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#I HAVE MAGIC ARTHUR AND I WOULD USE IT TO SAVE YOU
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@swans-chirping-in-the-distance and @gay-for-zoya, I finished season 2 of Merlin and I have many thoughts and emotions with the last few episodes.
Let's start with Merlin attempting to kill Morgana. I wasn't expecting him to actually go through with it. Whenever the Dragon has advised Merlin to kill someone or let them die, he finds a way around it. I was expecting that to happen again and it didn't, even though Merlin told Morgause the poison he used so she could save Morgana. I have a feeling these two sisters are going to be a very dangerous and powerful force in the next season.
Merlin letting the Dragon go was heartbreaking in a way. Merlin knows that the Dragon is going to attack Camelot but he made a promise that he can't stall anymore.
The plot line with Merlin finding his father Balinor and his death broke me. Merlin has always felt alone with his magic and then he found his father who he inherited his magic from only to have him be killed. Merlin's breakdown and seeing his grief was horrible. And he can't tell anyone but Gaius why Balinor meant so much to him.
I really liked that Merlin is a dragon lord; it's an interesting plotline.
Uther resisting Arther's decision to face the Dragon and die, I think, might be rooted in his hatred and guilt around magic. I loved when Uther said "my concern is for you" and Arther replied with "my concern is for Camelot". It really shows the difference in their views towards ruling. For Uther, Arthur is a way his legacy and power can continue while Arther genuinely cares for his country and people.
Also, this is kind of obvious but not only is Merlin saving a country that would have him killed, he isn't from Camelot, so he's also saving a country he's not from.
If the Dragon returns to Camelot, Merlin threatened to kill him and he would because he poisoned Morgana to save Camelot. He's proved to himself and the Dragon he will put Arther and Camelot over his moral qualm about killing.
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fluffypotatey · 2 months
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Did merlin turned darker and more morally corrupt as the seasons progressed? (This isn't part of the game, I haven't watched the whole show but my mom does so I know a bit, and sometimes it really seems merlin is the #1 enemy of magic as long as Arthur is safe and happy)
yea and no????
like he does get more apathetic with killing people (as in, he isn’t as conflicted about it because his end goal is keeping Arthur alive) and he does have a hand in sabotaging events that could have helped with magic being seen as good (however, it’s not his intention). a lot of the time he feels that he doesn’t have a choice because if he were to choose between magic and Arthur, Merlin will choose Arthur
he did it in 2x08 (I may disagree with the writers’ choice here but the point still stands), he did in 4x02 choosing to sacrifice himself in Arthur’s place, and he did it in 5x05 choosing Arthur’s life again despite knowing that risked Mordred’s own life and the future of magic in Camelot
I wouldn’t call him corrupt and darker in a villainess sense but rather corrupt and darker in a sense where he has spent 10 years being told Arthur was destined to bring the Golden Age of Magic and he was meant to protect him, but then he got too attached to Arthur and no longer cared for the goal everyone set for him. He had a new goal by s4 which was keep Arthur alive despite everything
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hopelessromantic5 · 4 months
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King Arthur happens to be traveling through Ealdor the exact day the citizens decide they’ve had enough of Merlin.
Labeling him too dangerous, they tied him up on the pyre in the center of town.
As long as Merlin had been alive, he’d never seen this pyre lit.
He would’ve just gotten himself out of this situation with his ‘gifts’ if it weren’t for his poor mother.
The villagers would never let her live in peace if he magically disappeared.
No, this was the only way she could go on living, even with a broken heart.
He didn’t fight. He didn’t really hear much of what they spit at him. But he could hear his mother wailing at him, to save himself, to do whatever he must do.
He’d resigned himself to an early death.
Tom, the town representative, started spewing some righteous words at him. New Religion words that didn’t quite make sense to him, but that’s to be expected. He is, himself, a creature of the old religion, if prophecy is to be trusted.
“Do you have anything to say for yourself, serpent?”
Merlin opened his mouth to tell his mother that he loved her, but he stopped short.
In the distance, he could hear a sound.
The beating of hooves on hard, cold dirt.
Visitors were approaching.
It must be fate, he thinks.
As the horses drew closer, the villagers slowly turned their attentions away from him.
Merlin simply hung his head, letting the Earth he loved so dearly decide which way his life would swing.
“What is the meaning of this?”
A calm, steady voice came from behind him. Deep and concerned. Merlin wished he could see the man.
“My lord,” Tom bowed, as well as he could, which was strange.
Upon realization, Merlin’s eyes nearly bugged out of his head, were these visitors noble? They never had nobility stay long enough to make comments on anything, only ever just passing through.
“I asked you a question.” The voice said again, with all the authority of someone who’s used to using it.
“This man is a sorcerer, sire. We were just-“
“What has he done?”
“Sire?”
“What has this man done to call for these extreme measures?” When no one answered him immediately, he rephrased.
“Surely there must’ve been a crime committed?” As if it’s a question.
Merlin’s mother pulled herself out of shock and brought herself forth.
“He did nothing, sire.” She spoke firm and unmoving. She must’ve seen hope in this man that Merlin had yet to lay eyes on. “He’s only ever used it for healing wounds and helping our gardens in the winter. Please have mercy on him, my lord. He is my only son.” Tears started falling as her voice broke. She finally met Merlin’s eyes again and he smiled at her, weakly.
“So this man-“
“Sorcerer.” Corrected Tom. What a dick.
“This man, did nothing but heal you and help you survive and this is how you repay him?”
Again no answer.
The man seemed to gesture at Tom, walking towards the town elder, and bringing him finally into Merlin’s line of sight.
The doomed boy nearly gasped.
Silver and red bled together in the sun, armor and finery melded like roses in white sand.
The man-the lord…the knight? He had golden blonde hair, that shone like it’s own light.
Blue eyes made even more obvious and striking surrounded by unblemished, sun-kissed skin.
“You seem to be leading the horde. Tell me why?” No, answer. “Cut him down.” A command. The stranger’s face was a hard, blank line.
Funny how, even then, he didn’t feel like a stranger. But Merlin was in no state to remember it.
“My lord, I do not think that would be wise. Your father was the one to wage war on magic-“
“I am not my father. Cut him down.”
Merlin swallowed. Uther Pendragon was the only person in his mind that waged the war on magic, that began the purge. Which means this man could only be his son, Prince Arthur.
What a prince he was.
Well, King, now.
No wonder every person in the vicinity practically dropped to their knees upon his arrival. They’d all heard stories of ‘The Just King’ that now reigned over Camelot. Giving whatever he could to his citizens that needed it most, never turning anyone away who seeks shelter. Merlin had heard the same as everyone else. Seeing the King in person now, he was in awe.
“I will not endanger the lives of all who live here.” Tom turns back to Merlin with the lit torch.
Merlin held his breath, but the second Tom turned away from him, the King pulled his sword. It made the loveliest sound as it left the sheath.
The sound of salvation.
Tom had the tip of a majestic blade directed right at his throat, as the King spoke again.
“I said, cut him down.”
The look on the King’s face was one that could kill.
Merlin wondered momentarily why he cared so much.
Finally someone from the crowd stepped forward with a knife and began to cut away Merlin’s ties.
Hunith leapt forward and engulfed her son in a hug, while also somewhat holding his body upright.
He did not want to let go, considering he thought he would never get to hug his mother again. But the entire village was watching them.
As was-
“What is your name?”
It was phrased as a question but spoken like a command. Merlin knew it was directed at him without opening his eyes.
He did, reluctantly, release his mother and turn to the golden King, facing deep blue eyes head on. Never cowering.
“Merlin.”
The King must’ve seen something in him. Something every other person was blind to or chose to ignore, simply because he was a peasant. He took a step closer and Merlin could hear the tiny tink of metal pieces on his shining armor, as he did so.
“Well, Merlin.” He said, as if trying it out for himself. “Seeing as I’ve just given you your life, I’d like to ask a favor.”
Merlin’s curiosity was peaked, to say the least. King’s didn’t ask favors, they took whatever they wanted.
King Arthur did not wait for a reply to continue.
“I’m in need of assistance. And I could use someone with a gift like yours, specifically.”
Merlin narrowed his eyes in minuscule doubt. Doubt of intentions, doubt of his safety.
The King somehow knowing his exact thoughts said
“Of course you would be permitted to come back when you are needed. And when I have accomplished my goal, if you wish, you can leave. I will not keep anyone against their will. I am simply offering.” A small smile played on his mouth. Flush pink lips. He also held up his hands as if to say ‘I will not harm you’.
Merlin’s gut told him to follow this man.
Terrifyingly, his intuition told him to follow this man, practically a stranger, anywhere. Everywhere.
Merlin felt a pull he’s never felt before. In the moment, he assumed it was immense gratitude for saving his life.
Merlin turned to meet his mothers eyes, he already knew what she was going to tell him.
“I think it will be good for you. To get out for a while.” She smiles softly.
“Will you be alright?” He whispered, glancing at the crowd still gathered around an unlit pyre.
“I’ll be fine.” She grabbed him in a bear hug, like she always did. “And if they boot me out, I’ll come find you.”
Merlin sighed into her shoulder.
“Alright.”
When Merlin turned back, the King had turned his eyes to the ground, giving mother and son a moment of privacy.
Merlin was starting to warm to him already.
“Can I pack first?”
King Arthur met his gaze then, doing that half smile thing, again.
“I suppose.” He nodded. “But don’t dawdle we need to move if we want to make it back before sundown.”
“Yes, sire.” The title which usually held reverence and respect, was laced with sarcasm. He didn’t seem to think twice, as he strode away towards their hut to gather his things.
If Merlin had looked back, he would’ve found a fully beaming King looking after him and about six knights with faces of complete shock.
And perhaps, one knowing mother.
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larluce · 4 months
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Merlin traveling back in time to save Arthur AU but with a twist!!
Merlin makes it to the sidhes, bringing a barely breathing Arthur with him. As expected, they ask for a price and Merlin offers his life, ignoring Arthur's protests.
Sidhe1: You're inmortal you can't die
Sidhe2: And even if you could, killing you would mean killing magic itself, therefore killing the earth itself.
Merlin: (crying desperate) I don't care! Take what you need! My blood, my magic, anything! Just save him!
Sidhe1: (smiling evily) I might know just the thing.
They never tell him what are they going to take from him, but he agrees. The sidhes start the ritual, while Arthur just keeps pleading weakely
Merlin: (smiling) If I somehow don't come back-
Arthur: (crying) Stop! Merlin don't do this. Please!
Merlin: I just want you to know that I love you.
Before Arthur can answer the ritual ends and Merlin blacks out.
When he wakes up he is in his way to Camelot in his old clothes and 10 years younger. He soon discovers he's been brought back to the very first day he met Arthur. He's confused. Have the Sidhes taken from him years of his life as a price? It doesn't make sense to him, but he decides to take advantage of this to prevent some things from happening.
Time goes by and while, in general, all events are repeating, not everything is happening as he remembers. Some people arrive in his live early, like Lancelot or Gawain. And Arthur treats him better? Like he says thank you to him more often and listens to him more. Merlin thinks it’s weird, but brushes it off thinking it’s due to the changes he's been making that some things are not quite the same.
Then the day comes when he finally reveals his magic to Arthur. He cries and Arthur hugs him telling everything its okey. Nothing its going to happen to him. Shortly after however Arthur also has a confession.
Arthur: I already knew.
Merlin: What?! Since when?
Arthur: the very start.
Merlin: How? I've been careful! More careful than before!
Arthur: Because you told me before. Well, not really before, but in the future. It’s complicated.
Merlin: Wait... you are from the future too?!
They are both surprised. They thought they were alone in this and it turns out they never were. Merlin cries all over again, apologazing for everything, for failing him, for not being able to save him, but-
Arthur: You did.
Merlin: ... What?
Arthur: You did save me.
Merlin: No, the sidhes tricked me. They sent us back in time-
Arthur: It was not them who did that. It was me.
Merlin: What... what are you saying?
Turns out what the ritual really did was turn Merlin into a small tree in exchange for saving Arthur’s life. A magic tree that would grow taller and taller and never die and whose ruts would expand making magic florish in the earth forever. Arthur of course was really upset after that. He demanded the sidhes to turn Merlin back but they only told him "what's done it's done" and that all he could do was pick the tree up before the roots growed if he wanted to move it elsewhere.
Arthur put the tree in a pot and brought it back to Camelot. Everyone was devasted with the news but they were also glad their king was alive and safe. No one blamed him, but Arthur always blamed himself. He repealed the ban as soon as he could and made sure everyone knew Merlin's involvement in the battle and later the other things he find out Merlin did for Camelot through Gaius. He made an anual event and a statue in Merlin's honor. Camelot slowly but surely welcomed magic again and became the most prosperous kingdom in the land.
Merlin: Oh...I don't remember being a tree.
Arthur: Yeah, I figured.
Merlin: But you repealed the ban! That's great! Magic was free again in the-wait... so why did you do all this if everything was fine? And how did you do it?
Arthur: Everything was NOT fine Merlin. You weren't there!
Merlin: (utterly confused) I was. As a tree.
Arthur: You know what I mean! You were there but you weren't. We mourned you but you were still alive. I kept you in that pot for longer that I should have because I wanted to keep you close all the time, yet looking at you was so painful... Gwen had to scold me into finally plant you in the garden so you could grow properly. I was broken inside, while trying to rule a kingdom. I kingdom we should have ruled together from the start!
Merlin: ...
Merlin: You're telling me you somehow traveled us back in time and throw away the golden age, your dream of uniting all Albion and all you worked hard for... just because you missed me?
Arthur: And because I couldn't say it back.
Merlin: What?
Arthur: That I love you too.
NEXT PART OF THIS AU HERE -> PART 2
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emi-love · 10 months
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All I want in my merthur is Arthur to trust Merlin to toxic lengths and Merlin to never, ever misuse that trust. I want Arthur to be slapped with one hundred evidences against Merlin but not believe in Merlin’s fault because Merlin said he didn’t do it, and he actually didn’t. I want Arthur to not know but know about Merlin’s magic, and Merlin to know that Arthur knows but doesn’t know because he cannot know because Uther is the king. I want Arthur to have absolute faith at all times in Merlin, that Merlin is able to save him and his kingdom, and Merlin being unsure of himself, but never giving up, because he knows that Arthur trusts him, even if he cannot say it, because he doesn’t know, but knows, and Merlin cannot let him down.  
I want everyone around them to see how they constantly bicker and banter and have that thought that they hate one another, that they think each other stupid, but at the same time to know not to come between them, because you’ll be lost if you take Arthur away from Merlin, or Merlin away from Arthur. I want the nobles to think that Merlin is stupid and incompetent but treat him with kindness because they are scared of what Arthur will do to them if they dare disrespecting Merlin. I want bitter sorcerers once in the while come in with the plan to finish Arthur, but back away, because they recognise Emrys, the greatness of his power, and they are too afraid of what he would do to them if they attempted to hurt his king.  
I also want Arthur to be badass, and Merlin to have trust in Arthur’s badassery. I want Arthur to actually be the greatest king to ever live, not just some vaguely okay king with good intentions and pure heart, and I want Merlin to actually be the saviour of magic, not a cute twink manipulated by bitter dragon and a little corrupted physician. I want Arthur to actually be that skilled knight he always claims to be, not a one who can be defeated by that one random blonde sorceress with little to no effort, I want Merlin to actually know something about magic except for how to use it, not to being forced to run between Gaius and the dragon and Freya and Catha and the druids to find everything out.
I want them to be so epic and so unhealthy (but it's okay because they are that way only about each other and Arthur would never break Merlin’s faith and Merlin would never break Arthur’s trust) and so skilled (I'm still thinking about that one secret room full of magical books that was introduced in the episode with the goblin and then never brought up again- like why was Merlin not getting any education. like I mean, the spells are important part of magic, but there’s other stuff, too, that Merlin should know. Merlin should have received the same education Morgana did. like, Morgause had Morgana for a year and Gaius had Merlin for ten. why is that twink so confused. and we all know how eager Merlin is to learn magic stuff. Gaius had completely failed him) and I want Arthur to be a fucking high king and I want Merlin to be his court sorcerer and consort and most trusted advisor at the same time.
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echoesofcamelot · 6 months
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Do you ever stop and think about the absolute merthur bliss that Merlin season 1 is?
Seriously. Consider:
First we have the gayest first meeting in history with lines like 'Do you know how to walk on your knees?' and 'I could take you apart with one blow - I could take you apart with less than that.’ We end the first episode with Gaius referring to Arthur as Merlin's destiny: 'Your destiny is calling. You'd better find out what HE wants.'
Then in the second episode a dragon calls Arthur Merlin's other half: 'A half cannot truly hate that which makes it whole.' Soulmates alert!
3rd episode and the dragon calls them two sides of the same coin. Also Arthur says he can’t imagine giving up his life for someone because he hasn't found the right person to love. Which makes the events of episode 4 even more significant.
4th episode and they both try to die for each other. More than once. Also they are so soulmates that Merlin can see what Arthur is doing while he lays unconscious and sends a light to guide him while MOANING HIS NAME.
5th episode and Arthur is jealous of Lancelot because Merlin seems so enamoured with him but then he develops a crush on Lancelot too and tells him he needs him???? Merlin casually asks Gwen who she'd choose between Arthur and Lancelot like he has that very same dilemma.
Episode 7. Arthur shows some interest in a girl for the first time but only because he is under a spell. Merlin literally kills his love interest and then dives into a lake to save Arthur from drowning and holds him like he is the most precious thing in the world.
Episode 8. Merlin ponders leaving a child to die because he might kill Arthur when he grows up. He says that the boy dying would be bad, but the alternative (Arthur dying) is UNTHINKABLE.
Episode 9. Uther fucking Pendragon gives Merlin his blessing. 'There is a bond between us.' 'I'm glad. Look after him.' (They were so insane for this actually)
Episode 10. Arthur follows Merlin to his village and sleeps on the floor with him and asks questions about his childhood in the quiet of the dark. Merlin overhears Morgana telling Gwen about how much Arthur cares about Merlin. Merlin's mum tells him how obvious it is that Arthur likes him and tells him she has seen how much they need each other. So yeah she basically gives Arthur her blessing too :,)
Episode 11. They try to die for each other again. They literally argue about who is going to die for whom. Arthur wins and a curse is lifted thanks to the love he has in his heart. His love for Merlin saves the day!!!!
Episode 13. Surprise! Merlin tries to give his life for Arthur once more. 'His life is worth a hundred of mine.' He cradles Arthur's head in his lap while Gaius gives him the magic cure and then smiles and laughs filled with relief when he finds out Arthur will live even though that means he will die in his place. When Arthur recovers he says he has this feeling that someone is always watching over him and Uther tells him that he must have a guardian angel. Yes you've heard right they call MERLIN ARTHUR'S GUARDIAN ANGEL.
First season has no subtext it has bold underlined text and I love it SO MUCH.
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theroundbartable · 5 months
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Arthur: hmm... Hey Gwen. If I died, who would miss me more. You or Merlin?
Gwen: *no hesitation* Merlin
Arthur: eh ... Wow, thank you?
Gwen: I had a life before you. He didn't. If you die, he'll probably lose his will to live.
Arthur: that's... Gwen, wtf.
Gwen: *puts books down* I love you, Arthur, and of course I would be devastated too, but Merlin is my best friend and I know him well. He'd do anything to be by your side. His job, his apprenticeship with Gaius, his life... Everything he has, he has thanks to you, and is risking to keep you safe. I'm your wife and I love you. But don't forget that I can go back to be blacksmith or a servant if I must. As Queen, I can continue like this even without you, which is kind of the purpose of you marrying me and the reason why people were so against us. I have a purpose outside of being your wife. Merlin is your best friend first, your servant second, your physician third. If he loses you, he'll lose everything he is. It will destroy him.
Arthur: I-
Gwen: what I'm saying is, don't die. If not for my sake, and let's be honest, if you die, you'll probably leave everything to me so you can rest in peace, and you will use that as an excuse not to fight on, then keep fighting for HIS sake.
Arthur: ...
...........
Merlin: yeah. That sounds about right.
Arthur: Gwen is my WIFE. Even if it's true, she shouldn't say that, right? I mean, she makes it sound like ... Like I should have married you!
Merlin: ... No, I don't think that's what she's saying. To be married means to be equal to one another. You and Gwen have more in common than your love for each other. You both have a vision for Camelot and that's something that ties you together. I'm your servant. I was never anything else. And quite frankly, despite everything the dragon said, I don't care for anything else.
Arthur: ... you love me.
Merlin: yeah, so?
Arthur: ... That doesn't sound very healthy
Merlin: *snorts* Stop trying to die for me, and then we'll talk.
Arthur: I still love Gwen
Merlin: I never said you don't and I'd never expect that to change. She's much better for the kingdom too. I'm happy to be where I am, especially since you know about my magic and accepted that. I like how things are and I wouldn't change a thing.
Arthur: don't you want... More?
Merlin: more? More what? More assassination attempts so a have to save you again? No thanks.
Arthur: no, I mean. Relationship wise
Merlin: I think our friendship is intense enough as it is.
Arthur: gosh, Merlin! I'm asking you if you want it to be romantic!!!!
Merlin: .... You're relationship with Gwen is romantic and that's not more than what we have. As I said, I don't need us to change. I don't need anything to change. Except, please do not think about my life without you in it, because if we start that, I might go feral and destroy half the kingdom.
Arthur: ... I think you might need therapy.
Merlin: can I pay that off of taxes?
Bonus:
Gaius: so, you're here for therapy
Merlin: yes
Gaius: with, eh... The king
Arthur: yes
Gaius: what about Gwen?
Arthur: Gwen told me to wish you luck.
Gaius: ... Oh boi.
Gaius: ... Alright then. So... Why do you both, er... King and servant, need couple therapy exactly?
Arthur/Merlin: he keeps trying to DIE for me!!!!
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I Still Love You.
Okay, hi, yes, I am real, I do exist haha, anyway, I'm suffering in college but I miss writing for my cowboy so I'm gonna try to do some magic with this prompt from the lovely @photo1030 about our cowboy and us getting into a fight, the first fight, after they start dating.
SO
Let us start!
Warnings: Arguing obviously, swearing, Arthur feeling bad, you feeling bad, female reader, possibly 18+ themes. Modern Arthur AU
Definitely maybe projecting a little bit of myself into Y/N here but we aren't gonna mention that.
Also don't you dare make fun of me I haven't wrote much recently so my noggin doesn't work, all I know is homework
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You scoffed, continuing to wash the dishes in your sink as you listen to Arthur rambling on, trying to make you 'see reason' as he put it.
Usually you couldn't find a single thing wrong with Arthur. For the most part he was the perfect man. Of course, he had his flaws, as all humans do, but you guys had NEVER had a fight before, but lately...you couldn't help but fume at him.
He was just....You loved him, and you loved being around him and typically nothing about him bothered you but....
You couldn't help it.
He was just so damn...Stubborn! All the time!
No matter what, he always had to be right. Doesn't matter exactly what it's about, but he has to be right, even if it's something that YOU know more about.
"Jus' listen to me Darlin', it'll be so much easier for us to do this if we jus'-"
"I told you Arthur, that's not it, that's not gonna work!"
You sigh and turn around, leaning on the lip of the sink, your arms crossed as you look at him.
"You know, JUST as much as I do, that if we want to move in together at some point that we should invest in a place for BOTH of us, not just me moving in with you or you moving in with me."
"It'll save us money if you jus' move in with me-"
"And it'll save our relationship if I don't feel like I'm a visitor in a place that I didn't purchase. That's YOUR apartment, with YOUR decorations, YOUR pots and pans, YOUR shower curtains, EVERYTHING is yours, and even if I brought some of my stuff in, it's not MY place or OUR place-"
"So now our relationship needs savin'?"
He snorts and copies your body language, crossing his own arms as he stares down at you.
"You livin' with me, regardless as to if it's at your house or my apartment is the same as us buyin' a place together, and our relationship is just fine, it don't NEED savin'. At least I didn't think it did until ya said that."
"Oh my god, you are such a stubborn jackass."
You grind your teeth, standing up straight.
"It doesn't need saving, not YET. Arthur, a place of our own, together, would be better for the both of us, and you KNOW that."
"We would save much more money if we just moved in to one of the places we ALREADY own-"
"That wouldn't be OURS-"
"We would MAKE it OURS darlin'-"
"Arthur, why can't you understand-"
"Why can't YOU understand, I'm tryin' to save us money in the long run, money we can use to save up and buy a house later down the line, when we need one."
"Jesus, Arthur! How am I supposed to even move in with you in the first place when all you can do is try to prove you're right about everything all the damn time!"
You throw your hands up in defeat.
"You just have to always, always, always be right, don't you? You can't just understand or accept that someone else MIGHT be right!"
"You know damn well that ain't true!"
Arthur stands straight himself, putting his hands on his hips.
"I ain't tryin' to prove shit!,"
He pokes you in the chest, right under your collarbone
"I'm TRYIN' to make things easier on us! I'm tryin' to do somethin' good for the woman I love, but clearly you ain't very appreciative about it!"
"I would be, if you didn't always have to be so damn pushy, always 'oh well actually we should do this its smarter' shut UP Arthur, shut UP. It's not always your way or the highway!"
You smack his hand away, scowling at him as he shakes his hand and puts it back on his hip.
"You know how awful, how fucking stupid you make me feel, all the time!? Even when I'm RIGHT, you make me feel stupid because there's always some other way that we can do things that you always deem 'better'. What is it? You just don't like the fact that I can do things? That SOMETIMES, I have good ideas?"
"What? What the hell are you talkin' about?"
"You know what I'm talking about-"
"I don't!"
He groans in frustration and moves to your fridge, opening it to get a beer out.
"Oh, and you're gonna help yourself to my drinks too, right? That I paid for?"
"This ain't even yours! I bought these, I brought 'em over for me when I visit! You don't even like this brand, hell you drink them fuckin' fruity drinks, the what....the Smirnoff or whatever the fuck it is."
He pops the bottle cap off.
"'Sides, what's the matter? You ain't never been upset about sharin' with me before."
"It's not the point!"
You groan and move past him into the living room.
"The point is Arthur, you always have to be right. Always. You make me feel like an idiot. Even if I know something more than you. Hell you'd tell me I was wrong if I was talking about what I majored in, in college."
"Oh I would not-"
He states, following you into the living room.
"You just did it again! Just there!"
"I ain't doin' shit!"
"AND AGAIN!"
Arthur gives a huff and puts his drink down on the coffee table, pinching the bridge of his nose with his other hand.
"Look, Darlin', all I'm sayin' is, if we make a budget and live together at my place, or at yours, we can save up money, and EVENTUALLY get a place together. a NICE place. A GOOD place, that's big enough for us, and what I HOPE is eventually our family."
"Why can't we buy a place that's already a good place?"
"You have to have MONEY Y/N!"
Arthur closes his eyes briefly, and crosses his arms again.
"Christ, Y/N do you ever fucking listen?"
"Oh like you're any better-"
"I am!"
"Fuck you!"
"Fuck you!"
The two of you stare at one another, fuming, both of you clenching your jaws.
"Get out."
You murmur softly.
"Get out and go home."
"Really? You're gonna kick me out?"
"Yes, go!"
Arthur stares at you for a moment, and then moves around the couch and takes a seat, kicking his feet up on the coffee table after grabbing his beer.
"No. Not until we talk this through. I ain't lettin' either one of us walk away angry."
You angrily groan and turn away from him, going to your bedroom. You slam the door shut behind you and lock it.
You take the time to breathe, putting your hands through your hair, trying to keep yourself from being too angry.
You move to your bed and take a seat, letting yourself think.
Granted, yes, neither of you had been extremely awful to one another, but you had said some pretty mean things, and after sitting there for about twenty minutes you started to spiral.
That was a dick move of you. A dick move of him too but...what if....
You shouldn't have said anything like that to him, calling him a stubborn jackass, telling him to fuck off, you shouldn't have said those things.
You think it over more and more, and the longer you think about it, the guiltier you feel.
Accusing him of taking your food, when you always share your stuff with him anyway, intentionally starting a fight basically.
Its another ten minutes of thinking about how you'd yelled at him, and then you can't take it.
You unlock your door and come out to find Arthur still on the couch, his arms crossed as he looks up at you.
"You done throwin' a temper tantrum, Y/N?"
You go to speak and surprisingly you find yourself choked up.
"I'm...I...I'm sorry, Arthur I..."
You can feel yourself beginning to tear up and you try to wipe your eyes without it being too obvious, but Arthur was able to see it clearly.
"Woah, hey-"
He's quick to get up and move to you, taking your face in his hands.
"Whatchu cryin' for Darlin'? It ain't that big a deal, it's jus' a spat, that's all..."
He keeps his voice hushed, doing his best to try and soothe you.
You just can't help but feel...absurdly guilty, and all the sudden, worried.
"You aren't gonna run away from me, are you?"
You question, looking up at him.
"You aren't gonna leave me?"
"What? What on earth, no!"
He pulls you closer, bringing your head to his chest, wrapping an arm around your head.
"Jesus, Sweetheart no, I'm not leavin' you, it ain't that big a deal, it ain't that bad...it was just a little spat, an argument, couples have 'em all the time...."
He murmurs, and quietly kisses the top of your head.
"I shouldn't have called you a jackass, and I shouldn't have told you to fuck off, and I'm sorry-"
You ramble on, hugging yourself tightly to him.
"I'm really happy you want me to move in with you, I want to move in with you, I love you, I don't mean anything, I don't want you to back out of it, I don't wanna push you away-"
"Darlin', Y/N, please, calm down, okay, sit with me."
He gently guides you to the couch and sits with you, still holding you close to him.
"Sweetheart, I'm not breaking up with you, you haven't pushed me away, and you certainly aren't gonna cause me to back out."
He chuckles quietly and kisses your head again.
"It's just a little argument. That's all it is, that's it. It's nothin' to break us up over. Couples have fights all the time, it's alright."
"I know..."
You breathe out quietly, his voice was certainly soothing you.
Pulling away from him, you look up at him.
"I am sorry though, I am. I shouldn't have said those things....We should talk, seriously talk, take a minute, and CALMLY talk about the whole housing thing we want to do, I don't wanna argue about it anymore..."
"Sweetheart, it's okay, really it is."
He smiles and takes your hand.
"We can sit and talk, that's okay, but you don't have to apologize, I do. Alright? You're right, I tend to try and prove I'm right, and that ain't fair....So we'll talk, okay?"
He smiles at you, and he brushes some of your hair away from your face, looking you in the eyes as he does. That little smile of his is always enough to make your heart melt, and in this case it does plenty to soothe those worries that had so easily snuck up on you.
"Honey, it's alright...really, I mean that."
You nod and breathe quietly.
"I am still sorry Arthur."
"So am I, but I promise...nothing bad is gonna happen between us, okay, nothing."
He smiles.
"Well, good things will." He adds, and chuckles quietly. "We'll sit down and talk, and for tonight-"
He moves, and puts his finger under your chin, making you look up at him.
"I'm gonna take care of you, alright? I'm gonna make sure, you have a good time tonight, we'll have a movie night, and I will make dinner, you're favorite even."
You can't help but chuckle and lean in, kissing him softly.
"Thank you, thank you Arthur, I love you so much and I'm so...so sorry again."
"Stop sayin' sorry, okay? We're both idiots."
That makes you chuckle, and you lean your head against his shoulder, scooting closer.
It was a good feeling, knowing that if you had further arguments, which, you would, as couples do, you could work things out....that he wasn't going to abandon you.
He's a good man, and you...are good too.
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1: Magic is a Metaphor < 2: Morgana is a Lesbian < 3: Merlin is Gay > 4: Arthur is Bi
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Again with the whole metaphor thing, Merlin's entire character is about having to hide his identity and wishing that he could be free to be himself so that he wouldn't have to lie about how much Arthur means to him. So that's all very gay, but he's also just very queer-coded generally. There are so many jokes about him being more effeminate or wearing women's clothing, most notably in this episode where he dresses in full drag and then takes the opportunity to shamelessly flirt with Arthur. Unhinged.
Basically every other character seems to just assume that he's gay, at least towards the end, because Gaius and Arthur are in utter disbelief that Merlin would be 'seeing a girl'. And of course he isn't, he's actually sneaking around with that druid guy, leading Arthur to question how courting a girl would leave him 'walking with a limp.'
I also think it's very interesting how often Merlin has to pretend to be attracted to women to avoid people discovering his secret, like with Gwen in Series 1 or Morgana in Series 2. Or this scene, where Gwen and Merlin are the only people not affected by the Lamia's seduction charm and they're trying to figure out why. And Merlin says, 'it doesn't affect you because you're a woman'. And firstly, Gwen is like, 'so what?' So, bisexual queen. And then Merlin says, "it only affects men," and Gwen says, "so then why haven't you fallen under her spell?" And Merlin is just like, 'oh shit, I don't know. I can't think of any reason why I wouldn't be seduced by a woman.'
Now, you might be saying, "but Merlin is attracted to women! what about that one female love interest he had for literally one episode who immediately died?" Oh, you mean:
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I'm sorry to all of the Freylin shippers out there, but this was so clearly just the writers' last-ditch attempt to make Merlin straight. If you think about it, Freya also 'has magic' if you catch my drift, and that is the only thing that she and Merlin have in common, and the only thing that they talk about. And if you look at their dialogue out of context, it really doesn't seem like it's magic that they're talking about. It's just gay/lesbian solidarity. Also, never forget when Colin Morgan accidentally referred to Merlin's potential love interests as "him or her." So who else could he have been thinking of?
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Merlin definitely had a crush on Lancelot. From the moment that they first meet, he just keeps going on about, 'omg, isn't Lancelot so strong and brave and chivalrous? God, I hope he becomes a knight, he would look so good in a suit of armour.' And then he says to Gwen, completely unprompted, "so just for the sake of argument– Arthur or Lancelot?" Why are you thinking about that Merlin? Then that scene ends with Merlin and Lancelot getting drunk and stumbling home together and waking up the next morning having shared Merlin's single bed. So take from that what you will. I don't necessarily think that anything happened between them, not because I think Lancelot is straight, don't get it twisted, just because I think he's a fucking virgin.
But certified pansexual manwhore Gwaine on the other hand, oh they definitely fucked. And it's a very similar situation to Lancelot, Merlin's only flirting technique is just to find some buff guy who's just saved his life and be like, 'oh my god what can I possibly do to repay you? Maybe you could come back to my place and I could tend to your wounds and then we could go down to the tavern, have a few drinks'.
And it works. Merlin literally used his job as apprentice physician to the Knights of the Round Table as his own personal Grindr, and i love that for him. But, of course, these are just side hoes to Merlin's main bitch, Arthur.
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You can deny everything else that I've said, but you cannot deny that Merlin was in love with Arthur. And don't even try to say, 'but it's just because it was his destiny'. Because, yeah, like that's any less gay. They're two sides of the same coin, destined to be together, Merlin 'uses magic only for Arthur'. Come on.
Also, it's pretty clear that Merlin cares about Arthur more than he cares about his destiny, throughout the entire show. But it culminates in this scene in series five where, because of very contrived plot reasons, Arthur has to choose between legalizing magic and saving the life of Mordred. And Merlin convinces Arthur not to legalise magic so that he will let Mordred die. He literally enables the genocide of his own people and condemns himself to a lifetime of suffering just on the off chance that he can spend a bit more time with Arthur.
And if that isn't heartbreaking enough, of course, every action that Merlin makes only confirms Arthur's fate. And after he very platonically dies in Merlin's arms, as dudebros do, what does Merlin do? does he go back to Camelot and live a full happy heterosexual life? Of course not. No, he spends the next one and a half thousand years just waiting at Arthur's resting place, waiting for the day that Arthur will be resurrected and they can be together again. What the fuck kind of Greek tragedy, Achilles and Patroclus level shit is that? That is fucking gay.
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loverhymeswith · 9 months
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Let's Be Alone Together || Part One
Pairing: Tommy Shelby x F!Reader
Summary: Ever since Tommy swore an oath to your dying husband, you've been a part of the Shelby family. Two years have passed and the two of you are still weighed down by grief but perhaps you can find solace in one another's company.
Word Count: 1.2K
Warnings: ptsd, mention of death, implied drug use, language, not beta-read
A/N: My first Tommy fic after embarking on a rewatch of Peaky Blinders. If there's interest in this, I have more chapters in mind!
Part Two
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“Where the fuck is Tommy?”
Arthur Shelby’s commanding voice cuts through the buzz of chatter. Gradually, the small crowd gathered in The Garrison’s snug falls silent. Not as quickly as they would have done for Arthur’s younger brother, but he has their attention at least.
Glaring at the occupants of the private side room, the eldest Shelby brother takes another breath. “I said, where the fuck is-”
“We heard you the first time, Arthur,” Pol pauses her chain-smoking to interject. Even with the cigarette now resting between her painted fingers, her burgundy lips are pursed, displeasure evident in the fine lines of her face. “Shouting louder isn’t going to make him magically appear. Let’s just get on with it.”
Sitting quietly in the background - quite literally, you are tucked away in the corner of the room - it strikes you that they should have noticed earlier. The presence - or lack thereof - of the head of the Shelby family rarely goes unobserved. After all, Tommy is usually the one to call for council. For him to be missing, something must be wrong.
All eyes are fixed on the centre of the room as a discussion breaks out between Arthur and John on the merits of waiting for Tommy, so it’s easy for you to slip away. You’ve often wondered why you’re invited to these family meetings in the first place. A sense of duty to your late husband, perhaps? Ensuring you don’t feel left out? Or maybe it’s just their way of keeping an eye on you. 
Two years have passed since Tommy swore an oath to your dying husband as they fought side by side in the Somme, and still the Shelbys treat you as one of their own. Pol, the family’s matriarch with a temper to match the size of her heart; sweet Ada who treats you like the older sister she never had; Arthur and John - a pair of brothers watching out for you as you navigate your way through widowhood. 
And then there’s Tommy. 
Tommy, who delivered the news of your husband’s death in person and held you while you broke down. Tommy, who put a roof over your head and food on your table when you could no longer afford the cost of rent. Tommy, who gave you a job and a purpose and a family.
You owe a lot to the Shelbys, but none more so than Tommy.
It’s likely your imagination, but sometimes it feels as if he acts differently around you. Like he’s more open with you than he is with the others. Maybe it’s the loss the two of you share. The grief that, given half a chance, might have swallowed you whole had Tommy not saved you. 
But who is there to save him?
The streets are quiet at such a late hour, the rain having long since driven everyone inside so there’s no one around to witness your hurried approach to Tommy’s front door. You rap firmly, but you’re not surprised by the lack of response. Instead, you slip the spare key from your coat pocket. The one given to you for emergencies. The door opens with a soft creak.
Climbing the stairs, your heart races. The sweet scent of smoke fills your lungs and you hesitate at the bedroom door, suddenly fearful of what you might find on the other side. Tommy's habit isn’t quite the secret he’d like to think it is, but he’s usually so careful not to let it affect his business.
Upon entering the room, your eyes immediately fall to the bed. Tommy is stretched out across the mattress, but this is no peaceful slumber. Impossibly long, dark lashes kiss his pale skin as sweat beads across his creased brow. The muscle in his jaw works as his scarred fingers clutch at the rumpled white sheets. 
“Tommy,” you murmur softly, once, twice, three times until his eyelids twitch.
A familiar yet unnerving pair of bright blue eyes fly open and his hard gaze instantly meets your own, his chapped lips parting as he rasps your name. “What are you doing here?” 
Fighting off the instinct that makes you want to reach for him, you hold your position a few steps away. “You’re late for Arthur’s family meeting. They’re all waiting for you.”
In a flash, he’s sitting up, curses roughly spilling from his mouth. The movement startles you, not least because he’s dressed in only his undershirt and slacks, the sweat-dampened fabric clinging to his skin. He seems vulnerable like this - without the armour of his sharp suits, so perfectly tailored to the hard lines of his body. 
Of course, you’ve noticed him. Despite your history, you’re far from immune to his striking appearance. Thomas Shelby has both the look and will of a Greek God. Beautiful and damned.
When Tommy’s attention lands on the pipe discarded on the bedside table, the briefest flicker of shame mars his fine features but it’s gone just as quickly. With a soft groan he begins to straighten himself.
“Do you need anything?” You ask, averting your gaze. Without waiting for an answer, you add, “I won’t tell anyone.”
You raise your head in time to see his lips twitch but there’s no smile for you. Not today. “What would I do without you?”
Your cheeks grow warm and you turn away to fetch a damp washcloth from the adjoining bathroom. The weight of Tommy’s gaze follows you across the room. “I should be the one thanking you,” you call over the sound of the running water.
Tommy waits until you’re by his side again before replying. “I promised him I would take care of you, didn’t I?”
“I think you’ve already gone above and beyond.”
A beat of silence passes between you, not awkward but not quite comfortable either. The scent of the smoke is slowly dispersing but a heaviness lingers in the air. Searching for something to say to offset the tension growing in your chest, you perch on the edge of the bed and angle your body towards him. 
“They haunt me, too,” you murmur, offering him the washcloth. “The nightmares.” You might not have witnessed it first hand like Tommy, but at your steadfast request he had painted an unflinching picture of your husband’s final moments. Enough to ensure you plenty of sleepless nights.
Tommy’s piercing eyes search your face and you’d kill for an insight into what he’s thinking. To know what’s going on behind that unwavering stare. Despite your outstretched hand, he’s making no move to take the cloth from your hands. 
Tentatively inching closer, you reach out and press the cloth to Tommy’s brow. His eyes shutter, feather-like lashes brushing his delicate cheekbones. Only when you’re certain he’s not going to push you away do you continue, smoothing the cloth along his temple and down to his jaw, carefully erasing the evidence of his troubles.
When his skin is clean you move to pull away, but Tommy places his warm hand over yours, keeping your hand and the cloth pressed against his skin. 
“Does it help?” you wonder, almost breathlessly as you nod to the discarded pipe. Time might be ticking as the family waits but you find yourself in no hurry to return to The Garrison. 
“I used to think so,” he tells you, firmly holding your gaze. “But now, I’m not so sure. Now…” He trails off. Turning his head ever so slightly, Tommy tilts his jaw until his lips brush against the tips of your fingers.
“And now?” you prompt hoarsely, as his warm breath fans your skin.
“Now, I think it might be better to feel something rather than nothing at all.”
Taglist: @a-reader-and-a-writer @crysxtal
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pigfacedbitch · 8 months
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HIIII I'm a big fan of your work and I really love it your writing is amazing , this may be a weird request and if your uncomfortable you don't have to do it , it's fine I completely understand, so it's like merlin and Arthur and the reader and they are all soulmates and it's there first time meeting each other . Thank you in advance
Modern! Reader Gets Transported to Albion
idea : modern world! reader gets transported to Albion and meets Arthur and Merlin. unbeknownst to you and the prince of Camelot, the three of you are soulmates.
type : imagines
word count : 0.7k
pairing/s involved : Arthur x Reader, Merlin x Reader
warning/s : almost drowning, panicking
here is my masterlist!
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Note : MY FIRST REQUEST! Whoever you are, thank you for reading my works and I might've changed a little bit in your request. Also, I apologize that it took so long, school has been keeping me busy. I hope you like it! 😊
You've always been a fan of BBC Merlin so when you had the chance to take a trip to Europe, you did.
You went to all the locations where they filmed the series like Château de Pierrefonds and Chislehurst Caves. The last destination is where the Lake of Avalon is; Forest of Dean.
Luckily you are alone, giving you the chance to fully enjoy the beautiful sceneries and serene atmosphere.
It made you feel a deeper sense of nostalgia and melancholy— how the precious characters you loved dearly died and were 'buried' there.
With one last selfie, you were about to walk back to you car when you hear it. A faint voice, filled with sorrow and longing.
"(Y/N)... Save us."
It's coming from the lake.
Something glimmers on it's shore, a sapphire drop necklace with golden chain. When you attempt to pick it up, the world begins to spin.
Suddenly, you were underwater.
Panic builds in your chest not because you can't swim, but an unseen force seems to harshly pull you down no matter how hard you try to stay afloat.
"Help me! Please, someone—"
Air runs out from your lungs when a pair of bulky arms grabs your body and begins to swim you to safety.
"Don't worry, I got you."
I heard that voice before.
The stranger easily carries you to ground, draping a large cloak on your shivering body. Rubbing your eyes for better sight, you look up...
Bradley James?
"Are you alright?"
No. You're certain that Bradley doesn't look that young anymore, keeping up with his latest activities online.
"I told you to be careful, Arthur!"
Turning your head, you see Colin Morgan run towards the two of you with a worried expression on his face.
He looks younger too.
"Ah, Merlin. Fetch the horses, she might need medical attention. May I ask for you name, my lady?"
Arthur? Merlin? Wait... Oh my God.
Realization hits you hard when both men stare at you expectantly, waiting for your answer.
The way they speak, their clothes, their appearances... it's exactly the same in the show you binge-watch every Christmas season.
Am I in the show? That's not possible...right?
"W-Where are we?"
"Camelot."
Shit.
You expect someone to go 'You just got punked!'; that would've been better than two men (who you have a huge crush on) staring at you, confused.
You waited for a moment but nothing happens.
This is real. I'm actually in Albion.
Fear and anxiety creeps into your system, as many questions form in your head. Did I die? What's going on? What season is this? How can I ever get back?
Due to the overwhelming emotions, your breath shortens and keeled over.
Bradley, or Arthur (You have no idea anymore), quickly catches you and gently carries you to his horse.
"We must make haste!" was the last thing you heard before you blacked out.
Merlin, on the hand, knew this would happen. In fact, he dreams of you.
He sees you in vague images, like old memories— happily kissing his cheek, witnessing him use magic, encouraging him to do another trick, etc.
He already etched in his mind your pretty face, your melodious voice, your playful grin— everything about you.
Then Arthur shares the same experience, dreaming about a woman who's description mirrors yours.
Kilgharrah told him that the woman of their dreams will arrive soon from faraway land and will play significant role in the prophecy.
However, the dragon didn't specify how. He only said—
"(Y/N) is your soulmate, Emrys. She sees you and Arthur in a light no one else ever will."
Soulmates are uncommon, even for druids. Only a few were blessed, to have something so wholesome and pure.
So when he heard your cry for help, he is ecstatic. You have finally arrived. His soulmate... and Arthur's.
He wryly smiles at this. Funny how he shares, not only his destiny with the prat, but also you.
The trip to the castle was faster than they anticipated. Arthur told him to call Gaius and meet them in his bedroom.
It caught the attention of everyone. The prince carrying an unconscious woman in his private chambers will surely stir gossip.
But Arthur didn't care, and Merlin didn't know if he should be proud or worried.
The court physician said you are healthy, they only have to wait for you to wake up. He left to attend other matters; leaving the three of you alone.
"This is her." The prince laughs in disbelief, incognizant of what Merlin knows. "The girl in my dreams, I can't believe it!"
Merlin tries to hide his smirk, Arthur can be so adorable when he's clueless.
"Nor can I, sire."
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inalandofsadclowns · 3 months
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Aight, who wants to talk about the theoretically most optimal occasion for Merlin to come out about his magic to Arthur?
I'll go first: 1x10, Ealdor.
In the prior episodes Merlin was basically still getting to know Arthur. For eight episodes he was the brave and noble prince that Merlin had grown to respect, because Arthur apparently did not value his own life any higher than that of a servant, but who was also the son of Uther Pendragon. Arthur would save Merlin at any price, he got to learn that multiple times. But would he save a sorcerer? He couldn't know. (This question remained even when Arthur had lifted Merlin's sorcery allegations.)
But in 1x08 Arthur knowingly broke the law saving Mordred, a druid; he was in fact more devoted to the cause than Merlin himself.
For Merlin to reveal his secret he needs three prerequisites to exist:
To trust Arthur
The opportunity
To be prepared to leave Arthur forever
The Moment of Truth might just be the only episode where all these exist?
Let's look through these points one by one.
1.Merlin had been wanting for Arthur to know since forever. There's nothing he wants more desperately than to know if they're really, truly friends. Once he says to Will, he does trust him.
Will: Friends don't lord it over one another.
Merlin: He isn't like that.
Will: Really? Well, let's wait until the fighting begins and see who he sends in to die first. I guarantee you, it won't be him.
Merlin: I trust Arthur with my life.
And this gem here. The first time Merlin doesn't promise Hunith to keep Arthur in the dark.
Hunith: You can't let Arthur know about your gift.
Merlin: Why not? Maybe it's meant to be this way. And if he doesn't accept me for who I really am, then he's not the friend I hoped he was.
2. Opportunity. They have these several times throughout the series: fights for survival, heated arguments, quiet moments of vulnerability. There are several brilliant opportunities in this very episode.
The armor scene:
Merlin: Whatever happens out there today, please don't think any differently of me.
Arthur: I won't. It's alright to be scared, Merlin.
Merlin: That's not what I meant.
Arthur: What is it? If you've got something to say, now's the time to say it.
Oh. He tried. My boy tried, he was so close...My heart bleeds for him here.
Then, obviously, right after the battle.
Arthur: Wind like that doesn't just appear from nowhere. I know magic when I see it. One of you made that happen.
Merlin: Arthur...
Merlin just so manages to exhale Arthur's name with a so-so painful look in his eyes. Arthur knows what Merlin was about to say. Just for a moment, because Will gets shot saving Arthur.
He even tries to stop Will from taking the responsibility on his deathbed, even though Arthur knew, that the windstorm was conjured by one of them; if it wasn't Will, than that leaves only Merlin.
Will: Yeah, it was me. I'm the one that used the magic.
Merlin: Will, don't.
[Arthur looks at Merlin.]
3. The most important part. The greatest issue for Merlin has always been the threat of having to leave Arthur. But in this episode there is a cause just as important to him as Arthur - his village and his mother.
The first Merlin and Arthur exchange of the episode is Merlin saying goodbye to Arthur.
Merlin: It's been an honour serving you.
Arthur: You'll be coming back.
Merlin: Well, she's my mother. I have got to look after her before anyone else. You understand?
Then he was prepared to come clean for Ealdor's sake several times that day. Merlin is going to fight for his village, he's well prepared to use magic if needed - in front of Arthur, if needed, knowing full well that might be the last time they ever speak or meet. Whether Arthur forbids Merlin from returning to Camelot for Camelot's sake or Merlin's own sake, the result would be the same.
At the very end, even with his magic still a secret, he was going to stay in Ealdor with Hunith, had she not sent him after the others, so he really was prepared to part from Arthur.
[Arthur walks over to Morgana and Gwen. Hunith walks over to Merlin.]
Hunith: You better be going.
Merlin: I don't have to go.
Hunith: Yes, you do.
Merlin: If anything were to happen to you...
Hunith: I know where to find you. You have to go, Merlin. You belong at Arthur's side. I've seen how much he needs you. How much you need him. You're like two sides of the same coin.
That whole episode was Merlin attempting and failing to come out to Arthur.
After this, though, Merlin was too close to Arthur to ever consider prerequisite 3., other than in the form of dying for Arthur.
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larluce · 4 months
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Arthur travels back in time to save Merlin (from becoming a tree) AU
LINKS TO THE OTHER PARTS OF THIS AU HERE: PART 1 , PART2 (You're here) , PART 3
The king of Camelot goes to visit his magic tree before his next battle. This isn't new. He always visits it. But it will be the last time he does it.
Arthur: (caressing the bark of the tree with a hand)It's finally time. I'm sorry it took so long. (sighs) And I'm sorry I have to do this.
He knows he's being selfish. Camelot is better than ever, his people is happy and yet he's going to war, risking this era of peace. A war he knows he won't come back from. But it's necessary.
Gwen: (arriving) Arthur...
Arthur: I won't change my mind, Guinivere
Gwen: I know. I just want to understand. Arthur, why? The price is too high and the chance it might work too slim. And even if it does work, you are risking that everything you know, everything you built will never happen.
Arthur: It's a risk I'm willing to take. I can prevent so many things from happening, not only Merlin's fate, but Gawain's, Elyan's, Lancelot's-
Gwen: Don't pretend you're not doing this just for him, Arthur, I'm not a fool.
Arthur: ...
Gwen: He wouldn't want you to do this. And you know it.
Arthur: Yeah, well, he didn't care about what I wanted when he made that stupid deal.
It's been ten years since Merlin saved his life and was cursed to be a tree forever as a payback. He was now a majestic beautiful tree in the royal garden and the most valuable national treasure in Camelot due to its magical properties: It could give fruits with the ability to cure all ills and the most serious wounds, but also could give ones with the most letal poison. Its wood was the finest. Once it let some branches fall for its king before an important battle and the weapons that were made with them are still as good as new to this day. Though Arthur did his part, he knows Camelot probably would not have obtained the title of the greatest, richest and most prosperous kingdom if it weren't for his Merlin.
However, not everything was sunshine and rainbows. Like every treasure it was also coveted by everyone who wanted to use it for their own selfish purposes. Kingdoms envious of his power sent spies to try to steal its fruits, its branches and even to try to cut it down to leave Camelot defenseless. Others even tried to invade Camelot just to posses the magic tree, but Camelot's army was the strongest in all Albion so they never could and soon they stopped trying.
There was a time they almost got too close though. Once Arthur found a man holding an ax stuck deep in Merlin's trunk. He has gone so mad with fury, he almost beat the man to death if it weren't because his knights stopped him before he made the final blow. He was still livid after that, but he let Gwen handle the man's trial, because he knew he wouldn't be reasonable in the state he was in. In the end the man was sentenced to beheading. It was what the law decreed since touching the King's tree was by law an act of treason. The king who sent the spy had to make a public apology and give monetary compensation to avoid a war. Arthur did make sure the spy's head was cut of with his own ax though. Later, when he was alone with his tree, Arthur cried because he almost lost Merlin again. The king apologised to him over and over again between sobs and cried until he fell asleep at the tree's roots.
It was then when it hit him. One day he would die and there won't be anyone to protect Merlin from greedy people who will only use his power for their own gains. Merlin would be at his new owner's mercy and the one after that, and the one after that, forever without being able to do anything about it. The mere thought made Arthur sick to his stomach.
No, he won't allow that to happen.
Gwen: (with teary eyes) Aren't we happy?
Arthur: Don't say that. You have always made me happy.
Gwen: (laughs weakely) But he made you happier, didn't he?
Arthur: ...
Gwen: You never told me. Which were Merlin's last words.
Arthur: I love you... he said I love you.
Gwen: Oh... (smiles) I get it now. Alright I'll help you. Just promise me something.
Arthur: Anything.
Gwen: Don't feel bad if you can't prevent other people from dying. In fact, you don't have to do it. Just save Merlin.
Arthur: But-
Gwen: No, you have done so much for this kingdom and sacrifice so much. (cradling his face) You owe us nothing and you owe me nothing, alright? Just be happy.
They hugged each other tightly and they share their last kiss and I love you before Arthur finally went to bloodiest battle he'll ever had in his life. And, after killing 100 hundred enemy soldiers with his blade, the king of Camelot died at the early age of forty.
Later Percival and Leon retrieve the king's corpse and bring it before their queen who doesn't share a tear despite being broken inside. She orders for his late husband to be buried next to his tree instead of burned in a pyre, proclaming that's what the king would have wanted. The real reason however is more complex than that.
The night after the funeral, she secretly brings the druids her husband consorted for years to the royal garden for the ritual to be made. Before the tree, as was planned, is the Ancient Round Table of the Ancient Kings.
Druid1: A sword with the blood of 300 hundred man.
Gwen: (gives excalibur to him)
Druid2: Three dragon scales.
Percival: (gives them to her)
Druid3: And the corpse of a king. We have everything.
Leon: Will this really work?
Druid1: This ritual had only worked once in the times of the ancient kings and only because it was done by three of the most powerful sorcerers of that time. We are not that powerful.
Druid2: However, we have a great magic source (she points the tree). So it might work.
It worked! That's Arthur's first thought when he opens his eyes again and finds himself in his room 20 years younger.
....
HIII!! First of all I want to thank you all for giving the first post so much love! I was truly shocked because I didn't think the AU was that good, so I'm really glad you liked it. I hope this kind of sequel/prequel? was of your liking too.
I don't think I'm going to make this a full fic yet, but I can make snippets like this about this AU until then.
What else would like to see happening in this AU? Let me know in the comments or reblogs ;)
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an-entity-i-think · 1 year
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Sequel to "I Have A Secret"
When the magical creature finally dropped, everything paused for the tiniest of moments.
Well, paused for Merlin who had a small moment to breath in relief that he stopped the creature right before it was about to swipe Arthur with a fatal blow.
Sir Kay, on the other hand, who saw the incriminating golden eyes like everyone else in the small group, didn't pause at all, turned his body towards Merlin already preparing to swipe his sword.
"No!" Gwaine yells from too far away.
Ducking quickly, barely missing the sharp edge, Merlin doesn't even stutter before running to Arthur and then hiding behind him while breathing heavily as he stands back to back with the prince while curling his hands into the cloth of the blonde's breeches.
Arthur finally blinks and seems to unfreeze from where he'd stood since he'd almost been killed by the beast and then saved by his apparently magical manservant.
"Huh."
He surveys the situation.
Merlin has magic and is currently hiding behind him. Sir Leon is looking at them unsure, Sir Gwaine looks like he's ready to kill Sir Kay and also maybe him or Merlin by the way he keeps looking at them.
Feeling the trembling warmth pressed against his back, he very calmly lifts his sword.
"Gentleman. What seems to be the problem?"
He pointedly keeps his sword up in a way that can be used in any direction, but Sir Kay gives him an appalled look anyways, but Leon stares at him for a moment before nodding to himself and putting his sword down.
Sir Gwaine on the other hand, looks at Merlin in frantic worry, looking like he wants to start inching forward.
Arthur feels like Gwaine is probably safe but he doesn't know for sure, so he gives Gwaine a Look anyway which... obviously gives him a scathing glare back.
"Your Highness," Sir Kay looks at him with worry and Merlin (still behind him) with anger, "He's a sorcerer."
Everyone seems to hold their breath in front of him, but Arthur just looks at them for a few more seconds in blankness.
Did they think he just... didn't notice? He squints his eyes.
Looking side to side, Arthur just deadpans, "I mean... yeah. I thought that was pretty obvious with the golden eyes and yelling a spell two seconds ago."
Merlin snorts behind him. The hands still entwined with his breeches seem to loosen as Arthur feels the back against his own start breathing easier.
Arthur's lips try to trick upward, but he tries to keep them down.
Gwaine, still quite clearly running on adrenaline, looks back and forth between them before landing on Merlin, "Merls, are you sure you want to be standing there, right now?"
They both look at him with tilted heads.
Merlin hesitantly replies, "Um... yes?"
His hands squeeze for just a moment, making Arthur frown at Gwaine.
Gwaine, just squints his eyes, before pressing forward, "And you're not scared? You're okay?"
Blinking owlishly, "Uh. I mean. I was scared that Arthur was going to die? And I guess I was scared of Sir Kay for a second. But... I'm doing pretty good..." There's a small pause, "...How are you?"
Sir Leon lets out an uncharacteristic snort before covering his mouth as he tries to hold back a laugh to himself.
Gwaine sputters, "I meant scared of the Princess!"
They, again, both look at him in confusion, "Arthur? Why would I be scared of Arthur?"
Sir Kay and Gwaine both seem to bluster in the same way (for opposite reasons?)
"Cause he's the prince!"
"He's just Arthur."
Arthur makes an offended face, "I'm not JUST anything, Merlin!"
Merlin finally lets go so he can watch him as he smirks, "Oh yeah? What do you want to be instead of Arthur then? I guess if we count a few minutes ago, you can be a damsel in distress instead~"
Arthur looks back at him with a sputter, "You can't talk to me like that! I'll put you in the stocks!"
Merlin just smiles at him mischievously, "Oh of course, Sire. My apologies, Sire. Just maybe you should double check your next stew for vermin instead of bird."
"If you put rats in my stew one more time, I'll make you eat it."
"-oh, going on a diet, Sire? I've been telling you you need it..."
Arthur huffs to himself, putting one hand on his hip while pointing his sword to Merlin with his other, dramatically.
The others skip a breath.
Merlin just rolls his eyes with a bored look like it's happened a million times. (It has)
"I'm going to have the kitchens poison your next meal!"
"Not if I do yours first!"
"At least then I'll have a break from all your prattling!"
Merlin gasps in mock offense as he takes a staggering step back, "How dare you! What about the children?"
Arthur snorts so loud, he drops his sword as he covers his mouth wheezing as Merlin raises his arm in victory and grins like he won something.
"Who are the children?"
Sir Kay interrupts with a disbelieving huff, "Sire. Sorcerer. Against the law."
Arthur looks at him like he's stupid, even though he's the one who looks a little stupid still bent over trying to catch his breath, "It's just Merlin."
Gwaine and Leon share a laugh between themselves, now completely calm, used to the bickering.
"And besides, it's really on me. I didn't ask," Arthur shrugs like this makes complete sense to everyone. He goes to pick his sword back up, as Merlin nods and steps behind him to look over his shoulder with his hands entwined behind him.
Arthur pretends he doesn't miss the warmth, but the breath on his neck is a close second.
"Didn't ask what, Sire?" Leon asks curiously, as he and Gwaine seem to lean forward, even as Sir Kay stays stock still like he's rebooting.
Arthur looked up at him a little startled, "Oh. Merlin told me he had a secret ages ago. I just didn't ask, cause he didn't want me to."
"Wait wait wait- he told you he had a secret?" Gwaine guffaws.
Merlin steps forward to lean his chin on Arthur's shoulder as he wraps his arms around Arthur's waist, "Of course! I try to tell Arthur everything. He's my best friend!"
Arthur pretends he isn't blushing, as he hums noncommittally.
The other three trade glances.
Arthur just nods to himself, even as his free hand absentmindedly holds onto one of Merlin's wrists around his wait.
The other three raise their eyebrows.
"Anyways. Obviously, there will be no speaking of this to my Father." He looks up stern and serious for the first time in this entire conversation.
Leon and Gwaine nod happily, while Sir Kay takes a moment, before nodding reluctantly and murmuring to himself, "I'm repressing this as we speak."
Leon looks at Kay with interest, while Gwaine just watches in amusement as Arthur's blush comes crashing back when he visibly realizes he's been gently caressing Merlin's wrist unconsciously.
Merlin just looks at Gwaine's smirk over Arthur's shoulder, before squeezing Arthur's waist once and letting go to start walking beside him, vehemently trying to hide his own blush now, too.
Both of them start continuing their walk back to the citadel, looking away from each other, even as their arms brush against each other with how close they walk.
The other three follows them casually.
Sir Kay blinks, before turning to Leon with a whisper, "Did I miss something? What happened with the beast?"
Leon just looks at him unable to hide how impressed he is with the skill of Repression, making Sir Kay even more confused, belatedly answering the question, "...Prince Arthur killed the beast, of course."
Sir Kay just blinks, "Of course."
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specialagentlokitty · 6 months
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Arthur x reader - our secret
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Can you do Arthur with Merlin’s sister who also has magic and uses it to save him and he keeps her secret because he cares about her.🙃🙂 - @faithm120601 💜
Running through the hallways, you were cursing your brother out for making you do this.
You didn’t want to be a part of anything, but he made a good point of Arthur probably had no idea about the intruders, and that somebody had to warn him but it was too last.
Since Merlin could keep them back a little and use his magic without Arthur being there, he then left telling the prince of Camelot to you.
“Is everything alright (Y/N)?” Leon asked.
“Intruders at the front! Merlin trying to hold them off!” You called.
“What?!”
“Go! I’ll tell Prince Arthur!”
Leon nodded his head and ran in the direction you had just come from while you carried on your route.
You were close, just a few more hallways and you were be there.
Running around the final one, you stopped to take a few breaths, walking over to the doors where there were supposed to be guards.
But there were none and that put you on edge as you approached the large doors.
You could hear the signs of struggling, and you peaked through the gap in the door.
You could see anything, but you could tell there was a fight going on inside, so, cautiously you opened the door a bit more so you could slip in.
Arthur was in there, pinned to the wall, struggling to hold back the sword that was against his neck.
You didn’t know what to do, and in your panic of not wanting to let him die, you raised your hands, eyes turning gold as you whispered something under your breath.
You threw your hand to the side, and the attacker went flying on the floor.
Quickly you lowered your hand and hid yourself behind a cabinet.
“Who’s there?” Arthur called.
He looked around, but couldn’t see anybody.
He couldn’t search the room, he needed to deal with the attacker.
After a few moments you stood up.
“Sire, there’s been intruders, Sir Leon has been told and he has gone to my brother who is at the front of the castle with them.” You said.
Arthur looked at you, then the unconscious man on the floor.
“I think the warning came a bit too late.” He snapped slightly.
“I’m sorry, I came as fast as I could.”
Arthur sighed, shaking his head.
“It’s fine, who else has been told?”
“King Uther, as well as the other guards.” You explained.
Arthur slowly nodded his head, narrowing his eyes at you a little bit.
He carried on binding the man so he couldn’t break free, and began to slowly move around the room.
You watched him carefully, making sure that he was okay.
Seeing movement behind him you looked at it.
“Arthur behind you!”
He wasn’t going to be able to turn around quick enough, you saw that.
So, you did the one thing you’re good at.
Using your magic, you used it to throw a book at the man, and you quickly put your hands behind your back.
“You have magic?!” Arthur hissed.
You said nothing.
He marched over to you, standing right in front of you, sword still clutched tightly in his hands.
“Please don’t tell my brother… or Gaius…” you whispered.
He furrowed his brows.
“They don’t know?”
You sighed, looking at him, shaking your head a little bit.
“No, I knew what would happen to me if anybody found out, I never wanted to bring them into that. They know nothing of it.”
Arthur looked a little confused.
“You know what will happen to you but still you chose to use magic in front of me? Why?”
You gave Arthur a little smile.
“Because you’re the prince, it may not be my duty to protect you, but you were in danger. I would do it over again, between you dying to some intruders, and me being executed for using magic, I guess the choice is as simple as any.”
“You were the one behind the defence last week, aren’t you? Bandits suddenly disappear, what did you do with them?”
“I am, but they didn’t get hurt. I simply trapped them in a different part of the valley to you is all. Then scared them away.”
Arthur slowly nodded his head.
“Why will you not run away?”
“What’s the use? You already know, I knew what my fate would be when I made that choice sire, why run?”
He looked at you and you smiled at him.
“Please Sire, Merlin and Gaius may be confused, but don’t tell them. Tell them I left, I had to go home, I’ll write a note, it’ll be easier on them.”
Arthur sighed softly, nodding his head.
“Of course, I’m sorry it has to come to this.” He said quietly.
You smiled slightly.
“It’s okay.”
You both turned to the door as it was opened, and Uther came rushing in with some guards.
You bowed your head in respect, stepping away from the Prince.
You listened to them as they talk, but stayed lost in your own mind at the same time, not really taking the words in.
You were trying to think of what would happen to your brother, your best friend, you just wanted at least for him to be okay.
“You did this?”
You snapped out of your head, turning to the king, nodding your head.
“Yes sire, I did.”
He looked at you, walking closer.
“You brought down a fully grown man? How?”
You went to speak, but Arthur beat you too it.
“She threw the book! She has a good throw from what I saw.”
Uther turned to his son.
“Threw a book?”
Arthur quickly picked up the book you had used your magic on, and set it down on the cabinet.
“I see.”
Uther turned to you.
“In that case, thank you. I dread to think what would have happened if you hadn’t of come.”
“You needn’t thank me. I would do the same again if I had to.”
Uther smiled a little.
“That’s reassuring to hear, I will have these two taken out and guards placed at the door, more this time. Find somebody to clean this up.”
“I will do it Sire, I’m here already.”
He nodded and left, and you began to clear up the mess that had been made in the room.
After a few minutes when you were sure everybody was gone, you glanced up at Arthur who was just about to leave the room.
You decided not to bring it up there, so you waited.
Maybe he was still going to tell his father, but over the next few days nothing happened.
You found the Prince stood near some shelves, so you walked over, pretending to clean them.
“Sire?”
“Yes?”
Arthur turned to look at you.
“Why haven’t you told anybody?”
“Why would I?”
You glanced at him before turning away.
“You saved my life, I owe you that much to do the same to you at least. But you need to promise me no more.” He whispered.
You slowly shook your head.
“I can’t make that promise, I would do it again if I had to.”
“Then you risk being exposed, please, no more (Y/N)…”
You sighed, turning your attention to him.
“Okay…”
He smiled, looking around before he stepped closer.
“Thank you..”
With that, he brushed his hand against yours as he left with a little smile on his face, and you smiled as well, know at least for now everything was going to be okay.
But who knew what the future would bring
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wrecked-writer · 1 year
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Wild Sorcerer Merlin Au pt 1
Uther finds out about Merlin’s magic and he is to be executed
This is set around s2 or 3 so before evil Morgana
The gang ( Morgana, Gwen and Arthur) help Merlin escape but Merthur have a huge argument
“ I can’t believe you’ve lie to me all this time!” “I didn’t want to I just-!” “I don’t wanna hear it!”
In the end Merlin leaves with a bitter and sad relationship with Arthur
Arthur is inconsolable, his best friend and the man he loved trusted the most in the world lied to him! He is bitter and angry and so so sad.
The knights of the round table still come to be but Merlin’s role could never be replaced
Uther dies estranged from his children and Arthur takes the throne
Morgana’s dreams get so bad that she runs away to a Druid camp and is never seen from again
Years go by and not a single day has Arthur not thought of Merlin, even after his failed attempts at courting Gwen (she was always better off with Lancelot anyway)
One day while hunting they encounter a really bad and corrupted magic animal
They are losing the battle and as all hope is lost a magic burst comes in and saves them all
They’re injured and confused and scared but alive
A Druid finds them and after Arthur swears their safety, leads them to their camp where they are healed
Arthur watches the camp in wonder and is talked to by a Druid elder
She’s an ancient thing, skin so wrinkled with experience he can’t help but feel like a child in her presence
She is kind and patient
She talks to him of mundane things and he forgets for that moment that she is a Druid, someone raised with magic.
She hands him soup and warms it with magic. He wonders at that because never has he seen magic used for mundane and simple things
That prompts the knights to ask about that magic burst that saved their lives
“Was that magic you guys?”
The druids sit in a long silence before the old Druid lady comes up to them
“It must have been dear Emrys” “Emrys? Whose that?” “Oh my dears, who do you think has been protecting Camelot all these years?”
The druids then explain how Emrys has been protecting Camelot from several years now. They mention a few that they know of (the priestess Morgause being stopped several times) and talk of the many protection spells and wards that surround Camelot.
Arthur is confused and kinda terrified. Why would this Emrys protect Camelot, protect them, when they could be killed for even simple warming spells? What do they gain? Who are they?
The druids speak of Emrys’ power and how it keeps growing everyday.
“He visits sometimes, sometimes to set wards for us, sometimes to learn whatever spells we know, sometimes just for company. He’s a lonely boy, that one. The weight of the world on his shoulders and a horribly kind heart. You are fortunate to have him on your side.”
After dinner they rest and Arthur can’t help but think of Merlin and how he would react. He decides to finally lift the ban on magic.
They get back to Camelot and Arthur begins drafting the laws on magic use before lifting the ban
A few months go by and in that time Arthur notices the little sparks of magic protecting Camelot. He tries to make the laws as quick but as well as he could. He went to the Druids for help on what could be done to make more accurate laws on magic
He asks them on where to find Emrys, to thank him and ask for his help. And perhaps to add him to the court because someone whose been protecting Camelot so fiercely in spite of the dangers should be part of the council.
The Druids can only shake their heads sadly “He can only be found when he wants to be.” and leave it at that
Later Morgana comes back after about Arthur working to lift the band. Their reunion is bitter at first but when Morgana explains why she left they come an understanding with one another
She works together with him [and the roundtable] to lift the ban. When they ask her about Emrys she gives them a funny look.
“You don’t know?” “No, Morgan, we don’t. The Druids only say we’ll find him when he wants to be found”
She scoffs unbelievably “That blasted fool!” And storms out
No one sees her for almost a week before she comes barging back in the council room, dragging a cloaked figure by their cloth( who is clearly trying to remove her grip)
Arthur was angry with worry and demanded to know where she went.
“Where the bloody hell have you been!?” “First of all watch your tone when speaking to me. Second of all, i went ahead and got Emrys since you lot are too incompetent to do so” “…….THATS EMRYS!?”
They argue and bicker some more while Emrys struggles against Morgana’s grip, a misstep here leads to the cloak coming off
Arthur looks and practically swallows his tongue at who he sees.
It’s Merlin
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