#Arthur knows about merlins magic

[honey-sweet-poet]

I need more angry Merlin! I need Merlin to accidentally reveal his magic, expecting Arthur to lash out and feel betrayed. I need Arthur to tell Merlin he knew the whole time. I need Merlin to pause, to process what he just said. I need Merlin to realize what he's sacrificed to keep his secret while Arthur let him. I need Merlin to be the one to lash out and tell him this. I need Merlin to be the one to feel betrayed. Arthur knew and he let Merlin continue to lie to him and believe that Arthur hated him. Arthur didn't tell him he knew all in the name of "trust" and "letting Merlin decide when it was best to tell him". I need Merlin to break down at this. How could Arthur not realize how much it hurt Merlin to lie!? How could he be okay with the betrayal while not processing the consequences of that betrayal!? For a good cause or not!? I need Merlin to scream.

[earlgreyinpajamas]

How about a Merthur post reveal but from a knights perspective? Like, maybe Leon’s inner monologue for processing that Merlin has magic and used it around them?

Idk something like that?

Bosom Friends by NamelesslyNightlock (@quietlyapocalyptic), Rabentochter

The Knights of Camelot have discovered Merlin’s secret—and in doing so they realise that in order to help their friend keep his happiness, they’re going to have to get him away from Arthur. Gwaine’s pretty confident they can manage it, but nothing goes quite the way he expects.

~~~

this is in gwaine's perspective + arthur knows before he does

2. to crown a king with sunlight by Fleetling

"Breath, Percival," Lancelot says. "What can you live with doing?"

Percival breathes out. He thought it would be painful, scraping and aching on the way out like it did on the way in. It doesn't. It's smooth, fearful but painless.

"It's the third key on the ring," he says, and deposits the whole mess of keys in Gwaine's hand. "Tell Arthur he's my King. Tell Arthur I don't want to carry any more torches to any more pyres."

~~~

arthur era let's go!

3. like the rushing footfalls of a dozen knights by MarshmalowMilkshake

Sir Leon just happens to be in the right place, at the right time… Three times.

~~~

:(( i just want to give merlin a hug

[lover-of-midnight]

Left for Dead

Morgana smiled as she stared at her brother. Already the blood was slowly spreading. She could see the betrayal in his eyes.

“This is for the best Arthur. You don’t want to see the changes I will bring. Camelot will be the best she was in centuries.” Her voice was cold. A pang went through her when he couched up blood.

She signed slightly. It is best that she just leaves. From the corner of her eye, she saw the way Arthur reached out for her. Blood dripping from his mouth before he slumps down again.

Arthur could only feel horror coursing through him. It was a normal evening, Morgana occasionally, came and visited him. He saw that something was wrong, her eyes were red and puffy from crying.

When he tried to give some comfort, he found a dagger in his stomach. Before he even had a chance to react, she forced it upwards, making the wound even worse. Before twisting and pulling it out.

Betrayal stings at his heart as he sees the smile, a coldness over her as she says something that he barely hears.

When she turned to leave, a sense of dread filled him. He slumps back onto the floor. He could feel the blood in his mouth he tried to cough out, but it only got worse. Dark spots danced in front of his eyes.

Is this really how it is going to go? To die like this? He did nothing to change the fate of his people. His people were still struggling. He needed to change this. He couldn’t die here. Arthur wasn’t sure how he managed to get to his knees.

Forcing himself upright. Feet dragging, blood dripping down his torso. It felt like miles between him and the door while it was just a few steps. Still, he forced himself to move.

Dark spots danced in front of his eyes as he finally managed to open the door, falling to the floor. At least there were guards.

He could hear people rushing around. Screaming sounded in the hallway as darkness dragged him under.

“Arthur.” Merlin’s voice was warm as the prince groaned. He crouched down gently whipping the sweat from his brow. “It is alright, you just need to rest.” Merlin could do a happy dance at the fact that he was finally waking up.

Arthur tried to open his eyes, but everything felt heavy. A whimper slipped through his lips as pain shot through his body. He tried to remember what happened. But his mind felt blank. Still, something urged him to sit upright. Fighting against the hands pushing him back down.

He needed to speak with Morgana. He needed… The thought ended as something was pressed against his mouth, on in stink he drank the concoction. Couching slightly at the vile taste. A hand was pressed against his shoulder.

He easily followed the silent command lying back down. Sleep dragged him back under.

When he woke up again, he woke to the sight of Merlin fast asleep next to the bed. A groan slipped through his lips as he tried to sit upright. Immediately Merlin woke up. Giving him a beaming smile.

“I���m so glad that you are okay.” The words came out in a rush as Merlin forced himself to sit upright. “How are you feeling?” There was a worried note in his voice.

Arthur was silent for a few seconds, trying to take stock of his body. Everything was in pain and his limbs felt they were made of lead.

“Sore.” The words came out in a whisper, as he looked down at the floor. “Merls…” Arthur trailed off, unsure of what he wanted to say. “It was Morgana, why?” His voice broke slightly. His hand reached out to Merlin’s.

Merlin gave him a soft look. There was a look of understanding in his eyes. “I know. The guards immediately reported it to the king. She is currently being held in the dungeons. Arthur, there is something that you need to know.” He took a deep breath. A part of him still feels frightened to speak freely of magic.

“Morgana has magic.” He forced the words out before he could think better of it. “From what I could gather. She did it to become the queen once Uther died.” Merlin winched slightly. The anger that had radiated from Uther when he found out, it was bad.

Arthur was silent as he tried to gather his thoughts.

“I have to let the King know you are awake,” Merlin whispered the words as he forced Arthur to lay back down. The prince groaned slightly as the movements agitated the wound.

All Arthur could do was look at the door waiting for something or someone to walk through the door. His heart felt like it was shattered. They weren’t always close, but in the last few months, they have grown closer as siblings.

Was it all a chance to get to kill him?

He forced himself upright again, trying to ignore the sharp pain that shot through his body. He could hear people in the hallway and then the king was in his room. Uther was pale, but his eyes bright with gratitude when he saw his son awake.

“Arthur.” The king breathed the word before he walked closer, settling down next to him. His hands were warm against Arthur’s as the prince tried to understand the emotions in the king's eyes.

With careful movements Uther pulled his son into a hug, making sure that he didn’t agitate the wound. It took Arthur a second to relax against his father before the tears started. Everything just came crashing down.

“I don’t understand. Why did she do it?” He whispered the words against his father’s chest. Breathing hitched slightly as Uther moved a hand. Just for a moment, he needed some stability. Just to be told everything will be alright.

“She saw you as a hurdle to her dreams. She wants to make magic free for all.” Uther easily answered. Still, he knew that the answer wouldn’t be enough for Arthur, the boy would never think of killing someone for his gain.

Uther pulled back slightly, he frowned slightly at the tears, but now wasn’t the time to reprimand him. Understandably, he was feeling overwhelmed and betrayed.

“Morgana is going to be beheaded tonight,” Uther muttered the words. Arthur froze, just staring at his father. How could they kill her? She was family.  Uther saw the look. “She tried to kill you, that is punishable by death. There is no other choice.” Uther’s voice was firm.

Arthur couldn’t bring himself to answer. His mind is racing.

Uther signed slightly. “Get some rest.” Uther helped him lay back down, pulling the blankets back up. Leaving Arthur to stew in his thoughts.

Merlin slipped back into the room. Seeing the look on Arthur’s face. He settled next to the prince. “Uther gave you the news?” His voice was soft as he gently ran his fingers through his hair, giving him some comfort.

Arthur could only nod.

“Go to sleep, my prince. Everything will look slightly better in the morning.” For a moment Arthur could see the gold in Merlin’s eyes before his mind fell quiet as sleep dragged him under. Merlin just sitting there, as he looked at the prince. Knowing they are going to have a long path forward.

Ao3 Link

[stressed-and-queer]

Here, have a Merthur fic I started and had big ideas for but never completed!

"Explain to me one more time where we're going," Arthur asks, poking at the fire with a stick. Merlin sighs, pinching the bridge of his nose as he stares at Arthur.

"We're going to the place where magic began, the Crystal Cave. It's located in the Valley of the Fallen Kings," Merlin explains, keeping it nice and short. This had to have been the fifth time Arthur has asked him where they were going. It was starting to get on his nerves.

"And we're going because, what, your magic has a hunch," Arthur says almost jokingly. Merlin groans, glaring at Arthur.

"Look, make fun of it all you want, my magic is trying to tell me something. Three nights in a row I dreamed of that place, I can't explain it but my magic is telling me to go there," Merlin says, continuing to glare at Arthur.

A small smirk falls on Arthur's face as his eyes widen for a moment, his eyebrows raising and going back down,a slight nod of his head. All in all, Arthur was basically looking at him like he was crazy. Merlin rolls his eyes and sighs.

"You've got to understand how all of this sounds Merlin," Arthur says.

"What, crazier than when I told you that I had magic," Merlin smirks.

"Well, you didn't exactly tell me you had magic," Arthur corrects.

"Well, you're alive because of it aren't you," Merlin shoots back.

"I would have survived just fine on my own," Arthur growls.

"Sure you would have, what with your hands being held behind your back and a sword pressed against your neck. You definitely would have gotten out of that one sire, " Merlin mocks.

"Oh shut up,"

"No I don't think I will,"

"Merlin,"

Merlin can't help but laugh at how easy it is to annoy Arthur. The king glaring at him from across the fire. There's a slight breeze making the fire rise but only for a moment. And the two just look at each other, Arthur leans forward, his gaze softening as a small smile adorns his face. Arthur, whose face is kissed by the light of the fire, casting a shadow on parts of his face and making his lips seem softer than they probably were. Made the red on his cheeks stand out and made it look as if the king was blushing. The fire made his eyes seem lighter than they were, making his hair shine and his armor glow.

Arthur looks beautiful like this Merlin decides as a soft smile of his own reaches his lips. He admires his king from across the fire and it's almost as if the two are lost in their own thoughts. Merlin breaks the eye contact by looking at the ground before glancing at Arthur.

"We should rest, we might make it to the

Valley of the Fallen Kings by noon if we wake up early enough," Merlin says, snapping Arthur out of his thoughts. Arthur clears his throat as he sits up straight.

"Yes, we should rest," he agrees, getting up. They have blankets tossed on the ground a little bit away from the campfire. close enough so that they can still feel the heat after it's been put out but far enough where they wouldn't catch on fire. Arthur stands up as he grabs the belt that has his sword on it, sitting neatly in its sheath. He makes his way to his blanket, setting his sword down next to it, Merlin watching him. Arthur always sleeps with his sword next to him, the king told him it was in case they were ambushed at night. He would be ready to draw his sword. At first, Merlin thought it silly that Arthur sleeps with his sword. And then Arthur explained why and Merlin understood.

Arthur relies on his sword much like Merlin relies on his magic. He uses it as if it was a second arm, knowing exactly what moves to make without even thinking. He's able to swing it around without a second thought, able to guess his enemy's move before they make it. It's what made Arthur such a great knight. It's much like how Merlin uses his magic as well. How Merlin doesn't have to say a spell to make his eyes glow gold. Levitating objects is like second nature to him. Much like Arthur with his sword, Merlin doesn't think when he uses his magic. And when faced with an enemy, he uses his magic as if on reflex. So he understands why Arthur sleeps with his sword by his side.

Merlin returns his focus to the fire and with a glow of his eyes, the fire slowly dies down. Merlin makes his way to his own blanket that sat next to Arthur's. The king layed down on his blanket, just looking up through the trees. His arms behind his head, propping it up. His eyes follow Merlin, watching as he settles down on his own blanket.

"Goodnight Arthur," Merlin says, resting his head on the ground.

"Goodnight Merlin," Arthur replies.

It's almost silent for a couple of minutes, only the sound of crickets filling their ears. The occasional pinecone falling and breaking the fragile sticks on the ground. Nocturnal animals and beasts alike roaming the forest. And then;

"I can't sleep,"

Merlin sighs as he opens his eyes.

"You haven't even tried," he points out.

"Yeah well, I know I won't be able to sleep," Arthur says in a matter of fact tone. Merlin groans as he flips over to his side, now looking at Arthur. The king had also flipped over, resting his cheek in his hand to prop his head up.

"I can say a spell to get you to sleep if you like," Merlin says with a small smirk. Arthur rolls his eyes, shaking his head.

"No no, let's talk," he suggests. Merlin sighs, extending out his hand and creating a blue ball of light so he could see Arthur. Arthur, who's eyes widen with recognition as he sees the ball of light.

"That looks like the light I saw in the Cave of Bailor, where I got the Mortaeus Flower," Arthur says.

"It is," is all Merlin says.

"So that was you then, who guided me to the flower," Arthur says.

"I wanted you to leave," Merlin huffs. Arthur just chuckles, shaking his head.

"You were dying Merlin, I wasn't going to leave without that flower," Arthur says.

"I know, you're a stubborn prat," Merlin smirks. Arthur rolls his eyes at the insult.

"Merlin, what do you hope to find in this cave," Arthur asks, with genuine curiosity in his eyes.

"The crystals, they can show me the future," Merlin explains, waiting for Arthur to laugh at what he said. But laughter never comes, instead Arthur looks more curious at what he said. A sort of realization on his face.

"You've been there before, haven't you," Arthur says and Merlin nods.

"It was back when we got ambushed by bandits and you had gotten injured. You had almost died," Merlin says, swallowing the lump in his throat at the thought of Arthur laying there, dying.

"But you saved me," Arthur half asks.

"No actually, this person named Tailesen healed you,my magic wasn't strong enough at the time. He's the one who showed me the Crystal Cave and told me to look into the crystals," Merlin explained.

"What did you see," Arthur asks.

"Morgana's plot to kill Uther. My attempts to stop it made a self fulfilling prophecy," Merlin said with a bit of annoyance for himself.

"How so," Arthur questions.

"The knife, you were originally going to give Morgana, that plain one. The only reason you gave her the pretty one was because I said something. Because I saw that exact knife in one of the visions the crystals showed me," Merlin explains. Arthur nods his head, brows furrowed.

"So how can you be so sure the same thing won't happen," Arthur points out.

"I'm not, but if my magic is telling me to go there, it must be for a good reason," Merlin says.

"Well, I trust you," Arthur says after a few moments. He smiles at Merlin, his smile turning into a small yawn.

"Finally ready to go to bed Arthur," Merlin jokes.

"Yes actually," Arthur says, laying down on his back once more. Merlin makes the light disappear as he makes himself as comfortable as he could.

"Goodnight Merlin," Arthur calls from the dark.

"Goodnight Arthur,"

Morning comes faster than Merlin would like. The sound of the birds chirping waking him up. He opens his eyes, blinking a few times to get rid of the clouded vision and the tiredness. He slowly sits up, a yawn escaping him as he stretches his arms, feeling his shoulders pop and his back crack. He smacks his mouth a couple of times before opening his eyes once more.To his surprise, it's Arthur standing in front of him, his stuff already packed and on the horses.

"Wait, how are you up before me," Merlin asks, the shock evident in his voice.

"I am capable of waking up by myself you know," Arthur rolls his eyes. It's only then that Merlin sees the dead rabbit in his hands. Probably their breakfast if Merlin had to guess.

"Just how long had you been awake before me," Merlin asks, eyeing Arthur,

"Well, the sun was just starting to rise so I'd say an hour at most," Arthur explains.

"An hour!" Merlin exclaims.

"Yes, that is what I said," Arthur confirms with a bit of a taunt.

"But how," Merlin asks, still in shock that Arthur woke up before him.

"We've been through this before. Even with magic your brain is the size of a walnut isn't it, and that's being generous," Arthur says with a slight irritation. Merlin rolls his eyes at the insult, getting up and taking the rabbit from Arthurs hands.

"I suppose this is breakfast," Merlin says.

"Look at that, your walnut brain does work," Arthur muses, grabbing Merlin's blanket and rolling it up. Merlin decides to ignore that as he goes to the fire that had been set up the night before. With a glow of his magic and a soft whoosh there's a spark and a fire roaring in just mere seconds. He sets the rabbit down and goes over to the backpack that hung from the side of the horse. He searches inside and pulls out a knife.

Skinning the animal was by far his second least favorite part. The first being killing the animal in the first place. He looks at the dead animal with that of sympathy, even though it's already dead. His hand gripping the hilt of the knife, yet not making a move. He doesn't notice Arthur walk up behind him, the leaves crunching under his footsteps. Arthur places his hand on top of Merlin's, specifically the one that's holding the knife. Merlin understands instantly and hands the knife over to Arthur, who takes the dead rabbit from Merlins hands and starts skinning the animal himself.

[valewright67]

I would also like more. 👀

An AU where Arthur knows about Merlin’s magic and is utterly amazed by his powers.

[nextstopparis]

you know how in 5.13 arthurs like “i tried to take your head off with a mace” and merlins like “and i stopped you, using magic” and arthurs immediate reply to that is “you cheated” … and i guess i was just thinking about the breathy little laugh merlin lets out in response to that. bc like i just noticed how maybe it was a little bit of relief and awe. because like. he just talked to arthur. about magic. about using magic From The Beginning. against him in a fight. and arthurs immediate response, his most natural reaction to that, was to comment on merlins poor sportsmanship. out of anything he couldve said something about. the first thing that came to mind was merlin not playing fair. which. idk. IDK!!!

[justaz]

merlin (immortal) giving arthur (pendragon) the only blade that could kill him

[merthur-she-wrote]

Prompt:

Arthur’s known about Merlin’s magic almost from the beginning.

When he first discovered it, he tried to warn Merlin, discreetly - commenting on the dangers of magic without addressing Merlin’s magic specifically so he won’t have to arrest him. Over time though, he slowly learns - from Merlin - that magic isn’t all that his father has always claimed.

After this, it becomes a bit of a game to them; Arthur warning Merlin about magic, and Merlin coming up with the most outrageous of stories to try to explain it away.

But then the day comes when Arthur realises that Merlin never knew that Arthur always knew the truth.

[thefabledpheasant]

*Merlin juggles flawlessy*

Arthur: That’s impossible…

Gwaine: Well, first of all, through Merlin all things are possible, so jot that down.

[hopelessromantic5]

Merthur with King Arthur and pre-Court Sorcerer Merlin.

(Don’t worry though, when this is continued, he will be given his rightful place.

If I have to write it a thousand times, I will see Merlin get his happy ending, dammit.)

“Um. Merlin?”

The manservant had been daydreaming again.

It was honestly getting out of hand.

Two moons had passed since Merlin finally told Arthur about the magic.

It went better than expected.

A great deal better.

He didn’t even really seem surprised. If Merlin could count on himself as a reliable narrator of the story, he would say he saw relief flicker across Arthur’s face before he began asking questions. But Merlin was basically imploding on the inside and terrified that he was about to lose his best friend and his home in one fell swoop, so he might’ve imagined it.

Thankfully, Arthur seemed more anxious for answers than anything. He wanted to understand. After a week of catching him up on the last five years of their lives, magic included, Arthur seemed at peace with it.

A week later was when control began slipping from Merlin’s grasp, ever so slightly. Arthur came to him on a random day in the spring, and nonchalantly said he had some documents he’d like Merlin to read over. Make sure they were presentable for council.

Merlin thought nothing of it, he’d done it countless times thus far, and was secretly looking forward to proof reading speeches for the rest of his life.

You can imagine the shock when he approached the desk and found a repeal of the magic ban. Sitting there, in the sun, in Arthur’s perfect penmanship.

Merlin began weeping.

He could almost hear in his head,

“Don’t be a such a girl, Merlin.”

But it never came.

Instead, the King silently joined him by the desk, and embraced him, for maybe the second time in all of existence.

They hugged like they were trying to meld themselves together.

Arthur had one broad arm wrapped behind Merlin’s neck and the other locking him in by his lower back.

They were two pieces that somehow fit perfectly together.

Merlin hid his, probably unsightly, face in Arthur’s neck and willed the tears to stop themselves falling.

A few heartbeats later Arthur whispered,

“I’m so sorry, Merlin.”

Merlin involuntarily scrunched his eyebrows at that. Yet, he did not let go. He did not want to leave, not yet.

“Why are you apologizing?”

A whisper came back,

“I hate to see you cry.”

Merlin wished on every star in the heavens, that he could’ve seen Arthur, in that moment.

But he would not let go. Not until his King did.

At present, things were moving along very well with the repeal. Especially among the townspeople, who are more than welcoming towards the Kingdom’s new citizens.

However, Merlin found himself with a whole new set of challenges.

Merlin was definitely not staring at Arthur as he shuffled through reports at his desk. Though, the sun was casting the perfect halo on his blonde head. It painted a picture that was wholly ethereal, calming.

When Arthur looked up from his papers suddenly, Merlin went back to his polishing like he never stopped.

Because he didn’t, of course.

That would be inappropriate.

That’s when he heard,

“Um. Merlin?”

The raven boy’s head snapped up from the sword in his lap, and found amusement in his King’s eyes.

“What?” He was skeptical, narrowing his gaze.

“Are you planning on turning my chambers into the Royal Gardens or is this your only idea on how to spruce up the place?”

“What on Earth are you-“ spinning around in his chair, he finally saw it.

Vines wearing tiny purple flowers were slowly crawling their way up the bed-posts; bigger, colorful flowers were beginning to bloom from the cracks in the stone floor.

This is not good.

“Uh, I have to-“ he huffed, placing the sword in his seat and running for the door. “I need to go, sire.”

“Merlin, what are you-“

“I think I’m coming down with something. I’m just gonna go see Gaius about it.” Before he closed the door behind him he yelled “I’ll be back with dinner.”

And then he was gone.

[tiredcowboyy]

when arthur gets shot in the back with an arrow and is healed by magic, he goes on to question merlin and when he gives very vague answers arthur with some kind of idk smugness or slightly condescending tone said “something youre not telling me?”

Now what else could he have been implying other than magic? But the way he says it is almost knowing, as if hes almost saying “cmon merlin surely youre not gonna try cover this up.”

No bc theres too many scenes of hinting at arthur knowing about merlins magic and it makes me want to SCREAM.

[earlgreyinpajamas]

I've been trying to find an old fic I read on A03 a while ago. it has Merlin be forced to take a truth serum made by guias and uther is the one who ordered it, but the catch is he doesn't confess his magic, he confesses his love for Arthur. any other truth serum fics are welcome tho!!

so i couldnt find the exact fic you were looking for, but i did manage to find a couple other truth serum fics. hopefully someone out there knows which fic you were looking for.

Tell Me A Lie by TheCourtSorcerer (@thecourtsorcerer)

"Did you steal anything from my plate?”

No, had been what he meant to say, of course not. Instead, though, when he opened his lips to let the lie slip out, he paled at what came out in its place.

“Yes, I always do, a sausage this time.”

His heart sunk.

He couldn’t lie.

Or

Merlin is slipped a truth potion, and really, he should have expected Arthur to find out.

~~~

and the cure is the stuff of fairytales!! ahhh

2. Mine by Lola_Rose_Robins (@lorienrobins)

Merlin was hit with a truth spell, which is how Uther ends up finding out about his...well, everything.

~~~

i know it's a curse instead of a serum, but this is the closest thing i could find with uther confronting him while under a truth inducing thingy

3. our lips are sealed by eat_crow

After being dosed with a truth potion? No, they're not.

“Who the fuck calls you Emrys?” Arthur asks, so clearly annoyed. “People of magic. Druids, mostly, but I’ve heard it from fae and leaders of the old religion. Jesus fucking Christ--” he dissolves into hysterical laughter, rocking as far forward as his bonds will allow. “What is in this shit?”

~~~

excellent crack fic 4275349207825/10

[rainbowsmagicandshit]

Merlin Prompt/Idea:

Arthur calls a meeting of his inner round table (those that sat with him at the table of the ancient kings) except Merlin. He also tells everyone else not to tell Merlin. At this meeting they decide that Merlin will have a seat at the Royal Round Table.

Why is Merlin getting an official seat at the official and highly sought after Royal Round Table?

Because Arthur wants to marry him, of course!

This is step one to getting all the stuck up nobles to except Merlin as Arthur’s choice of spouse.

Does Merlin know that that’s Arthur’s intention with his appointment? No.

Does Merlin know that Arthur wants to marry him? No.

Does Merlin even know that Arthur has feelings for him? No.

Is Merlin increasing frustrated that he keeps getting excluded from half of the inner circle meetings despite gaining a seat at the official one? Yes.

Is Merlin going to give Arthur a piece of his mind once finds out that this entire roundabout thing was just a plot to get him as his husband? Undoubtedly.

Is Merlin going to be completely badass and show his capability as “queen” despite not knowing what’s going on? Absolutely.

What are the next steps?

[gdn7-dollopole]

I must admit, one year in the BBC Merlin fandom, read an unimaginable amount of fanfictions, from the most known one to the least known one, all with different ratings, canon and modern, yet, I still haven’t read, not one single fanfiction, where the author really can catch and actually portrays Arthur’s reaction to magic and to Merlin having magic like it happened in the tv show.

Like, that’s what I was missing and I realised just now. I dislike canon fics with magic, because no one can make Arthur in character and portray him like in the show and write how genuinely Arthur would react to Merlin’s magic. Either they go all over and paint Arthur as this absurd king that tortures his friend of ten years to get information from him or something or they write Arthur like a) he always knew or b) now he knows but it’s not a bother.

I want the middle ground and I want it portrayed well, like in the show. I want more of scared Arthur, but confused Arthur. I want him in the same situation he was as he was dying but actually showing me what he wanted to do if he lived. I want Arthur come back fics with him going insane because he can’t understand if he can trust Merlin or not (yes. To me it’s realistic, because everyone has their own theory as to what Arthur knows or not, but it’s Merlin who waited centuries, not Arthur. For him, it all happened yesterday).

Give me that, please.

Also, I dislike when people say “it’s unrealistic for Arthur not to know” that’s the way the character has been written😭that’s what makes Arthur Arthur, the fact that is an intelligent idiot, but that he is scared of feelings and of going through with them and has this bunch of things and responsibilities in his hands and has no idea what the fuck he’s supposed to do with them, same with magic.

That’s what ‘in character’ means.

[nextstopparis]

so when kilgharrah says “no man no matter how great can know his destiny” and then tells merlin his destiny is that bc merlin doesn’t classify as a human to him lol

[justaz]

merlin’s secret being a visual thing. when he is around arthur or gwen or leon or morgana or [insert whatever character here] merlin seems pale and thin, almost like a ghost or an apparition. when the sun lands on him he reflects it like a corpse, he eyes seem dark and dull. he has this ethereal beauty to him, this otherworldly visage that leads many to believe he is of fae blood. he just doesn’t seem to be 100% human. but when he is ONLY with lancelot or gaius (cough or gwaine bc gwaine DEFINITELY knew) merlin is heartachingly human. merlin shines in the sunlight, colors are brighter and more vibrant around him, and his smiles are wide and his laughs are boisterous. he takes on color and leaves everyone wanting to know him. but when other join in or interact with the two, merlin shifts before their eyes so quickly and suddenly that they aren’t sure whether or not what they saw was a trick of the light. the idea still leaves them wanting more and wanting to see the merlin who is just so full of life but that merlin only appears for a small select group of people. merlin who has a guard so high that it has an effect of other’s perception of him.