Reunited (Merlin)

Chapter 2

Chapter 2

Warning/s: None. (Unless you count the word 'stabbing'.)

Disclaimer: I don't own Merlin, or Colin Morgan, sadly. *sobs in a corner*

A/N: Sorry for the long gap in between updates. This was a hard chapter to approach and I fear I may have done a poor job on it. Nevertheless, I think it's acceptable, so I hope you enjoy!

Freya exhaled heavily. "When I was first made Lady of the Lake, I was granted a position of power over the waters of the world, and of its beings. I was unsure why; I am of no great position in life, in fact, the opposite, I'm quite the opposite. I was appointed many advisors, mainly mer-people and nymphs. They told me that they were looking for a new ruler, and because I was cremated in the lake where the Council is situated, and because Emrys was the one who placed me there, they decided I was worthy of the throne." Freya paused. "Any questions so far?"

"How did you breathe under the water?" Merlin asked curiously, playing with the ragged hems of her dress.

Freya smiled, her face illuminating with the simple gesture. "It was odd; I was definitely surrounded by water, and when I asked others, they said I was definitely encased in the water, but for me, I felt as if I was on dry land, like I was moving through air."

"Strange," Merlin said ponderingly, "I wonder if there's a spell that can replicate that." Freya tapped his arm lightly to drag him from his daydream, and she continued.

"I was moderately happy with my new life. It was better than being dead, certainly, and I missed you terribly. But I could see you when I pleased – apparently becoming The Lady of the Lake means I get special magical powers – although I could not visit you, which is what I most desired."

Merlin interrupted, "How did you see me? Did you use a seeing-glass?"

Freya shook her head. "No – I didn't have to use anything, even a spell. I just drew my hand in front of me and wished to look into your life, and it showed me what you were doing at that moment in time. I could open them anytime and for any length of time."

Merlin muttered, "Interesting." Then, "Carry on, darling."

Freya beamed at the use of the endearment and readjusted herself in Merlin's arms. "So, as I was saying, I was moderately happy. The people who worked with me were always pleasant and kind to me, and I enjoyed looking after the matters of the water. There were quite a few, surprisingly, and I was kept busy. Still, I longed to see you more than anything, and I mentioned this one day to one of my advisors, while we were arranging a royal feast.

"She said she knew of a ritual that could make me human again; the reason I had not heard of it before was due to the fact that it takes an enormous amount of power, from both the person who wishes to be revived, and another already living person who is willing to revive you.

"As I was the Queen of that world, I had been granted great power upon my rebirth. I had to do much research into the matter and talked to a great many people who had knowledge of such things. We eventually came to a conclusion.

"With my power, and yours, as Emrys, combined, I could be successfully revived. However, the effort would be astronomical, and it would shake the earth. I knew it was a selfish thing to do, but I had to be back with you."

Merlin nodded, processing all of this information. "When did all of this happen?" He nuzzled into her hair, inhaling her sweet, natural scent.

"About six months ago. It was only a couple of days ago, however, that all preparations for the ritual were complete, and I was ready to be reincarnated."

Merlin frowned thoughtfully. "I felt really weak about two days ago...for no reason, it came on very suddenly and I almost collapsed. Is that why?"

"Yes – as I said, the process requires great power from both people, and I had no way to ask your consent. I thought that you wouldn't mind when you found out why, though."

"Of course I don't. So you were revived only two days ago?"

"Yes. The ritual is complex, and I won't bore you with all of the finer details. I had to be cleansed before I could be brought back to this full life. Then, in order to be reborn, I had to be killed to keep the natural balance. I was stabbed with a sacred sword, and as soon as my life ended, I woke gasping on the shores of Avalon."

Merlin hummed for a little while, stroking through Freya's hair. "So do the water beings have a ruler now?"

"I appointed my first-in-command as their ruler. She is a good nymph: Arostaphnes. She was the one who pointed me in the direction of the ritual in the first place."

"I wish I could thank her," Merlin said into Freya's hair, kissing her temple softly. "Do you have any plans for what you're going to do now?"

"I was thinking to try and get some job here, and then maybe we could buy a small house together? Maybe in the town?" Freya hesitated. "I know you like living with Gaius, but I would love to live with you, and this place—" she waved her hand to indicate his room—"isn't quite big enough. Especially the bed – we'd have to sleep one on top of the other."

"I wouldn't mind," Merlin said cheekily, kissing Freya's forehead again. He glanced out of the window – dawn was just beginning to break over the horizon. "I think I know where I can get you a job – and some new clothes."

A/N: Reviews, maybe? They make me feel happy, and motivate me to write...