#medieval husbands arthur and merlin

[cinnabon-sweetroll-tiramisu]

I need Merlin sleeping in random places and Arthur just knowing where his warlock is and either he picks up Merlin princess-hold style or sack-over-the-shoulder style. Bonus points if Merlin wakes up and Arthur decides to hold him teddy bear style whilst walking to his chambers so they cuddle in bed.

I need the fanart, the fanfics, the whatever I can get bish. I'm hungry for it bestie.

[that-nerd-who-writes-fanfiction]

I’m not usually one for miscommunication as a trope but hear me out:

Arthur thinks he and Merlin are together because Merlin says shit like “you’re my destiny” and “two sides of the same coin” fairly often.

He even looks fond or proud whenever he calls Arthur a prat, and pet names never suited them. He considered it once but it just felt weird. “Idiot.” Changed to “Idiot <3” when they finally got together and that suits them much better than Darling or Babe or whatever else.

And it’s not like he doesn’t say romantic stuff back, all: “you’re the bravest man I ever met.” Or “you’re the best friend I have and I couldn’t bare to lose you”

Meanwhile, Merlin pinpoints the same moment Arthur believed they started dating as when Arthur started acting more affectionate and Merlin’s crush got dialled up to 11.

Arthur doesn’t seem to mind, so he pushes his luck occasionally and will hug Arthur after a long day or will lean on him if they’re eating together on a hunting trip. Merlin absolutely cherishes these moments, but he’s secretly wishing they meant as much to Arthur as they do to him. (Spoiler alert: they do.)

So they must be together, Merlin just can’t be bothered with titles and with everything that happened, Agravane and Morgana betraying him, it would be ideal to wait for an announcement of their relationship.

He gifts Merlin clothes, new boots, will leave flowers in his chambers and asked for the cook to make more of Merlin’s favourites so he can steal food from Arthur’s plate because he claims it tastes better when it isn’t his food.

Arthur gave Merlin his mother’s sigil, for crying out loud. They’re obviously together.

And even better, (you can pry demi or ace Arthur from my cold dead hands) they don’t even need to be intimate beyond the occasional hug or soft gestures like Merlin brushing the hair from his face before Arthur goes to sleep at night and Arthur doing the same whenever they’re not in the castle and sleeping next to each other. He was worried at first, but Merlin never expected it, which Arthur just takes as: “And how stupid to worry? who knows him better than Merlin? Of course he would already know Arthur didn’t feel comfortable with that sort of stuff.”

Then one day, a delegation comes to Camelot and one of the foreign knights is flirting with Merlin. Arthur sees, and he doesn’t usually feel any need to act on his jealousy because he trusts Merlin, but this knight isn’t flirting in the way Gwaine does that’s just part of who he is, and Merlin looks uncomfortable. So he calls Merlin over to him, starts acting like a prat, and keeps Merlin “busy” all night by keeping his goblet full or usual servants duties.

Then later, Merlin thanks Arthur but says he doesn’t need to worry and he can handle himself. Arthur, finally relaxing after being ready to start a fight for the past three hours, pulls Merlin into a hug and kisses his forehead, because let the medieval gays be soft sometimes. He whispers something like, “I know you don’t like talking about it, and that you’ve said you don’t need a title, but you shouldn’t have to handle everything on your own.”

Merlin pulls back, looking shocked and confused. Then they actually have to talk about everything.

Merlin’s just fine with actually dating the guy he’s got a massive crush on and now he’s more willing to instigate hugs and affection. (Arthur just thought Merlin wasn’t going to push him to not make him uncomfortable but secretly wishes that he would instigate more) They end up sleeping in the same bed in Camelot too, because cuddles and softness, something Arthur wanted for a while but didn’t know how to ask for.

Basically all the problems in the relationship that Arthur was worried about but kinda felt “it’s already more than I could hope for” so didn’t want to bring up get worked out naturally and Merlin, who was previously worried about his friendship getting ruined if they changed the dynamic too much, is shocked by how little actually changed now that they’re together. He just gets to hold Arthur’s hand, can be less subtle about stealing from his dinner, gets to relax and gets an Arthur that’s more clingy and soft now that Merlin knows he’s allowed to reciprocate affection.

They still tease each other, they’re still two idiots sharing a braincell that they occasionally give to Leon to babysit, they’re just more open about being in love now. (More open to each other, anyway. Literally everyone else in Camelot knew long before they did)

Bonus points if they’ve been talking about their relationship and having the important conversation with each other the entire time, just without actually talking about it. Merlin asking why Arthur suddenly changed how affectionate he is and Arthur saying he thought he was allowed. Merlin’s just like “cool, as long as you’re okay. I’m glad you’re feeling more comfortable and relaxed.” And glad there’s no love spells or anything sinister going on. Arthur says he doesn’t like Merlin flirting with Gwaine, even if he doesn’t mean it, and Merlin agrees to stop if it makes him uncomfortable. He doesn’t think too much into it, just thinks Arthur doesn’t like the casual flirting and believes that relationships are important so casual stuff isn’t super comfortable. Merlin is still friends with Gwaine, just makes less jokes about going home with or marrying him.

Like, they’re having entire conversations and maintaining a fully functional healthy relationship, they’re just fucking idiots at the same time.

[justaz]

Young prince Arthur exploring the castle bc his emotionally and mostly physically absent father doesn’t care what he does as long as he gets his studies done. He pretends he’s a brave knight with a small wooden sword in hand and ventures down in the belly of the castle and stumbles upon a cavern under the castle. It’s not long before Kilgharrah lands before him and laughs at the young child before him, a baby really. This is no Once and Future King. But…Arthur does not scream and run, he holds up his wooden sword, shaking with terror as he stares down the ferocious beast, full of courage. And Kilgharrah stares and stares and stares before sighing heavily and going, “Fine. I’ll adopt you. Stop looking at me like that.”

Anyways, Arthur grows up visiting Kilgharrah and hearing about prophecies and destiny. He watches Kilgharrah perform small bits of magic and grows up knowing the truth of what’s happened. By the time merlin arrives in Camelot, Arthur is pro-magic and anti-Uther but holy fuck is he the most arrogant prick of all time. Not only did he grow up a prince to be king, he grew up knowing he was to be a king of legend. Merlin bullies him relentlessly like in canon and everything happens as it did.

But Arthur visits Kilgharrah for advice of magical threats and leaves like right before Merlin visits him for advice. Kilgharrah never says anything bc he likes to watch them be idiots. Arthur and Merlin sneaking behind each other’s back to use/consult magic (users) to help solve their issues and never telling the other. But Arthur keeps failing. He goes to find a powerful enough Druid or Sorcerer to combat magic from a High Priestess and he can’t find anyone. However, as if by magic (ha ha ha), the threat is neutralized without Arthur’s interference. Baby boy is so confused.

This goes on for years and slowly breaks down his confidence as he thought that being the Once and Future King meant conquering all these threats and protecting his people yet…he can’t. He hasn’t properly neutralized a threat in a while, bc I mean sometimes it happens but the other times he’s knocked out for SOME FUCKING REASON. So he’s moping in his room and Merlin’s like “What’s wrong?” In a super soft voice when he sees Arthur’s kicked puppy look.

Arthur barely thinks about it before telling Merlin. He’s wanted to for years but he never wanted to drag Merlin into danger by getting him involved in treason bc while his father would be irate with him, Uther wouldn’t hesitate before chopping off Merlin’s head. But Merlin has always been there for Arthur, and rebuilt his confidence despite the other times where he’s humbling him. So Arthur tells him everything. And Merlin is silent. And quiet. And silent. And quiet. And silent. And quiet. And-

He starts cursing the dragon angrily and drags Arthur down through the castle to Kilgharrah’s cavern. The dragon is already there laughing his ass off. Arthur is confused on how Merlin knew where to go. Merlin is shouting curses up at the dragon. Kilgharrah just looks down at them as he laughs and is like, “Finally, the Once and Future King and Emrys have united.”

Arthur (grew up knowing he had someone out there who was “half of his soul” as Kilgharrah said which he took to mean his soulmate and has been fantasizing about meeting this mysterious and powerful Emrys and…other things… Well, until he met Merlin. Then the fantasies featured all three of them) is…staring at Merlin wide eyed and flustered and a little turned on at how the small human is shouting angrily at the big dragon as if the big dragon couldn’t just stomp the both of the small humans or roast them alive. Arthur’s fantasies merge Merlin and Emrys together and it’s back to just the two of them.

Merlin is grumpy bc he had to hide his magic from Arthur for YEARS only to find out that the clotpole was ON HIS FUCKING SIDE?????? AND THE DAMN LIZARD KNEW ABOUT IT????? Oh, Merlin wants a set of Dragon scale armor and Kilgharrah’s golden scales would suit him nicely, he thinks. He’ll skin the damn beast himself-

[akelafang]

I've had an idea for a fic where married Merthur gets sent back in time with Merlin being genderfluid and currently presenting fem, using magic to alter her appearance into a female form. Everyone they interact with assumes that fem Merlin is a foreign princess Arthur marries and she plays along so as to not give away her identity and the fact she's magic. I love the thought of Past Arthur picking up on small things that should clue him into the fact that his future wife is actually Merlin and then he just doesn't.

Past Arthur: What perfume is that? The scent seems familiar. Fem Merlin: I don't use perfume. I do work with herbs quite often though, I'm a fully trained physician. Past Arthur: Hmm, maybe it's something I remember from Gaius's chambers. Fem Merlin: *looks at past Merlin* Yes I'm sure something similar has been in Gaius's chambers before Future Arthur off to the side like: Please tell me I wasn't this stupid

[pippin-katz]

“You look like a startled stoat.” - Arthur Pendragon to Merlin, 3x05: The Crystal Cave

He says it as an insult, and Merlin reacts like it’s an insult. I have to say, it’s a pretty shit insult considering what a stoat is.

This is was a stoat looks like to those who don’t know:

Yes Arthur, you roasted him so good! He’s clearly so ugly and stupid looking for you to compare him to this disgusting creature! Just look at how hideous it is!

ADDITION FROM LOOKING AT REBLOGS/COMMENTS: I have been blessed with the perfect pictures to compare Merlin and the stoat. Behold!

[cinnabon-sweetroll-tiramisu]

I eat cake because it's someone's birthday somewhere today – Anon

[theroundbartable]

they are gay, your honor.

[mytwotragicgaymen]

Arthur getting glasses

At some point Merlin notices that Arthur's vision is not as sharp as it used to be (how long can one stare at the King squinting at his reports) and ushers Arthur to get glasses.

For the longest time Arthur refuses, saying that he does not need them. This turns into an unspoken understanding in which Merlin always stands right behind Arthur in meetings and covers for him so that others don't notice.

Unfortunately this doesn't last long as people do start to notice and suggest their King to get glasses. Reluctantly, Arthur finally agrees and gets a pair.

And Merlin loves how they look on him. The first time he saw Arthur put them on, Arthur mistook Merlin's shocked expression for ridicule and, for a while, despite Merlin's constant reassurance, was self-conscious about wearing them. Merlin constantly catches himself staring at how Arthur fidgets with his glasses and thinks its the sexiest cutest thing ever.

Arthur always tries to "forget" them and Merlin always remembers to carry them with him.

Of course after a while Arthur gets used to them, but since Merlin was always to the one to carry them around, he actually forgets them all the time now.

[ink-through-her-veins]

Merlin healed Arthur’s childhood trauma at his own expense. And I have no doubts that he thinks it’s totally worth it.

And if Arthur hadn’t died, he’d have spent the rest of his life healing all of Merlin’s magic related trauma.

Arthur repealing the magic ban. Arthur complimenting Merlin’s magic. “Show me more, Merlin.” “That’s beautiful Merlin.” Arthur being so damn protective. “Don’t risk your life.” “You are worth so much to me! More than your magic.”

[mandoriana]

Merlin leaves Arthur alone to buy food:

Arthur: Here, I bought a sandwich for you. *Hands over a normal-sized sandwich*

Merlin surprised: Oh, thank you… wait, have you eaten?

Arthur: No, I bought one for myself too. *Takes out a sandwich almost a meter long*

Merlin: 😨

Arthur: 😁

Merlin: Arthur, for God’s sake! You bought me a miniature sandwich and for yourself, you bought a sandwich the size of Excalibur!? 🤣

Arthur shrugs: It’s the same filling in both, mine is just bigger because you said you weren’t hungry!

Merlin, incredulous, watching Arthur eat: Sir, are you really going to eat that whole bread!?

Arthur: Yes, of course, I’ll eat until I’m no longer hungry. I got the bigger one because I knew the small one wouldn’t satisfy my hunger.

Merlin: I don’t even know if that giant sandwich will satisfy your hunger either, sir, because when I first met you at the beginning of this relationship, one steak was enough to satisfy your hunger, but now you’re eating a whole cow! 🤣

Arthur: Don’t exaggerate, Merlin. 🙄

Merlin: Wait, are you pregnant?

Arthur: What? 🤨

Merlin, mocking: Who knows, right? With all the food you’re eating, you must be eating for two!

Arthur: Go to hell, Merlin.

Merlin: I’m serious, Arthur, I’m getting worried that you won’t find food portions big enough to satisfy your hunger anymore! There’s not enough treasure in Camelot’s vault to sustain your hunger!

Arthur: I also bought a juice, look. *Shows a huge bottle of lemon juice*

Merlin: Jesus my God! The bottle is almost twice your size 🤣🤣

Arthur: Don’t exaggerate, it’s just to go with the sandwich.

Merlin: 🤣

[castelled-away]

No, Josh, you don’t understand. Merthur is indeed only subtext. It’s just that the subtext is written is such a large font that it might as well be the normal text now & you don’t even have to read between the lines for evidence anymore.

[cinnabon-sweetroll-tiramisu]

Merlin: *slowly removing his neckerchief*

Arthur: *sending Merlin a scandalous look* What are you doing?

Merlin: *confused* Uh, removing my neckerchief?

Arthur: Why?

Merlin: Because I can?

Arthur: In public? In front of all these people!?

Merlin: ...yes?

Arthur: *grabs Merlin's arm* Not on my watch idiot. Let's go.

Arthur drags a confused Merlin towards the castle, muttering to himself like, "must protect smol idiot" and "indecent manservant behaviour, unbelievable."

[that-nerd-who-writes-fanfiction]

Arthur: I had enough dinner sent up for two.

Merlin: Seriously?

Arthur: Yes. Why are you suspicious?

Merlin: it’s either that or believe you did something nice for me on your own.

Merlin: And then I’ll have to deal with plagues or curses or the end of the world.

[justaz]

merlin: this is a bad idea. like one of your worst ones yet. i'm telling you, we should just do what i say. this is gonna be a disaster.

arthur: oh come on merlin, don't be so dramatic.

*the bad thing that merlin said would happen happens. they fix it. it's fine*

merlin, smug: so-

arthur, tired: don't start.

merlin, even more smug: don't start what? all i'm saying is that i'm glad everything worked out alright. though if you had listened to me earlier the entire thing could've been avoided.

arthur, staring a hole into merlin's head:

merlin, staring right back: ...i told you so.

arthur: i got that. thank you.

*merlin hums and wanders off. arthur watches him. slowly a smile spreads across his face*

arthur, murmuring to himself: he is the most insufferable man i've ever met.

*arthur giving order after order to merlin. cuts himself off and informs merlin that visitors are arriving tomorrow so he should get started on preparations. merlin is annoyed and tries to argue back*

arthur: just do as i say. i'm your king after all.

merlin: a prat is what you are.

arthur, already walking away: that's treason!

*merlin stares as arthur walks off and runs into some of his knights down the hall. they chat for a moment and arthur says something that makes them laugh. he turns to look over his shoulder at merlin with a grin and a wave before turning back to the conversation*

merlin, fighting his own grin: he's the most infuriating man i've ever met.

[madebypointlesswords]

The knights at 3am feat. Leon the Long Suffering

Leon: please stop Gwaine, twerking on his bed: Come good sir Leon! Shaketh thou bossom! Elyan, dancing in his boxers: Alexandria play "thy wenches are not loyal" Lancelot, pointing to Gwaine's legs: Thou witch shall not revealeth thine ankles! Conceal thine ankles, wench! Gwaine, curstying: I belongeth to the cobblestone pathways good sir! Leon, under his blanket: We literally have patrol tomorrow Percival, jumping on his bed: but sir, it is hot wench summer! Elyan, shaking his hips: Mine hips do not bear false witness! Leon, crying: can we go to sleep? Please?

[pippin-katz]

Arthur’s Love Confession

The word choice for Arthur’s confession is really… interesting. As many people have pointed out, if you remove the pronouns from the conversation, everything Arthur says can be true for Merlin as much as Gwen.

Here’s the thing: I’m a writer. I’ve said this before, and I’ll keep saying it when it comes to posts like this.

If I was writing a love confession from one of my characters, I wouldn’t have what they say be so vague that it would be unclear who they were referring to when taken out of context.

If you showed this conversation to someone who had no idea who these characters were other than a knight and a servant, it would be completely believable that the knight is talking about the servant he’s with.

Hell, Merlin’s reaction to Arthur being unable to say he’s in love and how certain he is that nothing could happen seems a bit strong considering the conversation is about Gwen, not him. He’s her friend and would understandably try to convince Arthur that they could be together, but the dialogue does it in such a round about, vague way before they get to the point. There’s no reason for them to be vague. They both know full well who they’re talking about.

I suppose I have to say this is an opinion of the writing because I can’t claim that the writers did anything with underlying intentions. It’s just seems strange to me how perfectly the description aligns. Even the lines not here could easily have the pronouns swapped and still make sense.

“How can I admit that I think about her (him/you) all the time? Or that I care about her (him/you) more than anyone? How can I admit that I don’t know what I’ll do if any harm comes to her (him/you)?”

It still works. We can’t prove that Arthur thinks about Merlin all the time, but there’s a damn huge amount of evidence that he cares for him deeply and can’t handle him being hurt. Anyone wanting to argue with me on this, go watch The Poisoned Chalice again, which is the FOURTH EPISODE by the way.

Other than that iconic episode, there’s plenty of other things. He doesn’t let Merlin drink the “poison” during the test at the labyrinth. He denies any accusations of him having magic whenever they come up, which is because he genuinely doesn’t believe he has any, but it also has to do with the fact that he would be executed. He always protects him in dangerous situations and tells him to run when things get too dicey. We all know how he acted when Merlin was believed to be dead.

Like I said, it’s weird how well the lines match up. And Arthur looks at him like this before the conversation:

And like this after this conversation:

Maybe I’ve just never had a “true bestie” because I have never looked at someone or had someone look at me like that. Arthur looks so flirtatious in that second gif man.

But anyway! That’s just some thoughts I was having about the love confession!