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kandi-pendragon · 3 years

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I was planning on making a YouTube video for this but I’ve got my hands full and I’m too lazy so here we go:

I’ve seen a lot of fellow Merlinites begging for a season 6 of Merlin, probably hoping for it to follow the script that three young women came up with (look them up on YouTube under the name 3RingsLeft. I love them and their songs own my whole heart) in the absence of closure from the Merlin finale. Now personally, I don’t want that to progress further than a script, but that’s only because I’m a sad pathetic excuse for a human who’s only purpose in life is to roll around in her misery and enjoy not getting any closure whatsoever from a show. And I doubt that I’m the only Merlinite out there who feels this way. That open ending is precisely what hooks you at the very end, it’s exactly what makes you so obsessed. The acting, the plot, and the characters keep you watching, but the finale keeps you thinking about it long after you moved onto other shows. And I’m too much of a coward to put that feeling of obsession on the line by rooting for closure, because my obsession is about the only thing I have going for me right now :)

Anyway, back to my point. I have been thinking about this for several months, and I wanted to get it out there. I know it might never happen but like I said. I’m pathetic. I cling to hope until the devil comes along so I can sell my soul to make my dreams come true. What have I been thinking about, you ask? Simple: BBC Knights.

Here’s a little information I wrote down ahead of time to organize my thoughts on the matter:

What is it?

Exactly what it sounds like. The idea of BBC Knights would be a spin-off of BBC Merlin, featuring the Knights of the Round Table, set in the time jump between season 3 and season 4. During this time, Lancelot is still alive, as is Uther. Arthur is newly appointed regent, and Morgana has quieted down for the time being. We get to explore so many things that we never got to before. Nothing would interfere with the finale of season five, of course. This would only be a filler, to give more content for the fandom, as well as more information, to better understand some of the characters.

Because you can’t have the Knights of the Round Table without also having Arthur and Merlin, the two of them would still be included in the show. However, they would no longer be the main focus. This would excuse some things too, for instance, not having to use Kilgarrah anymore. If the show is not focused on Merlin, we don’t have to find our way around not including Kilgarrah, because his voice actor, John Hurt, is no longer alive. (Rest In Peace, Mr. Hurt)

Focusing on the knights and this time frame would let us see more of Lancelot being a knight of Camelot, too — something he had been working towards his whole life — while BBC Merlin only granted us 2 episodes of that before killing him off. He had an entire year of being what he had strived to become since he was a child, and we never got to see it.

It would also give us the chance to better understand some characters’ backstories, something that the actor Eoin Macken said he wanted to do in the original show, had the last two seasons not been solely focused on the plot, and achieving the finale. Gwaine once mentions that he has a sister: “Well my sister is an evil old toad, so I’d be eternally grateful.” But we never even learn her name, much less what she did to make Gwaine hate her. We know that Lancelot met Percival before the others did, but we know none of the details. We know Elyan traveled around on his own for years, but we don’t know what he did, where he went, or who he met. We know Leon has been a knight for some time, but we don’t know anything about his childhood with Arthur, nor his friendship with Gwen and Elyan. There is so much potential for backstories, not to mention character development.

Of course, this all might be hard to achieve, since it’s been 8 years since Merlin ended, and the cast has aged (though not noticeably. I swear they’re immortal.) There have been hairstyle changes, beards grown, muscle mass gained. However, it’s shouldn’t be too hard to pass off. Maybe Arthur wears a crown or circlet to cover up the fact that he doesn’t have bangs anymore, Maybe Gwaine’s hair grows like a weed, Maybe Lancelot hasn’t shaved in a while, that sort of thing. Plus, it’s the fans. Merlin’s skin could be blue and we would just be grateful to have new content to analyze and cry over.

Things to include??? This is not obligatory, however, just some of my ideas. Obviously BBC Merlin changes some of the legends that they use. The Cup of Life instead of the Holy Grail, Leon instead of Galahad, the Afanc not collaborating with how it’s described in Welsh folklore, not to mention they used characters from Arthurian legend and made them their own, like Gwaine. (Gawain) Obviously if we included more adventures that the legends speak about, we would have to change the version of those legends, to better suit the characters as the show made them. However, the legends are still worth looking into, because I believe they would make for interesting episodes if done right, and they might also provide inspiration.

* Gwaine & The Green Knight * New Characters (Yvain, Drudwas, Sir Kay, Sir Bors etc.) * Yvain & His Lion * Drudwas ap Tryffin and his Adar Llwch Gwin (his griffins) * Agravaine coming to Camelot (and everyone’s first impression of him) * Explanation of Morgause’s Injury (why did it look like half her face had been paralyzed/burned off when all Merlin did was throw her into a wall?? Idk maybe I’m just stupid) * Agravaine Meeting Morgana and Morgause * Sir Kay and the Cath Palug (Palug’s Cat) * More insight to the Knights views on Magic * More detailed and fleshed out backstories for the knights (Gwaine’s sister, How Percival met Lancelot, More depth on why Elyan left Camelot, embarrassing baby Arthur stories from Leon, etc.) * Character development * New Opening Titles (main actors will change, and it wouldn’t make sense to use scenes from the original show. Also it would make more sense to keep Kilgarrah out, since he most likely won’t have a presence in the spin-off. Music could stay the same, but the scenes and names in the opening titles would probably change, as well as the whole “The destiny of a great kingdom rests on the shoulders of a young man. His name… Merlin” would be replaced, since the focus is no longer on the young Warlock.) * Meliodas the Demon King ._. * More POC representation, more POC in the cast. * Maybe queer rep? Casual, passing mentions of a mlm fling in the knighthood (doesn’t have to be someone we know) a character going by they/them pronouns without explanation and without making it a big thing, etc. Small, but noticeable things. It’s 2021 we deserve the bare minimum. * Tavern scenes! We know they spend a lot of time in there, but only get to see a few moments and hear about a couple more. * Maybe a first mission with all the main knights. Them working as a small team for the first time. Bonding around the campfire. This would give an excuse to create some insight into the characters while also sticking to the plot * Arthur struggling with the responsibilities of being regent (brief scenes or mentions, him leaning on his knights for support, them having to go on adventures without him) * More Gwen and Elyan!!! Being siblings!!! Please!!! * Introductions of characters we’ve already met: King Bayard, Elena, Vivian (seriously wtf happened to her?? Is she still in love with Arthur??) * Training scenes!!! When Arthur’s busy!!! Give me Leon teaching Elyan some sword moves and laughing about something from when they were kids! Give me Percy and Gwaine sparing only a few feet away! Give me Merlin helping Lance with his armor and Gwen watching her brother from across the field! Give me insight into each characters fighting style, skills, and weapon of choice! D e t a i l s!!! * More mythical welsh creatures, like the welsh cousin of the Kelpie who’s name I can’t remember but translates to water horse. So much opportunities for cool magical creature encounters! * And more!!!!

Now that we have a director in our cast, (who was rooting for this kind of characterization chance btw) I think maybe, if we’re lucky enough, we might have a chance. Idk, maybe I’m too late, but Eoin already said that he was working on a Pseudo Merlin project (whatever the hell that means) and I just. I love entertaining this idea. Who knows, maybe the spn fandom can help us summon a daemon and we can all collectively sell what little fragments of our soul we have left.

Those who still want a season 6, I get it! And I don’t blame you! And guess what— this would not interfere with that at all. Maybe we can both get what we want :)

But right now I’ve accidentally hyped myself up and made a petition so uh. Feel free to sign? If I get enough people on board I might do something about it and message Eoin, as soon as I know he’s done with his Merlin project and it would all work out 👉👈

If you have anything to add onto this post, go ahead! What would you want out of a spin-off?

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shinytidalwavebread · 3 years

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Imagine if morgana had a couple of days where her magic just went mad and merlin, Arthur and gwen had to cover for her.

Morgana woke up with a start. She had just had the most disturbing dream that her magic had gone completely out of control. Oh well, it was just a dream. She glanced round the room and gasped. Everything was floating! All the furniture, even the bed, was floating in midair. She shouted for merlin inside her head. He came racing in a few seconds later. He had no idea what was going on, and no idea how to put it right. He suggested that she just relax, and see if everything would go back to normal. To this she replied that how could she be calm, she seemed to of reversed the gravitational pull in her chambers! At least it was only her chambers, and not everywhere else, speculated merlin. Merlin at last managed to bring the objects back to the ground. Morgana breathed a sigh of relief. Then she heard footsteps. Arthur had heard someone entering morgana's chambers and was worried that something may of happened too her. Merlin just stood there, not seeming to hear a thing. Arthur burst into the room. He asked merlin what he was doing in Morgana's chambers this early in the morning. Merlin replied without thinking that he thought he heard her yell out. Arthur looked over at morgana, who was pretending to sleep. Maybe she did, he said, she sometimes spoke in her sleep. Arthur grabbed Merlin's wrist and tried to drag him from the room. Morgana panicked and shouted his name aloud this time. What if he left and things started to float again? Arthur immediately let go of merlin. He had tangled with tired morgana before and it was not an experience he wanted to repeat. He looked and morgana was now sat bolt upright, looking perhaps the palest he had ever seen her. He decided that he just didnt want to know and walked off down the corridor. Morgana asked merlin what she should do. Merlin told her that she should probably just wait and see what happened. Keep close to him. Maybe spend the day with arthur or something, that way merlin could always be close by. Morgana told him that was a good idea. Besides, if she wanted to accidentally set anyone on fire, it would be arthur. Merlin waited outside morgana's door for her to get ready, before she followed him to Arthur's chambers. Arthur had no idea why morgana was being so clingy with him and his servant all of a sudden. Maybe it was a dream or something. Yeah. That was probably it. He would go along with it until she dropped it. He had a councel meeting first thing and uther was very surprised as to why morgana insisted on being there. Merlin noticed a noise like a clanging coming from over by the door. Two swords were fighting each other and morgana was watching them, transfixed. Thankfully, uther and the councel had their backs too it, but there was still plenty enough noise for it to be noticed. Merlin tried to signal to morgana that something was wrong. She caught his eye and realised what she was doing. She went rigid and her eyes narrowed with fear. What if someone noticed. She couldnt put them down. Merlin was trying but there wasnt much he could do without giving away his secret. He was no help to either of them dead. Arthur had noticed Morgana's tension. Suddenly the swords dropped and Morgana's breath hitched. Arthur sensed this too. Merlin caught them both before they could make any noise. Morgana now sat still and unmoving, barely even breathing. Arthur was now very concerned. He got up to leave to try and figure things out. He motioned for merlin to follow him. Morgana came too. Arthur stopped dead in the hallway. He wanted to know what was wrong with morgana. Whether she was unwell or whether there was something weirder going on. Just then a small cloud began to form over Arthur's head. It began to hail, of all things. Arthur began to shout, but then he put it together. Morgana was causing this. Merlin and morgana both hesitantly filled in the gaps. She pleaded for him not to tell uther. Arthur was more surprised then anything else. Surprised as to how morgana had kept this from him. Surprised at how well she had hidden it. She asked him if he thought she was evil.

She was taken aback when he actually laughter. No, or course she wasnt evil! Frightning, definitely, but not evil. Morgana sighed with relief at her brothers easy acceptance of her. Then arthur suddenly stopped laughing. How would she hide this from uther? She had no idea. They would just have to go about their day, and try to stop anything going too wrong. They heard a cough behind them. It was Morgana's servant, gwen. Merlin, morgana and arthur all talked over one another trying to explain themselves. Gwen smiled and told them she had known for a while. After all, who was it morgana usually shouted for after a nightmare. Gwen had heard all about this with Morgana's sleep talking as well. Arthur suggested they take this conversation to his chambers where they wouldnt be overheard. In Arthur's chambers, they talked deeper about Morgana's magic. Whilst they were discussing, merlin casually used his magic to conjure a light. Arthur jumped out of his skin when he saw his servants eyes glow gold. He eventually got over it, and silently wondered how he hadn't noticed anything before. Arthur had a practise with the knights in the afternoon, so merlin would also have to be there. Morgana decided that she would join them. Once in the practise yard, morgana put on a helmet and grabbed a sword. Of course she couldnt resist the chance to beat arthur in a match. Arthur rolled his eyes and laughed at first. He told her that this was a bad idea. She then retaliated, saying he was only scared because he knew she would beat him. All the knights had gathered round them. Morgana attacked first, slashing at his chest and making a direct hit. He went for her legs, trying to knock her over. She deflected his blows and made seven connecting blows consecutively. A few minutes later she had him on his back, with a sword at his throat. Uther parted the crowds to see what was going on. Who was this knight strong enough to beat his son, he asked. Morgana removed her helmet to grin at him smugly. Uther laughed and said he should of known. Morgana helped arthur to his feet and smiled at him. Arthur was glaring at her. She thought it was just because she beat him, but no. He had spotted her eyes glowing. Something was about to happen. Arthur's boots began to move. On their own. They were trying to trip him up. He fought to stay balanced and hide this. Morgana was halfway between horrified and amused. Arthur was definitely the latter of the two. Merlin was watching and laughing in the background. Arthur was trying to control his boots, and his father was trying to hold back laughter. Morgana hit him in the back of the knees. He fell down, and the boots went limp. Uther told morgana that is wasnt nice to do that, but it was hardly sincere as he was laughing. Arthur lay on the ground groaning. The crowd had nearly dispersed, except for sir leon who was still smiling at arthur on the ground.

I may or may not do a part 2, or like morgana magic mishaps the series or something. That would depend.

#merlin #merlin x arthur #arthur pendragon #morgana pendragon #bbc merlin #merlin au #merlin headcanons #merlin fanfic #merlin fandom

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rainbowvamp · 3 years

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(for the fic prompt thing) Mordred and an altar if thats okay??

This is... so long. It barely has anything to do with an altar. I didn't edit it. I've been trying to finish this for days. I hope you enjoy.

Mordred is Morgana's adopted son. Magic is known. Modern Reincarnation AU. Mordred buys a good fortune spell and it's not a good thing.

--- Mordred buys a spell off the internet. Morgana is furious, naturally. He's grown up in magic, he should know better than to buy spells written by unknown people with unknown intentions. He's already done it, so it's too late to just burn the damn thing. They have to take it to Merlin to see if they can undo it.

It's a spell for fortune, not so out of the box, but fortune is a fickle thing. She comes and she gives, but she also takes. The wheel must turn round and round, up and down. It cannot be stilled. When Merlin sees the spell he sucks air in through his teeth, and Morgana's worst fears are confirmed.

"I can't undo this. Not without hurting him, maybe even killing him. He's used himself as a binder. Usually-" Merlin turns his gaze to Mordred, "If a spell needs binding, we bind it to an object, not a person. Unless you're a cruel and terrible woman." He turns his eyes to Morgana, who shrugs.

Arthur had deserved it.

"So, what's going to happen?"

"Your spell was to bring good fortune. It will come, but it will also go. Your life will be very interesting, Mordred." Merlin dropped the printed piece of paper on the table and got up, going to a line of spell books that were older even than the warlock himself. His back is tense and his voice is lower than it usually is, almost absent. "I'm sorry to say so will Morgana's. The spell specifies your family. Most spells don't differentiate between the blood ties and the love ones. Morgana is your mother by rights, even if not by birth." Merlin pulls a book off the shelf, flips it open and brings it back to them. The tome smells old, and Mordred can feel the magic pouring off it.

"You can't be serious." Morgana says before Mordred can even start to digest the spell, written in the old tongue that he'd been forbidden to learn until he was old enough to understand the consequences of speaking it. "This could kill him."

"So could an over abundance of bad luck."

When Mordred looked back up at Morgana, her grey eyes were thunderous, her mouth pulled into a harsh line that Mordred had only seen a few times before.

"No. I won't allow it. I'll do it."

"You can't-"

"I can. Don't deign to tell me how powerful I am, Merlin."

"However powerful you are, I can't even undo the spell. The only one with any chance is Mordred. If you try it you'll just kill yourself and he'll still be cursed."

"I'm not cursed. Curses are things someone else does to you." Mordred tried to defend himself, but Morgana turned her glare to him.

"Someone has given you a spell to do that will probably kill you. They cursed you."

Mordred glared at her in a way that would usually made Morgana proud. "Well, I'll live with it then. I'm not going to let you die, and you obviously don't want me to reverse it."

“I don’t even want you to try.” Morgana’s eyes are hard, furious, as she turns back to Merlin. “And if you even think about helping him, so help me, Merlin, I will figure out how to end your immortal life and torture you before I kill you.”

“I understand.” Merlin says with a smile and closes the book. He waves one hand and the book disappears. “Best keep that somewhere Mordred can’t find it. He’s got the same look Arthur used to have. All royal and determined.”

“Who’s Arthur?” Mordred asked, and Morgana rolled her eyes.

“He died 1500 years ago. Don’t worry about it.” She takes her son by the shoulder and turns him to go. “I’ll ward the house against the worst of it when the down cycles start. Merlin, I’ll pay you three times your normal rate if you can calculate how long the cycles will be.”

“PayPal me. I’ll have it by the end of the week.”

When Mordred looked back, Merlin was going back to doing whatever unstable 1500 year old warlocks do, looking entirely unconcerned, but the way Morgana clutched his shoulder Mordred thought that was more because of the 1500 year old thing, not because there was no reason to be.

—

“Show me the altar where you performed the spell.” Morgana said as soon as they got home. “If we’re lucky, the magic might have latched onto something besides you that we can destroy. It won’t reverse it, not even close, but it will mitigate the worst of it.”

“I’m sorry.” Mordred said as he got out of the car and followed Morgana inside. “I just wanted us to have good luck for once.”

“We have good luck, Mordred.” Morgana’s voice was higher than normal, almost breathy while she fumbled with her keys to get the door opened up. “I have a house, and you, and a stable, steady job. I know you want to be able to join Lancelot’s silly little crowd of vigilantes, and you want to be the next great Druid Sorcerer, but that’s just not the sort of thing you can wish for.”

“Yeah, you do have a steady job. And I barely get to see you. And when I do see you, you’re always tired. I’ve applied at 8 places, and I haven’t heard a single call back. I was just trying to… I don’t know, get a job, get you a promotion, give you back your damn inheritance, something!” Mordred kicks a rock and Morgana stops trying to open the door and looks solemnly at her adoptive son.

“I know this isn’t the greatest life.” She whispered, her softness forcing Mordred’s mind out of itself and back into the present moment. I wish I could spend more time with you too, and that I didn’t have to work so hard, and that Uther hadn’t left me in the cold when I was sixteen with none of my father’s money and nowhere to go, but I have made something good for us here, and this spell. Mordred, I don’t know what it’s going to do to us.”

“I’m sorry.” Mordred repeats.

“I know.” She smiled softly and pulled him into a hug. “I know. I know you just wanted to do good, and help, but you can’t wish your way to a better life. Magic doesn’t work like that. You’re a good boy, Mordred.” She kisses the top of his head. “And we will figure this out together. Whatever happens.”

Mordred nods and the pulls away, unlocking the door with magic. “I left the altar in the attic.”

Morgana smiled, “That’s where I used to hide my magic from Uther.”

“I know.” Mordred shrugged, and Morgana’s smile became nearly beaming.

“I’ve raised you well.”

“You didn’t raise me. I was already this height when you got me.” Mordred couldn’t keep the smile out of his eyes when he said it, and he was glad for Morgana’s laughter.

“You’re still growing emotionally. I raised you. Grab the salt and I’m going to get an athame. Let’s see if there’s anything up there I can break.”

“Matches?” Mordred called from the kitchen, and he heard her proud exclamation from the next room.

“Yes! And grab a couple newspapers from the recycle bin. It’ll make good kindling.”

“If we set the house on fire, is that the start of our misfortune?” Mordred asked, and Morgana laughed, brandishing the sheathed dagger he was pretty sure she’d told him she had used to try and kill her foster dad.

“Maybe. If it is, then at least I won’t have to pay Merlin to know how long the cycle is.”

—

fin

#lysa answers asks

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coinofstone · 4 years

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5x12 The Diamond of the Day pt 1

Final two episodes! Big finale! Why am I making myself cry in the middle of the afternoon! Both eps in this post.

I do love that they made Arthur a sore loser

Enter treacherous white woman #2. Srsly it was lazy writing when they did it for Mordred, it's worse now with Gwaine.

I do love the actual Round Table war room discussion but a) why isn't Merlin seated at the round table and b) why does Leon have so much goddamn faith in Camelot's walls? Like??? You literally said the same thing last year and yet Camelot *did* fall when Agravaine brought an army through the tunnels!

Poor Aithusa. Kid's had a rough life.

I do love Arthur responding to Merlin presenting him with all his supplies ready - which he prepared without his magic mind you - with suspicion 😂

But then he calls Merlin a coward and it's sad

Katie has such a great voice. That entire thing in the cave from her taunting to her laughter to the spell, it just just beautifully played.

Whole ass battle to prepare for and Arthur is just walking around moping cuz Merlin isn't there

So, Merlin's father-vision telling him he's magic itself and he just needs to believe in himself to get his magic going again, does this mean he *didn't* need to go to the cave to get it back? Cuz it seems like he needed to recharge in the cave itself, his injuries were healed when he woke up. That seems like magic cave stuff to me.

Also that "always have been and always will be" - I'm taking to mean 'always have been' in the sense that since he's 'magic itself' even before he was born, his magic existed in other, intangible forms, like we are all stardust etc. But now that he is, he will always be, aka he will not die.

Arthur waking up with his wife in his arms and Merlin's name on his lips, jumping out of bed to act on dream-info.

Balinor telling Merlin to trust in what will be.... like bitch that is literally not how this ends.

5x13 The Diamond of the day pt 2

You know that gif of the cat knocking everything off the table? That's literally Merlin shooting lightning at everyone from his perch on the ridge.

I have a lot of snarky things to say about Merlin coming out of the cave in full Dragoon gear and riding a horse instead of teleporting like the other witches but I'ma keep that to myself.

Mordred is a bitch and Aithusa has terrible aim. At least Aithusa's loyalty to Morgana makes sense.

Arthur said oh shit I'm magic - oh wait no it's that old man again

He also straight up "No! Bad dragon!"-ed Aithusa

Y'know, for all I've watched this episode and screamed about Arthur's death, I don't think I've ever focused on the exact moment he gets stabbed before.

Mordred catches him from behind and he meets it, no fault there. But as soon as he realizes his assailant is the knight who turned on him and joined Morgana, what does he do? HE LOWERS HIS FUCKING SWORD

He leaves himself wide fucking open and vulnerable and Mordred seizes the opportunity. I understand wanting the moment of recognition for Arthur, but on what planet is a trained warrior going to drop his sword mid-attack because he recognizes his attacker as a dude who only just recently decided to forsake him? It's soooooo dumb

There was a whole sequence a few episodes back where Mordred and Arthur are sparring, the point of it was to show that Mordred has become a skilled swordsman. So what exactly was the point in having Mordred run Arthur through as soon as Arthur idiotically lets his guard down? This should've been a meticulously choreographed sword fight, with Mordred getting the upper hand and sticking Arthur properly. Not this nonsense. Look at Arthur's FACE! Oh, Mordred... 👉👈 do you maybe wanna be friends again- STAB ... guess not

Uther's been rolling in his grave but he's taking an extra tumble watching Arthur forget all his skills and training in that moment.

I do appreciate Arthur getting Mordred back though. Like that moment of merciless anger followed by the hurt and regret playing on Arthur's face, warring with surety and responsibility. It was good.

I've rewatched the big confession scene about 16 times just now.

I don't quite understand why Merlin took Arthur to the woods to begin with. Instead of bringing him to the med tent in the battlefield or back to Camelot. What was the reason?

Merlin saying it feels strange (to use magic freely in front of Arthur) and him just going 'yeah' completely deadpan makes me laugh every time.

I really feel like Arthur's head should be elevated at a further incline if he's going to be fed.

Gaius refusing to outright expose Merlin as the sorcerer but nonetheless letting Gwen figure it out on her own warms my heart.

My God Arthur is sitting there dying, feeling betrayed about his best friend 'lying' to him, and still he can't stop himself from looking at Merlin's mouth.

Percival summoned MUSCLE POWER

Hey um random but why does Gwaine even know where Merlin and Arthur are headed? Why would Gaius tell him?

Arthur looks at Merlin so lovingly after he's killed Morgana 😭😭

And now he's literally grabbing at the man's hand 😭 "just hold me, please"

That's gotta be the gayest death scene in television history. If you can watch that without thinking Arthur puts his hand on the back of Merlin's head because some part of him wants to bring him down for a kiss, or that "just hold me, please" is in any way shape or form a 'bros' thing, and certainly not at all an intentional mirror/callback to Isolde dying in Tristan's arms, then I'm afraid you are what we professionals refer to as a dumb-as-nails fucknugget, more commonly phrased as 'willfully ignorant'.

"All that you have dreamt of building has come to pass" yeah except for the whole, y'know, magic still being illegal thing.

I've said this before, but, while I'm sure there was a determined intention to have Arthur die in his armor, probably in some kind of attempt to make sure the audience knows he's died a warrior's death, I *really* think it was kinda stupid that Merlin never removed it, despite Arthur being weak, despite the fact that there was something like five days between him getting stabbed and him actually dying, despite that for the duration of that time they were traveling or hiding out. Merlin managed to produce a cloak to put on Arthur, why did he need the full armor on that whole time? Like even if they left the chainmail on, those plates on his shoulder were just getting in the way, and it looked quite uncomfortable.

Also not for nothing but Lancelot got like, every flower in the forest surrounding lush verdant greens in his death boat, Arthur gets a bunch of sticks.

It suddenly occurs to me, watching this now, that the reason Leon/Percival is such a common side pairing in Merthur fics, is because these two motherfuckers are the only original Knights of the Round Table to survive the series. 🤦‍♀️ I dunno how I failed to notice that before now. My stupidity amazes me.

I'm *really* glad they decided to do this scene with Gwen wearing the Pendragon red dress instead of the black mourning dress. Yes she looks fabulous in it but it's more the symbolism than the 'reality' - with Gwen wearing her house's colors it represents a continuation rather than a finality. Camelot will go on, Gwen will undoubtedly end the war on magic and with Morgana dead (and frankly, I think by now she already brought about the death of all the angry incel type rulers in Albion) there stands to reason her reign will begin with a period of peace, possibly longer than Arthur's. We kind of have to assume that the 'time the poets speak of' is, inevitably, Gwen's reign - which only came about through Arthur's death. It's a little bit toooo subtle in my opinion, but at the same time, I understand the need for the focus on Merlin and Arthur - after all, this show was their journey - not leaving much time to focus on Gwen and Camelot in the aftermath of Arthur's death.

I will just say, the first time I watched this that fucking truck scared the ever living shit out of me. I also just immediately, viscerally hated that scene and declared it invalid - but I think it was because the truck made me jump out of my skin. It has since grown on me, particularly once I started reading 'Arthur Returns' fic.

Everything beyond this point is post-series spec and headcanon, so if that's not your jam you can exit safe in the knowledge that as usual, if there's anything worth commenting on in the S5 extras, I will create a separate post!

For those interested, my go-to post-series fic is We Begin Again by katherynefromphilly I fully headcanon this series as the continuation of the series.

I have a lot of thoughts about Gwen and Merlin post-Camlann.

For one, poor fucking Gwen. She's lost her father, her brother, and her husband, all by what, age 30? That's rough. And who knows what happened to her mom, that was pre-series and I don't think it was ever mentioned.

Merlin, dear god poor Merlin. First of all, I just wanna say straight off that my instinctive headcanon about Merlin was that he never returned to Camelot. I couldn't really say why exactly. I just don't think he could stand being there after Arthur's death. But practically speaking, Merlin's still got Aithusa to deal with, that dragon needs some godsdamned house training asap. He's still the last Dragonlord, it's reasonable to assume he'd immediately take that on considering Aithusa is partially responsible for Arthur's death (the sword Mordred killed Arthur with, only succeeded in killing Arthur because it had been forged in Aithusa's fire-breath) so he's either going to attempt to train the bad behaviors out of Aithusa, or...well...

The only thing is, I do not believe Merlin would abandon Gwen, or Gaius. So my hc is inherently flawed. I do think Merlin probably spend a couple months with his mum, and I do think he ultimately settled near lake Avalon waiting for Arthur's return.

But I do wonder, what must their relationship have been like? Gwen, surely, would've sought his guidance in establishing laws governing the use of magic. And surely, peace cannot last indefinitely, so Merlin absolutely would've defended Camelot and protected Gwen. There's just no way he could've completely turned his back on them, but I doubt he could bear living in Camelot. And Gwen is both strong and practical enough to get on without him there 24/7, even though I'm sure she'd miss him.

I also think she would've found love again. Whether with Leon, as many people hc, or someone else not in the series.

ANYWAY.

Thanks to everyone who came on this journey with me. I will post comments on the extras if I have anything worth saying - and I think I'll do a master post linking all these episode posts after I clean them up once I get time to sit at a computer and do so. Until then! 💙💚

(Gif source) (h/t @shut-up-merlin)

#bbc merlin #bbc merlin spoilers #merlin #merlin spoilers #merthur #onceandfuturerewatch #5x12 #5x13 #5x12 the diamond of the day pt 1 #5x13 the diamond of the day pt 2 #bbc merlin 5x12 #bbc merlin 5x13 #merlin 5x12 #merlin 5x13 #the diamond of the day #the diamond of the day pt1 #the diamond of the day pt2 #for the love of Camelot

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swanqueeneverafter · 4 years

Text

Sins of the Past Pt.9

Camelot. Present. Morgana's Chambers. (Morgana hurriedly returns to her chambers through a back passageway.) Guinevere: (Calling from outside the door:) "My Lady?" (Morgana looks down at her muddy cloak and tosses it behind her bed just as Guinevere enters.) Guinevere: "I saw the light, wanted to make sure you were alright." Morgana: "I’m fine." Guinevere: "You were missed at the festival today, the people of Camelot are eager to welcome you back." Morgana: "They have already waited ten years, I'm sure they can manage without me for a little while longer." Guinevere: (Smiles:) "Of course. Will you be joining us for dinner in Storybrooke?" Morgana: (Hesitates:) "I think not. After a day re-familiarizing myself with the castle, I'm really quite tired." Guinevere: "I'll leave you to rest then. Would you like-" Morgana: (Steps back:) "Guin, you are queen now. You helping me undress would just be embarrassing for both of us." Guinevere: "I really don't mind, it wouldn't be any trouble." Morgana: (A sharper tone:) "I’ll prepare myself for bed. (Making her tone light again:) Goodnight, Guin." Morgana: "Goodnight, My Lady." (Guinevere leaves.)

Camelot. Past. Forest. (Morgana sneaks out of the castle at night to meet Morgause in the woods.) Morgause: “You look well.” Morgana: “Thanks to you. (Morgana touches the enchanted bracelet Morgause gave her:) I wear it all the time. I can’t remember when I last had a bad dream.” Morgause: “But you do not seem happy. Why is that?” Morgana: “I would be if I didn’t have to pretend.” Morgause: “Pretend?” Morgana: “That I’m Uther’s loving daughter when I hate him.” Morgause: “Have you ever imagined a new world, Morgana? One where Uther was no more?” Morgana: “Sometimes.” Morgause: “And is that what you’d like?” Morgana: “I once had the chance to be his assassin.” Morgause: “And what stopped you?” Morgana: “I don’t know. I believe he cared for me. But not anymore. He cares for no one.” Morgause: “So, you want Uther destroyed and his reign to end?” Morgana: “More than anything. But it doesn’t matter what I want. The future’s not of my making.” Morgause: “You are wrong, Morgana. You underestimate your importance. The decisions you make now will change the shape of everything that is to come.” Morgana: “What do you mean?” Morgause: “Whose side are you on, Morgana? Are you with Uther? Or are you with me? Are you prepared to help me bring about his downfall?” Morgana: “I am.” Morgause: (Reaching out to stroke Morgana’s face:) “I can’t tell you how much it means to hear you say that.”

Storybrooke. Present. Swan-Mills House. (Tired, sore and covered in mud, Mrs & Mrs Swan-Mills arrive home victorious, carrying their trophy between them.) Regina: "Well, that worked out nicely." Emma: (Closing the front door:) "It did, didn't it?" Regina: "Although technically I still think I won. It was my horse who crossed the finish line first." Emma: "Hey, tell it to the judges, their decision is final." Regina: "Hm." Emma: "You heard them, it was a dead heat. Too close to call! Take the win, Regina. Anyway, I should be the one that's upset. I don't get to see your Lady Godiva moment now." Regina: "No, but I do still want to see you wearing that necklace tonight. So how about a compromise?" Emma: (Gasps in mock surprise:) "You? Mayor Mills, compromise? The hell you say." Regina: "It's Swan-Mills, and yes. Interested?" Emma: "I don't know... it’s a pretty ugly necklace. Your compromise had better be good." Regina: "What if, instead of heading back to the stables, I take off all my clothes right now, jump on your back and ride you around every room of this house?" Emma: (Laughing:) "The image I have in my head right now is so ridiculous. (Tries to control her giggles when seeing the slightly hurt look on Regina's face:) I'm sorry, it's just..." Regina: "Forget I said anything." Emma: (Reaching out and taking her hand:) "Wait. Please wait. (Composing herself:) Now, it's not the craziest idea I've heard." Regina: "Only the funniest, evidently." Emma: "Well, yeah, and I know you meant it to be sexy but, maybe with a couple of tweaks, it could be very, very hot." Regina: (Still annoyed:) "I'm open to suggestions." Emma: (Smiles:) "Okay, well, I have zero problem with the you getting naked part. That part I love. But how about instead of my back, you jump into my arms and, (Waving her hand, Emma envelops herself in a cloud of smoke. When it clears, Emma stands naked but for a few hefty straps at her waist. Smirking as Regina's eyes are immediately drawn to the appendage now bobbing between her legs:) I give you the ride of your life?" Regina: (Still transfixed:) "Well, there's only one thing I can think to say. (Using her own magic to shed her clothes:) Giddy up!" A Short While Later. (Reclined in each others arms in the bath tub, Regina and Emma discuss the night's plans.) Emma: "Do I really have to wear that thing to dinner?" Regina: "Not if we don't go." Emma: "Mom wants us there." Regina: "Then yes, you have to wear it." Emma: "What if she asks why I'm wearing it and not you?" Regina: "You tell her the truth. You lost a bet." Emma: (Smiling up at her:) "If you call this losing, I can't imagine what winning feels like." Regina: "Well don't ask your father, he wouldn't know what winning felt like either." Emma: (Chuckles:) "All right, you asked for this." (With much splashing and screams of delight, Regina and Emma take turns dunking each other under the surface, causing huge waves of water to spill over the edge of the tub and onto the tiled floor below.)

Storybrooke. Main Street. (While the festivities of the day begin to wind down and the crowds slowly disperse, Henry takes a break from driving to stretch his legs. When passing by someone clearly from Wonderland, Henry feels compelled to reach into his pocket and pull out his phone. However, as he's about to dial Ella's number, he stops himself, remembering that there are no cell towers in Wonderland. Looking up from his phone, he spots a familiar face sitting alone on a bench.) Henry: “Drizella?” Drizella: (Sniffles, wiping her eyes:) “Oh. I'm sorry. I don't remember calling a taxi.” Henry: “Funny. You’re here for the festival?” Drizella: (Nods:) “If I had known it was going to be a celebration of the Charmings and the Swan-Mills’ I might not have bothered.” Henry: “Try living with them.” Drizella: “Ooh, trouble in paradise?” Henry: (Taking a seat beside her:) “Alright, that was a little unfair, but sometimes it can get a little annoying - living in their shadow I mean.” Drizella: “Tell me about it. At least you weren’t overshadowed by your sister all your life. (Thinks:) Oh wait, don’t you have a little sister now?” Henry: “I think you know I do. Judging by the amount of gifts my moms received, I doubt there’s one person in all the united realms who doesn’t know about my sister.” Drizella: “And so it begins.” Henry: “It’s not like that at all. I love Maria and I’m thrilled to be a big brother.” Drizella: “Just give it time.” Henry: (Shaking his head:) “Speaking of which, where’s your sister, Anastasia?” Drizella: "Oh, probably off somewhere moping. Torturing herself over her past as the Red Queen. I mean, it's not like it happened recently, it was for a very brief period thirty years ago. I wish she’d just get over it already." Henry: "Well to be fair to Anastasia, it was very recent to her mind." Drizella: "Oh please, not the resurrection again. You know people always talk about that but they never seem to remember that I was encased in stone for roughly the same amount of time." Henry: "That had to be a hard time for you." Drizella: (Smiles, despite herself:) "Ha. Ha. (Sighs:) Look at us, sat in the middle of a festival throwing our own little pity party." Henry: "Yeah, Ella would've loved this." Drizella: "Is that your little dream girl?" Henry: "She came from the Dream Realm, yes." Drizella: "So where is she now?" Henry: "Searching for her mother." Drizella: (Scoffs:) "If she's also looking for her mother's approval, she'll be gone a long time. Trust me, I speak from experience." Henry: "Well the good thing is you haven't let it effect you. I mean it's not like you released an ancient immortal creature and a dust cloud filled with hate over the land just to prove yourself to your dead mother." Drizella: (Pursing her lips:) "Exactly." Henry: "Cause that would've been crazy." Drizella: "This from the son of the woman who conjured the Dark Curse?" Henry: "Touche. At least you're not the only one on this bench with baggage." Drizella: "Okay, then. So, how do we get rid of it. The baggage." Henry: "Take a chance? Do the scary thing? Hope it all works out." Drizella: "Is that what you call what you’re doing with Ella? The 'scary thing'?" Henry: "I don't know. I'm just figuring it out, same as you." Drizella: "Well, I for one need a drink." Henry: "Good idea." Drizella: "So, come on." Henry: "What?" Drizella: (Squints:) "You are legally allowed to drink now, aren't you?" Henry: "Yeah." Drizella: "Well, let's go!" (Hesitating for a moment, Henry looks down at his phone, then puts it in his pocket. Standing, he and Drizella walk together in search of the nearest bar. From a short distance away, Tiana watches them leave, with a troubled look upon her face.) Wonderland. Night. Will and Ella’s Campsite. (Will lays on the floor with his arms crossed attempting to sleep while Ella stands, turning the necklace over and over in her hand.) Will: “Please go to sleep.” Ella: “I can't. You sleep.” Will: “How can I sleep if you insist on thinking so loudly?” Ella: “What you said before... maybe you were right. Maybe she's moved on.”

Will: (Sitting up:) “I'm sorry, Ella. I put that terrible idea in your head. Don't listen to me, I don't know nothing about it. Do you believe that she truly loves you?” Ella: “I did.” Will: “Well, that's good then. Because when somebody truly loves you, they can never move on. It’s like you said, you don’t need any proof.” Ella: “That’s true, but it's still nice to have.” Will: (Sighs:) “As much as I’m going to regret this, as your guide on this little journey, it is my duty to help you in any way I can. So, if you want proof, proof you shall have.” Ella: “What are you talking about?” Will: “I’m talking about finding a way to prove your mother is still out there somewhere.” Ella: “And how do you propose we do that?” Will: “That’s for me to know and you to find out. Tomorrow. After a good solid night’s sleep. Deal?” Ella: (Smiling:) “Deal.” Forest of Balor. Caves. (Mulan and Ruby walk through the caves carrying torches.) Ruby: "There they are." (The flowers they seek are across a large gap with a narrow ledge and long drop. Mulan looks down.) Mulan: "Keep back from the edge. Don’t worry. We’ll be out of here soon.” (Walking carefully over the ledge, Mulan heads toward the Mortaeus flower growing on the cave wall. The cave begins to rumble, but seemingly nothing comes of it. Reaching the flower, Mulan grabs it and puts it in a pouch on her belt, then makes her way back to Ruby.) Ruby: “Well that was easy.” Mulan: “A little too easy.” Lord Macintosh: “You’re right. (Ruby and Mulan turn to face him:) I’m afraid I can’t allow you to leave here with that.” Mulan: “Macintosh. So it was you who poisoned the goblet!” Lord Macintosh: “I don’t know what you mean, Lassie. All I know is with Merida gone, that makes me the rightful ruler of all Dun Broch.” Mulan: “Over my dead body.” Lord Macintosh: “Aye, I thought you might say something like that.” (Turning, Macintosh motions towards the darkness where several of his men emerge. Mulan draws her sword.) Ruby: “Mulan, no. We don’t have time for this.” Mulan: “I don’t think they’re going to give us much choice.” Lord Macintosh: “Surrender the flower and no harm will come to you.” Mulan: “So I give up the flower and you’ll let us go?” Lord Macintosh: “As the new King of Dun Broch, I give you my word.” Mulan: “You aren’t King yet. Quick, Ruby, hand me your cloak.” Ruby: “What?” Mulan: “You’re right, we don’t have much time. (As Ruby removes her cloak, Mulan places the flower carefully inside:) I need you to transform.” Ruby: (Realising the plan:) “Oh no, I’m not leaving you.” Mulan: (Folding the cloak:) “You have to. You have to get the flower back to Storybrooke before it’s too late. (Reluctantly, Ruby does as she’s told and transforms into the wolf. Macintosh and his men recoil at the sight. Placing Ruby’s cloak into the wolf’s mouth:) Take it and go!” (With a low growl, the wolf paws at the ground and leaps toward Macintosh’s men. Desperately clinging to the walls to get out of the wolf’s path, Macintosh looks on helplessly as it runs from the cave and out of sight.)

Storybrooke. The Dragon's Lair. (Sitting down to dinner, Emma looks around the restaurant, clearly agitated.) Emma: "Great, now everyone's staring." Regina: "Well who could blame them? I often find myself staring at my beautiful wife." Emma: "They're starting at this ridiculous thing around my neck! (Regina promptly hides her face behind her menu. Narrowing her eyes:) You know if I had won, there's no way I would’ve had you embarrass yourself in public." Regina: (Lowering her menu:) "Do you think I'd have anything to be embarrassed about if you did?" (Knowing she's been out maneuvered, Emma quickly changes the subject.) Emma: (Picking up her own menu:) "There's just so much good stuff to choose from. (Still feeling Regina's eyes on her, Emma looks around for a distraction. As Maleficent walks by their table:) Mal, what would you recommend?" Maleficent: (Without missing a beat:) "A stylist." (At this, Regina bursts out laughing while Emma glares at Maleficent's back.) Emma: (As Regina continues to laugh:) "Oh, shut up. (Looking over Regina's shoulder:) Wait a minute. Is that Henry?" Regina: (Turns in her seat:) "Yes it is." Emma: "Who's that he's with?" Henry's Table. (Drizella returns to the table with a bottle.) Henry: "What's this?" Drizella: "Something better than the cheap antifreeze you're used to drinking." Regina & Emma's Table. (Emma's eyes widen in recognition.) Emma: "Drizella? What the hell's going on?" (Regina puts a hand on Emma's arm to stop her making a scene.) Regina: "Calm down, we don't know what the situation is." Emma: "The situation is that Henry let Ella go to Wonderland alone so he could go on a date with Drizella!" Regina: "Would you keep your voice down! I'm sure it's not as bad as it looks." Emma: “Since when did you start giving people the benefit of the doubt?” Regina: "Since you did the same for me all those years ago. Need I remind you that's our son you're accusing? Now sit down and let me handle this." Emma: (When Regina returns to her menu:) "Well?!" Regina: "I'll go over there after we've ordered. I seem to have worked up quite the appetite." Emma: (Looking over Regina's shoulder again:) "Yeah well if you don't get over there soon, I'm going to lose mine." Regina: (Under her breath:) "And your mind." Emma: "What?" Regina: (Smiling sweetly:) "Nothing."

Camelot. Past. Council Chamber. (Uther dines as Morgana enters with tear stained cheeks.) Morgana: "I have come to apologise, My Lord. You have been generous and kind and fair. And I owe you everything. I truly don’t know what came over me." (Uther stands and rushes to meet Morgana. He embraces her with tears of joy.) Uther: "I am so glad you’ve seen sense. Come, dine with me. Let’s put this unfortunate incident behind us." Morgana: "No, no. I am on my way to the chapel, to pray forgiveness for my sins." Uther: "Of course." Morgana: (She wipes his tears away with a handkerchief:) "I don’t know why you put up with me. But I promise, in the future I will show you the love and respect that you deserve." (Morgana walks away, smirking.) Forest. Night. (Morgana leaves the castle and rides to a cave guarded by the Bloodguard.) Morgause: “My sister. How have you fared?” Morgana: “Uther has welcomed back his daughter with open arms.” Morgause: “Uther does not suspect?” Morgana: “He laps up my lies like the snivelling dog that he is. He believes I’ve changed. And he’s right. Soon he will see exactly how much.” Morgause: “You’ve done well. The tears of Uther Pendragon have only begun to fall.” (Morgause drops the handkerchief with Uther’s tears into a giant cauldron filled with boiling liquid and adds a large root. The root screams and Morgana flinches:) The mandrake root is very special. Only those with magic can hear its cries. But for those without magic, the mandrake pierces the very recesses of the soul, twisting the unconscious into the very image of fear and dread. Uther Pendragon will find that his great kingdom counts for nothing, when he has lost his mind. (She begins an incantation:) Mid þæm wundorcræft þæs ealdan æwþ ic þe hate nime Utheres wopdropan ond þa gemengan mid his blod. Sy he under wittig ond deofol seocnes his heorte afylþ.” (Morgause’s eye glow. She pulls out the muddy root and hands it to Morgana.)

Storybrooke. Present. The Dragon's Lair. (Guinevere sits alone at the bar deep in thought when Snow White joins her.) Snow White: "Guinevere. You look troubled." Guinevere: (Smiles weakly:) "Just thinking about Morgana." Snow White: "Where is she? I thought we might see her today?" Guinevere: (Shakes her head:) "She didn't feel up to it. And I can hardly blame her, after all she's been through." Snow White: "Has she managed to tell you where she's been all these years?" Guinevere: "No, but I can only imagine the horrors she's seen." Henry & Drizella's Table. (Drizella pours Henry another drink.) Drizella: "Thanks for listening to me earlier, no one ever does that." Henry: "No problem. I know finding where you belong in this world can be hard." Drizella: "So what happened with you and Ella? Why didn't you go with her? Couldn't take a chance and do the scary thing after all, huh?" Henry: "It's complicated." Drizella: "Hm. (Picks up her glass:) Well, to keeping things uncomplicated." (They clink glasses. Having seen enough, Regina is about to break things up when there is a commotion outside.) Main Street. (David and Emma exit the restaurant first to find people running for their lives. Heading towards the source of the chaos they find a wolf growling and charging at the doors to the library.) David: (Noticing the familiar cloak laying in the moonlight:) "It's Ruby!" (Picking up the cloak, David moves carefully over to the animal and drapes the cloak over it. Transforming almost instantly, Ruby lifts her hood and grabs hold of David.) Ruby: "You have to help me, they've got Mulan!" (Emma and David look to each other in surprise while a crowd begins to gather around them.)

#sq #swanqueen #swan queen

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101flavoursofweird · 4 years

Note

i'm late for the meme as usual, but: 1, 2 and 6?

((Thanks!)£

name ur politically correct ship that no one ever questions

LayClaire. Even people who don’t have it as their OTP still love LayClaire because of the ending of Lost Future.

Also, Raphael/Marie is a runner up. (Not there anything wrong with that— I love these two.)

2. now name ur trash ship

That would be Gwen/Arthur, surprisingly! They’re cute together, they have good chemistry and the pining of a servant girl not being able to marry a prince? A+. Uther doesn’t approve, so Arthur vows to wait until he becomes king to marry Gwen. That makes sense. I can get behind the pining.

Vague spoilers for the later seasons... but some of the writing choices for their relationship are RIDICULOUS and they are never resolved. They’re literally just there to create DRAMA. Gwen did not deserve everything she went through.

Arthur’s so used to magic and Morgana by this point, why didn’t he suspect SOMETHING? (Why didn’t MERLIN?)

And yet, I still want them to get married with a big wedding, pretty dresses and crowns :) These two would be lost without Merlin. Maybe that’s the solution— just add Merlin to the mix! Make them an OT3!

6. who is your trash fave who is so problematic they probably have hate tumblrs dedicated to them

I don’t know if he has any hate tumblrs (I hope not), but Sea Hawk is the closest to my trash fave in She Ra. Let me make it clear that he isn’t trash— and he isn’t problematic— he usually makes me laugh and I’ve grown to really like his relationship with Mermista. There are characters who could be seen as way more problematic, but they aren’t among my FAVES. Sea Hawk is a FAVE.

But out of all the characters, he’s one of the ones that came closest to annoying me. There were a couple of earlier episodes where I thought I was going to find him annoying but he never quite reached that point. Like when he gets himself, Bow and Swift Wind kidnapped to cheer Mermista and the others up. DUDE, I KNOW YOU WANT TO MAKE YOUR GIRLFRIEND HAPPY, BUT SERIOUSLY?

And the way he just stands there holding Double Trouble when they’re about to leave Mermista and Scorpia behind in the underwater bar... Sea Hawk, I know Double Trouble just called you hot and all your exes are here, but YOUR GIRLFRIEND HAS JUST BEEN BRAINWASHED. MAYBE TRY A LITTLE HARDER TO WAKE HER UP?! (Or maybe that’s just because I like angst...) Look at Netossa with spinnerella!

Now, please let Sea Hawk reunite with his mermaid girlfriend and stop her from being brainwashed. Please.

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emrysarthurpendragon · 4 years

Text

Running out of time

Merlin woke with a start and looked around, collecting his memories. Oh. Right. He moved chambers a couple of weeks ago, when they came back from Morgana’s fortress and his friends now know he has magic. They were all supportive and, thank to them, his demons had been quiet since then. But today, he felt something was amiss. Rubbing his eyes, Merlin threw his legs outside his bed and perambulate in the room. Think. Think. Think. There must be something. He never woke in the middle of the night for no reasons.

Emrys. Emrys, I’m scared…

The voice echoed in his mind; it belonged to a child. A little one he could feel through his magic. Like a string connecting their bodies and souls. If he moved closer to his window, the bond straightened. The closer he gets to the door, the weaker it became. He had to go. Go find that person, that child, whoever it was. Alas, when he opened the door, there stood Arthur and his bright smile. Lately, the new king kept surprising him and of course, today was one of these days. Yes, you read well. New king. Uther passed not long after they came back; murdered by Agravaine.

“Are you ready, Merlin?” he asked, almost as excited as a kid. The warlock just pictured a mini-Arthur jumping up and down.

“Do I have a choice?” the boy asked, faking hope.

“Nope. It’s your birth right and I won’t take ‘no’ for an answer.”

“I hate you,” Merlin mumbled, making his friend laugh.

“No, you don’t,” Arthur answered, pressing his lips against Merlin’s. The warlock felt his resolutions melt away when Arthur pulled him closer, at least until a servant walked past them and snickered at the sight of the two men. Their cheeks flustered, they closed the door and hurried together to the main hall. Before they could step in, where people were already gathering for the big event and gossiping about Merlin, Arthur pulled him into another room. The area was empty exception for a chair and clothing hanging over them. Confused at first, Merlin felt his boyfriend’s hands push him and helping him out his usual attire. Especially his neckerchief. “What the…”

“You can’t attend knighting ceremony like this.”

“Why not?”

“I’m the King, you obey, or I’ll punish you,” Arthur purred, sliding his hands under the warlock’s shirt. Merlin shivered under the soft touch.

“Prove it,” Merlin laughed, hoping to avoid the knighting by doing so.

“Maybe later. If we are too long, Gwaine’s going to come here and all Camelot would have a graphic depiction of our bodies.” Arthur explained, quickly adding in an ushered tone: “You’re mine, I don’t want them knowing how beautiful you are.”

“Prat.”

Arthur laughed when he noticed the redness over Merlin’s face and he helped him with his new, clearly expensive, furniture. Hunith came all the way from Ealdor and the king wanted to see Merlin’s face when he would see her among the many faces. From now on, his soon-to-be mother-in-law would stay here, in Camelot and Arthur gave her a room across her son’s. Now fully dressed, Merlin faced Arthur; the blond gasped. Instead of his usual rags, Merlin stood there, wearing a blue shirt and black pants. Arthur ordered new boots too and… Merlin looked regal.

“One more thing,” Arthur said, taking a small package from the table. “Open it, please.”

Curious, Merlin ripped open the parcel and froze. It couldn’t be … was it … memories from a specific winter came back in his mind and he knew Arthur remembered too. The day he travelled to collect the knights and Gwen’s cloaks. With gentle hands, Merlin unfolded the piece of furniture and smile. The inside was made of fur, to protect its owner from the cold. The outside was bright red with Camelot’s lion embroidered on it. Arthur carefully wrapped it over Merlin small frame and smile, happy with the result.

“Perfect. Now, follow me. It’s time for you to join us.”

Nodding his agreement, Merlin followed Arthur. They walked hand in hand and reached the huge door separating them from the others. They were taking baby steps in the change of Camelot. First, Merlin’s ceremony. Then, the ban of magic. One thing at a time. Arthur walked into the room first and all murmurs stopped. Merlin started counting in his head. One. Two. Three … eight…

Emrys. Emrys, save me, please… Mum… Dad…

Merlin jumped, darting around for something or someone in need. He stood alone in the corridor and shook that feeling. Still, he wanted nothing more than run and find the voice. What was he supposed to do? Walk in the room, following today’s plans and all … or leave without a second glance to find the kid?

“Arthur is going to kill me,” Merlin thought, still pondering with his two options. “It’s just a matter of minutes, I’ll go after.”

Emrys please, it hurts!

Merlin bit his lips, walking one step after another. Arthur stood there; a smile plastered on his face. Their friends all waited front raw with equally bright expressions.

He saw a dark room, without windows. Water dripped from the walls and fell on several bodies. Prisoners were huddles together in one cell, except for one. In a cell, a person with dirty blond hair hanged limply. Her wrists had been chained to the roof, placing her in a painful posture. These were not ordinary cuffs though, as he noticed magic-repels runes on them.

His heart fastened and he kneeled on the steps facing the king. Wait … was it his mother, standing next to Gaius? Oh, Lord! She came! With his body tensed, Merlin repeated the same promise to the people of Camelot. Like all the red knights did before and will do after him. He swore servitude and protection to all, rich or poor, strong, or weak. Inside, Merlin silently added ‘magic or not’ and knew Arthur followed his thoughts. They smiled at each other’s and the King took his sword, touching Merlin’s shoulders with it. When the former manservant stood again, he was no longer Clumsy Merlin but Sir Merlin, son of Lord Balinor, king of the lost kingdom of Avalon. Or was it lost? Merlin had a feeling that they may find it again.

Emrys, find me, please…

The world started spinning. The new lord had to focus on staying up but he spotted Arthur’s eyes. The King noticed his sudden change and worried. They had to thank all their friends, Merlin hugged his mum with a bright smile splattered on his face, but they still made their way out the throne’s room. Just when he was ready to explain, he felt the connection shut. Just like this. Had the child died? Merlin felt panic rose in him. He should have gone and find her, follow her track to wherever she was held captive.

“Merlin? Merlin, what’s wrong?” Arthur asked, blue eyes searching him for any injures or whatsoever. Did he mention how protective the king was lately? From behind them, Gwaine exited the room and eyed them curiously. He too noticed their strange behaviours.

“Merlin? Princess? What’s wrong?”

Arthur barely rolled his eyes at the nickname.

“I don’t know yet. Merlin?”

“I … not here. It’s about my uh … thing.”

“Your penis?” Gwaine asked, making Merlin blushed when servants walked past them, shaking with laughter either because of the comment, or the young lord sudden redness. “Kidding. Hey, relax Merlin, it’s just a joke…”

“Mother…” Merlin squealed, mortified. Yes. His mother walked behind the knight when he formulated his stupid comment. Still, Hunith just giggled and ruffled his black hair.

“I’m so proud of you, Merlin. Your father would be too, I know it. Before you were born, he often talked of the life he wants for his kids, if he ever had some. A good life and faithful friends. That’s all, and you have it all.”

“He told you, about his inheritance? His lineage?”

“All the time, but shall we talk in my rooms? It’s about your … thing.”

Merlin nodded after sending a death glare toward Gwaine. He had to keep an eye on both him and his mother. He feared what Hunith may tell his friends if they had a chance. One word about his ‘pants’ allergy’ and he would never hear the end of it. All Camelot would know about two-year-old Merlin running with his wee shaft flapping around, in the paths of Ealdor. He started wearing proper clothing at age seven, after a cold so powerful he almost died. Knights, King, Hunith and Gwen all walked to the woman’s room and sat randomly on the floor, chair or the bed. Merlin talked first, since his visions were far more important than whatever his mother could share about his father’s past. Balinor was dead, this could wait. The child may still be alive. So he told them everything. The voice he had heard in the middle of the night and every now and then before and during the ceremony. He shared his vision, the cell where people were held captive and a child restrained with anti-magic chains. Not like the ones in Camelot’s vault, no. More powerful.

“These are dangerous. I only heard glimpse of what they do. No normal users could use their powers with these on but … she had to, when she contacted me. She’s strong. Probably born with the gift.”

Leon paled when he heard the warlock, that did not go unnoticed.

“What is it?” asked the king, his attention turned to his oldest friend.

“How old was she?”

“Can’t tell for sure. Maybe three or four.” Merlin said, frowning. “Why?”

“I knew someone from Camelot, their child was born with magic and they hid her the best they could. It helped me see the law had some flaws,” he said, his eyes fighting back tears. “Two years ago, their village had been raided and their girl died. Killed by those people.”

“Their or your child?” Merlin asked, remembering something. When Leon’s wife had been pregnant, the young woman went to her family’s house and stayed with them for the last six months. One day, Leon had left after he was handed a letter from his better half and no one seen him but when he came again, he was even jumpier whenever someone mentioned magic. They all thought nothing of it, until that day. With Yseult close to term, the knight took some days off and rode back alone to Camelot. Questions were asked since they all thought the family would travel together but he told them about his baby’s health. She’d been sick, fragile as glass, and their physician insisted on keeping her close to the ocean. For a couple of years at least. Merlin’s eyes widened. He remembered a wild, brand new, magic once upon a time. Like the one he felt this morning. Could it be? No. Leon child was like … 6? 7? Still, Leon sudden nervousness spoke for him. Silence fell upon their small group, all knights processing what they just learned. Leon had a magic child. And she died or was taken by mercenaries. If taught by the wrong people, she may become the biggest threat Camelot ever face. No. She probably died and now, another child waited for them.

“I’m sorry for your loss, really. But we don’t have time. Someone else is looking for their girl and we need to find her. Wherever she is,” Merlin said, feeling awful for brushing away his friend’s sadness like this. “If we don’t help, her magic can… I don’t know. But you don’t want to find out.”

“Ok; everyone got ready. We leave in two hours sharp.”

* * *

While servants readied their horses and supplies, Merlin stayed in his room and focused. He closes his eyes, searching for the girl magic. He thought the bond broken, but it was here. Weak but pulsing like a small heart. Through it, the warlock felt all her current emotions. Fear. Hurt. Sadness. Mix feelings and betrayal. Someone promised her protection and now, she was locked up and scared. He focused on the string between their souls and found her location. No. Not really, but the path they need to follow if they were to find her. Just like hours prior, depending on where he was heading, Merlin felt the bond grow stronger or weaker. With Arthur riding beside him, on his left, and Lancelot at his right, Merlin led the way and focused on his magic. He followed the invisible trail. For hours, they barely spoke. Night fell, they set up camp and shared stories about their previous adventures. About how they met but also, how Merlin with his new rank. They teased Merlin too, with his romance with Arthur. Gwaine, for instance, kept saying his new life happened because he had been ‘really nice’ with the King; resulting in a sudden scream when the blond kicked his friend.

“Merlin’s not like this. Show some respect.”

“Ouch. Unfair! I was just kidding!” Gwaine whined, rubbing his sore leg.

“Leave it, Arthur. No harm done,” Merlin murmured, sending an apologetic glare to his best friend. With Lancelot. “We’re just messing together.”

“Joking about your virtue is fun?” asked Arthur, clearly confused. “I don’t understand.”

“That’s why I do the thinking. You know nothing, Pendragon,” Merlin laughed, howling as Arthur tackled him to the floor. They struggled together, encouraged by the knights’ cheers. Merlin rolled on top of his king, gently kissing his nose.

Emrys? Emrys, are you with daddy?

Merlin stopped, eyes wide open and paler than usual. Through the child eyes, he saw a memory. A blurry face of a man with curly, blond hair. A man with a vaguely familiar voice. The thing was the girl’s memories were fading. She was forgetting her family.

“Merlin.”

“Shh!”

Focus, Emrys. I’m not far. Please. I wanna go home.

Merlin’s eyes burned gold. It felt like someone took control of his body. Someone with secret knowledge. He was seeing more. More than what mortal eyes were supposed to witness. Here it appeared for the first time. The golden trail between the trees, over hills and across the water. This reminded him of a myth, a legend. Long ago, a woman named Ariana got lost in a labyrinth and created a magic cord. The bond united her soul to his lover’s and that way, she found her way out the trap set by a creature of magic. Ariana, queen of her folks, was brave and gave her life for the kingdom. The deal was: if she somehow got out the maze, she’ll live, and her people would be safe. Anyway, King Minos lied and created a terrible creature with only one purpose: kill the young, mundane queen. The Goddesses and Gods, shook by such courage, sent magic knowledge to the Queen. Hecate helps her and, for ages after, protect her pupil’s family. No one ever managed to conjure Ariana’s lead since then. Until now. Was the child a descendant? Naturally gift? Behind him, Merlin heard voices calling his name, but the bond was stronger. He saw then, in a distance, a glowing light. He knew the world was pitch black but far away, in maybe two days ride, a building called for him. For them. Elyan stopped beside him and, as they all gathered, Merlin whispered:

“I know where she’s locked.”

I’m coming, kid. Don’t worry, he added mentally.

They waited the night before moving forward. They escaped Morgana using teleportation and with a specific location, they now could do the same thing to find their prey. No. Not prey. Worst word choice ever.

“Just know I can’t take the horses with us. I have powers, but not that much,” warned Merlin after they packed the next day. “Grab your weapons, anything you think essential for our mission, and whatever’s left stay here.”

It took them another couple minutes, enough to let Merlin prepare his spell. Last time, he acted out of instinct, fearing for their lives but now … he had to do the same on purpose. Of course, with his luck, things went slightly off topic. He appeared near the ruins but alone. He was alone and, judging by the signals, with a handful of mercenaries and prisoners inside the old building.

Following his courage, instinct or whatever, Merlin walked inside with his magic ready. He hoped the others weren’t so far. He needed their help, he noticed, when a man attacked him from behind, alerting all the others.

They fought hard. Sword against sword. Magic finding its way and killing offenders. Called it miracle or mere luck, Merlin stumbled into the dungeons and felt nauseous. A dozen people were huddled in the first cell, most of them magic if he were right, and they opened wide eyes at his sight.

“Emrys…” whispered a man, placing thin hands on the cold bars. “I can’t believe it. You’re…”

“Don’t mind us. Save her, please…” another voice asked. A woman directing him to the second cell. “The thing they’d done… We can’t help her… We tried, but our magics are too weak.”

Merlin nodded, breaking the lock before hurrying to the girl. She was all alone. Her body smells a mix of death, tears, lack of proper hygiene. When her body fell – once Merlin used a spell to break her chains – the warlock caught her with ease. He laid her on the floor, studying her wrists and ankles. Irons were still there, controlling her magic. These runes belonged to another age. When Emrys legend first appeared. When a person, scared to the core, sold its soul to a greater devil to control the children of pure magic. Those who were born from the Source. These were made for him. His powers shy away when he touched the metal. It burned his skin, as much as it did to the girl. Her skin showed how strong she had been. He could almost see her bones where the burns were too important. These prove all the times her magic managed to escape the manacles. All the moments she called for help, even if it meant more pain.

“I’ll free you. I’m here. I’m so sorry…” Merlin whispered, his golden eyes burning again and the metallic noise of the shackles disturbing the almost quietness of the room. Once he freed them, most prisoners escaped. All exception for the man who reached for him when he entered. “You’re safe now. We’ll take you out.”

He didn’t know if he was heard, but he suddenly realised how stupid of him it had been to take off the bonds now. Like water behind a dam, the child’s magic had been suddenly freed. In his arms, he saw – behind dirty blond hair – two golden pearl stared at him. He heard a frightened scream and the walls started shaking.

“My King, we must go!” yelled the man that waited for him. Merlin wanted to protest, claim that he was no king, but decided against it. They needed to hurry out before all the place collapse on them. “Give me the girl!”

Feeling a sudden protective urge, Merlin shook his head and held the little thing against him. As they ran, he chanted various spells. He tried to calm her but couldn’t. Years of restrained magic flooded outside her body. Like a river, a storm locked away for too long. On their way out, Merlin sprained his ankles and swore. It hurts. Still she clung to him and screamed in his mind. She was begging for help and he carried on. She won’t die here. Not now. Not when he finally saved her.

Emrys. I can’t breathe!

“I know, darling. I know. Listen to my heart.”

A criminal ran past them, trying to escape. His neck snapped and he fell to the ground, dead. He had not done that. He had to make the girl focus on something else, or she may kill an innocent.

“Tell me your name, ok sweetie?”

Gaia. Papa’s a knight. Where’s papa?

“I don’t know yet. I’ll help you find him. I’ll protect you.”

I’m a monster…

Merlin froze. Where did this come from? Before he asked, images flooded his mind. Gaia had killed before. Accidents whenever the mercenaries came to her. From the night she’d been captured. From that woman who came to her, acting all nice until she realised Gaia was just … too pure. Too good-hearted to become evil. Morgana. Morgana hurt a child. She was lost for humanity then. The one she used to be helped people.

“You’re not. You are an amazing little girl; your parents love you.”

No. No. No. Bad. Bad. I’m sorry.

They never reached the tower’s entrance. The construction collapsed. Merlin held the younger warlock against his chest, protecting her with his own body. Pain filled him. Silence fell. Darkness surrounded them.

* * *

Elyan barely stopped Arthur when the building collapsed in front of them. They helped the prisoners and killed mercenaries. Some people were healing each other’s with magic’s help or plants.

“Merlin!”

No. It couldn’t be. Arthur shook his head in disbelief, leaving his friend’s grasp. He had to find him. Find them. Merlin was not allowed to die. He gave an order!

#whumptober2020 #no.4 #buried alive #collapsed building #merlinbbc #fic #hurt child #mention of torture

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generallynerdy · 6 years

Text

Belong (Arthur Pendragon X Reader)

Summary: Arthur and (Y/N) have been friends as long as they can remember, since they both grew up in Camelot together. While they would like to believe they only see the other as a friend, it takes an ambitious young warlock to finally get them together.

Requested by Anon: ArthurxReader where reader is the daughter of a noble in Camelot and was forced to be around the castle a lot and couldn't help falling for Arthur. Thanks a bunch!! <3

Requested by @kat-the-kit: Platonic!Wingman!Merlan, helping the reader and Arthur get together, cuz they both like each other but don't want to confess cuz they think the other only likes them as a friend!

Key: (Y/N) - your name, (L/N) - last name, (D/N) - dad’s name

Warnings: FLUFF

Word Count: 2,243

Note: i think this might be the longest thing i’ve ever written and holy shit do i not regret a word of it (also i hope it’s okay i combined two requests :D i just thought they fit really well together)

“Merlin!”

(Y/N) couldn’t help rolling her eyes. Sure, it was a common occurrence for Arthur to be yelling for his manservant, but it was still amusing every time. She had never heard of a pair so utterly disastrous, much less seen them. It was days like these the young woman knew she had to look out for trouble.

(Y/N) (L/N) was the daughter of (D/N), a lord of Camelot. As such, she had practically been raised in the castle alongside Arthur and Morgana, making her one of their closest friends. While (Y/N) had to travel with her father occasionally, she was home more often than not and spending time with the child and ward of Uther Pendragon. If the three of them were not together, they would be soon enough -- or at least two out of the three.

Arthur and (Y/N) were closer than they were with Morgana, though it wasn’t their fault. Morgana had a habit of being distant, no matter who with. Arthur, on the other hand, got attached rather easily.

Speak of the devil, Arthur sprinted from his room into the hall, almost running into (Y/N). He was barely dressed and his hair was dishevelled, making the young lady giggle. Arthur wasn’t a put together person, that was sure, but he was especially worse whenever Merlin was missing -- an unfortunate recurrence.

“Good morning, sire,” (Y/N) curtseyed slightly. He hated whenever she called him that, but she remained firm in her respect.

“(Y/N),” he grinned boyishly at her greeting before he became stoic, “Have you seen Merlin? I have to prepare for the feast tonight.”

“Well,” she said, “You didn’t hear it from me, but I believe he was spotted at the tavern.”

“Bastard,” Arthur muttered under his breath. It seemed Merlin was always there.

(Y/N) laughed, “You really should be kinder to him, you know. He’s not all that bad -- the best servant you’ve ever had by far.”

Arthur shook his head, “Maybe, but you’ll never hear me admit it.” He started to walk away, turning to walk backwards as he said his goodbyes. “I’ll see you at the feast tonight, my lady.”

(Y/N) waved almost dreamily, laughing again as he nearly ran into a passing patrol and struggled to regain his composure. He was such a klutz on occasion and, when he was, it was painful. Yet somehow endearing. (Y/N) shook her head.

Just then, Merlin appeared from another hallway. “Really? The tavern?”

“I was put on the spot!” (Y/N) huffed, turning to her friend.

Since Merlin’s arrival in Camelot, they had grown close, especially since they saw each other so often. Not as close as she and Arthur, mind you, but they were friends. Merlin was, in fact, the only one who knew (Y/N)’s little secret regarding her best friend. Then again, it was rather obvious.

“(Y/N)? Hello?” Merlin waved his hand in her face, waking her from her thoughts.

“Sorry,” She hummed, “Just thinking.”

He grinned devilishly, which made her regret her words instantly. “What? About how gorgeous Arthur is going to look at the feast tonight?”

(Y/N) slapped his arm, “I could have you beheaded!”

“Oh, but you would never touch Arthur’s servant,” He continued to tease. “After all, he would be furious. Never look at you the same way again. On the other hand, I doubt he’d be able to look away from you for a second to realise I was being executed.”

“Shut up, Merlin.”

He shook his head, “Honestly, you two are adorable. Disgusting, but adorable.”

“What do you mean us two?” (Y/N) scoffed, “There is no us. He’s just a friend and you know it.”

“Yes, but he could be a lot more--”

“Stop teasing.”

“I’m not, promise. He really does look at you like that,” Merlin said, “You should see him. It’s like he can’t even walk straight with you around. Almost took off my head once.”

“Merlin,” (Y/N) warned, but was interrupted.

He sighed, “Look, believe me, or don’t, but he really does love you.”

“You…” She paused, “You think so?”

“I know so,” He grinned all of a sudden, “He won’t stop talking about you. I think I know you better than you know yourself at this point.”

“Well, that’s not terrifying at all,” She said, sarcasm painting her tone.

Merlin sighed heavily and glanced around, sure that someone must have heard them by now. However, no one was around. This was his chance, he realised. He could convince Arthur and (Y/N) of their feelings for each other at the feast tonight. Finally -- finally -- they would get together and leave him alone.

“(Y/N), hear me out,” He eased into the conversation gently, “Arthur adores you. So much it’s disgusting.”

“Merlin--”

He interrupted, “No, wait. Just let me finish.” For the moment, (Y/N) was silent. She awaited his move, not exactly pleased. “I’ll prove it to you. Tonight at the feast. I have a plan. It’s not a great plan, but it will be enough. Please. For your sake, Arthur’s, and mine. Mostly mine.”

(Y/N) rolled her eyes, but couldn’t help smiling. Looking at Merlin’s pleading face and unable to resist her own feelings, she gave in. “Alright. But if it goes wrong, I will execute you.”

“You don’t mean that,” Merlin chuckled, but then saw her glare. “Okay, maybe you do.”

Later that night, the stars emerged from hiding and so did the nobles of Camelot. It was a night to celebrate the return of the king from his journey to...somewhere or other. (Y/N) hadn’t paid all that much attention. Uther’s affairs were of no matter to her, especially if Arthur wasn’t talking about them. If she didn’t hear about them from him or Morgana, then they weren’t near important enough to concern herself with.

Despite this, it was a mandatory affair. (Y/N) entered the hall proudly, attached to her father’s arm. A lord of Camelot, he was the only reason she was here in the first place, at least officially. In reality, she was here to see Arthur and to execute Merlin’s plan. God, she couldn’t breathe.

Merlin wanted her to socialize with him, to dance with him even. Sure, she had done it plenty of times before, but that was long before she realised how much she cared for the prince. It didn’t help that Merlin wanted her to find a moment to drag him away -- alone -- to the balcony outside the hall. It would be empty, considering it was cold enough, and if it wasn’t...well, Merlin swore he would deal with it. (Y/N) didn’t know whether to believe him or not.

Nonetheless, (Y/N) put on a facade of confidence. This was just a feast, just a party. She had done it millions of times before. This one wasn’t special. Yet, anyway.

As she and her father entered the hall, they separated almost instantly, because her father was dragged away by a couple of lords. It didn’t leave (Y/N) reeling like when she was younger, as she simply made her way over to Morgana, who she spotted near the back.

“(Y/N),” The king’s ward smiled, “Good to see you.”

“You as well,” (Y/N) said genuinely, “I haven’t talked to you lately. Did Uther lock you away again?”

Morgana groaned, “Twice since we talked last.”

“Awful man,” (Y/N) said, “Next time I’ll break you out.”

“I hate that there must be a next time.”

For some time, the two socialized. (Y/N) kept an eye out for Arthur, but didn’t see anything. At one point, she spotted Merlin, who glared at her knowingly, though she could do nothing but shrug. She had no idea where the prince was.

Speak of the devil, a voice from behind made both (Y/N) and Morgana jump.

“Neither of you is dancing yet,” Arthur said, leaning in between the two ladies, who both nearly knocked him out in surprise.

“Arthur!” (Y/N) gasped as he burst into laughter, “Where have you been?”

“Delayed,” He said as if it wasn’t important.

Morgana rolled her eyes, “You are a terror. I’m going to find Gwen. Have fun, (Y/N).”

(Y/N) nearly died on the spot when Morgana winked at her and sashayed away. No. Merlin couldn’t have possibly told her...maybe she simply inferred (Y/N)’s feelings or Arthur’s or--

“(Y/N)? Are you alright?” Arthur chuckled, waving a hand in front of her face. “You’re really out of it today.”

“Hm? Oh, I’m fine,” She waved him off.

He tilted his head, not sure if he believed her. Then, he realised something and groaned, “I hope you are. My father is giving us the eye.”

(Y/N) followed his gaze and saw that Uther was indeed, as Arthur put it, giving them the eye. He glared at them from all the way across the room, motioning pointedly toward the middle of the feast. Clearly, he wanted them to socialise.

“He wants us to stop sulking.”

“We’re not sulking!” (Y/N) said, “We’re avoiding, there’s a difference.”

“Well, I suppose--” Arthur stepped forward, ready to move, but (Y/N) grabbed his arm. She didn’t even think about it beforehand; it felt natural.

She smiled, “Actually, I have a better idea.”

(Y/N) pulled gently on his arm and led him to the middle of the floor, which made him tense up. For a second, he thought she was actually going to listen to his father. Instead, she turned to face him and placed a gentle hand on his shoulder. Naturally, his hand went to her waist and he suddenly realised what she was doing.

“Dance with me.”

And so they did dance, twirling about the room slowly. They conversed like old friends reunited, though they had never left each other’s side. It left (Y/N) breathless, realising how easily she could make conversation with him.

She had been all worked up over nothing and, as much as she hated to admit it, Merlin was right. Arthur really did seem to adore her. His eyes never left hers for a second and he never attempted to move away. For what felt like hours, (Y/N) and Arthur danced. But after a while, the number of people in the room became overwhelming.

Arthur noticed her discomfort instantly. “Follow me,” He said, leading her away from the feast hall.

(Y/N) found herself being led to the balcony jutting out from the feast hall, the very one Merlin wanted her to bring Arthur to by the end of the night. It seemed she didn’t even have to try tonight, because fate was placing her right in Arthur’s arms. Little did she know, Merlin had orchestrated the entire thing, even going so far as to place the idea of the balcony in the young prince’s head.

Once outside, the pair leaned over the balcony, content with watching the nightlife of Camelot go about. It was calming.

With her arms resting so close to Arthur’s, (Y/N) felt an inexplicable pull to grab his hand, but she resisted it. For now, she simply spoke to him. “I miss this.”

“Miss it?” Arthur asked softly as if anything louder would break the peace forever, “We’re doing it right now.”

“I know, but…” (Y/N) sighed, “I miss doing this all the time. Like, when we were children.”

Arthur was silent for a moment and looked back at the sky, “I know what you mean.” Beside him, (Y/N) shivered. “Are you cold?”

When she nodded, he smiled and took off his scarlet cloak, passing it to her. She wrapped it around her shoulders, snuggling into the pre-warmed cloth and flushing, which she hoped he would wave off as the cold getting to her.

“Do you --” Arthur laughed suddenly, “Do you remember when your father was going to make you move?”

(Y/N) joined him in laughing, “And I hid in your closet for two weeks?”

“Father was terrified,” He said, “He sent out a near hundred search parties for you, you know that?”

“No, I didn’t,” She smiled thoughtfully.

Almost as if magic took hold of her arm -- thanks, Merlin -- she reached over and took Arthur’s hand in hers. For a second, it seemed like he would pull away, but he only readjusted and rested their hands comfortably against the balcony. In fact, he took lead by leaning in closer to her, both of them now shoulder to shoulder. The silence was comfortable.

“Do you remember,” (Y/N) tread carefully, “What you said when our fathers found me?”

“I was spitting mad,” Arthur chuckled, before he became silent again, eyes twinkling thoughtfully. It seemed he fully remembered what he said, just as (Y/N) did.

(Y/N) started, “You said I shouldn’t leave, because --”

“Because she belongs in Camelot,” Arthur whispered, quoting his exact words, “She belongs with Morgana. And she belongs...with me.”

He picked up her hand and turned his head to look at her, lifting her knuckles to his lips and kissing them gently. (Y/N) nearly fainted at the contact, but was too busy leaning forward to do so. Mutually, their lips became locked and they shared a beautiful moment under the stars, finally coming to realise that their friendship had always been far more than that.

Hidden away nearby, Merlin nearly knocked over a potted plant celebrating.

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readyourimgaines · 5 years

Note

Maybe for merthur you could write something where Merlin is tricked into drinking a love potion, but he doesn’t act any differently. I love that trope so much!

Freddie here. This was amazingly fun to write and I never would have thought of this one my own so I thank you deeply. I hope you enjoy.

Merlin got good at hiding a lot of things. His magic, the secrets of others, his feelings for Arthur, and probably a few other things he’d forgotten about because they had been hidden for so long.

Most rivals and enemies would disregard Merlin as a fumbling servant boy but Morgana knew better because she’d had conversations with Merlin; she knew how smart the young man really was. Arthur also knew Merlin was smarter than he let on, so Morgana knew the real way to regress Arthur to a pile of useless jelly was to lose Merlin.

She didn’t want to try and “fake” Merlin having magic. If the Witchfinder had been found out (and wrong)- Merlin himself confessing when Gwen’s father was to be killed- she knew she couldn’t fake it. However...putting him under the effects of a love potion? That she could do.

Though there weren’t many of them, there were a handful of Druids who believed the legend was wrong. If Arthur was to unite the lands of Albion, why hadn’t he done so in his two and a half years on the throne? So there were a couple of people Morgana could choose from to slip Merlin a love potion. She knew just the person. A young, unassuming, girl by the name of Hilda.

***

Merlin lifted the tray with Arthur’s breakfast just as the tea Hilda was making finished. Quickly, she added the vial of love potion to it.

“Merlin,” Hilda said sweetly.

“Yes? Oh! Hilda, right?”

“Yes. I made you tea as a thank you for helping me when I got lost yesterday.” She placed the cup on the tray Merlin was holding. “Raspberry leaf tea with some extra little spice.”

“Oh. Uh, thank you.” Merlin smiled. “Don’t worry if it takes you a little while to learn your way around. The servants are really helpful and kind. Most of the knights are super kind. Just watch out for Gwaine; he’s a flirt.”

“I’ll keep that in mind. Well thank you again, Merlin.”

“Of course. I’m always around somewhere if you have any questions. Now, I hate to run, but I’ve got to wake the king.”

***

Merlin silently opened the door to Arthur’s chambers and it took everything in him not to wake the king by kissing him. Instead, he set the tray on the desk, went to the window, and whipped the curtains open. “Good morning, Sire.” He got a moan in reply. “Come on. I got your favorite breakfast. Even got you a sweet roll.” That got the king’s attention like Merlin knew it would. “Would you like to eat or dress first?”

“I do like the thought of food.” Arthur decided. “What’s in the mug?”

“Oh! One of the new maids made me tea.” Merlin smiled as he set to picking out Arthur’s clothes. What surprised Merlin was that Arthur didn’t take a sip of tea.

“There’s a new maid?” Arthur sounded confused. “Who?”

“Her name’s Hilda.”

“Come sit.”

“What?”

“Come enjoy your tea.” Arthur chuckled. Merlin shook his head with a small smile but sat down across from Arthur nonetheless. Arthur cut the sweet roll in half and slid it across the plate closer to Merlin and nodded towards it.

Merlin took a sip of the tea and Arthur laughed at the face he pulled. “I’ve never tasted anything so sweet in my life.” Merlin coughed. “The girl’s kind enough but I thank the gods she’s not a new cook.”

Ten minutes later, Merlin was done with his tea and his half of the sweet roll so he set to making Arthur’s bed while he finished his meal. Arthur caught sight of the few drops left in Merlin’s cup.

“Merlin?”

“Yes?”

“How are you feeling?” Arthur’s mind was swimming.

“Fine. Why do you ask?” Merlin looked up from the bed and was met firmly with Arthur’s gaze. “Honestly. I’m not going to faint,” he scoffed.

“I’m taking you to Gaius. I’ve never seen pink tea before.”

“It was raspberry leaf. There’s probably some berry in it.” Merlin tried to dismiss. He figured that wasn’t the case- there never so lucky- he just didn’t feel like dealing with being poisoned again.

Not taking no for an answer, Arthur took the cup, Merlin’s arm, and all but dragged him to Gaius.”

***

“And you’re sure you haven’t noticed Merlin acting strange, Sire?” It must have been the third time Gaius asked the damned question.

“No. Not even fevered.” Arthur sighed. “What’s the poison?”

“Merlin, a word.” And they left an annoyed and worried Arthur by himself.

“What’s the matter?” Merlin asked once his bedroom door was closed.

“It’s a love potion.”

“What?”

“It’s not a poison at all. It’s a love potion and a pretty powerful one at that.” Gaius said.

“He’ll hang me.” Merlin sank onto his bed.

“Do you know why it’s not affecting you?” Gaius asked slowly.

Merlin burst into tears. “I wasn’t going to say anything. One more useless secrete.”

“You love him.”

“More than anything. And now I’m doomed.”

“I haven’t told him what it is, my boy. I’ll tell him it’s a fairly mild poison, you get a couple days off, and it’s forgotten about.” Gaius offered.

“Perhaps it’s time I come clean…” Merlin considered. “I’m tired of hiding, Gaius.”

“Is now a good time?”

“Morgana hasn’t tried anything in a few weeks. It might be the best time… I need to tell him, Gaius.” Merlin wiped his eyes with his sleeve.

“That you love him or of your magic?”

“Both. We don’t know if the potion isn’t affecting me because I already love him or if my magic has something to do with it.” That being said, the two headed back to Arthur, Merlin drying at eyes with his sleeve again.

“He’ll be alright, Sire. I’ll allow Merlin to explain; I have to my rounds.” Gaius pressed a kiss to Merlin’s forehead before he left.

“So what happened? Are you alright? You’re crying.” Arthur rattled off.

“I’m fine.” The ‘for now’ was left unsaid. “It wasn’t a poison… It was a love potion. There are two possible reasons behind why it’s not affecting me.”

“Well what are they?” Arthur asked and Merlin stiffened. “Now you’re acting different.”

Merlin chuckled. “There are a couple things I should have told you long ago. Please, know I had to hide. I didn’t want to lie to you.”

“What are you talking about?” Arthur’s confusion mixed with worry more.

“I have magic.” Merlin’s voice was a scared whisper. He flinched when Arthur laughed but the laugh was short lived.

“You’re serious?”

“I was born with it. It’s why my mother sent me to with Gaius. Ealdore wasn’t save for me anymore.” Merlin grew more fearful when Arthur didn’t reply. “Please say something.”

“How did I not notice? The tree branches conveniently falling at just the right time, bandits just dropping their swords… All the times you were tucked under bushes and behind trees..”

“I was hiding from you and the knights so I could aid with magic without being seen.” Merlin was trying to stop crying in vain as Arthur tried to remain calm.

“How were you born with magic?”

“Do you remember the Dragon Lord, Balinor?”

“What of him?” Arthur’s eyes narrowed.

“He was my father. I-I didn’t know until the day we left to find him. Gaius told me.” Merlin gave up on stopping his tears.

“You’ve been using your magic to defend Camelot?” Arthur was still trying to wrap his mind around how his fumbling, clumsy, servant, and best friend could possibly have magic.

“Since the night Uther made me your servant.”

“Wait. The day we met you said you could take me apart with less than one blow-”

“I meant it.” Merlin’s small laugh brought a smile to Arthur’s face.

“Nothing is going to happen to you, Merlin. No harm will come to you.” Arthur’s eyes met Merlin’s and the warlock knew his king was telling the truth. “I trust you. I shouldn’t- you’ve been hiding this from me for years- but you’re safe and you’re going to remain so. What’s the second possibility?”

Merlin’s laugh was harsh and wet. “I thought telling I have magic was going to be the hard part.” Merlin cast his eyes to the ceiling before he spoke. “I’ve been in love with you for years.” Merlin looked back to Arthur. “A love potion wouldn’t have affected how-”

Merlin was cut off by Arthur pressing a kiss to his lips, both hands on either side of his face. When they pulled apart, Arthur dried Merlin’s tears with the pads of his thumbs.

“I’ve been in love you since I saw you curled up that blanket the week you were recovering from the Mortiase Flower.” Arthur took Merlin’s hand and pulled him towards the door. “Now come with me. I have to do something.”

“What’s that?” Merlin tried to keep the fear from his voice despite Arthur having just kissed him.

“Lift the ban on Magic and make you Court Warlock.”

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tinylilemrys · 6 years

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Merlin 2x04 "Lancelot and Guinevere" Highlights

Oh boy oh boy oh boy it's a ~ * Gwencelot * ~ episode

The awkward romantic tension between Gwen and Arthur

"When do I get to meet any decent men?" (Okay, Gwen, I know that you're over your crush on Merlin, but rude.)

The Knights of Camelot: in theory an elite team of fierce and competent warriors. The reality is very different. But maybe this is just to highlight why only letting nobles be knights is kind of dumb.

Why are all the Scottish people in this show bad guys?

Oh, wait, because England are the good guys. Got it.

(the half of me that is Scottish is salty)

When the creepy bandit guy says "The Lady Morgana wishes to bathe! Who wants to help me guard her?" Gwen is in the background ready to severely fuck up anyone who even lays a finger on Morgana.

Morgana and Gwen using male creepiness to their advantage and escaping

Gwen waiting behind the tree for one of the bandits to run past and then swinging her sword into his path to fucking mutilate his legs I'm sure

The fear on Arthur's face when he realises they've still got Gwen

Morgana: "Gwen gave herself up so that I might escape. I owe her my life." – Uther: "She did so willingly and she will be honoured for it." (Uther, just fucking die. Please.)

"She's more than just my maid; she's my friend." (She can't say 'I love her' because Uther is a dickwad.)

"A servant is of no value to these bandits. I fear she is dead already." (Jesus fuck, Uther, grow some tact.)

Arthur having to pretend not to give a shit about Gwen even though he must be dying inside

Gwen in Morgana's clothes

The big boss (Hengist?) looks like Gobber from How to Train Your Dragon

Morgana raging at Arthur without realising that he's packing to rescue Gwen

"Gaius, don't even think about telling me not to go. There's nothing you can say that will stop me." (Merlin is so pure.)

Arthur's high-pitched and snarky "I don't know. Do I have to think of everything?" when Merlin asks how he's supposed to create a diversion

*Merlin throws a bunch of barrels at the guards and pretty much flattens them.* Arthur: "What did you do? I said 'distract them', not 'knock them out'." – Merlin: "There is just no pleasing you sometimes." (If that isn't an old married couple bickering then I don't know)

Lancelot’s face when he sees Gwen

Gwen’s face when she sees Lancelot

(MY SHIPPER HEART)

Lancelot having Gwen introduced to him as Morgana and immediately playing along

GIANT NAKED MOLE RATS ARE CREEPY AF

Merlin falling off his horse because he's so tired (headcanon that present-day!Merlin is a disaster on the road)

Lancelot visiting Gwen in her cell and their little finger touch through the grate

Gwen's snarl when she says "How can I know the king's mind when I'm stuck here in your stinking cell?" SHE'S SUCH A BADASS

Arthur: *explaining what wilderen are to Merlin with his hands wide to show their size* "Well they're like GIANT..." *brings his hands closer after seeing how scared Merlin looks* "...baby rats."

This whole conversation really. I can myself laughing every time

Lance not believing in himself and Gwen telling him that he's everything that is right with the world. *dons pirate costume and hangs off the mast of this ship, the ocean spray mingling with my joyful tears*

Merlin being really salty about Arthur not knowing beforehand whether the berries would work and Arthur finding him genuinely amusing without a hint of irony

The Real Talk™ between Arthur and Merlin about Gwen. I'm pretty sure this is the first time you see Merlin really being a confidant and advisor to Arthur

Lance dropping poison/sleeping draught into the guard's cauldron

"I will die for you one hundred times over." (ME TOO, BRO. FOR BOTH OF YOU.)

Lance just so earnestly declaring his love for Gwen in front of all those leering dickwads

Merlin asking Arthur how he's supposed to distract the guards and Arthur just shoving him at them

Arthur knocking them both out with one swift movement and then dusting his hands off

MERLIN IN ARMOUR (♥)

Lancelot and Arthur both trying to save Gwen and Merlin actually doing most of the useful rescuing

Merlin being able to use magic to help them escape because Lance already knows about it

"I see you're up to your old tricks, Merlin." Which is the lamest joke, but is also what Will says to Merlin when he returns to Ealdor and I'm just so happy that Merlin has a BFF around his age who knows about his magic again

Also this means that Lance canonically makes lame dad jokes

Merlin being torn between his OTP and wanting the love of his life to be happy

Arthur lying and saying that the only reason he came was that Morgana begged him, but his look to Gwen betraying everything

(THERE'S SO MUCH DRAMA HERE Y'ALL)

Merlin, the only one not directly involved in this love triangle, sitting there awkwardly while everyone romantically awkwards around him

Lancelot graciously stepping aside so that he doesn't come between Gwen and Arthur

LANCELOT, YOU ARE TOO FUCKING NOBLE FOR YOUR OWN GOOD

STOP BEING SO NICE AND KIND

Merlin having to play a part in pulling his OTP apart (can you imagine the torture???)

Arthur bringing Gwen to Morgana and Morgana's beaming smile

"Look on the bright side – you've still got me."

(these are getting longer, sorry, but that’s because we’re starting to get into the good stuff)

< 2x03 | 2x05 >

#merlin rewatch #merlin highlights #merlin 2x04 #lancelot and guinevere #bbc merlin #gwencelot

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