#arthur knows what Merlin does for work and he’s just lying

[thatonedudeinthecorner]

Arthur: so what do you do for work?

Merlin: I’m an actor

Arthur: I haven’t seen you in anything. What’ve you acted in? Shows? Movies?

Merlin: well, I’m acting right now as if there isn’t insane sexual tension between us

Arthur: what???

Merlin: what.

[igniferrus]

God. So I've been thinking about BBC's Arthur Pendragon. I work a job heavy on the manual labour and light on the mental labour, so I have a lot of Free Brain Space.

But I started off wondering why there are so many fics about Arthur learning how much Merlin does for him, and so few of the reverse. Because there is no way that Merlin isn't in trouble 89.2% of the time, in some way or another. We see Arthur protect Merlin after his dumbass confession to Uther, and also bodily haul him out of the throne room for safety reasons. No body else could get away with stealing the Prince's food, or disappear or days and keep his job!! And Arthur doesn'teven know they're bound by destiny, he just really likes Merlin! He's just some guy Arthur found and chased around a market.

And then I remembered that so many people forget that Arthur Pendragon is fundamentally A Good Man. I know the show refused to give him permanent character development, but even his base character is a good guy! The most assholish thing we see him do is in the first episode, throwing things at the servants. And then, compared to the rest of the series, that feels very out of character!

Yes, Arthur uses Merlin as a training dummy, but I'm sure that's just to get him to quit. And it's only shown early in the first season. Arthur is consistently shown as caring for his people (refusing to enforce Catrina's tax increase, willing to die to fix his unicorn mistake), more fair about magic users despite only seeing it used for evil (saving Mordred and the woman who gave him the Horn of Cathbhadh. He even tries to give Kara an out, for Mordred!), and cares deeply for those around him! He loves Gwen. He loves Morgana. He loves Merlin. He loves his knights. He even loves Uther!

It's not his fault that the people around him refuse to allow him to make his own choices. Gauis, Uther, and Merlin all lie about his mother. Merlin and Morgana don't tell him about their magic. Morgana doesn't see him as any other than an extension of Uther, despite knowing him for years.I t's so easy to judge him as an outsider with all the facts, but we should remember that Arthur's is intentionally left out of the loop and judge him from that perspective. He does the best he can, with what he knows!

Merlin, despite being repeatedly told that he and Arthur are in this together, and need each other, does not tell Arthur anything! Arthur is not allowed to make an informed choice and he shouldn't be punished for that. Even when Merlin finally comes clean, Arthur doesn't rage! He's hurt and upset that his "only friend", the "only one [he] can trust" have been lying to his face for a decade, which, understandable, but he chooses Merlin anyway! He wants to be held by Merlin at the end, thanks him, and asks him to stay they same after Arthur's death!! Because he still cares for Merlin!

Arthur Pendragon's character development is stymied at every turn by the show and its writers, but even then they couldn't stop him from being a good man!!

This was more rambling and less coherent than I wanted, but it's been hot out lately and my brain is cooked.

Anyway, I am first and foremost an Arthur Pendragon apologist.

[escespace]

Merlin And Arthur modern settings with a twist

Merlin walks into his trusted coffee shop. Locally owned, familiar customer service, he's known them since he moved to the city. Strangely there's someone at the cash register when he goes to place his order , it's not a place where there are lines or a lot of new customers.

He doesn't pay much attention until the conversation in front turns up the volume beyond what is normal for the quiet place.

"There is no way to screw up a simple order of black coffee and yet human idiocy ends up surprising me!" Said the burly blond who turns his back on him

"Hey hey! that's enough, My friend"

"Do I know you?" He turns to it and can tell that the front is just as impressive as his back had indicated.

"I'm Merlin..."

"so I don't know you"

And we know how this romantic introduction continues. The difference is that this time Freya, who is working the cash register, has been tired of the customer since he came into her store like a wrecking ball pushing other customers and ordering fancy franchise coffees until that after a lot of time wasting she forced him to make a normal request, then she decides to push the coffee in the hands of the unknown man as a courtesy of the house hoping that he would eventually go away (and hoping she would not have to intervene in whatever that pair is referring to by " Take You Apart" and "blows")

The unknown blond does not leave but has the decency to seem surprised by the attention he's been drawing as he retreats to the corner table.

Merlin is near the cash register to talk to Freya but it seems that the only thing he wants to talk about is the blond idiot, which tires his friend out. With a cake stuffed in his mouth she shushes him away, which makes him sit at a table with a direct view of the blonde.

From that position Merlin comes up with the brilliant idea of playing a harmless joke.After all, anyone who yells at the adorable Freya deserves it, right? I won't say yet what happens but it involves public wifi.

It's only when Arthur arrives at his apartment complex, where of course all his loved ones live, that he notices people looking at him strangely. Leon handed him a cream without saying anything when he passed by. Morgana can't stop laughing like a deranged hyena and Gwen is hovering around him like a disappointed mother, trying (and failing) to give him a lecture on safe practices (SAFE PRACTICES OF WHAT?)

After a while they finally take pity on him (more like they want to see his face when he finds out) and they show him a Twitter post he apparently made that same afternoon where he asked: "what could it mean if there are itchy welt near my You know?"

HE DOESN'T EVEN POST ON SOCIAL MEDIA

That one was definitely not posted by him. But then, what happened?

He delegates to Morgana the task of investigating what happened because he has no experience with technology and she has contacts. It is clear that someone entered his media but they doubt that it was only to post a silly message in an abandoned account.

The problem was that Morgana's contacts couldn't find anything even the next day. Luckily, Arthur was expecting it and didn't stop, instead preferring the old way. He checked the time the post was made and remembered that right at that the day before at that moment he was in the annoying cafeteria.

Surprisingly, the tall black-haired man is there again. And Arthur's not lying to himself, the back and forth he had earlier with that guy distracted him from the terrible day he'd been having, you could even say it was fun. He can go and bother him and do what he came to do, he is a multitasker and a skilled one at that.

"looking for trouble again?"

"That would be looking for you and, no thanks, I wouldn't disgrace myself that way"

...

"You think you're so smart but the truth is it takes more than just a quick tongue to get you far"

"You wish you could see my tongue being quick, my friend, you're not so lucky"

...

"that's not even a word!"

"Didn't you hear me say it? Let me repeat it, DOLLOPHEAD! That's what you are! "

...

And somehow they end up talking about why Arthur is there:

"Hahahaha! Whoever made this is a genius!"

"It's an eight-year-old's joke. It's not funny or stylish. Apart from that, this person entered my abandoned social networks, I don't even remember the last time I logged in... Who knows what else he has done with my data"

"You know what? I have exactly what you need"

He hands him a card that says "Golden Age: Private Investigation" and Arthur laughs

"What? You a private investigator?"

"If you don't want it..."

He tried to take it from his hand, but Arthur quickly put it in his suit jacket and, without stopping to stare at it, he walked away.

A week passed before he decided to visit the supposed offices of Golden Age and it was not in the least because of his problem with infiltration of his social networks. The truth was that nothing happened after the damn post. There was no missing money or corrupted files, and Morgana had her best technicians checking the devices associated with the organization at all times.

Before Arthur reaches the building where the offices are, he notices that there is a commotion in a remote place. There he finds Merlin surrounded by unfriendly looking men and what does the idiot do? He makes them even angrier with his mockery.

Arthur couldn't even get close because Merlin ended up showing them something from his phone. He held the device being too haughty and it seemed to be well earned given the cautious reactions he received

It seems that it was not enough because the next moment the thugs were advancing on the slender black-haired man. He was agile enough to get under the pile of arms but almost ran over Arthur, who was stupidly blocking the exit from the alley, before continuing straight towards the road with tremendous car traffic

Arthur will never admit that he was paralyzed when he noticed that Merlin didn't even take his eyes off his cell phone as he continued running. The thugs followed soon after, though not as nimbly, among the honking vehicles.

It was a miracle (more likely thanks to his obsessive observation skills) that he noticed what was really going on.

It wasn't that Merlin was a lucky bastard. The bastard was controlling the cars in some damn way until he finally reached the opposite end of the street Just as the police sirens started to sound nearby and the thugs had no choice but to start running towards a parked van

Now, now. If there's one thing Arthur is grateful for in life (and there isn't much of that) it's for making him smart. He's gotten to where he is because of his abilities, despite what anyone says, among which he takes most pride in his ability to recognize talents that would be valuable in his organization, and no matter what Merlin was doing he surely could serve well in the team.

Unbeknownst to Arthur, of course, that during the week he took to think about whether or not he should go to Golden Age, Merlin was also doing research and nothing he found about Arthur sat well with him.

This is then just the beginning of the most ridiculous and exasperating relationship of rivalry-friendship (and perhaps something more) between a genius hacker with a Robin Hood complex and a corporate who works on a line not very legal (aló? Mama? I'm in love with a criminal)

.

.

.

Holy heavens, have mercy on me and stop sending me ideas because I don't know how to write them!!! 😫😫😫

I swear that after so much thinking about this idea I already know what the first meeting between Arthur and Merlin's associates in Golden Age would be like: Lancelot and Gwaine (a disaster involving weapons and a very stressed Merlin). I also know that Arthur is in a relationship with Vivian at the time he accepts his friendship with Merlin for what it is (and neither of them like each other romantically at this point but they don't need to be in love to be their weird themselfs with each other) And VIVIAN BEGINS TO COMPETE ALONE FOR ARTHUR'S ATTENTION (She thinks she's competing against Merlin but the reality is there's no competition to begin with)...

Now now if only I could SIT DOWN AND WRITE INSTEAD OF FANTASIZING

[thatfanfictiongirl76]

Merlin Magic Reveal Rec

Ever since I watched Merlin over 10 years ago, I’ve been obsessed with magic reveal fics. And I can’t believe I haven’t made a rec of all my favorites until now.

Arthur's Silent Guardian

By: Sydelle Rein

https://www.fanfiction.net/s/5699021/1/Arthur-s-Silent-Guardian

Summary: After hearing that a sorcerer named Emrys is protecting a Pendragon of all things, one sorcerer decides to take matters into his own hands and find out why. Even if that means kidnapping the prince of Camelot as bait.

My Comments: I rewrote the above summary, so it’s different from the author’s. Anyway this is one of my favorite fics. I always have loved magic reveal fics, and this one has the added bonus of tying in Emrys as well. While the magic reveal doesn’t happen in the first fic, trust me it’s worth the wait and suspense. I also love the author's OCs in this fic as well. I highly recommend this one.

Status: Complete

Length: 6,071 words

Sequels: On Shaky Ground --https://www.fanfiction.net/s/5890430/1/On-Shaky-Ground

               Of Walls and Scars --https://www.fanfiction.net/s/7721465/1/Of-Walls-and-Scars

Peace for Our Time

By: Angry Purple Fire

https://archiveofourown.org/works/18198221

Summary: Arthur has a request for Merlin. A request that is a little out of the ordinary. He wants him to learn magic.

My Comments: Have to say that this is one of my favorite fics. It is a magic reveal fic, like most of the fics in this rec. I have to say that I’ve never seen this twist on it though. So I highly recommend this fic, it really pulls in everything you could want from a fic like this. 

Status: Complete

Length: 91,060 words

Virtues, Chicken, and Destiny Series

By: Nyxelestia

https://archiveofourown.org/series/68975

Summary: Arthur had never looked forward to becoming king, but the crown had never felt so heavy as the moment he realized everyone he loved was lying to him. If he wants answers, he's going to have to find them himself.

My Comments: This is one of my favorite Merlin Canon series. It's written by one of the kinkmeme-merlin mods herself. This started as a one shot that turned into a rewrite of season 4. I have to say I really enjoyed how she pulled Emrys into this quite a lot. It's definitely worth a read.

Status: Incomplete 

Last Update: 6/14/24

Length (Whole Series): 104,986 words

Allow One to “See”

By: Mollrach13

https://archiveofourown.org/works/16729350

Summary: When the King is attacked in his tent while on patrol and falls into an unending sleep, everyone is worried. What they don’t know is that Arthur is fine. In fact he is standing right here next to them, watching them all fret over his prone body. To stave off the boredom whilst waiting for a cure to be found, Arthur takes to wandering the castle and soon discovers a hidden side of Camelot that he never knew about. 

My Comments: This is a fic I found years ago, and yes it is a magic reveal fic. I fell in love with fics where Arthur learns about Merlin’s magic. Not to mention him seeing a completely different side of Merlin. So if you enjoy magic reveal fics, you will definitely enjoy this.

Status: Complete

Length: 28,398 words

Nimueh’s Spell Series

By: Talis_Borne

https://archiveofourown.org/series/54685

Summary: Emrys and the Once and Future King have been prophesied to become partners in bringing Albion to fruition for hundreds of years. For that to happen, Arthur will have to finally discover and accept Merlin’s magic. But how does a Prince, who has been raised to believe that all magic is evil, overcome his own prejudices to accept a sorcerer as a full partner? That isn’t a moment, it’s a journey. 

My Comments: This is a favorite series of mine that I just fell in love with. I love the characterization of the characters, not to mention the magic reveal was just incredible. I also love the drama that the author brought into this. I desperately wish the author had finished the series, although they did leave off at a good stopping point. I highly recommend giving this one a go. You won’t regret it.

Status: Incomplete

Last Update: 12/10/16

Length (Whole Series): 209,132 words

From the Start

By: CrzyFun

https://archiveofourown.org/works/12662994

Summary: Merlin sat frozen. On the one hand, he should really leave. If the stranger really had seen him use magic then he would accuse Merlin of being a sorcerer, which was a death sentence in these parts. On the other hand, could he really leave a man to die in the woods?

My Comments: This is an absolutely amazing fic about Arthur finding out about Merlin’s magic in the beginning of the series. It goes from season 1 to season 3, and is just phenomenal. Highly recommend this fic!

Status: Incomplete

Last Update: 1/30/23

Length: 130,621 words

[thisisjustmefangirling]

Merlin rewatch : 2x09 "The lady of the lake"

Freya must have been so cold wearing these rags…

Gaius, your acceptance/resignation towards people being sold for a price if they have magic freaks me out.

As if Merlin was going to let a defenseless looking girl stay in that cage… Especially someone with magic. He feels empathy for them.

Is that the first time we're seeing the Rising sun tavern ?

Oh Merlin is using so many spells in a few minutes, I'm loving it…

"Here, I thought you might be cold."

"I just saw you and… It could have been me, in that cage".

WHY is Merlin not stealing from the kitchens instead of bringing Arthur a rotten apple and a stale piece of bread ? The NERVE ?! I wouldn't have given this to anyone, even less my BOSS, a PRINCE.

Arthur's indignation : "I am fighting fit!"

I think this is where we're getting started with the fatphobic jokes…

Arthur has scratches/scars on his chest ? Where did he get that ?

Merlin giving Arthur "Sire" because he knows he fucked up…

Oh Freya was a druid ?

Merlin !!!! How did you not realise that that bathwater was BOILING and could COOK ARTHUR TO DEATH ?

"You need to warn them, Sire. The girl is dangerous. My informer told me she was cursed."

"How so ?"

"He didn't know. But he said even the druids were frightened of her. They cast her out of their camp."

So Freya is an outcast. Just like Merlin, in some way. Merlin is so powerful it'd be easy to be afraid of him once he's mature enough. He's not part of the druids. Neither is Freya.

Add butter to that bread and cheese and you get un jambon-beurre haha.

"Believe me, it's fit for a prince" hahaha no shit Merlin !

"He knows but I'm not sure he understands". => Merlin about Gaius knowing about Merlin's magic.

"Magic is not a curse. It can be a gift!" Oh baby in 1x01 you feared you were a monster ?

Merlin is lying to Gaius' face and his very inquisitive eyes…

Merlin stealing Arthur's food is supposed to be a joke, okay, but I'm not sure I like it now. Arthur is being deprived of a good breakfast and lunch. He'll be cranky come evening. Give him food.

"Merlin is my servant, he has my absolute trust. If you have a problem with him, you come to me. Do you understand ?"

This line is doing things to my heart, oh la la…

The fact that Arthur doesn't question Merlin AT ALL about his strange behaviour, they just bicker about the stolen sausages and Arthur's weight and then Merlin just… leaves. And goes straight to see Freya.

"I scare most people away" Freya you deserve better…

"You can't always trust people."

"I know. That's why I left home."

Merlin :/ Babe <3

Let it be remembered that Merlin can make flowers appear, but not food.

"With you, I can just be who I am. We don't have to hide anything. I don't have to worry."

"Being different is nothing to be scared of".

AND THAT SINGLE TEAR ROLLING DOWN HIS CHEEK !

Awww Merlin behaving like a lovesick puppy <3

This is the first time Merlin even THINKS about leaving Camelot. He's known Freya for two days. He's just really desperate to be known for who he really is, and to be free…

Moths and woodworms : the "reasons" why Merlin is snooping into closets and bedside tables he should not be touching at all.

"Running an errand for Gaius" : excuse number 1 for weird shit and secret missions Merlin is doing.

Arthur not giving a fuck about Merlin possibly crossdressing for fun in his spare time : "As long as you do a decent day's work, Merlin, that's all I care about. [��] What a man does in his spare time is completely up to him". And then the compliment : "colour suits you Merlin".

This is day three now.

"We can leave tonight, as soon as it gets dark, and we can be together".

Horses, blankets and food and they won't need more. A second kiss, and goodbye. Freya doesn't have the heart to tell him.

"There was a time when you thought twice about lying to me".

Yet Merlin said "Of course not!" which such an air of sincerity… Oh yeah, he's turning into a really good liar…

Mais Gaius t'es tellement une grosse balance, t'es là à lécher les pompes d'UTHER au lieu de régler le problème avec Merlin !

"You can never understand. Do you know how it feels to be a monster? To be afraid of who you are ?"

"Freya is very different from you. She's dangerous."

Oh I didn't remember Arthur saw her in her human form ! Lol he's just there blinking as she's turning into a bastet…

I can't freaking believe Arthur's guards and knights are running away while Arthur is trying to fight the bastet !

MERLIN ! You almost crushed Arthur to death !

He's petting her head ???

OH is Freya a rape survivor, forced to kill people by the mother of her rapist ? That's so fucked up…

"Please go."

"No. I'm not leaving you here".

The PARALLELS with Arthur's dying moments !

"One day, Merlin, I will repay you. I promise". Okay but do we actually see that happen in the next seasons ? I don't remember her.

What I do remember from years ago is directors saying that Colin held that level of intensity and sadness for hours in the rain for those lake scenes.

It's the first time he has to light a funeral pyre for a friend and it sadly won't be the last…

That last scene with Arthur always gets to me. Arthur might be oblivious to a lot of things but he pays attention to Merlin more than Merlin might think, I'd say.

"Something's been upsetting you, hasn't it ?"

Arthur has seen Merlin doing the weirdest things in the past four days or so : stealing his food, calling him fat, giving him stale food to eat, stealing a dress, being accused of hiding a druid… And he doesn't accuse Merlin of anything himself. He thinks "Oh, Merlin has been upset. I must find out why. Maybe it's because of me." and then he sort of apologises and when words fail him, he uses action to make Merlin smile again. Because seeing Merlin smile, as we'll learn in the next seasons ("I haven't seen you smile in the past three days") is important to Arthur. Because he cares. Another thing that gets to me is that when Merlin is sitting upset doing his chores, Arthur usually comes to sit next to him, at his eye level, or even UNDER his eye level sometimes. Yet, a Prince should never be sitting at a lower level than a servant or any lesser noble. He gives himself the look of a listener, and he's bad with words and feelings (because of his father's shitty education) but he TRIES.

Last episode was Arthur centric, with Arthur showing his most intimate thoughts and feelings to/in front of Merlin : his grief and guilt about his mother's death, his rage at the idea that his father was responsible for her death, that he was a hypocrite and a liar... This episode was Merlin centric. I wonder what next episode will be like.

This episode was really good at exploring Merlin's feelings about his magic, his identity as a warlock, his sense of loneliness at the heart of Camelot. Gaius cares about him but is still loyal to Uther, and Merlin is not sure Gaius really understands him and what it's like to be a warlock. Arthur... Merlin cares about Arthur and Arthur cares about him, but Merlin knows that he could end up in a cage just like Freya. And I think a part of him might resent Arthur for it. Or at least, at the end of the episode, he's tired of his chores... But no wonder. Your crush is killed by your soulmate, and you still have to show up at work the next day and shine his boots ?

[hopelessromantic5]

Another Merthur drabble, this one a tad happier.

It had been an innocent touch. One that Merlin, for all his worries, thought he had gotten away with.

Honestly, it wasn’t even a thought, it was an instinct.

Arthur was preparing to step out of their tent and take on four men at once, ‘a show of strength’ Uther said. This was ‘The Tournaments to end All Tournaments’.

Merlin thought it was stupid and reckless. Especially for a man, a King no less, to voluntarily throw his own son into the mix. But that was Uther, he supposed.

Still, it worried Merlin. This wouldn’t be the first time a foe disguised himself as a knight to attempt the murder of his Prince.

That won’t be happening, as far as Merlin is concerned. Over his dead body.

Arthur watches him now, as he buckles the last straps in his armor. Merlin only looking up to meet sparkling blue eyes as he hands over the Prince’s sword. Merlin knows this will not be the sword he wields, once and forever. No, that sword was lying safely at the bottom of a lake, with Freya. At least, he felt some relief in that knowing.

Still it hurt Merlin’s heart to think he could not gift it to Arthur now, when he needs its strength the most.

“What’s wrong? Not worried are you?”

Merlin snaps back into himself. “I’m only worried about the dents I’ll have to bang out of this armor later.” The raven boy rolls his eyes, continuing the show they put on. Sometimes for their own amusement, sometimes to stay afloat in a sea of hopelessness.

“It won’t take me long.” The prince replies haughtily before turning back to Merlin. “I’ll try to keep your precious metal in perfect condition.”

Merlin knows he meants something else. He knows it is an unspoken promise to come back to this tent, no matter what.

“Let me just double check-“

“Merlin.” Arthur sounds exasperated but Merlin hears the fondness hiding just behind it.

“It’s just a double check, to make sure it all in place.” Merlin placates, stepping forward once more to look over the links and plates and layers that would be keeping his future from harm. Forgive him for wanting to be sure.

He ran his hands along the front, checking each crevice for any unprotected skin or limbs. He ran his hands down the length of Arthur’s arms. His right, protected by the same plates as his chest, his sword arm. His left remained just chain and cloth. Flexibility needed for the shield. Not that he expects Arthur to keep the shield in his hand for longer than two seconds anyway.

The horns blares announcing that the next bout will begin momentarily, Merlin realizes hurriedly ducking down, checking all the straps, not too tight, not too loose.

“Alright. You’re ready.” Merlin says, not fully feeling it.

Without thinking, he brings both hands up to cradle Arthur’s face, for just a moment. He feels soft skin, a sharp jawline for only a heartbeat, breifly meeting ocean eyes, before shoving Arthur out of the tent flaps and hoping that he didn’t get killed or maimed.

Merlin doesn't realize what exactly he has done, until two days later.

Of course, Arthur is victorious, despite Merlin’s worries about Sir Theron having ill intentions.

Therefore, the celebratory feast is in his honor.

Merlin may complain and berate Arthur about his head getting too big, but in reality, there is no one else in the kingdom that deserves the honor more than the Prince. He does more work in the castle, for the citizens, and just in general, than Uther has ever done in his life. Arthur isn't yet twenty one. He is Head Knight, he trains squires and deals with grain reports to ensure they are 'done properly'. He never turns away a citizen that comes to him for help, and he will always stand up for the innocent, even if it means his own punishment.

It's a lot to put on any one man, so yeah, Merlin would say he deserves a feast. At the very least. Merlin doesn't even make any jokes about Arthur getting round at the waist, both of them knowing well that the Prince is in excellent shape.

Merlin stands behind Arthur, attending him, as he always does. And subtly listening in on he and Morgana's whispers about their guests.

It was a single second between Merlin looking toward the rest of the room filled with people, and Sir Theron standing from his place, quick as lightening, and sending a dagger sailing through the air towards Arthur's head.

Oh gods, not this again. Merlin thinks. Just before his instincts can kick in and wordlessly move the knife three inches to the left in midair, something… strange happens.

The dagger makes it about two feet from the Prince before completely disolving into…sand? Merlin wouldn't have beleived it if he hadn't seen it with his own eyes.

It wasn't he that did this. At least…he didn't think so… Oh no.

Oh no oh no ohnoohnoohno. It's all that he can think as everyone in the room stands frozen, apart from the knights of camelot that jump to grab Sir Theron and throw him in the dungeons.

Even Theron himself doesn't fight it, too stunned at the fate of his terribly thought out murder scheme.

"Father, may I… be exused?"

Uther is almost in a trance looking down at the pile of sand on the high table. "Of course. Go. Rest. You did well today."

Merlin could almost scoff. The man doesn't even look his son in the eye whilst giving him the barest amount of affection that any human could possibly manage. Arthur has almost been hurt or killed more than once because of these stupid tournaments, and all Uther can say is 'You did well."

Merlin doesn't know his father, but he surely must be better than Uther could ever attempt.

Arthur makes his way out of the Great Hall, sending Merlin a look that conveys the Prince wants him to follow.

He does. Reluctantly.

Oh gods. What does he know? What is Arthur going to do? Will Merlin be dead by sunrise? Surely not…right?

They finally, painfully find themselves in Arthur's chambers and it is deadly quiet. Only the night's summer breeze entering through the open window.

Arthur turns to him, and immidiately, with one look, Merlin knows. Merlin knows that he knows. The panic starts to set in and it must show because Arthur's face softens, infentesimely.

"Merlin." He says quietly. As if berating his magical manservant for not knowing that he wouldn't kill him on the spot if he found out.

Merlin can only helplessly shrug in response as a single tear slides down his face, expression unchanging. He might not be able to stop himself from crying but he would not sob. He would not lose himself that way, not in front of Arthur.

Arthur approaches slowly. While Merlin knows that he won't harm him, he appreciates the gesture.

"I assume that wasn't you, just now." The Prince says.

Merlin gasps inaudibly.

Arthur continues, as if he hadn't heard. "I mean it was you, but it wasn't. Not just now."

Merlin slowly nods. "I don't really know what that," he gestures towards the door, the outside world, "was. But I have a…hunch." The warlock looks down at his own feet, deeply ashamed.

"So do I." Merlin's head lifts at Arthur's words and finds him smiling. Like he knows something that Merlin doesn't. Then, he takes another slow step. "Do you remember a few days ago, just before my first round of the tournament, you were looking my armor over…"

Merlin hides his flushing face behind his hands, hoping to be swallowed up by the ground. "Yes. I remember." He whispers and then inwardly groans at how emotional and damning his words were.

"Well," The smug prat was still smiling, almost laughing to himself. "When you touched me, I saw your eyes flicker just for second. I'd have missed it if I wasn't already looking. You seemed not to have noticed. But I defintitely felt…a veil go over me. Like something was now standing between me and any threat I could face." Arthur stood a foot away, not looking away from Merlin for a second since they entered the room, his manservant was getting increasingly intimidated and red.

"But…" he thought for a moment. "The tournament, how did their swords not…"

"I don't beleive they ever got close enough."

Merlin rolls his eyes, out of habit. "Yeah, yeah, you're the greatest warrior there ever was," He scoffs. "I'm telling you, you don't watch that ego, it'll outweigh you. And that's really saying something."

Merlin nearly winces after he finishes speaking but jumps when Arthur starts laughing and shaking his head. "Gods, what am I going to do with you, Merlin? You insult me, you unintentionally save my life with magic in front of the king, and you seem to give no thought for your own head attatched to your shoulders." He sighs an exasperated sigh. Suddenly he's closing the distance, reaching out his hand's to cradle Merlin's face but, unlike him, Arthur does not pull away. "Promise me that you will be careful." He whispers, staring directly into Merlin's soul, magic and all.

"I will. But I cannot promise I won't use it, if it saves your life, even if I have to-"

A fire lights behind Arthur's eyes. "What? Even if you have to what? Burn for it?"

Merlin nods, strong hands still holding him in place.

"I'm not worth that, Merlin. It is not an equal trade, my life for yours. Not even close." The Prince's ire was turning to anguish. He now knew exactly how exposed and in danger Merlin was, just for existing.

"Don't ever say that to me." Merlin says this quietly, in their bubble, but his voice holds the conviction of a king, a god. "I would die a thousand times if it meant you survived. A world without you in it is not a world I can tolerate." Merlin goes to move away but Arthur etertwines his hands behind the raven boy's neck, holding him there.

"What about my quality of life, Merlin? Don't I get a say?" Their foreheads press together, they breathe each other's air.

"No. In fact, consider every decision you'll ever need to make, already made for you."

Arthur has to laugh. Partially because he knows Merlin is right. Maybe he's always known.

[keitorin3]

OK so I'm new to Tumblr but I had this weird (but I think is awesome) idea that I really just wanted to share.

So I am a big fan of the Damien/Merlin AU idea. It was actually inspired by a book I once read in Ao3, full credits to the author.

Damien AU

I imagine Merlin was obviously immortal and been around waiting for Arthur, and during this time ~ like 4 to 5 years before Damien's 30th birthday ~ he was about to go on Vacation to the Pacific but got news of a new medicine program ~ or something ~ in America and changed plans.

He's a 21-22 year old meds/arts (idk either sound plausible) college student who befriends a girl, Kelly, due to an unfortunate encounter (Kelly was in the wrong place at the wrong or right time, and Merlin jumps in to help but it was unnecessary as Kelly being a badass takes them down. She's an aspiring war photographer, she got to know some fight moves!)

Their friendship was built and thanks to Kelly with her connections and friends, Merlin meets Damien Thorn at a get-together he was invited to at the pub.

Picture Merlin seeing this dark haired and scruffy version of his dear friend wearing modern clothes and a brown leather jacket. His accent American and Merlin's magic is suddenly gooey and vibrating under his skin when they shake hands. But his smile... Merlin was gone for that smile.

Kelly: *Introducing Damien and Merlin*

Damien: *Smiles* "Damien Thorn, Pleased to meet you."

Merlin: *Dazed and goofy because he's magic high and hooked* "Merlin Thorn, I met you pleased..." *Suddenly realises, and blushes bright red* "Wait! No- I meant Emyrs! I'm Merlin Emyrs! Your not Thorn, wait no! I'm not- I mean uh... Pleased you met me-- NO-?!!"

Kelly: *At some point pulled out her camera and start recording*

Damien: *Surprised and charmed by the adorable guy with cute flushed ears* *Smirks pleasantly and flirts back*

Merlin: *Scrabbles on what to say, unknowingly flirting back*

Kelly: 'Oh just wait until I show Simone this!'

And so not long after the two met they started dating. At first Merlin thought he could help Damien remember, but over their time together Merlin came to really Love Damien. He loved Arthur and a part of him always will, but getting to know Damien, Merlin fell fast.

Meanwhile Kelly is being the ultimate Wingwoman who's looking forward to the day they get married so she can play all the *cough*blackmail*cough* memories shes caught of them.

Now, Damien who has never been so happy before meeting Merlin, saw Merlin as like his Ray of light and lucky charm. Since his entire life has been a series of misfortune all around. Merlin, this skinny, pale white, big earred, doe eyed guy with a heart stopping smile. Never has he fallen in love so seamlessly.

Damien: *During their third Date where Merlin is arguing over something with sparkles in his eyes. Damien not even sure what he's saying, smilies fondly at the adorable man.*

Merlin: "Damiiiienn! Are you listening to me?! What's going through that thick head of yours?"

Damien: *Laughs* "Nothing, it's just, there's something about you Merlin. I can't put my finger on it." *Gives Merlin a significant look* "But you're special."

Merlin: *Flushes red while flailing in embarrassment*

They are together for a year before merlin gathered the courage to tell Damien about himself, his magic and his past. He has made the mistake of lying to Arthur in the past and after recent years of therapy, he could not live in another lie with Damien.

It took time to process after being shown evidence of magic and weeks of discussions ~ a lot of them hard for Merlin to tell as he cried at times like Arthur's death and Camelots fall, going through depression while isolating in a cave for a century.

In the end, Damien determined Merlin's character and love to be true. And honestly wasn't even mad at the other. Damien could never fully be mad at Merlin. Not when he can see the cracks of a too worn heart, hidden behind a youthful face. It makes his own heart break at the seams.

So Damien held on to this impossible man, and swore he would not let him go.

Merlin: *Makes a butterfly with his magic, eyes glowing like golden stars, gazing back at Damien like a miracle come alive*

Damien: *Laughs when the butterfly lands on the tip of Merlin's nose, who makes a cross-eyed at the small creature.* 'You were a fool Arthur. The world was by your side and you left him alone.'

Damien: "I Love You, even if you're an old magical man of legend."

Merlin: *Hits him lightly for the old comment before kissing him* "And I love you, even if you're a bit of a sap."

Damien: *Kisses back* "Not that your complaining."

Merlin: *Heavily in love* "No, no I am not."

It is not long after this where their bond has gotten stronger, that Damien proposes to Merlin.

Kelly is there to film and photograph the event with Amani as help (the two helped plot to get their besties together after all). It was beautiful and made even more magical when Merlin, overwhelmed with such happiness, released some of his magic and caused it to rain flowers and sparkles.

This was so fun! And I wish I had the patience to actually write a book of this. I'm not done yet, I've still haven't reached to Damien's 30th birthday, when his powers Awaken. I've got ideas, and even more crossovers to think of for this and other AUs.

I'm still thinking if I should make this mpreg like the fic (the top Ao3 link). I quite like the idea of children honestly. Like bring back Aithusa as DamienxMerlin's kid.

Till next time, fellow dreamers~! 👋🥰✨

[multifandombullshitbabes]

Random Merlin Rewatch: Where a random number generator gives me a season and an episode from BBC Merlin; and then I comment on it as I go.

Today's episode: Season 1 Episode 6 - A Remedy to Cure all Ills

Before I start, let me just say, I'm really happy I'm getting to rewatch the earlier seasons. Of course the next random episode might be literally season 5 or something, but it's great that it hasn't happened yet.

Let's fucking start bitches

Not the wiggly evil fingers just a few seconds in.

Damn boy you got some dirty ass nails, wash your hands.

MORGWEN MY BELOVEDS!!!! Also the way Gwen looked at Morgana after she asked who'd she want the flowers to be from. Girl looked ready to risk it ALL, let me put a screenshot actually.

OUGHHHH the brainrot is real with these two

LIKE??????? GWEN'S THIRSTY (me too)

Alright girls, enough yearning please

Ugh, I hate the little sound the bug made when it dropped from the flower. Butthole clenched in digust.

Oh thank god they DON'T show it literally entering her ear. That would've been so gross.

LETS GO INTROOOOOO

Oh Gwen looks BEAUTIFUL in that yellow color. It does everything for her!!

"She's all but dead, Merlin." JESUS FUCKING CHRIST GAIUS

Most suspicious ruse of all time. "Oh, i have a cure for all ills. And also I know the king's ward is very sick. But anyways, I'll be at the inn :)." Bitch.

"But I'm not worried." me when I lie. Merlin is so bad at lying, jesus fuck

Merlin sits down to stop pacing. Arthur gets up and starts pacing. Two sides of the same coin or whatever.

Underrated Arthur shirt is the purplish one he wears in the scene where he begs Uther n Gaius to hear the strange man out. That color looks good on him. It might be his red shirt but in a weird lighting?? I can't be sure.

I really like when Gaius gets to talk all medical considering how limited the medicine world was at the time. It's really really cool, I love seeing this insight into what was possibly like to be a physician at the time. I don't of this happens much in the show.

Arthur really is so trusting when it comes to his loved ones. Of course he's not at fault, like he said what do they have to lose at this point, honestly I've done the same. It's just. Heartbreaking to notice that trait knowing what comes next.

"Science is knowledge." Merlin is such a nerd, I love him.

Oh, not Gaius and Edwin having a lying competition over here. There's a better term for it, but whatever.

Gwen is SO FUCKING GORGEOUS but girl please that's a fucking sorcerer, go AWAY be SAFE. She's so smart though. Immediately knew something was off. He tries to be all "She may die :(." to get her to be worried and not suspicious, but it literally doesn't work. She leaves the room but not because she thinks he's got Morgana's best interests at heart. She knows something is wrong. She also knows she holds no power. And on the chance that he is right and Morgana dies, she'd never forgive herself.

The fucking lying back and forth between Gaius and Edwin. Like. From the outside, it sounds like a perfectly normal convo. But they both know it isn't. And WE know it isn't 'cause we know Edwin's full of shit.

Interesting how Arthur isn't seated but Uther and Morgana are.

Who the fuck knocks on someone's door, doesn't hear an answer, and then just let's themselves in?? I'm sorry, if you're a stranger, I'm not doing that. The fuck's wrong with you Merlin, you nosy boy??

It is so sickening that these villains of the week have views that we can agree with. Yes, magic is a gift and can be a force for good, you're right! But it's because of Uther and his oppression that they turn bitter and ruthless and vindictive. And yes, you do have to eliminate those who are like Uther because they will only propagate the same corrupted and repressive beliefs. The problem, the layers, is that some of those people are actually very much capable of understanding the very fundamental logic that "Sorcerers deserve too live in freedom" but they're so filled with fear and propaganda of the contrary that it's so hard to get out of it. And that's why, if they killed Uther with magic, Arthur would hate magic even more (just like it happens in canon), which would then just repeat the cycle, etc etc. You need to uproot the system, but killing everybody is not the answer; but also having to teach such a fundamental thing, that certain humans deserve basic rights, is such a painful thing to teach, and the oppressed does not have the obligation to do so. But then the cycle just repeats and repeats and it's SHIT. Anyways.

It's so funny that in season 1 they hadn't figured out the cgi for the golden eyes so they just. simply don't show it.

The things Edwin say are like. Well-meaning. But there's just this off vibe that the most intelligent characters (Gaius, Gwen, Merlin) can just. pick up. And even though Merlin really likes what Edwin is saying, there's just something telling him... it's wrong.

Uther, of course, would never even believe anyone would just lie so blatantly and manipulate him like this because he thinks himself very intelligent; which is why he's falling for everythinggg that Edwin says. But, credit where credit's due, Edwin is an excellent liar.

Gaius wears the most cunty ring on his pinky finger, hello?

I want that ring bro.

Oop, not Gaius having his cowardice and betrayal shoved right in his face. I get it, you wanted safety. But there's consequences to your actions. And I know Gaius feels so guilty about all his friends that died at the stake while he remained safe and sound.

If Gaius would've left in this episode, replaced by Edwin, I bet Morgana would've felt so guilty. In her mind, her illness is what caused him to leave. Gaius truly was there for Morgana and Arthur in ways Uther simply could not.

OOP Gaius and Kilgarrah meeting!!!!!!!! I forgot this happened lmao

Gaius got a little taste of how infuriating the dragon is.

Wait, Gaius was employed for Arthur's birth? That's so interesting. He probably already lived in Camelot but he's been a court physician for 20 years. He was already quite old by then.

It's the way that Gaius is just. Ready to throw his whole life away to make sure Merlin is safe and sound. That's his fucking son, bro!!!

What the actual fuck, they're gonna make me cry :(((( Gaius called Merlin a blessing and his son, I can't.

THEY CAN'T DO THIS TO MEEEEEEE IM GONNA CRY

Gwen is so iconic, speak the fucking truth girl.

THAT ICONIC GWEN LINE YESSSSSSSSSS QUEENNNN

Not Gaius with his lil blanket and lil fire. He looks so smol, it's so funny.

Edwin could've waited a lil bit before going all murder on Uther. That just looks suspicious as fuck ngl.

GAIUS GETTING BLOWN BACK SHOULD'NT BE SO FUNNY BUT--

I wonder how Arthur knew that his father was ill. It means he went into his room, but why? Did he have some feeling about Edwin? About Gaius leaving? Was it some courtly concern? I'm assuming no one else would have the privilege of seeing Uther at night except for his son and ward so.

Yes, Merlin, just stare at the floating axe that's being controlled by the evil sorcerer right in front of you, you're so smart. Also the slow-mo is so goofy.

It's interesting that they shot both Merlin and Edwin's eyes up-close when they did magic, Merlin to do the golden eye effect, but for Edwin it seems that his pupils just change size. I wonder if not all sorcerers have their eyes glow, if it depends on the magic. Edwin is using dark magic, could it be that? That's interesting, imo. Dark magic equals no golden eyes. Kinda fun.

Violent ass death for Edwin, damn. Axe to head, bitchass

Oh it must be so weird for Merlin to be touching Uther like that. Like that's intimate as shit.

So cuteeee Gaius calling Merlin a genius, they're adorable. He's so proud. That was a feat, though, just pure improv and luck. Merlin is still a noob at controlled magic so this was really damn good.

Love that it's so canon that Gaius potions taste like fucking ASS. Uther's face, lmao.

Interesting that Uther asked if Gaius remembered his friends that burned at the pyre, and Gaius answers "All of them." and Uther doesn't even comment. As bonkers as it sounds, they truly are friends in some capacities. I wonder if Gaius could make Uther change his mind. Not Morgana or Arthur, but Gaius. But he made the choice to abandon magic, Uther presumed because Gaius understood its dangers, but if he were to find out that actually Gaius doesn't agree, I wonder what Uther would think about that. Like a genuine and open convo about it. I think he'd just arrest Gaius for it, but I don't know. I think there's at least some reality where he gives it some more thought. But I don't know if he'd ever repel the ban, more because he'd have to admit that he was wrong, and admitting you're wrong is also accepting and processing all the shit you did for that wrong thing, and I just think Uther is too cowardly to do so. He knows it would break his mind to truly process all the pain and horror he's caused; so no matter his inner philosophies, he'll never repel the ban, because the damage has been done, and he'd rather live like that than start anew in the new reality where he's wrong.

"In the fight against magic, you are the one person I can trust." yet again. Gaius going against this? Uther can't fathom it. He's so confident that Gaius is 100% on his side.

Arthur smiling at Gaius, awww.

Two pretty bestfriends. No wonder half the kingdom wants to fuck them both. Also what the fuck is a "freeman"??? Genuinely, what is it??

And that is it. Loved it, of course.

[t0ast-ghost]

Time for episode 27 (Errand Of Mercy) all I know is it’s something to do with Klingons.

Hoppin’ to it:

- War happened so fast

- SULU IN CHARGE OF THE BRIDGE! YEAHH

- It’s so funny how the welcomer has such a short name, and then Kirk is like I am captain, James T Kirk of the Starship Enterprise, blah blah blah

- okay guys, who painted the goats? Real funny

- I kinda like how chill the council is

- WHAT THE FUCK?? Those are literally just a bunch of guys..

- THEIR OUTFITS IM SCREAMING (they look like Merlin and Arthur holy moly. Kept them in their yellows and blues which I love and respect)

- “He is not a spy.” oh my fucking god you’re terrible at this Kirk. Can’t let Spock go for one second istg

- “I don’t trust men who smile too much.” that’s a pretty good rule of thumb to have tbh

- he’s so pretty oh my he’s so- my heart

- “He’s my friend.” BRO CAN YOU BE WORSE AT BEING UNDERCOVER??? Okay but the soft look that Spock gives after is amazing

- Kirk’s dramatic ass

- They invaded his brain what the fuck

- Kirk trying to get into a fight AGAIN.. Spock is like smh gotta save this idiot

- “You didn’t really think I was gonna beat his head in, did you?” “I thought you might.” “You’re right.”

- Kirk hid lying against stairs. Spock literally ran behind a tree. I don’t understand how they think this will work, and more I don’t understand how it does work

- lmao both Kirk and the Klingon commander hating on the councilman

- The scales are off the charts

- Once again it is brought up how Kirk is just like the enemy and that they are animalistic and predators. It’s interesting to see the shows and when these episodes occur where they are set in space (usually on a planet similar to earth) and technology is so advanced but they bring in the idea that no matter how advanced we get we will always go back to instincts, we will always want to fight.

- “Go climb a tree.” This bitch. Get it I guess.

- My favourite part of this show is how they shave the sideburns to be points.

- AHHH OUTFITS

- “7824.7 to one. I endeavour to be accurate.” “You do quite well.” Holy crap just kiss

- I like when the extreme heat started it quickly flipped back to the enterprise crew jumping up out of their seats

- They sound like children trying to pick fights and Ayelborne is a very tired parent that needs to get involved

- wow a whole episode without McCoy

- “Even the gods didn’t spring into being over night.” Good line from Spock

That was an… interesting episode..

Masterpost.

[moth--mallow]

He doesn't have what he wants sadly

Honestly I don't think a lot of characters have what they want in this story

Yes I'm talking about Arthur even Merlin, and all of the people in Camelot they do not have what they really want they are in denial and delusional

In the same goes for what's being said here by Anna

And

That's the thing I don't think diodora has everything he wants

He's still technically not healthy even when we were first introduced to him he was still seemed sick even now he's possibly still really sick he's never had a mother in his life he's probably wanted that I'm not sure if he even has friends or even has met other children around his own age besides maybe anna from what it seems this interaction has shown

He knows iron sides been lying to him about life outside of Camelot I'm sure like many others in Camelot he's wanted to go outside and see what it's like out there he knows it can be a scary as his father's describes diodora situation isn't that different from gwaian

He truly isn't going to find answers he seeks there even Arthur lights and him and that's why he's currently in The cauldron the only real way he's going to be able to get Ironside back to normal is with percival's help but due to how this chapter went them being allies doesn't seem like something that's going to happen at least not in part two possibly by the end of part two maybe by part three of diodora realizes that Percival might be the only person who can help him but then we have to look back on what Guinevere said to Ironside

About him dying and deodora's arms are maybe even percivals ???

Not completely sure it's really up in the air with who he'll be dying by

I could see it where it is Percival who does finally kill Ironside for killing his grandfather I could also see it where Ironside dies protecting deodora I could see it where it also chaos turns on iron side and kills him in front of Percival and diodora but diodora still blames Percival possibly having a parallel back to this moment here with Anna

Where he'll never be able to fully forgive Percival

Another theory I have is that iron sight might die before Camelot goals to lions again like we saw in guinevere's vision and it could be the eldora taking his father's place as The Red Knight helping Arthur fight the seven deadly sins with his own fragment of chaos inside of him that actually like to see this happen cuz I think it actually be cool deal Dora even after taking on chaos still thinks that Percival in the sins are the reason his father has completely lost himself and forgot about him and then ended up dying and him not learning the truth till later on down the line after Arthur's defeated or whatever happens with Arthur I don't know this is just a theory not sure if it'll happen it could nakuba likes to pull surprises out of nowhere

Like the surprise of Merlin being in lions I talked about this in another pose but it's clear she's there and that in the vision Guinevere head she's showing up with the other sins to stop Arthur even though I don't think Merlin will be completely on the sins and the four nights side after all chaos is something she looked for for 3,000 years

and even though it might still seem like a mistake that Arthur has it and he and chaos have just become one being similar to how Elizabeth and her past so far one being now both Elizabeth of the past and the princess Elizabeth everyone got to know at this point I also mentioned in another post I don't think we'll be able to save Arthur cuz like I just mentioned he and chaos are just one being now I thought maybe percival's magic could work but there is a still a possibility that maybe iron sides hope for Theodora could still come true maybe life Spirit magic will work on diodora and he did be able to be saved at some point and be healed long enough to at least be able to see what Britannia is like

[larluce]

🤚 can I ask about the Loving the Dragonlord's son summaries??

Summary of the chapters of my still not published merthur fic "Loving the Dragonlord's son", sequel to "Protecting the Dragonlord's son" (SPOILERS!! DON'T READ IF YOU DON'T WANT THEM!!):

Chapter 1: Merthur date and courtship by Arthur. Arthur watching Merlin do magic and giving him magic books. People begin to criticize Arthur for having Merlin so poorly dressed and overworked, so Arthur wants to reduce Merlin's chores and make him dress better, but Merlin doesn't want to. They fight and Arthur lets slip up Merlin actually shouldn't have so much chores and he intentionally overworked him. Merlin gets mad and quits his job.

Chapter 2: Merlin wants to move back in with Gaius, but Arthur convinces him to stay in the antechambers. Merlin still doesn't forgive him thought and refuses to get back to work. Knights, servants, among others, ask him to please forgive the prince, because he's been to bad temper with everyone since they faught. He finally does it. Arthur mentions later there's no progress in the search for Morgana. Merlin remembers he still hasn't told Arthur he poisoned her and feels bad for making a scene about Arthur lying to him, when he's still keeping that secret from him.

Chapter 3: Merlin makes a new friend. A new servant that is from a village close to Ealdor. Jealous Arthur tells him he just wants something from him, but Merlin pays him no mind. It turns out Arthur was right, the servant is a Cenred spy who wanted to recruit Merlin as a spy too. Merlin, of course, doesn't accept the offer and shortly after tells Arthur about the spy, but the spy escapes. Since Merlin denied his offer, Cenred sends his men to be kidnap Hunith. They almost do, but she is rescued by Balinor and they have an emotional reunion.

Chapter 4: Cenred send Uther a letter telling him what he discovered. Uther doesn't really believe any of it, but still has Merlin arrested. Arthur searches for evidence to free him. In his search he meets Balinor again and with his help he finds the spy. Balinor makes Arthur promise he'll tell Merlin about him and they say their goodbyes. Arthur brings the spy to Camelot and he confesses. Merlin is set free. They send back the spy to Cenred. Merlin asks why would Cenred lie about his mom being seeing with the Great Dragon. Arthur tries to tell him the truth, but in the end he can't.

Chapter 5: In one of the searches for Morgana, Arthur finds the courage to tell Merlin about Balinor, but Merlin goes ahead and confesses to Arthur that he poisoned Morgana. Arthur becomes enraged and doesn't speak to him again, not even when they return to Camelot. Merlin receives a letter from his mother telling him about Balinor. Merlin goes to Arthur, excited to finally know something about his father, but he soon realises Arthur already knew and keep that secret from him. They fight again making a public scene. Furious with Arthur and Gaius for lying to him, Merlin moves in with Gwen.

Chapter 6: Everyone thinks that Merlin has lost the prince's favor due to the public scene and the fact Merlin left the prince's antechambers, but both Arthur and Merlin are too busy feeling sorry for theirselfs they don't realise that. Is not until a nobel man attempts to rape Merlin that Arthur realises. Reconciliation. First I love you's and first time.

I'll probably have to split some chapters in two, but for now the summaries are these.

[like-sands-of-time]

Do you think the writers realized that the way Gaius was flipping back and forth between "Merlin you're overreacting/seeing things that aren't there/trying to change the future" and "Merlin the situation is dire/this is definitely what's happening/you alone must do this ~dangerous~ thing"

Combined with the way he is a known sorcerer, not only to the court but to the king, kept like the other magical artifacts for times of injury to the royal family that his magic might be useful

Combined with the way this man picks and chooses when to help magic users escape Camelot unharmed or when to stand by and see them captured/killed

Combined with the way he gaslights the shit out of morgana even after he knows Merlin and Morgana know of her powers

That it All equates to a massively manipulative person????? He's doing everything he can to survive, damn the very real shit going on around him. Oh what's the best course of action for another child of magic born to the same lady Vivienne who's first child you snuck out of camelot? Keep her in the dark, keep her fearful and unaware of her dreams and her powers, but yeah she's Evil now because she chooses to see the good in magic and the evil in the king for killing it (which is just another plot issue but whatever nows not the time).

We can only imagine what Camelot looked like in the days of the dragons and all other magic kind, probably a lot healthier, more vibrant, more prosperous. Nevermind that Gaius got to spend his whole youth with that prosperity, Morgana (and Merlin) surely can't miss something she never had!!!!!!!!!!!

And Merlin! Sure he takes Hunith and Balinor's boy in, because he needs an apprentice, because the circumstances line up, because destiny, whatever the reason. And he cares about Merlin's life enough to sacrifice himself multiple times (only because Merlin is Emrys the god among men, immortal, sworn to serve Arthur the once and future king for all of time) But he does not really help Merlin in the following ten years. The boy who came to Camelot, the opinions he held, the care he had for others, that boy is lost or warped more like through years of Gaius' (and Kilgharrah before they just like changed his personality) careful commentary undermining Merlins beliefs and changing his actions. Then when said actions obviously work out poorly(think, self fulfilling prophecy episodes, episodes where Merlin is convinced to outright lie to Arthur's face, etc) then it's Merlins fault and Gaius is there to comfort him and then they share a funny little moment and everything's fine !!!

Like, did the writers mean to write it like this because ho-ly shit! That's how it reads every single episode. Merlin the young warlock would not have done these things. The boy he was in season one? When confronted with admitting his magic(the thing he was so self conscious of, but so proud of at the same time) or lying to Arthur to his face he would have spoken the truth. Gaius (and Kilgharrah) turned him into a man deceitful manipulative tool, bent on controlling Arthur without ever telling him the truth and letting him make his own mind.

Because that Arthur, the Arthur of season one, would have taken in the knowledge of both Merlin his friend, and morgana his sister, and stood up for them, helped keep them safe, accepted them and their magic. That Arthur clearly loved morgana and Merlin above all else, even though he struggled with saying it, he proved it in his actions. Merlin (through his mentors) TURNs Arthur from magic, when he was willing to save Mordred, willing to sympathize with magic users, to see their worth, to spare them if they did not commit crimes, willing to accept the help of a foreign mage in the caves, and willing to question his father To!! His !! Face!! About the knights code.

You're telling me Merlin would forget about these things, would lie to Arthur that Morgause lied, when he could have just said, hey she showed you your mum, but killing your dad isn't the answer. How FUCKING hard would that have been? This show made Merlin a bad guy, a man against his own kind. that's the real tragedy. Merlin, emrys, would never do these things in season one. He had to be convinced by his mum not to tell Arthur after will died. He was willing to share. The show themselves didn't want it, because it provided comedy(how does Arthur not see!!1!) And angst (how does Arthur not see !?!)

[justalittleobsessed]

🧡 A Little Fanfic for You... Or My Fic Masterlist ✍️

Fandoms: Merlin, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (all iterations)

Total Fic Count: 31

Main Fic RN: When the Thunder and Lightning Comes (I Know That You'll Be by My Side)

All fics can be found on AO3!

*Last updated October of 2024!

Merlin:

How to Reveal Your Magic Because You Have No Sense Of Self Preservation Whatsoever: A Guide By Merlin Emrys

A series of unrelated one-shots and short stories about Merlin revealing his magic because both he and all his friends are idiots. Also, Merlin, for the life of him, has no sense of self-preservation at all and I try to embody that in these fics.

Series info as of November 2023:

Not completed

10 works (listed below)

Best + Bitter = Better (one-shot, 2,637 words, part 1 of How to Reveal Your Magic series)

This was actually happening. They were being serious. They were actually being completely, utterly serious.

“You can’t actually believe this.” He gestured wildly to the group of people in front of them. Well, as best as he could tied up. This was one of the most ridiculous things he had ever heard. This was… this was… he didn’t even know. “This is complete bullshit.”

“Emrys was clear in his instructions. You must be sacrificed in order to bring peace to Albion”

OR

The one where Merlin has had enough of everyone's shit.

Ironically Alive (one-shot, 3,139 words, part 2 of How to Reveal Your Magic series)

Gwaine smiled that way he does when he wants to tick Arthur off. So really, it was his normal smile. “Seemed like a perfectly reasonable detail to point out.” He flipped his hair to the side, turning to face Arthur.

“Perfectly reasonable?!”

Behind Merlin, he heard some of the bandits shifting, whispering to one another. He was pretty sure it went along the lines of ‘what in the hell is going on’ and ‘there can’t actually be that many mysterious magical druids with blue cloaks that talk about destiny and give out magical red amulets to help stop enchantments that one sorcerer meets’, which, unfortunately, was sad and accurately true.

OR

Merlin is never relaxing ever again. He was going to make sure of that after this shit.

Pick Your Poison (Literally) (one-shot, 2,469 words, part 3 of How to Reveal Your Magic series)

So. That… just happened. Leon, in his lifetime, had witnessed many strange, unbelievable, and frankly quite concerning things. When one lived in Camelot, and was friends with both Arthur and Merlin, one usually got into a lot of crazy and unbelievable situations. And Leon was no exception.

But this. This had to take the cake. “Merlin.”

He hummed in response. It was entirely too calm. “Why did you just drink poison?” Fire, no literal fire and chaos reigned around them.

“It seemed like the reasonable thing to do at the time.”

And yet, he found himself not surprised in the slightest.

Leon pinched the bridge of his nose, feeling the oncoming headache behind his eyes. Goddamn fucking stubborn idiot.

OR

Merlin decides poisoning himself is the best way to prove a point. Leon is just tired. So tired.

Caves and Valleys and Magic, Oh My! (one-shot, 2,603 words, part 4 of How to Reveal Your Magic series)

Merlin stepped back. He was… appalled. Shocked. Angry. Slightly hungry. MAD. Who did they think they were?!

“Excuse me?!” Arthur screeched. “Merlin has magic?!”

“Yes.” Leon deadpanned. “Now please, Merlin.”

How did he get here? How did this happen to him? Why was his life like this? He just wanted to be in his nice warm bed and instead he was soaked, stuck in a magical cave, and made to listen to his friends reveal all his secrets.

Right. Sounded about accurate.

OR

Merlin just wants to be home. Unfortunately, it seems like everyone else his different ideas. Typical.

Let's Do the Time Warp (Hopefully Not Again) (two-shot, 9,946 words, part 5 of How to Reveal Your Magic series)

“Merlin, mate. He’s not lying. I wish you two were married. I, for one, would be your best man, obviously.”

"Poetry," Leon mumbled behind him, "Goddamned poetry."

Merlin gave him another startled look-voice rising in distress. “You were my best man!”

Oh, how thoughtful. Too bad he doesn't remember.

Gwaine gave him a thumbs up. "Okay."

OR

Gwaine is generally confused about everything that is going on. Merlin, on the other hand, just wants to go back to his NORMAL, totally STRESS-FREE life. Hahaha.

Just Another Tuesday (one-shot, 3,104 words, part 6 of How to Reveal Your Magic series)

Arthur… really didn’t understand what was happening here. Look, he was generally confused by Merlin most of the time - the man was a riddle wrapped in an enigma with a side of sass to boot. But this was too much, even by his manservant’s standards.

“No. I refuse to believe this. You,” He pointed at the woman, who had just been walking on water, and then to Merlin, who had just kissed the lady who was walking on water, “and you are not married.”

Merlin and Freya held out their hands. Rings that formed out of water moved onto their previously empty ring fingers.

“Oh,” Merlin said, like an ass, “I think we are.”

OR

Arthur just wants to be in bed. It seems the entire world is against that idea.

Today Has Been Like... Torture (one-shot, 2,299 words, part 7 of How to Reveal Your Magic series)

“Wait a minute… Do you have a pit of fire?”

The shack they were in was very small. Very cramped, and very much smelling of blood. They both looked around the room as if a pit of fire would suddenly appear. Merlin hoped a pit of fire would suddenly appear. That would make getting kidnapped on a Sunday worth it.

Murder Man looked at the ground sadly. “No.” His voice was quiet, sad. So disappointing. A pit of fire would’ve really spiced things up.

OR

Merlin is positively bored. Sounds like a great time to get tortured, of course.

Call It Like It Is (one-shot, 2,900 words, part 8 of How to Reveal Your Magic series)

“How do you…” Arthur wiggles his fingers, like he’s teaching magic to a five-year-old, “conjure the fire?”

“Oh, that’s easy,” Merlin starts, because what the fuck else does he have to do, and Lancelot just looks at him with that stupid look he always does when Merlin’s about to say something particularly stupid- “I call it forth from the deepest pits of hell.”

OR

Everyone may know about Merlin's magic, but nobody knows what he's actually capable of. Merlin decides that this is a great advantage when your boyfriend is an idiot.

To Be a God (one-shot, 2,419 words, part 9 of How to Reveal Your Magic series)

“Bow before me,” The sorcerer announces from his perch atop a pile of rubble, “for I am the Mighty Emrys, and I am a god.” It’s not a very mighty perch for someone who claims to be a god. In fact, it’s a very sad, unremarkable perch. Or maybe he’s just a sad, unremarkable man.

“No, I’m Emrys.” Merlin bites back.

“Maybe… we’re all Emrys.” Gwaine breathes out. Gwaine, Merlin thinks, really needs to shut his mouth.

OR

The one where someone claims to be Emrys, and Merlin decides to put him in his place.

Just a Minor Accident (one-shot, 2,431 words, part 10 of How to Reveal Your Magic series)

“I’m sorry... I must’ve misheard you. What the hell did you just say?” This can’t be real. This cannot possibly be real. He must be hallucinating. Hearing things. Maybe he’s finally lost it. That would make more sense than this.

Gwaine grins back at him with a somewhat manic smile. Merlin tries to sink deeper into his bed. “I said that we accidentally raised the dead.” No. He heard right.

OR

The Knights raise the dead. Merlin just wants one full night of sleep, please.

The Once and Future Reign (one-shot, 7,034 words, part 1 of In Another Time series)

It started with Merlin. It always starts with Merlin.

Just One Yesterday (chapter story w/ 4 chapters, 24,076 words, on hiatus)

Merlin had waited a long, long, long time for the return of Arthur. Maybe even the knights or Gwen. What he wasn't prepared for was an ancient evil rising up to destroy the world. He certainly wasn't prepared for six new occupants in his house, who had no idea how to navigate the new world around them. But, he could handle it. After all, he was the most powerful being on the planet. How hard could it be?

Auribus Teneo Lupum (chapter story w/ 1 chapter, 5,691 words, on hiatus)

Morgana had unleashed something onto this world that had shaken Merlin to his core. Something cold and dark and not at all right. It swirled and settled inside of him, mocking his magic.

No matter what happened in the next few days, Merlin knew that nothing would ever be the same.

The Remnants of a Warlock (one-shot, 6,588 words)

Merlin sees everybody he has ever held close to his heart die off one by one. But he always moves on. He has to. So he locks it up and keep moving, because that's what he does. It's what he'll always do.

OR

The one where Merlin watches as all his friends die. He might see them live, too.

TMNT:

Move Along

Mikey's got this bad habit of dying, and his brothers got this bad habit of not liking that. Mikey would appreciate it if his brothers would stop caring so much, and his brothers would appreciate it if he could start caring about it a whole lot more.

It's gonna be a wild ride.

Series info as of November 2023:

Not completed

2 works (listed below)

I Get Knocked Down (But I Get Up Again) (chapter story w/ 50 chapters, 131,830 words, completed)

Mikey lives, and Mikey dies. He’s been doing it for years, and yeah, sure it’s not his favorite thing to do, but it’s whatever. It’s nothing to worry about. He’s not worried about it. He just hopes his brothers never find out, ‘cause he has a feeling that they’d way overreact.

OR

Mikey’s died a bunch of times and is totally Okay™ with this. His brothers? Not so much.

When the Thunder and Lightning Comes (I Know That You'll Be by My Side) (chapter story w/ 18 chapters, 50,102 words, updates frequently, side story to main fic)

Mikey lives, and Mikey dies. His brothers live too, although they don't die, and find it very concerning that Mikey continuously and worryingly continues to do so without caring. They'll get Mikey to understand that maybe that's not all that great... as soon as they figure out what's going on, that is.

OR

Mikey keeps dying. His brothers would greatly appreciate it if he would stop doing that, please.

On Some Days (one-shot, 2,431 words, TMNT - All Media Types)

Sometimes, if he listened closely enough, he could hear their voices. Not often, not often enough, but sometimes.

It's too Quiet. He misses the Loud.

Life Could Be a Dream (chapter story w/ 9 chapters, 35,678 words, TMNT 2003, TMNT 2012, TMNT IDW, completed)

"Hey Raphie..."

"And that's another thing," he adds, narrowing his eyes, "since when do you call me Raphie?"

Since forever. He wants to say. But that was before, and this is now. He thinks he might kinda hate now.

OR

Mikey, being Mikey, finds trouble. It's just that this trouble seems to involve him being human. It also seems to involve him not talking to his brothers, or having a dad, or being a ninja. So there's that. But all those things can be fixed, right? Something's telling him it's not gonna be as easy as it sounds.

Awaiting Your Arrival (With Simple Survival) (one-shot, 3,481 words, TMNT 2012)

Michelangelo runs into Dimension X with a goal in mind and an unwavering faith that his family will follow right behind him. Except Dimension X screws up that from the very beginning. And keeps continuing to screw up. Again, and again, and again.

OR

Mikey learns how to survive.

Whumptober 2023

Michelangelo-centric whumptober fics!

Series info:

Completed

11 works (listed below)

If Only the World Could Stop Spinning (one-shot, 2,019 words, part 1 of Whumptober 2023, TMNT - All Media Types)

Denial Only Gets You So Far (one-shot, 1,569 words, part 2 of Whumptober 2023, TMNT - All Media Types)

All That Burning (one-shot, 1,058 words, part 3 of Whumptober 2023, TMNT 2012)

Just a Flesh Wound (one-shot, 3,301 words, part 4 of Whumptober 2023, TMNT - All Media Types)

Under Pressure (one-shot, 2,965 words, part 5 of Whumptober 2023, TMNT - All Media Types)

A Survivor's Guilt (one-shot, 833 words, part 6 of Whumptober 2023, TMNT - The Last Ronin)

Don't Go Silent on Me (one-shot, 2,846 words, part 7 of Whumptober 2023, TMNT - All Media Types)

Actions Have Consequences (one-shot, 3,524 words, part 8 of Whumptober 2023, TMNT 2003)

Something Old, Something Treasured (one-shot, 3,517 words, part 9 of Whumptober 2023, TMNT 2003)

Broken Promises (one-shot, 2,228 words, part 10 of Whumptober 2023, TMNT - The Last Ronin)

Not the Best of Days (one-shot, 3,926 words, part 11 of Whumptober 2023, TMNT - All Media Types)

Whumptober 2024

More Michelangelo-centric whumptober fics!

Series info:

In progress

1 work (listed below)

Just Out of Time (one-shot, 771 words, part 1 of Whumptober 2024, TMNT 2018)

[merlinfanficrecs]

Hi!! Loving what you've posted recently: do you have any recs for things that are a bit longer than that? Like 10k words or more? About anything really!

Hello! Here's some I found in my ao3 bookmarks!

The Problem with Power by BookshopLaura

Arthur is cursed. But he doesn't feel threatened by a curse that Merlin will do exactly as he's told. Until he's faced with the true consequence of that power.

Truths, Wounded and Worn by poetic_emrys

Arthur wasn't meant to see Merlin's magic in the last moments of battle, but he did.

Merlin wasn't meant to take the arrow fired at Arthur, but he did.

Maybe they can find the truth in all of it. Maybe not.

To the Brows Laid in Thorn and Weapons Made of Words by ificouldwrite

Arthur finds out about Merlin's magic prior to the events of season 5 and post-season 4. He goes into sullen silence to punish Merlin for lying to him, leaving Merlin in the interim of "does he want me dead or does he just need time?"

It leaves Merlin spiraling and Arthur to deal with the heart of Camelot, his heart, to deal with it.

I Will Send Out An Army To Find You by TheBlackShadow1210

Morgana is prepared to do anything to get rid of her brother, but all of her plans haven’t worked out so far. She knows what to do to change it. After all, what would Arthur not do to save his own servant? Locked in the place where his nightmares come to life, Merlin can only hope the king of Camelot can save him before he loses his mind, and himself, in the process.

Or

The Dark Tower episode but make it Merthur.

______________________________________________________________

Let me know if you'd like more!

[gainprincess]

"..."

"I know you know where he is, Elder Sister. Tell me."

This standoff is unusually tense, despite the fact that they're both easily over a ton in flab.

King Arthur and the sorceress Morgan Le Fay. Sisters (once), enemies, rivals, fools. They cannot overcome this feud, no matter how hard Ruler tries, Morgan will always push back.

She could never take things lying down, after all. Always something. Even when she was young, and Morgan was just her caring older sister, she'd always tell Artoria to keep herself strong, and how one must always have the last word.

"I'm surprised you care enough to want that information. It's your negligence that put him here to begin with, you know."

Morgan knows that she's not being fair to her sister. But that doesn't matter at this point, does it?

"Perhaps if you'd tried to be a father for once in your life, fool, he'd be less of a broken mess."

"I didn't prey on his deepest insecurities and bubbling hatreds, digging under his skin and applying pressure on him to make him reveal himself at a time that was unfitting and unwarranted. I didn't raise him as a living weapon, treating him like a horse with all stick and barely any carrot!"

Rage is building inside her now, rage far unlike any she's felt towards Morgan before.

"You will hold your tongue."

"Or what, you'll murder me again? Good luck with that; The only good thing you ever produced can't help you this time, because he's fucking missing!"

She's spitting now, in a white-hot rage she's never felt before. Magical energy that's so strong it's visible rolls off her body, quaking the air around her as she steps towards the other woman.

"Neither of us were good fucking parents, Morgan, and that's probably partially because I was barely human to begin with! It's my fault that Camelot burned. It's my fault that Mordred was even raised by a hellspawn like you! I wish I'd known sooner. Then maybe I could've done something about it! But no, I was too focused on being a perfect king! A wonderful king! Do you know what that does to someone, Sister?!"

"Artoria, what you fail to realize is-"

"No! I don't fail to realize anything! I am starkly aware of my many failings, and as a matter of fact, Morgan, go fuck yourself! Tell me where my son is! Maybe one of us can get it right this time, instead of causing another fucking Camlann! Now give my boy back before I rip you in two and feed the fucking remains to the lions!"

"You'd not dare."

"Do you feel lucky enough to test that theory?"

A flick of her flabby wrists causing her mana-sharpened playing cards to appear in her hand, fanned outward like she's just about to toss them right through Morgan's skull.

"We can play ball if you need it that bad."

"...Hm. I like this new you, Artoria."

Morgan's voice gains an odd lilt to it, one that's not really describable...Almost like sordid affection, in how it's nearly genuine. But only nearly.

"He's in the Moon Cancer Hall. I would recommend informing Martha before your visit; The AI is most frightful of her and her abilities, and will likely be distracted before she can bother you. From there, lure him to Jeanne Alter."

"You're not helping?"

"Why would I? He's your son, isn't he? He's none of my concern. Remember this much, Artoria: We will never be sisters again."

"Get the hell out of my sight, Morgan. Before I make good on my promise."

As the Berserker lumbers away, Ruler stands stock still, cards still aimed at the back of the woman's head, looking for any signs of deceit or pomp...

It's only when she rounds the corner, and Artoria's sure that she's alone, that she collapses to her knees from stress, burying her head in her hands.

"What the hell is wrong with me...?"

"...So it worked."

Behind a wall, a certain maid completes his recon, slowly packing up his listening equipment into his suitcase as he makes for the Caster Hall.

"Mistress Merlin will be pleased that her plan was successful...This doesn't seem like her, though..."

He'll report to her anyway, though; She did ask for that.

[legends-of-time]

Amelia’s Story (BBC Merlin Story)

Chapter 52: Lamia

Masterlist

Amelia's POV

Gwen arrives with an old friend of hers, Mary Howden, who's travelled from Longstead to Camelot and had requested an audience with the King.

Arthur agrees to it and they gather in his Chambers. Amelia sits across from where Mary and Gwen sit, the latter holding the former's hand.

Arthur had been insistent that Amelia join them, likely trying to make up for his behaviour with what happened with Gaius though he had been happy to do anything for Amelia since she announced her engagement to Percival. Some would argue that he's happy for them, but Amelia suspects he is in this perceived notion that he might lose her though Amelia doesn't know how that would happen.

"Guinevere informs us that you live in Longstead in the Fiore Mountains, is that right?" Arthur asks as he paces around the table, coming around to stand at the end of the table and leans on the back of a chair.

"That's right, Sire." Mary replies. "Our Village, we're blighted by a sickness. Three good men it has taken now. We have no Physician, Sire. It is beyond our understanding."

"I see."

"Forgive me. I have no right to bring such a small matter before the King." Mary says apologetically.

Amelia quickly shakes her head. "You have every right."

Arthur sits. "It's my responsibility to protect the people of this Kingdom, whoever they may be." He adds.

"You'll help us?" Mary asks.

"We'll do whatever we can." Amelia reassures her.

Mary looks hopefully at Gwen and touches her hand.

——

Amelia and Arthur go to Gaius who's in his Chambers with Merlin. Merlin cares for a sick patient lying in one of the beds while Gaius speaks with Arthur and Amelia.

"This is the fourth case of sweating sickness I've seen today." Gaius says after they tell him the situation. "In normal circumstances, I'd be happy to travel to this Village to investigate, but—"

"Of course. We understand." Amelia interrupts.

"Might I make a suggestion? Why not send Merlin in my place?" Gaius says.

Merlin looks at Gaius in surprise. To be honest, that's not a bad idea.

"Merlin?" Arthur questions, sounding dubious. Amelia whacks his arm.

"He has a knowledge of the healing arts. If the diagnosis is straightforward, he can prescribe a remedy, I'm sure." Gaius argues.

"And what if it isn't?"

"Arthur, have more faith in him." Amelia reprimands. "If he can't treat them, he can easily bring his findings to Gaius."

"'Findings'? Merlin can't find his own backside most of the time." Arthur scoffs. Merlin's not pleased by the comment and neither is Amelia who gives Arthur a pointed look.

"I think he's capable of much more than you imagine, Sire." Gaius insists.

Arthur actually thinks for a moment before turning to Gaius. "Do you really think he'll be able to... handle the responsibility?"

"Yes, Sire. I do."

——

Amelia and Anne watch on as Merlin anxiously reads a book on medicine as Gaius potters around.

"Honestly Merlin, you're making me anxious, and I know you'll be fine." Amelia remarks.

"Do you really think I can do this?" Merlin questions them.

"We know you can." Anne retorts.

"I'm not a Physician. I don't have anything like the knowledge Gaius does."

"You've been working for me for many years, Merlin. I suspect you know more than you think you do." Gaius argues.

"I just do what you tell me to do." Merlin counters. "I don't have to make the decisions myself. These people will be putting their lives in my hands."

Amelia rolls her eyes fondly. "And that doesn't happen every day? All of us put our lives in your hands, Merlin, though not all may know it. You're the one who holds the fate of this Kingdom in the balance."

"That's different." Merlin tries. "That doesn't require a lifetime of learning, just—"

"Intelligence, Courage, compassion." Gaius finishes with a smile.

"Besides," Anne says, "we're going to be parents soon, Merlin. Better learn the responsibility of having someone's life in your hand sooner rather than later." She pats his shoulder. "I have faith in you. Gaius and Amelia have faith in you. And Arthur, even if he won't say it out loud. That should be enough."

Merlin smiles at her. "Thank you. But that does not mean I'm letting you come with me."

Anne pouts at that, dropping her hand from his shoulder and her supportive wife act. "I'll be fine! This baby isn't coming for a while."

"Well, I'm sorry." Merlin says, not looking sorry. "But I would rather you be at home and resting and taking care of yourself. Besides, we don't know what this sickness even is. The last thing that we need is for you and the baby to both get sick."

"It'll be fine." Amelia reassures her. "You can stay with me and to protect Arthur by keeping an eye on Agravaine."

——

Merlin leaves the next day along with Gwen, Mary, Leon, Percival, Gwaine and Elyan. Amelia spends the next couple of days helping Gaius since he's down an assistant, with the sweating sickness. She begins to worry when after two days the Longstead group do not return and there's no word to explain the delay. Amelia gathers with Arthur, Agravaine, Anne and Gaius in the Council Chambers.

"It's been two days. They should be back by now." Arthur says.

"There must be some delay at Longstead, Sire." Agravaine says in his usual grating voice.

Amelia narrows her eyes at him. "If there was a delay, they would have sent word and yet we hear nothing." She says passive aggressively.

"Then it must be the bridge is down at Brekfer River." Agravaine retorts, glaring at her.

Arthur unknowingly interrupts their glaring match. "No, I already checked. Patrol passed through there yesterday."

Gaius gives Amelia a reproachful look causing Amelia to roll her eyes.

"Well, should I send some scouts out to search for them?" Agravaine suggests.

Arthur ignores him, much to Amelia's glee. "Gaius, is your work done here?"

"Yes, Sire, I'm satisfied the sweating sickness is all but passed." Gaius replies.

"Then we leave for Longstead at first light." Arthur announces.

"I'm coming with you." Anne declares.

Amelia looks at her alarmed. "No."

"But..."

"If something has happened to Merlin, I doubt he'd appreciate it if we brought you and the baby into the danger." Amelia argues.

Anne rolls her eyes but relents.

——

Amelia, Arthur, Agravaine, Gaius and more Knights leave Camelot the next day.

They ride through the forest before Arthur suddenly pauses and sends out a scout before dismounting. Amelia quickly does the same then hurriedly walks over to him with Gaius following.

"Is anything wrong, Sire?" Gaius asks.

Arthur puts up a hand, quietening him. "Listen. No birdsong." He whispers.

Amelia looks around and realises what Arthur meant. Besides them, there's literally no sound. "Nothing." She murmurs quietly. "Absolute silence."

The scout comes back. "Sire!" He whispers.

Arthur draws his sword and Amelia does the same. The group follow the scout slowly till they come across a shocking sight. It's a camp but corpses are lying scattered on the forest floor. They begin to look around and Amelia notices something strange about the bodies.

"Does anything strike you as odd about these bodies?" Arthur questions as he turns the head of one man who leans against a tree.

"Yes, Sire." Gaius agrees. "There's not a mark on them."

"Not so much as a scratch." Amelia adds.

"Over here, My Lord!" Agravaine calls.

"Southron slave traders by the looks of it." Arthur observes as they approach where Agravaine stands beside a damaged wagon.

"What were they transporting? Some kind of an animal?" Her uncle questions.

Gaius points out scratch marks on the wood. "No, these marks were made by humans."

"Looks like they fought hard to get out of there." Amelia observes.

The sound of moaning interrupts their conversation. One of the Southrons is still alive. Arthur, Amelia and Gaius rush over to check on him.

"Can he be treated?" Arthur questions the Physician.

"I... I could try, Sire. But I'll need time and somewhere to work." Gaius replies.

"He comes with us!" Arthur calls to the rest of the group before lowering his voice, "We'll make Longstead in a matter of hours."

——

"Spread out and speak to everyone. Someone must know something." Arthur says to the Knights, who nod and depart. They had arrived at Longstead to find that Merlin, Gwen, Percival, Leon, Elyan and Gwaine are nowhere to be seen.

Agravaine comes over to them and Amelia, for the first time and hopefully, the last time, turns to him eagerly for any news he's found. Not seeing her fiancé and friends anywhere has caused her to panic.

"Did you speak to the Village Eder?" Arthur asks him.

"It seems they left yesterday morning." Agravaine replies.

"Where are they headed?"

"Camelot, My Lord."

"Then how have we not found them?!" Amelia cries worriedly. Not only is Anne's husband and father of her child out there but also Amelia's fiancé.

"Something must've happened." Arthur says.

"We can't go after them tonight." Agravaine tells him.

Amelia looks at her uncle in outrage. "Yes, we can! We must!"

"He's right, Amelia." Arthur says softly.

"But Arthur, anything could've happened to them!" Amelia insists. "Something is wrong!"

"We ride at dawn, as soon as possible." Arthur promises her. He turns to Agravaine, "See that the men are prepared."

"Sire." He walks away.

"We will find them." Arthur promises.

Amelia nods, knowing he'll keep to this promise as he himself is worried about Gwen.

——

"Any luck with the Southron?" Arthur asks as Gaius enters a small side room of the tending hut. It's just him and Amelia in the room. Thankfully, Agravaine has left them alone meaning Amelia gets a break from the presence of her uncle.

"I've done my best, Sire." Gaius sighs. "His condition is perilous, but he lives."

"Did you find out anything about what happened?" Amelia asks.

"He is a slave trader, as suspected. They were travelling south with a girl." Gaius replies.

"Did he say what happened to them?" Arthur asks.

"He claims they fell under some kind of spell. Quarrels and fights broke out among them. They began to suspect the girl of bewitching them. Seems they were right."

Amelia frowns. "Why? What happened?"

"The girl escaped and killed them all but him."

"How's that possible? She's just one girl." Arthur persists.

"Not a girl, Sire. A lamia." Gaius corrects.

"A lamia?"

"A creature of magic. In their wars with the ancient Kings, the High Priestesses of the Old Religion took the blood from a girl and mingled it with that of a serpent. The creatures they created had ferocious powers. They could control the mind of a man, suck the life from him with a single embrace." Gaius explains.

"That's why the men didn't have wounds." Amelia realises. "She just sucked the life out of them."

"The lamia proved more deadly than their makers had ever imagined." Gaius continues. "They could transform at will and become hideous monsters. And they kept on killing. They would not stop."

"So, this girl, this creature, is still out there somewhere..." Arthur frowns.

"No." Amelia shakes her head. "Not somewhere, she's with Merlin, Gwen, Percival and the others. That's the only reason they'd not be back in Camelot, if she was controlling the Knights to get them to go elsewhere..."

"At first light, we head out." Arthur orders.

——

Arthur leads his horse as he and the other Knights track the horse prints they're following. Amelia and Agravaine follow on horseback.

Arthur stops, examining the ground. "Six horses... running east... tracks are no more than a day old." Arthur mounts and they ride off.

Amelia eagerly kicks her horse forward, renewed hope filling her. However, it's soon dashed when they reach the end of the trail. They dismount to have a closer look, but their fears are confirmed.

"Tracks stop here." Arthur observes.

"I fear we're wasting our time, Sire. For all we know, they could've gone back to Camelot already." The slimy snake she, unfortunately, has to call uncle speaks up.

Amelia narrows her eyes, glaring at him as Arthur's back is to the both of them. "They can't be as why would the tracks be heading east instead of west?"

Agravaine clenches his teeth, glaring at her. "Could be that we're following the wrong tracks. Any number of people pass through these woods." He retorts.

"It was them. I know it was." Arthur then argues.

"Maybe we should go back to Longstead, try again in the morning." Agravaine tries again.

"By morning, they could all be dead." Amelia hisses at him. "Or is that what you want, uncle?"

Arthur gives her a warning look over his shoulder, but Agravaine simply grits his teeth at her as he says, "Of course not, Amelia." He turns to Arthur. "But they're Knights of Camelot, My Lord, more than capable of looking after themselves."

"Maybe so, but you're forgetting one thing, Uncle. Guinevere and Merlin are with them." Arthur reminds him, giving Amelia a quick glance.

Agravaine nods solemnly, though only Amelia is aware that it is fake. "I realise that, Sire."

"I don't think you do." Amelia snaps at him.

Arthur thinks for a moment then turns to his Knights. "Fan out, see what you can find."

Amelia eagerly looks around, hoping to find something but she can't see anything. She frowns, thinking. Surely Merlin would've left either her or Anne something. It comes to her then and she looks at the ground, concentrating. Amelia glances back before looking at the ground again just before her eyes flash gold to make sure none of the others are looking at her.

She smirks to herself. She can see them. The tracks. Merlin had enchanted them just as she hoped he would. He's left a direct line for them to follow. But to make sure there are no questions, she squints, her eyes flashing again and a branch or two in the distance breaks.

"Arthur!" She calls. He looks at her and she points ahead of them but to the side. "I see some broken branches in the distance."

Arthur looks in that direction and spots them. He turns to the rest of the group, "This way! There're branches broken!"

They all remount their horses and head in that direction. Agravaine is frowning, clearly unhappy while Amelia smiles proudly to herself for realising what Merlin had done.

——

They continue following the tracks. Well, Amelia is, the others are following the odd branch she breaks and horse prints she presses into the mud.

"Agravaine! Amelia!" Arthur calls from just ahead.

"Arthur?" Amelia questions as she quickly brings her horse over to him with Agravaine not far behind. Arthur holds up a cloth scrap from a broken tree. Amelia immediately recognises whose it is. "That's Gwen's."

"How can you be certain?" Agravaine asks.

"It's from her tunic. I'd know it anywhere. We must be close." Arthur rides off with Amelia eagerly sprinting after him.

——

They reach an opening in the trees to find a Castle standing in the distance. Hopefully, they're in there. Amelia quickly steers her horse towards the Castle with the others following after them. They reach the Castle and Amelia immediately jumps off her horse and charges inside with Arthur yelling after her.

She hears the sounds of roaring and screaming and follows them as she goes deeper into the Castle. Amelia comes to a screeching halt at the mouth of one of the hallways and feels her stomach drop at the sight of a giant green tentacle creature hovering over Merlin and Gwen, ready to strike.

Not giving herself another second to think, Amelia rears her arm back and throws the spear. It flies through the air before hitting its target in the middle of the creature's back. It screams in pain, but it topples forwards as it dies.

Amelia steps cautiously forward, checking for any movement. Gwen scrambles to her feet and runs to her, wrapping her in a hug causing Amelia to let out a relieved laugh.

"Amelia!" She hears Arthur's voice call out as she hears him reach the corridor they stand in.

Gwen pulls away from Amelia. "Arthur!" Gwen jumps into his arms. He laughs while hugging her back.

Amelia smiles at them before turning to Merlin, helping him up. She wraps him in a hug too. "It's good to see you, Merlin."

"You too."

Amelia pulls back and is concerned when she can't see any of the Knights nearby. "Where's Percival?"

Amelia doesn't like the way Merlin nods solemnly. "This way."

He brings her to a blocked off room but gives it a quick blast to open it. Amelia feels her heart drop when she finds Leon and Percival lying on the floor unconscious. She runs over to Percival.

She says his name, shaking him. He doesn't wake so she checks his pulse. She's relieved to find one.

"The Lamia got him. We need to get them to Gaius." Merlin tells her.

She nods, moving to get Arthur and the Knights they brought with them so that they can transport Percival and Leon, and probably Gwaine and Elyan too, to Longstead and Gaius.

——

Percival's POV

Percival wakes to find Amelia standing over him. He sighs in relief at the sight of her. "Amelia..."

Instead of a smile, he receives a frown. Her blue eyes guarded. "Gaius gave you and the others the same compound that cured the Villagers. We're fortunate that we got to you when we did."

"You're upset." Percival feels too weak to stand so he reaches out his hand to Amelia and she allows him to grip her hand. "What is it?"

"Merlin and Gwen told me what happened." Oh.

Percival winces when the memories of how he behaved under Lamia's spell. How he physically and verbally threatened Merlin and Gwen to some extent.

"I know it wasn't your fault as the Lamia had got to you, trust me Arthur has been enchanted quite a few times and I've learned not to blame him for things, but..."

"What?"

"That doesn't completely excuse how you treated Merlin and Gwen, Merlin especially." Amelia says, frowning. "I saw what happened, Merlin showed me."

"I'm sorry, Amelia."

"I know you are." Amelia reassures him. "I've just never seen you like that before so it's going to take time, okay?"

"Okay." Percival brings her hand to his mouth and kisses it. This brings a small but warm smile from Amelia. They'll be okay.

——

A/N: Please leave comments on how you're enjoying this story and what you think.