herself.
"I'll see you in the morning, Freya." He said as he left, but before he passed the wall, he heard Freya.
"Thank you." The girl thanked him gratefully. Merlin ducked his head back to see her, before smiling and nodding.
Alexia woke up, smiling brightly as she looked around to find Merlin sleeping. She sighed at him. It was still dawn but she had to wake up early since she had to leave for collecting some herbs for Gaius. Merlin already had to sleep late due to being with Gaius last night. So wasn't going to disturb him if he wanted to sleep.
The witch couldn't help but think how cute the warlock looked as he slept there with his mouth a bit open. A light chuckle escaped her lips as she stared at the man who was definitely unaware of the gaze he was being subjected to, but what could she do? She was hopelessly falling for this man and this was getting irritating because she didn't know if he returned the sentiments or not. The last thought made her mood somber, as she got up and moved to the cupboard, selecting the dark green plain dress she wanted to wear today. Before she left for the servant quarters to take bath and get changed.
Some time later, Merlin exited his chambers before he scurried around the chambers in order to find some food. He looked around, picking and dispersing the pages, before he finally managed to find a half eaten bread. He picked it up, looking at it carefully. He then shifted to the potions cupboard, continuing his search before he finally found a shriveled apple.
In Arthur's chambers, a plate filled with fine cheese, meat and bread was kept on his table. The warlock looked at the sleeping Arthur before he placed the apple and bread on the table. Taking the cloth kept aside, he whisked the food into it, before placing the plate back and adorning it with the stale bread and apple. Wrapping the fresh food, he hid it under his jacket before moving to open the curtains, letting the sunlight fall on the prince.
"Breakfast!" The warlock yelled enthusiastically, waking up the future king who looked at the plate and the food kept infront of him.
"Oi!" He called out to his servant who now had reached the door but had to stop and look back at him. "Where's the meat? Cheese?" He asked.
"That's the new breakfast menu." Merlin shrugged, lying.
"This isn't enough." Arthur snapped.
"We, we've got to keep you in shape." The young magician told the prince.
Arthur looked offended at that.
"I'm fighting fit!" He squawked with indignation.
"But we want to keep you that way." Merlin reasoned.
Arthur picked the food before throwing at merlin shouting at him.
"Merlin!"
The servant just dodged it
"Is there somewhere you have to be?" Arthur asked sweetly.
"Of course not!" Merlin answered, entering back and closing the door.
"Good." Arthur looked pleased at that. "'Cause I've got some chores for you to do." He said, as Merlin nearly sighed at his fate.
Few moments later, Merlin could be seen preparing bath for Arthur, while the prince undressed himself behind the curtain.
"Make sure it's hot enough!" The prince called from behind the curtain.
Merlin looked at the source and then at the water as he dipped his hand in it, clearly unsatisfied, before raising his hand.
"Onhǽte þá wæter." The warlock chanted. He then saw the water heating up before he moved to get his jacket.
The water was now producing steam, clearly indicating it was boiling but the young boy didn't really seem to notice.
Arthur came back.
"Is it ready?" He asked.
"Yep. Freshly heated." Merlin replied. Arthur moved to place his feet in the tub before he had to step back yelling.
"Ah! You bumpkin! It's boiling!" The prince shouted at him.
"Boiling?" Merlin asked confused.
"You are half asleep today!" Arthur spoke furiously.
"I'm sorry, Sire. Erm, I'll get you some cold." He moved but Arthur really had enough.
"No, I'll get you some." He replied before picking the nearby pitcher and splashing the water on Merlin, dripping him.
"That woken you up?" Arthur asked.
"Raring to go, Sire." Merlin replied as he poured the bucket of cold water in tub.
In the council chambers, the Bounty hunter was accompanied by few knights. Uther, who was sitting at the head table, with Gaius on his left, looked up.
"Ah, Halig. You've come bearing gifts?" He asked. The hunter nodded.
"Yes, Sire. A druid girl. But she escaped last night here in Camelot." Halig answered.
"Well, don't worry. We'll soon find her. Have some guards help with the search." Uther shrugged, motioning the knights who bowed. But Halig wasn't done as he moved near the king.
"You need to warn them, Sire. The girl is dangerous. The informer told me she was cursed." He told them.
"How so?" This seemed to intrest Uther.
"He didn't know, but he said even the druids were frightened of her. They cast her out of their camp." Halig explained.
"It's against all the druids believe to reject those in need of care." Gaius pointed.
"Why would they do such a thing?" Uther asked, curiously.
"I dread to think." The physician replied gravely.
"Set up sentries on all the gates." Uther ordered.
"We should search the lower town, Sire. Someone may be harbouring her." Halig suggested.
"You think she had help?" Gaius asked, his thoughts running wild.
"I saw two figures running away." Halig explained.
"Give Halig all the help he needs. I want this girl and her accomplice found." Uther commanded.
Halig bowed and left.
Outside the gates to the grounds of castle, a line of peasants was queued as Halig inspected them.
"Get in line!" The gaurd yelled, pushing a lady
Halig saw her and shook his head indicating it's not the person he saw. The gaurd pushed her before bringing forth next one. Halig looks at her before nodding. The now crying lady was pulled aside before next one was called. Halig shook his head again. Next was Merlin who was stopped by the gaurd who looked at Halig. The man shook his head again, as the gaurd freed him.
Halig turned to look at Merlin with suspicion as he was passed.
Merlin entered the tunnels with a torch and the care package. He reached the aclove where Freya was sleeping. He moves close to her before keeping the food and torch aside as he looked at her.
"Freya?" He whispered. But she didn't move. Merlin leaned forward touching her shoulder, making her awake as she flinches from him.
"It's all right. It's okay. It's me. It's Merlin." He whispered, calming her down. ''And look..." He said showing her the food her brought. Freya swiftly moved forward, stuffing the food in her mouth, while Merlin set up the candles.
"It's good." Freya commented as she kept eating.
"Believe me, it's fit for a prince." Merlin smiled. He then moved back, lighting the candles with magic.
He sat infront of her, as his eyes fell on the tattoo on her forearm.
"Is that a druid symbol?" Merlin asked.
Freya nodded.
"Were you born a druid?" He asked, couldn't help but be curious.
"Why are you asking me all these questions?" Freya asked.
"Sorry, I didn't mean to." Merlin backed down.
"I'm sorry." She looked down.
"I understand." Merlin shrugged it off.
"You could never understand." Freya said with a sad but mysterious smile.
"I know what it's like to keep secrets." Merlin told her.
"Does anyone know you have magic?" Freya asked.
"Only you. And two others. One of them knows but doesn't understand, but the other is similar to me." He confessed.
"I wish I was like everyone else, but..." Freya sighed wishfully.
"You always know, deep down, you're not?" He said but it sounded more like a question.
"Because I'm cursed." Freya replied. Merlin moved to her.
"Freya, don't say that. Magic doesn't have to be a curse. It can be a gift. Look." He said pointing at the candles.
"Hoppaþ nu swicae swá lig flíehen."
Merlin made the candle flames dance in the air.
"Beautiful." Freya whispered, totally mesmerised.
Merlin blushed a bit. "I have to go. Erm, someone might notice I'm missing. But I- I'll come back, and I'll bring you some more food. I promise." He said standing up and leaving with a smile.
Merlin entered back in the Gaius's chambers where the old man was makjngy some medicine.
"Do you know anything about the girl?" Gaius asked.
"What girl?" Merlin acted confused.
"The girl from the cage. She escaped last night." Gaius explained.
"Good. I'm pleased." The warlock shrugged.
"They're out hunting for her." Gaius informed him.
"Why can't they just let her be?" Merlin asked, irritated m
"Did you help her escape?" Gaius asked looking at Merlin.
"No."
"Merlin?" Gaius asked again.
"You told me not to get involved." Merlin pointed.
"You promise me you'd nothing to do with this?" The old man asked.
"Yes!" Gaius observed him for a second.
"Good. Because when Halig finds out who helped her, I wouldn't want to be in their shoes." Gaius said pointing his knife in the air before turning back to his work.
Merlin left the room, as Alexia entered from behind.
"Ah! Gaius! I am hungry!" She moaned as she kept the bag on the table before dramatically melting on it with her head on her arms.
She looked at the man who was in his own world.
"Gaius?" Alexia called again, gaining his attention.
"Are you fine?" She asked. Gaius looked at her for a moment before he just nodded, turning back to his work.
Alexia looked at him, wondering what might have had happened in her absence before getting up and picking the sandwich for lunch. She was surely late today, but she had actually found the rare flowers of aconite. Gaius' stock had also ran out so they really needed it.
But she could feel like she was missing something, something very important.
Alexia chucked the sandwich all the while watching an entranced Gaius working.
Alexia moved out, leaving for Arthur's chambers to do her duties. But more than that, she was hoping to find Merlin there. As the witch reached the giant doors, she opened them, pushing the doors.
The young girl entered to face a very angry prince moving around half naked.
"Arthur!" Alexia called confused.
The prince swiftly looked up at her, relief washing his eyes.
"Where in the world have you been since morning?" He asked exasperatedly.
"Collecting herbs for Gaius." Alexia replied before frowning.
"Didn't Merlin inform you that I was to join duties late today?" She asked.
Arthur rolled his eyes.
"That bumbling baffoon of an idiot is half asleep today. If I found him next, I am going to put him in stocks for a week." The prince grumbled as Alexia moved to pick his clothes from the wardrobe, helping him dress.
"What did he do now?" Alexia asked fondly, used to all these threats Merlin had to endure.
"For starters, he didn't serve me a very good breakfast, called me fat, boiled my bathing water, forgot to help me dress, forgot to polish my armour, and let's not skip but he didn't even remember to serve me lunch. He is god knows where and I haven't seen him since morning." The prince grumbled as Alexia helped him with his jacked all the while frowning. This was highly unlikely Merlin. Yes he was a bit lazy or tardy in matters of being Arthur's servant, but he never really did this. Was there any other threat that distracted Merlin?
"I will check upon him sire." Alexia mumbled, more to herself than to prince but he heard nonetheless.
"Do it, and remind him that he is in for a week in stocks." He said before leaving.
After that, Alexia spent rest of the day searching for him, but didn't even find him.
As the dinner approached, Alexia finally saw Merlin moving towards the kitchen. Alexia swiftly ran to catch him but was interrupted by Gwen.
"Alexia!" The girl called with a smile.
"Gwen." The witch smiled back.
"Morgana asked for you. She said it was urgent." The serving girl told her, making her narrow her eyes.
"Than I shall head for her immediately. But may I have a word with Merlin? I haven't seen him since morning and he is in kitchens right now." Alexia told her, and Gwen smiled at her.
"Please be quick."
Alexia entered the kitchens as she searched for him among the many different servants.
"Lili!" The lady from future called the kitchen girl. "Have you seen Merlin?" She asked.
Lili who was smiling at her, frowned. "No actually. In fact it was me who gave the prince his lunch today. I don't know where he is." She told her with regret.
Alexia nodded her thanks before searching for him, but when her search didn't bore any fruit, she left for Morgana.
In Arthur's chambers, Arthur could be seen eating his dinner, his temper now calm as he ate his drumstick. Merlin saw him as he devoured the delicious meal before moving to him with a pitcher.
"Would you like some water with that?" Merlin asked.
"Mmm." Arthur motioned him to go ahead. Merlin stepped forward, pouring water before he magically knocked the knife of Arthur from his table. As the knife fell, Merlin stepped back. Arthur had to bend down to pick up the knife whole Merlin's eyes flashed and one of the drumsticks were shot towards him as he caught it in jug.
Arthur straightened up as he looked at the plate before he notices something.
"I had two drumsticks." He said.
"No you didn't." Merlin denied.
"Merlin, I had two drumsticks." Arthur said pointedly.
"Maybe it fell on the floor." Merlin suggested shrugging.
The prince leaned down to check under the table while Merlin grabbed the three sausages.
Arthur returned to his position before he once noticed the now nearly empty plate.
"I had sausages!" Arthur snapped leaning back
"You sure? They must've fallen under the table." Merlin pointed, sitting on the floor his hands on the table, as he looked up at Arthur.
"Merlin!" The prince shouted.
"What? You can search me, I haven't taken them." The warlock defended himself.
"Well, where have they gone?" Arthur asked furiously as he leaned towards the warlock.
"Strange." Merlin said.
"Very." Arthur agreed.
Merlin looked at the prince suspiciously.
"Sure you didn't eat them?"
"I haven't had the chance!" The prince snapped back. But Merlin continued to look at him with his eyes holding the suspicion.
Merlin was now rushing through the lower town as the day was now setting, but it still had the light hue that beautiful evenings were supposed to have. Suddenly, the warlock was stopped by Halig with whom he collided.
Gaurds were now dragging Merlin to a dungeon cell, Halig following them. As they reached the cell, Halig took the pitcher before flipping it as the meat pieces fell on the ground.
"It's just the Prince's leftovers." Merlin said.
"Does he know you steal his food?" Halig asked, a md gleam in his eyes.
"Not exactly." Merlin averted his gaze.
"Where were you taking it?" Halig asked.
"Home. For my dinner." The warlock replied.
"Really? The druid girl I'm looking for, have you seen her?" He asked, raising his suspicion.
"No."
"Do you know how much money she's worth to me?" Halig snarled.
Merlin shook his head, now clearly a big scared.
"More than your life. So I'm asking you again. Have you seen the druid girl?" He asked again.
But once again, Merlin shook his head. "No."
Halig pushed him on the chair.
"Hold him." He told the gaurds.
"I think you're lying to me." Halig said.
"I'm not!" Merlin yelled against the restraint.
"I don't believe you." He said as he raised his arm to punch Merlin.
"Halig!" Arthur shouted from behind. "What do you think you're doing?" He asked, coming from behind.
"We caught the boy behaving suspiciously, Sire." Halig said.
"Merlin?" Arthur asked.
"He could be harbouring the girl, and he's gonna tell us where." He said as he moved his arm back. Merlin quickly shut his eyes, waiting to be hit but Arthur grabbed his arm.
"Leave him alone." Arthur said before moving and making Merlin stand. "Merlin is my servant. He has my absolute trust. If you have a problem with him, you come to me. Do you understand?" Arthur warned.
"Sire." Halig bowed before he looked at Merlin. "Goodnight, Merlin. Don't forget your dinner." He grunted before leaving.
Arthur's eyes fell on the floor at the meat.
"Thank you." Merlin thanked the prince before he noticed the
"Ah." Merlin fumbled.
"Are those my sausages?" Arthur asked.
The warlock nodded. "Mmm."
"You took them?" Arthur asked.
"To keep you in shape." Merlin reasoned as he picked the meat.
"Are you saying I'm fat?" Arthur asked, outraged.
"No. Well, not yet." Merlin answered.
"I am not fat!" The prince yelled as he looked at his manservant with exasperation.
"You see? It's working." Merlin said cheerfully before running out.
Arthur just looked at the man leaving.
Merlin quickly went into the tunnels, moving to Freya. He saw her curled into herself as she sat there.
"I'm sorry I took so long." Merlin apologised as he moved to place the torch aside, while Freya wiped a stray tear on her face
"You must be hungry." He said before he noticed her face.
"What is it?" He asked.
"Nothing." Freya answered, shaking her head.
"But you're upset." Merlin pointed.
"No." The lady shook her head.
"D'you think I wasn't coming? But I promised you I would." Merlin said.
"I scare most people away." Freya said simply as she smiled.
"I'm not most people." He said laughing a bit. "How long had you been in that cage?" He aske getting comfortable.
"A few days." She replied.
"And the bounty hunter?" He asked
"Halig." She supplied the name.
"How did he find you?" He asked.
At this Freya sniffed. "You can't always trust people."
"I know. That's why I left home." He said.
"Where is home?" He asked.
A small smile played on his lips.
"Ealdor. It's a small village. Just a few fields, a couple of cows. Nothing special." He reminisced.
Freya smiled. "My home was next to a lake surrounded by the tallest mountains. In the winter the storms whipped up the water into waves and you thought they were going to crash down and take away all the houses. But in the summer, wild flowers and light. It was like heaven." She said remembering, Merlin smiled at her.
"Sounds perfect."
"It was." She nodded.
"Was?" Merlin asked confused.
"My family died." She elaborated, looking down.
"Have you been on your own ever since?" At her nod Merlin continued. "You're not on your own anymore. I'm going to look after you. I promise." He promised her.
Freya looked up at him. "You can't look after me. No one can." She said, placing the cloth back.
"No, I don't think you understand." He said holding her hands. "I've never known anyone like you." He then noticed he was holding her hand. As he moved to take it back, Freya placed her hand on his.
"I wish I could stay." He said.
"You're going?" She asked.
"We need to be careful. I'll come back in the morning. You know I will be back, don't you?" He asked, making sure. Freya nodded. He stood up.
"Merlin," she called from behind. He looked at her. "I've never known anyone like you either." Freya told him, smiling at him. Merlin looked at her, before smiling brightly.
Night arrived in Camelot as the bell tolled.
Freya looked up as she heard the bell, while Alexia and Merlin were sleeping peacefully.
A couple could be seen, passing the dark roads of Camelot, as they were followed by someone in hiding.
As they stood at a side, the hidden creature came out, attacking them. Making the couple scream in the silence of night.
Morning arrived.
Alexia, Gaius, Arthur, Uther and few gaurds were now present at the place of attack.
"I think they've been killed by some kind of wild animal." Gaius explained to the now sitting on his knees. Alexia was looking at them with frowns, trying to think about it, while Uther looked at them while standing.
"Have you're men been able to track the creature?" Uther asked Arthur.
"That's the strange thing," Arthur said standing up. "'cause the ground is soft. Obviously a bear or wolf would leave some mark. But there are no tracks." Arthur told the king.
"Then what are these?" Gaius asked, standing up.
"Human footprints." Arthur told them.
"But they're leading away from the bodies. Did someone escape the attack?" Alexia asked as she noticed the tracks.
"No one's come forward." He answered.
"Could the person who made these be responsible?" Uther asked, thinking about it.
"I don't believe so. These wounds could only've been inflicted by a beast of considerable size." Gaius said.
"And if this was done by neither a man nor beast, there's only one other explanation. It must be the work of a magical creature." Uther judged.
Alexia suppressed her gasp as she realised what might have happened.
"Freya." She whispered to herself as she looked at the king leaving.
Alexia couldn't help but wonder how she could have forgotten that. Her heart was aching as she thought how Merlin didn't even trust her with this secret. Alexia couldn't help but think about the burn she was feeling in her chest. It was painful to say the least, like she was being stabbed in her blood pumping organ again and again.
A tear slipped from her eye, as she closed them taking a deep breath. Merlin loved Freya. Or atleast the one she saw in her time did. What if Merlin really did love her? What was she supposed to do? Was she supposed to step back? To see him loving another girl.
Alexia found herself unable to breath at that.Why? She couldn't help but ask the fates. Why were they playing like this with her? What kind of cruel game this was? Her simple tears were now escalating into sobs as she curled into herself, hugging her knees, sobbing quietly.
Was she overreacting? Was she really just thinking too deeply about it? Or was it normal? What about the pain that was now present in her chest? What was she supposed to do with it?
She didn't know how long she was crying. Or for how long she was sitting there. But she knew she had to stand up.
Outside her chambers, Gaius was sitting at his desk, looking at the book that had knowledge of different magical creatures. He stopped on picture of a beast with a body of a huge cat and majestic wings, attacking.
In the aclove of the tunnels, Freya was sitting with her body curled up as she covered her chest with her arms. Merlin entered the tunnels with a torch in his hand.
"I know, I'm late again. Sorry. But, er, this is going to be the best bread you have ever tasted." He said showing her a huge bread roll. "What do you want with it? Come on. You can have anything. Ham. Cheese." He offered, sitting infront of her.
"Strawberries." She replied hesitantly.
"Strawberries it is." He agreed as he cleared his throat and rubbed his hands together. A smile playing on his lips. He cupped his hands together, before he chanted.
"Blóstma." He opened his hands to reveal a beautiful red rose.
Freya smiled at that, before she chuckled. "That's not a strawberry."
"Er," he shrugged. "it's the right colour." He bowed his head before offering the rose to her. She accepted it.
"Why are you so good to me?" She asked, playing with the rose.
"Because I can't help it. I don't know. I like you. With you I can just be who I am. We don't have to hide anything. We don't have to worry." Merlin chuckled to himself.
"Merlin, please, listen to me. I'm not like you." Freya tried to confess, but suddenly, they heard some noise. Both of them looked up, alarmed, as they heard footsteps.
"They must've followed me." Merlin said standing up, Freya quickly followed behind.
Halig was now making his way in the tunnels, a torch in his hand. He and some gaurds reached the aclove, only for it to be empty. He sighed as he left.
Making Merlin and Freya sigh in relief and slide on the floor. Freya shivered as she held his arm. He quickly lit up the candle.
"They're going to find me. I can't go back in that cage, I can't." Freya said, panicked, as she cried.
"Shh." Marlin calmed her. "I won't let that happen. I promised you I'd look after you, and I will. No matter what. You really don't realise how special you are, do you?" Merlin whispered soothingly before he asked.
Freya looked up at him.
"You're not scared of me?" Freya asked.
Merlin shook his head lightly. "Being different's nothing to be scared of." He whispered.
And before they knew, they leaned in, sharing a soft and chaste kiss with each other.
In Gaius's chambers, Merlin was humming to himself, as he drank his soup. He came to check over what Gaius was doing before moving back, all the while humming.
"Will you stop that?" Gaius asked, finally having enough.
"What?" Merlin asked confused.
Alexia chose the moment to enter as she opened the door and stepped inside.
"Sit down and eat your soup." Gaius ordered.
Merlin sat on the bench as Alexia watched him. He didn't even greet her, she didn't even had a proper conversation in last two days. And now he looked so happy, as he hummd again.
"Merlin." Gaius snapped, irritated.
"Sorry." Merlin apologised, shrugging.
"What is wrong with you?" He asked.
"Nothing." He said smiling goofily. "I feel great."
Alexia moved to pour her own soup before she sat at the other table.
"Good." Gaius said. "Then you can get on with some chores." Gaius said.
"Chores?" Merlin asked.
"Unless you have something better to do." Gaius asked.
"Sorry, I'm going out." Merlin apologised, standing up. Alexia gripped her spoon tighter at that, knowing what was going to happen.
"Well what time will you be back?" Gaius asked.
"Er, well don't wait up for me. I might be late." Merlin shrugged as he left.
Alexia dropped her spoon as she stood up. Gaius looked at her startled.
She swiftly exited behind him, ready to confront him.
Merlin moved past the corridors as he smiled to himself. Alexia ran behind him.
"Merlin!" She called. The warlock stopped to look at her.
"Alexia!" He said, surprised. Which really did astound Alexia.
"Where are you going?" She asked, not willing to beat around the bush.
Merlin frowned.
"Erm..."
"You have started hiding things from me too?" Alexia asked, her face carrying a sad smile.
Merlin looked uncomfortable.
"Uh, it's not like that."
"Then what Merlin? Don't you trust me? Don't you think I already know what you are doing?" She asked, her voice barely above whispers. And Merlin recognised something in her voice. Hurt.
Suddenly Merlin felt very wrong, very very wrong.
"Alexia."
The girl looked at him.
"You love her. Don't you?" She asked.
Merlin remained silent.
And surprisingly, his silence was killing Alexia.
"She is going to die Merlin. We have to save her, if you do really love her."
Merlin shook his head.
"No. No you are wrong. She is perfectly fine. I know it. She won't die." He said as he took step back.
"Merlin, I will never hurt her. You know that." Alexia said softly, her eyes brimming with tears.
"She doesn't trust anyone Alexia. She is scared! I can't." Merlin said, his breathing uneven.
"Mer.."
"No please! Please this time, let me do it. I will deal with it." He said as he turned and left, not even sparing her another glance. Because if he would have, he would have seen her crying, breaking down.
Alexia just turned as she saw him leave.
She didn't even know to whom shall she go. He didn't trust her, that much Merlin had shown her in just this small amount of time. And it hurted, hurted like hell. She looked at his retreating figure before she started to move, her feet taking her where she could find some peace.
Before she knew, she was in the tunnel, with Kilgharrah.
"You are not well young witch." The dragon observed. Alexia just gave a smile at that, which didn't help the dragon to cease his worries. The smile contained more pain than happiness.
"It's nothing." She replied, not really sure if she was assuring herself or Kilgharrah.
"There is something that upsets you."
Alexia laughed at that, again increasing his concerns.
"I believe it revolves around the young warlock." The dragon guessed, stopping Alexia as she looked up at him. Her eyes brimming.
"I want to go back Kilgharrah." She whispered. But the dragon knew she didn't mean it. She was hurt, gravely. But she didn't want to return. She found her home here, she won't ever turn her back to it.
"What happened young witch?" He asked.
Alexia looked at him.
"I don't think it will interest you Kilgharrah. These are the matters of stupid love. And I don't believe you want to waste your time on that. I don't even know why I came here, but my feet seemed to drag me to you." She confessed. Sitting on the rocky floor.
"Can I just stay here, away from the world, just in peace." The dragon didn't say anything but gave a nod as he flew away.
Alexia sighed as she closed her eyes. Tears falling freely from them. She knew Merlin loved Freya. And she couldn't let Freya die this time. She had to do something, possibly take her to Avalon. For she was the lady of the lake. It was her destiny. Maybe, she will be free from the curse, and be what she was supposed to be.
She had to save her, for Merlin, for it the was the right thing to do. She couldn't just leave her to die, it was wrong on so many levels, but right now, she just wanted to cry, to ease the clenches she was feeling in her chest.
So she cried, cried herself to sleep. Not knowing that one of the most ancient species was staring at her with pity.
"You are far too kind young witch. The pain you have suffered, will soon end. You are blessed by the tripple goddess herself. Fates have planned your journey, but all I can say is, it won't be easy. For you have to suffer far many great tests in your quest to your destiny. The gift you bear isn't without the cost, and I shudder to think what cost it might be." The great dragon murmured to himself.
Merlin rushed in the tunnels, with a torch in her hand.
"What are you doing here?" She asked.
"I couldn't help it." Merlin replied.
"It's dangerous." Freya pointed.
"I don't care." Merlin said as he settled the candles and looked at her from his shoulder.
"No, Merlin, you have to be careful." Freya warned.
"Ugh, I'm fed up with being careful. I am fed up with all of this. So I've decided, we're going to get you out of here, out of Camelot." He said standing up and moving towards her.
"How?" She asked.
"I'll get you some clothes, disguise you. What's wrong?" He asked as he saw her face.
"It's just, I'm going to miss you." She said, sitting back.
"No, you won't, because I'm going to come with you." Merlin replied grinning.
"What?" Freya asked.
"I told you I'm going to look after you." Merlin pointed.
"You can't. Don't say that." She said, worried.
"It's not what you want?" Merlin asked.
"Merlin, you have a good life here. My life is...I have to keep moving, always looking over my shoulder, people chasing me." Freya pressed.
"Then we'll go somewhere no one knows us. Somewhere far away. You haven't given me your answer." He said at the end.
"I want that more than anything. Where will we go?" She asked, smiling.
"Somewhere with mountains." He said, remembering.
"A few fields." She continued.
"Wild flowers."
"A couple of cows."
"And a lake."
"And a lake." Freya completed, smiling.
Merlin returned back to his chambers as he looked at Alexia who had just returned from the cave and was sitting at the window sill.
"Alexia!" He called, smiling brightly. The girl looked at him, her eyes still a bit red and puffy, but she just gave him a small smile.
Merlin looked at her with a frown.
"Are you fine?" He asked, as he noticed her eyes.
Alexia just nodded.
"Yeah."
She stood up from the window sill before moving to her own bed. Merlin held her arm as she passed him making her stop and turn to look at him.
"No you are not." He said frowning.
Alexia looked at those blue eyes before she snapped her eyes away, she couldn't think about it now.
"It's nothing Merlin. Leave it." She said as she tried to get free from his grip.
"What is it you want?" She finally asked snapping at him.
Merlin was startled at that.
"I... I actually wanted to know if I could borrow one of your dresses." He asked hopefully.
Alexia just gave a nod.
"So you are leaving with her?" She asked, hoping she was very very wrong, but she couldn't help the fear that was engulfing her.
Merlin looked uncomfortable at that as he nodded.
"Leaving me?" The words left her mouth even before she knew.
Merlin looked at her a bit shocked.
"I don't want to." He whispered, not even realising what he was saying.
"Then don't." She said softly.
Merlin shook his head lightly, a pained expression on his face. What was happening to him?
"I have to." He said.
She smiled.
"Then I am happy for you." She simply left to take the dress.
"Please let me meet her once, bring her to the lake of Avalon tomorrow morning, no matter what happens. We need to get her out before anyone finds out." She said passing him the dress.
Merlin contemplated about it for a few moments before nodding as he left.
Alexia just turned to her bed, lying on it as she slept, or atleast tried to sleep.
Morning arrived, pretty quickly, much quicker than she imagined. Today George was going to serve Arthur, so atleast she was free.
Moving out of her bed to dress up, she didn't think about moving to her servant quarters since the room was empty.
Merlin was now in the tunnels, with Freya.
"She wants to meet you." He said, passing her the dress.
"Who?" Freya asked, suddenly afraid.
"Hey! Don't worry, she is just like you, like us." He said softly, holding her hand.
"She can help us!" He pressed as he offered his hand. Freya thought for few seconds before she placed her own on his, making him smile.
The couple quickly sneaked out, leaving for the lake. As she was in Alexia's dress, no one really questioned them even if they saw them leaving.
They reach the lake of Avalon as Freya looked around, her eyes wide as she saw the beautiful scenery.
"It's... It's, marvelous!" She mumbled, a small smile playing across her lips.
"Yes it is." Merlin agreed, smiling.
"You know the first time I met Alexia, it was here only." He said as he remembered the first time he met her, she was so like Freya, scared, but kind. The flashes of her smile appeared infront of his eyes as he thought about it. He quickly shook his head, what was happening to him?
Freya moved towards the lake as she leaned down, placing her hand in the water. It was cool, and soothing, and something was magical about it.
Suddenly, they heard some twigs snapping, as if someone was here. Freya swiftly stood up, cautious as she looked around. Merlin too moved to her, prepared to attack if necessary.
But suddenly both sighed in relief when Alexia appeared.
"Alexia!" Merlin called happily, moving to her and hugging her, surprising her completely.
"Merlin." She patted his back awkwardly, as she knew he loved someone else.
"I am Freya." Freya introduced as Alexia moved towards her.
"You are beautiful." Alexia whispered with a smile.
Freya smiled at her nervously.
"I am Alexia by the way. I don't know if you know about me or not, but I am actually aware of everything about you." She said softly, moving to hold her hands.
"Like you Freya, I am also cursed." She said confusing the other girl who looked at her surprised and with fear entering her eyes.
"But I am cursed with knowledge. You love him, don't you?" She asked, glancing at Merlin, who was looking at them confused since he couldn't hear them.
Freya nodded.
"But I am afraid. What if I hurt him?" She asked, suddenly scared.
"I will make sure it never happens Freya. This lake is home to far greater magical species. They have powers that anyone could ever barely imagine. I will talk to them, perhaps till then you would like to tell Merlin about it." The witch suggested, looking at the now panicked girl.
"But... but what if he hated me?" She asked.
But Alexia just smiled.
"He would never. I know him Freya. Go. Talk to him." She pushed her lightly as Freya stared at the warlock standing infornt of him.
Alexia moved to the lake to talk with the shidhe elders.
Merlin looked at Freya as she made her way towards him.
"I want to tell you the truth." Freya whispered looking at him.
Merlin frowned at that.
"What truth?" He asked.
"I am not what you believe me to be Merlin. I'm a monster. I tried to tell you." She whispered as she tried to form the words.
Merlin shook his head.
"I told you, magic will not make you a monster!" He said exasperatedly.
But Freya didn't back down now.
"I wasn't always like this." She began again.
"There was a man. He attacked me. I didn't mean to hurt him, but I thought he was going to kill me." She explained as she thought about her past, her eyes tearing. Merlin decided to stay silent to give her comfort. "His mother was a sorceress, and when she find out that I'd killed her son, she cursed me to kill forever more." She said looking at him.
Merlin was now more than confused.
"I am cursed Merlin, to kill forever, never really stopping. No matter what. Every night, I turn into a creature, a bastet. I killed people Merlin, every night and I have no control over it." She cried as she looked down, Merlin just hugged her.
"Shush! It's not your fault." He said softly.
"That was why you were afraid of me coming with you?" He asked. Freya nodded.
"I couldn't bear to hurt you Merlin. The first person to ever show me kindness." She whispered. Merlin pressed a kiss in her hair.
"You could never hurt me Freya." He said sighing.
Freya looked at him, as she smiled.
"Don't worry, your friend is going to help me." She said pointing at Alexia who was now talking to a very still lake.
"Dotiag-sa ar idbairt do denam!"
She chanted as suddenly, the lake glowed, little balls of light appeared on the surface as they roamed around. Merlin swiftly turned Freya towards him as he realised no mortal was supposed to see the gates of Avalon. For some reason, only Alexia and he could see it.
One of the shidhe elders appeared infront of Alexia.
"What is it you want?" The shidhe snarled.
Alexia instead bowed her head.
"You are most powerful of all the creatures of magic, and definitely most knowledgeable ones. I come here, to your gates, with a request." She said as humbly as she could.
Merlin watched everything from behind.
The shidhe, now looked a bit calm.
"What is it you ask young witch?" He asked.
"I ask for the salvation of the girl. She has been cursed, and I ask for her liberation. Return her to her original form. Grant her freedom from her curse." At this the shidhes looked at the girl who had her back towards them.
"Yet she disrespects us with her back towards us." The shidhe snarled.
"She is a mortal! She can't get a glance with the gates of Avalon without her immediate death." Alexia reasoned.
"Perhaps this is what destiny has planned for her." The shidhe elder pointed.
Alexia looked shaken at that.
"But..."
"We are aware of her curse young witch, we are also aware of your knowledge. So you must understand that she has a destiny greater in her death, than she can ever have alive." The shidhe said.
Merlin looked horrified at that.
Alexia shook her head.
"No! I am here to change destinies, ain't I?" She asked. "Look at them! I request you to please grant her a normal life again! So that she may rest with him forever." Alexia couldn't help but plead. Merlin loved Freya, she can't let him loose her again! No matter what.
"It will require a sacrifice."
"I am ready." Alexia replied immediately. Before Merlin could even answer.
"What is it?" Merlin asked as he came towards them, Freya still had her eyes closed as he guided her.
"The curse is upon her life. A life is what we ask, for her to be liberated. But we will still warn you. Yes destinies can change but they may change for worse. Like it has already happened." The shidhe said looking at Alexia. The girl frowned.
"What do you mean?" She asked.
"You changed the destiny of young Mordred, you changed the destiny of lady Morgana, in hopes to save the once and future king, but by doing so, you have created enemies far from dangerous than Morgana and Mordred." The shidhe elder warned.
Alexia stumbled at that.
She did what?
"But... but Morgana and Mordred were wronged."
"Indeed they were. And we are pleased with these changes, for you have changed the destiny for good. But with that you have brought misfortune upon yourself young witch. All the actions you have taken, will come to haunt you in future, and along with you, young warlock will also be affected." The shidhe elder told her, feeling pity for her.
Alexia felt her world spinning.
"Now we ask you again. Do you really wish to liberate the girl, knowing what all will be destroyed in the future, or shall we do what her destiny asks us to do?" The shidhe elder asked.
Alexia looked blank at that. What was she supposed to do? Merlin looked at Alexia and the elders. What can he do now? Clearly Alexia did so much to save them. And she was going to pay for it? Her life was already filled with struggles and it just added guilt for him.
He was acting selfish, hurting her like that.
"What are we supposed to do?" Merlin asked softly.
"If you seek my guidance, I will guide you in the right path. The lady there is destined to be the gatekeeper of Avalon. The lady of the lake, the keeper of Excalibur. She will be treated better than this world with us. She is fated to live with us in Avalon." The shidhe said.
"Then I shall accept it." Freya spoke up.
Everyone looked at her as she opened her eyes, nearly gasping at the beauty of Avalon.
"If I am destined to be there than I shall be." She said stepping forward, but Merlin held her hand.
"Freya." He called, his eyes getting blurred.
"I can't allow anyone to lose their life for me. Maybe, we were supposed to be together for this much time only." She said softly, cupping his cheeks.
Merlin looked at her.
"But..."
"Don't Merlin! I want this. Please." She pleaded.
The warlock couldn't help but nod.
"You will soon move on. I know, there are far many people, far much better than me, who love you." At this she spared a glance at Alexia who averted her gaze, tears sparkling in her eyes.
Freya smiled softly, looking at Merlin, who was looking at her with tears.
"Let me go Merlin. This is where we part ways." She said softly as she placed a soft kiss on his cheek before moving back, her feet entering the water.
With a sudden splash, the girl started disappearing from there, merging with the water itself.
She spared a glance towards the witch.
"Please take care of him." She whispered.
"I promise." Alexia swore.
With a soft smile on Freya's face, the girl vanished into the water itself.
"Freya!" The warlock shouted as he fell on his knees. Alexia looked at him with a worried expression before moving to him and engulfing him in her arms. She hugged him as he cried for his love.
The shidhe returned back as the lake returned back to its normal form.
Next morning Merlin could be seen clearing Arthur's boots.
Arthur entered the room.
"Ah, Merlin. I'm looking for you." He said as he closed the door.
"Yeah, right, er, you're gonna ask me to polish your armour and to, er, wash your clothes and clean your room." Merlin shrugged as he listed his chores. Arthur came and sat beside him on the floor.
"Something's been upsetting you, hasn't it?" Arthur said, looking at him. The door opened slightly as Alexia peeked through it, looking at the pair.
"Maybe." Merlin replied.
"Was it when I threw water over you?" Arthur asked.
"It wasn't very nice." Merlin commented and Arthur nodded his head.
"It was a bit unfair. Like when you called me fat." The prince said pointedly.
"Why was that unfair?" Merlin asked, looking up.
"Because I am not f..." He stopped as he saw him smiled before he moved and swung his arm around him, putting him in a headlock and rubbed his knuckles on his hair.
Merlin gruffed at that, "Ow! Ah!" He yelled trying to set himself free.
"Still think I need to get in shape?" Arthur asked, stilll rubbing his knuckles.
"No! No! No, no, no, no!" Merlin denied quickly as he was freed. Arthur smiled as Merlin looked at him with a exasperated look, a smile on his face. Alexia smiled as she saw him smile.
"That's better." He said, referring to his smiling face.
"Thanks." Merlin shrugged.
"You are right, though. You need to polish my armour, wash my clothes, and clean my room." The prince patted him on his back before he got up and left.
Merlin smiled to himself.
Arthur exited the chambers as he found Alexia standing there with a smile.
"I don't know what really happened, but I believe you both should sought it as soon as possible." Arthur said looking at her. The smile fell of her face, before she gave a nod and left.
Things were never going to be similar between her and Merlin.
So how was it? Did you like it? Well I really don't have anything else to say, but seriously the plot just became more interesting. There are so many things which I have planned and I am going to enjoy writing it.
See you soon!