#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.

[count-pudding]

Prompt 1: hunt

[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

[maryluis]

FOG New BBC Merlin comic available for all the tiers 📖👀

[cinnabon-sweetroll-tiramisu]

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

[theroundbartable]

they are gay, your honor.

[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: 🤣

[pippin-katz]

FirstPrince Incorrect Quotes

*fantasy AU*

Henry (getting ready for a fight): I warn you, I’ve been trained to kill since birth.

Alex: Wow, and how long have you been training to be a jerk?

Henry (disbelieving): You can’t address me like that.

Alex (smugly): Sorry, how long have you been training to be a jerk, your Majesty?

I replaced the word “prat” with “jerk” cause prat is a very British insult, and "my lord" with "your majesty" cause Alex is obvs American and it fit better 😂

And yes, once again, Merthur 👌🏻

[thenerdyalien]

My new merthur fic just dropped! This one has been on my drafts for a LONG time, but I think I like how it turned out. Hope you enjoy! <3

Chapters: 1/1 Fandom: Merlin (TV) Rating: Teen And Up Audiences Relationships: Merlin/Arthur, Morgana & Arthur Pendragon Aditional tags: Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Court Sorcerer Merlin, Arthur Pendragon Knows About Merlin's Magic, Merlin's Magic Loves Arthur Pendragon, Domestic Fluff, Sharing a Bed, Sharing Clothes, Age Regression/De-Aging, Teen Angst, Sassy Merlin, Insecure Arthur Pendragon, Pining Arthur Pendragon, Idiots in Love, First Kiss, Getting Together, but not really cause they already are they're just realising it now

Summary:

When Arthur said he wished to feel like a young prince again this wasn’t exactly what he had in mind, but alas Merlin’s magic seemed to have a mind of its own.

Or: Merlin's magic accidentally turns them both into helpless pining teenagers with a lot of childhood trauma and unresolved tension. Featuring: mutual pining, pendragon family trauma and heavy amounts of teenage angst on Arthur's part.

[cinnabon-sweetroll-tiramisu]

Arthur is once again under a lust enchantment, although this time his target is Merlin. Merlin however hasn't noticed yet.

Arthur: My love, if your bosoms are ever too heavy to carry my hands are willing to uplift them.

Merlin going wtf because Arthur is acting weird but also automatically covering his chest and blushing like a virgin maiden.

Merlin: ...excuse me!?

Arthur skillfully takes off Merlin's neckerchief, jacket, and tunic, his hands immediately upon Merlin's bare chest, exploring and caressing. Merlin of course is surprised, since when was Arthur good at undressing clothing without his help much less undressing him that easily.

Something weird is definitely going on here.

Arthur absolutely lovesick: Such lovely brea—

Merlin absolutely embarrassed: OKAY THAT'S ENOUGH PRAT! YOU'RE GOING STRAIGHT TO GAIUS—HEY! STOP RUBBING THEM!

[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.

[that-nerd-who-writes-fanfiction]

Exactly how their first meeting went:

Merlin: Bite me!

Arthur: Kiss me!

Merlin: In your dreams!

Arthur: Exactly.

Merlin: What?

Arthur: What?

[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.

[mediacircuspod]

This is the last night you can get Merlin Enamel Pins. Kickstarter ends tomorrow morning!!!

Please help me make it happen!