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#best uther moment all the rest suck
arthursknight · 2 years
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we don't talk enough about how absolutely batshit insane uther was for making an unknown peasant boy who was literally just in his dungeons the day before arthur's manservant
like. yeah okay this boy saved arthur's life, sure, but he went straight from jail to being arthur's kept boy? like uther didn't even THINK before promoting him to THE MOST TRUSTED SERVANT to THE PRINCE
uther really took one look at merlin and then one look at arthur and said oh this will be fucking hilarious
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rainbowvamp · 3 years
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"Your Grace."
A royalty/knight AU. Merlin as a prince. Lancelot is a knight of Camelot. They fall in love because of course they do. :)
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The carriage he’s riding in bumps and drags through the streets of Camelot. Because he’s here as a prince, a visiting dignitary, he was asked to behave as a dignitary and ride inside the carriage, not on his own damn horse. Which made the ride entirely out of his control and fairly uncomfortable, and worst of all boring.
He could hear his father’s knights laughing and joking right up until they reached the gates of Camelot. He wasn’t jealous, per se, but he wished he could at least pretend he might be able to participate in the joking.
He couldn’t even entertain himself with magic because the carriage curtains were partly lace embellished and it might show through. That Ealdor allowed Magic openly was no secret in Camelot, but that the crown prince had it… that definitely was. And for the sake of certain trade negotiations, it was going to have to stay that way.
Merlin sighs with relief when the carriage finally stops and he hears himself being announced. Someone opens the door to his carriage and he puts on an air of princeliness that his mother would have been proud of as someone offers him a hand to help him step down.
The hand offered him is not the hand of one of his father’s men.
It’s the hand of a truly beautiful man, with dark brown eyes that look so earnest Merlin could’ve tripped over them. He did start to trip over his own feet, but the knight (and he must be a knight in that gorgeous Camelot red) quickly took Merlin’s waist in one hand to steady him.
Merlin might have looked gangly, but he was far from a waif of a damsel, so the feat required no small amount of strength. Merlin tried not to think about it too much, lest he become distracted.
“Your Grace,” the knight helped Merlin the rest of the way down (no more tripping) and bowed when he released Merlin’s hand. “I’m Sir Lancelot, knight of Camelot. It will be my honor to escort you during your visit. The king and the prince are unfortunately occupied with a trade deal that is taking much longer than anticipated. He had hoped to be done before your caravan arrived, but I’m sorry to say this was not the case.”
If Merlin were at home, he might have said something like, “Oh, great. Uther’s a nightmare.” Or better, “Arthur’s always been a prat anyway. I don’t send any regrets.”
But Merlin was here representing his father, his mother, and his kingdom. He’d do as was meant to be done, and he’d be amiable. “I understand. These things happen. I’m quite tired after the journey. Could you show me somewhere I might lay down for a minute?”
Truthfully, Merlin was a ball of energy, but he knew himself well enough to know that he was barely holding himself together, and a quick reprieve from society, with all doors shut and windows covered, would be the best thing he could do for himself right now.
“Of course. I can show you to your chambers. Prince Arthur offered the ones nearest his to you.”
Merlin tilted his head. “I was under the impression those were usually knight’s chambers.”
“They are, but certain improvements are being made to the guest areas of the castle. I promise you will not find them lacking.”
“I believe you.” Merlin didn’t, but he wasn’t going to make a scene. He hated that he was going to have to be close at all to Prince Prat. Why had his father sent him? What had been the point of this whole diplomatic visit? Merlin didn’t have any authority yet. It was just a cutesy show of alliance.
Or his Mother was trying to marry him off again while he was gone. It had only happened the once, and she’d promised it was an accident, but Merlin was skeptical.
“If you’ll follow me, Your Grace, I’ll show you to your rooms.”
“Yes, that would be great.” Lancelot offered Merlin his arm, and while usually Merlin would’ve refused…
Well, how could he refuse such a chivalrous knight. He put his hand in the crook of Lancelot’s elbow and was careful not to outwardly relish the contact. Even through the chainmail, Merlin could feel the sheer strength in Lancelot. It wasn’t at all unpleasant.
If her were home, he might’ve made a move to get Lancelot into his bed. But he was supposed to be amiable, so he settled for just smiling as Lancelot explained what new was being done to improve the castle’s fortitude and kept his mouth firmly shut about how it all sounded unnecessary.
“Here you are,” Lancelot opened the door to a chamber near Arthur’s. Merlin only knew it was Arthur’s because he’d been forced to take supper with the prince in them once while their parents discussed “private matters.” Whatever that had meant. It had been a stilted and awkward dinner, only barely saved by the grace of the Lady Morgana. “I hope you will find everything to your liking. If not, the servants have orders to bring you anything you might need to make your stay more comfortable.”
“Thank you,” Merlin walked into the chambers alone and… was actually impressed.
It was obvious the place had been very thoroughly cleaned, recently, and the drapery on the bed, the curtains, and the linens all looked incredibly beautiful. Well preserved or possibly even new. An obvious Camelot Red that looked much less fetching on bedding than it did on Sir Lancelot.
“Your grace,” Lancelot bowed and left Merlin to his rest.
He collapsed onto the bed as soon as the door was closed.
By the Gods, how was he going to make it through the week with this gorgeous knight around? Merlin was very glad this was only meant to be a short visit. Or maybe not so glad.
His servant came in a few minutes later with his things, and Merlin asked him to draw the curtains. Once the room was dark and he was alone, he pulled at the thread of magic that ran through his soul and muttered a simple spell to make the room glow.
The glow purposefully mimicked candlelight, ebbing in a way that would fool most people, but instead of fire light, the room was filled with magic that came from him and could be shaped into anything he desired. He made it a little bird and watched it flutter around the room for a while, letting the energy of maintaining the manifestation still him a bit. The bird’s flying became hopping around on the bed spread and then slowly it nestled down in the blankets to sleep, and Merlin, lulled by it, did the same.
Lancelot knocked thrice on the door to Prince Merlin’s chambers before entering. He had been asked to fetch him for dinner. Though that was usually a servant’s job, Lancelot didn’t hesitate to go up to the room that was usually his to retrieve the Prince.
He waited for an answer, but heard nothing. He checked the hall to see if any of Prince Merlin’s servants might be milling about, but had no such luck. He knocked again, louder this time. “Your Grace. Dinner is to be served soon, if you would like me to escort you?”
He still heard nothing. The Prince had mentioned that he was tired, and so perhaps it was possible the man was asleep. Lancelot tried the knob and found it unlocked. With no guard to be seen. Lancelot sucked his teeth and made a vow to either make the man lock his door to station a guard. The palace might be safe, and Merlin may have no enemies in Camelot to speak of, but it did seem like there was always at least one traitor within her walls. He’d hate for Merlin to be their victim.
“Your Grace,” Lancelot called again, entering the antechamber and closing the door to give them some privacy. “Are you here?”
It felt strange to walk into his own room like it wasn’t his. For the next week it wasn’t his, but he hadn’t been able to handle the idea of Merlin being put in a drafty room barely suitable for a card game, let alone sleeping for a week.
Arthur had been fine with it, but Arthur was not particularly hospitable. When Lancelot had offered up his own room instead, Arthur had only raised an eyebrow and waved his hand, which was as close to permission as he was going to get.
It wasn’t ideal to be making his way to the bedchambers of a prince unannounced, but if Merlin wasn’t there he’d have to start a search, and so really it was just practical. It had nothing to do with Lancelot’s own personal curiosity.
“Your Grace.” Lancelot poked his head around the bedchamber door and for a moment, he lost his breath.
Merlin was gorgeous, sleeping peacefully on top of the blankets, shoes not even removed, strangely, but that wasn’t what caught Lancelot’s breath. Sitting on the bed, nestled against Merlin’s chest, was a glowing orange bird, no bigger than a sparrow.
Oh shit.
Oh shit.
Lancelot started to back out of the chamber to knock again, louder, but Merlin was already stirring, and as soon as their eyes locked the bird vanished.
They stood there, in quiet, tense silence for several moments, both of them trying to think of what to say. Magic was outlawed in Camelot, and they both knew what Lancelot had seen. To his credit, Merlin didn’t look like he was about to attack him with said magic, so that was good. But the threat of what might be about to happen hung heavy in the air between them, stifling any possible conversation.
Merlin was the first to clear his throat. “Did you need something?”
Lancelot’s mouth opens and closes without him saying anything, but soon enough he finds his voice, clears his throat, and says, “Um, dinner is to be served soon. If you’d like to dress.”
Merlin looked down at his travel clothes, now slept in, and sighed. “I suppose I must.”
Lancelot nodded and closed the door to the bedchamber.
Oh shit.
“Fuck.” Merlin whispered to himself as he rifled through the chest of his clothes. Sir Lancelot might very well be running to tell the king about him right now. He searched his trunk for the clothes that he would usually wear to battle but then decided against them. He took a deep breath, elbow deep in fabric and necessities, and forced himself to shaky feet, grabbing the ensemble he’d planned to wear to the first dinner of his visit. He’d never needed mail or anything else to go into battle. He’d trained to fight in his royal clothes for exactly this reason. He’d at least take the chance that Lancelot was too stupid to know what he’d seen before he went out magic wielded. It was for the best.
He dressed quickly, even for being on his own, washing his face and hands, combing his hair and carefully adjusting the delicate his mother had given him specially for this visit. Why she’d felt such a need, Merlin would never know. Hunith was a strange woman, and only getting stranger, while Balinor seemed to be getting more callused. Still, he loved them, and all their eccentricities.
He felt luxurious in the deep blue and green dinner clothes, and that steadied him a little. If he was going to have to fight, at least he’d look good doing it.
And he had a dagger stashed on his person just in case.
He opened the door and found Lancelot standing a few feet away, turned away from him. Merlin kept his back straight and his gaze level as the man turned to face him.
“It’s been a while since I saw Camelot’s dining hall. I might need help getting there.” He could definitely have gotten there on his own, but he wanted to keep Lancelot close, just in case. It was always easier to hide using magic on someone when they were closer.
“Of course, Your Grace.” Lancelot extended his arm again, and Merlin decided to take it again. It kept his arm inconspicuously close to the opening of his coat, where he could reach in and grab his dagger if need be.
They made their way to the antechamber, but they stopped at the door. Merlin tensed at the way Lancelot didn’t reach for the handle.
“Your secret is safe with me.” Lancelot said, and Merlin started to pull away, but Lancelot held his hand at his elbow. “I swear it.”
Again, just like when they’d met, Lancelot has such earnest eyes, Merlin can’t help but believe him.
“I’m not a danger to anyone.” He swore in return, and Lancelot nodded, with a soft smile.
“I know. You did trip getting out of your carriage.” Lancelot’s little chuckle would’ve been cute if it hadn’t embarrassed Merlin so badly.
“I’d been riding for hours. My legs were unsteady.”
“I’m sure.” Lancelot reached for the door knob now and Merlin breathed a sigh of relief.
“Your secret is safe with me.”
And somehow, Merlin believed him.
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hiimsociallyawkward · 3 years
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the darkest hour pt 1
the destiny and chicken podcast is finally back so I finally started rewatching merlin season 4. so basically i'm just going to make a list of things that I thought about while watching
'rests on the shoulders of a young man'??? PLS BBC
the opening scene in camelot. i just love it so much. tbh i'm kind of in love with all the "inner working" stuff of working in the castle
ok also, is this the first appearance of merlin and his purple shirt????? i love it
HIM IN THE KITCHEN?? GWAINE AND PERCIVAL?? I LOVE THIS.
BRO. LANCELOT. FRICK THIS. I LOVE LANCELOT BUT ALSO JUST SANTIAGO IN GENERAL. I LOVE HIM. I'M GONNA BE SAD IN THE NEXT EPISODE
literally. merlin and arthur are so domestic. can they please no. bro bro bro i'm crying. AS;FDLKJF;ASLKD THERE'S A GIF THAT I'VE BEEN SEEING ON TUMBLR OF ARTHUR LOOKING BASHFUL ESQUE AND HE THROWS HIS QUILL DOWN AND I LOVE IT WHAT THE HECK PLS STOP I'M CRYING
gwen is absolutely perfect. how is angel coulby so pretty. also, her serving the king after everything she'd done to him. wow
morgana and morgause going to the isle of the bless 💀💀
FRICK. YOU. AGRAVAINE. I. D E S P I S E. YOU. PLS. DIE. ALREADY
omg the feast back in camelot. when merlin falls and lancelot is the one who runs after him??? and arthur ?? Idek what kind of reaction that's suppose to be. right off the bat it looks annoyed?? but it could also be 'oh i'm the prince, but also i'm worried that's merlin, jeez keep your composure man. come on now, overcompensate so no one knows how you're actually feeling'
again, it's only lancelot and gaius with merlin after he passes out.
merlin wrapped in a blanket like a little burrito is just 🥰 he's talking about the dorocha but still
also they mentioned samhain and i want to talk about but not here. anyways, i'll get back you to guys on this note.
MERLIN WAKING ARTHUR UP. stop that was so homely and i loved it.
when arthur is comforting the girl who came to camelot because her village was raided?? idk if raided is the right word but that's what i'm going with rn
oh haha when the gang rode out to the girl's village and we get jump scared by the chicken?? yes, yes i did get jump scared by the chicken
gwaine and his apples?? yes pls
i just kept on thinking that the dorocha kept reminding me of dementors. idk it's not exactly the same because dementors sort of suck your happiness and merlin couldn't use magic against the dorocha, but still idk i just felt connection vibes
literally angel is so pretty. and then gwen goes to check on the soldier despite SO MUCh danger?? i love her.
omg when gaius goes "no mortal has ever survived their touch" and i'm just thinking. MERLIN MERLIN MERLIN MERLIN MERLIN. anyways
alskfjalsjfa;sdlkfa when merlin and arthur are in arthur's chambers and the candle rolls away and they're pals. they're actually PALS. like they have some quips here and there but they're honest to god pals and not even arthur can deny that
'definitely not humorless' 'that's because you're not funny' PLS
when pervical saves those children and elyan saves them?? i love them all
ofc arthur is gonna sacrifice himself. freaking savior's complex. 'i love him though' to pieces.
UGHHH 'MY LADY' 'MY LORD' PLS. I ASDJFALSDJFALSDFJ
omg. i hate uther with everything that i am, but still arthur taking to his father and giving him a forehead kiss before he goes off to die?? and uther saying 'don't leave me" "please"??? come on. i'm crying
SLAK;FJSLAJF. idc if you ship merthur i sure as hell do but still. these moments between arthur and gwen and just *golden*. just this whole scene. i love them so much. i love arthur so much.
god this show. having the gang walk in slow mo?? pls spare me
FRICK MY LIFE. when arthur gave agravaine the seal it reminded me of the deleted scene where arthur gives merlin the seal and i just get MAD again that they cut it out. PLS
merlin's whole speech about dying for arthur. i mean, we all knew it was coming but still. and gaius. gaius sucks but still, merlin is practically his son at this point, and gaius just has to let him go and i'm crying
fricken hell the knights in their capes?? i can't handle that they look so noble omg
AHH GWEN AND LANCELOT. FIRST SANTIAGO LOOKS SO GOOD BUT LANCELOT'S SMILE WHEN HE SAYS HER NAME.
until the line where gwen goes 'will you grant me a favor' i completely forgot about this heart wrenching fic that I read. Die for you in secret by @emrysofmagic ?? dude your fic absolutely ripped me to SHREDS and i completely forgot about it until the one line and i PHYSICALLY screamed. good on you you're the best.
anyways. i'm dying at this. when lancelots says he'll protect arthur with his life and that gwen has his promise?? pls.
literally, any scene of just lance and merlin reminds of that fic now. whenever i see lancelot looking at merlin i just think he's pining and i'm crying.
god some of the scene are actually beautiful.
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LITERALLY
the knights all working together?? bros being bros
merlin using magic and then doing that little lip quirk half-smile at lancelot is just UGH
aw when merlin insists on getting firewood with arthur and arthur asking if merlin is the right person and merlin saying as if arthur knows what he's talking about when it coming to collecting firewood and the knights LAUGHING?? i love them
just the whole scene of merlin and arthur together
i would parse out individual pieces but tbh just the whole thing
i love it
i love them
the callback line where they think they might've 'gotten on' if things were different?? pls
TOGETHER?? STOP RN
oh god you knew this was coming
merlin throwing himself at the dorocha instead of arthur.
all of them running towards merlin
merlin's FACE
anyways. i'll be back tomorrow to rant more about the darkest hr pt 2 so i'll see you then!
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Watching (the Adventures of) Merlin season one on Netflix
Episode One: The Dragon's Call
. . . I feel like going to the capital of the kingdom indiscriminately slaughtering magic users wasn't the best idea.
Why? Well, that guy did just get executed.
And now his mom is mad. You tell that sorry excuse for a king, witch lady.
I don't like Uther, in case it was unclear.
Wait... if you could teleport why not just grab your son and ditch before he loses his head? Literally.
Oh, wow. Arthur is a dick.
Morgana. We have no choice but to stan tbh.
Dragon, you're really rubbing me the wrong way.
That's right Merlin! We need more than Because Destiny Says So!
Where did the spiderwebs come from? That sleeping spell gives me Sleeping Beauty vibes.
Ah, yes. The old drop-the- chandelier-on-the-villain trick. :(
If she went after Uther instead of Arthur I would have no complaints.
Manservant? You call that a reward for saving your son?
Episode Two: Valiant
Snake!Shield
Oh, he's gonna- Yup, dead. That's what happens when you deal with knights who cheat.
Where did that guy even get a magic shield in the first place?
Is there a thriving magic black market or something?
I love Guin.
. . . I feel like Sir Valiant didn't think this through. If bite marks are visible.
Ugh, you're the worst Uther.
It's only the second episode! Did you forget who saved your son already?
Stop being a jerk Arthur.
Lol. Merlin bringing a dog statue to life in order to practice for the Snake!Shield.
Bye Valiant!
Episode Three: The Mark of Nimueh
Whatcha up to with that egg, new witch lady?
You gonna poison the water of all of Camelot? Seems like a jerk move.
Dang that's a lot of dead bodies...
No, I like Guin's dad!
Yes! Cure him Merlin!
No! Stop arresting Guin, Uther!
You tell him, Morgana!
That plague monster that hatched from witch lady's egg is creepy.
Dead monster!
Arthur is kinda oblivious to Merlin's magic ngl.
Yay! Guin's free!
What do you know about witch lady Nimueh, Uther? Hmm? Why she want you dead? Besides the obvious reasons.
Episode Four: The Poisoned Chalice
Wow, Nimueh really doesn't like Merlin saving the day.
Wow, Nimueh really orchestrated an entire diplomatic incident in order to kill Merlin while also ensuring Camelot is destroyed by its neighbor. Impressive.
I really like Merlin and Guin's friendship.
Dang. Merlin really drank poison in order to save Arthur.
Merlin saved Arthur's life, Uther! Let him return the favor!
Oh, wow. Arthur really disobeyed his father in order to save Merlin's life.
I didn't know Merlin could cast spells while deathly delirious. And several miles away from him too.
Uther you b****! The antidote is right there! Let Arthur save his friend!
Putting your own son in a cell is such a jerk move.
At least Arthur and Guin manage to sneak the antidote to Merlin.
Quick aside: Internet spoilers say Uther needs to die for Arthur to complete his himbofication- I mean character development. So, if you could get on with that? Thanks!
Episode Five: Lancelot
Wow, that's a very CGI griffin.
Lancelot is so precious- Uh, I mean effective! Saving Merlin and all.
I know, Guin. I know.
Always thought it was a stupid rule to only let nobles be knights.
You're really going to commit magical forgery for someone you just met, Merlin?
I mean, Lancelot is earnest, hardworking, modest, kind despite his tragic backstory and it's his childhood dream to be a knight...
Yeah, I'd commit magical forgery too.
Lol, knocked you on your ass didn't he Arthur? (The second time at least)
I don't remember griffins being man-eaters!
Uther stop arresting people! Ugh, you're such a classist.
Let Lancelot help fight the griffin, Arthur! You need all the help you can get!
Well okay letting him go was nice of you.
Lancelot-Merlin tag team!
Wow. Lancelot really strode in with Camelot's singular braincell by figuring out Merlin has magic.
(The bar is low, okay.)
No, don't take away the braincell! Stay! The griffin was a team effort!
Okay, Lancelot's lawful good tendencies are a little annoying but, hey, nobody's perfect.
Episode Six: A Remedy to Cure All Ills
Edwin, no. Leave Morgana alone.
Oh, beetles! Curse beetles! That's not creepy at all.
Gaius how do you know Edwin?
What diabolical plot are you hatching Edwin? Oh, you're replacing Gaius in the royal court. That's kinda rude.
Merlin's so happy meeting another magic user that isn't trying to kill him (yet).
Le gasp! Uther's purge killed Edwin's parents? WhO cOuLd HaVe fOreSeEn tHis!?
But seriously. No wonder Edwin wants Uther dead.
I know Edwin blackmailed Gaius with exposing Merlin but he also wants to kill Uther!
That gives him a pass in my book.
Gaius no. Let Uther die.
Edwin stop trying to kill Gaius! You're going to-
Yup, here comes Merlin and-
Edwin's dead :(
Well he was trying to overthrow the kingdom. That's... bad... I guess.
Episode Seven: The Gates of Avalon
That title is misleading. It's more of a natural portal/magic lake type thing.
Arthur saves a father and daughter from bandits (Which they hired but shhh)
And they immediately try to put a love spell on Arthur
For human sacrifice purposes of course
Idk why the Sidhe want a human prince's soul -look at him, you don't know where he's been- but that's the price for readmission
I wonder how the dad killed one of his own kind? Was it an accident or...?
Exiling the daughter too makes me suspicious of Avalon's justice system
Evil laugh is a bit out of place for someone who is trying to restore his daughter's immortality
(They are so whiny about being mortal. Hey, we put up with it all the time!)
The fairy-like Sidhe moving in accelerated time so they just look like tiny orbs of light was an interesting touch. The blue faces and razor sharp teeth is not a good look for them, lol
They make Arthur ask to be married ('cause it takes a while for the love spell to go into full blown mind control or something)
Prompting Uther to threaten to kill both of them
(I feel like they didn't think this through)
Morgana admonishes Uther for being the worst
He replies that first love rarely lasts and that Arthur is inexperienced in such things. Plus that Arthur only met the girl yesterday
... I can't believe Uther is the voice of reason this episode
He doesn't get any points though. Due to the whole "threatening to execution his son's 'crush' " thing
The daughter is having second thoughts about using Arthur as a human sacrifice
Dear old dad puts those to rest and they try drowning Arthur in the lake that is/is the portal to, Avalon
Merlin's really leaning into the whole "Cool motive. Still murder.", thing huh?
Like, he did NOT hesitate to blow up both of them
Episode Eight: The Beginning of the End
Why do magic users keep going to Camelot!? The king is trying to KILL YOU!
Wow, this grown ass man is threatened by a literal child... I hate Uther so much
Morgana is the MVP of this episode. I love her
Protect that druid kid!
I feel like you're being paranoid Uther
You tell him Morgana!
Dragon, no. Stop prophesying death and destruction.
Wow, this grown ass dragon is threatened by a literal child...
Aaaand Morgana got caught sneaking the kid out of the city :(
Uther she is your adopted daughter! Stop putting people in cells!
Arthur is gonna sneak him out now?
While Morgana distracts the king?
Yes, excellent. What could possibly-
Merlin stop listening to that destiny dragon! Hearing his voice in your head is no basis for trust!
Cutting it close... Yay! They made it!
Mordred!? MORDRED!?
THAT little boy is Mordred!?
... Okay, I'm more inclined to believe the destiny dragon now
Still think letting him die would be a dick move
Episode Nine: Excalibur
What're you up to with that tomb Nimueh?
Oh! It's some kind of undead knight. Yes.
Throwing down the gauntlet. Pfft! Always thought that was a stupid idea.
Also: that Black Knight literally crashed your party!
Ugh, knights.
Nimueh if you can just teleport into the heart of Camelot while Uther is alone why don't you just stab him? Grab one of those pointy things he likes so much and stab him in the back. Easy peasy!
Stealing this joke but Don't do evil magic kids. It fries your brain cells.
Wait, the Black Knight is Uther's brother-in-law!?
Arthur's mother died in childbirth!?
Uther asked Nimueh to use her magic so he could have Arthur!?
Equivalent Exchange!?
Uther went on a genocidal rampage because he didn't bother with the instruction manual of ancient and powerful magic!?
Actually, that last one is not surprising at all.
I can't believe they're using the Wife in the Fridge trope. That appliance hasn't even been invented yet!
Ooh, Merlin's going to use his magic to destroy the Black Knight so Arthur doesn't have to fight him
As he's killed two knights already
Aaaaand, yup, he's still there. His cloak didn't even catch fire...
Arthur stop being a bastard. It doesn't suit you
Dragon forged sword! DRAGON FORGED SWORD!
Only Arthur can wield it. Yup, got it. How could this possibly go wrong?
Uther drugged Arthur and took his place in the fight... I have mixed feelings about this.
Wait, the dragon was very specific about only Arthur using that super special sword! Oh, snap.
Well at least the Black Knight is dead. Again.
Oh, dragon is not happy.
I know the dragon said "where no mortal soul could find it" but are you sure you wanna throw it into Avalon, Merlin?
Those people were gonna suck Arthur's soul out of his body
Episode Ten: The Moment of Truth
The way this episode title just lies to your face like that...
Oh, you're Merlin's mother! Thought we had an anime protagonists type thing going on
I... would like to say Uther is being unreasonable when he decides not to cross borders to get rid of some bandits. But I can totally see everyone hating him so that's a no go.
Lady, you were in a whole different kingdom. Why for the love of Merlin did you send him to Camelot!?
We're off to save the village! Morgana and Guin are coming too!
A wild Arthur appears!
Morgana better at swordplay than Arthur confirmed!
Merlin! I didn't know you had friends!
Granted he's a bit rough around the edges but
Okay. If it were literally anyone else besides Arthur. I'd say he was right about lords and knights being useless snobs.
Actually. He's right about lords and knights being useless snobs. Ah, that felt great.
Wow, the homosexual subtext is strong with this one.
The girls can tell Arthur came for Merlin.
But get your foot out of his face! I don't care how royal it is!
Look at Guin over here calling out Arthur for being a dick
And talking him into letting the women fight. She's on a roll
Aw, Merlin's friend died. :(
And he took credit for Merlin's tornado (so Arthur wouldn't find out about Merlin's magic)
Episode Eleven: The Labyrinth of Gedref
Lol, that unicorn could use a haircut.
No, Arthur. I said a haircut not an arrow to the chest!
Bad things? What kind of bad things Gaius?
Uther what's the point of having an expert in magical lore if you're not going to listen to him!
And all the crops are dead. Fantastic.
I know it's a magic thing but stating outright that the blight only targets edible plants is still really unsettling.
And the water's turned to sand. Great.
Who're you and how come Merlin is the only magic user that can't teleport?
What kind of tests mister Keeper of the Unicorns, sir?
Arthur I know you don't want to believe it's your fault... But it's totally your fault.
Uther no. People are starving.
You tell him Arthur.
Oh, the "theif" was a test!
Aaaaand he failed the second one. :(
Merlin's got a lot of faith in Arthur.
It's interesting how the Keeper can only direct the curse caused by the unicorn's death. Or rather the trials surrounding the curse, but can't break it himself.
Unicorns have some powerful magic.
The Labyrinth was barely on screen for five minutes! Surely something with Unicorn in the title would be more appropriate?
Arthur drinking a poisoned cup so Merlin could live?
That's some strong parallels right there.
The Keeper of the Unicorns is such a troll! Sleeping potion, hah!
The day is saved, Arthur lies to Uther's face about killing the Keeper and the unicorn resurrects itself.
Still needs a haircut though.
Episode Twelve: To Kill the King
Whatcha up to Guin's dad?
Oh that guy isn't suspicious at all.
You didn't think it was shady when he asked to meet in the middle of the night!?
Philosopher's Stone!?
Wow, the guards found him quickly.
What- No! Don't arrest Guin's dad!
Uther, he's a blacksmith! Stop being paranoid!
Will you stop executing people!? That inn keeper didn't know that guy was a dangerous sorcerer!
No, nononononono! He surrendered! Why did you do that!? Guin's father was important to Morgana!
That's why she gave him the key!
Dragon has his priorities straight.
Shut up, Merlin. You literally blew up a father and daughter for trying to kill one(1) person. (No really, you could see their hands flying off.)
Morgana deserves a little murder. As a treat.
Yes! Get him! Kill the bastard!
No! Why would you make GUIN say that!? Who are you and what have you done with Guin!?🔪🔪
UGH, he literally committed genocide!
The "that would make me as bad as he is" DOES NOT APPLY!
What- Oh, he still has the fairy's staff.
No. Stop it! Let Uther die!
Oh, God, Uther is such an abusive piece of GARBAGE!
Stop! Don't fall for it Morgana!
*sees dagger being pushed closer to Uther's "heart"* Yes! Yes! YES!
*Morgana saves him* NO!
NO!
NOOOOOO!
*inarticulate ranting in the background*
Episode Thirteen:
Okay, the cgi might be getting a little better 'cause the Questing Beast is freaky
Old religion? What is that? And how come it's conveniently absent from the previous episodes?
Dang, they really here just casually gaslighting Morgana like that 😡
Merlin you know Morgana has visions! You couldn't have been a little more careful? She warned you. Now look at Arthur, he's got the heroic death disease
Granted that thing does seem like a handful
Why do you only act like a father when it's a matter of life and death? Why can't you be a father literally any other time!?
"The old religion is the magic of the Earth itself."
Well that sounds fascinating, dragon. Are you going to elaborate? No? Later then?
Soooooo, is the old religion actually a religion or is it a magic? It's really unclear...
"You will be a better king than your father could ever hope to be." Guin, you're back!
I expected a place called the Isle of the Blessed to be less... creepy
Nimueh! Whatcha up to girl? Plotting the demise of a kingdom? Not today it seems
Oh there some Equivalent Exchange type nonsense going on is there?
Arthur you were supposed to be in a coma not listening to Guin!
Oh. Oh, no.
Merlin saying goodbye as he prepares to trade his life for his mother's is 😢😭
Wow, that dragon really knew Nimueh would give Merlin's mother the curse and didn't say anything. The little b*****!
No wonder Merlin's mad at him. Stop breathing fire at him! It's your own fault!
Gaius, no! Not the dead mentor trope!
"You stood by and watched as our friends died." Damn, Nimueh isn't pulling her punches.
Merlin vs Nimueh! Ready? Fight!
Anime protagonist power up! Dang, Nimueh's dead... I feel like that wasn't supposed to happen.
At least no one else is dying. Since Nimueh's death appeased the Equivalent Exchange laws of the old religion.
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goose-juice · 3 years
Text
After his eyes closed (1/?)
Arthur’s eyes closed and his world ended. He could feel it in every nerve of his body. His chest was cold and tight and he couldn’t suck in a single breath. He was left fumbling with Arthurs limp body, the cold armor brushing against his skin and the weight of him against his chest never felt heavier. Full sobs were wracking his body and as the minutes grew longer he held on tighter to Arthur. He couldn’t let him slip away. 
He couldn’t.
He’s spent what felt like his whole life with this idiot. This brave, loyal, strong idiot. He couldn’t be gone. 
He slammed his hand down on the earth below him. He couldn’t see straight through all the tears and he couldn't think and he couldn’t breathe and everything was too much. He needed to throw something. He needed to punch someone. He needed to run into the lake and swim till his body couldn’t function and he sunk like a rock. He slammed his hand down onto the dirt again. 
He wanted things to go back. He just needed another chance. Arthur needed another chance. He hugged Arthur even closer to his chest. He would give everything for him to reach his arms up and pry Merlin off of him. Why couldn’t he have that. 
He slammed his hand down again with his eyes closed tight. He needed to fix this. He had to fix this. 
He slammed his hand down again and again and then he felt someone tug on Arthur. Honest to god tug on him. He would not let anyone take him away. How dare they. He would fix this. He held on tight with both his arms and then he heard the most beautiful thing he had ever heard in his goddamn life. A coughing fit. His arms slacked and he blinked through the water in his eyes. 
“Arthur?” 
“Mer-,” Arthur paused to cough again, his voice audibly scratchy, “Merlin?”
 Merlin, who had finally cleared his eyes enough to see, looked at his friend's face. The man who he was positive just died in his arms. He saw it happen. He knew that he saw his face slacken. Heard his breathing stop. Felt his skin slowly grow icy and his body grow heavy.
But here he is looking up at him with open confusion. 
All Merlin could do was stare at his friends' suddenly healthy and lively face and be dumbfounded. His skin was flushed a healthy pink rather than tinted with blue. He brought his hand down and lifted up the layers of chainmail and fabric on Arthurs chest to reveal the bloody bandages, but the skin was smooth and slowly rising up and down in time with Arthur’s breathing. Merlin's hand traced the skin where the wound should be and he could feel his friend’s eyes boring into his skull. 
He rested his hand on Arthurs chest and looked him dead in the eye. 
“You’re alive.”
The returning smile was blinding. 
“How’d you do it?”
“I, um, I don’t think I did?” Merlin answered honestly, he automatically moved his hand to scratch the back of his head, but paused when he realized that would mean he would stop holding Arthur. He was not ready to do that yet. Or ever. 
“Merlin,” Arthur said, his voice much harder and expectant, drawing out the r in a very familiar way that made Merlin’s chest loosen a bit more. 
“No really, I didn’t do anything! You just- you just died and then you were very much not dead. Are very much not dead. I’ve just been sitting here!” 
Arthur rolled his eyes, “Useful as ever then.” The king still held tight in his arms, brought his hand up and nudged Merlin’s fingers to the side to feel what should be an openly bleeding wound. “How’d you explain this then? I thought you couldn’t heal a wound that was made by a dragon sword. That’s why we were going to the lake.”
“Forged in a dragon’s breath,” Merlin corrected. “I can’t. No one can, even this trip was a shot in the dark.”
Arthur flopped his head back onto Merlin’s chest and made a noise of exasperation. Then there was a moment of silence where Merlin finally took a full breath, he hadn’t been able to breathe properly for days. No, weeks. He thought he might just pass out from the weight lifted off of him. Arthur was alive, everything would be okay. 
“Morgana is dead,” he said in a soft voice, almost quiet enough for the wind to carry it away. 
“Yeah. She is,” Arthur responded in the same tone, Arthur cleared his throat and picked himself off of Merlin. Merlin moved to help him stand, but instead found a hand reaching down to help him up. He stared at the outstretched hand then at Arthur’s face, framed with the warm light of the slowly rising sun before he took him in a firm grasp and pulled himself off the ground. 
“You’re really okay then? You feel fine? No dizziness? Tired at all?” 
Arthur took a moment to look down at himself, apparently just as surprised as Merlin. “I feel fine. Actually no, I feel great.” Merlin could only stare in wonder as Arthur started to stretch himself, arching his back, rolling his neck and shoulders until he paused. Arthur rolled his right shoulder again, slowly and deliberately.
“Arthur?”
“My shoulder, it feels great.” He dropped his hand down and felt along the side of his thigh. “And my leg.” 
Arthur reached to start undoing his armor and Merlin stepped forward to help him, automatically brushing his king’s hands aside, and Arthur easily let him. Once he slipped off the chainmail, Arthur pulled off his red tunic and traced his fingers over where there should be a shiny white line. A silly mistake years ago, the sword sunk about an inch into the meat of his shoulder before another knight kicked the bandit away. Took months to heal properly and he can still feel it stretch with every swing. 
“Merlin. What did you do?” He searched his arms and torso and found none of the scars of a battle worn king. The only mark was a small sliver of white on his forearm. You couldn’t even see it if you weren’t looking. It was when he and Morgana were little and Arthur had helped her learn the beginnings of swordsmanship. They did it in the dead of night so Uther wouldn’t find out. Morgana had accidentally swiped him with a dagger and he cried all the way to Gaius’ chambers. 
“Arthur. I swear I didn’t do whatever this is.” Merlin grabbed onto Arthur’s arms and looked him in the eye. His face was resolute, he had something to say, but hesitant on the same time, like he was terrified of the response. When he spoke, his voice was steady. “Arthur. I am sick of lying to you. I hate it. You are my best friend, and I- we’ve been given this second chance. I don’t deserve it, but I need you to hear this. I need you to know that I will never lie to you again. I’d sooner die. I swear.”
Arthur looked at him. Searched his eyes. Agravaine told him he would never lie to him, said he was his most trusted. His father lied to him everyday of his life about Morgana and his mother, not even in death did his father tell him the truth. Mordred swore an oath to him, pledged his allegiance to Camelot and to him, and then he stabbed him through the chest. Morgana was his sister, they grew up together, he taught her how to ride a horse and how to swing a sword and he let her destroy him. So, when he looked into Merlin’s eyes, the man who had lied to him from the day they first met. The man who deceived him countless times. Merlin, who could probably kill him in seconds flat if he wanted. The man who he had rode into battle with, who he trusted with his life. The man who he ate with and rode horses with everyday for years, who tripped over his own feet when he had to carry more than two things. The man who would give everything for him and proven it time and time again.
He looked into this man’s eyes and he said, “Okay.”
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Text
Redemption, My Love
Chapter 10: Soot
Explicit
Lancewain (Cursed tv 2020)
Cross posted to AO3 check there for complete list of tags.
Cw for this chapter anxiety/panic attacks.
This is where I'd put a "read more" link if mobil wasn't such a ....
PYM pov
Pym sits up, her back stiff as she stretches her arms out above her head with a yawn. Her unkempt red braid falls over her shoulder with the movement. She hadn’t meant to fall asleep. It is her turn to be keeping watch over Nimue until she wakes up while Arthur and the council including Merlin (somehow, she still isn’t clear on that) and Morgana figure out what their next step is now that they’ve got the Fey off the open shores of the beach and into a ruined town near a cave system in the woods. For now it's the best they have and she will take it. Not all of the buildings burned; it looks more like the village was abandoned before the paladins ever got to it. There are supplies and, though they are limited, it's an improvement over what they had. There are enough houses standing that between them and the caves, everyone has a roof of sorts over their heads. It's better than they have had in a long while. The gardens and nearby fields, though unkempt and unattended, have meager growth, enough to feed their people for two or three weeks if they ration and are lucky.
Blinking open her eyes, she gasps and falls backwards out of her chair in surprise, as she sees Yevas large eyes staring at her from across the bed. It clatters to the ground and Nimue moans. Yeva hoots out a laugh and shakes her head as Pym climbs to her feet and looks at her friend and rubs the soreness from her backside. She brushes away stray strands of hair while Nimue's eyelashes flutter against her face. She happily notes the fever is gone, and smiles.
“Her fever has broken Yeva.” She states, voice light with awe and looks up at the Moonwing.
“Good. Now she needs to wake up. The infection is still inside her. When she does, make her drink the tea we made for the others. Change her bandages and come find me. There is more work to be done. Others who are sick and injured.”
She nods resolutely and watches as the woman leaves. It’s strange working with her. She’s strict and direct, and yet, she is a healer, an elder of the Fey, not only her own tribe but all of them. Gentle with her hands, wise, and knowledgeable even when she seems unapproachable. And she is taking the time to teach Pym. She can only hope to do well, to learn what the woman can teach her. To help, and maybe one day, lead in the way that Yeva, Cora, and Polly do.
Getting to her feet, she walks to the small table under the window and checks that the water is still hot, that her supplies are in order, and then she walks to the other side of the room and opens tattered window shutters. Crisp air blows into the room raising clouds of dust to reflect the sun's rays. It’s nearly noon, and Pym smiles as she watches a few children run through the streets. It looks like they’ve just come home from a long journey, not like they are refugees moving through the countryside, starving, sick, and dying. Letting out a long sigh, she remembers when she and Nimue used to do that, remembers Gawain chasing them through the crowds, and them doing the same to Squirrel and some of the others. The tears come unbidden to her eyes and fall without her consent as she watches one of the girls tackle the other. There has been so much death, and of all the people she knew, that she loved dearly, only Nimue was left and her life hung in the balance. Taking a deep breath, she wipes the tears from her cheeks and determinedly turns to the bed to see if her patient is awake yet.
“NIM!” She yells, surprised and full of gladness as she runs to the bedside. Nimue tries to sit up higher on the bed and groans, tilts her head back against the cleanest musty pillow Pym had been able to find.
“Don’t move around too much. You’re still healing. Gods, you’re awake.” Throwing her hands around Nimues neck, she sobs into her shoulder.
“You’re awake. You’re finally awake. I was so worried. Nim. I thought— oh thank The Hidden you’re alive.”
“Wh--” Nimue coughs and curls into herself. “Where?” She manages, voice rough from disuse, lips cracking from dehydration. Pym pulls away and ignores the tears on her face as she stands.
“I’m so sorry. Let me get you some water. Then I can answer some of your questions.” She flutters around the end of the bed and to the table. She pours water into a wooden cup and brings it with the tea back to the bedside. She sets them on the nightstand and sits on the bed to help Nimue into a sitting position. When she is comfortable, a pillow tucked between her back and the headboard, she pushes the cup into Nimue's chilled hands, which are as stiff as if they belonged to a corpse.
“We are in a village. I don’t know which one, but it’s been abandoned. Merlin and Morgana found you after you fell.” She pauses and takes a deep breath. “Uther betrayed us. We were attacked on the beach by Cumber's men. We’ve allied with the Raiders, The Red Spear, the one whose ship I was on. We got lucky; the fields and gardens weren’t burned here. There are some extra supplies. Arthur and the council are discussing what we should do now.”
Nimue nods at her, looks down at the cup in her hands and lifts it to her lips, sips it. Pym smiles.
“I need to go and help with the other injured. Yeva has agreed to apprentice me. I’ll tell Arthur and Merlin you’re awake. But first I need to change your bandages." Nimue lets her undress her and change out the bandages and apply new salves. The work is quick, well practiced now. The wounds are healing nicely, the skin returning to creamy white and the redness leaving it.
“Gawain? I called on the Hidden Nimue finally says. Pym bites on her lips, finishes tying off the bandages and helps nimue back into the shift she has been wearing before she dares to answer.
“Was he…”
Nimue nods, tears slipping from her eyes.
“I’m sorry. If they answered, we do not know.” Pym rubs at her shoulder. “We haven’t seen Squirrel, either.” She pulls Nimue into another hug, holds her as she sobs, kisses the top of her head and waits for her to stop. When her tears have faded, Pym sits away.
“I wish I had better news for you. I really do. Yeva asked me to have you drink this tea to help with the pain and the leftover infection. I’ll tell the others you’re awake, but I have to go before Yeva comes looking for me. I really don’t want to piss her off. I’ll be back tonight.”
“Thank you Pym.” Nimue mumbles to her as she leaves the bed. Pym can only nod at her as she steps into the sunlight. It doesn’t take her long to find the council and tell them that Nimue is awake; and it only takes them a moment to decide to reconvene in an hour. It takes even less time for Merlin, Arthur, and Morgana to leave for the house Nimue rests in. With a sigh, Pym continues towards the large home they have turned into a sick bay and prepares herself for what waits within.
Percivals POV
The sky is grey above them and the air wet with mist. Frothy white fog surrounds them in all directions. It looks soft and inviting and Percival wants to fall into it, use it as a pillow and go back to bed. He shivers against the cold and pulls the monk's cloak tighter. Lancelot shifts behind him, warm and solid, and Percival leans back against him without much thought. He blinks. Then blinks again. His eyes are so heavy. Lancelot puts an arm around his waist and he can’t keep them open anymore. With a yawn he closes them and drifts off to sleep despite the chill on his nose.
When he wakes, he does so gasping for air and scratching at his throat. The air is cold against his lips, as it travels down his throat and into his lungs; and yet, he feels as though no air is coming in. A firm hand on his back pushes him forward. He hunches his shoulders in response; the cloak he had been wearing falls from them. A horse whinnies somewhere far off.
“Lean forward. Breath through your nose.” The voice is uncomfortably close and he wants to listen but can’t. Tears well up in his eyes and his fingers are too numb to wipe them away. He gasps for air, shudders, and starts coughing from the exertion.
“Percival. Percival. You’re safe.” Another voice tries again more firmly. There is a hand on his shoulder and he instinctively lurches away from it. Something solid and heavy catches him around the waist and he pushes at it with useless hands. The tears spill from his eyes and coat his cheeks, they mix with the rain falling around him. Lancelot's breathing behind him is strong, steady, and deep. He tries to focus on it, tries to ground himself in it. The sound of falling rain hitting grass, and the clip clop of hooves as they squish against the ground is enough to make his stomach roll and distract him. He squeezes his eyes closed and grips tightly at the weight around his waist. Gawain is speaking, but it's loud, like it's right next to his ear. He can’t make out what it is. Percival tries to focus on that over the other sounds and can’t. Instead he covers his ears and leans forward trying to curl into a ball. Trying to escape the weight on his stomach. His throat and lungs ache, burn with the effort of it all. The arm around his waist moves up and pulls him back, like a hug and he fights it. In the end he loses, exhaustion stops him from fighting anymore and he lets his head lull back in surrender. He whimpers and shakes. The weight of the cloak settles over him again and he sniffles as someone hums gently. Finally, finally he can breathe a little easier. He closes his eyes and sucks in deep breaths of cold, wet air.
The voice shifts from melody to conversation.
“Is he asleep?”
“No. Just resting I think. His breathing is evening out.”
Percival sniffles, presses back against Lancelot and the arm around his chest tightens in response. It’s a quiet assurance of the other's attention and presence. He coughs again, opens his eyes and lets his mind drift as he watches their surroundings.
As the afternoon begins to settle around them, the rain tapers off to a drizzle and Percival wraps his arms around him tighter. They're all wet, tired and hungry. He tries to sit up a little better but gives up and slouches back down into the warmth of the dryness where he had been lying against Lancelot for support. No one has spoken since his episode this morning. He can barely recall it, but knows he has worried Gawain by the glances that keep coming his way. He clears his throat; there is one thing that is bothering him.
"How will you explain Lancelot to the others? Why he is free instead of a prisoner?"
Gawain looks back from where he is riding a few feet ahead of them. He watches hazel green eyes rise from his face to Lancelot's.
" I had thought… I would reclaim the weapon and take you into the camp bound, but under my protection until the council could hear our stories." The Green Knight appears to pick his words carefully.
He can feel The Weeping Monk's breath catch for a moment."That would make the Fey feel safer. I will surrender my weapons to you again…. Trust myself to your protection."
"You have my word, Lancelot, no harm shall befall you before the council has judged you."
With that the three of them continue on towards the beach, sunlight starting to peek through the clouds and the sound of crashing waves rising over the breeze blowing the grass to and fro.
Lancelot's POV
In truth he does not like the idea of being bound and weaponless among the Fey. There is little reason for him to distrust Gawain's word. He has seen the knight prove himself over and over again. Still, he can't help but feel like a lamb led to slaughter. There is no reason the council should allow him to live. His sins are great, his crimes many.
He does not remember much about his mother's teachings regarding The Hidden, but he has little faith that they wish him to live. Still, Gawain being alive is a miracle and the man swears it was the Hidden that saved him…. Perhaps there is something to be said for these other gods. He hasn't prayed to his God since he absconded with Percival, but if ever there was a time to cry out for The Lord to spare his life, it would be now.
So he does, he says the words of prayer in his mind, some by route, others from the depths of his heart. He prays for grace, mercy, a miracle. He prays for Percival to recover from whatever fear has gripped his soul. He asks for understanding and wisdom, for discernment and above all forgiveness. And yet, here on this meadow clifftop, chilled to the bone and almost physically whole, he feels no closer to the presence of God than he had when he was bleeding before the altar in his tent. Grinding his teeth, he determines to find a copy of the Holy Scriptures and to read it all. First he must learn to read better than he does; knowing a few words will not be enough. Bringing such a book into the Fey camp will be a risk… though this plan hardly matters if he is put to death.
With a sigh he nudges Goliath to catch up with Gawain and puts it from his mind. The road they've found runs parallel to the cliff edge and will take them down to the beach. They cannot see it from here, the fog covers the air in dense rolling waves. With one hand Lancelot undoes the sword belt around his waist and pulls it off. He hands it out toward Gawain, who eyes it steadily.
"In case we come across a scout. It will be easier to only explain my being unbound than my having a weapon. You still have my knives I believe."
Gawain only nods at him as he takes the blade and belt. His eyes are dark, more green than hazel and stormy as the air around them. Lancelot averts his gaze and they continue in silence.
The beach is empty. At its center lies a heap of ashes, the remains of burned corpses visible within. The charred remains are stacked high: their fingers curling and mouths agape where they did not burn hot enough to turn bone to ash. The pyre had been too large and had not had enough fuel. It is a sight he has seen often; still he turns his gaze away and looks for signs of any life. Hesitantly, glancing at Gawain, he dismounts and gives Percival the reins. With light steps he explores the sands as they turn in the wind. There is very little evidence to be found. The tide and the wind have erased the story, but from what he can see there was great bloodshed. With measured paces, he moves towards the cave. Gawain and Percival follow on their mounts for a while. He pays no mind when they stop nor does he look at them. There is sadness there that he does not wish to see, that he cannot understand and does not long to know.
This area, shielded from the wind and the waves, tells him much more. He kneels, picks up a bowl from the sand, and sniffs. The balmy sickly sweet scent of medicinal herbs reaches his nose and he coughs. Inside the caves he can see the remnants of a camp, nearly a week old. There are still logs and kindling stacked near a fire pit, and tools lay forgotten in the sand. He glances back at the pyre, the scent of Fey and man blood alike reaching him in the wind.
He turns back towards his companions. Percival stands with both horses near the cliff edge, and Gawain is studying the sea. He goes to Percival's side; the boy looks forlorn. Tears threaten to run from his eyes, his jaw is clenched tight and he holds to the reins for dear life.
"Are they my people?" Lancelot does not need to follow his gaze or ask him to elaborate.
"Some. Though I smell men among them. More than Fey."
A month ago such words would have been infuriating, but today they are soothing like cool water on a burn.
"Take the horses to the cave. It is sheltered there. It is growing late and these conditions are not good to travel in. There is wood. Start a fire if you like." The boy nods up at him and leads the horses away.
As he walks towards Gawain, he turns his head this way and that to get his hair out of his face. It does not comply and whips wildly in the wind. With some frustration he pulls his bun loose and gathers his dark curls back and rebinds them. It helps.
"They are mostly man-bloods. There are signs that many people, many Fey, took shelter in the cave." Gawain turns towards him, nods and turns back to the pyre.
"I wou-"
"Go away." Gawain seeths. Anger lines his shoulders, sets in his jaw as he turns towards the ocean.
Swallowing back his words, Lancelot silently does as he is told. He does not know Gawain well enough to push and prod at the edges of his anger. Lancelot would gues they are raw, bleeding still unlike Father Cardens had been. Without looking back he hears Gawain dhout and kick at a fallen log. Shaking his head he retreats to the cave where Percival has tied the horses, lit a fire, and curled up to sleep next to it. Basking in its warmth.
After a moment of uncertainty he makes a decision and locates his knives. He has work to do.
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beautifultypewriter · 4 years
Text
The Last Dragon Singer ~ Merlin
Requested: Yes / by @pizza-eater-i-ate-the-pizza
Warnings: Mentions of death, mentions of near extinction of magical beings
Word Count: 1,789
Pairing: Merlin x fem!reader
Summary: Reader is the last surviving member of an ancient race of healers. She’s been able to protect herself by staying under everyone’s radar, until one day when she’s discovered by a young sorcerer.
A/N: My first Merlin request! This is so exciting! Hope you like it as I changed the request a tiny bit. Also I may have gotten a little carried away, so sorry about that.
Merlin was sat in his room, flipping through the spell book that Gaius had given him so long ago. Or at least what felt like long ago. Merlin shook his head. The days seemed to be blurring together and he was thankful for this break from his servant duties. He was trying to commit as much magical knowledge to his memory as he could and any extra time he got was a blessing. As Merlin flipped another page, he was taken aback at the drawing that took up half of the next page. It was a woman with long hair and a bright red orb hung around her neck. Above the picture was a single sentence… You may require the assistance of the Dragon Singer. Merlin was sure that he had never heard of a dragon singer before and he wondered if they had any connection to Dragonlords. He decided that his best course of action was to ask Gaius, so he slammed the book shut and held it under his arm as he walked into the main room. Gaius was busying himself with herbs and didn’t pay Merlin any mind when he had entered the room. The young man cleared his throat, but Gaius didn’t acknowledge him. Merlin rolled his eyes as he walked further into the room and cleared his throat again, this time with more vigor. The older man turned and gave Merlin a pointed look, “Did you need something for your throat, Merlin?”
 The man in question ignored the quip, instead holding the book up, “What’s a dragon singer?”
 Gaius sighed, “I wondered when you’d find that.” He turned back to his work, saying nothing else on the matter.
 Merlin watched him for a moment before huffing, “Well?”
 Gaius didn’t turn, “Well what?”
 “What’s a dragon singer?”
 Another sigh and Gaius was walking over to the young sorcerer, “Dragon Singers were an ancient race of healers. They used their connection with dragons to harvest scales, teeth, spells, and sometimes blood from the dragons to use in their healing practices.” He pulled the book from Merlin’s hand and opened it to the page with the drawing of the woman, “They were called Dragon Singers because they used songs to ignite their connection to the dragon and to show that their intentions were true.” He pointed to the drawing, “They could heal any ailment, magical or otherwise, and were mostly women.” Gaius handed him the book and Merlin looked down at the drawing again.
 He ran his fingers over the rough page, “Where are they now?”
 “They’re all dead, Merlin.”
 Merlin’s head snapped up to stare at Gaius, who looked unbelievably calm about the entire situation, “Dead? What do you mean?”
 Gaius sighed as he bottled one of his tonics, “I mean that Uther had them rounded up and executed during the Great Purge. He didn’t trust them because of the friendship they held with the dragons and the magic they used in their healing. He ordered that they all be put to death and they were.” Merlin looked at the book again, a heaviness settling in his chest. Gaius looked at him with concerned eyes, but Merlin only shook his head and walked back to his room.
 All through the day Merlin couldn’t stop thinking about the Dragon Singers and his mind always went back to the drawing. Sleep eluded him as he tossed and turned in his bed, the image from the book still sharp in his mind. He sat up suddenly as a soft voice drifted through his mind. He looked around his room, but he was the only one there. The voice persisted though, and he realized that it wasn’t speaking, but singing. His bare feet hit the cold stone floor and he winced as he moved out of his room and past a snoring Gaius. As he made it to the empty corridor, the voice grew stronger. He knew exactly where he needed to go, but he wondered why.
 It didn’t take long for Merlin to reach the stairs that led down to the cave where the Great Dragon was imprisoned. With one last glance up and down the hall, Merlin descended the stairs, all the while listening to the voice. Whatever he was expecting to see when he stepped into the cave, this was not it. A young woman was sat on the ledge, her hair tied over her shoulder and her eyes closed. She was singing quietly, and Merlin realized that he had never seen her before, but this was not the oddest piece of the picture. No, the oddest part was that the Great Dragon’s eyes were also closed as his head rested on the ledge next to the woman and she was stroking his snout. Merlin was completely entranced by the sight. He was frozen to his spot and he wasn’t entirely sure that he was still breathing. Who was this woman and how had she charmed the dragon in such a way? He tried to think about what he should do next, but before he could make a move, a gasp cut through the air.
 Your eyes snapped open as your mind registered the new presence in the cave. You stopped singing, a gasp passing your lips in place of your song. Kilgharrah lazily opened his eyes, the look in them questioning. You continued to stare at the young man who was stood at the entrance to the cave. He only stared back; his eyes wide. Your breathing became heavier and Kilgharrah clicked his tongue at you, “Y/N, you have nothing to fear from our young warlock.”
 You looked to the dragon then back to the man, “Warlock?” Both the man and the dragon nodded, and you felt your breathing start to level out.
 The man smiled at you, “I’m Merlin.” He held his hand out and moved closer to you. You stumbled to your feet and moved a few steps back. The warlock stopped his advance, “Sorry, I didn’t mean to frighten you.” You stared at him, faintly aware of the fact that Kilgharrah had not stopped looking between the two of you. Merlin looked you over once before his eyes drifted to the dragon and then back to you, “You’re one of them, aren’t you?” His eyes had widened considerably, and you wondered if he would be alright.
 “One of them?”
 Merlin smiled again, “A Dragon Singer.” You sucked in a breath. How could he possibly know anything about you? Your people were destroyed and with them your history. He shouldn’t know who you are.
 “How do you know about Dragon Singers?”
 He gestured over his shoulder with a shrug, “Oh Gaius told me.” You tilted your head and he chuckled awkwardly, “Sorry, um, a friend of mine told me a little about them.” He stared at you, “About you. You are one of them, right?”
 After a moment’s hesitation, you nodded, “I’m the last one.”
 Merlin looked down, “Yeah, he told me about that too.” Your eyes drifted to your feet and you expected Merlin to turn and head back to wherever he had come from, but he surprised you when he stepped forward again, “I have so many questions.”
 Your eyes narrowed as they snapped back to him, “Questions?”
 He nodded, a smile forming on his lips, “Yeah, Gaius didn’t really tell me too much and ever since I saw the drawing, I couldn’t stop thinking about you.” His cheeks reddened as he realized what he had said, “I mean, your people. The Dragon Singers.” You nodded slowly as you let your eyes wander over the young warlock. Kilgharrah seemed to consider him a friend and you trusted the dragon’s judgement probably more than you trusted your own, so you decided that Merlin couldn’t be bad.
 You sat on the cave floor again, this time patting the spot next to you, “What questions do you have?” Merlin rushed to sit next to you, his smile never fading. You smiled back at him.
 It had been nearly two weeks since that first meeting with Merlin and he had come down to the cave every night after to talk to you. His questions never seemed to cease and you never tired of answering them. Talking about your family had made you feel happier than you had in years and you were grateful for the warlock. The two of you were sat close together as Merlin asked his next question, “So you don’t command the dragons to give you their scales and stuff?”
 Shaking your head, you giggled, “No, it’s a companionship that benefits both the dragons and us. We sing for the dragons and they choose to share their wisdom and magic.”
 Merlin nodded, “And then you use what they gave you in your healing?” You nodded and a silence fell over the two of you. Merlin looked like he was lost in his thoughts and you wondered what he could possibly be conjuring up now. He looked at you, “Listen, Y/N, I know that’s it’s been a long time since you’ve really left the cave-”
 You cut him off, “Four years.”
 He nodded, “Four years. I was just thinking that maybe you’d like to come up with me.” You distanced yourself from him a bit, but he pushed on, “You could stay with me and Gaius and I could help you get a job in the castle. You’d be safe.”
 You shook your head, “No, the cave is safe. Up there,” you pointed up, “is where my family was killed. It’s where I’ll be killed if they find me.”
 Merlin reached over and took your hand in his, “I promise that no one would find out who you are. I’d keep you safe, Y/N.”
 You felt heat rush to your cheeks as you turned your attention to the wall next to you, “Why should I go up there?” Merlin looked like he wasn’t sure how to answer your question.
 He looked around for a minute before he smiled, “Well there’s a lot of stuff to see up there and some great people to meet.” You smiled, which seemed to give him some confidence and he continued, “And I know all the best stalls at the market. I think you’d really like the market.” Merlin leaned closer to you, his smile widening, “And I wouldn’t mind the chance to talk with you without a nosy dragon looking over our shoulders every minute.” His eyes flashed to Kilgharrah and you turned to find that the dragon looked more interested in the cave wall then he should be. You giggled and turned back to Merlin, who was fully beaming at you now.
 You nodded at him, “Okay.”
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Where do you think you're going?
Arthur’s POV:
 I stare with wide eyes at the collapsed building. It can’t be. Merlin can’t be … he can’t be dead! Buried alive and gone to the land of Avalon. Gwaine hand stops me just in time from running inside when the stones started falling. I scream in despaired, yells my friend’s name but no answer came. In anger, I turn my sword to a mercenary. The man dared to laugh at my distress, and, of course, I killed him. I killed him coldly and feel no remorse. Not even a hint of regret. Cover with dust, I push Gwaine away and hurry to the fallen tower. My hands shake with fear as I collect one cold rock after another. The dust makes me cough, my eyes are watering with unshed tears but still I work harder and call his name.
“Merlin! Merlin!” the desperate words of a man, a lover. I loved him, I still do, and he has to come back to me. I’ll do whatever it takes. “Merlin, can you hear me?!”
 An eerie silence falls on the group. We are all listening for something, even a muffle noise from beyond. Percival approaches me and with his force, he starts moving rocks too. I notice how some prisoners want to help, to use their magic and save my friend, but they are too weak. I can’t blame them, even if I will give my throne to a spark of the ban art right now. Something, anything to find him. Find them. Just when I formulate that wish inside my heart, something happens. Hope rushes in me. Here, right where I picked up a pebble, I find a hand. Not Merlin’s, it is too small, but it clearly belongs to someone. Probably the child we came here for in the first place.
 “Over here!” I call. The frail fingers move, not much, but the person is still alive if not in a good shape. As a time, my knights, brothers and friends in more ways than I can describe, help me. The more we collect the tower’s fallen parts, the more we realise magic was at work when the building collapsed. A golden shield, thin as skin, covers the child’s arm. Before long, we free her entire arm and are met with bright red clothing. Camelot’s cloak. Meaning Merlin is now closer than ever. Once again, I hear myself call his name. What if he died? The mere thought scares me. I can’t lose him. Not after my father and Morgana. Not when he is the only one keeping me sane and alive. No one can replace him in my life. If there was a drug for me, it would be Merlin. His presence gives me strength and hope. Hope for a brighter future, for a prosperous reign. He makes me see the good in myself and the others. Without him, I may end up like my father. I cut my thoughts when an adult body appears. It’s my warlock, firmly curled around the child. He protected her from any harm. Gently, I unwrapped him – pardon the poor comparison – and call for Percival. I hand him the girl, barely human with all the dirt and coagulate blood on her, before focusing again on the dark-haired man. He does not move. He does not even seem to breathe. Blood is pouring from the back of his head, where he’d been hit earlier. I’m scared. What if I cause more damage by moving him? Had he always been so light? Elyan helps me carry my former manservant to a clear place and we check his injuries together. We are no physicians, but a first look makes us notice things like a concussion – well, he had a tower falling on him, it does no good – broken ribs and maybe more. We also notice his soft breath. He’s alive…
 “We need help; but we’re too far away from Camelot. He may not make it,” I say, worried creating wrinkles between my brows.
“The same goes to the girl,” says Leon, who volunteers to care for the girl. I guess he just wants to feel useful, by saving a child when he couldn’t do the same for his own daughter. He never told me about her … or her magic. Did he believe I would have handed her to my father? Was I that kind of prince in my early life? Before Merlin came and changed my world? “She suffers severe malnutrition and abuse I can’t even name.” My knight voice turns into a growl and I can only guess what he means. I noticed the burn when we pulled her from the debris, I can’t imagine what they had done to her. I close my eyes, fighting nausea. Now is not the time for revenge. Especially when we took off most of the men involved.
 Hours later, both knights and former prisoner set camp into a new clearing. We decided to move once the wounded had been taken care of and now, I allow myself some rest. Merlin is lying motionless beside me, sometime shifting with unease and I pray for whatever God to help us. Near him, the child rests too. She looks healthier now. Or at least, Leon and Percival cleaned her, so she looks decent, and wrapped in a couple of extra-size clothing and blankets. Sir Leon even added his cloak, so she now looks like a baby carefully swaddle. I won’t be surprised if, back to Camelot, my friend adopts her.
 “You two are quite the pair,” I whisper to myself, running my fingers through Merlin’s messy hair. “Of course, you have to find a child of magic and end up in danger together. What am I going to do with you, eh? There are quicker ways to kill me.”
Even the joke sounds lame in my ears. I must be tired. I decide to call it a night and, after my thoughts quieted enough, I find myself drifting to sleep. For a while at least.
 * * *
 The sun is barely rising when my eyes shoot open. I felt something. A touch on my shoulder. My instincts make me places a hand on my sword, only to find the cause of the ‘threat’. The little girl is up, her eyes burning gold and sitting next to my face. What I felt was her small finger booping my nose. The moment she noticed I’m awake, she tried to run but fell, her legs too weak to carry her. How does she come here? Crawling on the floor?
“Hey, don’t worry. I won’t hurt you,” I say awkwardly. I never interacted with a child before. Especially a wild one. “My name is Arthur, I’m Merlin’s friend.”
I gesture to my unconscious knight and jump when a voice pops in my head.
“Emrys?” asks the small, cute voice. “Emrys hurt. I’m sorry,” she continues, her breath fastening and the wind blowing harder. Is that the kid doing?
“It’s not your fault. Merlin is an idiot. He would have got hurt anyway,” I try to joke, resulting in a pinecone falling from a branch to my head. I saw how the thing snapped and, judging by the look of pure horror written across the girl face, I knew she was behind it. To ease the tension, I laugh openly. Probably the best reaction, since the little one tilts her head, confuses like a cat. She moves closer and places her hands on my cheeks, studying my traits when I am laughing.
“What’s this?” she asks, still not using her voice.
“What’s what?” I ask, confuse. Were all kids so ‘not specific’?
“This!” she mind-says, mimicking the smile I had not long before. She also tried to produce a laugh, but not so well. The fact she does not even recognise a smile or what it means crushes me. Even with a father like Uther, I had happy moments in my life. Saddened by that knowledge, I sober off before answering the best I could.
“It’s a smile. That’s what you do when you are happy. And if you are very happy, you make a noise too, and it’s a laugh,” I’m bad at this, right? “You can laugh too if you think a joke is funny. Like, I think it was funny when you make than pinecones fell on me.”
“Funny?” the cat look is back again. She seems to proceed all the information like they are new to her. “Not mad? No punish?”
“Of course not. You did nothing wrong. You were unhappy because I say Emrys is an idiot, right?”
This time, the kid nods and locks her golden eyes into mine. The wind disappeared some minutes before, and I can’t tell what she is using her magic for now.
“Emrys is strong. I love him.”
“So do I, I love him and respect him. He’s a dear friend, and I like teasing him from time to time.” Shall I feel worried for the child claiming her love for my warlock?
“Teasing?”
“Uh… You have a lot of questions, haven’t you?” I ask, chuckling. “But I have one too. What’s your name?”
She blushes for a second and lowers her head. Her fingers play with the grass beneath us. I can see her mind rushing, searching for the information locks in her brain.
“Gaia?” she finally says, “Where papa?”
“I don’t know where’s your dad. You know his name?”
For the first time, I see something other than fear on Gaia’s face; she is judging me. Like I just ask the stupidest question ever. There is actual ‘are you dumb’ look in her eyes. So much like Merlin now that I think about it.
“His name is Papa!”
Right. Of course. Papa. There were not hundred men with that name, according to children. Ok. Think, Arthur.
“It’s a very common name, can you tell me something else?” and please, not that her mother’s name is ‘mama’ or ‘mum’ or ‘mummy’.
“Show you! Come, come!”
Curious, I let the child sit on my knees – I guess she feels I’m safe? – and cup my face with his hands. Magic invades my mind, but it does not hurt. It feels like I am welcoming something I longed to meet before. It’s both foreign and familiar while Gaia leads me to a strange place. In this vision, she’s not the scared little girl anymore. She’s a teen, strong and confident, leading the way through what she endured before we found her, ignoring the pain they may cause, to a secret door. The gate was barely large enough for a rabbit. I look up at the young woman, confuse.
“Push the door, and you will see my happiest memories. They are from before I was taken.”
“You look older,” I blurt before I could stop myself. No shit, Arthur.
“I was older once, in another life,” she tells me. Another life? Like … reincarnation? Like, she lived, died, and came back again? Well, her life sucked until then.
“You’re right, but it’s all in the past. There is more to life than what happened. With your help, I may retrieve my memories and who my parents are now. I’m afraid my magic locked away all the happy memories when my younger self realised no help was coming.”
“Wait, you can read my mind?!” Arthur asked, horrified.
“We are in my head, what do you expect, Queenie?”
“Oi! You sound like Gwaine, I don’t like it.”
We share a laugh but, after she tells me I’m the only one – with Emrys – able to unlock her memories, I place my hand over the wooden surface.
 Something clicked and the scene morphs into something else. I’m in a courtyard, watching a family in the distance. Blurry at first, they become sharper as I walk. A child, maybe around three or four-year-old, laughs and tries to escape her father’s grasp. I can’t see the man, as he is turning his back to me, but he is blond and clearly busy tickling that version of Gaia. The girl squeals happily and locks her arms around her dad. From behind, Yseult walks with a soft smile, one she never had since the incident.
“It’s nap time, my love. Kiss papa and off to bed.”
“Oh noooo! Wanna play more, pwease?” she asks, giving both her parents the best puppy eyes one could imagine. I almost yell for them to allow her more time, and I’m just visiting the memory. Wait … did I say Yseult? Like, Yseult Leon’s spouse? Could it be? I take a step back and sure, he is my friend – younger – holding his baby girl against his chest. I see him gently kiss her curly blond hair and promising her a story if she just agrees to sleep.
“I even have a surprise for you, if you are nice and follow your mother’s orders,” Am I dreaming, or does Leon sounds like the kind of parents who have a hard time parenting, just because their child is too cute? I’m sure he just makes up that gift story.
 The scene changes and I’m now in beautiful gardens. Gaia is gasping at what her father just gave her. A pendant, with a small quote engraves behind. In her hand, a wooden sword hangs, forgotten for now. “I love you, papa!” she squeals, laughing when Leon picks her for a kiss.
 Another moment, Leon is on his horse and Gaia clings to his cloak. She is sobbing uncontrollably and scream.
“Don’t leave, Papa pwease! Bad men are coming, please! Please! I’m scared!” she is probably between four or six years old now. Leon shakes his head, silently begging Yseult to take their daughter. When her mother pulls her away, the noble child shrieks. I can feel the panic that took her then, her magic flying around and summoning the wind.
“I’ll be back soon, baby. Be a good girl.”
 It is now night. I don’t know how much time has passed since Leon’s departure, but Gaia is in bed, clutching a small sword in a hand. I don’t know where she finds it, but I’m sure nor his mother or a servant gave it to her. Her blue eyes stare at nothing but blackness. Until they heard the alarms. There are screams coming from the village and soon, from inside the house. I see Gaia rushing out of bed, her small arm barely able to lift her sword. She’s brave for her age, I notice, as she’s not calling for her mother. More children would have, that’s what people do when they are scared. They beg for a parent. An eternity pass and the door opened, revealing two men. One fly across the room and I cheer for Gaia. It’s not a kingly reaction, but I’m alone, so I guess it’s ok. The other laughs when he sees the little girl stands proudly and pointing her sword at him. With a single blow, he makes her lose her grasp on the weapon and she shy away. She was terrified, of course. The man tackles her to the floor, and I curse. Why can’t I help her? It’s all in the past, but I want to save that girl, to give her the life she deserves. Of course, I am amazed when I see the way she burns the mercenary’s hands when he took her, but all I can think is her current state, in the real world.
 The scene vanishes and I’m now back in the clearing. Gaia watches me as if nothing happened and I smile at her. I also take notice of all the curious glares send toward us, meaning the moment lasts more than a minute.
“Arthur? You okay?” Lancelot asks, and I nod, sitting more comfortably with Gaia still clung to me. “Hello kid, is Arthur all comfy?”
“I’m not a pillow, Lancelot,” I say, still smiling when Gaia nods seriously. Ok. Maybe I was. “She showed me her last memories with her parents, oh and she talks her lot,” I point, winking to the child who hid even more against me. I’m not sure, but I think I have a thing, like a natural talent with little humans. I mean, I’m friends with Merlin, and he’s a child in a man’s body. “Only, she uses her mind. Can you … can you fetch Leon and bring him here?”
The man nod, quickly checking on Merlin before the leaves. Emrys is still out, but I have a good feeling. Maybe because a sorcerer we saved comes to me while I wait for my friends.
“Emrys will be fine. Druids are coming to heal him. They heard the King and Queen’s call.”
“The … what?” I ask feeling dumb again.
“It’s a long story. A legend among our people. Emrys will tell you when the time comes.”
I nod my agreement. I guess I just must wait and see then. For now, I’m amazed by the magic around the camp, with people acting as if they were not with people from a kingdom where their kind is killed for what they are. Is this Camelot future? Once I lift the ban? I have that dream, and I’m sure Gaia has too, if I believe the way she uses her gift to create small sparkly butterflies. Red, blue, or golden insects that vanish when she notices my two knights.
“You summoned me, Sire?” Leon asks his eyes studying the strange pair we are forming with our new addition. “I see our young guest is feeling much better,” he adds, and I nod.
“I think her magic helps a lot. Her eyes keep glowing since she wakes me.” But I focus on the main topic right away. Leon waited long enough, right? I stop Gaia’s game and she looks up, worried and confused, before I turn her face toward my most trusted soldier. “See that man? His name is Leon, he travelled for a long time to rescue you. He’s a brave knight and always keeps his promises, even when it’s hard.” Gaia tilts her head; I can see her picks all the pieces together. She’s still somehow in my brain and the blurry face of her dad is becoming clearer in her mind. Leon, on the other hand, struggles to see where I’m going with my reasoning. “Sir Leon, may I introduce you to the young Lady Gaia?”
 I almost laugh at the way the gap at each other, like fishes out water. Leon moves slowly, unsure. He stops when Gaia places her tiny hands over his face, searching for something or showing him a memory. Then, Leon just breaks in front of us. He is crying, for real. Sobbing with an equally crying little girl in his arms.
“Yes, you were right … the bad men came, and I wasn’t there. I’m sorry. I’m so sorry…” and for the first time, we heard her voice. She speaks in a small whisper, with the tone of someone who scream more than enough in her life.
“You came…”
 And he did, even if it took them years. I can’t help but smile at them. A family reunited. Merlin on his way back to health when druids came later in the day and used their magic. Maybe there was hope. I have to believe in it.
 “You’re right, Sire,” a voice whisper. A druid stands beside me, his hand behind his back. “There may be dangers here, waiting for you and seeking revenge for your father’s actions. But I think you are on your way to become the Once and Future King. If you ever need our help, my people will answer.”
“Thank you,” I whisper.
“Don’t thank me yet. Raising a magical child is a lot of work, she may drive you crazy before you accomplish the prophecy.” I can sense a laugh, a mockery behind his words and my smile soon match his. I should lift the ban of magic soon after we return to Camelot then.
“As long as she’s happy, I’m sure we can work something out.”
 The druid laughs even more, but I don’t ask questions. For now, all is well.
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1stunseeliefaelass · 4 years
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Darksiders Arthurian Tales Revisited
Chapter 24: Respite from the Night
Death came into the room with the tray and told her, "Good Morning. Wasn't sure what you'd like so....here you go."
Morgen glances and notices the mix of a full english, a small acaí bowl, and ful medames. She can't help but giggle, "This is.....quite the serving. I think I'm going to need a little help."
"Ehh uhhhhh....right..."
Then a knock comes at the door, "Morning everyone, how's it going...", Nergal then glances at the food and looks at Death, "Well Death, I'm impressed. Guess you expected me."
"Actually I made these for Morgen." Death tells him whilst rubbing his neck.
"And yet you have nothing for the lady to drink. How shameful Horseman."
"I am NOT a damn BUTLER." Death growls.
"And yet you wait on Morgen hand and foot."
Death growls some more before saying, "I'm doing this because I love her."
Then as Death realizes what he'd just said, Nergal chuckles, "Well well, isn't that a pleasant surprise. Hell just look at the dear lady now."
Death looks at her in full on embarrassment but sees her looking at him in a starry eyed way. She's caught off guard sure, and blushing a bit, but seems to have taken it very well. He then coughs to catch himself and tells her, "So uuuhhh food?"
"Oh uh...of course. Perhaps the little Acaí bowl over there? I can't wait to taste your take on it." Morgen replies warmly.
Death hands the bowl to her and watches keenly as she takes a bite of it. Her dazzled expression definitely helps ease his tension, "You like it then?"
"This is amazing. Well done. Might have to ask for more dishes in the future. Course I do want to thank you in some way."
"Oh that's not necessary...really..." Death says quickly with steam practically coming out of his ears.
"Just come here for a moment." Morgen tells him simply.
Death sighs and does so, only for her to gesture for him to come closer. He pulls up a chair and is confused now, "Uhm....there a reason you want me this close to you?"
"Have you eaten yourself yet?"
"Morgen I'm fine really. I made this for you anyway." Death quickly replies in growing embarrassment.
Nergal however sees what Morgen's trying to do and tells him, "Now now Horseman, all chefs taste test at least once don't they?"
Death gets even more flustered and gestures for Nergal to turn around in extreme discomfort. Nergal finally does so after pushing the chair closer, but neglects to warn Death about the mirror reflecting him and Morgen right now. With the knowledge that Nergal 'shouldn't' be watching, Death removed his mask. Course once he accepted a bite from the spoon he's suddenly surprised by a quick and gentle peck. Morgen sees him turn bright red and can't help but do so herself.
Nergal chuckles once more, "Never have I seen Death be filled with the colors of life so prominently."
"Very funny." Death mumbles after swallowing the bite in his mouth.
"Just figured I'd thank you for the meal. And make sure you remembered your promise the other day." Morgen expresses with a little embarrassment herself, as well as a hint of sweetness.
Death thinks back and recalls what he told her before fighting Leatherbeard, "Ah right well then ah...anyway uh...."
"Why don't I make you a smoothie Morgen. I hear they're quite the craze. And you do need your nutrients my dear." Nergal sighs out to Morgen.
Death sighs as well, "Ugh right....I'm sorry Morgen I'm just...caught off guard right now...I'll find the words to say...eventually...some time today...hopefully..."
Morgen gets a tad disheartened but tries not to let it show as she says, "I can wait. Just take it easy on yourself."
Nergal gets annoyed at this and figures he needs to fix this stat, "Why don't you aid me Death? Given that you seem to have a knack for cooking."
"Uhm yeah ok..." Death replies awkwardly before following him.
Once they're out of earshot Death gets a smack on the back of the head.
"Ow! What the hell?"
"That...was pathetic. Seriously. You had it and then you LOST it." Nergal expresses with great annoyance. The hell is wrong with you?"
"Says the man who said emotion was difficult at best and impossible to feel at worst."
"I meant at expressing it! And you weren't there for that conversation."
"Yes I was." Death points out.
"Whatever. My point still stands, you SUCK at talking to women. Let alone EXPRESSING yourself. Morgen is giving you so many signals and you JUST DON'T NOTICE THEM." Nergal states in annoyance.
"Hey I notice it believe me!"
"Did you notice how her tone changed slightly when telling you she could wait? How her body language drooped for only a second before she caught herself? She's hiding it, but if you're as keen as everyone says you are then I doubt you could've missed THAT."
"Well maybe the smoothie oughta save things." Death tells him a bit angrily.
"Maybe. For your sake you better hope so."
Morgen sighs to herself in the meantime and decides to wander around for a time. She's sort of lost in a daze before noticing Esmie making a fuss with the guards.
"You're sure you haven't seen my Niño?!"
"We haven't ma'am, I am sorry."
"Ah useless!"
"Easy now Esmie, what's troubling you?" Morgen asks her gently.
"My Niño Arn, he's missing and I can't find him! I've looked all over and asked everyone."
"Don't worry we'll find him. Just stay calm. Did you check his room?"
"Yes and all I found was a demented looking black sheep straight from hell!"
"Oh no.....I'll do my best to look for him. Just have faith and stay calm Esmie. I promise you I'll do everything I can." Morgen explains to her.
"Thank you Morgen, thank you."
Morgen nods, and then goes on her way. Searching around his room first. Course she catches something on the window. Upon closer inspection she finds scratch marks on the glass and wood. As well as the lock being broken. "Oh dear..."
She then opens the window and makes an effort to climb out without falling. Granted she could easily catch herself with her wings, but it was a matter of how fast she could do so. Luckily she manages to remain steady after kicking her shoes off. She's extremely careful whilst climbing around the building. Eventually finding signs of where he may have gone off too. Once she's on a stable enough ledge, she finally just chooses to fly onto the roof. Getting onto it easily after that, she looks around for Arn. Finally seeing him laying down on a flatter part of the roof. Carefully she approaches and asks him gently, "Are you alright Arn?"
Arn sees her and sighs before pulling his knees to his chest to rest his chin, "I just wanted somewhere to think."
"I see. Well a note would've sufficed you know. Your Mother is worried sick.", Morgen replied calmly before sitting down nearby.
"Probably right.", He says as he seems to just stare out over the treetops.
"I know I am, I saw her before tracking you down. In fact I told her I'd find you. Do you need anything by chance? Food does help with the thinking process."
"I'm fine just...", Arn starts to tell her. However he is unable to finish and Morgen can tell he's hiding something.
"Arn, what's wrong? I know the black sheep from last night was still running amok after my own experience. Did it by chance come across you?"
"I don't know if it was...but last night I had a dream I hadn't had in a long time.", Arn replies softly.
"Let me guess? More horrifying than usual, one that felt more real than any other?" Morgen inquires.
"Yeah...it was the night my parents died...I was so young, I was playing in a field chasing small animals. I never caught one no matter how hard i tried. I remember smelling smoke...and there was this glow nearby on the horizon. I ran towards it...I watched my parents die in a fire. And I was frozen with fear...I Couldn't Move, I JUST WATCHED!" He growled full of sorrow and pain.
"My own was Uther making an attempt to....well I'll spare you the details for your age's sake..." Morgen began to say a bit unsure.
Arn calms himself before asking, "I just...I just wish I could've saved them...I was just a pup...what could I have done?"
Morgen placed a calming hand on his shoulder, "Arn...there was nothing to be done. I wish I could've saved my own birth parents as well. I was a young girl when my Father died in battle, and my Mother died attacking Uther. I could do nothing in either situation."
"The worst part is...I can't remember their faces...I remember my father as tall and strong...and my mother...she was always smiling when she saw me. Her eyes were blue...just like mine...but...I can't remember anything else...there's not even a picture.", Arn tells her sadly.
"I could help you remember their faces if you wish. But it will take some time to figure out. Perhaps in the meantime you can go out on the town with your Mother? To get your mind off things."
"I'd be allowed to leave?" He asks after a few seconds.
"Of course. I did say that you could leave with my permission. However given that the house arrest is still in effect and that Uther remains a threat, it'd be in your best interest to return here. Perhaps I'll even come along. There's a village with a library we can visit. Hopefully it has books or scrolls on the Dream Realm."
"Ok...I have been getting tired of being stuck in these walls.", He explains getting up and stretching.
"Well let us be careful while getting down." Morgen states simply.
"I can climb easily. If you want you can hold onto my back." Arn tells her.
"I'm fine. I'm still a Fae all things considered. I have wings." Morgen explains before taking flight, "I was mostly telling you to be careful."
"I'll be fine.", Arn smirked as he started climbing down using his claws to dig into the spaces no fingers can find. His feet digging into the walls as he finally swings back through the window leading to his room.
Morgen meanwhile takes a moment as she notices her wings are now emanating a brilliant light. She could swear it's like moonlight. Course Arn's voice snaps her out of the slight trance.
"Hey! I'm waiting Mrs. Show off.", Arn says with slight snark.
"Right right. Very funny." Morgen replies before flying down, "Although my intent wasn't to show off. I just haven't noticed this glow. It's new to me."
"Perhaps those new parents of yours have some answers?" Arn questions with a shrug.
"I suppose. Though maybe your Mother Esmie may have some answers of her own for you. Depending on what questions you may have. Teens often have many I hear."
"I suppose so.", Arn mutters still saddened by the memories.
"Don't worry Arn, I'm sure this trip will be good for you." Morgen tells him with a hopeful tone.
Meanwhile Death and Nergal have nearly gotten the smoothie ready. Having to ask Gregory for help ultimately. Luckily he has a small hand wound blender of his own design. The only problem is that occasionally it jams. Due to not being reliable as a first draft if anything. When it jams yet again, Nergal takes the opportunity to talk to Death about Morgen again.
"So, what are your feelings towards Morgen? And I mean exactly?"
Death raises an eyebrow behind his mask, "This is not the place to be discussing these things. Nor is it the right time."
"Seems to be a more perfect time than any. So your feelings?"
Death rolls his eyes, "Why do you want to know so badly?"
"She is family to me remember? Why would I not want to know? Especially when you're fucking up this badly. Aspen and I have an amazing relationship, and that's saying a lot. Given my lack of feeling and expressing most emotions easily at least."
Death sighs and asks him, "By feelings, what do you mean exactly? As in my romantic feelings or how I feel about her in general?"
"Both would suffice."
Death's eye twitched briefly but he gathered himself regardless. Then he looked at Gregory, "Gregory, would you mind leaving the room or..."
"Lad I was married quite happily for many eons. For all ya know I have plenty of advice for ya too. So no I'm staying put. Besides I've got this confounded machine to meddle with." Gregory responded with a slight growl before continuing, "It would be better if it was AUTOMATIC."
"Yes but you know how technology works." Death states.
"Right right. Anyway carry on then." Gregory tells him as Nergal patiently waits for his questions' answers.
Death finally caves and explains himself, "If you're wondering so badly, yes there are definitely 'things'. Just a little worried to take those leaps for a few good reasons."
"Are you sure about that my friend?"
"Well first there's the Council. How do you think they'd feel about me seeing anyone? How they'd view me having another person I'm loyal to alongside them? What they'd do if they even suspected for a moment I could have children? Or hell if they found out I already have one?" Death questions him with increasing intensity.
"If they have any problems, they can take it up with me." Nergal tells him simply.
"And you think you can take the force that brought Heaven and Hell to their knees for a treaty? One that can do just about whatever they want or whatever they will in the name of the balance?"
"You do realize you're the only reason they have power? Without you, they have nothing. The Watchers? Please you can break those like twigs. Their other servants are either incapable or unwilling to get involved in their true dirty work. You were the best fit, and they know that very well."
"Hence why we're all kept on leashes like guard dogs." Death points out.
"How do they keep you on such short leashes? Idle threats? Empty promises? Last I checked, those never have any impact. Not enough to matter anyway."
"Try being tortured for disobedience. Being hit with a sudden pain whose source you cannot see. All you know is that pain." Death explains.
"That's it, pain? Horseman, they need to get creative. Because pain is all in the mind, as you so obviously know." Nergal tells him.
"I'm worried they'd threaten Morgen's life, or the lives of any children we may have. Sure I'm fairly certain I can't have children due to being a hybrid of two races, but I'm still open to the idea that it's possible." Death expresses.
"They threaten Morgen, they threaten their existence."
"These beings aren't like any in the universe. They don't seem to have a true physical presence and yet do. They're not just a group of standing stones that can talk. They're a powerful group of Creator ordained beings that keep order for him. I've even met a few Gods and Goddesses who fear them." Death tells him.
"And yet, they are not what you think they are. Ever hear of the Lord of Hollows?"
"Only that he is a traitor and one we should avoid. Any other information I did find to sate my curiosity was sparce at best. Could only look for so long before the Watchers felt I was looking too deep into it. I felt it wasn't worth putting my family at risk so I left it be." Death admits.
"You'd be interested that that 'greater' Demon, was in fact a chosen member of the Council. But one who got tired of it, or didn't see the point in it."
"What?!"
"You heard me Horseman. The 'divine powers' of the Council, their members, is just a bunch of Angels and Demons sitting around being bureaucratic. Trying to keep the peace as it were and failing miserably."
"CAREFUL. You have no idea how well the Council watches us with their personal slave race." Death expresses in a bit of anger.
"You know I'm right though."
"ENOUGH, the both of ya. Even I don't want to know what the Council might do if they catch us discussing this. Can we go back to Morgen now?" Gregory quickly says in a hushed tone.
"Of course. So, with this interesting revelation, why haven't you tried anything? What other reasons could you possibly have?" Nergal inquires of Death.
"LILITH....and you should know damn well why. Obviously I would NEVER want anyone I care about anywhere even remotely close to her. And I'd be DAMNED, if she EVER wanted to meet any 'Grandchildren'. However, I also know how powerful and PATIENT she is. She'll strike when I least expect it, when I'm not ready, or when I'm not even there to stop her." Death tells Nergal.
"Be glad you have me as an ally. I'll make sure she doesn't even get the idea."
"Clearly you've never met her. As one of her...victims....I can say these things with confidence. I know for a FACT that she's dangerous enough for me to worry about if I ever settle down."
"My question is how long can she take it without being able to feel pleasure from anything?" Nergal questions him.
"I...wouldn't know. I was the only one who suffered during my imprisonment by her. She ENJOYED it. EVERY. SINGLE. MOMENT."
"You don't know how effective I am. She may be masochist yes, but what if that couldn't fulfill her? You have no idea how effective my capabilities are."
"She beds with Hell's most powerful and insane demons. Lucifer being the most common name thrown around. Any damage you do, would most likely be undone. And you can't undo a mind that's already broken beyond all points of repair. His is a mind NO ONE should enter." Death states.
"Yeesh talk about being a stubborn one. Is it because Crom's inside your head?"
"How'd you..?"
"I can sense him, and I see him occasionally. In your shadow on the wall, in any reflective surfaces you pass. I know your nightmares, hell I may have constructed a few of them. But nevermind on that."
Death stutters, "I...I.."
"If you're worried about Lilith, I can make it so that she can never find you. Not unless you're standing right in front of her. And that is the only way she can find you. And before you say anything about powerful demons, I make them look like cockroaches in my true form. So how about that?"
Death actually feels Crom at the edge of his mind now and quickly vacates the area. Finding an empty room to contain himself and keep Crom at bay. Crom however isn't giving up so easily. In fact just as Nergal catches up with Gregory close behind, Death's neck suddenly twists to the side slightly. Not enough to snap, but it definitely looks painful. He starts to snicker a bit, then begins laughing maniacally. Finally Death is then turned around to face Nergal. In Death's voice Crom tells him,
"Foolish child of Dreams and Nightmare....you truly think your threats mean anything to me? I am just as in control as Death is. And he knows it. You can only contain me for so long. I am a TRUE GOD. You....are NOTHING but the misshapen thought of a deity who got bored. A MISTAKE born with no love given to you, no care g-gah!"
Nergal has grabbed Death's throat, and Crom's within Death's mind, "And you are a pathetic worm, that is pretending to be something grand. You're calling me misshapen, hmhmhmhm...then what happened to your eye? Why does your name literally mean 'twisted one'? Why is it so easy to silence you? Hahahahahaha...heeh...HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! UHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!"
Crom just tells him in a strained voice, "You....aren't just choking me...you know...."
Suddenly Death's eyes go from green to their usual firey orange and he begins actually trying to get out of the hold on his neck. Only for Nergal to drop him, leaving Death coughing on the floor.
"I...*cough*..would've..*cough* *cough*..handled it...*cough* *cough* *cough*....if you left me alone..." Death expresses to Nergal and Gregory both in the middle of his cough attack.
"For fuck's sake are ya alright lad?" Gregory asks him in concern.
"Sorry, got a bit carried away." Nergal explains simply with little care at all.
Death continues coughing for a time as he gasps for air. Gregory just looks at Nergal, "Carried away?! YA COULD'VE KILLED HIM DOING THAT!"
"Sorry, I have a very bad habit of forgetting how fragile you mortals are." Nergal states in an unamused tone.
Death is about to say something but begins retching. Gregory watches him in even more concern as he begins dry heaving as well. Finally Death pukes up what seems like water and a few worms, somehow. Nergal is only confused and looks at his hand, "I'm not THAT bad at managing my strength am I?"
Death is shaking badly after that forced vomiting, even a bit dazed. He does manage to tell Nergal however, "This....wasn't you....It's a message..."
"Of course it is, ugh. I'll go get Mina." Nergal replies in that same tone.
Gregory just brushes him off this time and helps try and get Death on his feet. Or at least off the floor. "Ok easy there lad, easy now....there."
Death leans back in the chair he's now sitting on. Working to get out of the dazed state he's in. He does however thank Gregory at least, "Thank you....and sorry for....you seeing that...."
"No problem. Now let's get this smoothie going. Once yer rested up enough I'll let ya deliver it. At least the kitchen isn't too far from this room. Just don't go off anywhere ya hear? Not with ya being in this state."
"Right....huuuuh." Death then laid his head back as Gregory left the room. As he took a brief rest, he heard Crom in his head, "This isn't over Death. Not by a long shot. I'll be sure you get 'attended' to later. When Nergal isn't around."
Death suddenly jolts forward as he wakes up, and his nausea kicks in again. Luckily Mina's already there mopping up. So she quickly gets him back in the chair. "Easy Death, nearly fell out there. And ya REALLY look like hell."
Death takes a moment to relax after that and hears a familiar voice as he comes out of dizziness again. Sure enough it's Morgen, smoothie in hand. Course she's also got another cup of what looks like water. "Who told you?"
"Nergal, who else? Are you feeling well?" Morgen inquired of him gently.
"I'm not ill...if that's what you mean. Just a bit worn out...if anything else." Death expresses.
"Here's some water, will you need assistance with the glass?"
"I should be fine, I think." Death tells her before sitting up in the chair slowly. He then takes the glass carefully before taking a drink.
"Just not too much, and not too fast either."
"I know I know. Believe me, but thank you for the water." Death replies.
"Glad I could help. Just take it easy on yourself today ok? I should be back tonight, hopefully before dark though." Morgen calmly tells him.
"Wait what? You're going out?"
"Well yes. Seems Arn had a bad experience with the Black Sheep last night. So I figured I'd make it up to him and his Mother by letting them head out today. Although I'm also going to watch them and hopefully find anything on Dream Realm magic." Morgen explains.
"What happened to wanting nothing to do with the realm?"
Morgen sighs before saying, "I meant the realm itself. I can't exactly just not use the magic. It's going to manifest in other ways I'm sure. So I better find ways to use it more effectively."
"I should go with you then."
"No, you need to rest for today after what happened." Morgen insists.
"I can't let you leave alone. I need to make sure you're safe. Besides, Barrcus would expect nothing less of me surely." Death protests.
"I'm sure he'd understand this situation."
Death groaned, "Yeah, but I don't want to risk anything. Cause if something does happen Barrcus is gonna leave me somewhere t.....nevermind. Either way, I'll recover fine and I'm going."
Morgen sighed before saying, "Very well, since you're being a stubborn mule. Don't say I didn't warn you though."
"Right."
Morgen then goes off to find Arn and Esmie. Death meanwhile works to get ready as best he can. He leans against anything he can to help himself stay upright, making sure he can walk fine before going on out. Death of course is relieved when seeing Crom's leaving him be now. So he goes on as normal, continuing to drink a bit of water. Fuzzball spots and follows him a bit concerned.
Death assures him though, "I'm fine Fuzzball. Just had a troubled start to the day. Nothing more."
Fuzzball cocks his head a bit unsure but gives him a snuggle anyway.
He continues to follow Death, but he tells the furry critter, "I'll be heading out, and I want you to stay here please. I have enough to worry about today."
Fuzzball whines in protest but Death shakes his head, "Nope, not gonna cave this time."
Fuzzball then brings out the puppy eyes, only to get water poured on him, "No, you're not pulling that on me."
Fuzzball shakes off the water and stamps his little foot in a pouty matter.
"Why are you being so adamant?"
Course War then asks him, "Don't you usually take him on walks sometimes?"
"He's not a dog."
"Even you have said he acts like one."
"You also train him to be like one." War states.
"I am not taking him out on a walk."
"Mmhmm right." War tells him.
"I am AM NOT TAKING....ugh....I can't believe I'm actually doing this. Come on Fuzzball." Death grumbles out to Fuzzball's delight. War can't help but laugh when seeing Death pull out a leash and collar from his inventory crystal.
"Why am I not surprised?"
"Shut. Up." Death says to him.
"You need to learn when to say no to him."
"That's the problem, I have. In fact you were the one hinting that I should do it anyway so there." Death retorts.
Nergal actually comes across them at this moment, "Ah good to see you up again Horseman. I was hoping that earlier wasn't too drai...ning.....uhm...what's with the leash?"
"Ugh my brother War nagged me until I agreed to walk Fuzzball. Since the little bugger wants to come along today."
"Wait....where are you going today? Personally and professionally if you ask me I'd suggest you stay at rest today after...."
"I'm fine. Just need to keep an eye on Morgen whilst she's out with Arn and Esmie. Apparently the sheep from Verdak is still running around and it got ahold of the kid." Death quickly states before Nergal can finish.
"Right. Well even as sure as you are I'm still not convinced. I'm going as well. Need to go check on Aspen anyway, so what better day to do so."
Death grumbles again, "Alright. I'll meet you outside with the others."
Course War stops Nergal, "What's he hiding this time? This wouldn't be the first time he's done this."
"Crom."
War's eyes widen, "I had thought we taught that MISERABLE WORM a lesson last time. That he wouldn't bother Death again. Rrrgh. Please tell me what else happened."
"I may have choked out your brother."
"WHY DID YOU CHOKE HIM OUT?!"
"Let's just say Crom said a few things that put him in my crosshairs. That and he was unfortunately using Death's body to achieve this. Oh! And after Crom depossessed him, Death threw up a mixture of water and a few worms." Nergal replies nonchalantly.
War thinks back a bit, remembering just how bad the possessions could get whenever Crom would take over. The things that would be said, things Death would apologize for despite not having been the one to say them truly. How many nightmares Death had over such incidents. "Keep an eye on him. If Crom is gunning for Death again, things may only get worse from here. Crom, as impulsive as he is sometimes, can be very patient as well. Not to mention extremely devious and maddening."
"If Crom starts to throw a hissy fit..." Nergal begins as his third eye reveals itself, "...I believe I can handle it. Thoroughly. Don't worry, your brother won't be tormented easily. And certainly not without a fight."
"Thank you. I'll go alert the other two to be mindful of it as well. Strife would have my head if I didn't." War explains before walking off, hoping for the best.
"We can't have that now can we?" Nergal questions simply before walking off as well.
Death has meanwhile gotten outside and notices just how bright it is real quick. Eventually his eyes adjust and he heads over to where Morgen and the others are. Vortigern has fashioned a simple carriage together with Titania's help, but he's also unsure of the trip.
"Morgen are you certain about this?"
"I'll be fine Uncle. I'm not alone and I'll be certain to contact you if anything goes wrong. Don't worry." Morgen tells him.
"Well at least go in cloaks. That way you're at least covered in some capacity. In case Uther tries anything, or if his men should recognize you. I suggest the same for all of you in fact."
"Well thanks for the recommendation señor." Esmie tells Vortigern simply.
Arn only nods before taking cloaks for him and his Mother. They're simple, but still well made. Morgen gets hers on just as they get inside the carriage. Death comes up and helps her tie it off, not thinking too much of it.
"Here, that help?"
"A bit. Thank you." Morgen tells him before scooping up Fuzzball. She then takes him inside before Death summons a cloak of his own from his inventory. With that he enters the carriage with her. Luckily it's big enough for more than four people despite being simple on the outside.
Death actually asks Morgen about it as Nergal comes over, "So, how is it that the inside is bigger than the outside? An enchantment perhaps?"
"Yes actually. All carriages within Titania's home, even the simple ones, are built with enchantments to accommodate a larger group than just four. Fae do enjoy company, whether Seelie or Unseelie. Some just prefer it for attending parties while others just gather up and chit chat." Morgen explains to him.
"This would be amazing for me and the girls back home. You must teach me that spell Morgen." Esmie implores of her.
"Don't worry Esmie, I'll ask Titania about it for sure." Morgen promises her.
With that Nergal got in with them and figured since he wasn't known he'd be better off not bothering to hide himself in a cloak. Despite the others pointing it out to him that he probably should just in case. Nergal only points out his horns though, which shuts down further attempts to convince him. Morgen takes the time to observe out the window as a guard drives them to their destination. Death took a moment to admire Morgen's peaceful look before glancing at a map she'd marked. He noticed a token on the map was enchanted to move along the road they were traveling on. He was a bit impressed but then noticed they were heading into the Seelie Kingdom. Granted it was only a village just past the border, but it was enough to concern him. Morgen noticed how the scenery of the Unseelie Kingdom slowly began to shift into that of the Seelie Kingdom. How the wildlife began to become more noticeable as well. She enjoyed the beauty of the Seelie Kingdom, and had missed it admittedly. Course she knew she couldn't remain in the realm for long on this visit. Not with Uther or any loyalists of his lurking about. Luckily the guard was dressed as an ordinary driver for the trip. Though he was quite fidgety with his armor under the clothes. Nergal decided he'd keep his eye on him, having been watching the man for a bit. Arn's attention was to a knife of his, he was noticing it seemed a bit dull. With that he began to sharpen it, having a stone for the job. Death's concentration on the map immediately ceased upon hearing the sound of stone against a blade. Esmie's ears perked to and fro in the meanwhile as she observed Arn in his efforts. Death tries to tolerate it for a time, but knows there are far better ways to sharpen a blade than using a stone.
"Would you like me to teach you a way to sharpen a blade a bit more efficiently?" He finally asks the boy.
Nergal sighs with relief as Arn questions Death, "Why?"
"Simple, I know a way that's faster but also more effective. Not to mention not as grating on the ears. It was actually a method I learned from my friend Bardak." Death informs him.
Arn decides to let Death show him the method he knows, "Fine. But only because Bardak told you about it."
"First you take this whetstone, and you stick it in a bucket. Wait until all the bubbles in bucket cease. Once they've ceased, then you pull out you whetstone and sharpen your blade." Death tells him.
Death then shows him how to sharpen the blade. Flipping and scraping it against the back of his hand as if it were a butter knife. Granted he does point out to Arn that it's currently not sharp enough to cut him before doing that. With that Death finds a bucket for him from his inventory crystal. Morgen notices what's going on and uses her magic to gather moisture in the air where she can. With this she places it into the bucket they've got and Death has Arn place the whetstone into the bucket. The whetstone also being from his crystal. Eventually Arn sees the bubbles stop and pulls the whetstone out. Death then watches him keenly and helps where it's needed as Arn sharpens his dagger.
Eventually Arn gets it sharpened and is amazed. "Thank you."
"No problem." Death tells him.
With that Arn sheaths his blade before asking him, "Where can I find a whetstone? For sale I mean?"
"There may be one in the village. So long as there's a smith at least." Death tells him simply.
"Ah."
Morgen meanwhile looks inside a secret compartment of the carriage and finds little spherical capsules. She takes one of them and pops it open with a squeeze of her hand. From there magical energy forms into a bowl with some food. Simple pastries for the road. She takes one for herself and begins to partake whilst everyone is looking at her weird.
"What?"
"Explain how that's possible." Death tells her.
Nergal however does just that, "Probably prepared the food ahead of time, shrunk it down, gave it a presentation spell, and placed it inside the capsule for later use. Simple as that."
"Oh...right." Death says feeling a slight bit dumb right now.
Esmie is just amazed all together whilst Arn just looks at the food.
"Well feel free to partake yourselves everyone. We may be in here for a few hours at least." Morgen tells them.
With that Arn grabs a pastry and eats up. Death does too, if mainly out of curiosity about the taste. He's pleasantly surprised, but does prefer sweets of either his own making, or his Ceise's.
"Not bad, not bad."
"Guessing you prefer your Mother's cooking when it comes to pastries?" Morgen inquires curiously.
"Not just pastries, sweets in general. She makes amazing desserts, my favorites being any pies she makes. Course I do pride myself on my own cooking too whenever I have the time. But that's a conversation for another time heheh..." Death says a bit embarrassed.
"Ah come on, you could stand to boast about knowing how to cook. Especially if it's actually good food. Some women like that you know." Nergal tells him.
Death groans a bit as Morgen states, "If it helps Death, I did enjoy the breakfast you made. Made sure to sample each dish at least once when you headed off from my room. They were delightful."
Death rubbed his neck as he became more embarrassed, "Eheheheh...glad you enjoyed it."
"Aw don't be so embarrassed, Nergal's right you know señor. Women love a man who can cook an amazing meal." Esmie pipes up.
"I'll bet though that you can do better than him Mama. Your food is always the best." Arn tells her.
"Awwwwwww, thank you niño."
"Anyway what's your favorite food Nergal?" Death inquires trying to pass the time and change the subject slightly.
"Hmmm...I don't really have a favorite."
"Ah fair enough I guess. Reminds me of Harker actually. Granted he does have a favorite food, but he doesn't necessarily use what we consider food for sustenance. If anything what we eat is all junk food for him." Death says simply.
"Ah I see. As for me, I'd say anything with a fragrant taste to it or citrus. Usually dishes involving with exotic fruits or vegetables tend to be amazing for me. Although occasionally I'll partake of meat as well." Morgen explains.
Death smirks behind his mask, "Well then, I'll keep this mind next time I cook for you."
Morgen smiles at that and says, "Awwww, how sweet of you."
Nergal was actually highly annoyed with that sudden move. At the same time though, he couldn't help but wonder if Death just ran on wild card logic. His best actions in romance coming from seemingly out of nowhere.
Arn shook his head, "Get a room already."
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vocalprinceseokmin · 5 years
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Xcalibur summary (Part 1)
SPOILER ALERT: If you are someone who has tickets to go watch Xcalibur, or you intend to go and watch, then I highly suggest that you do not click under the cut. This is my attempt to piece together the musical from whatever is available online for those who have not or will not manage to catch it. My understanding of Korean is at best minimal, so my understanding is from the summaries that have been floating around (including the summary from the program book), and guesswork from watching the musical.
I watched the first two shows that DK performed, namely 19 June and 22 June, which shall be referred to as Day 1 and Day 2 respectively. I also watched the Kai show on the 21 June, which featured pretty much a completely different lineup from Day 1 and Day 2. 
Cast (Arthur / Lancelot / Morgana / Merlin / Guinevere / Ector )
Day 1: DK / Um Ki Joon / Shin Young Sook / Son Jun Ho / Min Kyung Ah / Lee Jong Moon
Day 2: DK / Lee Jee Hoon / Jang Eun Ah  / Son Jun Ho / Min Kyung Ah / Lee Jong Moon
Kai Day: Kai / Park Kang Hyun / Shin Young Sook / Kim Joon Hyun / Kim Sohyang / Cho Won Hee
 As a matter of background, please do note that DK is triple cast in the role of Arthur together with Kai (not the EXO member, musical actor whose real name is Jung Ki Yeol) and Kim Junsu (Xiah Junsu). Both Kai and Junsu happen to be (very) well regarded musical actors, so let’s just say that there is pretty much no way that DK can match up to the two of them given that he has zilch experience, and I don’t think anyone with background expects him to match up. In addition, as a broad generality, the rest of the cast is well regarded, and it is established that he is the youngest of the lot. I suspect every other main cast is at least five years older than him (with the youngest of the rest I think being Min Kyung Ah), and way way more musical experience.
So really, he has his work cut out for him, and I am saying this as someone who runs a DK vocal appreciation account. That said, Arthur is the lead role in a big budget musical “world premiere”, so he really can’t afford to suck. 
I repeat: If you intend to watch the musical, I suggest you do not spoil yourself.
Due to the length of this post, I will not be embedding the videos like I normally do. There exists more videos, but I want to get this out first.
Edit (28 June): to include alternative videos from the press call + new videos from the Sitzprobe (but please note that the quality of the video in the Sitzprobe is not great but there’s no other source)
ACT 1
0 Prologue
Ensemble
Opening of the musical where masked ensemble members come on stage to do some chanting (think in relation to the Xcalibur). Looks quite ritualistic.
 1 A Bond that Cannot be Broken
Arthur / Lancelot / Ensemble
Arthur runs onto stage (for DK fans, the first guy who runs on to stage with the sword is Arthur, because I couldn’t tell until later). Arthur and Lancelot have a duel (not serious). Don’t recall who wins, but in the end after Arthur and Lancelot are done fighting, some ensemble actor (who is a village boy) kicks Arthur in the butt. Arthur gets angry and brandishes his sword at the ensemble actor. There is some further provocation between the ensemble actor and Arthur, but after interference by Ector (Arthur’s adoptive papa), and the other ensemble actors (village boys), the tension is diffused.
Arthur breaks into song, which I think generally introduces his life (as a ordinary village boy), with his friends and his adoptive papa. Generally a merry mood, with him drinking a few times out of his cup. He appears to be great friends with the village boys (including Lancelot).  At some point Lancelot takes over singing the song. The spoilers are right in that he gets kissed once on his cheek (he falls over), and then I believe the same ensemble actress kisses him on the lips. While shocking when watched the first time, it’s really quick (and contrary to the image you are likely imagining, he has both village boy and girl friends).
Arthur ends the scene on the shoulder of two other village boys with the light shining on him.
2 Telling of a Tale
Merlin
Lightning strikes, and most of the villagers disperse. Arthur asks what is going on, and Ector (adoptive papa) basically knows that it’s Merlin who is coming.
Merlin sings. I believe the song is telling Arthur that he is destined to be king. Merlin is a very composed character, I feel, and makes hand movements wherein basically the fate of Arthur is projected (namely for him to be king etc). Effects were cool.
3 My Flesh, My Blood, My Skin, My Bones (on DK international twitter, I think people translated it to I Am Mine)
Arthur
Arthur gets angry and does not want to accept what Merlin is saying and gets angry.  
This is the song that DK sang during the mini live (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uiQJGPa5ktM).
Trans: https://twitter.com/17_HAMZZI/status/1130284402150240261
Arthur confronts Merlin, points his finger at Merlin. At some point picks up his sword and points that Merlin too.
4 World on Fire
Ensemble
There is a press call for this.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vnvvEpp_wOk
Alternative link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JIivCO6yewQ
Camelot ensemble is living in fear, and then the Saxons end up barging in and finishing them off.
5 Where Are You Now  
Morgana
Sitzprobe at approximately 4:14 mark: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uvg5_pFKDPE
Morgana is Arthur’s half sister, and appears to be a nun. Believe she is mourning her fate, and asking where Merlin is, but I will admit I didn’t get much more than that. From information that I have seen subsequent, it seems that Morgana is Merlin’s former disciple.
I think at the end of this scene, the Saxons crash into Morgana’s room, kill the other person who was in her room, and Morgana manages to save herself by saying that her father is Uther Pendragon. Not sure if they believe her, but the Saxons spare her life and take her prisoner.
 6  Telling of the Tale Reprise
Merlin
Arthur runs to the forest and prays. Probably asks why his fate is this, can’t believe it etc. Ector shows up, and I believe confirms that he is not Arthur’s biological father (giving credence to what Merlin says that he is destined to be king, and he is Uther Pendragon’s son). Arthur is angry. I am also being led to believe that Ector tries to convince Arthur to listen to what Merlin has to say.  
Merlin is singing the song, probably showing Arthur his fate. I think there is some suggestion that Arthur has some “dragon blood” and “dragon rage” in him. Many animations of parts of a dragon appear, in which Arthur swings his sword at the animations that appear. In the end he falls on the floor when the animation of the dragon eye appears.
Merlin probably tells Arthur about how the Saxons are threatening Camelot or something. Merlin takes away Arthur’s sword and I think tells Arthur to go pull the xcalibur out of the stone.
 7 The Man You’d Have Me Be
Arthur
The first song from this clip of press call: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SbzWMHbszjk
Alternative link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tm0DC5gHyrA
At some point, it seems that Arthur is buying what Merlin is saying. Then the rock formation with the xcalibur sword in it appears.
Arthur scales the rock (while singing) with the intention of trying to pull the sword out of the stone. Villagers are starting to gather below the rock formation.
Arthur fails to pull the xcalibur out of the sword twice (to giggles and then more giggles from the onlooking villagers below).
8 Let the Sword Make This Man
Lancelot / Ensemble
Merlin tells Arthur something, and then the xcalibur slides out easily without Arthur needing to exert force at all.
Second song from this clip of the press call: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SbzWMHbszjk
Alternative link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tm0DC5gHyrA
Arthur is in awe of the sword, but Lancelot doesn’t seem to be very happy (and Lancelot is the one singing the song mostly). Villagers seem to be in awe of the sword too, and have fallen to their knees to pay respect to the king (except Lancelot). 
There is a moment of suspense when 5 or 6 ensemble actors (to be knights) sing, and then there’s a pause and everyone looks at Lancelot who hasn’t sung yet. And then Lancelot breaks into song, gets on his knees. And then the joker asks to be knighted right away – and Arthur does. Arthur and Lancelot hug. Then Arthur goes to Ector and they hug too. 
Arthur celebrates with Ector, and then Merlin. Believe Arthur hands the xcalibur to Ector.
9 If He Were Standing Here
Guinevere / Arthur
Last 30 seconds of this clip https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SbzWMHbszjk is the background to the song. Song itself: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pv6OLpbsnBA
Alternative link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dcYAjOAIVZI
Sitzprobe at approximately 7:05: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uvg5_pFKDPE
Guinevere shows up and is in awe that someone managed to pull the xcalibur out of the stone.
I believe Arthur asks Guinevere what she would say to the person who managed to pull the xcalibur from the sword if he were standing here. Guinevere doesn’t know that Arthur was the one who managed to pull the xcalibur from the stone.
Guinevere is excited that someone managed to pull it out of the stone, that is clear enough.
Towards the end of the song, Ector comes and gives the xcalibur back to Arthur, to the shock and horror of Guinevere. Who makes an excuse to run away, but Arthur manages to get her name. Arthur looks smitten anyway, and I have been subsequently informed that Merlin asks Arthur if he likes Guinevere, and he answers yes. Merlin tells Arthur that ok, he’ll make Guinevere his wife, and Arthur answers yes, without paying too much attention to what Merlin is saying, then realizes that Merlin is saying, and pretty much goes “really” or something along those lines and chases Merlin excitedly off stage.
10 The Mark of the Wolf
Wolfgang / Ensemble
Sitzprobe at approximately 12 minute mark: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uvg5_pFKDPE
Ensemble (Saxons) get on stage and demonstrate their power.
Lee Sang Jun (Wolfgang), I think, has more to do than his 7th billing suggests, and I think he sings well. I think he has more to do than Ector for sure.
 11 Where Are You Now Reprise
Morgana
I think in 10 there might’ve been some Morgana bullying (notably, it seems like Wolfgang’s son (who is a important ensemble member) likes to pull her hair).
So I guess Morgana is again, not very happy.
 12 In Troubled Times Like These
Arthur / Guinevere
Guinevere is with a group of girls. It seems like she’s holding some fighting classes or something. Lancelot and Arthur come along (for what purpose isn’t exactly clear to me). Think Lancelot might have said or done something to piss Guinevere off, so Lancelot and Guinevere get into a (not serious) fight. Guinevere wins.
Lancelot wants to like chase girls, and I think the girls want to see the xcalibur. Arthur moves closer to offer the xcalibur to Lancelot to take to chase the girls, and all the girls save Guinevere flock to Lancelot who leads the girls away.
It’s only at this point that the song starts. Unlike If He Was Standing Here, this song is probably even. It seems like some love song, and it seems like at the end there was an intention to kiss, but they get interrupted by the Saxons. Arthur pushes Guinevere away and fights the Saxons (without the xcalibur, or any other kind of proper sword), but soon after Lancelot comes back, hands Arthur his xcalibur, then Arthur, Lancelot and Guinevere (with the bow and arrow) manage to fend off the Saxons. However, Arthur is injured in the process. Wolfgang’s son is seriously injured in this battle, and I think Arthur tells Wolfgang’s son that he is the son of Uther Pendragon.
 13 Pagan Dance & Ritual
Ensemble
I think basically what it suggests. A lavish number of ensemble (the female Saxons(??) who like entertain instead of fight, are not as good as the male Saxons). They are celebrating and then engaging in some ritual, which seems to result in perhaps crowning Wolfgang as king? (Morgana is still Saxons’ prisoner).
Wolfgang’s son runs in, and I think is quite injured. Understand that he reveals that he met Uther Pendragon’s son. Wolfgang is angry. Morgana is angry and shocked that Arthur is alive/exists/in the way.
 14 Sins of Father
Morgana
Press call: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ijpz7GqTAaI
Alternative link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0xWQgN7VOoE
Sitzprobe at approximately 15:50 mark: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uvg5_pFKDPE (sung by Jang Eun-Ah instead of Shin Young Sook at the press call)
Understand that Morgana is angry/jealous of Arthur for taking away what she believes is rightfully hers, and is angry at her father.
The edges of the dragon in the background shine more brightly as the song goes on, and at the climax, a dragon projection roars out (this does not show up in the press call). Cool stuff but Morgana is definitely the highlight still.
15 The Tempest
Lancelot
Recall that Arthur got injured due to the clash with the Saxons. At the start Arthur didn’t have a weapon because Lancelot took it away to go and chase girls (though to be fair, Arthur offered the xcalibur). Still, Arthur is the one who got injured.
At the start of the scene, some of the knights are angry at Lancelot. Lancelot breaks into song. If you believe the summary, it’s probably Lancelot regretting and vowing to be a better person or something along those lines.
 16 In Troubled Times Like This Reprise
Guinevere
Merlin does some singing at the start (understand that he’s backed by ensemble). Arthur is in Merlin’s cave, and Merlin is trying to save him.
Guinevere comes along, and Merlin is quite exhausted from trying to rescue Arthur. Not sure what Merlin tells Guinevere. But at the end of the scene, Guinevere told Arthur that she loves him. Arthur is already awake (or wakes up) and tells her that he loves her too. They embrace.
 17 Hundred Years From Now
Ensemble
Scene starts with many villagers who are all out and about building things. There is a fair bit of construction equipment. Ensemble starts out singing a short number.
As you can guess Arthur survives, and walks in (with Guinevere and Merlin supporting him) to a crowd of villagers chanting his name.
 18 Why Am I Here
Morgana / Merlin / Arthur
Lightning strikes, and Morgana (somehow) is on the floor (for avoidance of doubt, this is a direct continuation from the previous scene with the villagers still all around them with the construction equipment, though as the scene goes on the villagers start to retreat). I think Arthur and Guinevere check if Morgana is ok,  and then Arthur asks Morgana who she is to which Morgana says that she is Morgana Pendragon, and that she is Arthur’s older sister.
Morgana and Merlin have a confrontation, and this is where Morgana breaks into song.  Merlin joins in.  There is a lot of back and forth between Morgana and Merlin. Then Arthur joins in. And there’s a lot of back and forth. At the end it seems like Merlin is on the other side from Morgana and Arthur.
After the song (I think, but no promises, might have been before), Arthur embraces Morgana. Arthur seems genuinely happy to meet her. It seems like Arthur is not happy that Merlin kept this fact from him.
 19 The Mark of The Wolf Reprise
Wolfgang / Ensemble
Saxons display their power. As before, they have a very cool routine in which the Saxons ensemble bang their weapons on their shields. If you sit near the front it’s really quite scary.
 20 Sins of Father Reprise Chant
Morgana
As the title suggests, Morgana is angry about the sins of her father.
 21 Remember This Night
Arthur / Merlin / Ensemble
Press call: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OZySqHmL3qc
Alternative link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T-Fzaj6NYFg
Sitzprobe at approximately 20:30 mark: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uvg5_pFKDPE (with Kim Joon Hyun as Merlin instead of Son Jun Ho)
Crowning of Arthur atop the rock formation. All key casts are present (Merlin, Ector, Guinevere, Lancelot). The knights have now their knight outfits, and well, now knights around the round table. Villagers are also present.
I think the press call is quite accurate, except at the end, the light on Arthur intensifies and gets really bright and then Arthur thrusts his sword into the air to bring an end to Act 1.
===========================================================
I have thoughts, and initially thought of including them, but I have left them out, and have decided this to be a skeletal of the musical instead. I will share my thoughts eventually (probably in a separate post). On DK, let me just say that when I decided to fly in to watch him (I have never flown to watch a concert before), I knew that if he did not meet expectations (whatever that means, to be clear expectations is not to be as good as Junsu or Kai because that’s simply unrealistic), I would likely drop him and leave kpop altogether. That got messed with because the rehearsal reviews were quite positive (which I saw), and I guess, despite that I’m still writing this to piece together the musical so.
If you have any questions, please feel free to drop me a message, and to the people who have reblogged this, thanks alot!!
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lena-in-a-red-dress · 5 years
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I was tagged by @occidentaltourist. This was hard but I gave it my all, thank you for including me, now please come read my rantings...
my shows (in no particular order) :
Merlin
Xena: Warrior Princess
Stargate SG-1
Supergirl
Sanctuary
questions:
1. who is your favorite character in 2?
Xena. How is this even a question? This bish was so extra I didn’t even know the meaning of the word until I saw her bury her damn armor in the first 30 seconds of the first episode. The battle cry, the chakram-- the leather. My poor baby gay brain melted.
2. who is your least favorite character in 1?
Fucking Merlin. I would normally say Kilgarrah the dragon, as the instigator of most of Merlin’s dumbfuckery in one way or the other, but I can at least say Kilgarrah had his motives for doing what he did and insomuch at least remained consistent. Merlin not so much.
3. what is your favorite episode of 4?
Tie between “Exodus” and “Luthors”, I think. Maybe. Any Lena-centric episode is up there, honestly.
4. what is your favorite season of 5?
Probably S1. It’s the most cooky, and the most unique, where they really leaned into the teslapunk vibe and the revisionist history angle (not in a “if the nazis won” kind of way either) in how Helen knew so many people from across history. It also has Ashley, my poor heart.
5. who is your favorite couple in 3?
Sam and Jaaaaack
6. who is your favorite couple in 2?
Xena and Gabrielle. Can you believe my ace ass watched through the entire series thinking they’ve got the absolute Life™, tooling around the ancient world as besties? I only saw the gay when I atched a BTS interview with Lucy Lawless and Renee O’Connor where they were like “yeah it was totally gay” and I was like ( O.o ) and immediately went to re-watch it and only THEN did I realize how fucking gay it was oh my god.
7. what is your favorite episode in 1?
“To Kill the King”. I know it sucks when a show peaks in S1, but honestly? We’ve got the pinnacle of Morgana’s spirit in her efforts to free Gwen’s father, her rage in her failure to do so, and her impulsivity in deciding to do something about it by conspiring to assassinate Uther. And then we also have the embodiment of her kindness when she changes her mind at the last moment and kills to protect him. It only goes downhill from there.
8. what is your favorite episode of 5?
TEMPUS. Motherfucking god almighty “Tempus” took my breath away when I first saw it. It’s always the first one I go back to. The continuity, the performances, the sheer badassery from Miss Helen Magnus…. THAT was a masterpiece of television and anyone who disagrees can kiss my ass.
9. what is your favorite season of 2?
I gravitate towards the second season of X:WP, honestly. They’d hit their stride, and the season was predominantly one-offs, which I prefer over the heavy seasonal arcs they get into in later seasons. It also has my favorite episode, “A Day in the Life.” I live for “day in the life” type episodes, and this is the reason why. 
10. how long have you watched 1?
Ummm I binged the entire series oh…. Two years ago? Since then, I’ve watched only the pre-evil Morgana-heavy eps when I need something on in the background.
11. how did you become interested in 3?
So what happened was that I got to military training early, and had to spend two weeks in med company until my training billet opened up. While there, a buddy of mine had some atlantis eps on a usb drive and we watched during personal time. After I heatstroked twice later in said cycle, I had insomnia for the following year, and decided to catch up on the show-- from the beginning of SG-1. I watched whenever I couldn’t sleep and ended up getting through all 200+ episodes by the end of the semester. It’s probably the only reason I survived that year at all, tbh.
12. who is your favorite actor in 4?
Three-way tie between Melissa Benoist, Chyler Leigh, and Katie McGrath. All three have the knack for non-verbal acting that I really gravitate towards. Some cases in point are Kara’s physicality in Season 1, and Alex’s coming out arc in Season 2. For Katie McGrath, I could point to any scene between Lena and Lillian, or Lena and any moment of vulnerability. Given the right material, all three are breathtaking.
13. which do you prefer, 1, 2, or 5?
Uggggghhh….. It’s definitely between 2 or 5. Both are equally meaningful to me. But I have to admit that I re-watch Sanctuary more, and I was definitely more active in the fandom there than I was for Xena, so… Sanctuary.
14. which show have you seen more episodes of, 1 or 3?
Ha. Ha ha ha hahahaha… 3. Stargate SG-1 has 214 episodes, not including two spinoffs, plus a short-lived animated series, a mobile game, and 31 tie-in novels (50+ if you include the atlantis tie ins and assorted novellas). 
Merlin has 65 episodes.
15. if you could be anyone from 4, who would you be?
By nature, Lena. By choice? Alex Danvers. She is the embodiment of everything I ever wished I could be. Her close bond with Kara. Her fierce protectiveness-- and ability to back it up. Her trust and confidence in herself and her friends. Her authority and physical prowess. Yeah. I’d choose to be Alex.
16. would a crossover between 3 and 4 work?
Strictly speaking… yes. There’s not enough room here to go into full details, but yes. It’s entirely feasible.
17. pair two characters in 1 that would make an unlikely but strangely okay couple
Arthur and Morgana. I say this in full knowledge that they’re siblings (hence the unlikely and strange part), but they’d be okay because in my mind they’d rule platonically and each of them would have their own spouses and it’d be two pendragons ruling to protect camelot and the rest of the world quivers before them.
18. overall, which story has the better storyline, 3 or 5?
What kind of question is that? Which storyline? They both have duds, and they both knock it out of the park. Am I supposed to compare bests? They fill different niches, bro DO NOT MAKE ME CHOOSE BETWEEN SANCTUARY AND SG-1 I REFUSE
19. which has the better theme music, 2 or 4?
I feel that this is an unfair question in this day and age, as most current tv shows don’t have theme songs the way they used to. They don’t have opening credits, so how are we supposed to be able to ID a theme song like we did in the old days? 
That said, I’m able to hum the Xena theme right off the bat, while Supergirl I’d only recognize if I heard it. So, Xena wins. Xena also wins for opening voice-over.
Tagging: @magicalstripedhorse. @samarallewis86, @cloudytiger, @storyiicharacter, @motorcyclegirlfriends, @calculatingdistances and anyone else who wants to rant about their shows.
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Imagine: Being a smuggler and reuniting with your childhood best friend, Lancelot.
Request: “Hey, how are you rn? Can I request an imagine with Lancelot where she is in charge of the thieves (I forgot what they are called) and he is already a knight and his mission is to take down her group. So she agrees to go with them but to secretly steal the jewels. Lancelot realises that she is actually a childhood crush. but now she has to leave otherwise uther will kill her for stealing” For Anon.
      “Go! I’ll deal with them, just go!” You cried.
      “Are you sure Y/N?” You friend asked, her voice laced with concern.
      “Go.”
      You were part of a group of smugglers and had been raided by knights, unfortunately for you, you tripped trying to escape, and there was no way for you to keep up without slowing down the rest of your group.
      You tried to conceal yourself behind some trees but soon enough, you found a sword against your throat. The tall man led you to the rest of the knights, pushing you to your knees, “Where is the rest of your group?”
      “Where you’ll never find them.”
      “Kill her,” One of them orders.
      Another one steps forwards, “I think we should take her back to Camelot, we might be able to get some information out of her.”
      You’re about to protest when you realize, what better place to smuggle than the palace itself, it was full of jewels. If you could get a single one back to your group, you’d never need to steal again. You let them help you get on a horse and chain your hands together.
      After what feels like hours of silent riding, one of the knights finally speaks up, “Lancelot? Are you sure taking her back is a good idea?”  
      Lancelot? You look up at the man, taking in his appearance for the first time, and you are instantly flooded with memories from your childhood. He was your neighbour when you were children, and more importantly, your best friend. As the two of you grew, your feelings for him did as well, but after your parents passed away, you were taken by your uncle, who was the leader of the smugglers, and you hadn’t seen Lancelot since.
      “I think we should let the King decide what he wants to be done with her.”
      The knight simply nods and you continue on your way. Throughout the journey, you kept trying to get closer to Lancelot, you had to talk to him.
      You could see the castle approaching, and you knew you had to do something soon because you’d have no way of talking to him if they imprisoned you.
      You were as close as you could get to Lancelot without making it too obvious, so you leaned off your horse and braced yourself as you fell to the ground. The knights instantly stopped, and to your luck, Lancelot climbed off his horse, approaching you and helping you back to your feet. As he did so, you whispered, “Lancelot, I need to talk to you.”
      He gave you a confused look before turning to the other, “Head to the castle, she’s injured and will slow us down, I’ll come with her.”
      “Are you sure?”
      “Yes.”
      After the rest of the knights, were out of earshot, he turned to you, “What?”
      “Lance, it’s me, Y/N.”
      He looked into your eyes for a moment and his jaw dropped, “Y/N... oh my...”
      Both your eyes filled with tears, and you let out a dry chuckle, “Who would have thought we’d reunite like this? One is a knight and the other a criminal. How did you even end up like this?”
      “Arthur is a good man,” He states simply, “I can’t say the same about Uther.”
      You nod, “So am I going to prison?”
      He clenches his jaw, “No... Uther is going to try to question you, but no matter how you respond, you’ll be executed.”
      You suck in a breath; well there goes your plan, “Well, I knew this would happen eventually.”
      “I’m not doing it.”
      “What?”
      “I’m not leading you to your death, Y/N.”
      “Lancelot-”
      “You’re my best friend, still. I can’t let you die.”
      “You could get in trouble.”
      “And you’ll die.” He pauses for a moment, “Knock me out and run.”
      “What?!”
      “You’ve done it before, you can do it again,” He chuckles.
      “Are you sure?”
      “Do you want to live?” You sigh, and prepare yourself, “Wait, before you do it, there’s something I’ve been wanting to tell you before you left.”
      You raise your eyebrows, and without a word, he leaned into to kiss you, you’re taken aback at first, but you melt into him within seconds. Eventually, he pulls away, leaving you teary eyed, he felt the same way.
      “Do it.”
      “Lancelot-”
      “Do it Y/N,” It’s more of a command this time.
      He braces himself and right before you go in for the punch he smiles, “I hope to see you again.”
      You sit down next to him and let a few tears fall. You gently touch his face, before leaning down to give him another quick kiss, “I’m sorry.”
      You take one of the horses and ride away, turning to look back at him one last time.
End.
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cupcakezys · 5 years
Text
Change.
Told you there'd probably be more.
Previous.
Read on AO3.
Pairings: Pre-Arthur/Merlin. (They love each other they just won’t admit it.)
Summary: “Can I see?” Merlin asked, stupidly, one day as he was doing his chores. Arthur heaved a great sigh from his desk. “See what Merlin?” Well, Merlin couldn’t back down now, not with Arthur using that tone. “See you change.” He sucked in a deep breath and turned towards a frozen Arthur. “I want to see your wolf form.”
It was a terrible idea. Merlin knew it, the same as he knew that there was no way he was going to change his mind now. He was determined, and maybe a touch stubborn, but this was something he wanted to see. Still, this was not one of his best plans.
Apparently, Arthur agreed.
“This is a terrible idea.” He said as they trekked further into the woods. “You should go back to Camelot Merlin.”
“Not a chance.” Merlin said, faking as much cheer as he could to get both their minds off the steadily rising full moon. “I meant it when I said I wanted to see this, just like you wanted to see my magic.”
“This is vastly different from me watching you float objects around my chambers Merlin.” Arthur sounded worried, maybe even panicked, and Merlin couldn’t have that.
“Arthur, everything will be fine. I’ll stay up in my tree and if anything happens, I have my magic to protect me.” He sped up, just a little, so he could stop in front of Arthur and rest a calming hand on his shoulder. “Everything will be fine Arthur. I promise.”
Arthur hardly looked reassured, but he nodded all the same, body tense as a bowstring. He walked a little further into the woods, until finally they reached a little cave. Merlin immediately went about clearing the little space and setting down their packs as Arthur found some firewood.
“Merlin.” Arthur called once he’d finished piling up the wood. “The wood’s too wet to burn.”
Merlin wasn’t surprised. It had been raining non-stop for almost a week before tonight, and even though now there wasn’t a cloud in sight it hardly meant the forest was dry.
“Here.” He walked over and crouched down, made a show of holding his hand over the wood and concentrating. “Forbærnan.”
Arthur gasped as a fire sprung to life, awe and a little bit of fear in his eyes. “I’m still not used to that.”
Merlin laid down and grinned. “What, me doing all my chores with magic not as impressive?”
Arthur rolled his eyes. “Not even close! That’s just an excuse for you to be a lazy servant and you know it. This…”
“This is dangerous.” Merlin finished, not surprised at Arthur’s hesitancy and fear. He had a lifetime of lies to fight through. “Most of my magic is.”
“I know.” Arthur said, staring at the fire. “I just have to wrap my mind around the fact that an idiot has so much power. It’s pretty terrifying, you know.”
Arthur shot him a grin, and Merlin gasped in mock hurt even as he found himself grinning back. “I’ll show you terrifying!”
Arthur laughed as Merlin stood up. He was trying to think of a spell, something flashy but not actually dangerous, when a sliver of moonlight made it into the cave and Arthur shuddered, his whole body shaking.
“You need to go climb that tree now Merlin.” He growled.
Merlin gulped. He’d never heard Arthur sound like that before. He quickly grabbed his bag and double checked he had everything. Arthur watched him silently, shuddering every now and then as the moon slowly rose. Merlin scrambled for the mouth of the cave, stopping only to rest a hand on Arthur’s shoulder. His skin was hot under Merlin’s palm.
Arthur tensed and growled again. “Go.”
Merlin nodded and ran out. The moon peeked through the trees, full and shining as it made its way up into the sky, completely unaware of the chaos it was causing. Or perhaps it did know. Perhaps it delighted in the creatures that came to life under its light, or perhaps it mourned the loss of humanity it caused. Merlin didn’t know, and really, what did it matter now?
He tightened his hold on his bag and approached the closest tree. It looked easy enough to climb, certainly easier than the trees that he used to climb in Ealdor. He hauled himself up, one branch at a time, his magic occasionally leaping out to help keep him balanced as he went. He only stopped once he’d reached a reasonably think branch far from the ground, far enough that nothing, no matter how unnaturally strong, could jump up and reach him.
Then, because Arthur had insisted, he whispered a spell. “Gescildan.”
He felt the shield surround him, cocooning him in safety and warmth. Merlin relaxed against the tree and looked towards the cave. He could just barely see inside, the fire casting shadows on the forest floor. He couldn’t see Arthur, but he could see a pile of clothes next to the fire. Merlin had dressed Arthur enough times to know whose they were.
He waited for what felt like hours, hardly daring to even breathe as he watched for any sign of movement from the cave.
A howl split the air.
Merlin almost fell out of his tree as an answering howl sounded from the cave. He clung to the tree trunk as he finally saw something move in the shadows. It took a moment, but then the flames caught something bright and golden, and it took Merlin hardly a second to understand what he was seeing.
It was by far one of the biggest animals Merlin had ever seen. It was almost as tall as he was, and Merlin could tell it was all muscles. Muscles and golden fur. It seemed the Gods hadn’t gotten enough of Arthur’s perfect golden hair and had decided his wolf form needed to all but glow gold. And the eyes. Merlin thought Arthur’s eyes were captivating on a normal day, but now they were glowing bright blue and beautiful.
Bright blue eyes that were looking straight at him.
“Arthur.” He whispered, unable to help himself.
The wolf’s ears twitched, and another howl sounded, closer this time. Arthur snarled, and before Merlin could do anything the wolf had disappeared into the forest, following the resounding howls of the other wolves.
Merlin breathed out long and low, his heart beating a mile a minute. He waited an hour, watching the moon rise and the forest around him for any sign of a wolf emerging from the trees. Slowly, as more time passed and nothing appeared, Merlin allowed himself to slip down the tree to the ground. He walked back to the cave, trying to make as little sound as possible as he went. It was a full moon, after all, and even though Uther had done his best to rid the world of werewolves, Merlin knew he had been far from successful. He didn’t want to attract any attention to himself.
He made it back into the cave and set up another shield. The fire had gone out, the wood burnt away to nearly nothing, but with only a thought several sticks and twigs floated to the burnt out remains. Merlin waited until he had a decent amount, then set them on fire with a flick of his wrist.
He picked Arthur’s clothes up, carefully folding them and placing them with their packs. He settled beside the fire, facing the mouth of the cave. Now all that was left to do was wait for Arthur to return.
It was going to be a long night.
-
Another one.
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merlinthoughts · 5 years
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Season 1 Episode 5 - Lancelot<3
- YES BBG’s IT'S MY BOY LANCE
- he’s one of my fav characters u guys don't even KNOW
- like yah okay, i've only seen hiM FOR ONE EPISODE
- but he’s the light of my life
- and he may not even come back but he looks like a character that would come back especially if the fucking ep is named after him
-  oh damn, i sure hope he does
- and goes into arthurs posse of knights or whatever, replacing val
- or what valerie was gonna be
- idek, lets get to it bc i could go on for days just picturing lance as a main character while continuously expressing my love for him
- BUT NOTHING ELSE OBVIOUSLY BC THIS IS NOW A CATHOLIC WEBSITE
- tumblrs trynna urge me to go with them nasty thoughts
- you wish tumblr
- you WISH you can ban me
- u can't live without sucking dick >:(
- wow slow down shev... wow okay sorry. christianism. i forgot
- it got the best of me
- back to the episode!
- omg it's buckbeak why he making a cameo in merlin??
- my inner potterhead(uwu) is coming out i hate this
- bet you can't guess which house i'm in ;)
- it's fucking slytherin, it's literally so obvious
- hissshiss motherfuckers
- ew guys
- this is so hard to type considering my fucking ‘-’ button (called a dash for u furries who only see a face) is broken and i have to literally smash it to make it work, so i'm just insanely typing up the next dash by screaming at my keyboard that i can't fucking fix
- and i have so many dasHES TO DO!
- that made no sense bc yall aren't living in my socks at the moment
- BUT I'M DYING IT'S SO HARD TO JUST GET IT TO PRESS
- fuck it copy paste, my best friend, you always come when the time is needed
- LANCELOT LOOKS SO BEAUTIFUL
- lowkey looked like that guy from the 100 though
- but better
- nothing against baloney of course
- lancelot literally just introduced himself, the camera panned in onto his chest, then he proceeded to faint or some shit with the camera still zoomed on his chest, and merlin reached up to grab his shirt, probably to yank it the fuck off and the opening credits rolled up. wtf was that scene.
- WAIT I REWINDED IT
- it's not supposed to be a zoom in of his chest lmao, my hoe ass thought we had a little fanservice for a second, but there's a big mushroom-looking blood stain on his shirt which i guess is supposed to mean he's fucking dead so it's not all that confusing anymore
- when was he stabbed tho?
- whatever. shit always goes down in BBC that's often unexplainable.
- “it had claws, wings…” arthur stops his sentence melodramatically while uther looks terrified. “and.. what?” WHAT UTHER?? WHAT DO YOU EXPECT?? YOU THINK ARTHURS  GONNA BE LIKE “FANGS, STEVE BUSCEMI'S EYEBALLS, DANNY DEVITO’S HAIRLINE, TALKS LIKE JOHN MULANEY?? I JUST TOLD YOU WHAT I SAW, NOT WHAT I IMAGINED. FATHER”
- but no… livestock apparently
- that’s what uthers shocked by
- not that theres a fucking griffin living in his world
- wait theres magic, means theres magic creatures doy
- but still, even if we all had magic here, i think it would be a little shocking seeing a griffin come for buckingham palace randomly
- or i guess if youre reading this and are in america, in the white house
- oh and it took only people apparently
- i guess that’s a little more severe but i stand uncorrected
- they be having a wild time in the hippogriff’s house ;)
- honestly sounds like a fucked up hogawart house
- here we have slytherin, hufflepuff, ravenclaw and... *looks at smudged writing on hand* hippogriff
- okay, who tf has a dream of coming to camelot when it's the most feared place, with banned magic and an asshole king with his hot bitchy son and a sorcerer who just brings chaos to the land
- well i mean, me 
- bc of the hot bitchy son but whatever
- camelot? more like cameNOT
- arthur calls himself the ultimate killing machine like the edge lord he is
- ARTHUR FUCKING KO’D THE BITCH
- knee to the nose and all wtf man
- this is probably foreshadowing smth with the “only noble blood can swoosh like a knight” thing, like somethings gonna happen and poor people are gonna revolt and uthers gonna be like “GEEZ fine, okay, no nobles can become a knight”
- merlins such a shit stirer, telling lance he can be a knight and telling him arthur would love him when we really know whats gonna happen bc of that rule
- and here’s gaius like uhh u liar wtf, crushing lance’s dreams while merlins just like wtf gaius, live in the moment, we can do anything, this is OUR show
- literally their such good friends and have known each other for a solid 10 minutes only
- i'm not that big into beards but id love to rub my face on lance’s
- HOMEWORK IS MERLIN’S EXCUSE, MERLIN UR LIKE 20 IN A WORLD PROB WITHOUT HOMEWORK
- haha little fault there, or like a minor inconvenience which isn’t important but i like to pretend to be smart: middle ages or well the show’s era was more in “AD” (476-ish is the start of middle ages, while the arthurian legend is supposed to happen in the 5/6th century so yeah, technically 400/500 AD), and homework supposedly only started up in 1095 so BOOM BBC GOTCHA
- no, merlin’s not gonna perform magic right in front of the librarian
- does he not know the wrath of librarians???
- our librarian at school literally kicked everyone out of the library once for the whole semester because there was an apple core on the bookshelf. this was during exam week. do u know how much i wanted to kill the person who didn't admit to their mistakes and let everyone suffer. WE COULDN'T ENTER TO EVEN STUDY
- OH GOD, HE'S DOING IT MERLIN IS A FUCKING MESS
- gwen and lancelot are my favourite thing, i literally want them to be together by the next episode
- or the next one with lance
- WAIT LANCELOT IS SUPPOSED TO BE A MAIN CHARACTER ISN'T HE BC I KNOW VAGUELY THE ARTHURIAN LEGEND AND LANCELOT WAS A KNIGHT WASN'T HE???? HE WAS A FUCKING KNIGHT AND ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT NEXT TO LIKE IDK BEDEVERE OR SMTH THIS IS AMAZING NEWS GUYS I LITERALLY COULD BE A DETECTIVE
- !!!! the only heto ship on this show i actually adore !!!!!!
- i mean i only love two things: merthur and glance
- idek what gwen and lance’s ship name is so its now glance
- merlin would be the best wingman for them by being gwens bestie
- “you can start by cleaning out the stables” *lance looks to merlin while merlin gives him the biggest smile and thumbs up* this fuckING DORK
- harry potter au where everything is the same but that grim reaper looking human creature in the prisoner of azkaban executing buckbeak is actually lancelot in the future 
- for symbolism purpose, not saying lance is like an animal killer but yknow
- same thing with the griffin yknow
- the two prettiest dudes in my world fighting against one another while sweat is glistening down their forheads is my new favourite aesthetic
- BUCKBEAK HAS COME
- oh wait no, people having been attacked by buckbeak have come
- netflix fucked up by subbing arthur as “orther” and i never laughed so hard
- don’t make me fucking laugh when there’s an ambush, netflix, this is not christian
- annd arthur’s pride is gone, and he goes up to chop lance’s fucking head off
- OH SHIT THAT TRANSITION THOUGH
- i'm so proud of my bb like genuinely so proud, lance deserves so much and here is is!! a knight!!
- MORGANA APPEARS THE LOML
- the three lomls in one room?? seriously bbc?? you really doing that to me?? for once im actually impressed and happy
- he's gonna get caught, i mean i KNOW that, but like it's still stressing out
- ewewewewewewewewewew
- arthur called morgana “isn't she so beautiful??” with a lovey dovey face pls don't lead this to that stepsibling porn bullshit i'm going to fucking puke
- i hated that shadowhunter bullshit like they seriously going to hit me with the indirect incest?? i was so done. i hated jace and clary, idc if theyre like the most popular couple, like wheres my raphael lovers at bc that's a boy i can enjoy
- “so if you could choose one... lance or arthur?” merlin subtly asks gwen like he doesn't have an answer himself
- it would have been so perfect geez, gwen and lance, merlin and arthur, myself and morgana
- i really wanna know what lance, merlin and arthur look like drunk bc that's a hell of a hangover they got the next morning and they probably cut out most of the soiree so like what did they do?? was there any drunk dancing and flirting??? bc i literally want to see that happen
- ik it's a bad thing but those drunk tropes where someone confesses their love to the person they like while under the influence is my favourite thing bc it's both hilarious, genuine and the other person often helps them to their feet and gets them to a safer place to rest and that's fricken adorable guys!
- not the drinking obviously, thats like a thing you can enjoy if you want but ya girl does not like drinking. or, well, she likes drinking with a limit. you can tell who likes to be the designated driver lmao. people here be drinking flat out whiskey and i tried it once and it burned by fucking throat
- merlin fucked up
- and this is technically his fault
- THEY GOT CAUGHT LMAO IT IS HIS FAULT
- hungover and caught this won't bode well
- “not worthy of a knighthood”
- hey so how do you retract a knighthood?
- do you like reverse the shoulder tapping
- like if you're christian, bc you know, we, as a christian group on this tumblr site, should already know about it... but when we do that cross thing on our shoulders, it means like a direct call with god or some shit. and if we do it the opposite direction it's considered the antichrist so is it the same for knighthood?
- OMG I JUST HAD AN EPIPHANy
- okay with christianity it's tapping the head the stomach, shoulder then shoulder, right? but the reverse is the anti cross like shoulder to shoulder, stomach and head. but… what if it were tapping the stomach, crotch, hip to hip? it would make sense right??? since the cross is upside down… it would lead to the dick and not the head. THAT'S WHY IT'S AN UPSIDE DOWN CROSS. BC YOU AINT SUPPOSED TO GRAB THEM BALLS UNTIL MARRIAGE!!! I SEE OMG I SEE YOU JESUS, TRYNNA HIDE UR FLOURISHING SEXUALITY
- omg guys, don't grab ur fucking balls in this blog post, it's considered the antichrist
- “you never will be” lmao he's gonna come back, he's lancelot, that's a main in the og legend
-  how pissed will lance be with merlin
- i hope big time bc like... angry lance *dries off sweat with hands*
- aw damn lance isn't mad he's like “this is my punishment. mine to bare, mine to bare alone. stop blaming urself. i put this on me” this fucking goof is making me swoon once fucking more
- NOW BUCKBEAKS BACK
- he's a real goat x3
- buckbeak can literally fuck shit up in the air, camelot has nothing on him
- ARTHURS FUCKING DEAD LMAO
- oh wait he aint, just a few of his knights
- imagine being an extra and playing as one of those knights. having to fight next to bradley james, and have him look at you when someones doing something stupid like you can mentally agree with him and then pretend to die on camera. that would be my dream. make-a-wish better do me some good when i get diseased that will prob be named after me
- hoephagus
- stupidolis
- nah thats stupid
- ;)
- i now understand mulans will to pretend to be a guy and join the army bc i would literally do that if i could stay with arthur fucking pendragon
-  aw it's called a griffin not a hippogriff
- i'm saddened
- harry potter has taught me WRONG
- this looks to be the climax where merlins like “fine guys, geez, i'll kill the griffin bc i'm magic!! wow!!! but arthur obviously knew, and i thought gwen was gonna know but she shocked me even more when she didn’t like fucking hell everyones oblivious. but since you can only kill buckbeak with magic, sigh, i'm exposing myself ig” even if it's like halfway through season 1 with 5 seasons altogether, this looks to be the right time
- this really sounds to be what we are waiting for, what kilgarah said about the destiny merlin will have
- WAIT WE HAVEN'T SEE THAT BITCH IN A WHILE
- wheres the dickwad gone lmao like was the actor busy the last few episodes or what?
- OMG ARHTURS BREAKING LANCE OUT OF PRISON SO HE CAN BE A KNIGHT
- how is the “arthurs pretty gay” theory not popped up more times on here
- like we all know merthurs pretty great and all
- but CANON wise arthur seems super gay to me
- like he just told lance to get up his ass because “i need… uhh... camelot needs” like he was just about to say he needs lance in his life
- have you not seen the glances??
- fucking hell
- arthur slowly comes closer to lance pretending to talk about what he knows about the creature
- lance also coming closer to ask if he truly believes that, with a raised eyebrow
- thought this shit was only in books and fanfics
- but no guys, we got a gay eyebrow raise
- bc we all know only the gays are capable of eyebrow raises
- fucking hell this is gay i cant even explain it
- like its subtly gay, but out of context youd think this is something out of a fansite
- and merlins not even in this scene
- “take the horse and never return to this place” OKAY NO FIRST OF ALL SECOND OF ALL FUCK OFF LMAO THIS ISNT GAY ANYMORE
- i mean he’s doing it out of the goodness of his heart, saving him from prison and all but lance wants to like…  be a good man and you aint letting him do that
- OMG LANCE IS SAYING GOODBYE TO GWEN
- LANCE BETTER FUCKING KISS HER
- I LOVE GWEN AND LANCE TOGETHER #STAN
- fucking kiss you fucking bafoon
- THEY DIDN'T FUCKING KISS WTFUCKINGFUCK
- merlin looks so dumb holding his dagger as if he doesn’t know what to do with it but i love that for me
- WAIT I THOUGHT LANCELOT WAS LITERALLY GONNA GO YEET OUT OF CAMELOT NOT TO FUCKING SACRIFICE HIMSELF AND FIGHT THE GRIFFIN
- bafoons, all of them
- big bouncing bucking bafoons
- arthur looks so scared i've never been so in love and want to PROTECT
- omg for all merlin and lance know, that scream was arthur fucking dying- OMG IT WAS ARTHUR
- HE'S FUCKAN DEAD
- nvm he's alive but like yall not think to check for some arterial wounds bc he could be alive now, but in 5 mins he could legit not make it
- slow music means death
- lancelot you were the best husband i've ever had, rip
- i would be crying more if i didn’t know what happened, but since i already spoiled myself on the first season by watching this about a year ago, i'm not that sad but its still getting to me slightly
- hahahaha so happy everyones okayyy
- ARTHUR AND LANCE TiME!
- arthur looks so happy for lance literally crack ship right there
- why does nobody talk about this wyd
- and here’s arthur defending lance’s honour
- but uthers being a bitch
- omg that transition from lance being told to wait outside, the camera following him out of the room and the doors slamming behind him just in time to hear uther yell at arthur from next door is what gives me chills
- uther better fucking accept lance
- “the law is the law” yeah but the law also says to stop being a stuck-up bitch, uther
- literally lance is the only fucking person to not see through merlins blatant magic tricks
- like he saw that shit, called it out and was not like “oh what its a trick of the wind, surely”
- and he's not fazed at all, u see merlin it aint that bad to tell some people
- the only thing he is worrying about is the credit he says he doesn’t deserve bc merlin killed the griffin and not him
- see how fucking great my husband is, guys
- he better not be like “sucks to suck, i lied again! it aint me, chief” to uther and arthur
- NAH OKAY HE’S JUST BIDDING HIS FAREWELL IM GONNA FUCKING CRY IN THE CLUB
- he better fucking come back soon >:(
- seasonal guest star at least
- main characters, big bonus
- we barely saw morgana this episode and i'm not okay with that, but at the same time it was more lance-centric so i'm aight actually. we got all the time in the world for my baby girl, but lance :’( good luck man
- literally everyone is so gay for lance
- gwens into him for sure, and i love that the most (guess thats not gay but whatever, beggars can't be choosers)
- arthur has a little crush ngl
- and merlins full out in love with him
- not to mention MY FUCKING SELF
- i mean, i won't deny that he’s literally perfect in every way and i've only known him for one episode, but i agree whole heatedly with these crushes
- “till next time, sir lancelot” merlin whispers with a smile
- yeah that's me right there
- BC I'LL BE SEEING HIM IN THE FINAL EPISODE OF THIS SEASON!
- greeting us all with the news on being cast full-time for the show, being the best guard around and a lover boy to all
- guys i feel like i'm on aphrodisiacs but instead of desire for sex, it's love for lancelot
- send help
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