#Uther x Ygraine

[keitorin3]

Possessed AU

So hear me out.

What if the purge was not Uthers doing? Now that sounds insane and doesn't make sense but listen...

I don't know history or the show accurately, but I think it was said that before Uther came, the lands were ruled by wild magic and Gaius once implies that it was ruled/terrorised by evil sorcerers. Uther, a roman descendent, comes along and takes over to bring peace back to the lands, killing those evil sorcerers with help from his own allied magic users (dragon lords?).

He is crowned king of Camelot and then marries Ygraine de Bois, from Wiki I've read, they knew of each other previously in their early years. So maybe they actual did love each other beforehand and not after marriage.

Uther did not have a problem with magic, but as he was not gifted with it unlike his wife who specialises in runes and could sense others magic and can do some basic spells. He relied on others for assistance and counsel for the matters of magic.

Then we get to the heir part. I think Uther and Ygraine are pressured to birth a child but find Ygriane can't conceive. Because of this knowledge, she tries to convince Uther to take on a concubine but he refuses. Stubborn, she plots and ask of the aid of Vivian, where they worked together and get Vivian pregnant with Uthers child.

Uther is feeling betrayed by this and maybe isolates for a year or two. Ygraine is like Merlin as they have the best intentions for their loves but sometimes they hurt them instead. Morgana is born and Uther ridden with guilt confesses to his dear friend Glorious. But his friend already knew, and doesn't blame Uther for the actions of their wives.

Vivian and Glorious marriage was arranged when they were young, they don't love each other, but are friends of sorts. In my head Vivian is a poly and Glorious is Aroace.

Uther will eventually forgive Ygraine, and they'll reconcile. But Ygraine like Merlin would still look into an heir as Uther does acknowledge Morgana, but doesn't wish to put the girl under the scrutiny of the court and rumors. She remains as Glorious child, until she is old enough for the truth.

And it goes as was said, Uther goes to Nimueh for advice from his court sorceress thanks to some pushing from Ygraine and they do the whole life for a life deal.

Ygriane gives birth and dies. Uther is heartbroken.

Now here's where it's different. In his grief, Uther is utterly broken over losing his wife and love of his life, that he became vulnerable to a malicious ghost who possesses him.

But this ghost/spirit is not just any ghost, this ghost is the sorcerer who Uther un-throned, Julian. And to make this more fun, Julian is Uther's brother.

Julian takes over Uther's body and with it he takes out revenge on every magic user. Seeing them all as traitors for standing behind his magic-less brother to over throne him. First he got rid of Uther greatest supporters, he banished Nimueh, and tricked the Dragonlords, killed all dragons, then finally he brought forth the great purge.

If the Old Religion would not stand with him, then he would destroy magic as revenge for its betrayal.

Julian relish the control and carnage his actions brought, because now the world shall see Uther as the tyrant king, forever portrayed as the man who kills magical kind.

The only setback was the little nephew. Arthur.

The spirit wanted to kill the boy, wanted Uther to be fully drowned in dispair he would never come out again. But no, any physical attempts on the boys life the King would spring up more ferociously and fight Julian for control.

So he goes about it in another way, by sending the boy out on impossible quest and raids, hopeful for an incident where he'll die. Meanwhile having fun making the boy miserable and so earnest to gain his "father's" affections.

But because of Gaius and other men of the court who knew Uther, he couldn't be too out of character.

This eventually changes when Merlin arrives.

Now, in my head Merlin would be different from other Magic creatures as not even Kilgharrah could tell the King was Possessed, but I think Merlin could. He wouldn't be able to at first, still growing into his powers and senses, but later down the line he would notice things about the King that no one else questions or see something odd with the Kings reflection.

But it's only when his eyes are gold that he sees the oddities. So not often does he see.

I think it'll all come to light when Morgana's magic strengthens in "The Nightmare Begins". Julian would know the signs of magic long ago and would realise the fire was the girl herself.

He'd play his part of concerned caregiver but relish the fear and anxiety in the girls eyes. He couldn't do anything to the girl, much like with Arthur, Uther would fight if any of his children were to be harmed directly. It's why he never pointed out the constant nightmares being signs of a seer. If it was found and pointed out, his very laws would condeem her and Uther would actually be able to seize control just to save her.

But then Morgana went missing and Uther truly did go ballistic. This time Uther truly thought Julian did something to get rid of Morgana and wrestled for control once again but more ferociously.

And while others see the King taking his wards kidnapping hard, Merlin could actually sense and hear Uther fighting. (Think of the druids mindspeak.)

He is confused and then suddenly horrified.

He figures it out after he interrogates Gaius on who Julian is, hearing Uthers voice spitting such vemon and rage at the name.

And then as you guessed it they figure out some exorcism to yeet that bish out of the King just before they send knights after Morgana. I'm thinking when Uther gains control once again, Gaius is kinda emotional and guilty for not realising his King and friend had been possessed for over twenty years.

They got Uther healed enough, and Merlin explained Morgana's whereabouts and reason why after much encouragement from Gaius. Uther then does the unexpected (to Merlin that is) and bowed to him, thanking him for being with Morgana in her time of need and for saving his son life and himself from Julian.

Arthur was also around to witness the exorcism unseen by the magic pair and saw it all.

Uther after years of seeing but not truly experiencing, hugs his son and tears up, confessing he was truly proud of him and he loved him more then life. Arthur here gets confused, Dumbfounded, then teary eyed. After so many years he finally has his father's unconditional love.

I can then picture things looking up for Camelot, instead of sending knight to "save" Morgana. Uther entrusts Merlin and Arthur with 2 letters, one for Morgana and the other for the druids, informing them that from now and onwards there shall be no more raids on the Druid people ever again from Camelot Knights. He left them to explain the recent events to her as he worked to make his kingdom into a place his daughter could come home too.

I can see her coming back after sometime with the destined duo and they have a heart to heart all around.

Morgana is told the truth about her heritage.

Arthur is told the truth about his mother and his birth.

Morgana is legitimize and crowned Princess of Camelot.

He explains Julians past and his actions in possessing him as a ghost.

He tells them what he truly thinks of Magic.

And things get better little by little. Uther can't unban the Magic law, Julian already steeped Uthers reputation too much in magical blood that doing so would cause more panic then peace.

They would by their time, letting Arthur grow and learn until he is ready to take over the throne and able to undo all of Julians deeds. With Merlin by his side of course.

Uther may have been trapped but he wasn't blind to his sons Stares and sincere smiles. He had the same look as himself when courting Ygraine it almost made him sigh in nostalgia. But was dashed from his mind when he realised it took young-Uther twenty years of pigtails pulling for him to court Ygraine.

He dispairs for his son and Merlin's future of dancing around the obvious.

Uther: Ygraine if you're still out there, give me strength to endure. Our son has your heart and eyes, but sadly my sense to being oblivious to love.

If he heard a familiar warm laughter, he kept that to himself.

And I'll end it here.

There are other things, little side notes I'd like to add but this post has gotten long enough I've got to stop somewhere, lol 😆.

I just wanted a Good Uther idea and added all these details my mind cooked up for reasons. Julian is just a random OC, I was trying to think of some roman name to be Uthers brother and this was it.

Hope you liked this, it was fun.

Until next time fellow dreamers~! ✨

[alex-the-bringer-of-chaos]

Other characters - my BBC Merlin hcs

Do click on the images cause some got turned fugly

King Cenred (he/him)

Cis man gnc, Omnisexual and Monogamous.

Had an intimaship with Morgause

Eira (she/her)

Cis woman, Poly aroflux and Agamous.

In a queerotic relationship with Gwaine and Morgana.

Princess Elena (she/fae/it/they)

Genderfae, Sapphic and Syndeamorous.

Courting Mithian.

Godwyn's daughter. Rodor's daughter-in-law.

Freya (she/her)

Demigirl, Queer greyaro aegosexual and Gamyflux.

In a wavership with Elyan, Gwen, Morgana and Will. In a simulship with Merlin.

George (Non fem prns)

Libramasculine, Gay orchidrose and Europic.

In a qpr with Leon.

Princess Mithian (she/her)

Cis woman gnc, Bisexual and Divisuamorous.

Courting Elena. In a semiship with Gwen. In a qpr with Leon. In a simulship with Arthur and Merlin. In an quoi-distinguishable relationship with Morgana. Had a casual relationship with Morgana.

Rodor's daughter. Godwin's daughter-in-law.

Morgause Le Fay (she/he)

Bigender, Apothiromantic abrosexual and Antiamorous.

In a passionate friendship with Morgana. Had an intimaship with Cenred.

Gorlois and Vivienne's child. Morgana's half-sibling. Gwen's sibling-in-law. Mordred's aunt.

Nimueh (she/fae)

Transfem, Lesbian and Relationship anarchist.

Was Ygraine's delamour.

Queen Ygraine Pendragon (she/her)

Intersex cis woman, Pomosexual and Biamorous.

Was Nimueh's delamour. Had an open marriage with Uther (though he rewrote history to depict it as monogamous).

Agravaine and Tristan's sister. Arthur's mother. Morgana's step-mother. Merlin's mother-in-law. Gwen and Lancelot's step-mother-in-law. Mordred's grandma.

Other hcs

The Rulers of Camelot

The Knights of the Round Table

[mandoriana]

What if...Ygraine Returns as a Ghost to Care for Her Son

Servant: Sir, I came to inform you that the knights you sent to battle are all dead.

Uther (sitting on the throne, distracted): Well, send their belongings to their families and tell them they were heroes. And bring more cookies, I'm hungry.

Arthur (six years old, watching the scene with distracted eyes next to a very angry ten-year-old Morgana): Good people die young, so when I grow up, I want to be bad like mom. 😌

Morgana: What are you talking about, Arthur! Your mother was a kind and good woman! Where did you get the idea that she was bad!?

Arthur: Yesterday I heard mom say that her dream was for a manure cart to run over dad so he would die once and for all. 🙂

Morgana (eyes wide in complete shock): Your mother would never say such a thing, Arthur… 🫢

Ygraine (next to Uther, trying to strangle him but unable to because she is a ghost): Don't listen to her, baby, mom hates dad and doesn't support anything he's doing! I still can't believe I married this man, listen to what mom says, Arthur, don't follow in his footsteps!

Arthur (turns to Morgana): Mom just said she hates dad, she's also trying to strangle him, but her hands keep going through his body, I think she's a ghost. 🫠 *slowly losing sanity*

Morgana (realizing that the young prince might be crazy): Arthur, maybe she's just joking…

Ygraine (trying to make Uther trip by stepping on his own cape): I'M NOT JOKING! If I could, I would kill him myself! I just can't because I can't touch him!

Arthur: I don't know if the gods would like so much violence…

Ygraine: The gods don't like your father!

Arthur: Okay… 🙂 *takes a cookie from the tray the servant brought*

[akelafang]

Fic idea:

After Morgause's ritual that allows Arthur to talk to his mother, the veil between her and the living world has weakened. Ygraine's spirit is able to pass through and she starts haunting the shit out of Uther in revenge for what he did to her and his treatment of Arthur since then. She also uses some of her time to spend with Arthur cause he did not get enough time with her!

[gldnstrngs]

its canon that ygraine haunts the narrative of the entire show and yet there we barely get to know about her and her story…

call me dramatic but i literally ache at the fact that arthur never really got to know his own mother despite the sacrifice she made for him. like, obviously he couldnt actually know her because she passed away giving birth to him, but we dont get to see him find out more about her

i think the only time we really see arthur speak about ygraine is in s2 ep8 before he meets her ghost; he admits that it pains uther to talk about her so i can see why arthur wouldnt know in the beginning of the series

but even then, i wish we couldve seen gaius or even morgana mention how arthur is similar to ygraine because of his kindness and resilence, or how she may have enjoyed swordplay like him

and then in s4, after uther died, it would’ve been the perfect chance to have arthur explore tintagel because he always knew about it but wasnt allowed to go there. then he couldve learned things about her like maybe she was interested in medicine or she would always read growing up— or how she was fond of magic

arthur would be forced to reconsider his entire worldview; he’d question everything uther taught him and eventually realize that magic was not inherently evil like he thought it was. it was something good and he saw that from the things ygraine read or wrote about

i’d like to think that merlin would admit to arthur how he lied to him in order to spare uther’s life, which would def be a point of contention for them but would eventually lead to arthur’s acceptance of magic because ultimately he is his mother’s son, not his father’s

also outside of that i just wish we knew more about ygraine like it was implied that she and nimueh were close friends so i wanted to know more about their story or even how uther conquered camelot like idk there’s just so much i NEED to know

[pigfacedbitch]

If Uther is a good father and Ygraine is still alive...

Arthur: Father, mother, I have something to confess. I'm in love with Merlin.

Uther: [ unison ] NO, I LOST!

Ygraine & Morgana: [ unison ] YES, WE WON!

Arthur: W-What?

Ygraine: Your father now owes me and Morgana a new-

Arthur: You three were betting on this?!

Morgana: The whole kingdom is, genius. Even Merlin joined.

Arthur: But— You— How did you guys know?!

Uther: Oh please, Arthur. The last one who realized that you're head-over-heels for your manservant was you.

Arthur: ๏︿๏

more incorrect quotes here!

[cinnabons-treasure-trove]

Having dinner at the Pendragon estate.

Morgana: Daddy—

Both Uther and Gwaine: Yes?

Everyone stares at Gwaine. Uther is aghast and his wife Ygraine is unsure whether to be amused or drink more wine. Morgana is slightly horrified she said that out loud. Gwaine as expected had a smug look on his face.

Arthur of course wishes he didn't hear that, he could live the rest of life without knowing what his sister calls one of his best mates.

Merlin on the other hand decided to add his own two cents in.

Merlin: [patting Morgana's shoulder in solidarity] It's okay, it's happened to me as well. I once called Arthur daddy in front of my family too. I also call him master whenever he punishes me for being his naughty baby girl—

Arthur: [face palms] Merlin.

Merlin: [nnocently looking back at Arthur] Yes?

Arthur: [growls] Shut. Up.

Merlin shrugs his shoulders and does the gesture of zipping his mouth closed, you can hear Gwaine chortling in the background with Uther's face even more aghast. Ygraine decides drinking(a lot of) wine is the way to go. Arthur knew they should've stayed home.

[thefabledpheasant]

Hey, what do you think of Ygraine and Uther and Nimueh x Ygraine

I don’t have a whole lot of thoughts on Ygraine/Uther because obviously we never see them interact, however, I do honestly love the trope of someone going kinda crazy when the love of their life dies. And I would say that’s basically what happens to Uther.

However, given what we see of Uther, it’s hard for me to ship him with anyone because I hate that guy lmao. I would definitely be interested in seeing what they were like together. I imagine she was his moral compass and was the only person who could sway his mind. I think he was most likely head over heels for her.

Uthaine: 35/100

Nimueh/Ygraine is interesting because I never would’ve thought of that on my own, there isn’t much to go on, but now that it’s entered my brain…

I think it’s worth thinking about. I think the idea that they were secretly in love, but Ygraine had to be with Uther because of her duty as a noble (and also because she actually did grow to love him too) and Nimueh had to just accept that is exciting. And then obviously the idea that Nimueh and Uther, the two people who loved her, caused her death together is delicious.

I’m intrigued by this. But it won’t receive too high of a rating since there’s almost nothing in canon to latch onto. But the more this love triangle shapes in my mind, the more I like it lol this might consume my thoughts the next few days.

Nimaine: 40/100

Feel free to send me ships to rank :)

[the-king-and-the-druidess]

Dark!Arthur is Arthur knowing about their kinship but keeping it a secret from Morgana.

[aerodynamicentity]

I have a few songs that think belong to Merlin characters/duos/ships/friendships

For example:

This reminds me of Merlin & Arthur, one is not ready to open up (Arthur) and the other is softer and "needs to have a stronger shell to survive" (lyrics from the song) & will wait for the other to open up on their own accord (Merlin)

This one reminds me of 3 characters:

Ygraine/Igraine

I imagine her acting like a fusion of Morgana and Merlin with a bit of Arthur. Strong, stands up for servants, sassy, energetic and sometimes reckless.

Merlin

As I said that Ygraine/Igraine reminds me of Merlin (at least when she was young). I feel like this also applies for kid!Merlin, we saw that he was rash and confident at the start (of course he is confident and can be some times rash in s4/s5, but we see that he is less confident then at the start and thinks about what he will do next, so that no one gets hurt). I feel like kid!Merlin was energetic, loud and loved exploring.

Arthur

This is again more about kid!Arthur. I see kid!Arthur as being more friendly, outwardly kind and lovingthe outdoors and horse riding. This can also fit canon era Arthur, but just a little (at least for me).

This is Morgana and Arthur. You can't tell me otherwise

At the end ir could be Ygraine/Igraine or Morgana

This screams Merlin.

The line "running is a victory" is most definitely something he believes.

A bit like how I see Modern!Merlin. I see him as being numb to everything. Not caring as much as he used to.

This one is a obvious one. Gwaine (soldier), Merlin (poet), Arthur (king). But I also have a scenario of the dads of Gwaine, Merlin & Arthur meeting the same way they did. Gwaine's dad being the soldier, Balinor is poet and Uther is (no shit) king.

(you can skip this, this is just the scenario that I think of when this song plays!!!

Uther goes on his "special" quest (like Arthur did, y'know the one where he had to sit in the grand hall,) and Uthers dad sends Balinor to keep him safe. Uther is pissed off when he finds out, Balinor just makes fun of him and after a while they meet Gwaine's dad in a bar fight. They (uther and balinor) need more help (though only balinor will say it) and Gwaine's dad goes with them. After they completed the quest they go their separate ways.)

Just the same thing as "Run Boy Run"

I don't think I need to say anything more. Arthur Pendragon in the modern era.

This reminds me of the druids before the purge. Happy, carefree. But I also think it fits with the canon era druids

Again its a no brainer if you've listed to it. This is the Merthur anthem

(thank you for reading my ramblings about a series that has me in a chokehold)

[graysmiles-world]

the fickle finger of fate (can't stop pulling me towards you)

Here's an excerpt of my work, which is a merthur tangled au where Nimueh kidnaps Arthur right after he's born. The first two chapters are up on ao3 rn!

Arthur returned to the windowsill, chewing slowly as he looked out into the world that he had not yet stepped into. One day he will, he knows. He will not be trapped here forever. 

He’s repeated this mantra over and over in his head over the years. Changing up the vocabulary from “trapped” to “stuck,” from “forever” to “until I die.” But no matter how many times Arthur’s changed up the words and turned them around in his mind - it does little to comfort him. The same echoing feeling followed no matter how many letters were added or taken away.

Arthur sighed, ruffling his hair as he turned in a circle - trying to spot something, anything, he could fill his time with. There was chess in the corner, but no one to play it with. Armor piled up against the far wall- yet it stayed perfectly polished, never worn to battle. There wasn’t even enough food to attempt and try to make something new, and he had already mended and remended every article of clothing he’d worn. 

Finally, he turned back to the straw dummy, still standing in the middle of the room. When he was younger, he had added a mini Camelot flag along with a painted face. Arthur now stared at the lopsided smile and wondered how many times it was until the dummy became a person, and the training he was doing actually made a difference. He placed his hand over the Camelot flag and tried to imagine that he was able to feel a human heartbeat beneath the straw and canvas. 

“Trust Nimeuh,” he murmured to himself, resisting the urge to cuff the side of his head for even thinking such awful thoughts. This was the woman who had raised him. Who took him under her wing when his mother was killed and gave him a purpose. Who was he, to want to go against her wishes?

A destined hero, apparently. 

Nimeuh told him again and again he was fated for amazing things for as long as he could remember. This was the reason he was to remain in the tower, to remain hidden. Arthur couldn’t risk anything happening to him, couldn’t take the chance that he would be maimed or killed and everything would be for naught. Everything Nimueh’s done for him will be for naught. 

That’s why Arthur had started training in the first place, to prove to her that he had what it took. To prove that he could take care of himself. He’s studied every technique, every weapon. Yet every time he alluded to what was to happen, Nimueh’s jaw tightened and her eyes turned pained. It was clear that she didn’t want to talk about anything concrete, and so slowly Arthur stopped asking.

One day he will get out there. One day he will travel across the forest, climb all the hills, and splash through the streams. He will make his way to Camelot, and there fulfill his destiny. 

[ireallyneedaintrestinglife]

Adding on to this the parallels of Arthur and Ygraine are just *chefs kiss* like aside from the very obvious physical resemblance Arthur has to his mother they both died young as a result of magic and someone else's choices. They were both seen as good and just people while their counterparts (Uther and Merlin) were willing to do increasingly messed up things in their name.

neither nimueh nor uther knew of the price for arthur's life but uther wanted him enough to risk it and ended up losing the love of his life. merlin didn't know the price for putting arthur's life over magic, but he wanted arthur to live badly enough to risk it and ended up losing him. the parallel is insane and it's always been over arthur's life. ygraine's life was the price for uther's mistake and arthur's life was the price for merlin's. uther and merlin both unknowingly condeming the people they love. I'm going insane if you haven't noticed.

[legends-of-time]

Amelia’s Story (BBC Merlin Story) - Masterlist

Pairings:

Original Female Character & Morgana & Morgause

Arthur & Morgana & Original Female Character

Percival/Original Female Character

Merlin/Original Female Character

Gwaine/Original Female Character

Gwen/Arthur

Original Female Character & Original Female Character

Warnings:

Major Character Death, Minor Character Death, Implied/Referenced Character Death, Non-Canonical Character Death, Cannon-Typical Violence, Implied/Referenced Suicide, Emotional Manipulation, Gaslighting

Physical description:

Amelia has light brown hair and blue eyes

Summary:

Amelia never really thought about what would happen when she died. Wait, no that was a lie. She had wondered if she would be reincarnated she supposed or just simply go to some sort of afterlife. Or maybe she would wake up in the world of one of the very first Tv shows that she had got obsessed with.

Amelia genuinely did not think this would happen, fanfiction is just that! Fanfiction!

But hey ho here she is.

——

The usual tale of someone dying then waking up in one of their favourite TV show with, what I hope, is a twist.

Chapters:

Chapter 1: The Awakening

Chapter 2: The Beginning of Her New Life

Chapter 3: Becoming Too Real

Chapter 4: Drastic Changes

Chapter 5: Family

Chapter 6: The Dragon's Call

Chapter 7: Valiant

Chapter 8: The Mark of Nimueh

Chapter 9: The Poisoned Chalice

Chapter 10: Lancelot

Chapter 11: A Remedy to Cure All Ills

Chapter 12: The Gates of Avalon

Chapter 13: The Beginning of the End

Chapter 14: Excalibur

Chapter 15: The Moment of Truth

Chapter 16: The Labyrinth of Gedref

Chapter 17: To Kill the King

Chapter 18: Le Morte d'Arthur

Chapter 19: The Curse of Cornelius Sigan

Chapter 20: The Once and Future Queen

Chapter 21: The Nightmare Begins

Chapter 22: Lancelot and Guinevere

Chapter 23: Beauty and the Beast Part One

Chapter 24: Beauty and the Beast Part Two

Chapter 25: The Witchfinder

Chapter 26: The Sins of a Father

Chapter 27: The Lady of the Lake

Chapter 28: Sweet Dreams

Chapter 29: The Witch's Quickening

Chapter 30: The Fires of Idirsholas

Chapter 31: The Last Dragonlord

Chapter 32: The Tears of Uther Pendragon Part One

Chapter 33: The Tears of Uther Pendragon Part Two

Chapter 34: Goblin's Gold

Chapter 35: Gwaine

Chapter 36: The Crystal Cave

Chapter 37: The Changeling

Chapter 38: The Castle of Fyrien

Chapter 39: The Eye of the Phoenix

Chapter 40: Love in the Time of Dragons

Chapter 41: Queen of Hearts

Chapter 42: The Sorcerer's Shadow

Chapter 43: The Coming of Arthur Part One

Chapter 44: The Coming of Arthur Part Two

Chapter 45: The Darkest Hour Part One

Chapter 46: The Darkest Hour Part Two

Chapter 47: The Wicked Day

Chapter 48: Aithusa

Chapter 49: His Father's Son

Chapter 50: A Servant of Two Masters

Chapter 51: The Secret Sharer

Chapter 52: Lamia

Chapter 53: Lancelot du Lac

Chapter 54: A Herald of the New Age

Chapter 55: The Hunter's Heart

Chapter 56: The Sword in the Stone Part One

Chapter 57: The Sword in the Stone Part Two

Chapter 58: Arthur's Bane Part One

Chapter 59: Arthur's Bane Part Two

Chapter 60: The Death Song of Uther Pendragon

Chapter 61: Another's Sorrow

Chapter 62: The Disir

Chapter 63: The Dark Tower

Chapter 64: A Lesson in Vengeance

Chapter 65: The Hallow Queen

Chapter 66: With All My Heart

Chapter 67: The Kindness of Strangers

Wattpad access

fanfiction.net access

Ao3 access

[akelafang]

It is currently 8 am and I stayed up all night writing. This idea I had a while ago crept its way back into my mind and would not let go until I had written this thing out. Please excuse any spelling or grammar mistakes, I am very sleep-deprived and have not properly proofread it.

Enjoy!

After Morgause’s ritual Ygrain may have vanished from Arthur’s sight but she did not leave his side. She watched his rage build as he rode back to Camelot. She watched as he confronted Uther about his newly acquired knowledge of the circumstances of his birth. She watched as the man she once called husband so flippantly dismissed the charges laid against him and felt her own rage boil inside her, echoed in the fury of her son's words. She watched as Arthur threw down his gauntlet, as the seriousness of the situation finally hit Uther. She watched their fight with a sick mix of satisfaction at Uther finally facing consequences and horror at Arthur’s actions.

By the time the servant boy arrived horror had won out. She was relieved when he managed to talk Arthur down. She desperately wanted Uther to face justice for what he’s done but not this way, not by Arthur’s blade. The murder of one's father is a stain on the soul that can not be washed out and one she would never wish upon her beloved son.

She understood why the boy, Merlin, had lied to stop Arthur. In the state of mind he was in she doubted that anything else would have stopped him from running Uther through. Though she could tell it pained him to say such words. Since the day Merlin had arrived in Camelot Ygraine had watched this boy protect her son with magic and now he forced himself to speak ill of it in order to protect his soul. She’d grown fond of Merlin as she’d witnessed the growing bond between him and Arthur but this instilled an affection for him in her that almost rivaled that of her love for Arthur. His care and devotion to Arthur was as endearing as it was heartbreaking.

That night she watched over Arthur as he slept, as she had done many nights before. As she expected he had trouble falling asleep and what sleep he found was not restful. She knew she could do little to soothe him but she hoped that on some level he knew she was there and that her presence would help.

Currently, he lay on his side, face smushed into the pillow and hair fallen over his eyes. For now, he had stopped tossing and turning in his sleep and seemed to be getting some level of rest. Ygrain smiled at the image he made. Oh, how she loved her ridiculous boy.

She reached out, wishing to brush the hair away from his sleeping face. When her fingertips reached the golden strands she expected them to pass through, instead she felt their softness against her skin. She pulled her hand away with a gasp. Surely she had imagined it. But then she looked closer. The hair she had reached for sat differently than it had before. The difference was miniscule but it was there. She had touched her son’s hair. And her touch had caused it to shift ever so slightly. 

Slowly she reached out again and could not contain a smile as her fingertips connected with Arthur’s hair once more. She lifted her hand upwards towards the side of Arthur’s head and marveled at how the strands of hair followed her movement. She shifted his fringe away from his eyes and smoothed out the hair that stood on end. She ran her fingers through those silky golden threads with reverence. 

She never thought she’d feel what it was like to touch something again. She thought that brief moment during the ritual would be the first and last time she’d get to hold her son. She never thought she’d get to experience this simple joy of stroking her baby’s hair while he slept.

As she continued to tentatively move her hand she felt him shift beneath her fingers and she froze. The last thing she wanted was to wake him. But that wasn’t the case. No, instead he leaned into her touch. She released a breath she didn’t need and continued her ministrations. Arthur nuzzled into her touch, his face so relaxed and peaceful. Ygraine wished she could stay in this moment forever.

Minutes passed, or it could have been hours, Ygraine was uncertain. But eventually, Arthur rolled over in his sleep and out of her reach. With the moment broken, Ygraine turned her attention to the things around the room. Could she touch them? 

A glinting of light caught her eye. The sun was beginning to rise and the morning rays were peaking through a small gap in the curtains covering the windows, shining off of the gold tassels. She made her way over to them and eagerly reached out to grab hold of the closest one. A huff of quiet laughter escaped her as she felt the expensive material in her hand. She moved her arm this way and that way, amazed as the heavy fabric followed her movements. She delighted in the way they caused the light to shift and sparkle off of the tassels. With a sudden burst of confidence she scrunched up her fistful of curtain and flung it to the side, pouring light into the room. Behind her, she heard a groan from Arthur.

“Too early Merlin” He grumbled before settling back to sleep.

Whatever spell Morgause had cast had changed things. She could touch Arthur. She could move the curtains. She could interact with the physical world.

Ygraine smiled. It seems she has some unfinished business to attend to.

[starrieisdelusional]

been thinking about into the woods x merlin au with twists where:

cinderella: gwen/lancelot

red-riding hood: merlin

jack: arthur/mordred/gwaine

the witch: nimueh/morgana

baker: morgana(if wife is gwen)/mordred/arthur/lancelot(if wife is gwen)

baker’s wife: merlin(? I like him more as red) / gwen(if baker is lance/morgana)

rapunzel: morgouse/arthur

baker’s father: uther

red’s grandma: gaius

jack’s mother: ygraine(if arthur is jack)

prince 1: cendred

prince 2: leon/gwaine/percival/lancelot(if cinderella is gwen)/ merlin(if rapunzel is arthur)

i haven’t figure out the rest yet 😭

--------------------------------------------

*update: okay guys final casting

baker: morgana, baker's wife: gwen, baker's father: uther

witch: nimueh, rapunzel: morgouse, prince 1: cendred

red: merlin, grandma: gaius

jack: arthur, jack's mother: ygraine

cinderella: lancelot, prince 2: leon (make it cinderella who cheats on baker's wife LMAO, or we can swap leon with lancelot)

*no one died

[thenerdyindividual]

*sees your recent reblogs*

...Arthur x Morgana?

Also, I'm curious what your thoughts are on Uther x Ygraine.

And because I can't help myself, I ask you to consider Uther x Balinor, or, one I really hate, Uther x Merlin (I hate it as a concept but I do see the (horrible, toxic) potential in it).

Arthur/Morgana

It’s so funny how in season 1 the writers pushed so hard to make Arthur be into Morgana, only to realize that they had sibling energy. That said even if they weren’t canon half siblings I don’t know that I would ship them. They have excellent chemistry but even from the beginning it read way more as sibling energy than friend or potential romance energy. So given that they are siblings, that really knocks this one down because I am not personally into incest shipping.

That means I rank this:

E-Tier

Uther/Ygraine

This is so hard to answer because we know so little about Ygraine. We only know what Uther is willing to reveal, and he keeps memories of her locked up tight. (There’s a reason “Uther Pendragon’s A+ Parenting” is a tag on ao3.) I’m willing to say that Uther truly believed himself to be in love with her, which makes their romance absolutely tragic. And I will admit to being a sucker for a tragic romance. It’s canon but with enough implications to it to let the mind run wild with fic ideas.

I rate this:

B-Tier

Uther/Balinor

I did just get done saying I’m a sucker for a tragic romance and this would certainly fit the bill. There’s also something so heartbreaking (positive) about the parallel in this ship to Merlin and Arthur, and the future Merlin might face at Arthur’s hands if the truth came out at the wrong time.

I rank this:

C-Tier

Uther/Merlin

Cursed.

E-Tier

Send me a Merlin Ship and I’ll rank it on a tier list. Note: This is a subjective ranking and a low ranking in no way means that I am shaming you for your taste in ships.