Tumgik
#gwaine fic
rubysunnday · 14 days
Text
dead and gone and buried
Tumblr media
a/n: i'm deep in my gwaine brain rot right now so have a cute/angsty lil fic summary: Y/N looses someone she loves and leans on Gwaine in the darkest hours.
The early spring mornings were one of the highlights of Y/N’s day. As she meandered through the corridors of the castle, she caught glimpses of the morning sun slowly rising, bathing the white stone walls in orange.
Each sunrise brought with it a new day and a fresh start.
It also brought along one knight and a large plate of breakfast.
"What is it today, Sir Gwaine?" Y/N asked, walking down the corridor and toward Gwaine.
Gwaine was half dressed, cloak draped and folded over one shoulder, chain mail roughly tucked into his belt. He held a large plate in one hand, gloves in the other.
"I believe it is pork with leftovers from last night," he replied, coming to a stop beside Y/N. "There's some apple, some... I think potatoes?"
Y/N peered at the plate. She nodded. "Potatoes."
She reached out and snatched one off the plate, dodging Gwaine's pitiful attempt at slapping her hand with his gloves.
"Have you not got things to be doing?" He asked, shielding his plate from her.
"Oh, I have a lengthy list," she replied, "but I would much rather be taunting you than helping people get dressed."
Gwaine chuckled. He tossed his head back, letting his hair fall out of his face. "I should probably go and get ready."
Y/N nodded, gently sweeping her foot across the floor. "Do you need a hand?" She asked, looking up at him.
"Uh..." Gwaine looked at himself, taking in his mismatched state of dress. "Please," he replied, his smile growing.
Gwaine leant across Y/N and placed his plate of breakfast down on the window sill. She pulled his cloak from his shoulder and took his gloves.
Y/N held Gwaine's clothes as he untangled his chain mail from his belt and awkwardly dragged it down over his head. She watched, angling her eyes down when Gwaine looked up, flicking his hair out from under the shirt.
He reached out and took his cape from her, his fingers brushing against the back of her hand. In one, rather dramatic, swoop, he put the cape around his shoulders and pulled the buckle tight, letting the cape settle around his shoulders.
With a smile, Y/N slapped the gloves into Gwaine's hands. "Good morrow, Sir Knight."
Gwaine bowed to her, sweeping his cloak out behind him. "Good morrow, Lady Y/N."
Y/N giggled. "You better get going unless you want our wonderful king to yell at you."
"He yells at me all the time," Gwaine replied, pulling his gloves on. "It'll be nothing new."
He leant across and pressed a kiss to Y/N's cheek. Gwaine stepped back and nodded at her, turning on his heel and walking down the corridor.
Y/N shook her head, a fond smile on her face, and began walking the opposite direction.
//
"Gwaine, if you spent more time watching your opponent, you'd spend less time on the floor." Arthur yelled, stabbing his sword into the grass.
Y/N laughed softly as she walked past. Gwaine was, indeed, lying sprawled on the grass, his sword flung miles away. He rolled over onto his stomach, his eyes catching on Y/N as she passed. She waved to him and he awkwardly waved back to her.
When she got a chance, Y/N always went for a walk down past the training ground. Partly so she could watch Gwaine try and partly because she could breathe in the fresh air and stroll amongst the upper town.
There was only so much pretentious behaviour Y/N could take from those in the castle before she lost her mind.
"Lady Y/N?"
Y/N turned her head, coming face to face with a flush-faced, out-of-breath messenger.
She nodded. Y/N patiently waited as the messenger fiddled with this bag, struggling to find the piece of parchment he was meant to give her.
Eventually he found it, whipping it out the bag with a flourish. He handed it to Y/N and, before she could even unfolded it, ran off back into the upper town, dodging through the crowds.
The wax seal popped off easily. Y/N unfolded the letter, all ready knowing what it would say.
She'd been waiting for this letter for months. Ever since her father had retired from his role as secretary of state because of his declining health, she'd been waiting for the letter that summoned her home to be at his death bed.
'It's time to come home.'
There it was, written in black ink and folded into a square.
"You alright?"
Y/N jumped, dropping the letter and stumbling back over a tiny pebble on the ground. Gwaine, who'd made her jump in the first place, caught her by the waist and stabled her, setting her back on her own two feet.
"Sorry," he said, wincing. "I thought you'd heard me."
"No, I hadn't," Y/N breathed, still recovering. "I was -"
"Reading?" Gwaine held out her letter to her. "Is it your father?" He asked as she took it, clutching the letter to her chest.
Y/N had confided in Gwaine about her father's health long ago. He'd been the one to watch out for him during council meetings, escorting him back to his chambers when he'd been to unwell to stay any longer.
Gwaine had been a silent supporter for Y/N as she tried to cope with her father and her job in the castle. When her father had retired and returned back to their home village, Gwaine had held her hand as she watched him disappear through the gates.
So it was with no surprise that Y/N turned to her best friend and said "yes... he most likely won't survive the week."
Gwaine took a step closer, reaching down and gently grabbing Y/N's hand, cradling it in his.
"When are you going?" He asked, lowering his voice as a group of knights passed by, laughing loudly.
Y/N shrugged. The wind picked up, blowing her hair in front of her eyes and she brushed it back, ignoring the headdress she'd pinned to her hair.
Gwaine reached up with his other hand and caught her hand. He brushed her hair back, untangling it from the headdress. His hand lowered, brushing against her cheek before returning to his side.
"It's an hour or two away," Y/N said softly, "so either before nightfall or first thing tomorrow morning."
"I'll come with you."
"No, Gwaine, I can't ask you to do that -"
Gwaine cut her off, putting a hand to her cheek. "I offered. I don't want you to be alone, that's all."
Y/N nodded, swallowing back the tears building in her eyes. "Thank you," she whispered.
//
Atheyers was quiet as they rode into the town. The townsfolk had begun lighting lanterns and shutting windows, settling down for the night.
Gwaine helped Y/N down from her horse and, hand in hand, they walked up to the big, wooden timbered house, that was Y/N's family home.
Inside the atmosphere was sombre and almost stifling with grief. For a moment, Y/N thought she was too late. But then she saw her brother rush down the stairs and her panic eased slightly.
"You're just in time," Isaac whispered, embracing his sister tightly. "Come on." He turned, looking at Gwaine. "You too, Sir Gwaine."
The room was quiet, lit candles providing warmth and a calming light.
Y/N walked in, hiding behind her brother for a second. She peered round and saw her father lying in bed, looking pale and fragile.
"Y/N's here, father," her brother whispered.
Y/N glanced behind, searching for Gwaine's reassuring gaze. He stood in the shadows, quietly watching. When he caught her gaze, he nodded and gave her a reassuring smile.
She stepped forward and crouched down beside the bed. "I'm here, father," she said softly, taking his hand in hers. "You can rest now."
//
Bird song greeted Gwaine the next morning. He'd fallen asleep in a chair that sat outside the bedroom, against the wall of the corridor. He stretched as he stood up, rubbing his face.
The door creaked slightly as he pushed it open, peering inside. Y/N was asleep beside her father, still curled on the floor, her head resting on the mattress, arm folded under her head.
Gwaine knew that her father had passed. There was a new, peaceful silence in the room broken only by the birds tweeting outside.
He approached Y/N and knelt down beside her, placing a hand on her shoulder. "Y/N," he whispered, shaking her gently. "Hey..."
Y/N lifted her head, looking up at Gwaine. "He's gone."
"I know. I'm sorry," he whispered, stroking her hair.
Y/N sat back, leaning against Gwaine's chest. He shifted, kneeling behind her, pulling her into his lap.
They sat there for a moment. Y/N held Gwaine's hand tightly and closed her eyes.
//
They gathered on the shore of Lake Riveia, watching the boat containing the body of Y/N's father burn.
Y/N stood at the edge of the shore, her brother next to her. Dressed in black, she looked like a shadow in the afternoon sunlight.
Gwaine stood with the other knights, capes blowing in the breeze, heads bowed. Arthur stood along side them - not as a king but as a knight himself.
After a while, those gathered began to walk back to the castle, until Y/N and Gwaine were all who remained.
"How are you?" Gwaine asked, coming to stand by Y/N's sad, his shoulder brushing against her.
"Coping," she whispered, her eyes still fixed on the burning boat in the distance. After a moments pause, she turned to face Gwaine. "Thank you for being here."
Gwaine raised his eyebrows, slightly surprised. "Of course," he replied. "I wouldn't be anywhere else."
"I know but... I'm grateful for the fact you even stayed to check on me," Y/N replied, chuckling sadly. "Not many do."
"Not many love you like I do."
Y/N smiled, looking down at the ground. Gwaine reached over and placed his finger under her chin, gently guiding her head up until she was looking at him.
"I love you, Y/N," he said softly, tucking her hair behind her ear. He rested his hand against her cheek and Y/N leant into it. "I love you with so much of my heart, none is left to protest."
"That's good," Y/N said, giggling quietly. "I don't think I could cope with you denying your feelings." She paused, pressing her lips together. "I think I do enough for both of us."
Gwaine gently turned Y/N by her shoulders until she faced him. She looked up, staring into his eyes, suddenly remembering just how beautiful his brown eyes were.
Slowly, Y/N leant forward, her eyes closing. Gwaine pressed his lips to hers, his hands resting on her hips. Y/N raised her arms, threading her fingers through his hair, untangling the curls.
They pulled apart, resting their foreheads together.
"I finally have my own knight," Y/N whispered, shoulders shaking as she giggled.
"And I my lady," Gwaine replied, pressing another kiss to her lips. "Forever and always."
Y/N stepped closer and kissed Gwaine again, holding him as tightly as she could.
25 notes · View notes
make-me-imagine · 2 years
Text
Blissfully Unaware
Prompt: 'A game of 20 questions that ends with “Can I kiss you?” Requested By: Anonymous (Mystery Prompt Pink 19)
Plot: While making your way back to Camelot, you and Gwaine try to make the time go by faster by learning more about one another. Gwaine uses this, to try to find out if you share his feelings.
Pairing: Gwaine x GN!Reader
Warnings: A "detailed" kiss or two, but that's about it.
Words: 1.5k
Tumblr media
-
As you looked out over the valley, you sighed "Well, either we missed them already, or we're ahead of them."
Gwaine stood beside you as he looked around. "We can't wait around for them, we should just continue on our way. We'll meet back at Camelot either way."
Nodding, you turned and looked ahead into the heavy wooded area "I really wish we hadn't lost our horses."
Gwaine nodded as he began to walk ahead "But at least we still have our legs."
You let out a soft scoff, "Might not by the time we make it back to Camelot."
Gwaine smiled as he looked back at you for a moment. He had been dying for a few moments to be alone with you, and now that you had gotten split off from the group, he had more time than he expected.
It felt like almost too much time, as Gwaine felt an uncommon anxiousness in his gut. It was not common that someone made him nervous, but you most certainly did.
"We could talk, to make the time go by faster." Gwaine suggested, as he stopped to wait for you to catch up to him.
"Talk about what?"
He shrugged lightly. "Tell me about yourself."
You let out a soft laugh that made his heart flutter. "We've known each other for months now Gwaine."
He grinned. "True, but that does not mean I know everything about you. I only know the basics, tell me more."
You opened your mouth before you shook your head with an uncertain laugh. "I don't know what to tell you, it's all pretty boring."
"Oh, I doubt that." He said with a soft smile.
You smile in return, feeling your heart hammer in your chest. You weren't expecting to be alone with Gwaine, and now he wanted to know all about you? You had never felt more unsure of yourself.
"How about this, I will just ask you questions, and you answer."
"Alright, but do I get to ask you questions too?"
He nodded "Of course."
"Alright then." You smiled, wondering where this conversation would end up.
"Okay, let me see," he mumbled "Why did you pick Camelot? Of all the placed you could have moved to, why here?"
You thought about your response for a moment, as you and Gwaine headed deeper into the woods, and closer to Camelot.
--------
As the mid-day sun hung over head, you and Gwaine sat by a small river, taking a break from your long venture back to Camelot.
"So, you've been in Camelot a lot longer that I have" Gwaine said as he sat down beside you. "But I hardly see you with anyone but the Knights, Merlin, or Gwen."
"Yes? And?"
"Is there no one else in your life?"
You felt an uneasy tightness in your chest at this, but you smiled casually. "Is that not enough people?"
He smiled and shook his head. "I meant romantically."
You felt a bit of tension rise between you, but felt it was surely one sided. You shook your head as you pulled your water canister from your bag.
"Ah. Well, no, there is no one romantically in my life." Standing, you began to head to the river, unaware of the hopeful gaze on Gwaine's face.
"And no one, headed, in that direction then?" Gwaine asked, watching your profile.
You shrugged your head a bit, "I don't know. I tend to be 'blissfully unaware' of that sort of thing, or at least Gwen says so."
Gwaine let out a soft laugh, and you felt your heart beating heavily. As curiosity set heavy on your mind, you asked softly, while trying to sound as casual as you could.
"What about you? Who are you with?"
He shook his head. "No one."
You looked at him with a bit of surprise, he was unable to miss. He rose a brow a bit. "I know I'm labeled the palace flirt, but that doesn't mean I'm always in a relationship."
You let out a soft chuckle. "I thought you liked that label."
He shrugged softly. "I didn't mind it at first, but, I don't want it to become my reputation. The person I have actual feelings for might not think to kindly of me if it is, they might not trust me."
You felt your heart sink a bit as you turned, looking out at the forest, not wanting Gwaine to see your face.
"So you like someone then? In Camelot?"
Gwaine stared at you, wondering if that was disappointment in your voice or if he was just imagining it. "Yes, I do."
"What are they like?"
Gwaine's lip curled up a bit before he spoke. "They're amazing. They're smart, witty, talented, too kind for their own good really. Attractive, more than they're willing to admit. They're much too good for me, really."
You looked down at your feet but smiled softly. "They almost sound made up."
He let out a soft laugh. "I would think so too if I didn't know them. I don't think they realize half those things about themselves though."
You wondered who it was he was thinking of. Someone you knew? It didn't really sound like it. Maybe it was someone he met in the town.
"Sounds like you really do like them."
Was that a hint of jealousy? No. Surely you understood he was talking about you by now.
"I do. Very much."
His voice had grown softer, and you felt a jealousy in your chest, but you tried to push it away. You should feel happy for him. Happy that he has found someone who makes him feel that way, even if it couldn't be you.
Swallowing down your feelings, you turned back around and made your way over.
"So, how long have you been with them? Do the other Knights know about them?"
Gwaine frowned as he watched you set your water down, before you grabbed a rag and went back to the water. You really didn't realize he had been talking about you. He almost laughed.
"I'm not with them."
"Oh." You looked back at him, clearly confused. Wiping your face and hands with the damp rag, you steadied your voice. "So, do they know? How you feel?"
He shook his head softly as he watched you closely. "I don't think so."
"Whats stopping you from telling them?"
He repressed a smile as he cleared his throat and began to stand up. "I've tried, but I don't think they understood what I was saying. Or, they just didn't understand how it could be them I had feelings for."
'Sounds familiar' you thought quickly as you stood. "Maybe they need a more obvious sign."
You mentally kicked yourself for encouraging him, all you were doing was pushing him further away from you.
Gwaine made his way towards you, "An obvious sign? Like a kiss?"
You almost choked, "Uhm, I suppose that would be obvious" you let out a short laugh. "But, you can't just march up to them and kiss them out of the blue."
Gwaine stepped up to you. "So I ask first?"
You tilted your head with a soft shake, "Yeah, then you'd at least know for certain how they felt."
Gwaine continued to stare at you as he nodded softly. A small smile spread across his face as you felt your heart flutter.
"Alright then." Taking a step closer, he was right in front of you, his eyes drilling into yours. You felt your breath catch in your throat. "Can I kiss you?"
As confusion turned into denial, following by realization, you opened your mouth slowly, and spoke softly. "You were talking about me?"
His lips stretched into a grin as he nodded softly. "I thought I was being obvious."
You felt your face grown hot as you failed to repress a smile. "Gwen was right. I am-"
Gwaine's smile turned into a grin as you both spoke at the same time.
"Blissfully unaware."
You giggled softly as you looked down, feeling almost overwhelming embarrassment, confusion and excitement.
Feeling Gwaine hook his finger under your chin, you looked up to meet his gaze. "I was certainly right about one thing. You really don't realize any of those things about yourself do you?"
"I don't really think about myself at all." You admitted.
His smile faded a bit, before he replaced it again with a flirty gaze. "That's alright, I think about you enough for the both of us."
You let out an almost startled giggle as you felt your ears burning hot.
Keeping your eyes locked with his, you felt him gently caress your chin with his finger. "So, about that kiss?"
Your heart was hammering heavily in your chest, as you found it hard to breath. Smiling, you nodded your head.
Gwaine slowly lowered his head, as his lips met yours gently. The soft kiss was deepened as Gwaine brought his hand to the back of your neck and pulled you closer. You brought your hand up and set it against his chest.
Slowly parting, your eyes fluttered open meeting his again. You both had soft smiles on your lips.
"I do trust you, by the way." You whispered softly. "Label or not."
His smile widened, "You really are too good for me."
You shook your head lightly. "Agree to disagree."
Letting out a soft breathy laugh, he pulled you into another kiss, deeper and more passionate than the last. You wrapped your arms around his neck, as he pulled you flush against him.
xx End xx
I had no idea what to write next, so I just ended it lol. Hope you enjoyed it nonetheless <3
General Taglist: @criminaly-supernatural, @caswinchester2000, @imaginesfire, @rexit-mo, @onuen, @witchygagirl
Merlin/Gwaine Taglist: @flourishandblotts-inc, @spuffyfan394, @dominos-palast, @ambitionspassionscoffee, @locke-writes, @multifandomfix,
531 notes · View notes
thenerdyindividual · 2 years
Link
Chapters: 2/13 Fandom: Merlin (TV) Rating: Teen And Up Audiences Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: Gwaine/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin) Characters: Gwaine (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin (Merlin), Gwen (Merlin), Morgana (Merlin), Uther Pendragon (Merlin), Aredian (Merlin) Additional Tags: Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Action/Adventure, Exile, Running Away, Prince Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Protective Gwaine (Merlin), Smart Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin's Magic Revealed (Merlin), Episode: s02e06 Beauty and the Beast, Curses, Spells & Enchantments, Escape, Falling In Love, On the Run, Tenderness, Campfires, Teamwork, Protective Merlin (Merlin), Flirting, POV Merlin (Merlin), POV Gwaine (Merlin) Summary:
Uther is enchanted by a troll, we know how that story goes. But what happens when he never cries tears of true remorse? What happens when the troll dies before Gaius and Merlin break the enchantment?
With Uther on he warpath, it falls to Arthur to try to protect the people of Camelot from Uther’s paranoia and ever increasing greed. But when Uther not only revokes Arthur’s title, but disowns him, the danger Arthur is in increases. In a bid for his life, he flees Camelot.
It doesn’t stop there. Now the famed Witch Hunter Aredian is on his trail, and it’s up to Merlin and a charming scoundrel in a tavern to get word to Arthur in time to save him from Aredian.
(Updates Fridays)
For the lovely @anarchycox
16 notes · View notes
amariram · 5 months
Text
Tumblr media
Sir Gwaine, Sir Percival and Sir Lancelot when at the banquet they see another foreign Lord hitting on Merlin in front of a very pissed Arthur.
2K notes · View notes
tiredcowboyy · 2 months
Text
can someone write/find a fic where merlin finds out hes the druid king and that across albion it is still recognised as a king so either king arthur or prince arthur and king uther have to just accept that the idiot servant is suddenly at an equal rank to them and therefore they have to treat him w nothing but respect.
Like I just want merlin to be like ‘wait so im the king? does that matter outside of the druids or…?’ and him find out that yes he is equal to the pendragons and just let him turn to arthur with the biggest shit eating grin
957 notes · View notes
Headcanon that Merlin listens to Arthur and the knight’s rambling because he just really enjoys listening to them talk
I’ve had this headcanon for a while and I’ve written about it a few times but never anything I liked enough to post. But I got reminded about it again so I thought I’d share here.
If anyone writes this, please just tag me here or on Ao3 and give credit. Thanks :))
Merlin realises pretty early on in Camelot that nobles are never forthcoming with information or talking.
He also learns that Arthur loves to ramble about his special interests or hyper-fixations, despite it being trained out of him from an early age.
ADHD Arthur has me in a chokehold most days and I really really hate Uther despite the source of angst.
Anyway, Merlin will act like he doesn’t know anything about hunting or swords even after he’s had a few months in Camelot and he’ll ask Arthur more and more questions till he starts rambling.
And Merlin loves it. He loves listening and getting a chance to relax and not be the constant ball of energy in the relationship. He gets Arthur talking about longbows or developments in battle strategy throughout history while they’re on rides or walking through the halls, or he asks about breaking the horses for riding, Camelot’s history, pretty much anything.
Arthur just thinks Merlin is genuinely curious about these things, but he realises Merlin hates hunting, he shouldn’t care about bow weight or arrows. And he can’t handle a sword to save his life so why would he be interested in why the discovery of counterbalance is important?
It’s not till he looks over during one of his rants and sees Merlin completely at ease that he realises Merlin just likes listening. Arthur pauses and Merlin frowns to ask why he stopped. Arthur isn’t one to look a gift horse in the mouth when it comes to Merlin and he knows better than to try and understand him. So he rolls his eyes, says something about making sure he was actually listening, to which Merlin reassures him he’s listening by repeating the last few things Arthur’s said, with his own understanding to show he’s interested, before telling Arthur to keep talking.
It spreads around the knights eventually and Merlin becomes the guy who listens to people. Leon, in particular, will spend time talking to Merlin about things he finds interesting because he’s never had anyone to listen to him before. Gwaine knows why Leon and Arthur are so happy to talk to Merlin because he experienced it too when Merlin said he wasn’t sick of having Gwaine around and talking ‘too much’ after his first time in Camelot.
He also gets a few skills along the way, he can pick a perfect sword for Arthur’s birthday present, learns a lot about the Druids from Percival and a lot of other things from the knights.
And the fics I wrote for this were entirely an excuse for me to ramble about why the capes in BBC Merlin were stupid and inaccurate, and the various other historical inaccuracies in the show, but that’s another thing.
298 notes · View notes
kairennart · 10 months
Text
Tumblr media
Gwaine + ace colors for @merlinbingo
744 notes · View notes
dandelionpixels · 6 days
Text
merlin hcs
ask: Do you have any headcannons of Merlin growing his hair out all curly and everyone in the castle collectively loose their minds
- If you want a mental image, I’ve got you. Take this and this and this and enjoy. :3
- Like the grandpa he is, Gaius teases Merlin for it every morning. He ruffles his hair, mumbles something about being thankful while you have it, and sends him out the door with a tsk.
- It only takes a day or two for it go from subtle waves to quite noticeable, especially when Gaius makes him a shampoo better fit for the curly aspect. It wasn’t really an intentional choice on Merlin’s end, just happenstance from being busy and letting it do what it wants. This also meant he was starting to get slight stubble around his jaw, born from laziness about shaving.
- This switch also happened to fall on a rare weekend where Merlin didn’t really see anyone. Arthur was gone for business and Merlin took the weekend off.
- Gwen says something about it first, crossing him in the halls and stopping him to gently ruffle his hair and go, “Well aren’t you handsome, why have you been hiding this?” to which Merlin blushes (not used to compliments) and waves it off. Gwen continues down the hall, but calls back over her shoulder, “Make sure to ask the knights what they think!”
- Merlin also passes a couple ladies from town who, in no uncertain fashion, stare for long enough that even he notices.
- When he wakes Arthur up by yanking the curtains open and throwing an orange in his direction, Arthur doesn’t notice. Too blinded by sleep and sun and stress. It’s not until after he’s changed and emerges from behind the divider that his gaze flickers to Merlin and he pauses.
- Merlin makes a face, “What? Don’t be thinking about throwing something at me.” Arthur looks away, but doesn’t move, “Nothing, you changed your hair.” Having genuinely forgotten, Merlin pauses, “Oh- I suppose I did. Is that….a problem?” Arthur rolls his eyes, “Why would that be a problem Merlin? I doubt anything can worsen your servant skills any more than their current-,” He’s cut off by Merlin throwing his shoes full speed at him.
- When they run into the knights in the armory, Merlin keeps remembering Gwen’s comment about what they would think. He decides not to say anything, but it doesn’t matter because the second they go outside and the sunlight hits them, Gwaine clocks him immediately.
- “Woah, hold up! You did something, fess up!” Merlin groans but smiles despite himself, “C’mon, don’t do this-,” Percival cuts him, “He’s right though! You’re all rugged now.” He lowered his voice when he said rugged and Merlin and Arthur both make a grossed-out expression. As Elyan opens his mouth to agree, Merlin surrenders, “I grew out my hair a little bit, it got wavy, can we move on now?”
- Gwaine wolf-whistles and the knights burst into laughter. Arthur rolls his eyes and gestures with his sword, “Can we get back to training?” Lancelot grins, “What, are you upset we think Merlin looks nice?” Arthur shoots him a very pointed glare and gestures everyone out into the field.
- Later that evening, Morgana comes to visit Arthur while Merlin’s getting dinner set up. She goes to wave a quick hello but pauses upon seeing him, “Merlin! Your hair looks lovely.” He grins bashfully, “Thanks.” Arthur groans, “Doesn’t anyone in this castle have anything better to do than pay attention to Merlin’s hair?” Morgana shrugs, “Do you not like it?” Arthur stiffens slightly, “I didn’t say- I just don’t care about it.” Gesturing vaguely around, Morgana continues, “It’s not a crime to think he looks nice Arthur, everyone in this castle thinks he looks nice. You’d be crazy not too.”
73 notes · View notes
sam-jessie · 11 days
Text
Now that Merlin is trending I need to tell everyone my favourite headcanon that gwaine can sing. He used to be a bard on a pirate ship and he can sing in a few different languages. Gorgeous
61 notes · View notes
Text
I had a merthur fic idea that it's keeping me awake at night and I just had to write it down (METHUR PROMPT)
OK, so hear me out. What if merlin after having lived 1500+ years has forgot Camelot?
Like not the idea of Camelot, he knows what happened and knows it's true, but like the specifics are blurry. He suddenly can't remember how did the castle looked, or what was the name of the cook, things that, to him made all of the experience, personal. But it gets worse, he can't remember the face of his mother, or Gaius's voice, he can't remember Arthur, so he panics.
He has had SO MUCH TIME, and so he has studied a lot about his magic, most of it through trial and error and personal experimentation, because most of the magics in the world have already vanished, so he tries to create a new spell, to make himself remember, fearing that he won't recognize Arthur when he came back.
This new spell is meant to help him remember, relive if you will, the memories that he lost. He pours every bit of knowledge into this project, practicing with very advance Alzheimer patients (because of course Merlin is a doctor, and a chemist, and a profesor... he has had time alright) and he makes a lot of progress. He spends years into this, but the progress is too little, he can make an Alzheimer patient remember up to 10 years in the best of the cases, but he has lived thousands, 10 years was virtually nothing.
Frustrated, and honestly more than a little drunk, and sad, he decides to wing it, he shouts the spell sobbing and uses all of the magic that he can, begs the gods to listen and he also threatens them for good mesure and then he passes out.
Basically he time travels, but he DOES NOT KNOW THAT. He thinks the spells work so fantastically he is having a really fucking amazing lucid dream of sorts, he doesn't remember the specifics so he can't know that he is not exactly following his original steps.
So we have a homesick Merlin running around Camelot, way to happy just to be there and maybe a bit high on magic (because of course in the past there's so much more magic than he's grown used to with the years).
Obviously shenanigans ensue, a 21 century mind in a medieval setting, a wizard that is used to using his powers regularly because nobody believed in magic anyways, a doctor with modern techniques, a slightly shortsighted profesor who is use to wearing reading glasses, a lovesick idiot who forgot the face of his first and most true love... He does something (I am yet to figure that part out) and make a big change in the course of the events and finally finds out that he timetraveled and that he is probably fucking up history for good, and tries to fix it maybe.
That's basically the basis of the idea, I think there a lot of possibilities this could go and I really love it. I wanted to write it here so if anybody wanted to write something with this idea or expand on it it could be fun
English is not my first language so im sorry if I made a mistake. Pls let me know what you think about it. I might expand this with more head canons later.
175 notes · View notes
merlinemrys · 9 months
Text
sometimes u just have to think about how gwen is thee it girl in camelot 😌 favoured heavily by morgana, courted by arthur and then became queen (not to mention that arthur was willing to forsake his entire kingdom just to be with her), lancelot loved her at first sight and he carried that flame of his affection until he died, gwaine stopped in the middle of the street to flirt with her, leon basically goes and shoots his shot while arthur’s dying, merlin’s willing to disguise himself AND die for her at any turn… nobody does it like thee babygirl ever <3
342 notes · View notes
quotidian-oblivion · 3 months
Text
I need ideas on Gwaine and Merlin causing havoc on Camelot for my crack fic. Please send. I've milked out my creativity and I need some knights in shining armor to bring some pieces from their adventures.
89 notes · View notes
make-me-imagine · 1 year
Text
Love and Loss
Plot: Years after the love of your life disappears, you find your way to Camelot to start over. Just when you think things might turn out alright, you see a ghost from your past. Gwaine, the love you thought you had lost forever.
Pairing: Sir Gwaine x Gn!Reader
Prompts: “Leaving you was the hardest thing I ever had to do did."+ “Don't look at me like that." "Like what?" "Like you still love me.” - I could not find a way to put in the third prompt, sorry! Requested By: Anonymous
Warnings: Angst, sad. Themes of Abandonment, family death, loneliness. Mentions of violence, death, being assaulted.
A/N: Though it sounds super angsty, which it is, it does have a somewhat happy/hopeful ending, and could have a part two if desired.
Words: 3.6k
Tumblr media
-
Entering the gates into Camelot, you felt your chest fill with anticipation, excitement and anxiety. This was the beginning of a new start for you, and you had no idea how it would go.
It took a lot to convince yourself to accept Gwen's offer of a place at the palace. You weren't sure if that was what you wanted. But as your village grew smaller and smaller, and you had no one left there, you decided it was time to start again, even if it would be hard.
Spotting Gwen waiting for you near the market stalls, you grinned and waved your hand in the air.
You had met Gwen when you were a lot younger, when you and your father had come into Camelot for a fair. The two of you had become fast friends and often wrote letters to one another over the years.
When she saw you, she quickly made her was towards you wrapping you in a hug as soon as she reached you.
"Oh, I'm so glad you made it safely, how was your journey?"
"Long, but not too hard luckily. I managed to befriend a few travelers who brought me a great distance on their carriage."
"Oh good! Well, come on, I have so much to show you, the market and palace has changed quite a lot since you last visited."
"I've heard much. King Arthur, certainly seems to be making a difference all across the kingdom."
After she showed you around the market, you stopped outside the palace walls to discuss the options for jobs you could take.
Stopping mid sentence as you heard a familiar voice, you looked around, your eyes stopping on a passing group of knights.
As one of the men laughed, and turned to look back at another knight, you felt your heart drop and your breath catch it your throat.
Gwen, seeing your sudden change in demeanor, followed your gaze.
"Gwaine?" You muttered, shock and uncertainty obvious in your tone.
"Do you know Gwaine?" Gwen asked.
You turned to look at her, and she could see the obvious shock on your face. You nodded your head lightly as you looked back here he had just been, seeing he was gone, again.
"He- we- we were.."
Gwen frowned before she gently grabbed your arm "Wait, is Gwaine the one you told me about? The man who disappeared?"
You nodded again, feeling overwhelming emotions course through you.
Gwen, able to see this, gently tugged your arm "Come on."
Ushering you to her cottage where she was allowing you to stay for some time, she gave you a few moments to gather your thoughts as she sat beside you. You had told her briefly what had happened a few years previous, but you never told her Gwaine's name, or exactly what had happened.
Taking a deep breath, you looked over at her as she waited patiently across from you.
"Around five years ago, a man came into our village. He was injured after a skirmish with some bandits in the forest. Gwaine. My father allowed him into our home, and we helped him recover. During that time, to repay us for our kindness, he helped us around the house, helping my father fix the roof, work his job when he was sick. Eventually, me and Gwaine fell in love. Oh Gwen I loved him so much. But I was always afraid he would feel the need to leave again. Nothing ever seemed to keep him in place, he was a traveler, he love adventure. A quiet village life was not appealing to him, I knew that. After some time, he reassured me he would not leave me. That he loved me. He even told me that he would marry me one day." You looked down at your hands "And I believed him. I truly did, and I do think he did love me. But...he was never the type to settle."
You stood up and walked over to the window, trying to repress the tears that were forming in your eyes.
"One day, after about a year and a half of being in the village, he left to go to a nearby town to get supplies. But he never returned. I waited every day for him to come back. But he never did. So I waited for a letter, but never received one. I decided he must have been killed. Because the idea that he chose to leave me, hurt too much. But now....he's here, and he's a knight nonetheless." You let out a soft almost scornful laugh. "Now I know, I was not enough to make him stay."
Gwen rose and walked over to you, gently placing her hands on your arm "I'm so sorry Y/n. I had no idea. I mean...Gwaine has mentioned a great love in the past, but...I suppose he was too ashamed to say anything else."
"How long has he been here?"
Gwen thought for a moment "Nearly two years I think."
You nodded "I mourned him Gwen. Every day."
Gwen sighed "What will you do?"
"I don't know" You shook your head "Maybe I should not stay here."
"You mustn't let him chase you away Y/n. You need a new place to start over, where else would you go?"
You turned and looked at her "I don't know. But...I'm afraid."
She pulled you into a hug "I know. But perhaps this could give you your answers, and you can move on, stop mourning." Pulling away, she met your gaze "Please stay. For a week at least, and if after that you still want to leave, I will support your decision."
You thought for a moment, uncertainty still coursing through you. You really did have no where else to go.
Letting out a shaky breath, you nodded "Alright. I'll stay, for now."
She smiled softly "Good."
"What do I do if I run into him though?" You asked with a sightly panicked expression.
She shrugged her head slightly "Slap him?"
You let out a laugh and shook your head "I would be lying if I said he wouldn't deserve it."
Looking out the window again, you feared what would happen when you saw him again. What would be his answer to your long asked question. 'Why did you leave me?'
--- ---- --- ---
Over the next few days, you managed to avoid seeing Gwaine all together. You were not ready to face him. So when the knights left on a short scouting quest, you felt relieved you would not have to peer around every corner, at least for a short time.
You and Gwen walked through the market picking up supplies for dinner. Looking through some vegetables in a basket on the ground, you froze in place when you heard a familiar voice call out.
"Hello Gwen, how are you today?"
Gwen, looked down at you with an alarmed look before looking over at Gwaine as he approached.
"Gwaine! I thought you were on the scouting trip with the other knights?"
"Oh I got the easiest part, I'm already done." You could practically hear the grin in his voice as he spoke.
Standing, but with your back still towards him, you felt your hands beginning to shake as nervousness washed over you.
As Gwen spared you a brief look, Gwaine looked over her shoulder. He felt his heart jump a bit as he recalled the similarity to someone he had once known.
"Who's your friend?" He asked with an uncertain voice as he stared a the back of your head.
'Oh, um-" Gwen stuttered as she looked back to you.
You clenched the basket in your hands tighter as you let out a shaky breath. Slowly turning around you spoke, your voice soft, yet full of obvious emotion.
"You used to know my name."
As you turned and Gwaine's eyes fell on your once familiar gaze, he felt his heart clench in his chest. Your eyes were still the beautiful shade he would recall at night when he thought of you. Your voice still sent chills through him. You were still you.
"Y/n." He muttered softly, mouth agape.
"Ah, so you do still know it." You said softly, yet scornfully as you looked briefly down at your feet.
Looking back up at him, you met his eyes with an attempt at a cold gaze, but the tears that threatened to build caused a shine to glaze over your eyes, revealing your true emotions.
"Nice to see you're still alive."
Gwaine frowned slightly at this comment before recalling that he gave you no word of his whereabouts after he left. A familiar guilt rocked through him, causing him to take a deep breath in.
"Y/n." He repeated, a bit louder this time.
Clearing your throat, you turned and handed money to the clerk at the stall. Looking back at Gwen you forced a smile "I think that should do us for dinner then."
Gwen nodded, looking from you to Gwaine nervously, as she watched you begin to leave.
"Y/n, wait!" Gwaine quickly stepped past Gwen and grabbed your hand, stopping you.
As you felt his hand in yours, you felt your heart swell, but you yanked your hand away, turning towards him with a bold gaze.
"You don't get to demand me to wait after what you put me through."
Gwaine faltered, his voice was low "Y/n. Leaving you was the hardest thing I ever did."
"And yet you seemed to do it so easily." You said scornfully.
You saw him flinched a bit at your words but you would not allow yourself to feel guilt
Just as he opened his mouth to speak, you cut him off "I thought you died."
Your voice came out softly than you meant, and you saw his eyes widen slightly.
"I convinced myself that was the only thing that would stop you from coming back home. But now I see I was wrong. You chose to leave and never come back. And now your a knight? Something you swore you'd never be?" You scoffed as you stepped back from him "What else did you lie to me about?"
Gwaine began to follow after you as you turned away to leave, but Gwen grabbed his arm. Looking back at her, she shook her head "Not now Gwaine, give them some time."
"How long have they been here?"
"A few days. Y/n saw you in the courtyard the day they arrived, it's been a lot to process."
Gwaine looked back to see you disappeared at the end of the road. Guilt sat heavily in his chest, he needed to talk to you again, to explain. There was no good excuse, he knew that, but he needed you to now how much he regretted what he did. He needed you to know how much he still loved you.
--- --- ---
Gwaine's eyes searched through the trees as he looked for you. He managed to find out you had gone out to gather herbs, and he was determined to speak with you.
Finally spotting you through the trees, he made his way over to you. His steps were hurried, so he was not able to sneak up on you.
Turning at the sound of footsteps, you saw Gwaine falter for a moment as you looked at him. Your heart jolted in your chest, but you looked away from him, quickly picking the herbs you were after.
Finally reaching you, he stood behind you for a moment before he finally spoke "Y/n, I wish to speak with you."
You remained silent as you continued to walk to gather other herbs. Gwaine let out a sigh but followed you.
"Y/n please., I want to explain." He begged as he followed you. Reaching out, he grabbed your arms and forced you to turn and look at him.
You met his eyes and or a moment he saw your gaze soften, before it was quickly replaced with hurt.
"Please Y/n." He said again, his voice soft as he stared into your eyes.
Your heart was hammering in your chest as he looked at you. His familiar gaze, even wracked with guilt made you heart beat fast. The way he stared at you, as though he still cared for you like he used to made your heart ache.
"Don't look at me like that." You muttered out, almost in a whisper.
"Like what?"
"Like you still love me."
Gwaine felt his heart ache at this, your face so full of hurt, and doubt, all of it he caused. He frowned as he shook his head lightly "I do still love you."
You closed your eyes tightly as you pulled away from his grip "Then why did you leave me?"
Gwaine hesitated for a moment before he sighed "For no good reason. I just...after I left the village, I felt the desire to keep going, to keep moving again, and I just...didn't stop. But that doesn't mean I did not love you."
You let out a soft huff of air. "If you loved me you would have come back." You voice began to grow in anger.
"I did come back."
You frowned "What?"
"I did come back. After a month, but I- I saw you, outside the cottage, with your father, laughing. And I thought, that maybe I didn't hurt you as much as I thought I did. And I thought that maybe it would best if I didn't barge back in again."
You shook your head "My father makes one joke to cheer me up after I thought the love of my life either abandoned me or died, and you thought that I meant I was better off? Gwaine, I was devastated. I waited outside the cottage for you for months. Every day for weeks, I walked down to the river to look for you, hoping that I might see you come over the hill with a grin on your face. Every day you didn't come back broke my heart more and more!"
Gwaine's own eyes were burning with the threat of tears as you spoke to him. He could see the pain he caused in your eyes like it was a fresh wound.
"You don't know what it was like, being alone after that." You let out a soft whimper as you spoke.
"But you had your father to help y-"
"He's dead." You cut him off. "He died four months after you disappeared, I've been alone ever since."
You saw the realization and pain cross over his face. He stepped back as he looked down at his feet. He and you father got along great, you new it would hurt him to learn he died.
"I was alone, and I needed you." You added on once more, as tears streamed down your face.
Gwaine met yours eyes against and his heart broke. Stepping forward, he grabbed you and pulled you into his chest, wrapping his arms around you.
"I'm sorry. I'm so sorry." He muttered into your shoulder.
For a moment, you allowed him to hold you, allowing yourself the one thing you wanted for so long. Before you pulled away from him.
He watched as you stepped back, giving him one last look before you walked away. He watched you go, and even though everything in him was screaming to chase after you, he didn't.
--- --- ---
Adrenaline rushed through you as you rushed through the crowds, everyone was running in different directions trying to get somewhere safe.
Making your way down the street towards Gwen's home, your eyes landed on one of the soldiers who had attacked Camelot. One of the knights of an enemy kingdom, hoping to catch King Arthur off guard.
At the same time that your eyes landed on him, his met yours. You saw a smirk cross his face. Looking around, you realized you were the only one around now, everyone else had fled.
Looking to the ground, you saw a deceased soldier. Quickly grabbing his sword, you spun back towards the enemy soldier who was stalking towards you. You kept your blade out in threat as you backed away.
Your breath was heavy as your hands shook, you were not a soldier, you were not a knight, why was he coming after you?
A voice whispered in the back of your mind that made your skin crawl 'He just wants to kill'
Suddenly lunging at you, you blocked his attack, but stumbled back. Quickly, he knocked the sword from your grasp and hit you in the face before grabbed you. Pulling your arm back, you punched him in the face as hard as you could before stomping on his foot, trying your best to get away from him. You yelled out as you struggled in his grip.
As Gwaine rushed through the streets to locate anymore of the enemy soldiers. His eyes were drawn at the sound of a yell.
Looking down the road, he felt his heart drop and stomach twist as he saw one of the soldiers grappling with you. He began running towards you, watching as you hit, and fought against the man. His blood boiled as the soldier yanked at you violently.
As the man lifted his sword, preparing to strike you down, you clenched your eyes shut. Hearing a clank of metal before the man groaned and let you go. You stumbled back, opening your eyes.
You saw Gwaine step in front of you as he began to fight the man. You felt relief and worry wash over you as you pressed yourself against the wall, and watched as Gwaine fought to protect you.
After a few minutes of fighting, Gwaine dealt a deadly blow. You flinched and looked away.
"Y/n?"
Hearing Gwaines voice, you looked back up to see him slowly approaching you.
"Are you alright?"
Coming back to your senses, you nodded "Yes, I'm alright."
Gwaine sighed as he came up to you, gently taking your hand in his. Looking around, he gently tugged on your hand "Come on, let's get you somewhere safe."
Following his lead, you looked down at your intertwined hands, feeling a once familiar spark of intimacy and safety.
Finding your way back to Gwen's home, he ushered you inside, looking around, you spoke with a worried tone "Where's Gwen?"
"I saw her in the palace, she's alright."
You let out a sigh of relief as you sat down in a chair, lowering your head in relief and exhaustion. Seeing Gwaine kneel down in front of you, you slowly looked up at him.
He had a frown on his face as he slowly reached up, taking your face in his hand. He gently caressed is thumb over the mark left on your face from the soldier.
You saw guilt, and anger wash over his face before he met your eyes. As your eyes locked, you felt a familiar warmth build in your chest, reminding you of the day you and Gwaine had first kissed.
You had been injured when thrown from a horse, and Gwaine came to help you. You had mud on your face and he brushed it away. Your eyes locked, and before you really knew it, you were kissing. It was he beginning of your relationship, of your great love.
Gwaine was surely thinking the same thing, as his eyes gently fell to your lips.
Seeing this, you felt nervous, and reminded yourself of what your relationship with him now was.
Looking down a your feet, you spoke softly "Should you not go back? Surely others need help."
Gwaine let you a soft breath "Most of the soldiers were captured or killed, the one who hurt you was one of the last. I'm not going to leave you."
Seeing the way your eyes shot to him momentarily, he felt his chest clench.
He gently caressed your chin "I wont. Not again."
Placing his hand in yours, you let out a soft breath and shook your head before you looked back up at him.
"You can't just charm me back into your good graces Gwaine."
A soft, almost sad smile crossed his face "I know."
"I wont force you to come back to me. I understand that I hurt you. And I deserve all the anger in the world for what I did. I just need you to know that I do still love you, I never stopped. And I will always be here if you need me. We can both make Camelot our home. And eventually, if you want to, we can start again. Because I will be right here, waiting."
"I-" You started, before letting out a sigh "I do still love you Gwaine, no matter how much you hurt me, I could never stop."
You saw hope fall over his face and you softly shook your head.
"But I am not ready to forgive you, not yet. We are both different people now, it would not be the same."
Gwaine's face fell a bit, but he nodded in understanding. "I understand. But believe me Y/n, I wont give up. We are back in each others lives for a reason. Whether it is fate, a second chance, or just coincidence, I will do whatever I need to do to make sure I don't lose you again. And I will wait however long it takes."
As he slowly began to stand, he tilted your head up, before pressing a soft kiss to your forehead. You close you eyes briefly at the action.
When you opened them again, he was staring down softly into your eyes "Stay in here, to be safe. I will come back to check on you shortly, I need to make sure the attack is over."
Nodding wordlessly, you watched him go. And as he left, you did not doubt he would come back. And the previous anger you felt for him had faded. You could not forgive him yet, but you knew you would.
And you couldn't help but wonder what would happen after you did.
xx End xx
Could possibly do a second part to this at some point if people want it.
General Taglist: @criminaly-supernatural, @caswinchester2000, @imaginesfire, @onuen, @rexit-mo, @witchygagirl, @alexxavicry
BBC Merlin/Gwaine Taglist: @flourishandblotts-inc, @spuffyfan394, @dominos-palast, @ambitionspassionscoffee, @locke-writes, @morgaussy, @starship-argo, @a-lumos-in-the-nox, @that-marvel-simp, @phoenix1389, @multifandomfix
189 notes · View notes
thenerdyindividual · 2 years
Link
Chapters: 3/13 Fandom: Merlin (TV) Rating: Teen And Up Audiences Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: Gwaine/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin) Characters: Gwaine (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin (Merlin), Gwen (Merlin), Morgana (Merlin), Uther Pendragon (Merlin), Aredian (Merlin) Additional Tags: Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Action/Adventure, Exile, Running Away, Prince Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Protective Gwaine (Merlin), Smart Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin's Magic Revealed (Merlin), Episode: s02e06 Beauty and the Beast, Curses, Spells & Enchantments, Escape, Falling In Love, On the Run, Tenderness, Campfires, Teamwork, Protective Merlin (Merlin), Flirting, POV Merlin (Merlin), POV Gwaine (Merlin), Good Morgana (Merlin) Summary:
Uther is enchanted by a troll, we know how that story goes. But what happens when he never cries tears of true remorse? What happens when the troll dies before Gaius and Merlin break the enchantment?
With Uther on he warpath, it falls to Arthur to try to protect the people of Camelot from Uther’s paranoia and ever increasing greed. But when Uther not only revokes Arthur’s title, but disowns him, the danger Arthur is in increases. In a bid for his life, he flees Camelot.
It doesn’t stop there. Now the famed Witch Hunter Aredian is on his trail, and it’s up to Merlin and a charming scoundrel in a tavern to get word to Arthur in time to save him from Aredian.
(Updates Fridays)
3 notes · View notes
tiredcowboyy · 18 days
Text
I cant stop thinking ab the idea of merlin one day post s5, where they all survived, becoming really secretive and protective of his room and not telling anyone at all whats inside. Not even gaius. He even gets a lock installed and whenever anybody asks he brushes it off with jokes like “its to stop arthur from finding me” or smth.
he also unrelatedly really hates any talk of destiny, going to war, and anytime morgana mentions her fear of her magic turning her merlin slightly freaks out.
That is until one day gaius manages to catch merlin off guard while hes rushing between the main room and his bedroom and walks in.
Only to see a whole bunch of stuff that hes never seen before.
Merlin freaks out, tries to play it off as some weird experiments and stuff hes been collecting but gaius can feel it, somethings different about these items, not wrong but not right. Not really magic either.
It takes 3 weeks of gaius pestering him before merlin breaks and explains to him that he IS A TIME TRAVELER. after the battle of camlan as we know it that lead to arthurs death, merlin did wait, he really did, but in the year 2020 when arthur didnt return for yet another global crisis, merlin broke and did spell upon spell until he figured out how throw himself back in time.
And holy shit did it work well. He managed to come back just at the perfect time to change everything that needed to be done to assure that everyone lives happily and safely, and when he realises hes done it, he decides to stay in this time. See his friends and family grow old as they should have. See arthur rule as he should have. Live the life he has been craving to go back to for centuries now.
Until a month in he realises how old everything is. Sure merlin can survive without his phone and stuff but theres a few things he really misses. Like his slippers, his potato peeler, his favourite hoodie, and especially his favourite tea flavours.
So once in a while he allowed himself to go back to the modern day and bring one thing back. He started with a scented candle, because candles exist in camelot and having one here shouldn’t mess up time right? Then moved onto a herbal tea that he knows if he traveled past the boarders he may be able to find similar ingredients.
Then he brings a new release of his favourite book series because he cant help it and realises small things like that dont change time.
And so thats what he’s been hiding away in his room, all of his modern day stuff. Ranging from trinkets hes collected over his life to his favourite scarf to his stuffed lion that he won at a fair in the 80s. He doesn’t go back often, only when his tea runs out or he really needs something, he tries to limit it he really does.
It takes gaius another 4 weeks to wrap his head around it all. Another 2 weeks after that to touch merlins stuffed lion thinking it may attack him at any moment.
He makes gaius promise to not tell a soul, offering him tea bags as payment. They have a nice system from then on, gaius would try a new flavour of tea everytime merlin returned, once in a while he would also bring a modern day snack (gaius yelled when he first tried salt and vinegar crisps).
A yell which led to leon finding out. And so a cycle began.
325 notes · View notes
Text
Fanfic prompt/idea:
Mordred is Emrys (not really tho)
(Super long. TL;DR at bottom)
Someway, somehow, Arthur and his knights (Leon, Elyan, Percy, Gwaine, mordred) + Merlin meet someone while they’re away from the citadel who tells them about Emrys. Might be someone trying to kill them and boasting about the all mighty Emrys or might be a friendly, peaceful magical person who stopped for a chat or something else, choice is yours. Anyway, that night as they eat dinner around the campfire, they start talking about this Emrys. At first they’re like “that’s kooky” and laughing but then Percival speaks up quietly and a bit nervously. He says that while he’s sought sanctuary for the night or a few days in Druid camps before he became a knight, he’s heard about Emrys. Now, everyone is actually interested instead of just laughing it off.
Arthur: tell me more.
Percy: well.. the druids highly respect this man almost as if he’s a deity. I don’t know too much, and it’s been a while. I do remember that everyone knew about him no matter which Druid camp it was, even the children. It seems they tell a lot of stories about him to their young’uns.
Arthur: anything else?
Percy: sorry, sire, that’s all I remember. But if you really want to know more you could try to ask the druids.
They all became quiet and continued to eat, Merlin and Mordred relieved this conversation is over. …Until,
Arthur, remembering Mordred is a Druid: Mordred, you’re a Druid. Do anything about this?
Mordred and Merlin: *sweating bullets just wanting this dangerous topic over with* *glances at each other nervously*
Gwaine: WHA? Mordred, you’re a Druid?! You’ve been hold holdin’ out on us, mate!
Arthur realizes that Mordred’s heritage had not, in fact been a known thing, but they’ve made peace with the druids, it’ll be fine.
Mordred, nervously: oh, um, yes, I am…
The knight all take a few moments to be like “wow… never would’ve guessed” and “aren’t druids normally peaceful people? How you become a knight?”
Arthur, wanting to get things back on track: so, Mordred, do you know anything?
Mordred, nervousness increasing, knowing Merlin doesn’t want Arthur to know who he is, but not wanting to lie to his king, eyes darting between the two and all over the camp: uh…um… I… uh, I..I… I guess, yes. *Merlin’s glare intensifies*
Arthur, not noticing Merlin’s death glare at Mordred: tell me more.
Mordred, trying to figure out what to say to satisfy his king’s curiosity but not incur Emrys’ wrath (Emrys already hates him enough for some reason, he doesn’t want to make it worse): well… um, there’s… well there’s Emrys… and there’s this prophecy involving him. Most druids know of it; it’s centuries old.
Percival: oh, that’s right… Something about a magical king, right?
Mordred: the Once And Future King.
Gwaine: hold on a minute.. that sounds familiar… Ah! That’s right! I heard about it from a storyteller at a tavern once. I thought it was an odd name so it stuck. It’s a love story, right?
Mordred, nervously glancing between Merlin and Arthur (Merlin now looking at Gwaine with exasperation): um… I don’t know if that’s what it is.. but there definitely is a deep bond between Emrys and the Once And Future King.
Arthur: continue.
Mordred, trying to stay focused on Arthur instead of the once again glaring warlock beside him: so the prophecy says that the Once And Future King will unite the land of Albion, return magic to the land, and bring about a golden age of peace and prosperity for all. And Emrys is foretold to help him. * internally: please let be enough to satisfy him🥺😣😖*
Elyan: so the stories are about this king and Emrys is just there to help?
Mordred, sweating: um…
Gwaine: if that’s the case shouldn’t you druids be worshiping the king instead?
Sounds of agreement around the fire.
Leon to Mordred: is there more to us than that?
Mordred, under curious and intense gazes again: uh, yes… Emrys is a very powerful, immoral warlock said to—
“IMMORTAL??!!!” Merlin squawked, surprised.
Mordred, very nervous, whispers: ….um…yes………. *telepathically: did you not know?*
Merlin, telepathically: I am not immoral.
Mordred, telepathically: it’s what the prophecies say
Merlin, telepathically: they’re wrong
Mordred, telepathically: …um,, there’s a lot who say you are.
Merlin, telepathically: No. I’m NOT. I can’t be immortal. That’s ridiculous.
Mordred, telepathically: they say you are. That’s why the call you Emrys.
Merlin and Mordred continue to glare and the knights and Arthur look on wondering when those two got close enough to communicate only looks and without talking. Arthur is not jealous. Not. At. All. That would be ridiculous.(Yes he is, he’s the only one who’s supposed to communicate with Merlin silently. How dare Mordred)
Suddenly Merlin stands up: I’m going to wash the dishes *aggressively goes around the camp and grabs everyone’s dishes, then stomps into the woods to a nearby stream*
Arthur: you were saying Mordred?
Mordred: oh, right! Yes, so Emrys is said to be the most powerful warlock to ever live. He and the Once And Future King are said to be equals and without him the Golden Age can’t happen. While the Once And Future King is the king, Emrys is said to be his advisor and teacher of sorts. He also protects the Once And Future King and supports him any way he can.
The knights and king look thoughtful taking in this information. They ask Mordred more questions, just little stuff and clarifications, and Mordred, relaxing that he’s getting through this without blowing Emrys’ identity let it slip that “the time of the prophecy is upon us” and that Arthur is said to be the Once And Future King. Whoops.
Everyone around the campfire is now totally interested in this and wanting to know if it’s true and Mordred’s like “um… yeah, that’s what everyone is saying…” and REALLY wanting this conversation to be over with before he slips up about Merlin. He’s also really glad Merlin is still washing their dishes far enough away that he can’t hear the conversation.
Of course, just as Gwaine asks “if Arthur’s this Once And Future King, the where’s this Emrys guy?” Merlin returns in time to hear it.
Merlin, glaring at Mordred: what?
Mordred, telepathically: I’m sorry! I’m sorry! I’m sorry! I’m sorry! I’m sorry! 🥺
The group fills Merlin in on what he missed while Mordred continues to apologize endlessly. The knights then go back to asking Mordred about Emrys and he tries to navigate the questions without giving anything away while also dealing with a furious Merlin in his head telling him to “FIX THIS NOW!! And don’t you tell Arthur who I am!!” The poor boy!
Mordred continues to navigate the conversation mostly emphasizing how loyal Emrys is and how he and the Once And Future King are said to have a strong bond and there’s nothing to worry about when they start to question if Emrys is a threat. Eventually someone (probably Gwaine) brings up that Emrys doesn’t seem to be doing a very good job of protecting Arthur considering how other he’s encountered by magical thing. And Mordred, who knows how busy Merlin is and how hard he’s been working to protect Arthur (and that’s just since he’s become a knight! He knows there’s so much more he doesn’t know and is in even more awe of Emrys for handling it all) sees Merlin look over at Gwaine like he’s actually concerning strangling the man, says, “he’s very busy! And, he’s just one man! He’s really trying his best!!”
Mordred doesn’t realize what he said wrong and why everyone is quietly looking at him like that until Arthur asks, “You know him?”
Mordred, who just realized that he did kinda just admit to knowing a very powerful, immoral warlock to a king and his knights that are of a kingdom where magic is punishable by death: ……………uh
Arthur, realizing why Mordred looks so terrified: Mordred I understand you are a Druid and have grown up on stories of this man. I will not punish you for knowing him. I’m sure you’ve met many sorcerers.
Mordred, letting out a big breath of relief: thank you, sire. And yes, I have met him.
Arthur, nodding: I see. And he is in Camelot?
Mordred: yes, sire. He’s been working very hard to keep you and Camelot safe.
Arthur, looking at his other knights: I’ve never heard of anyone in the kingdom by that name, any of you?
Leon: he’s likely using a fake name.
Arthur: hmm. Yes that makes sense.
Mordred, wondering if he messed up again: uh, sire? Is something wrong?
Arthur, looking back at Mordred, and trying to reassure him: I wouldn’t really say something is wrong, per say, but the fact that there is an unknown and powerful sorcerer hiding in Camelot is something I need to be aware of. Since you’ve met him, do you know who he’s hiding out as?
Mordred, glancing subtly at Merlin who’s glaring at him threatening again, realizing he really f’ed up: ……
Arthur, realizing Mordred does know who Emrys is: who is he, Mordred?
Mordred: ……
Arthur, starting to lose his patience: Mordred. Who is he? Or does your loyalty lie with him first and me, your king, second?
Mordred, startled: No! That’s not it at all, sire! I’m very loyal to you! I swear it!
Arthur: then…
Mordred, sheepishly: well… in the prophecy you two are equals, so I’ve always weighed your words and orders as equal as well. And Emrys asked me not to reveal him, so…
Arthur: ……
The knights: ……
Merlin, telepathically: you’re not done yet, keep going. The prat’s not going to leave it at that.
Arthur, trying to figure out how to word it: Mordred… you do realize that that is…. worse, right?
Mordred: ????
Arthur: there is someone who one of my knights has valued their words as equal to my own who I have never met and know next to nothing about and who is a sorcerer. I have not appointed this man and if he were to contradict one of my orders… Do see how I really need to know who this man is?
Mordred: …but he’s loyal to you…🥺
Arthur, wondering if he’s actually going to have to turn this into an official interrogation: Mordred.
Tension rises again as Arthur keeps pushing and Merlin starts yelling in his head again and Mordred just Doesn’t Know What To Do. Please make this stop! Until he can’t take it anymore and just blurts out, “I’M EMRYS!!”
Silence.
Mordred can’t believe he just said that. Did he actually just claim to be THE Emrys? It feels sacrilegious. He peeks over at Merlin, but the man seems just as shocked as the rest of them at this development and raises an eyebrow in question.
Mordred, telepathically: …sorry? I didn’t know what to say…
Merlin, telepathically: ..no, im not mad at that. I am a bit curious about where you’ll go with this though…
Arthur: you’re Emrys?
Mordred, with Merlin’s permission to continue: yes. I’m Emrys.
Gwaine, whistles: damn mate, you’ve really been holding out on us!
Everyone looks at Mordred in a new light, trying to reconcile what they already knew about him with this new information.
Arthur: so you have magic then?
Mordred, nervously: yes.
More silence.
Gwaine, very interested and not at all wary: lots of it too being the most powerful and thought of as a deity.
Mordred, who is quite powerful, but not on Emrys’ level, obviously: yeah, I suppose.
After a bit more of an awkward and tense conversation of stilted sentences, and some debate about magic, Mordred and Merlin finally relax at the fact they’re both keeping their heads and the true identity of Emrys is secret. It was pretty much decided that Mordred had already sworn fealty to Arthur when he became a knight and even saved the king’s life in the Northern Plains, so he was most likely still trustworthy even though he was a sorcerer. Arthur and the knights are surprisingly okay with this turn of events; they’re still tense, but no one’s drawn their sword. Gwaine even asks Mordred to do some magic, and with Arthur’s very tense go ahead, Mordred levitates a water skin for a bit much to Gwaine’s delight. Gwaine keeps asking Mordred to do more magic as they head back to the castle like make things float and light some campfires.
I was thinking that it will mostly be about the antics from this point and how it would change things for the better. Like, now Merlin needs to enlist Mordred in his secret magical adventures and work together to keep Arthur and Camelot safe. The two would make such a funny dynamic. Merlin being all huffy and suspicious but begrudgingly including him while Mordred is so happy at being able to help his idol out, a dream come true for him.
The group ABSOLUTELY keeps Mordred’s magic and him being Emrys thing a secret at first, not sure when that’ll change but it definitely will. Gwaine probably spills about the prophecy and Arthur being the once and future king while he’s drunk in the tavern one night, but not about Mordred. The group eventually start warming up about magic and not being so wary of sorcerers since they’re now seeing Mordred using it to protect them so much. When the knights ask about what he’s done so far he tells them about Merlin’s achievements (with his permission, of course) and gets some more stories from him.
When the actual reveal comes it will be after word has already spread that Mordred is Emrys, so then Arthur and everyone will have to be like “no, that was a lie/misunderstanding, it’s actually Merlin” but people will still mistake Mordred for Emrys even years in the future. They’re never living this down.
Also there is DEFINITELY at least one scene where they go to a Druid camp and Arthur’s all like “yep, this is Mordred. Emrys” and the druids, telepathically, are like “boy, what are you doing? Mordred, you know you’re not Emrys.” And Mordred’s like “I have permission…” so the Druids subtly look at Merlin and he’s like “yeah, he’s got permission, just go with it” So, they do.
There’s also going to be scenes where Arthur is trying to get to know Mordred better because they apparently are supposed to have a super strong bond or whatever and yes, he and Mordred do have a bond, but he wouldn’t say it was any different than his bonds with his other knights and is all confused by it. And when he’s confiding in Merlin about it, he advises to not try and force it.
I know this is season 5 and Arthur and Gwen are married, BUT if you decide to go the merthur route, there can even be some prophecies about Emrys and the once and future king being soulmates and destined to be together or something. That would make Arthur even more confused/troubled because while Mordred is only a little over a decade younger than him (I headcanon that Arthur was 20-21 in 1st season and Mordred ~7-10) and age gaps that big weren’t unheard of, he just can’t look at Mordred that way. He’s too much like an innocent little puppy or something. Merlin is probably mortified because he can’t believe they have prophecies about his love life and why was he only finding out about this NOW?
Also, LANCELOT!!! Maybe there’s some way to actually bring him back from the dead. Or, there could be some scenes of him in Avalon watching this comedy unfold and talking and laughing about it with Will and Fraya and whoever else has died. And they’re all shaking their heads at the crazy situations Merlin gets himself into.
TL;DR: It’s basically crack about Merlin and Mordred working together to pass Mordred off as Emrys with a side of fix-it.
In the future I might decide to write this myself, but I’m in the middle of reading TGCF and want to finish that and a couple other things before I rewatch Merlin. It’s been a couple years since my last rewatch so things are a little fuzzy and I don’t want to completely mischaracterize someone. So, here, take it. Do with this what you want, but let me know if you write this or something, cause it would be supper fun to read.
49 notes · View notes