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ramblings-of-a-chaotic-neutral · 4 months ago

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Hello everyone! I'm back with another Merlin au! This one is a horror-themed au for spooky season! Enjoy!

This au is Inspired by the story of King Pedro I of Portugal and Ines de Castro (which is a heartbreaking story that deserves to have more people talking about it), and it's set in a world where Merlin and Arthur are already together in season 3. After a magic reveal gone wrong, Merlin's magic was revealed while Uther was still alive, leading to Uther ordering Merlin's execution while Arthur was away on a hunting trip. When Arthur returns, he's met with the news of Merin's death, but he refuses to believe such horrible news until he rushes into Gaius's chambers, screaming for Merlin, only to find Gaius and Gwen sobbing over Merlin's body.

Arthur is overcome by grief and, after a few hours sitting in Gaius's chambers staring at Merlin's unnaturally still form with tears streaming down his face, Arthur marches off to face his father, to make him pay for his crimes. Uther is, of course, furious over Arthur getting so worked up over a treacherous sorcerer, but Arthur fights him like a madman, fueled by grief and rage.

In the end, Arthur wins the duel, and while the shocked lords and knights watching the whole ordeal were expecting Arthur to run his father through with is blade, Arthur does something that no one expects. He uses his blade to carve open Uther's chest, cutting out his heart, saying that Uther had been so heartless as to take Arthur's love from him, this ought to be his fate.

While the lords and knights were all shocked and horrified at the display, there was little they could do besides acknowledge the prince as their new ruler. Within a couple days, Uther's funeral and Arthur's coronation were organized, but Arthur still felt numb, even as the crown was placed on his head. He could almost feel the empty consort's throne next to him, where Merlin was always supposed to be, mocking him viciously.

But then, an idea formed in Arthur's not-quite-sane-anymore mind. Merlin had always deserved to sit at his side, to be honored as any consort to a king should be. Arthur had to see this through, to ensure that Merlin received the honors that he was denied during life.

Arthur ordered the servants to, under Gaius's supervision, collect Merlin's body, dress him in royal robes, and have him carried to the throne room. There was no way to make any of this right again, no way to make Arthur feel whole once more, but there was a way to make sure that Merlin's memory and all that he meant to Arthur lived on.

When the doors to the throne room finally opened, shocked and horrified gasps rose up from the assembled court at the sight that awaited them. There, being carried in on a stone slab, lay Merlin's pale, prone body, dressed in royal finery from Arthur's own wardrobe. His colorless pallor against the rich red robes created a striking and distinctly disturbing contrast, which was only heightened by the colorful jewelry that accompanied the outfit.

Arthur imagined what a magnificent sight Merlin would have made if he were alive and yearned for such a vision with all of his heart. But the reality of the situation was as grim as the expressions of the knights carrying Merlin's body. Merlin was gone, taking Arthur heart and all of his joy with him, and all that was left for Arthur to feel was somber determination to make at least one thing right: Merlin would be honored and remembered as a king.

The crowd's shocked whispering didn't cease as the procession passed them and made its way towards the thrones, reverently placing the slab in front of the steps to the throne, but they were shocked into silence as Arthur picked up Merlin's body and cradled him gently before carrying him over to the consort's throne and placing him on it with the greatest care.

The court was silenced at the disturbing sight of a limp body sitting in the queen's throne, but horrified gasps shot up from the crowd as the king suddenly turned around to face them, his eyes bloodshot and glaring at them all.

"You, all of you, stood by and let my father do this! And now, you will show your respect to the man you had forsaken. Merlin was everything to me, and I never had any intention to rule without him by my side. Living or dead, if I am king, then so is he."

Arthur slowly made his way back to his own throne and sat down, a picture of royal power. His eyes darted over to Merlin for a second, before shifting back over the crowd. Still, was it just Arthur's desperate imagination, or was there now a slight flush in Merlin's skin that wasn't there earlier?

"Just as you all knelt before me and took an oath of fealty, you will do the same for him. You will give him all of the honor he deserved in life."

At first, the lords in attendance just looked at him in utter disbelief, but the fierce glare Arthur sent them confirmed that the king was being entirely serious. Slowly, each of the lords knelt before the consort's throne, not daring to look up at the disturbing sight before them, and recited their oaths of fealty, feeling the king's burning gaze on them all the while.

Finally, after all of the lords had taken their oaths, a pale Geoffrey presented Arthur with the consort's crown, a treasure that had not been seen by anyone since Ygraine's passing. Arthur gingerly lifted the crown and made his way over to Merlin.

As he stepped closer, Arthur wanted to weep. Perhaps it was some cruel trick his mind was playing on him, put it looked like Merlin's color had returned to him, making him appear like he was only sleeping, like he would wake up and everything would be fine again.

Taking a steadying breath to hold his tears at bay, Arthur finally stepped right in front of Merlin, holding the crown over his motionless head. It wasn't fair, Arthur decided. It wasn't fair that Arthur had finally become king, was finally in a place where he could openly profess his love for Merlin, but Merlin wasn't here by his side to see it!

Still, he could let everyone else see his love for Merlin. Slowly, he lowered the crown onto Merlin's head, letting rest on his limp head. Arthur took a shaking step back, trembling with rage and grief as he looked at Merlin, bedecked in royal robes and wearing the crown that Arthur had always longest to give him. Arthur's own mind still mocked him, making Merlin look almost alive again, like he was only sleeping, when Arthur when that Merlin was gone, and all that was left of him was this pale, empty shell and a terrible hollowness in Arthur's chest where his heart was supposed to be.

Arthur tenderly gasped Merlin's chin, tilting his head up to face him. This was goodbye, Arthur knew it. After this, Merlin would be laid to rest with all the honors of a king, and Arthur would be left ruling over his kingdom alone and heartbroken for the rest of his days. With tears flowing freely down his face, Arthur leaned down and pressed a kiss onto Merlin's lips. Once again, Arthur's mind took pity on him, as he could swear that Merlin's lips were warm with life under his own.

Arthur drew back, gazing at his love's face for what might be the last time, attempting to commit every minute detail to memory, such that Merlin's likeness would never fade from his mind even as the years went by. As Arthur eyes scanned over Merlin's face, however, there was one thing that struck him as odd before his mind caught up to what he was seeing and his heart, which had felt cold and frozen fir days, started beating at a frantic rhythm.

Because Merlin's eyes were open.

(Yes, Merlin was immortal the whole time, but his magic was just taking a while to heal him lol!)

And that's all for now! I hope you all enjoyed this au! Let me know if you'd like to see a continuation!

And, as always, thank you for reading through my ramblings! :D

#merlin #bbc merlin #merlin bbc #merlin au #arthur pendragon #merthur #merlin prompts

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daisymintt · 1 year ago

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I have too many ideas for Merlin fics so I’m just gonna dump them here, if you write one please tag me I’d love to read it!

• Arthur is seen as a traitor to the crown and is about to be killed when Merlin saves him and they go on the run and become some of the most well known bandits in Camelot, the Fallen Prince and his Warlock (inspired by Americano by Lady Gaga)

• A beast that feeds off magic goes to Camelot and takes Merlin, Arthur and the Knights embark on a rescue mission

• A visiting Noble introduces a new “sport” to Uther, sorcerer hunting. In which a captured sorcerer is released into the woods with only the clothes on their back and are hunted down by knights and specially trained hounds. Intrigued, he partakes of this “sport”. Merlin is disgusted and goes into the forest to help them escape only to become the prey. Will he be able to keep his magic secret? Or will he be doomed?

• Merlin on the run inspired by the song Run Boy Run

• Rumor Has It/Rumor Mill, a bunch of different rumors start cropping up in Camelot varying from absurd to believable

• A visiting Lady takes a shine to Merlin, Arthur gets jealous.

• Arthur and Merlin are on a hunting trip and stop at a tavern. While there they overhear a local ghost story about an ghost that of a Lady who lived in the manor up the street. Her husbands kept dying “mysteriously” and she went mad with grief. They say the manor is haunted. Merlin takes it seriously and Arthur teases him about, later they go to the abandoned manor and have an encounter with the ghost. Get trapped in the manor. The ghost carries a bloody hatchet. Nearly takes Arthur’s head off. Similar to Constance Hatchaway.

• Stardust AU

• Arthur follows in his dad’s footsteps and sets out to kill the last Druid, a boy called Emrys. Little did he know that his friend Merlin was that druid. Inspo: Still/Neva Flows Reprise

• 1920’s America Merlin runs a speakeasy

• Gaius is away dealing with an outbreak of sweating sickness at a border town leaving Merlin as acting Court Physician while he’s away.

- A visiting Nobel lady goes into labor, Merlin has to help her.

• Merlin catches a cold yet refuses to stop working, his magic is also affected. Every time he sneezes something magical happens leaving chaos in his wake. His magic stops reacting when he Gaius sneaks him a sleeping draught mixed with some cold medicine (or at least the medieval equivalent that addresses the symptoms), Arthur not so subtly frets about Merlin’s wellness.

• Merlin overextends his magic and when he gets back to Camelot he tries to do a small spell and it doesn’t work, discovers he has a “Sorcerers Cold” it doesn’t affect the physical body but the magical one. In other words, how magic is on the fritz until he can get some proper rest.

• Last Night Gus episode where they super drunk and wake up in weird places. They spend the day trying to piece together what happened last night

• A sorcerer disguised themselves as Merlin to get close to Arthur

• A shapeshifter that appears as your hearts greatest desire appears as Merlin to Arthur and lures him into a trap, Merlin has to save him. Classic who’s the real Merlin scenario where Arthur has to ask a question that only the real Merlin would know the answer too.

• A vampire arrives in Camelot.

• Merlin’s shadow has the wings of a dragon, Arthur notices

• Merlin and Arthur have been arguing over something for a while now, Leon is tired of being stuck in the middle of it and traps them in a room. He refuses to let them come out until they figure out whatever they’re fighting about. (Ten minutes in the closet trope)

• A drunk Merlin finds himself in Arthur’s room, Arthur takes care of him. Merlin is very affectionate when drunk. (Inspo: bad idea right? By Olivia Rodrigo)

• Merlin and Morgana are friends and Arthur is jealous of there close bond, Arthur thinks that they’re courting and confronts Merlin about it.

• Morgana or someone casts a spell while the knights, Arthur, and Merlin are asleep on a quest that joins their dreams together. Merlin is very skittish afraid that he may accidentally reveal his magic. Inspo: A Nightmare on Killmotor Hill! Season 2 episode 19 of Ducktales.

• 5 weird places Merlin has fallen asleep and one not so weird one (it’s Arthur’s bed)

#arthur pendragon #bbc merlin #merlin #merlin emrys #merthur #merlin fandom #bbc emrys #emrys #fanfic #fanfiction #writing prompts #fanfiction prompts #merlin prompt #merlin x arthur #merlin fic #merlin fanfic

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transmasc-wizard · 3 months ago

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can u tell me about arthur also

hello hi yes I can you've unlocked my unskippable cutscene.

(@ tumblr mutual Lola abitofafreudmoment if you see this ask: YES this is campaign Arthur NO the lore isn't the same i kidnapped him from dnd for another project so stop readinggggg because some of it is the same/spoilery but also a LOT is different <3)

arthur is a magic user who grows up in a very high control very sketchy very isolated religious community. most important players in his life are his best friend, alexei; his highly manipulative mother, ivana; his father, nero, who hes publicly a strong "father-son duo" with but is in private abused by; alexei's shitass parents; and his peer Penelope, who he courts at the wishes of their parents when he's 19.

from a young age Arthur is seen as the shining star of his community, the most skilled of many of his peers. he is very firmly groomed into believing he's going to take his father's place in their community one day as a leader of task forces that go out on missions for the priestesses of their town. his best friend Alexei, though, is.... not that. Alexei is dogshit at magic and worse at being charismatic. Alexei is also the most important person alive to Arthur.

Alexei dies !

the story Arthur is in revolves around a "before", when they're 16-20, narrated by Alexei. it shows the higher and higher levels of pressure they both face, and Arthur's withstanding it and rising in status while Alexei struggles and grows both bitter and less conditioned to the beliefs held there. there's also an "after" that these chapters are interwoven with. this is narrated by Arthur, who is 21, alone, turned to alcoholism, and very very scared. Alexei is dead in "after". we don't know what actually killed him for a long time, but we know it leads golden boy Arthur to flee the community with the intent to never return.

in the after, Arthur has relentless dreams of Alexei and of a strange rocky coast he's never seen. He travels from town to town in search of this place, and in the process enlists the help of Rosalind, a woman with a lot of practical knowledge who desperately wants to explore and to learn magic due to always feeling like theres something innately wrong with the life shes currently leading, and Orion, a librarian who survived a horrific hazing that left them with the ability to communicate with and sense the dead who *also* dreams of that coast.

while all this is happening, he is being hunted/haunted by alexei's ghost, who is very, very angry. at everything. he maybe can't feel anything *but* anger, Arthur doesn't know. he's also being hunted by his family and by penelope, who's made a deal with their God to find Arthur again in exchange for powers that help her partially control alexei's ghost (and other spirits).

over the story Arthur is forced to confront his grief over and over again, it nearly physically killing him in a lot of situations. he also is forced to confront the fact that he was in love with Alexei, still is, even though that's not a relationship that would've ever been feasible due to how radically different their social positions were. There's a pretty big metaphor in his story for closeted, denied, queerness and internalized homophobia, + masculinity and what it means to be a man. the whole thing is also about like... choices, how we treat others, and how that interplays with the experience of loss and grief.

some various arthur facts: he plays the violin (well, ambivalently) and sings (badly, joyously). he despises being touched and desperately needs a hug. he lies all the time entirely to make things easier for the people around him. he's got a funny streak that gets to thrive when he's away from his community and it surprises him a lot. he's a giant nerd who knows a lot of academic stuff and a lot of things about fighting but very few actual every day life skills (thanks, Ivana!). he wants to be good. he does not believe he is good.

tldr: I likey him :)

#asks #multi!!#SORRY THIS IS SO LONG AHSKDBDJDBK #arthur #i have . every disease #about him

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sednonamoris · 2 years ago

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stormchaser

Pairing: John Marston x gn!reader

Summary: Abigail Roberts joins the gang. Your relationship with John is changed, maybe forever.

Warnings: Pregnancy mention, hunting animals, brief mention of dead animals, canon-typical alcohol use, jealousy

Word count: 1,385

A/N: First of all I need to specify that Ghost is jealous of Abigail and thinks badly of her rn, but this story will not vilify Abigail’s character in any way!!! I love her!!!! Second of all it’s not terribly long but I hope you all find this chapter as juicy as I did bc I’ve been looking forward to this one pretty much from the start. Also this chap is 2/3 in a series, the first being ‘cloudburst’. The last one will be ‘thunderstruck’ - I’ll let you do with that info what you will 👀

Series masterlist • AO3

—

When Abigail Roberts joins up with the gang everyone clamors for her attention. The women help with her chores and mend her dresses and pet her long, dark hair. The men make excuses to come by her tent and help her onto wagons and touch her hand by the campfire. It’s obvious why; she’s a beautiful young woman.

You’re not sure you’ll ever forgive her for that.

Of course, you might not have minded at all if it wasn’t for John. He’s smitten. Every moment he used to spend riding or robbing or roaming with you is now spent at her beck and call. You tell yourself it’s not jealousy that crawls up your throat and colors his name green in your mouth when you call across camp, knowing who he’s with. You tell yourself it’s a coincidence when you wake up next to a pretty, painted whore with dusky blue eyes and brown hair just like hers the next time you’re in town. You even tell yourself that it doesn’t hurt to watch the grey of John’s eyes shine stormcloud bright when they turn toward the object of his affections. When that object isn’t you.

Like some storybook romance he courts her. It’s clumsy - it’s John - but he brings her half-crushed flowers, and tries to read her some of Dutch’s poetry, and eventually he stops paying for the privilege of a night with her because they cut out the middleman and start sharing a tent.

Arthur notices your sulkiness. Hosea, too, though neither say anything outright. Instead they break your heart further with sad, understanding smiles and warm hands clasped on your shoulder in passing. Sometimes you wish they’d spill your secrets for the whole camp to see, just to put you out of your misery.

The days you aren’t out hunting you’re fencing horses or robbing farmers - anything to keep far from camp. Once a week you come back with cash to add to the box and a few new stories to trade around the campfire. Dutch is appeased by the money and the odd tip you bring home, and John—

You wait for him to say something about how distant you’ve been.

He doesn’t.

—

The sky is clear when Abigail announces her pregnancy in front of the whole camp a few months later, but you smell a storm on the horizon.

She’s so goddamn happy, and everyone cheers and shouts and rushes to hug her, and you think Ms. Grimshaw’s eyes gloss with tears at the promise of new life and young love, but John’s smile catches at the corners. It doesn’t quite reach his eyes. The panic does, and as much as your heart is already broken and you’ve given up hope, there’s some savage satisfaction you get from knowing he might be miserable now, too.

Dutch calls for a celebration. Everyone clamors to break out cases of beer and Hosea even proffers the good whiskey he’s been saving for a rainy day. Top shelf, according to the man he stole it from. Pearson sweats himself into a frenzy to have a good, hearty meal prepared in time. Ms. Grimshaw has the camp cleared and clean with military precision. Javier settles next to the campfire with a song just waiting to sing off the strings of his guitar with each joyful strum.

You slink away and pack your gear for a hunting trip.

After a feast like this the camp will need game, and you’ve always found the most success right before weather hits, when the animals are out getting the last bit of sustenance they can before hunkering down in the brush. You clasp Abigail’s hands and congratulate her, trying not to make the words sound like a curse before you fade into firelight shadows. While the others dance and sing, you nurse a bottle that does nothing to dull the ache in your heart.

You’re gone before first light.

—

The grassy plain is wide open and endless before you. Tall grass rises up to the stirrups of your saddle, and thunder rumbles its electric intent in the distance. Overcast clouds promise rain on the breeze as the sky gets darker and darker. It’s a cobalt blue sort of storm, one that paints the grass greyish and strikes your silhouette onto the American frontier for anyone in the distance to see.

A herd of pronghorn graze the prairie grass. You’ve been tracking them for a few miles now. Downwind. A safe enough distance away that they’re worried more about the oncoming storm than potential predators.

Two does, you think, ought to be enough.

You’re shit with a bow and arrow, so you rely entirely on being quick on the draw of your hunting rifle. Perks of spending the better part of your life as a gunslinger.

Your horse tenses beneath you as you raise your rifle up, muscles coiled and ready to spring into action. You let out a slow, steady breath. Bang, bang, in quick succession on the trigger has your horse leaping forward. You let his momentum carry you while the rest of the herd scatters in frantic leaps and bounds.

Two clean shots await your inspection when you crouch to tie the bodies and sling them behind the saddle. Rain begins to fall. The wind carries hoofbeats your way, and you turn with your rifle raised on the off chance some fool hunter is coming to try and steal your quarry.

“Ghost, there you are!”

Not a fool hunter, but a fool.

“John,” you say past the anger and jealousy burrowed deep in your chest. “What are you doing here?”

He shakes his head. “I was gonna ask you the same thing. You left without sayin’ a word.”

“Surprised you noticed,” you scoff.

“You wanna tell me why you been actin’ so funny lately?”

You fold your arms. “You followed me all the way out here just to tell me I don’t act right?”

“Everyone else is happy,” he says. “Guess I’m just wonderin’ why you ain’t.”

There are a thousand things you could say to that. I’ve been in love with you since before I knew what that warm feeling was in my chest. We were best friends and then you chose a stranger over me, and now that stranger is going to have your baby. Sometimes, when I dream, I dream of us getting old on a farm out West where the law won’t ever touch us. I think of you every time it storms. You say none of it.

The rain falls harder.

“I know you, John Marston,” is what comes out your mouth instead. “You look more scared than happy to me.”

“I ain’t scared,” he says, snappish and too-fast.

“I am.” The smile on your face is sad, and it stops the defensive snarl trying to form across his face. “Guess that’s why I came out here, away from it all.”

Lightning strikes in the not-far distance. The flash lights your surroundings in an eerie daytime glow for a heartbeat and a half. The thunder that rolls across the plain not long after makes you feel even smaller than you did already.You pull your coat tighter around your shoulders.

“I’m camping here tonight. Room in the tent for two if you want.”

It’s even flimsier than your usual peace offerings, but he takes it. On the edge of the prairie you strike the tent while he pickets the horses. The rain is coming down in sheets, now, and you’re both forced to strip to your underthings because your clothes are entirely soaked through. The blankets and bedrolls are damp, but drier than the two of you. As you settle into sleep to the sound of pelting rain against canvass, John’s roll tucked up against yours, you hear a raspy voice speak up.

“You were right,” John says. “I’m scared of— well, all of it. Raisin’ this kid. Disappointing Abigail. But I’m more scared of losing you, Ghost. We’re best friends, ain’t we?”

Your chest constricts. “‘Course we’re best friends. You won’t lose me.”

Then, so quiet you almost miss it, “Haven’t I already?”

The tears that run down your face are silent, and dark as it is you pray he can’t see them. Thunder and rain drown out your shuddering sigh.

#john marston x reader #rdr2 x reader #rdr x reader #fran writes #ghost story #ch. 7

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iciatheguardess · 1 year ago

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ELSIE RANT THAT I PROMISED 4 HOURS AGOOOOO LOL!

So ummmm Symbolism right?

I like to have a few different bits of “running symbolism” for each plotline/character, so here’s some lol!

Animals.

Various animals tend to mean various things when it comes to my characters lol, most notably Rabbits, deer, and Foxes.

Rabbits are almost always connected to comfort. Aoki starts having rabbit symbolism when he embraces his role as comforter. Chance gets a rabbit companion when she becomes Hope Anon. One of my characters gifting a rabbit of some kind almost always means they wish comfort upon that person, like Aoki giving Dunite a stuffed rabbit to give her comfort and love when he isn’t there.

Deer are specifically associated with Dusk. She has a noticeably large set of antlers, uses deer for travel, and will transform into an abstract doe when she needs to run at high speeds. Deer are docile and graceful, but dangerous at times, similarly to Dusk. If you restrain them, they’ll break their own necks trying to escape, similarly to how Dusk can’t take that kind of stress.

Foxes are more abstract, being associated mostly with Kitsune. They tend to represent characters that are both predator and prey, depending on the situation. Kitsune hunts witches, but is hunted by her own past and grief to the point where she will physically run away for days on end to escape it. She uses a hunting rifle, specifically Hammer’s rifle, as well.

Cats don’t have a consistent meaning associated with them. Aoki has Deedee, a cat, but also a stuffed animal, so she takes on a stuffed animal’s symbolism more often. Stuffed animals will be covered later.

Arc phrases!

“My, My, How things have changed.”

Associated with Dusk, but used more generally. The presence of this phrase is used to make a contrast between how things worked before and after the event in question, or a comparison between the past and the present, often in the form of a drastic change in characterization. It first started popping up while Dusk was in her Dawn Arc, and stuck around afterwards.

“Ay, Soror Mea!”

Showed up more recently, also connected to Dusk. It means “Oh, Sister Mine!” and is used to show Dusk’s grief over Sun’s situation. Her calling Sun “Sister Mine” is going to be a consistent thing.

“Liar.”

Associated with Aoki, he calls himself a liar a lot when he’s having a panic attack. The lie in question is almost never outright said, because it’s a representation of his split nature. He is a comforter, but a murderer. He was made by a child to love her, but was made by the forest to kill her. He wants to give all the love in the world to those he cares for, but is sometimes misguided into thinking that there is no other way than his “mercy”, specifically by Nightmare. His ceaseless apologies can almost always be connected back to this “lie”.

“It is my duty to serve.”

Said by all four of the court members, even before the Lull arc started properly. Each of them entered a form of “service” when they left Lull. Arthur became a conductor, serving travelers. Verie became the owner of the manor and a healer. Assassin anon attempted to serve by becoming a vigilante heroine. Mercutio, while still trapped, served his fellow prisoners by keeping them company and comforting them with his talents. Verie tells Icia that a leader is meant to be a servant of the people, a statement backed by how the court rules. They are the definition of “it is better to be loved than feared”.

Languages can also be associated with symbolism and chaarcters!

Ukrainian

Yelena. It’s meant to hint that she isn’t from Candleton, because Candleton is noticeably Germanic. It’s also meant to show the fact that she’s human, seeing as Dusk doesn’t really make characters with specific ethnicities.

Latin

Dusk. Dusk often uses Latin when stressed or emotional, and most of the names of her books or projects or weapons etc. are all in Latin. Honestly, if there’s a weird word that Elsie uses, try translating it from Latin.

Japanese

Aoki, obviously! Aoki’s symbolism is almost always taken from Japan, like how nearly all the death/suicide imagery from his introduction was Japanese: Flowers on a desk, Spider lilies, and his lack of shoes. He nicknames Dunite “KiraKira”, a Japanese word for sparkly or glitter.

THERE SHALL BE MORE :3

UGHHHHH I LOVE THE SYMBOLISM IN EVERYTHING YOU DOOOOOO GODDDDDDDDDDDD

#iceanswers #modstar

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roundtabletea · 1 year ago

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Day in the life of Guenevere

Gode dai my fellow ladies of court! ‘Tis I, Queen Guinevere of Camelot, coming to bring you along through a day in my life. I always start my days by wearing Many of you courtly maidens have been asking how I look so effortlessly beautiful of the time–well, you can see here that I was simply born that way.

I like to start my days praying in the chapel with Sir Galahad if I have the time….just kidding! I barely know who Galahad is, only that he’s important to Lancelot for some reason. This was just a special day; Arthur is sending him off to look for the Holy Grail soon, so I accompanied him during his prayers to God for success in his quest.

So today was a big tournament day, thanks be to God! The Knights of the Round Table headed off to go joust and do some manly things. I am not entirely sure what it is they do when they go to tournaments. I have far more important things to attend to, such as spending time with the other ladies of court and keeping up appearances! But as long as they keep up Camelot’s status and Arthur remains in power, I’m satisfied! Here, I’m giving Sir Lancelot an article of my clothing that he can wear during the tournament–this is SIMPLY because I am his patron, and was completely platonic unlike what a lot of you were saying earlier. “But Guinevere, a knight wearing a lady’s clothing in battle means she belongs to him!” Um, okay? Stop hating on me, I didn’t even know that was a thing!

Later on in the day, I accoladed a new knight of the Round Table. It’s not really my job to do that, but Arthur was out hunting with the boys so I had to step up to the plate. Apparently this guy’s name is…Balyn? I think? He slayed a beast, I’m pretty sure, or maybe an enemy king–honestly I was more appreciative of how much money and status he’s going to bring to Camelot. Arthur’s getting a little weak lately, I really must tell him to hold MORE tournaments and hold MORE banquets. Anyway, look how elegant my dress is! Arthur brought it back from France and it makes me look QUITE ethereal.

I’ll usually end my day with an evening stroll around Camelot. I like to get away from the stuffy castle air and it gives me time to think about whose life I will make worse the next day. Today, Sir Lancelot accompanied me, which was so friendly of him; he’s definitely one of my favorite knights, and I love being his patron.

Image sources:

First painting: A Medieval Beauty, Edmund Blair Leighton, 1896

Second painting: The Dedication, Edmund Blair Leighton, 1908

Third painting: God Speed, Edmund Blair Leighton, 1900

Fourth painting: The Accolade, Edmund Blair Leighton, 1901

Fifth painting: Sir Launcelot Looks on Queen Guinevere, James Archer, 1864

#arthur pendragon #guenevere #king arthur #medieval literature #round table #lancelot #gawain #lancelot du lac #queen guinevere #medieval #middle ages #medieval art #12th century #mallory

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ethaniscool69 · 5 months ago

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i caved and did it. i dropped everything and wrote it. they consume me.

(don't judge 2 hard i suck at writing)

Too Sweet

"Prat." Said Merlin after Arthur shoved his hunting equipment at him.

Arthur smiled.

"I feel like you're getting the most out of me as your manservant before you assign me as the court sorcerer." Merlin said in an upset tone.

Arthur's smile grew into a grin, revealing those uneven teeth of his. Merlin's heart skipped a beat, and he felt his lips curl into a soft smile. He loved that grin.

"Your pretty smile may get you out this time, but next time you do this, I will use my magic to hover you in the air until you apologise." Merlin chuckled at the end, referencing a fond memory.

As he put the weapons on the horse using his magic, something he found himself getting used to doing around Arthur lately, Merlin caught a glimpse of Arthur's face. It wasn't upset, but strange. The look was very close to being uncomfortable. Was it Merlin lifting Arthur in the air that made him uncomfortable? Did that frighten him that much?

They didn't say much for a few hours after that, but their usual banter continued soon enough.

"Ah, yes. The mighty king of Camelot! How could he ever make a mistake?! Surely, his manservant, the person who does his laundry, polishes his armor, feeds and clothes him daily, is wrong, and we are definitely not lost." Merlin said overdramatically.

"We're not lost, Merlin. This is where the most animals are. I brought us here on purpose." Replied Arthur, standing his ground, knowing full well that they, in fact, were lost. "Clot pole." He added under his breath.

"Dollop head."

Arthur shot him a glare.

Merlin smiled.

Arthur looked away.

He ran a hand down his face, wiping the heat that made its way to it.

"You talk of the many animals here, but I have yet to hear a single creature. Perhaps you are just show, no brains. At least you're a good show." Merlin said with a wink, not really meaning the 'no brains' part.

"Shut up."

The air between them felt different. This was how their conversations usually went, even after they started dating, but now, it was different. unusual. Arthur would have had a wittier comeback than this. Is everything alright? Was that too far? Maybe I'm reading a little too much into it. As much as Merlin tried to convince himself of the fact that he was overthinking this, he could not.

This went on for a few days.

"Not a lot of Bachelorettes seeking your attention, huh?" Merlin laughed quietly as he stood on the ballroom dance floor with Arthur, "Well all the better for me. I'll have you all to myself tonight." He flirted.

Arthur looked at him for a while, eyes wide and eventually said:

"I don't dance."

He left the ballroom. Merlin followed, confused and hurt. Yet he didn't say anything.

Day after day, Arthur closed himself off from Merlin. Their playfulness was gone, all that was left was the suffocating distance. Distance that was killing both Merlin and Arthur, but none of them could bring themselves to speak. Merlin, fearing Arthur’s further isolation from him. Arthur, just fearing.

"Sit with me, let's eat together." Said Arthur one morning as Merlin put his breakfast down in front of him.

Merlin smiled and sat. He was happy to regain at least a little bit of communication with Arthur.

"Thank you, that's very thoughtful. I guess you really are stupidly head-over-heels in love with me, aren't you?" Merlin said in a flirty tone.

Love.

Arthur froze, looking at Merlin. His expression was unreadable but closed off. Merlin's face dropped along with his stomach. It was time they had a talk.

"Listen, Arthur," Merlin put his hand on Arthur's, "I need to talk to you."

Arthur untensed a little but remained… strange.

"I'm sorry, Arthur."

Arthur's brows furrowed in confusion at those words.

"I didn't realise I crossed a line, but I did. I've been mean to you these past few days, too mean. You've been uncomfortable and distant, and I still made those jokes. I don't really think you're stupid." He never could. "I'll tone it down, I promise. It just- I don’t know.."

Is that what he really thinks is going on? Arthur just sat there with his mouth slightly agape for a few seconds, taking in all that Merlin had said.

"Merlin. That's not what that is." Arthur said, trying to keep himself calm with Merlin's hand on his feeling so electric yet calming, "You didn't do anything to upset me. Look, can we please talk about this later today?"

Merlin looked at Arthur, relieved but now with new questions, and replied, nodding:

"Alright."

The entire day was suffocating for both of them. Merlin was desperate to figure out what caused Arthur's strange moods, while Arthur was fearing for the day to come to an end without finding the right words to say to Merlin.

Though Arthur rarely admitted it, Merlin meant the whole world to him. After almost and actually losing each other multiple times, he found himself more and more starved for Merlin’s presence. Even though they spent all of their time with each other due to Merlin’s job, Arthur still needed something different, something more. That’s why he stopped holding onto his feelings for Merlin. That’s why he told him he loved him. He wanted him closer than ever because he couldn’t bear the thought of losing him. Not ever.

It was just another day, Merlin and Arthur were out in the woods, hunting. The legalisation of magic was still in the works. It began as soon as Merlin revealed his identity to Arthur. Suddenly, a rogue witch, full of spite, came out of nowhere and started attacking Arthur and Merlin. Merlin almost died that day. All of the magic was used to protect Arthur, so he neglected his own protection. Thankfully, he was able to sedate the witch before she got to injure Arthur in any way. Arthur cradled the dying Merlin in his arms, mirroring his near-death experience when Merlin held him in his arms. The king was aware that Merlin was incapable of dying, but as soon as he saw blood on his manservant, all knowledge flew out the window. All that mattered was Merlin. Then he realised he had never actually told him that. He had never told Merlin just how much he cared for and loved him. So he blurted out: “I love you, Merlin.” and the rest came pouring. Ten years worth of feelings coming out in a terrified rant accompanied by his teary eyes and breaking voice. At the end of Arthur’s speech, Merlin’s wounds had all healed by his magic. All he managed to say was: “Arthur..” As he sat up and gave the king the same lovingly desperate look that was being given to him. All of a sudden, they found themselves melting into each other by a soft kiss. After pulling away, they put their foreheads together, their noses brushing against each other. A lot of people won bets that day.

Merlin meant so much to Arthur and he was scared his stupid feelings would push him away. If he said even one wrong word, he risked losing Merlin. That was a scary thought. Those thoughts choked Arthur the entire day.

It was time. The day had come to an end. Merlin had gotten Arthur and himself ready for bed. This was fairly new to them, Staying in Arthur’s chambers together.

“I’m the one that’s sorry, Merlin.” Arthur finally spoke up, standing at the feet of the bed, Merlin sitting at the edge of it. “I have been unkind to you these past few days.. I…” Arthur trailed off.

This was more difficult than he thought it would be. He wanted to say so much, do so much. Yet his body wasn’t complying with his mind. Merlin looked up at Arthur after the prolonged silence.

“Arthur, please…”

That face, that man, he would do anything for him, he would die for him and he was going to tell him that.

“I love you.”

“I love you too, Arthur.” Merlin said as if to mean I know you do, but there’s something more you're keeping from me.

“I love you Merlin, there’s no question about that. But I’m trying to get used to it. To your love.” Arthur walked to Merlin and sat beside him, “Every time you’re not near, I feel my throat close up, breathing getting unsteady and vision blurry.” His voice then fell to an almost whisper. He put his hand on Merlin’s, making its way up with each sentence, tracing each feature he was talking about. “Your touch invigorating, your voice the most beautiful song, a song written for me, your eyes, a sea I love to get lost in. And when they glow that beautiful golden colour every time you do magic, I fall even more for you. Your nose, sculpted by the gods, lips, as red as a rose and soft as a cloud, and when they curl up into a smile, I lose every sense of control. How I love running my fingers through your messy hair. The way your name feels on my tongue, Merlin... Loving you is the greatest pleasure of my life, but to have that love returned… it’s something else... It’s real... And if it’s real, then losing you is also real. I can not bear the thought of losing you. That’s what I mean when I say I love you. And that’s why I’ve been so distant. Because I need you, I need you in my life, and I do not want to let go. But I'm afraid. Afraid I'll mess up.”

Arthur’s hand rested on Merlin’s neck. Merlin was processing everything his lover had just said, so he stared at him, cheeks which had turned red with every word Arthur had spoken, mouth slightly agape and eyes wide. Soon, Merlin’s hand shot up to cup the king’s cheek, and he furrowed his eyebrows, looking into his eyes.

“You will never lose me, Arthur. I have been at your side since day one and will stay until and after the last one. You mean the world to me. I will never let anything like that happen. Do you understand?”

Arthur nodded, mesmerised by the sorcerer’s eyes.

“There’s one more thing,” Arthur said, getting up, “If this is already real, I don’t want to hold back anymore.” He got down on one knee, took both of Merlin’s hands in his, shaking, and said: “Merlin Emrys, will you do me the honour of making me the happiest person on the planet and marry me?”

Merlin retracted one of his hands to cover his gaping mouth. This was happening. This was definitely happening.

“Of course, Arthur!!” He said, smiling.

Arthur let out a breath and grinned. Merlin’s heart skipped a beat as it always did when it came to that smile. They both got up and connected their lips, feeling each other’s grins through the kiss. The kisses quickly multiplied and turned passionate. Their teeth bumped into each other, making chime-like noises that sounded in their heads. Merlin pushed his fiance on the bed and went back in for the kiss. They woke up, intertwined.

Arthur woke up to Merlin running his fingers through his hair, his head on his chest. The thought of doing this every morning for the rest of their lives was amazing. Arthur sighed.

“Mornin’.” Merlin said, kissing Arthur’s head.

“Mornin’.” Arthur replied in a raspy voice

“We have to get up. You have a lot of work to do.” Merlin murmured through head kisses.

“Just a few minutes.” Arthur said, snuggling his head in Merlin’s neck.

“Arthur, you're the king.” Merlin said, reminding Arthur of his responsibilities.

“Yes Merlin, I am the king.” He replied, reminding him of his power. Merlin chuckled, rolling his eyes.

“Fine, a few more minutes, Dollop head.”

Arthur would have given Merlin his mother’s crest as a proposal, but he had already done that years ago. Just the two of them, sitting together, their faces beautifully illuminated by the campfire. He knew what he was doing. Somewhere, not that deep down, he knew he was giving Merlin his heart.

A few weeks had passed, and the day had finally come, Merlin was appointed as the court sorcerer and crowned as the king consort all in the same day. Arthur raised the crown over Merlin’s head, unable to contain his grin, causing Merlin to do the same. Even though it wasn’t tradition, once the crown was placed on Merlin’s head, Arthur cupped his face with both his hands and laid a long, but soft kiss on his lips, smiling, while people cheered. Nothing could wipe that lovestruck smile off either of their faces. Night came, and they went into their shared chambers laughing in between kisses.

“Arthur, I love you.”

Arthur would have completely frozen up hearing that a few weeks ago, but he was getting better. This time, he took a breath, looked down at Merlin’s lips, and said:

“Again.”

“I love you. I love you, Arthur.”

Arthur smiled, showing his pearly whites. He landed a soft kiss and replied, murmuring:

“I love you, Merlin.”

He continued landing soft kisses all over Merlin’s face while walking to their bed, occasionally pulling away to take in his consort’s face. Arthur started making his way down Merlin’s neck, and the soft noise that exited his mouth made shivers run down Arthur’s spine. He pulled away and started taking his top off, Merlin followed suit. The king pinned the sorcerer on the bed and started leaving trails of kisses down his body. He came back up and reconnected their lips. Arthur deepened the kiss and slid his tongue into Merlin’s mouth. Merlin melted into it. After a few minutes, Merlin rolled over, now pinning Arthur. They pulled away, breathless and looked at each other for a while breathing heavily. They both burst out in laughter, Merlin dropped his head on Arthur’s chest, and Arthur put his hand on his forehead, giggling.

The next morning and most mornings after that, they woke up together, one playing with the other’s hair.

There was truly nothing more either of them could ask for.

ty for reading!! i am also making an animation inspired by arthur's whole monologue so stay tuned 4 that ig

you know how merlin and arthur have a very bantery relationship? i want to read a fic where they get in a relationship and the banter side gets softened just a little because they're now actually together, boyfriends and they're slowly getting used to giving and receiving verbal love from eachother. i would more so love to see arthur's pov bc that man needs love, and it would be interesting 2 see how he acts when receiving said love. if a fic like this already exists or you like the idea enough 2 write abt it, pls tag or dm me. i may write about this myself, but idk if i will bc of ongowing projects, lol

#merthur #bbc merlin #arthur pendragon #merlin #merlin emrys #THEY CONSUME ME

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bitsandbobsofwriting · 3 years ago

Text

A new servant desperately struggles to understand what exactly Merlin is:

A cryptid? Arthur's boyfriend? Simply a dude? The court jester? Something else entirely? Who knows, certainly not the new guy.

The first time the new kitchen-hand, Tristan, saw The King’s dark-haired servant sprinting down the corridor, he couldn’t tell if the man was laughing or crying.

He was fast, faster than Tristan thought possible for someone whose arms were so full of laundry, but he politely steps out of the way, coming to the conclusion that he must’ve been late for something. At least... he did think that, until he turns the next corner to see three of The king’s most trusted knights peering out of windows and into random doors. Tristan freezes in the corridor, he’d heard that servants were treated extremely well here, but he’d only been employed for a few days and he didn’t want to risk anything by pushing past or addressing his betters.

One of the knights, Sir Leon, his brain helpfully supplies, spots him stood there, and his annoyed frown quickly morphs into a friendly smile:

“Pardon me, sorry, I don’t suppose you’ve seen Merlin around anywhere, have you?”

Tristan’s eyes go wide and the grip he has on his tray tightens, but he forces himself to take a breath and answer, trying his best to keep his voice even:

“Merlin is... The King’s manservant? Tall, with dark hair?”

Another knight pushes forward, he looks to be the oldest, with dark hair falling in an almost deliberately tousled way around his bearded jawline. His charming grin seems just a little too wide to be genuine, but Tristan isn’t quite sure if that’s because he’s about to take pleasure in punishing someone, or if he’s just being polite to a stranger:

“Yeah, yeah that’s him, seen him? Arsehole turned our shirts pink in the wash, and something tells me it was deliberate.”

Tristan gulps at the accusation and he takes a shaky step back, but before he can even think of defending the stranger that he now thinks must’ve been crying, the last of the three knights, a giant, if Tristan believed in such things, steps forward:

“Don’t worry, we won’t beat him too much.��

He says it with a grin and a quirk of his eyebrows, but once again the kitchen-hand can’t tell if it was cruel or genuine, if he was being sarcastic or not.

“Uh... yeah, he turned left at the end of this corridor, but I didn’t see where he went after that, I apologise.”

Sir Leon waves away his apology with a smile, looking to the long-haired knight with a raised eyebrow:

“The stables?”

The man grins widely, nodding his agreement as he turns his grin to the giant. Sir Leon offers Tristan another soft smile, murmuring his thanks before moving past him, elbowing the other two to prompt them in to thanking him as well. The three of them march down the corridor with almost vindictive smiles on their faces, and Tristan prepares himself to see a vacancy note, or possibly a funeral invite, posted on the notice board by the next morning.

When he passes a window that evening to see the King’s manservant being carried on the giant’s shoulders as five other knights pelt them with gloves, a grin on every face, he decides that... well... it’s probably best to just not to ask.

The next time he sees Merlin, a few days later, The King is also there.

This is the first time Tristan has been in Arthur Pendragon’s presence, and though the other servant’s all rave on about how awkwardly kind he is, he’s a bundle of nerves. Not even Cook’s stories about how often she whacks The King’s knuckles with a wooden spoon when she catches him about to pilfer something stops Tristan’s heart from racing.

The King was overseeing a few of the servants decorate the main hall for a feast, and whilst Tristan is certain that that’s not something The King normally does, he doesn’t question it, just thinks that maybe the other servants had been telling the truth, and he was a genuinely nice, but normal man.

Merlin stands at his side, and though Tristan can’t hear their conversation, the two of them are clearly bickering over something. The servant can’t help his curiosity, wanting desperately to move closer to find out what sort of things The King allows his servant to bicker with him about; luckily, the table right next to them has yet to be laid, so he moves towards it quickly. He doesn’t even glance at them, terrified of being caught out, but perhaps Merlin surviving the knights non-wrath the other day is encouraging him, and his steps don’t falter. Their words come in to focus, and he has to stop the confused, and slightly horrified, frown from spreading across his face:

“Arthur, I swear to the Gods, if you make me wear that hat again, I’ll piss in your wine and serve it to you in front of a crowd.”

The King scoffs just as Tristan shakily begins laying down the cutlery:

“That’s treason, Merlin.”

“Do I look like I care? Not only will I piss in your wine, I will not hesitate to push you over a balcony at the first opportunity. This hall is high up and it’s a long way down to the gardens. He drank toxic wine and turned loopy and tipped himself off a balcony and went splat! That’s what people will say. I’m not wearing the Godamn hat.”

Tristan has to focus extra carefully to stop himself from gasping; Merlin just threatened to kill The King... that’s got to be a death sentence. Pissing off some knights that he’s obviously friendly with is one thing, but threatening to kill The-

“Ha ha. Very funny. If you can’t tell, Merlin, I’m being sarcastic, I know you struggle with complex concepts like that.”

Merlin just rolls his eyes, crossing his arms as he says with no hesitation:

“My mind is more than capable of coping, My Lord, it’s your belt I worry about being able to cope nowadays.”

Tristan bites his tongue to stop himself from yelping and turns away so neither of them can see his horrified face. The King just makes an outraged noise in the back of his throat, and Tristan can hear Merlin snort in laughter at whatever expression Arthur was wearing to match such a noise:

“Go to the stocks. I want you there for three hours.”

Tristan lets out a confused breath; Merlin threatens to kill The King, and gets playful sarcasm, but he implies The King might be a tad overweight, and gets sent to the stocks for three hours? How is that-

“Yeah... no. Not happening. The feast starts in less than two hours and I still have to help Guinevere organise some stuff in the courtyard, do Gaius’ rounds for him, then put an extra hole in your belt and help you get dressed because, despite being a grown man, you’re still an idiot who’s incapable of putting clothes on in any sort of decent manner.”

Tristan finds himself relaxing a little. This seems to be the norm for them, but surely... surely The King had a line somewhere, and a servant just flat out refusing to be disciplined must be where it lies?

Arthur just scoffs, and Tristan angles his head in such a way that he can see him roll his eyes:

“Fuck off.”

Merlin grins, seeming to cast a suspicious gaze over the room to make sure no one was watching and somehow completely missing Tristan stood just there, before saying quietly:

“You love me really, you prat.”

With that, Merlin reaches up to yank at a lock of The King’s hair before hurrying off in the direction of the courtyard before Arthur can react. The King jumps slightly, clearly caught by surprise as an annoyed flush rises on his face, but Tristan just frowns in confusion when his shock gives way to a softly amused smile.

Huh.

The next few times Tristan saw Merlin made him fear for the servant’s safety. He was being taken on hunts by The King and his knights, that’s meant to be for squires, to learn the ropes and gain experience in tracking and riding.

He supposes it isn’t entirely unheard of for a servant to follow their master on a hunt, but with the way Merlin complains without pause, and The King in turn complains about his complaining, he thinks it would better for everyone if Merlin just... didn’t go. When he brings it up to another servant, a lovely woman named Guinevere who had helped him get unlost at least three times in his first week, she just laughs and smiles at him pityingly:

“I wouldn’t worry, those two have been like that forever, they’re practically inseparable.”

Tristan responds with a rather intelligent sounding:

“...What?”

Gwen laughs softly again, shaking her head and patting his shoulder consolingly:

“You’ll get used to it, they’re just... like that.”

She gives him one more smile before turning to wave the boys out of the gates and walking back to the castle as if this were the most normal thing in the world. Tristan supposes that it probably is.

The next time Tristan sees Merlin leave the city gates with the knights, Sir Elyan, Sir Mordred, and Sir Lancelot this time, it’s distinctly worse. Because he’d caught sight of the patrol rota last time he ran food down to the training ground, and he was certain that those three had a city patrol right about now.

Before he even has time to gape in shock, he hears Merlin’s pleading voice as he trails Sir Elyan like a lost puppy:

“Please, El, I promise to stay out of the way, I will do anything, but I swear to the Gods if I have to spend one more minute around that prat, I’ll hurl myself from the battlements.”

Swearing to the Gods and threating to hurl various people, including himself, from significant heights seems to be some sort of theme for The King’s manservant. Before Tristan can consider the implications of that, Sir Elyan turns to Merlin with a wide, teasing grin on his face:

“You know, I would’ve let you tag along for free, Merlin, but now that you’ve promised me something I feel the need to take advantage.”

Tristan tenses at that, a shot of ice spiking down his spine. He has keen eyes and sharp ears, he knows that Sir Elyan is the lovely Gwen’s brother, Sir Mordred seems to have an... odd worship for the servant, and he’s definitely picked up on the close bond between Merlin and Sir Lancelot, but is this where Camelot’s image comes crashing down in Tristan’s head? He knew that it was better here for servant’s than other Kingdoms, but there are always people who’ll take advantage of their position, no matter where you are. Merlin’s shoulders just drop and he asks in a sulking voice:

“What do you want?”

Tristan grits his teeth, moving his gaze so no one would catch him glaring at the knight as he tries to figure out a way to help, a way to get this virtual stranger out of being... abused, in such a manner. If he’d carried on glaring, he would’ve noticed Elyan’s soft smile and amused raised eyebrow:

“Next time you gather herbs for Gaius, bring back some more of those flowers that you got for Gwen. She said they added vibrancy to the house, whatever that means, but they make her happy, so...-”

Merlin just giggles and nods and Tristan relaxes, looking back to them with a confused smile on his face. That was... actually kind of sweet, he can definitely see the resemblance between the knight and his sister:

“-AND I want whatever Arthur’s having for dinner tonight, his food always looks way nicer than ours.”

Merlin lets out a faux annoyed groan, but then rolls his eyes and grins, nodding:

“Consider it done. Can we go now? I really don’t want to risk him seeing me and giving me some stupid chore to do.”

Elyan laughs and nods, and the four of them begin making their way out of the courtyard and into the city. Sir Lancelot finally joins the conversation, clearly amused as he says:

“You know it’s literally your job to do chores, right?”

Merlin turns to glare at him as Sir Mordred and Sir Elyan laugh, and Tristan only just hears his reply as the castle gates shut behind them:

“Fuck off.”

Tristan decides it would be pointless to bring this up to anyone again, he figures he’ll probably just get the same answer as last time.

The next confusing incident happens only a few days later. But Tristan supposes that at this point... it really shouldn’t be confusing. Gwen was right, he did just... get used to it.

He heard the steps pounding down the corridor before he saw him, but they were coming fast and hard, so he presses himself against the wall, holding the tray to his side to protect it as best he could as Merlin comes skidding round the corner.

He stops just long enough for Tristan to calm himself by spying the wide grin on his face, but he’s quickly sprinting down the hall again, laughing as he waves whatever it is he’s got clutched in his hands. The second set of loud, rapid footsteps stops Tristan from stepping away from the wall quite yet. Just a moment later, Sir Gwaine follows Merlin’s skidded path around the corner, though the heavier man overshoots slightly and he runs into the wall opposite Tristan with a crash and a deep groan.

The rebellious knight gives a wide-eyed Tristan an awkward nod before pushing himself off the wall and following Merlin’s blazing trail, screaming down the corridor:

“I warned you Merlin!! Don’t come between a man and his ale, now give that back you bastard!”

Tristan hears Merlin’s laughter grow louder, even from the two corridors away that the other servant had managed to race to.

He shrugs to himself, waiting for a moment to see if anyone else was going to come barrelling around the corner before sighing, and continuing his journey up to the visiting Lord’s chambers.

It was unusual, he thought, how quickly he’d come to terms with the fact that a servant was sassing The King and pranking the knights and inviting himself on various hunts and patrols that he really had no business on. Unusual indeed.

He’d learnt to ignore it. Or at least brush it off.

In the two weeks since Merlin had (presumably) stolen Sir Gwaine’s skin of ale, he’d seen the servant call The King a long list of imaginative insults (what the hell is a dollop head?), walk around with Sir Leon’s cloak on because he was a little chilly, accuse someone of treason (and somehow been right about it), and threaten to kill at least seven people; including, but not limited to: The King himself, The King’s already dead father, some stuck up Noble (though that was under his breath, Tristan just happened to be stood next to him), and Sir Percival.

And Gwen was... absolutely right. He's just... like that. He's Merlin, and that’s what Merlin does.

So when he turns a corner in a rarely used to corridor to see him pressing The King against a wall, snogging the life out of him, Tristan simply turns around and walks back the other way. Both of them look fairly happy with the arrangement, and they’d probably chosen this corridor for the exact same reason Tristan had: it was out of everyone’s way, and was unlikely to be inhabited.

He thinks it’s odd, how... un-odd he finds it. He absent-mindedly thinks that, with the way they acted around each other, he really should’ve seen this coming. A sudden thought occurs to him, and he ducks into a storage cupboard, laying his tray down carefully as he rummages through the boxes. He lets out a quiet “Yay” when he finds what he’s looking for, carefully picking up his tray with only one hand and nudging the door open again with his hip.

He walks back towards the corner he had just turned (and turned again) making a conscious effort to keep his steps quiet; he places the danger sign, usually used where walls had collapsed or windows had been smashed, in the middle of the corridor, a clear indication of “Do Not Enter”.

He nods smugly at his quick thinking and easy handy work before mentally planning the quickest route to the kitchens and following it hurriedly.

He casually wonders if he has time to circle around to the other end of the corridor so he could put another sign down before Cook gets angry at him for being late. Probably not. At least, not before they... finish up and move on. Hmm. He suddenly panics about the thought of them seeing the sign and knowing that someone had spotted them but... well. Hopefully they would just appreciate it and move on.

Yet again, he decides not to bring this up to anyone. He may or may not have overheard a few of the knights making some sort of bet, and he may or may not want to watch on with amusement as they fail to realise that all of them have already lost.

Tristan smiles to himself; working here had turned out to be rather entertaining, in the end.

THE END

I know it’s short, but I really didn’t know what else to add without it sounding like I was just repeating myself over and over😅

I hope y’all enjoyed it!!

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darkherolovercroissant · 3 years ago

Text

I Bet You Think About Me

Arthur Morgan x Fem Reader

Masterlist

Warnings: Fluff and Angst (no surprise there)

———————————————————————

You had been a huge part of Arthur’s life. Even though you hadn’t been with the Van Der Linde gang for as long, you still had been with them for a while. After you showed up, Arthur had immediately glued himself to your side. Charles would laugh whenever Arthur would join you around camp or even the odd mission you’d go on.

You had no problems with Morgan joining you, in-fact you loved it whenever he joined you. You’d been with them for three years now, being taught how to read and write by Hosea and Dutch. Arthur had taught you how to shoot a gun and John even taught you how to ride horses. Charles when he joined, taught you how to track and shoot a bow.

It was no surprise to you when Arthur had asked to court you. You laughed and agreed, his smile was brighter than the sun that shines over you.

You watched as the gang grew even more, but you also watched as the gang fell apart. Arthur had been pulling his hair out as the robbery in black water went wrong. He was angry at Micah and Dutch, but also worried as you and Jenny hadn’t shown up. You were all supposed to meet in the outskirts of black water, but you two never showed up.

Jenny, you, Mac, Sean were all missing. He watched as everyone packed and ran quickly as he stayed behind to wait for you. Thankfully you show up with a badly injured Jenny, Arthur had taken over as you all headed up the mountains. Blizzards were a nightmare, as you couldn’t see anything and had to hope you were going somewhere safe. As you rode beside Jenny’s wagon, Grimshaw looks at you and shakes your head sadly. You sigh and ride up to Dutch and Hosea and relay the news.

“We just lost Jenny, Dutch” you say

“God Damn it!” Dutch huffs

“We’ll get her buried up here, dear girl” Hosea says to you.

You nod and continue riding upfront.

——————

Horseshoe overlook was a nice place. It was warm and you were near a town. You remember the other girls asking to join Arthur and Uncle, but told no unless they asked if you wanted to come. The girls side eyed Arthur before running over to you and dragging you from Dutch without saying a word and throwing you at Arthur.

“Um, hello?” You we’re so confused, but the girls just laughed before climbing on the wagon.

“M’lady.” Arthur snickers as he helps you into the wagon.

“Where we going?” You say as you pull out of camp.

“Valentine, my dear.” Uncle says

You nod and sit in the back of the wagon as you drive to the small livestock town. As Arthur parks the wagon by the stables, the girls get out and head to the saloon, Arthur helps you down and guides you to the general store.

You pick up some stuff you needed and a couple of chocolate bars for Jack. You noticed a bunch of books on the shelf, so you grab one and purchase it. You wanted to read more, so whenever anyone had a chance, they’d grab books for you.

——————

It was in Rhodes when Arthur and you got away from camp for a couple of days. You two had went out hunting and when night fell, you set up camp. Arthur had been really clingy that day, so it’s only fitting that night you two were clinging together while Arthur brought you to numerous highs. He loved how you’d moan his name loudly and the way your nails scratched down his back as he rocked his body into yours.

You didn’t think anything of it until Abigail came up behind you and Arthur at dinner time and signalled to your neck. She walks off as you pull out a pocket mirror and see the big mark, Arthur had left. He just smirks as he continues to eat his stew.

“Was that necessary?” You whispered

“Want me to take my shirt off and show them the marks you left on me?” Arthur challenges

You go quiet and shove stew into your mouth as Arthur laughs at your embarrassment.

Sean would taunt Arthur as usual, but even more now that word had gotten out about you two sleeping together. Arthur almost shot him the one day when he blurted out something when all of the group was listening.

“I’m surprised it still works at your age, English” Sean snickers

Everyone starts laughing as Arthur goes bright red. You were holding in a laugh as Arthur reaches for his holster and Sean takes off running.

“You’re still young dear boy. Don’t let that moron get in your head” Hosea says once he settles down.

—————

It wasn’t until Shady Belle, that you realized something was off. You had been extremely nauseous and food didn’t taste right to you anymore. Abigail picked up on everything before others did and pulled you away from the group to confront you.

“I don’t want to worry you, but you may be pregnant.” Abigail whispers to you as John and Charles pass by.

“I mean, you two have been going at it quite a lot lately. You should go and get checked out.” She says as she calls Ms. Grimshaw over.

—————

Turns out, you’re indeed pregnant. Pregnant with Arthur’s baby and the camp had went to shit. You were horrified when Sadie had told you that Hosea and Lenny had died. Abigail had said that John had been kidnapped which added on to everyone’s worries.

However, Dutch, Micah, Javier, Arthur and Bill were all missing. Charles rejoined you shortly after, saying that the others were on a boat and leaving to someplace. You set up camp in lakay and Abigail gave you a hammock to sleep in in one of the cabins as you needed a rest. You cuddled up underneath Arthur’s blue winter coat as you fell asleep. You were out for hours until Abigail came through and woke you up to eat some dinner.

—————

It had been a couple of weeks, but the gang had hope with the clues they’ve been left by Sadie and the others. You were sleeping when an excited Abigail came in and woke you up.

“Arthur’s back” she giggles

As you get standing up, Arthur had bursted through the doors and ran over and pulled you in a hug.

“I missed you, so much” he says as he hugs you tightly

You laugh and hug him back and immediately relax, now that he was safe and back in your arms.

“I missed you too, Arthur.” You giggle

————

Beaver Hollow was a nightmare to put it lightly. First of all, the stench of blood and rotten flesh was still in the air, which made you throw up immediately. Arthur ran over to you and rubbed your back as you gagged harder. Let’s not also forget that Dutch had officially lost his mind with all these ‘plans’ he had. He was scaring you and it made you wish Hosea was still alive, he’d be able to straighten Dutch out.

Arthur had left to go with help Sadie track down John. You were left in camp where you thought was worse than outside of it. Charles had left to help the indigenous people up north and there goes your other protector when Micah lost his mind. You stuck with Abigail and Pearson as Micah seemed to be touched in the head.

When Arthur came back, he looked miserable, which immediately became your concern. As you approach, he double overs in pain as he lets out nasty coughs.

“Arthur? Are you ok?” You shiver in fear.

“We need to have a talk” Arthur wheezed

It’s not surprise that his health had taken a turn, but you still hoped it was a flu. Arthur knew different though, but wasn’t ready for you to know different.

“What’s wrong?” You ask as you join him on his cot.

“Im dying darling. I ain’t got much left, but I’m not going to die until I get others out of here and into a better life.” He exhaled

That’s when it hits you. You’ll be left in this world without him. A world you don’t want to live in at all unless he’s a part of it.

“I got money. Abigail, Sadie, John and Jack are leaving and I want you to go with them.” He says

Your eyes begin to get blurry as tears fall down your cheeks.

“I don’t want to live in a world without you, Arthur” you sniffle

Arthur shakes his head and pulls you into a hug.

“If I had of been smarter, we’d both be going somewhere nice and living together, but I was an idiot and now I’m living with the consequences.” He mutters

“Please don’t leave me” you sob

“I want you to go and don’t look back” he says as you both fall into a deep sleep not long after.

—————

“I want you to run and don’t look back” Arthur says to John as they both run from the other gang members chasing them.

“Your family is with Sadie and y/n at copperhead landing. Go now!” Arthur says after handing John his hat and satchel.

“Arthur, she’s waiting for you too” John says

“We ain’t both going to make it.” Arthur sighs before coughing again.

“Go now! I’ll hold them off” he begs as John frowns before nodding and then running off.

—————

You look up and see John riding towards you and the others, but unfortunately Arthur wasn’t with him.

“I’m sorry, y/n.” John says before hugging you tightly.

Sadie rubs your arms comfortingly as you load onto the wagon and head for a new life. John looks back at you before turning back around when he sees the tears falling down your cheeks.

Your bump was getting bigger and you just wished Arthur had been here to see it for himself.

——————

Many years had passed and you learned to keep living, even though you felt dead inside. You lived on a big ranch with the money Arthur had gave you, along with the rest that Sadie had. John had also left Arthur’s belongings in a chest in your house, not wanting to keep what was left of him from you.

You were out in the garden when you heard loud giggles. Getting up, you see your little boy sitting on the porch eating tomatoes while your dog licks his face. Those beautiful blue eyes that he got from his daddy, the same hair colour and even the fiery temper. He was his dads mini me, but he’d never know that.

—————

He digs through his moms old things and finds a satchel and an old hat. Inside the satchel was a journal with a photo stuck in the one page. He learned about his father when he turned ten, he wasn’t as heartbroken as you thought, mostly cause he never knew him. However this was the first time he ever seen his father and he couldn’t believe that he was a carbon copy of his father.

One crisp day, he packed up his saddlebags and said he’d be back soon. He was going on a trip and he’d be back by the end of the week.

—————

He stood on the cliff overlooking the green below, but only focused on the grave that sat buried beneath wildflowers.

“Blessed Are Those Who Hunger And Thirst For Righteousness” and his name in the middle of the grave. Arthur Morgan

#arthur morgan #rdr2 #red dead redemption 2 #fanfic #fluff #angst #not so short short story #oneshot #x female reader #x fem reader #arthur morgan x female reader

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gaeilgeoirgay · 2 years ago

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Whumptober 2021 Day Twenty Eight

TW for torture :)

drowning on dry land

Gaius huffs from across the room and Merlin looks up from his glamoured spellbook to see the old physician staring at their herb cabinet with a dissatisfied frown. Merlin lays down his spellbook and stands up to see what has Gaius in a mood.

“Everything alright, or does the herb cabinet suddenly contain the secrets of the universe? Or Arthur’s dirty laundry, that certainly gives me the same expression you have now, Gaius.” Merlin teases, looking over his mentor’s shoulder.

“We’re out of valerian root. Several members of the court use it to aid their sleep and stress. I thought I had some left.” Gaius says, peering at the jar labelled Valerian.

“Maybe it got mixed up in another jar?” Merlin suggests, getting a stern glare for the mere idea. Gaius does not misplace herbs. Merlin raises his hands in surrender and grabs his satchel and the jar.

“I’ll go get some more from the forest.” He says and Gaius nods in approval, already turning to check the rest of the herbs. Better to do it all in one trip. Apparently they’re low on yarrow and feverfew as well, and Merlin groans, because the nearest yarrow patch large enough for Gaius’s needs is a two hour ride into the middle of the forest.

He writes them down on his list anyways and heads out the door, deciding to swing by the training fields first to let Arthur know he’ll be unavailable for a few hours. It’s a hot day outside, and the knights are training shirtless so Merlin unashamedly drinks his fill of a half-naked Gwaine. The knight notices and flexes his arms jokingly, making Merlin laugh.

The rest of the knights see him then and wave, grateful for the chance to take a break. Arthur raises an eyebrow at Merlin’s satchel and he shrugs.

“Gaius is short on a few herbs so I’m heading out to get them. They all grow in the forest but it’ll take me about five hours to collect everything and get back to Camelot. I’m afraid you’ll have to put up with George today, sire.” He explains and Arthur groans.

“Fine. Take one of the knights with you, I want to start training them about medicinal and edible plants, for the next time a simple mission inevitably drags on long enough to deplete rations.” Arthur orders and all the knights wince. A particularly long bandit hunt had reduced the proud knights to eating leaves like rabbits. Merlin had thought it humbling, but none of them seemed to agree.

Merlin catches Gwaine’s eye and the knight grins before shrugging his shirt back on. Aw. Merlin was enjoying that. Arthur looks between them and seems to catch on that there’s something happening there. It only took him three months to notice.

“Gwaine, we will be having words when you return.” He threatens and Gwain smirks.

“My pleasure, princess. I love talking about Merlin.” He says and Arthur rolls his eyes but shoos them away on their trip anyways.

They have their horses saddled in record time and head out to the forest to collect Gaius’s herbs. Feverfew patches are plentiful in Camelot and they soon have all Gaius needs and more. The valerian only takes an hour or two more to collect and they’re making good time. It’s when they’re on their way to the yarrow patch that disaster strikes.

Merlin hears a rustle in the trees, too large to be a bird. He looks up in time for a masked figure to land on top of him. He hears Gwaine shout as he is similarly beset and as Merlin rallies his magic to fight, cold iron finds a home around his wrists. The magic he had been gathering rebounds onto him and his eyes roll back in his head as the backlash sends him into the darkness.

Consciousness returns slowly but eventually Merlin opens his eyes. He’s in a dark room- no, a dungeon, there are shackles on the wall. They’re connected to the cold iron cuffs trapping his hands and magic. Gwaine is slumped beside him and Merlin panics for a moment before spotting the steady rise and fall of Gwaine’s chest. There’s a dark bruise spreading across his forehead but he seems otherwise alright.

Footsteps appear at the edge of Merlin’s hearing before the door screeches open and a figure steps into the dungeon.

“Good. You’re finally awake. Now we can begin.” They say, seemingly pleased that Merlin is no longer unconscious. Merlin opens his mouth to ask a question, remembers the cold iron cuffs and the array of torture devices on the wall and wisely shuts it again. There is a time and a place for his usual snark, and now is not it.

Another figure, male, comes into the room. He’s massive, easily of a size with Percival. He doesn’t say anything but strides over to the torture wall and begins perusing the various instruments. The other watches him amusedly for a moment before turning back to Merlin.

“You are Merlin the servant, correct? You and your knight companion were captured so you could give us information on Camelot and it’s king. I am giving you one chance to start speaking. You have five minutes to begin before my friend here uses those tools on you.” They say and Merlin swallows nervously but says nothing.

Five minutes pass and the person sighs. “I had hoped to give you an opportunity to avoid the pain to come. Though, I suppose you’re already discomforted. Cold iron was a precaution, but I am familiar with it’s effects on a magic user. Which you are, clearly.” They say, watching Merlin closely. He says nothing.

The man comes over with a sharp-edged knife and doesn’t bother giving any warning before he starts. A thin slice appears on Merlin’s cheek and the pain hits him a moment later. He doesn’t have time to process it before the knife is coming again and again and again, until he’s lying in a puddle of his own blood and Gwaine is awake and screaming his name.

The fog clears slightly as the knife retreats. “Are you ready to tell us about Arthur?” Says a voice, and no, Merlin is not supposed to tell them about Arthur, he will not tell them about Arthur.

The knife retreats but the whip replaces it. It’s heavy and jagged and it tears strips from Merlin’s back and Gwaine’s voice is muffled now, they’ve gagged him, but Merlin can still hear his name.

“Are you ready to tell us about Arthur?” “No.”

The whip retreats but the flames replace it. They’re so hot he almost feels cold, and he knows that’s not a good sign, and Gwaine’s voice is hoarse now but he’s still whispering, “hold on Merlin, the others will come for us, just hold on.”

“Are you ready to tell us about Arthur?” “No.”

The flames retreat but the water replaces them. It’s cold and it should feel good but he’s drowning on dry land and he’s dying, he has to be, and oh, the water is gone now and is that Arthur? That’s Arthur’s voice and that’s Gwaine’s. He’ll be okay now, he has his King and his love, they’ll keep him safe. Merlin drifts into the dark peacefully this time, ignoring the pleas to stay. He’s just getting some sleep, Arthur, don’t be silly……

(“Merlin, keep your damn eyes open! Arthur, we need to get the iron off, I know this is a horrible time to find out but Merlin has magic, it will heal him enough to get to Gaius, we just need the cuffs off.”)

(“Fuck, where’s the damn key? Found it! You’re alright, Merlin, I already knew about the magic, you’re not that subtle, just stay alive so I can yell at you for stupid secrets, yeah?”)

(“It’s working! He’s healing, come on, we have to get to Gaius now!”)

(“He’ll be fine boys, stop crowding me. He’ll wake up soon.”)

#whumptober 2021 #merlin #merwaine #gwaine #torture #waterboarding #fanfiction

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phantomchick · 4 years ago

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Merlin fic rec list

To Be A King by clotpolesonly Teen And Up, No Archive Warnings Apply, Gen, Merlin and Arthur, Merlin and Mordred, Gwen/Arthur, Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Merlin's Magic Revealed, Canonical Character Death, BAMF Merlin, Dragonlord Merlin, Original setting, Magical kingdom, King Merlin, Royal!Merlin Summary: When Merlin discovers that his father was an estranged prince and he himself is now the only heir to the throne of a magical kingdom, he is forced to leave Camelot for the perils of a royal court. Will Merlin be able to win Arthur's favor again before Morgana launches an attack on a defenseless Camelot? Will he be able to defend his own kingdom at the same time or will all be lost? -

A Matter of Sovereignty by Kizmet Gen, No Archive Warnings Apply, Friendship Summary A visiting prince takes it into his head to brutalize Merlin, but sometimes the solution to a problem is in how you phrase it.

Bumps and Bruises by platonic_boner merthur, implied/suspected abuse, Protective Arthur, Magic Revealed, pre-relationship, teen an up, canon typical violence,

Summary: Arthur notices Merlin’s constant injuries, and decides he needs to step in and protect Merlin.

Finding Home by riventhorn Arthur/Merlin, Hurt/Comfort Summary: Written for a kinkme_merlin prompt. When Gaius retires a new physician takes over and quickly kicks Merlin out of his room and takes it for himself. Arthur finds Merlin sleeping in the stables...and it's winter.

How To Love A Living Thing by Polomonkey Mature, merthur, Merlin/Arthur, Pendragon (Merlin), Hurt/Comfort, Abuse, Violence, Sexual Harassment, Drowning, Guilt, Romance, Protective Arthur, Mild Sexual Content, Redemption, Healing, Canon Era

Summary Guilt ridden and lonely after his confrontation with Nimueh, Merlin slowly begins to isolate himself from Arthur. When two knights take it upon themselves to teach him his place, Merlin finds himself with nowhere to turn. Will he be able to reach out to his prince before it's too late?

Obeisance by casspeach Gen, No Archive Warnings Apply, Merlin/Arthur

Summary: It's not that Arthur won't share his toys, just that he expects to get them back undamaged

All's Well That Ends Well by StormDancer explicit, Merlin/Arthur, Arthur Finds Out, magic reveal Summary: Merlin spent the week and a half that Arthur was gone splitting his time between crafting careful explanations that never ended up explaining the important things, the things that would make Arthur listen, and making half-baked plans to escape to Ealdor. He found a number of fire-proofing spells that would have no effect if they decided to cut his head off, and figured out how to adapt an invulnerability spell he had been trying to find a way to cast on Arthur without him noticing so that it would protect him from being decapitated, but it would have no effect on anything but metal. Despite all his frantic searching, he did not find a teleportation spell, because that would have been too simple and if there was one thing Merlin had learned in his years at Camelot, it was that nothing was ever simple.

Deeds by the5leggedCricket Merlin/Arthur Pendragon, Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Soulmate-Identifying Marks, Alternate Universe - Soulmates, Episode Related, Oblivious Arthur Pendragon, Teen and Up,

Summary: Arthur is coming of age, and that means he’s about to get Deeds—marks on his body telling him of his soulmate’s greatest accomplishments. But as he tries to find his soulmate, he also makes some worrying discoveries about the kind of person his soulmate is.

Honorable Intentions by smilebackwards Gwaine/Merlin, Guinevere/Arthur Pendragon, Courtship, Protectiveness, Protective!Arthur, Teen and Up, Summary: There are several considerations Arthur would like to go over, starting with the state of Merlin's virtue.

Laundry's Hard Work by supercalvin Gen, Teen and Up, Canon Era, can be read as pre-slash, BAMF Merlin

Summary: Wasn't Merlin supposed to be...tiny? When the hell had he learned to use a sword and not fall on his backside? Where the hell did those scars from? What the hell?

or Arthur still thinks Merlin is the young boy he met ten years ago and he starts to notice things in his manservant that he wasn't aware had changed at all.

Fathom Me Out by supercalvin Merlin/Arthur, Canon Era, Magic Revealed, Teen and up,

Summary: After ten years, Arthur thinks he has Merlin all figured out. But as he watches Merlin, he finds out that he has more questions than answers. The longer he thinks about it, the more uneasy he feels. So he pushes it aside. Except, he can no longer ignore the questions he has about Merlin. Not your everyday reveal!fic

Loyalty Before Royalty by CaffeinatedFlumadiddle Gen, Gwen & Merlin, Arthur and Merlin being the most iconic duo? I think tf not, Gwen and Merlin wreaking havoc? Teaming up against Arthur? That's the most iconic duo there, as usual, Explicit Language, Fluff and Humor, Attempt at Humor, Arthur is so exasperated, someone help him, good thing he loves them both

Summary: "Where did you get that?" Arthur asked, but he already knew the answer. "Gwen." "...and the horse?" "Gwen." "What about the-" "Gwen." Merlin interrupted. Arthur nodded. At this point, he wasn't sure why he even bothered to ask. He was pretty certain his wife was going to knight Merlin any day now.He looked Merlin up and down for a few moments before accepting it all with a sigh. "As long as you get my armor to me tomorrow...I don't care." He finally said, turning away. Merlin cleared his throat. "Gwen gave me tomorrow off." "For the love of God." Or I hate that Gwen and Merlin's friendship kind of withered away in the later seasons so here's a oneshot about her and Merlin abusing her new royal powers because that's what happens when your best friend becomes queen.

Know It All Knight by Shi_Toyu Leon & Merlin, Knights of the Round Table, Magic Revealed, protective leon, Arthur Finds Out, Oblivious Arthur

Summary: Leon couldn’t say for sure when the exact moment was that he figured out Merlin had magic. He’d suspected it for a little while, to be honest. He definitely had it figured out by the time Arthur managed to ‘kill’ the Great Dragon. What Leon could say for sure was the exact moment he figured out that no one else had figured out Merlin had magic.

The Nature of Trust by Lynds Merlin's Magic Revealed, Leon is the Mam Friend, Leon is so done, Protective Gwaine, Lancelot Lives, Canon Era, Arthur Finds Out, Hurt Merlin, Emotional Hurt/Comfort, Implied/Referenced Torture, Canon-Typical Violence, reference to hunting and cooking animals Summary: Leon starts to notice that the knights, one by one, are starting to trust Merlin's judgement. That he keeps warning Arthur about danger, and being right. Is there more to Merlin than meets the eye?

Repercussions by PeaceHeather Fix-It of Sorts, Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Lecture, Rants, Episode: s02e06 Beauty and the Beast, Episode: s02e05 Beauty and the Beast, Canon Era, One Shot, Gen Summary: Uther married a troll. In canon, that all worked out fine eventually. In this slight canon divergence, there is at least one noble who's not willing to let it slide so easily.

No Harm Will Come to You Here by fancyh Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Season/Series 05, Merlin's Magic Revealed, Fluff and Angst, temporary amnesia, teen and up,

Summary: "That was magic," Arthur accuses.

"Oh." Merlin just nods, looking unperturbed.

Arthur fights to keep his expression calm, mind racing and heart pounding. "Sorcery is outlawed in Camelot. On pain of death."

Merlin splutters, finally fixing Arthur with an affronted glare. "It's not like I meant to do it!"

***

Merlin gets hit with a spell meant for Arthur and loses his memory. Revelations ensue. Set sometime after 5x02.

Metamorphose by clotpolesonly Merlin/Arthur, Teen and Up, Between Seasons/Series, Episode: s03e01 The Tears of Uther Pendragon (Part I), Episode: s03e02 The Tears of Uther Pendragon (Part II), Mpreg, Magic Reveal, Angst with a Happy Ending, Pining, morgana redemption, some transphobic language from Merlin when he finds out he’s pregnant because of magic but it’s mostly just the shock that does it Summary: When Merlin falls into bed with Arthur, he doesn't expect for to wake up alone. He doesn't expect Arthur to give him the cold shoulder either, but there is something else he expects even less which forces him out of the kingdom for over a year. He returns to find a traitor in the court, an army on the way, and a love he'd thought all but lost waiting for him with open arms.

Four Days To Fall In Love. by CupCakezys Teen and Up, No archive warnings apply, Merlin/Arthur, Morgana/Gwen, Soulmate AU, Arthur Knows About Merlin's Magic, Protective Arthur, Mutual Pining, Angst with a Happy Ending, Secret Relationship

Summary: In a world where everyone has a soulmate (or two or three), Arthur Pendragon knows he is destined to be alone. For Arthur can see his heartstring, could follow it to where his soulmate lived, and that could only mean one thing.

His soulmate had magic, and should they ever meet, Arthur would have to kill them.

Sacrificial Lamb by RurouniHime Angst and Humor, Pining, First Time, First Kiss, Post Season 1, Initial Misunderstanding, But it’s resolved, Happy Ending, Fluff with a touch of angst at first

Summary: Arthur's been overworking his knights, so they come to Merlin as a last resort.

Cheers and Spirits by CaffeinatedFlumadiddle Gen, The knights are kinda fools, but the best king, Humour, Fluff, Fluff and Humour, Knights of the Round Table & Merlin

Summary: Despite all the supposed trips to the tavern none of the knights have seen Merlin drunk. They decide to rectify that. A poor decision, really.

Circle 'round the Truth by enviropony Merlin + Knights friendship, Gen, Magic Reveal, Oneshot, Knights of the Round Table & Merlin Summary: They know about the magic. Or, more accurately, Merlin's magic is the truth the knights circle around, and Merlin's loyalty is the one 'round which they rally. (A character study with some yelling, an action sequence, and a bit of walking.) Post-S4.

Strict Justice by schweet_heart mutual pining, BAMF Arthur, magic reveal, canon au, oneshot, teen and up

Summary: After a particularly grueling battle, Merlin and Arthur share a quiet moment in their tent.

before it breaks by schweet_heart Teen and Up, Hurt/Comfort, Angst, merlin whump, magic reveal, merlin & arthur, merthur

Summary: “It’s not what it looks like,” he says, hand still outstretched, barely a waver in his voice as he lies, outright, to Arthur’s face. “Sire, I can explain.”

“Can you,” Arthur says. He’s aware that he’s trembling, a seismic reaction to the outrage and denial still fighting it out inside his head, but he knows what he’s seen. What it must be. “Well, then, you’d better be quick about it, because it looks a lot like magic.”

Until the Day I Die by Cookie Teen and Up, Oneshot, Angst, Temporary Character Death, Angst with a Happy Ending

Summary: Arthur believed Dragoon had killed his father, and so he plunged his sword deep into the sorcerer. Now Merlin was dying in his arms and Arthur was facing the future alone.

These Castle Walls Bleed Lies by marguerite_26 Mature, hurt/comfort, Magic Reveal, Angst, Merthur, mentions of arthur/gwen, Gwen/Lancelot

Summary: With his father unfit to rule and Camelot decimated, Arthur must assume the role of King. But the truths he discovers shake the foundation of all he holds dear.

before his eyes (he now sees clear) by hwc Teen And Up Audiences, Uther Pendragon is terrible and complicated, Merlin/Arthur

Summary: It takes Uther half a second to see Balinor in Merlin, and he's almost sure of what he should do.

Keep Your Secrets by new_kate, orphan_account Mature, rape/non-con, torture, captivity, romance, alternate universe - canon, canon typical violence, hurt/comfort

Summary: Arthur Pendragon is captured by the bandits. While he waits to be ransomed, he slowly gets to know Merlin, the prisoner being held in the next cell.

Crossing the Line by Ultrageekatlarge BAMF Merlin, Gen, Crack, Oneshot, Magic Reveal, Hurt! Merlin, Humour

Summary: In which Merlin gets bludgeoned, strangled, attacked, smothered, shot with glass, and tossed out a window, burned, whipped, stabbed, thrown down stairs, nearly drowned on dry land, and harpooned, and still manages to save Camelot from seven evil sorcerers, before lunch.

Your Touch Is My Salvation by elirwen Magic Reveal, Canon Era, Oblivious idiots in love, Curses, Teen and Up, Oneshot, Hurt/Comfort

Summary: Merlin suffers from an effect of a curse. Arthur can help more than he initially thought.

A Heavy Heart to Carry by Thursday_Next Rescue, Hurt/Comfort, Magic Reveal, Oneshot, Mature, Merlin/Arthur Pendragon

Summary: When Merlin is captured and injured, Arthur must face up to his own feelings for his manservant as well as the many secrets he discovers are being kept from him.

Can you do that? by no_nutcracker Merlin/Mithian, no archive warnings apply, Alternate Universe - Soulmates, Soulmate-Identifying Marks, Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Episode: s04e11 The Hunter's Heart, Arthur & Merlin friendship

Summary: Merlin should be overjoyed. He just found his soulmate. If only she was not betrothed to Arhur.

His Remedy for Care by ArgentSleeper Teen and Up, canon au, Episode: s02e13 The Last Dragonlord, Angst, Canon Typical Violence, Hurt/Comfort, Fix It

Summary: Injured in the dragon attack in lieu of Arthur and afraid of being stopped from going on the mission, Merlin kept away from Gaius and never learned that Balinor was his father. Instead it's Arthur that puts two and two together as he seeks the dragonlord out, first to save his servant (not friend- they can't be friends), then to save his kingdom.

A Considerable Head Start by ughbutidontwantto BAMF Merlin, Gen, when villains have more regard for you than friends, Camelot has a serious class problem, Merlin deserves better

Summary: Merlin is frighteningly competent and his friends are correctly concerned. Obviously they're going to follow him out to the woods. And obviously they're not going to like what they hea

The Conscience of the King by ughbutidontwantto Gen, Post-Magic Reveal, Legal Drama, Oneshot, Friendship feels

Summary: Merlin's magic was revealed and now everyone has to deal with it in an official capacity since tragically most of these characters work in government. Arthur, predictably, is struggling to cope.

Out of Sight, Out of Mind by BabyStepsAreStillSteps Merlin Deserved Better, Hurt/Comfort, Emotional Hurt/Comfort, Merlin Needs a Hug (Merlin), Episode: s05e09 With All My Heart, Fix It

Summary: When Arthur turned his back on the Dolma that he didn’t know was his manservant, Merlin reminded him that he was missing a very important member of their rescue party.

What if he hadn’t?

What They Owe Us by ironspidereilish Merlin/Arthur, Alternate Universe, Aredian’s a tax collector instead of a witch hunter but he’s still a bastard, Hurt/Comfort, Poverty, Angst with a Happy Ending, Protective Arthur Pendragon, BAMF Arthur, Canon Era, Romance, sexual coercion mentioned, BAMF Merlin

Summary: When Arthur finds out that the castle staff are having their wages held for weeks at a time and can no longer afford food or their homes, he will not rest until they are protected and Aredian is stopped.

The fact that Merlin’s stomach is rumbling while he delivers the prince his breakfast, and Arthur hates the thought of him suffering, only serves as extra motivation to fix this.

royal blood by Rona23 crack!fic, humour, comedy, Balinor Lives, Dragonlord things, Golden Age, Bamf Arthur, Bamf Balinor, Bamf Merlin, Fix It, Magic reveal, Oblivious Arthur, Merthur

Summary: ..... as if Balinor could be killed by Bandits O.o

Alternatively: An alternative take on Balinor surviving and saving Camelot. ... And then proceeding to hold the entire kingdom hostage, because he has a frigging Dragon at his disposal :)

- The way by Naelyn Episode: s04e11 The Hunter's Heart, POV Arthur Pendragon, Angst, Hurt/Comfort, Oblivious Arthur, Until He’s Not, Hurt/Comfort, Merlin Deserved Better, Communication or lack thereof, Canon Divergence

Summary: "One more word out of you, and I swear to God I will send you into exile."

He knows it’s not the pyre, knows there’s much worse, but banishment would mean staying away from Arthur forever – and, as pathetic as that might sound, he thinks he would rather die than let that happen. It is clear that the feeling is not reciprocated, clear that in Arthur’s eyes, he will never come first. There’ll always be people coming before him, and he’s made peace with that long ago – but if even Agravaine can come before him, then anyone could, no? Anyone could replace him. Call Merlin a traitor and have Arthur get rid of him. Anyone could.

Merlin no longer feels safe in Camelot.

or: Arthur threatens Merlin of banishment. To Arthur's eyes, it's all forgotten. To Merlin's, however... Well, let's just say that his faith in their mutual destiny, once unwavering, finds itself faltering at a dangerously quick rate.

Better in the Mourning by CaffeinatedFlumadiddle Gen, Lancelot & Merlin, Knights of the Round Table & Merlin, Grief, Fluff and Angst, Gwen/Lance mentioned, let the characters grieve, 5 Knights of Grief

Summary: Merlin mourns Lancelot's death. The rest of the knights help out. (AKA Merlin gets to take advantage of not having to keep a dead loved one a secret and gets some goddamn support in this castle)

I suppose that I look different (without the robes and crown) by WingedWolf121 Canon Era, Episode: s05e03 The Death Song of Uther Pendragon, Uther Pendragon’s A + Parenting, Ygraine/Uther, Arthur/Merlin, Balinor/Hunith, Dragonlord Merlin, BAMF Merlin, Fix-It, Angst with a Happy Ending

Summary: When Arthur blows the horn of Cathbdhah for the second time, the horn doesn’t just send Uther to the other world. It sends Arthur away as well – to a world where Ygraine never died, the Great Purge never happened, and magic lives freely at court. As do those who practice it.

For Your Information by reni_days Merlin & Uther, Merlin/Arthur, Modern Era au, Oneshot, Teen and Up

Summary: Merlin sighs. "After your...announcement," he explains, "your father decided he needed a bit more information. Which is apparently where I come in. I'm sort of like his gay tutor, it's hard to explain."

Good Fortune by platonic_boner Canon Era, Fluff, Merlin/Arthur, Oneshot

Summary: Arthur makes Merlin a lord, and Merlin does an astonishingly good job of running a village.

Within Reach by foxy_mulder Explicit, Enemies to Friends to Lovers, Hurt/Comfort, Emotional Hurt/Comfort, Sex, Merlin/Arthur, Angst with a Happy Ending, Oneshot, Slowburn

Summary: Nobody touches Arthur.

Merlin realizes it slowly, and when he does, he wants to kick himself for not seeing sooner. ___________ (Or, Arthur and Merlin's relationship with touch over time.)

Moment of Weakness by TheAsexualofSpades Gen, Fluff and Angst, Hurt/Comfort, Emotional Hurt/Comfort, Angst with a Happy Ending, Arthur Knows About Merlin's Magic, Protective Knights, Protective Arthur Pendragon, Protective Merlin, Whump, Oneshot, Merlin/Arthur

Summary: After all Merlin's gone through, you'd think it would take some world-ending magic spell or an almost successful attempt on Arthur's life to shake him properly.

It isn't one of those, and Merlin has no idea why.

He just knows he can't be weak.

The Only Reward Bestowed Upon Me by greatdumbking Gen, Oneshot, Merlin/Arthur, angst, hurt/comfort, angst with a happy ending, Episode: s04e05 His Father's Son, Fix-It, Agravaine, Canon Era, Love Confessions

Summary: “You’re wrong Merlin. I don’t need anyone. I can’t afford that luxury. The kingdom's my responsibility now, and mine to bear alone. And you must learn to accept that.”

How could this hurt so much, a third time? Merlin could feel the façade of his casual indifference faltering. His face fell, tears were clawing at his throat, creeping into his eyes. It took all his effort to nod, steel his eyes, and swallow down the rising sob.

(How did Merlin get chosen the be the bait? Why did Arthur start pushing Merlin away? Why couldn't he see how much it was hurting him?)

Maybe Not the Most Awkward Dinner to Happen in Camelot's Citadel, but it's Definitely Up There by HopePrevails Gen, Gwen/Arthur Pendragon, Merlin, Fluff, Domestic Fluff, Oneshot, Humour, past Gwen/Merlin

Summary: When an argument about whether Merlin is remotely attractive or not breaks out over dinner, Queen Guinevere accidentally drops into the conversation that she had a crush on him when he first arrived in Camelot. Arthur takes it... like Arthur.

--x--

“Don’t look so surprised, Merlin.” Gwen said kindly. Perhaps she was the psychic. “You’re sweet and gentle, charismatic-” Arthur snorted. “- and I’m not going to let you walk out of those doors thinking you don’t look the part, either. Remember, even when you first came to Camelot, I-” She stopped herself, snapping her lips tightly shut.

#art by mushroomtale-fanart #their stuff is great #Merlin fic recs #merlin fic rec #merlin (tv)#merlin #arthur pendragon #bbc merlin #bbc merlin fic recs #merlin emrys #fic rec list #fic recs #51 fics total

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fanfiction-inc · 4 years ago

Note

Could I get headcanons for Hosea finding out Y/n is pregnant with their baby 🥺❤️. Maybe even Arthur if you feel like it. Thank you!

But of course, my dear! And I'm sorry if these are a bit shorter than the others. I hope you enjoy no less! ❤

Hosea

You and Hosea had been together for a long while now, starting out since nearly the time you joined the gang.

Separated from the others during a bad storm, stowed away in one of the abandoned cabins up in the mountains until you could regroup.

Sharing warmth, sharing a bed after a couple drunken confessions when alcohol was used to warm the belly and cheeks.

From there, you two have been inseparable, and it didn't go unnoticed.

It was public at this point, everyone around the camp knowing about the two of you since that day after the storm, returning to camp with all too fond looks and smiles only lovers would exchange.

Despite the gap in age, not an eye was batted in your direction.

Dutch was supportive of the relationship, happy that his closest friend was happy.

Arthur liked you, liked your kindness to everyone and Hosea especially.

John found that if everyone else liked you, you couldn't be that bad.

Now, this relationship wasn't all just kisses and cuddles like the others had only been subject to see on the off chance.

There were far more intimate moments that were hidden away for only the two of you to see and feel.

So when you approached him on the night before he's supposed to leave for a hunt with Arthur and spill out that you think you're pregnant, he was amazed.

Truly amazed by the revelation.

He was an older man, and it was widely known even in that day and age that the older you were, the less of a chance for children.

Though yes this was a limited chance, it wasn't zero.

"And...And you're sure that y'are?" Hosea questioned.

He looks at you, watches your nervous form fiddle with your thumbs and eyes try to avoid him.

He can tell how you feel. Insecure, worried. He was worried too.

What if he wasn't there for you with this child, if he died due to this life and you were left with a little boy or girl to remind you of your loss?

"I'm pretty sure. I've been sick to m'stomach, been unwell for the last few days and I...I didn't know how t'tell ya till now."

He soon comes to you, arms going around your middle and letting his forehead rest against your own.

"I didn't want to disappoint ya with a child." Your whisper of words has him tilting your chin up so your gaze meets his own.

"Sweetheart, you could never disappoint me, and especially not with a potential child!" He smiled that same goofy smile you fell in love with, gaze sweet. "I want this with you. I want a family."

He delivers a kiss to your lips, quick yet delicate, thumbs brushing away any stray tears that spill when you return his kiss.

Arthur

It hasn't been the longest while that you've known Arthur.

He started courting you when you frist joined the gang, using his cowboy charm to earn a giggle from your lips and ruggish good looks to capture your attention.

It wasn't his efforts that had gotten you with him, though, it was his insecurities and sweetness that slipped through on the off occasion.

How he was a "good man" in your eyes when he never saw himself as such.

So when you started getting more intimate, you two could get a bit carried away on many occasions.

Thus, leading to this moment where you sit nervously at his side, the man processing the words that came out of your mouth.

"So...So you're sayin' that I'm gonna be a pa," He pauses, looking at you. "And this kid is ours?"

"Yeah, Arthur. It's ours. I haven't been with anyone else and with how often we... Well, y'know, it makes sense." Your tone is calm, as if ready for whatever he may say.

You've got this if he doesn't want to be a father.

You can raise this baby on your own.

At least...You keep reminding yourself of such.

It takes him a moment to look at you, hand coming over to take your own and gaze softening when he sees your downcasted and thoughtful features.

"Hey, we're gon'do this together. Me and you." His lips kiss at your knuckles, drawing your attention back to him.

He smiled when he sees your surprised look, then the smile that creeped onto your lips.

"You, me, and our baby." You whisper, his body moving in for a quick kiss.

"Gon'be the toughest kid in the west." He remarked.

RDR2 TAG LIST:

@lise-soontobemarried | @imtootiredforreddit | @morgans-cowbaby | @btsloversaregreat | @sokkasdarling

#hosea matthews x reader #hosea matthews #arthur morgan x reader #arthur morgan #rdr2 #red dead redemption 2 #lovely anon #thank you anon #anon ask

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thesleepy1 · 4 years ago

Text

All In Endearment, Dear

A/N: My friend really liked that last fic and they wanted another one. I am so glad they liked it. One of the only positive things that happened in a while, hahaha. To anyone who comes across this, commenting, anything, even if it's just a smile makes my day. I finally get to feel that little surge of happiness when my fics are being read. It's a nice feeling, not going to lie. And to top off all of that, @queenofchaos7 requested that I continue this fic. So here we are.

Pairings: Merlin x Arthur

Summary: In an attempt to be more direct with Arthur, he takes Merlin out hunting with his knights. Something so intimate and a clear show of his loyalty, that Merlin could not mistake it as anything else. And in the middle of the forest, Arthur would not be able to chicken out like a coward, lest Merlin gets lost in the forest.

Word count: 3,824

Part 1

Part 3

Warnings: language, suggestive language, crude jokes, violence, blood,

Merlin was ignoring him. The man just had to be. Sure, Merlin came when called, was present in the council meetings, and everytime Arthur “accidently” injured himself Merlin would be there to nurse his wounds. It was just that Merlin rarely ever made eye contact with him anymore unless absolutely necessary. Merlin rarely ever lingered when called anymore, quickly leaving Arthur’s side to do who knows what.

Everyone already knew that Merlin was a wizard. Arthur was in full support of Merlin’s power and his ability to be useful among the court. For once in the brunette’s life that is.

There was no reason why Merlin should be avoiding him like this. Had he done something to make the man upset? Was it the rain comment from the week prior? Whatever it was, it was making him lose sleep. Arthur had long admitted that he was infatuated with Merlin, in love even. Though that was a big word. But obsessed to the point of losing sleep? That was where he drew the line.

“Merlin!” Arthur yelled in that way of his. So distinctive that Merlin subconsciously curled up deeper into his nest of blankets. “Merlin!” Arthur yelled again, banging on Merlin’s door in Gaius’ quarters. “I know you aren’t at the tavern. I checked already. Wake up and come out here or I’m going in!”

Begrudgingly, Merlin rolled out of his straw stuffed bed and unlatched the door for Arthur. The king immediately stepped in before Merlin could close him out. “Do you realize how late it is?” Merlin asked in a sleep filled voice, not expecting Arthur to reply.

“Early actually, Merlin. The sun will be up in an hour or so,” Arthur replied, trying to hide the effects that Merlin’s sleep filled voice had on him. The king was so glad that the room was too dark to properly see.

“That doesn’t explain why you’re in my room, you twat,” Merlin groaned, trying to make Arthur out without magic. If he didn’t know any better, it looked like Arthur was in his hunting outfit.

“Would it be absurd to say I just wanted to see you?” Arthur asked in mock jest, watching Merlin’s face in the dark of the room. Even without light, he was shining.

“You see me everyday, remember? I work for you,” Merlin countered, turning on his heel to beeline for his bed.

“But you’ve been ignoring me.”

Merlin ignored him in favor for getting back into his bed.

“Merlin,” Arthur tired again. “I’m here for a reason, you know.” When Merlin didn’t reply Arthur rolled his eyes. “I’m taking you hunting.”

That got the wizard right out of his bed. “What?” he exclaimed in confusion, his hair stuck up on one side. Arthur was tempted to fix it back into place.

“What do you mean, what? We’re going hunting in the forest.” Arthur approached the bedside slowly, as if coming up to a sleeping lion in its den.

“Is that an order?” Merlin mumbled against the bed, pressing his sagging pillow against his head to hide away from Arthur. His shirt was riding up his chest from the movement and Arthur had to quickly look away.

“I-it is,” Arthur stuttered, suddenly very interested in Merlin’s walls. The wizard had a little parchment picture of a bird nailed to his wall. The sketch was quite accurate, though Arthur could not remember for the life of him what kind of bird it was. “We’re going hunting with the knights.”

“Couldn’t this wait until morning?”

“It is morning, Merlin,” Arthur inched toward the door, suddenly very aware that Merlin had gotten up from his bed and was currently undressing behind him. “J-just hurry or else we’re leaving you behind.”

“Well, we can’t have that,” Merlin snarked, shrugging into a new tunic. “You might stab yourself with your own sword if I’m not around.”

Arthur turned around, offended that Merlin would say such a thing, “Well I would have you know-” Merlin had yet to put on a new pair of trousers. Arthur ran from the door without saying another word, scarred for life at what he had seen. Merlin furrowed his eyebrows in confusion until he heard a distant shout. “I still expect you to be there, Merlin!” Groaning at the unfairness of life, Merlin stepped into his trousers and made his way to the courtyard.

Arthur and the knights were there waiting for him, everyone disregarding, Arthur looked just as exhausted as he was. One of them was barely holding onto his mount. “Dear god, Arthur, what are you doing?” Merlin asked with a yawn, rubbing the sleep from his eyes.

“Take the lot of you hunting for a great beast or something the kitchen staff could roast for us!”

Merlin was ready to leap off a cliff. “At this ungodly hour?” he asked, not really expecting an answer.

“Of course, Merlin. Do you really expect us to hunt at night?” Arthur answered with a smirk on his lips. The knights of the round table all looked as if they were ready to kill their king as well. Gwaine was half asleep on his stallion. Lancelot was sleeping with his eyes open, the lucky bastard.

“I expect you to hunt without me,” Merlin shook his head, turning his back on Arthur to saddle his own horse. The mare was purposely stronger than the others, a more reliant breed that had the best sense of home. If anything were to happen while they were hunting, Arthur wanted Merlin safe.

“Come on, Merlin. It won’t be that bad,” Arthur sounded, ordering his knights to flank him as they rode off into the forest. “Really, it could be worse.”

“It really couldn’t.” Merlin rode to his left, Percival to his right. For knights of his court, none of them except Leon seemed to be properly awake. Even Elyan who used to get up before the break of dawn to help his father was trying to not doze off. Arthur was frankly disappointed in them.

“It could be fun, Merlin,” Leon gave him a reassuring grin, reminding Arthur of a golden retriever. “If anything happens out here, we’ll be here to protect you.”

“It's more likely that Merlin would get himself into a spout of trouble. He’s a magnet for that sort of thing,” Arthur butted in, suddenly aware of how close Leon was to Merlin despite their protective formation. His knight looked bright and cheerful even when the sun barely broke the horizon. “Don’t worry, Merlin. We’ll be sure to save you from yourself,” Arthur added, playfully punched Merlin on the shoulder.

“Ouch, that hurt,” Merlin groaned, rubbing against the spot Arthur had hit.

“You’ll live,” Arthur hid the guilt that ran through his system well. “If you can’t take a punch then you won’t survive out here, you clotpole.”

“First you take my sleep then you take my insults, what next, my breakfast? Oh, wait,” Merlin snarked, holding the reins to his mare tightly. Arthur had made Merlin carry all of their supplies, his horse being the strongest and all. But the wizard didn’t know that. He just saw Arthur as dead from the head up inconsiderate.

“You haven’t had breakfast, Merlin?” Elyan asked in a concerned tone. When Merlin shook his head, Elyan quickly glared at the back of Arthur’s head. “We should catch something for you then. The rest of us had bread and cheese before departing,” Elyan informed, grabbing the box strapped to his back to notch an arrow and be on the lookout.

“He’ll be fine. Missing one meal won’t kill him,” Arthur brushed off Elyan’s concern. His knight was a much more skilled archer than he was. If he was to impress Merlin then he would need all the chances he could get. Perhaps taking his most skilled knights into the forest to hunt for sport was not the most brilliant idea.

But if it were only him and Merlin, then the wizard might have suspected something amiss. Arthur rarely went outside of the city outskirts unless it were for a diplomatic meeting. And he never hunted before day break. It was unsafe to do so alone. However, Arthur wanted all the time he needed to confess to Merlin. So, really, bringing the knights was the only smart choice.

Arthur was beginning to regret his intelligent decision.

The sun finally rose to signal that morning had truly arrived. And with it brought disappointment. They had spent the entirety of the morning running around like cocks with their heads chopped off. Not a single one of them could catch even the smallest of blue jays. No one had any luck.

Arthur even begged Merlin to cast a spell to make something fall at their feet but the wizard had refused because he found it too cruel. The king agreed but at the same time, they would be killing the creature for supper either way. Did it really matter, how?

According to Merlin, yes.

And that was how they ended up here at the river. Noon had just passed its peak and the soft morning sun was blistering with heat. Everyone was sweating in their armor and gear. Practically begging Arthur to stop for a dip. Pleading that they’ll try to catch some fish while they were at it.

Only Merlin sat fine as can be in his faded blue tunic and red handkerchief. The fabric so worn and loved, Arthur could only imagine how soft they were. Though, those two items seemed to be the only things in Merlin’s wardrobe. That and the inverted of the two, faded red tunics and blue handkerchiefs. The wizard’s sense of style was lacking to say the least.

“Do I have something on my face?”

“Besides arrogance? Not that I know of,” Arthur answered defensively, turning his back on Merlin for the second time that day. All the knights had piled their armour and clothes on the ground, running head first into the river. The wizard clearly didn’t want to be left out.

Arthur may join them in the water but there was no possible way he could compete with them. They were soldiers, training from morning till evening and then some more. Their bodies were muscular, hair greased and unruly, their scars gleamed in the sun. Arthur couldn’t help but stare at them, watching as droplets fell from their rippling chest. His face grew bright red, heat making him dizzy as he resisted the urge to look lower.

Merlin was having no such complications.

The wizard had just taken off his drawstring trousers. His boots laid next to the knight’s pile of clothes. The horses were tied to a nearby tree and happily grazing. Arthur noticed these simple things so as to not stare at Merlin’s figure. As much as he would like to make fun of Merlin, there was nothing to make a mockery of. For a simple servant, Merlin was quite fit.

“Come on, Arthur! The water is great,” Gwaine yelled from the river, splashing on shore where Arthur was still standing with his gear on. His back was to the group, but his knights knew damn well why he was not looking their way. They had found out about his little crush on Merlin after he had one too many tankards. And since then, they had not ceased in their teasing.

“There could be leeches in there for all you know,” Arthur replied, watching a family of birds high up on the tree branches.

“Leeches are harmless,” Merlin said in a cheerful tone. He could hear the man swimming and splashing behind him. “If you’re worried about the leeches’ well-being, Arthur, they’ll be fine. Missing one meal won’t kill them,” Merlin laughed in a way that made butterflies flutter in Arthur’s stomach.

“Ha, ha, very funny, Merlin.”

“The river feels wonderful,” Leon added as well, looking like a glowing greek god come alive. Sure, all of his knights were good looking, but he saw the way the soldier looked at Merlin. Just because Leon knew about his crush, doesn’t mean the man wasn’t willing to steal Merlin. The knight was so clearly flaunting his muscles, tousling his bright blonde hair with his veiny hand. “Why don’t you join us?”

“Please, Arthur?” Merlin pleaded, the sound going straight to Arthur’s heart and perhaps somewhere lower. “It will probably fix your sour mood.”

“I don’t think anything can fix that,” Percival said with a grin that took up the entirety of his face.

“I think only one thing could.” Arthur could feel Gwaine’s wink against the back of his head. He resisted the urge to gag in the back of his throat. If he loses to Gwaine, he’ll never forgive himself. Leon was worthy at the very least, Gwaine drank too much. To lose to a pig was an under disgrace.

“Fine!” Arthur yelled to his hunting party. He tugged off his gear, his tunic, and then eventually his trousers. It was all a very frantic dance to rid himself of layers, he felt like an utter git. “Are you happy now?” he turned to ask his party, preparing himself to jump into the river.

“No pants, my lord?” Elyan asked in what could pass as a concerned tone, but Arthur could hear the snicker in his voice.

“Well- Aren’t you all naked as well?” Arthur stuttered, flushed as red as the day he was born.

“Even I have my pants on,” Gwaine grinned widely, floating on his back to prove his point. The man was wearing white cotton pants with pink sewn hearts. It was quite comedic if not for the fact that Arthur was standing butt naked in front of the man of his affections.

Arthur quickly grabbed his pants and stepped into them before struggling to jump into the river. He failed to properly jump due to searing eyes on him and belly flopped into the water instead. “Gah!” Arthur cursed under his breath, surfacing with a grimace. “The water’s so cold.”

“There’s no need to feel ashamed, my lord. Performance issues are normal for someone your age.”

“Stress and lack of usage I hear are big factors in the issue,” Merlin added, grinning at Arthur playfully.

“Shut it, Merlin.”

“I think you might be scaring all the fish away, Arthur. You would think that little shrimp of yours would attract more of them.”

Having enough of their rude jests, Arthur pushed his hand through the water and splashed the nearest men. That only awarded him with six grown men thrown into a water battle. It wasn’t fair that Percival was large enough to create a tidal wave of a splash or that Merlin could use his magic to protect himself and attack the others. So when he had ran for his own horse to wade through the water, it was all within the rules.

“Cheater!”

“Traitor!”

Arthur only laughed out loud, “The horses want to be a part of the fun as well!” He had quickly grabbed ahold of his clothes and putting them on with one hand was proving to be more difficult than it seemed. “Catch me if you can-” A strong gust of wind appeared out of the blue and knocked Arthur right back into the water, his horse swimming to the other side.

“What were you saying about fun, Arthur?” Merlin looked down at him, those blue grey eyes staring right at his heart. “Are you willing to play fair, now?” Merlin said in a whisper of a voice.

Arthur parted his mouth to speak, but Merlin took his breath away. This was the moment to tell him. To confess how much he needed Merlin in his life, wanted the man without hesitation. He would never give away his kingdom, but for Merlin…. For Merlin he would consider it. A kingdom was not one without its kings.

He could not place the exact moment he fell in love with Merlin, but he had always loved the fool. “I l-”

His horse on the other side of the river nighed in warning, the steed whining in fear. Bucking up on high legs, Arthur had to hold onto Merlin’s arm to steady himself. There on the shore was a beast he had never seen before. A bear as large as a house stood on four reptilian feet, the fur of the thing made from pure glistening metal. The creature had three sets of violet eyes and radiated heat like a furnace.

Before any of them could react the bear opened its maw to reveal dozens of rows upon rows of teeth. They were sharpened to a point, serrated edges that tore through the horse with a rigid form of fiery. In the blink of an eye, the horse was gone.

“Get back on your horses!” Arthur ordered his men, back stroking onto shore for his sword. “Prepare yourself!” A breeze brushed against his back, goosebumps littering his pale skin. His men were behind him, but Merlin, the bastard that he was, was in front of him. “Merlin, get your ass back here!” he yelled, gripping his sword in hand, chest and clothes soaked through.

“He’s starving!” Merlin shouted back as if that explained everything. The brunette’s lips were tinted blue, his pale skin a purple bruise from their earlier rough water fight. He looked so small then.

“Get back here before I drag you by your ear. You are not to engage!” Arthur threatened, quickly looking out of the corner of his eye to make sure the rest of his knights were alright. They all stood prepared to give their lives for the block headed wizard. Swords at the ready, amour and gear laid askew on the floor, chest bare. Their lives for the thief that stole Arthur’s heart.

“Don’t attack!” Merlin yelled back, wading towards the bear with vigor. His chest heaved with each breath labored by fear. “The poor thing is starving,” Merlin repeated, holding his hands out in a reassuring gesture.

“Merlin,” Arthur warned in a hushed voice, afraid that if he spoke any louder the creature would feel threatened. “Get back here, it's not safe you, utter git,” he hissed between his teeth, eyes darting between the two beasts

“I’ll live,” Merlin called back, eyes glowing light amber and gold.

“That’s what I’m worried about,” Lancelot muttered under his breath.

Merlin’s lips twitched upwards at the comment, “Make sure Arthur behaves if I’m gone.”

The mere implication of such a thing had the king of Camelot rushing forward. Arthur would die before having to live a day without Merlin. He was seeing red as he waded through the water, pulling the wizard behind him. “Never!” Arthur yelled louder than intended, the creature whipping its head at them.

“You bloody-” Merlin’s curse was shortened by the blood curdling roar that erupted like a volcano from the beast. It reeled back onto its two high legs, claws as long as Arthur’s arms slashing forward. The underbelly of the thing was made from thick places interwoven, almost as if it knew that was where Arthur was planning to strike.

“Bold of you to assume death could get you out of this relationship,” Arthur quipped before diving underwater.

“Relationship? If you think you could confess to me and then go off to get yourself killed, then I’ll kill you myself.”

“Hey, lovebirds! Have your lover’s quarrel after you’re not in immediate danger,” Gwaine shouted, joining Arthur underwater.

“All of you are going on a fool’s errand,” Merlin said exasperated, climbing onto shore. Leon and Elyan pulled him up with their free hands, pushing him behind them the moment he was on his feet. He rolled his eyes at this, absolutely done with his hunting party. Turning on his heel, he found his horse with all of their supplies. “The bear hasn’t eaten in days, have you seen the state of this forest?” Merlin pulled out a small sack of fruits and bread he had nabbed from the kitchen before running to meet Arthur.

The remaining knights looked onto him in concern, none of them completely used to the words and voice Merlin used when practicing magic. It was a low hiss of words, his eyes illuminated by liquid sunlight. If he weren't on their side, they would be slightly fearful of the wizard. Especially when he made the small sack fly through the air like a canon smelling of freshly baked yeast.

The bear whined low in its throat, the sound like gravel being thrown by the handful at glass windows. It caught the flying sack in between its rows of teeth, tearing through the thing thread by thread like it had the horse. Arthur was within attacking distance when the beast unhinged its maw and let put the most rancid burp.

Arthur and Gwaine fainted where they once stood. The creature lumbered away like it hadn’t just killed a member of their cavalry and scared them lifeless. Merlin swam across the river without hindrance, slapping both Arthur and Gwaine across the face the moment he touched shore. “You two better have a pulse or I’m feeding you to the bear,” Merlin threatened, feeling at their necks and wrists.

“Please, mercy,” Gwaine groaned, “The thing smells like my grandfather’s cooking.”

Merlin chuckled despite himself, the sound causing Arthur to stir. “This wasn’t supposed to happen,” the king murmured more to himself than to the rest of the party.

“Really? I would have never guessed. I assumed you had planned this all out, being killed by a beastly bear included. Was that not a part of your little list of Hells for Merlin?”

“This was supposed to be a date,” Arthur said instead, struggling to sit up properly. The smell of the beast lingered and Arthur could have thrown up. “I was supposed to impress you and confess.”

“Well call me impressed,” Merlin brushed Arthur’s hair out of his hair. It was soft to the touch, even riding in a forest for the whole day couldn’t ruin it. “But I’m planning the next date.”

“Next date?”

“Oh no, no, no, a concussion isn’t getting you out of this relationship,” Merlin shook his head with a grin and a gleam in his eyes.

“I don’t have a con- Ow!” Merlin smacked him over the head. “That hurt!”

“Really? It felt like I was just hitting rocks.”

“You can’t say that to me, Merlin. I’m your boyfriend.”

Merlin couldn’t hide the blush on his face and to be honest, he didn’t want to. “I say that because you’re my boyfriend. It's said with endearment, dear.” Arthur grinned at the pet name, Merlin returning the smile as he pulled the king close. Pressing their lips together should have been done ages ago, it was breathtaking. Merlin tasted of faint crisp apples, Arthur of something utterly his own.

Arthur tasted of something delicious, Merlin decided. And he was starving.

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where-dreamers-go · 4 years ago

Text

Merlin x fem!Reader (Soulmate AU Part 2) (Text reupload)

(A/N: Hey, reuploaded this so that it’s not an external link. Part One here.

Warnings: angst, fluff, romance.

Word Count: 4,709 words )

Camelot was in a time of peace. Soulmates were encouraged to be together and see one another without issue from stature. In Camelot’s past and in other kingdoms there was a sensitivity when it came to soulmates. Drama and angst were a given. Heartbreak and rendezvous were kept secret. It was still common, even back then, to keep one’s soulmate mark hidden for fear of talk and hidden agendas. Though times were changing the tradition was still held by most families.

Your family was no different aside from most family members knowing almost exactly what one another’s soulmate mark looked like. Most of the information you held about soulmates and what happened after they met one another was heard from those closest to you. Little bits of information here and there. Yet it was always stressed how it would be one of if not the strongest connection one could ever experience. A connection so strong that most could not fathom the entirety of it all.

You would gladly face that challenge.

On a cool afternoon, you and Merlin were to find out that apparently being separated for a long period of time wasn’t always an option.

At first it was the tugging, the usual but so much more of an intense pull towards one’s soulmate. Yet if one spent too much time away from their soulmate and it nagged into one’s mind long enough, it felt as if one was being pulled by their inner chest. It was almost to the point of having trouble breathing.

No one had cared to mention those details. Then again you had only met your soulmate a handful of days ago.

So there you sat on your legs, three days after meeting your soulmate and bent over a barrel full of soapy water with half-washed bedsheets.

Having been entrusted with knowing that he had magic there was an added weight upon your shoulders. Not to mention a lingering worry in your heart. Your soulmate was always with King Arthur and the knights of the round table. Not to forget that he never wore armor nor chainmail to protect himself while going out on hunts. Or worse. You only knew of a small amount of stories Merlin had told you recently. Those stories kept getting riskier and more dangerous in their descriptions of what had to be done. You started understanding Gaius’ behavior towards the young man. You just dearly hoped he didn’t have to do anything of that again or soon.

Everything was per usual, collecting used bedsheets from the rooms of the castle and going downstairs to clean them. Not what you’d call fun, but it was fine. You had not run into trouble in the tasks before, however your life had changed a lot recently. Regardless, you had been left to your own devices in the vast room with your mind wandering. It hadn’t taken long until you were hoping that Merlin wasn’t too busy and that the King was taking time off from teasing him.

Once you thought about it, you dearly hoped that Merlin was alright.

Images of Merlin running through a dark, moldy, and soldier-filled castle wasn’t the best to be filling your mind’s eye. No armor and unfamiliar halls added to the picture. Worry, fear, and anxiety rolled through your being in moments.

An uncharacteristic pull in your center drew you back to the present.

“Ah!” You squeezed your eyes shut, hoping for the pulling to pass. Even the burning of your mark when you were about to meet Merlin wasn’t nearly this intrusive.

There was work to be done.

Hitting your fist against the barrel was a fruitless attempt to get your mind off of the pull. Your teeth ground together uncomfortably as you avoided biting your tongue. Even then, breathing through your nose was difficult still.

Another pull drew out a painful gasp from you.

The rapid sounds of boots hitting the floors outside gained the attention of your ears at the last second. They only became clearer and louder as you focused on your breathing.

“(Y/N)!”

Merlin rushed into the room. Nothing had a chance to become an obstacle as he made his way straight to you. In a moment he was pulling you away from the barrel and into his embrace for much needed contact.

Relief hit you like a gust of wind. Your chest felt lighter and your airways clear.

“Are you alright?” Merlin huffed, blowing some strands of your hair out of place.

“Yes. Now I am,” you allowed yourself to lean into him. “Thank you.”

It was much easier to breath for the both of you.

Merlin silently thanked the Universe that he had made it to you before anything serious happened. One of his hands cradled your head to his neck. Warmth and safety shared.

“Are you alright?” Your fingers meandered across the back of his shirt.

He swallowed, “I’m fine. You had me worried. What happened?”

“I-I...I don’t know. Thinking about you as I was washing those sheets. I was just worrying. Perhaps more than I thought I was.”

To Merlin, he knew you were having those feelings and he detected your fear. He felt the tug to be near you. It was very apparent. Something that he could not ignore. One that he didn’t.

“Do you think it was because we were apart?” You murmured.

One of his hands stroked your side as your breathing gradually started evening out. All the while your hands rubbed the texture of Merlin’s blue shirt between your fingers for added reassurance.

“We should ask Gaius.” Merlin piped up. “He might know more about what happened.”

“Should we go now?”

“Yes, now.” He pulled back to look at you. “The chores can wait.”

Walking into what was turning into your new home, the pair of you found Gaius standing behind one of his work tables.

“Gaius.” Merlin quickly made his way over to his mentor, his hand still clasped with yours.

“What’s the matter?”

Eyebrows knitted together as he visibly braced himself for whatever Merlin had to relay to him.

“I felt an growing sense of worry and fear that wasn’t my own and then there was this very persistent pull. My first thought was to find her and she was in a worse state than I was, but we were fine once we were together.”

Letting out a breath of air, the older man looked relieved.

That made you wonder again what he could imagine Merlin getting into. You decided against imagining anything else at the moment.

Merlin waited patiently despite the questioning look in his eyes.

“You perceived her feelings, correct?”

“Yes,” Merlin nodded.

“Alright. (Y/N), you felt distressed?”

“Yes.” You answered with slight growing suspicion.

“The pair of you are still fresh in meeting one another, however there could be other factors to what just happened.”

“Like what?” You questioned.

“The time allowed....or rather the time you can both stand being physically apart may depend on how one of you is feeling. Some days you might need the other more than the day before.��

“So if Merlin was in trouble....I would know?”

“Why do I have to be in trouble?”

“I’ve taken the privilege of telling (Y/N) about some of your shenanigans.” Gaius raised his eyebrows at the young man. “But, yes, I think either one of you would know when to find the other.”

“Sounds handy,” you mused. “But I could do without the intensity of it all if one of us was not in any real trouble.”

Merlin rubbed a hand over your back in circular motions.

“So it all varies depending on us? That’s all?” You pressed further.

“That is the general idea,” Gaius answered. “Which was why I recommend that you both....sleep near one another. For the time being.”

Both your eyebrows and Merlin’s shot up in response.

“We’ll move the cot into Merlin’s room for now. Then we will see if that will help until you two are more accustomed to being soulmates.”

. . .

On the first day you had met Merlin, you had learned more than a handful of knowledge about Camelot than you had your entire first week of living there, especially when it was just you and Merlin in his room. You couldn’t help but to ask Merlin what happened to between Arthur and Guinevere that Gaius was referring to when they found out. Evidently, they had gone through a lot. Especially being they didn’t know what the burning and such of their marks meant when neither mentioned it to the other. Your soulmate didn’t spare on details that he had of the pairs ups and downs, many of which he was a part of. Then again he had plenty of stories to tell you later.

By the time dinner had long ended, you were about to return home when you were told otherwise. You stayed the night. It was much to your surprise and Merlin’s when Gaius highly advised it. The older man did not hide the fact that staying in your home for the night wouldn’t be wise when you hadn’t spent much time with Merlin, your soulmate. Something about it being healthier for you and giving you peace of mind in the long run. The Court Physician promised to let you both know when you would be able to sleep in your own home without worry.

Close proximity was in mind. However, you had never heard of such recommendation even from your family. Perhaps you were missing something.

You figured the older man knew much more than he let others have knowledge of. Also being that it was a rather strange and personal request to have you and Merlin stay together. Even Merlin found it a bit odd. It raised more questions for the pair of you.

Then again, Gaius did have restrictions set up. Meaning they had set up a cot for you in their small physician’s home. One that they hid with a folded room divider. Although Merlin had offered you to take his bed, you declined much to his many counter arguments.

That night your mind whirled with memories and feelings stuck with you. It was still freshly thrilling to have met your soulmate. That and to feel such unconditional love and acceptance. The two of you had barely met yet it was as if you had known him forever.

By morning it felt completely normal. Felt as it should be. Neither of you wanted to go to work at all.

It was only through motivation and Gaius’ warnings that the pair of you went to work.

. . .

The armory of Camelot. The ever present scent of metal and the slight lingering smell of perspiration. Putting away training equipment was of course left up to Merlin.

He spent most of time thinking about his soulmate rather than his next chore. That was neither a surprise nor a problem for the sorcerer. Merlin had spent numerous moments alone wondering what it would be like to meet his soulmate. Being as he had past such an achievement in one’s life, he happily indulged himself in thoughts of you.

Even in the short time he knew you there were flutters and warmth inside of him when simply gazed over at you. Every morning he awoke, you were the first to cross his mind. When he’d see Arthur and Gwen walking together, he’d remember the softness of your hands. Each step on a stairway caused him to smile as he was reminded of how he finally met you. The one he cherished and would cherish every day of his life.

Merlin could not wait to learn more about you and in turn could not wait to fall further into his relationship with you. Every sunrise and each sunset was another day to share and experience life.

He paused in his actions at the feeling or perhaps sensing that you were nearby. Merlin peered over at the doorway, waiting for any movement.

An infectious grin appeared on his face once he saw you enter the space.

You both greeted each other with wide grins and a welcoming hug of warmth.

“What are you doing here? I mean of all places, (Y/N).”

“I just wanted to see you.”

Fingers lightly traced patterns on the other’s hands. Grins turned to smiles and the armory was the last thing on Merlin’s mind.

He kissed your forehead.

“Merlin, why do you have dirt on your face?” You reached a hand up and attempted to rub it off. “You didn’t take a nap outside while Arthur was training did you?” You teased.

“No.”

Like clockwork, Merlin let out a yawn. He mentally cursed.

“Maybe we shouldn’t have stayed up talking so long,” you pursed your lips.

“Maybe, but I enjoyed it.”

“Even the part where I woke you up by poking your leg?”

“That was my favorite part.”

“Was not,” you laughed.

You removed the rest of the smudge on Merlin’s face and poked his side.

Again, he kissed your head.

Merlin adored you and each second spent with you. He wondered how many more days Gaius would recommend you staying in his room. It wasn’t that he minded at all, however he felt as if there was something he wasn’t quite understanding from Gaius’ end.

. . .

Prior to your little scare while washing dirty laundry, you had other types of startling moments, but the good kinds. Thank goodness. For your soulmate Merlin had always seemed to slip in out of nowhere to greet you with a hug and a kiss on the temple. Sounded cute enough, however he could literally be silent upon approach.

Less than scary, but a little unsure was during the first morning of knowing you were soulmates. Merlin had formally introduced you to the knights which was practically an event in itself. Those who were closest to him either hugged you or took your hand in a short ‘hello’. The support and happiness was enough to ease your mind in knowing that you weren’t able to tell your family in person. The knights beaming at the sight of you and Merlin hand in hand could brighten any day.

Even though you had been in Camelot for some time already, realizing you were soulmates with Merlin opened up a whole new world of friendships. One of those being Gaius who had welcomed you in with a smile and open arms. Not to forget his advice that you didn’t mind receiving, he was the Court Physician after all. In time you’d grow to have even more people to rely upon.

. . .

Perhaps two hours since you last saw Merlin and you had eaten a noon meal, you were returning to your chores with a large empty basket in hand. Working inside of a castle seemed to be just as much work as up-keeping the farms and such back home.

As you passed by another castle servant you smiled. Some had already found out that you and Merlin were soulmates. The kitchen cook gave her condolences.

Even with Merlin’s friends quite excited about him finding his soulmate, you and Merlin still had to keep their soulmate marks secret. A flying golden dragon was a common mark. Too dangerous and risky to let anyone know. Added that it wasn’t proper to be walking around and showing off your soulmate mark. Even if there were those bold and curious enough to ask what it was.

Glad that you weren’t lugging around another hefty load was an added perk to your already fine day. That was until you were spooked.

You were walking down a long stretch of hall in the castle when your wrist was abruptly grasped and you were pulled between a wall’s indent, hidden from view.

“Merlin.” Your tone was stuck between a scolding and relief.

“Hello (Y/N),” your soulmate tucked you into his embrace.

“You startled me.”

“I’m sorry,” Merlin ducked his head to be hidden in the crook of your neck.

Humming a little, you dropped the empty basket at your feet in exchange for clasping your hands behind his back and keeping him close.

It was such instances that made you realize how much you enjoyed affection.

When Merlin held you, you felt both grounded and weightless in your presence. It was something you shared mutually. A closeness you both craved no matter the distance.

The whole world seemed to quiet and light up all at once while in the little hideaway you both had created.

To be frank, you were a little surprised how Merlin was able to get away for a moment. Even in the short time knowing each other, you had come to realize just how much work Merlin had for himself each day. Between keeping his true nature and self a secret while protecting Arthur, Camelot, all the people he cared for; chores for Gaius, and chores from Arthur; it was a wonder he didn’t pass out from sleep exhaustion. Apparently, as you learned, Merlin was use to it. You came to understand exactly why he had literally flopped onto his bed on more than one occasion. You’d never laughed at the action since then.

Of course you had your own job as a servant in Camelot’s castle; something Queen Guinevere was happy to hear because that meant you’d be close enough to Merlin. It was something that the King and Queen of Camelot had discussed shortly after Arthur had found Merlin with you surrounded by a mess of laundry on the floor. The couple wanted to make certain that you wouldn’t be too far from Merlin. They cared <i>a lot</i> about their friend.

No matter what happened or what you did, at the end of the day you were with your soulmate, Merlin. Safe, warm, and happy together.

Interestingly enough, during one of your nights together, you had heard from Merlin that Arthur and Gwen had swirl marks behind their left ears. His story even lead to him telling you how Gwen had discovered Arthur’s mark first when the pair were having secret meetings together.

You quite enjoyed listening to Merlin’s stories late at night when he could tell you ones no one else knew about. Your favorites so far were how he met his friends and some really funny stunts he had witnessed. Most of which so far involved Gwaine and Merlin’s involvement one way or another.

It wasn’t every day that you could talk so openly with someone you truly connected with.

. . .

Almost two weeks had passed since you had met and a little less than a week since Gaius had deemed it safe for you to stay in your own home at night. A certain someone walked you home at night and left after a long embrace.

Merlin was missing your company. It didn’t take much for you to know. Despite both feeling the same Merlin knew that you did have your own home to upkeep. Added that you were both strong enough to spend some time away from one another even if neither of you actually wanted to. Merlin counted himself lucky that he didn’t have to find excuses to be with you longer those first few days. The other nights that followed seemed almost extra and not singularly necessary as foretold.

However, questions always arose in the sorcerer’s mind referring to Gaius’ decisions. It wasn’t until the first night you were sleeping back in your own home that through a stare down and a serious expression at the dining table that Merlin was able to get Gaius to tell him another reason why you were kept under their care for well over two nights.

“Because I wanted to make sure there weren’t any....side effects.”

“What kind exactly, Gaius?”

“The magical kind. You are powerful, Merlin and there is no one out there like you. I had to make sure that your--(Y/N) didn’t suffer any sudden side effects because of being away from you too soon. All soulmates are effected differently. I wasn’t about to have her out alone and frightened when she would be safe with you. It’s one thing to have soulmates separated just after meeting one another and showing an emotion uncontrollably. It’s a completely different story when one of the soulmate’s is a powerful sorcerer.”

“You were afraid that (Y/N) would unconsciously use magic.”

“I was. There’s no telling what your connection could lead to, Merlin.”

“I know that it will be something great. I believe that.”

It was afternoon, the sun shining bright high above and a light breeze in the air. Merlin had everything planned; giving Arthur and Guinevere their afternoon meals to carrying specific supplies out of the castle without you spotting him. He was a little too good at that.

The sorcerer had asked you earlier to meet him in a specific spot outside. He had even marked the location with a small scrap of dark blue fabric on a low tree branch. Just in case.

Arriving at the designated location, his heart was pumping faster the closer he was to your form. Sometimes he found it hard to breathe, to focus on something so simple. If he thought too deep about how all of it was real, tangible, you were in his life.

You turned around to face him before any words were able to leave his mouth.

“Merlin,” you beamed and he felt his heart contract.

His eyes taking in how the afternoon light fanned over your features nicely, distractingly. As you walked up to him, he felt more aware of life the closer you were.

“(Y/N),” Merlin finally found it in himself to speak.

You both hugged each other. Feelings of glee, excitement, and minimum anxiety were perceived between you both.

“So what are we doing out here exactly?” You inquired, eyes all alight.

“It’s a little surprise.”

“Little? I’ve found you’re not the kind to have ‘little surprises’ in your life.”

“That’s fair.” Merlin stated before taking a step back to bow and offer you his hand. “Shall we?”

“We shall,” you grinned as giddiness had overtaken you.

Happily, you accepted his hand and allowed him to lead you passed more trees basking in the daylight.

After a little bit of walking, you both came to a quiet spot where a blanket and a small basket was laid out. He lead you straight there.

“When did you have time to do this?” You asked.

“Oh, that part’s a secret.”

You laughed lightly as you both sat down atop of the fabric.

Merlin had really gone out of his way for this.

Would he always have surprises up his sleeve?

Surrounded by nature and positive energy the two of you ate snacks, talked, and more than enjoyed the other’s company. You took a couple of opportunities to steal glances at Merlin when he wasn’t looking. It was more of a challenge than it sounded. It wasn’t long until your curiosity about his magic reappeared. Given that you were both alone it seemed safe enough to ask him.

“So...I know that you can make flowers just appear in your hands, but can you move things or is it just elements? Plants?” You asked, gazing up at him from your lounging position.

“I can do a lot more than grow plants.”

“You can move rocks?”

“Yes,” Merlin answered, finding your phrasing amusing. “I can control parts of weather, stop something or someone from falling, lite fires, and help cure people. Some of which are from spells.”

Mouth agape, you stared at your soulmate.

“Stopping a bucket of water from spilling. Lightning once, but I’d rather not talk about it.”

“Lightning? That’s...that’s frightening, but...it is natural. The power of nature. I guess it isn’t so different than stopping water midair. Then again, I can’t really picture you using lightning or conjuring it? What I mean is that....how can it or you be actually frightening if you were using me to stay warm the other night when you were walking me home?”

“True,” Merlin ducked his head a bit.

“It isn’t scary at all. Just different.”

Blue eyes glanced back to you.

“It’s a good thing I really like different.”

Crinkles were visible by his eyes as he chuckled. Deep and airy all at once.

You adored every crease and every happy sound he emitted. Knowing that you had years to learn and love his quirks and charms filled your heart with an added zing. To have a life intertwined with someone such as Merlin was everything you needed and everything you hadn’t expected.

Birds chirped and communicated nearby as you and Merlin continued relaxing underneath the shade of trees. The soft hum of nature and her energies set the perfect balance for your picnic date.

A raise of your hand and you were poking a finger where you knew Merlin’s mark rested behind his shirt. A golden shape of a dragon hidden from view.

Your lips pressed together tightly as he gently took ahold of your hand and pressed your open palm over his chest. Internally, you sensed the mixtures of strong emotions he was experiencing. All centered around you. The joy, the compassion, and the ever expanding yearning.

You released a breath you had only became aware that you were withholding. In the back of your mind you knew that Merlin wanted to share more with you. Not knowing exactly what yet sensing you might any second caused your heart rate to rise. You were certain he noticed.

Merlin lowered himself further onto the blanket and held himself up on an elbow. The natural light appearing from between the leaves above added extra blue shades to his already cerulean eyes.

With a light touch, Merlin brushed back some of your hair away from your face, his eyes memorizing each small detail of your bright eyes. In a fraction of a moment his gaze slipped lower. Slowly, however steady without an ounce of hesitation his lips greeted yours with a gentle caress. Sensitive and aware, he pushed no further.

As you reciprocated you felt his lips morph into a small smile. It was then that you truly felt his heartbeat underneath your palm.

The kiss was a blissful moment seeming to suspend time. In midst of it all you encountered a weightless, bright, and inviting feeling. What it was exactly, you weren’t sure of its name. Whatever the feeling was you did not want to part from it.

“I love you, Merlin,” you murmured as his forehead rested on your own.

You could feel a golden heat radiating from him as he grinned, the skin crinkling beside his eyes dearly.

“I love you, (Y/N).” Merlin declared, pulling you closer and into his arms. “I love you so much.”

The sorcerer never wanted to let you go. Every touch, every word, and every breath of air felt right. He wanted to live in this moment of pure happiness forever. To see you smile and feel the warmth of your skin.

He adored you. He cared and cherished you. The sorcerer’s heart could burst with the sheer amount of love he had for you.

Love.

Merlin knew what it was, he knew what it meant. That golden feeling.

Love wasn’t new for him, but this love. This love that he had reserved for you was entirely different. It consumed him in the best way he could ever imagine. It was the kind of love that could build kingdoms, soar over mountains, and dive into the deepest trenches of the ocean. A type of love that could overcome and conquer anything while bringing light with each new day.

That was the love Merlin had for you.

#BBC Merlin x Reader #Merlin x fem!Reader #Merlin x Reader #soulmate au #BBC Merlin fanfiction #Merlin #where dreamers go

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