here you go as promised the next chapter. i still don't own Merlin. i own this lovely little story I'm writing for amusement though. i hope you like this chapter. I'm already editing the next one.

previously, tristain of the forest came baring news of an army of magic forming to attack Camelot. Arthur decided to stop procrastinating and just tell Merlin he knew about his magic. then there were a couple griffins. and then Merlin was told to take a trip to a certain lack and a certain lady.

lady of the lake.

Merlin stood by the lakes Shore. He hadn't been here for a wile. He looked at the water with a feeling of sadness. He had loved Freya but he now realised there were things she hadn't told him. She had said that she killed a man in defence and his mother had cursed her, and yet, her brother has said his sister was cursed by their own mother.

"Freya? Um lake lass? Lake Lady? Freya you called to me in my dreams so here I am" he felt rather silly talking to the still waters of the lake. But then the smallest of ripples appeared and Freya appeared. She seamed taller than before and wore a crown of shells her hair was a dark green now the colour of wet moss. And her eyes were the clearest green. She drifted on the water to the shore she didn't leave the water merely stood on top of it.

"You took your time Merlin. I have called to you for a wile now." Merlin took a step back and almost tripped on a twig "Freya, I wasn't sure if you were real. It's not everyday someone you once loved talks to you in your sleep from beyond the" he looked down afraid to look her in the eye. She sensed his conflict so continued on "I'm sorry you're right I should have been more direct. Anyway wait did you say you loved me?" he looked up with a sheepish grin. She continued "my brother was right Camelot is in grave danger. You will need to use magic beyond your current level. Arthur must not die. And you have to be there. Yours and" Merlin finished her sentence for her. "Arthur's destinies are entwined he is destined to be a great king I'm destined to stand by his side. Yes yes yes. It's been said before." Freya laughed. "Ah, well it is still true. I know you have your disagreements. He does not realise it yet. But you are his closest friend."

It was Merlin's time to laugh. "You are aware I'm, merely his servant. Well soon to be advisor but. The mans a complete prat half the time. Most, of the time" "Yes and you're an idiot. A perfect friendship I'd say" Freya smiled innocently and Merlin tried to not laugh at her last remark. Then he changed the subject again "your brother says his mother cursed his sister. So I'm wondering why his sister says she was cursed by a mans mother?" Freya was no longer smiling. She knew this question would come up.

"My uncle. On mothers side. He was a nasty man he attacked me. And I panicked. I was unaware of my powers I lashed out and he died. Father was fond of me. And was usually there to stand between me and mother. But this time he was away. Hunting with Tristain. It was always fathers plan to get my brother to kill our paternal grandfather and take his place" she paused wile collecting her thoughts "when mother cursed me Tristain was so angered he struck father down. He didn't kill him but he swore that he would never forgive our parents. He walked out." she stopped talking and Merlin continued.

"He helped you escape. Then went and lived with the very man he was supposed to hate. At some point he became a hedge knight. Why?" Merlin looked at her for a moment. She looked so powerful. So immortal now. He wondered what merging with the lake had cost her. Everything must be balanced. So what had been given up? Eventually after a few minutes silence, the young lady in the lake spoke. "Our grandfather loves my brother and me. Loved. As much as he cares for my brother my sibling will always remind him of the witch who stole his son. And the son who abandoned him, betrayed him. It was decided. The safest and fairest thing to do was to demote Tristain to the rank of hedge knight. He was stripped of the family name but allowed to keep his knightly status. He wonders the lands and kingdoms now earning back our birthright." Merlin sat down on a log. He didn't even care that it was wet from rain. "So your brother settling in Camelot and warning us of the attack will aid him greatly in regaining your grandfather's trust?" Freya nodded "but he is not there for that reason alone."

Merlin looked down at his feet. "Why else is he here then?"

Freya told him how she had called to her brother as she had to him. And that she had told her brother to ally himself with Camelot. Because, she felt, it was important that Prince Arthur and Merlin had someone strong and magic on their side. Merlin was taking it all in when she finished "times are dire. But you must tell him. You must tell the king what and who you are. He needs to know that not all magic is bad." Merlin stood up so quickly he nearly slipped on the mud. His eyes went gold instinctively and the mud became solid and firm. "What! Tell Uthur? Are you insane! You've been out of the loop a wile sweet-pea. Uthur still very much decapitates, hangs and burns anyone even mixing herbs in a weird way. Gaius and I only survive because he is the court physician and I his apprentice!"

Freya considered his words. Then spoke "my dear sweet Merlin I am more in the loop than you could imagine I hear every thought of every animal that enters this forest they hear the villagers talk who hear the palace denizens talk. And not just in this kingdom. I could tell you what Odin had for breakfast and what Cenred plans to hunt for next." Merlin took a couple steps back. "So when. Young sorcerer I say you must tell the king I mean, you. Must. Tell. The. King. Understood?" Merlin nodded. "I know it is dangerous but you have Arthur's trust and my brother's respect. They are two powerful things to hold." She took a moment to calm herself and walked out if the water. Merlin went to push her back to the safety of the water. But she held out a hand to stop him. "I may step on the beaches and the grassy banks of the lake but can walk no further. I am safe here."

Merlin walked forward and hugged her. It was an awkward hug. She was sodden and he was fairly certain she was now a nature spirit a guardian of knowledge. He didn't think it was proper to hung such a being. He'd never hugged the dragon. So he stood back a respectful distance away. Up-close she looked even more powerful and regal than she had before. "I'm sorry you are right. You survived death you are bound to know a thing or two." This remark earned him a smile. "Uthur is a good man but untrusting. You must lay it out clearly for him to see that you mean him no harm." She took his hand "you defeated nimueh and Cornelius cigen. You are truly powerful. Do not hold back. Show him your strength, not your rage. Show him your force but not your fury. Arthur is destined for greatness but he can not do it with out your help."

Merlin nodded sensing that things were wrapping up. He was right. "I have said my piece. If ever you need advice or council come to me and I will help. You showed me love and mercy and saved me. I am forever in your debt and grateful." This time she hugged him and whispered in his ear. "Don't hurt my brother. Let him down nicely" and then she turned into water and slipped back into the lake. Merlin looked back into the forest towards Camelot. Haunted by the task the lake lady had set and concerned by her last whispered remark.

comment and review? next time conversations between knights.