#sorry but this is so merthur-coded

[were-wolverine]

daily appreciation for werewolf-coded characters x vampire-coded characters

[chronicowboy]

haunting of hill house (2018) | merlin (2012) season 5, episode 5: the disir

[justaz]

im TIRED of reading fics with period typical homophobia 😭😭 i caint do it 😭😭😭 just let them be gay in peace 😭

[crdswryh]

I legit cant bring myself to finish this since it makes me too sad 😭😭😭 but i can't draw happy fanart since that also makes me sad so we stuck with this yall sorry

[merlincersei]

Merlin BBC UK TV Show - Opinion Piece Part 23 - Who Is Arthur Really Talking About In This Scene?

Time and again when I revisit this particular scene between Arthur and Merlin (referenced below) I can't help but notice how much "Merthur" has been implicitly queer coded in this show.

______________________________________________________________

The scene I am talking about is in the Season 2 Episode 4 titled "Lancelot and Guinevere" .

This episode can be summarized as follows:

Gwen is mistaken for Morgana and is kidnapped by Hengist. Uther refuses to pay the ransom or send a rescue party to save a servant. Arthur defies his father and sets out with Merlin to rescue Gwen. ______________________________________________________________

After Arthur and Merlin escape from the Wilddeoren, they have the following scene:

While the casual viewer will look at this scene and state it is Arthur confessing his love for Gwen, however LISTEN CAREFULLY TO WHAT THEME PLAYS FROM 0:55 SECONDS ONWARDS IN THE BACKGROUND OF THIS SCENE.

The theme it plays is Merlin's Arrival to Camelot:

Now ask youself why would the show put in "Merlin's Arrival to Camelot" theme in the background of a scene where Arthur is confessing his love for Gwen?

Especially when Arthur and Gwen already have a theme song called Gwen & Arthur Romance Suite.

Shockingly, the Gwen & Arthur Romance Suite is actually played in the background of a scene between Gwen and Lancelot when they kiss for the first time and Gwen states " As long as I live, my feelings for you will never fade."

Refer scene at 1:22 in the clip below:

____________________________________________________________

Going back to the scene between Merlin and Arthur, dont you think Arthur's description of Gwen can also be used for Merlin.

[EXT. FOREST, STREAM – DAY] [Arthur and Merlin wash off the Gaia berries by a stream.]

ARTHUR Gaia berries worked. Huh.

MERLIN You didn't know if they worked?

ARTHUR Not for sure.

MERLIN Now you tell me?! Oh! Oh, what's that Wildren eating? It's all right. It's just Merlin. You trying to get us both killed?

ARTHUR I'm sorry. I shouldn't've risked your life like that.

MERLIN Well, they do say love makes you do strange things.

ARTHUR What are you talking about?

MERLIN Why can't you just admit your feelings for Gwen?

[Arthur scoffs.]

MERLIN It's so obvious. A blind man could see it. Is it really that hard to admit you like her? Just say it. (MERLIN THEME STARTS TO PLAY)

ARTHUR I can't! How can I admit that I think about her all the time. Or that...I care about her more than anyone. How can I admit that...I don't know what I'll do if any harm comes to her?

(DID ARTHUR NOT RISK HIS OWN LIFE FOR MERLIN IN SEASON 1 EPISODE 4 THE POISONED CHALICE.

DID ARTHUR NOT FOLLOW MERLIN TO EALDOR IN SEASON 1 EPISODE 10 THE MOMENT OF TRUTH FOR A MERE SERVANT)

MERLIN Why can't you?

ARTHUR Because nothing can ever happen between us! (HOW TRUE! BBC SIMPLY WOULD NOT HAVE ALLOWED MERTHUR TO HAPPEN!) To admit my feelings knowing that...hurts too much.

MERLIN Who's to say nothing can happen?

ARTHUR My father won't let me rescue a servant. Do you honestly believe he'd let me marry one?

(IN SEASON 1 EPISODE 4 THE POISONED CHALICE. UTHER FORBADE ARTHUR TO RESCUE MERLIN AND EVEN HAD HIM IMPRISONED WHEN HE BROUGHT BACK THE CURE FOR MERLIN)

MERLIN You want to marry Gwen?

ARTHUR No! No...I...I don't know...It's all talk, and that's all it can ever be.

MERLIN When you're King, you can change that.

ARTHUR I can't expect Guinevere to wait for me.

MERLIN If she feels as you do, she'll wait for you.

(IN THE END OF THE SERIES, IT IS MERLIN WHO HAS BEEN WAITING FOR ARTHUR FOR THOUSANDS OF YEARS!!)

ARTHUR We don't even know if she's still alive.

MERLIN No, she is. We will find her.

ARTHUR Come on. We've got a long trek ahead. Oh, and Merlin...if you dare tell anyone about this, I promise I will make your life a living hell.

MERLIN You mean, more than you already do?

ARTHUR Yeah.

MERLIN We could talk about your feelings while you walk.

ARTHUR Shut up, Merlin.

______________________________________________________________

I also managed to get a snapshot of a commentary Bradley James and Colin Morgan did for this particular episode and it is available on the DVD. Bradley's commentary is indeed very telling.

I REST MY CASE !!!

[morganafayes]

sorry but i cannot with people recommending media that is ‘so merthur coded’ first of all. it quite literally never is i have not seen one single example that even slightly holds a candle to what those freaks had going on. secondly even fanfiction can’t get their dynamic right yet you’re out here recommending me toothless netflix YA dramas. ok…

[finstastories]

just a sketch. I can't draw for shit, so I needed a reference; i used this pinterest post:

https://br.pinterest.com/pin/762445411893235908/

so all credits for the design go to them. it's just so Merthur coded i couldn't not do it.

(oh yeah the clothes aren't canon era because i have no clue how to draw that, again i have no skill sorry xd)

I just needed a pic to my newest ff. :)

[mozzzz05]

I’m sorry but Nandermo is so Merthur coded

[akaashism]

Are you excited to watch Haikyuu movie? Can I ask what is your fav plot twist in HQ? For me, is when I found out that the 'little giant' who inspire Hinata end up becoming a mangaka (not pursue volleyball). Like, really?

Also, just want to say, love your fics, thanks for sharing your hard work. One of the thing that I love every time I read your Merthur and Kagehina fics is there is no ooc (really feels like I watching the series and anime). 💐🌷🌻🌺

As new merthur fan, I'm glad to have found someone who love bbc merlin and anime (especially Haikyuu). Because not many people that I know who love both series.....

Random, but can I ask your opinion on atsuhina and kenhina (if you don't mind me asking)? Like, even as multishipper, I really can't feel the potential romance with either atsumu or kenma. But I love atsuhina & kenhina as platonic duo.... Not that I hate the ship or people who ship them, every one is free to ship who they love. But for hinata, kageyama is the only one (in my opinion).

P.s

From your name, at first I thought it will be bokuaka blog (because your name is similar with akaashi), sorry for my mistake. But do you also love Akaashi as a character? Him and Bokuto is my third fav ship and fav dynamic in HQ 🤣

Hi!!

Yes, I'm very excited to watch the Haikyuu movie, 31st May can't come fast enough!! I've heard that the movie leaves a lot to be desired but it's still an exciting thought to see my boys on the big screen ❤️❤️

The Little Giant/Tenma thing is definitely one of my favourite plot twists in the manga as well, I never thought we'd actually get to see him + Akaashi ending up as his editor in the timeskip was a wild coincidence! Hinata going to Brazil was a huge surprise as well, and also Oikawa becoming an Argentine citizen and facing all his rivals on the highest stage @ the Olympics was so unexpected and iconic and made me a bit crazy ngl 😵‍💫

Thank you for the love on the fics, I'm elated you enjoy my characterization 🥰 A bunch of my friends are actually both into anime and Merlin, so I really enjoy sharing the two with them! Admittedly, I'm the one who converted a lot of them into haikyuu fans, but I have this theory that people who love merthur WILL love kagehina and it has proved to be true till now 😈 I hope you're enjoying merthur, they're truly legendary and the fandom is also incredible, no ship will ever make me feel the way merthur did!!

Oh yeah, I TOTALLY AGREE WITH YOU. I love both kenhina and atsuhina as friends, but I can't see either of them romantically. In fact, I am actually insanely fond of the Atsumu and Hinata best friendship agenda aahhh I think it works so perfectly and I enjoy interpreting them as kinda chaotic sibling-coded within the dynamics of MSBY 4, so I love, loveee thinking about that!

Kageyama is definitely the only one for Hinata. Period.

I do adore Akaashi as a character, I see so much of myself in him and he's just very relatable and comforting 🫂 I did used to love bokuaka a lot in my early days of being an hq fan, they were briefly in my top 3 ships as well, but somewhere I lost interest in them :( I've been a lot more into osaaka (osamu x akaashi) these past two years and I know it's a bit of a rarepair, but I love them to death 😭❤️

Thanks for such a nice ask! I hope you're having a wonderful day 💗💗

[animallover-24678]

wow tney didnt break character and omg this is so merthur coded sorry

so I read someone talking about a merlin deleted scene where merlin compliments the knights and arthur gets pissy and goes fight them to prove that he is better, and I thought it was an exaggeration but it ISNT AT ALL

scene includes:

Arthur says that Percival is strong but not agile, he isn’t the whole package. Merlin agrees and says that GWAINE is the whole package

Arthur goes off to fight Gwaine, who takes his shirt and gives it to Percival??? akjdjda

(we were robbed of shirtless gwaine with a sword)

Arthur then goes fight Elyan, wins, and goes brag to merlin saying, and I quote, “Elyan has got concentration, strength, the whole package, and still I win! What do you have to say about that?” while being dangerously close to him

They had to take it out because it’s the gayest scene I’ve ever watched in my whole fucking life they wouldn’t be able to beat the merthur allegations after it

[repmet]

Lancelot for the character ask!

First impression

Honestly, that he was a little stupid sdfgjkl SORRY. Who devotes their entire life to one goal (becoming a knight of Camelot) and somehow never finds out what seems to be the single most important rule of doing so? Maybe it's my constant need to be over-prepared but the Knights' Code seems, not universally, but at least very well known, weird he literally never found out the first rule.

Impression now

HE DESERVED SO MUCH BETTER. I will never get over that no one but Merlin and Gaius knew he was a shade and thought he came back to steal betray Arthur then kill himself.

Favorite moment

When he’s on screen

Idea for a story

I’ve wanted to write a Merthur AU of 4x09 for a while, where Arthur knows about Merlin’s magic and is working to repeal the ban but facing resistance so it’s not well known the future consort has magic. Merlin and Lancelot had a very brief one-night stand before he fell for Gwen and he fell for Arthur. Knowing this, Morgana decides to send Shade Lancelot to hurt both Arthur and Gwen. 

However, because Arthur knows about Merlin’s magic, Merlin happily informs him that the bracelet Lancelot gave him has magic in it but he gets weirdly defensive when Arthur asks him what sort of charm. Leading to Arthur, Gwen and Gaius trying to figure out what’s going on. They don’t manage to prevent Merlin and Lancelot kissing and Arthur loses it a bit but Gwen talks him down, reminding him about the magic bracelet. They have to wrestle it off Merlin but as soon as they do he’s like what the fuck and magics Lancelot’s soul back and it’s a little awkward for a while but in the end they all live happily ever after.

Unpopular opinion

I honestly don’t know if I have any? Most people love Lancelot, I also love Lancelot. 

Favorite relationship

Adore his friendship with Merlin. Genuinely think the year between s3 and 4 was probably the happiest of Merlin’s life having a friend who knew his secrets and still loved and supported him. 

Favorite headcanon

None of the new Round Table knights know about his first attempt at being a knight and they think he is a stickler for doing things properly. Then it’ll come up just super randomly one day and he’ll just go ‘ah yes, that time I was arrested for identity fraud’ and every except Leon is like ‘wat’

[theonceandfutureking6481]

BBC's Merlin Season 1 Episode 1: The Dragon's Call Analysis

*SPOILERS- FOR THE WHOLE SHOW*

So I just re-watched episode 1 of Merlin, The Dragon's Call and I thought I'd post my thoughts here, since this is the kind of thing I always wanted after I watched Merlin for the first time. Sorry, it's quite long!!

This episode is great fun to watch but also really interesting from a thematic perspective, as it introduces all the key characters and many key themes that continue throughout the show.

Setting it up as subverting traditional telling's of the legend

The wonderful thing about Arthurian legend is how many ways you can tell it, there is very little canon, it's whole point is that it has been reinterpreted time and again to say different things, be that as it may there are traditional elements which tend to remain constant and Merlin keeps some of these but many it takes out and it sets that up here.

The introduction is like a fairytale, "the young warlock arriving at the gates of Camelot", feels very much like the introduction to a fairy tale. This is on one hand telling us that this is a story we know like any fairytale, but the very fact that Merlin is young shows us that it is going to be different.

On the side, I love the line "A boy that will in time father a legend", because there's just this wonderful gap between the audience and the characters (as there is throughout the whole story), we know that Merlin will do great things, we know that Arthur will too, they are stories we have heard (tying again into that fairytale esque introduction), and its wonderful to know that, to see Merlin and know that he is destined for greatness.

Introduction to characters:

I haven't got a specific section for Merlin here, but its sort of strewn throughout everyone elses.

Morgana:

If you know Arthurian legend you will know that in many (even most) versions of the story Morgana is a villain, so her introduction here is both scary and fascinating. She is so clearly not a villain, and you wonder (if Merlin stays true to this element) what is going to change and happen that she will become one. I knew from the start that Morgana would become a villain (I had heard a lot of spoilers), so it was especially tragic and interesting to watch her character arc because I always knew. Interestingly she is immediately set up in alliance with Merlin, even though they barely interact. We know that he is a sorcerer, and her first lines are oppositional to Uther's stance on magic, she out of everyone in Camelot seems the most likely ally. This is the start of what becomes parallel character arcs, Morgana and Merlin are both fighting for magic to become legal but they end up going about it in different ways, and one is the main villain, the other our hero. They are the same and yet opposites, and the setting up starts from here.

Arthur:

Arthur appears quite simply to be a spoiled bully, not exactly what we expect from the King Arthur we know and love. The position he starts in though is important for a key element of the story which is Merlin and Arthur creating a better world in many ways directly oppositional to Uther's teachings, based on love, kindness, willingness to put others first and respect for others. Uther's world is one where strength is rewarded and he is (in a more adult way than Arthur) a bully, as we learn later he is someone who takes his anger and fear out on others, who takes advantage of his position to hurt people even those he loves. Uther can be a good king, but not when it asks him to make sacrifices of his worldview or things that really matter to him. Uther teaches Arthur some important things but there are many things Arthur has to unlearn, and these bullish tendencies, and lack of respect for others inherent in them are one of them. We do however see Arthur's inherent nobility and goodness in this episode. When he lets Merlin go because even though he's an idiot "he's a brave one", it shows us how Arthur respects what people do rather than who they are. Uther wouldn't of let Merlin go (though to be fair Uther probably wouldn't of picked a fight with a peasant), he would have thought that the law had to be upheld no matter the individual circumstance. Merlin attacked the prince that is definitely illegal but Arthur respects his courage (even though it came at the cost of his humiliation), and there is something different to Uther in that, even good.

Merlin and Arthur:

This episode aside from setting the tone for the more hilarious aspects of Merlin and Arthur's relationship establishes some other interesting things about what they are going to be to each other in this version of the story. Traditionally Merlin is Arthur's teacher, often tutoring him as a child, obviously this doesn't happen here but they retain that element of teaching here. Kilgharrah literally says that maybe it is Merlin's job to change the fact that Arthur's an idiot. Merlin challenges Arthur from the start, willing to criticise him and treat him as an equal (which Arthur actually appears to love), and we see perhaps what Merlin is going to teach Arthur and the more noble elements of Arthur's character that Merlin's going to bring. It is also only within the context of his interactions with Merlin that we see Arthur's best side (at least in this episode). Merlin shows Arthur that he has to treat all people with respect, Arthur recognises that Merlin is brave and full of qualities that Arthur himself admires. When Merlin saves Arthur's life you can see Arthur re-evaluating everything he thought he knew about him, there is a respect there.

Arthur's Mum Igraine

She's not a big part of this episode but she was mentioned and I think its interesting how she's represented. In many ways her representation is highly simplistic, she falls to the fate of many fairy tale mothers in being dead before the story begins, she's a plot device. She is presented (not outright but implied) with all the stereotypical virtues mothers are ascribed with, the woman who's trying to kill Arthur this episode talks to Uther about how hard it must have been for Arthur to grow up without a mother. It's not a huge scene but its an insight into Arthur's character, he was brought up with all the hate and bullishness of Uther without a mother who could have taught him love and kindness. As we later learn Igraine's death triggered the great purge, her loss very much symbolises the loss of love within the kingdom, both in what Arthur's like at the beginning as well as what Camelot has become under Uther's leadership.

Gwen (and Merlin):

She is wonderful and sweet and interestingly (especially for an audience that knows Arthur is going to marry her one day) a servant. It is interesting that the two people who become in the show (and we know as an audience will one day be) closest to Arthur are servants.

The thing about Arthurian legend is that typically its very much set within a context of Medieval feudalism, which means stringent social barriers. The code of equality inherent in the idea of a Round Table is equality among nobles, the code of chivalry is a code of honour for knights not for ordinary people. It's a reflection of the social realities of the era that inspires much of the aesthetic of Arthurian legend as well as the era in which most key tenants of the legend were formed. In making Merlin (Arthur's teacher & (in this show) best friend/soulmate) and Guinevere (Arthur's wife) servants, this show is changing this idea for one more reflective of our own times. It is about absolute equality of all people, and as I've said already the inherent value that every single human being has and the individual capabilities for nobility and goodness and everything the Knights Code admires. It thus sets the tone for what Arthur is going to represent, not just the ideal of knighthood and courage but the ideal of kingship for all people and the ideal of the world that matters to every person.

The self reproducing nature of love and hate

This is an idea which I've always viewed as the main theme of Merlin, the idea that hate begets itself, as does love. This episode is a perfect encapsulation of that theme which recurs again and again. Uther kills a man who is innocent (in the sense that he didn't actually hurt anybody) and the man's mother seeks vengeance and in doing so kills more innocent people because she hates Uther enough that she doesn't care who else she hurts to get at him. This happens again and again in the show, but what this show does that I love is turn it into a main theme by depicting the reverse. Arthur and Merlin are great because they act against this world of Uther's creation, they act with love and compassion and respect for all people, the ends rarely justify the means and most importantly, especially when their actions seem morally grey, they are always motivated by their love for others (not fear or hate- unlike Uther and any number of villains). Uther is the main villain of the show precisely because it is his actions that create every other villain they encounter, Morgana sums it up nicely and somewhat ominously (given what side she ends up on)- "the more brutal you are the more enemies you'll create". Uther views that brutality as strength, but it is the weakness at the heart of his kingdom, it is what makes Camelot a worse place it is what puts everyone he cares about in danger. Essentially the plot of the first episode sets up the cycle of violence that Uther started, though it doesn't set up Merlin and Arthur as breaking it it does set up the idea of equality and respect for all people that Arthur will learn and is essentially opposed to the brutality and cruelty and hate represented by Uther.

Fun non-analysis things

It mightn't seem like it but I do actually watch Merlin for reasons other than copious analysis of themes. It is a highly enjoyable show with characters and relationships (Merthur but also just generally the wonderful representation of friendship and loyalty) I love, and its actually really funny.

Gwen saying "Who'd want to marry Arthur" is peak comedy because we all know, well you.

The weird set up in Gaius' first scene as him being bumbling and slightly insane (in the mad wise old man sort of way), there is literally no carry through, he's not even like this in the rest of the episode, but its hilarious so who cares.

Merlin and Arthur's whole exchange is the funniest thing and Arthur had every insult coming. Also this is exactly how you set up enemies to lovers.

All the writers names begin with J? It's just something I notice every time the intro credits roll and it's just funny (Julian Murphy, Johnny Capps, Jake Michie and Julian Jones)- also two Julian's, I mean what are the chances?

[achillesuwu]

The fact that when I read this "But everyone will learn why the Other Arthur always walked alone, stare empty. Everyone will learn how Merlin has killed everyone he loved except for himself, and everyone will know how the Other Arthur has done the same to the Other Merlin." The song I was listening (it's great it's very Arthur coded AND IT FITS THIS AU TOO 🤌✨ https://youtu.be/twI3qZ6_8PQ?t=182&si=9AN09qUcLoSdzGka ) just went to the last lyrics "Oh gods that dwell beyond the stars, if you can hear my cry ; And if you have compassion, let me send no more to die" is fate omg

To come back on the subject : I LOVE HOW YOU WROTE THIS SO MMMMUUUUUCCCCCHHHBBHH (honorable mention to this because I was GAGGED OMG : I preferred you with longer hair.”

Arthur smiles, hand on the pommel of his word. Merlin shrugs, an equally menacing but darker sword materialising on his side, and right in his hand.

“It was better to hold onto when I came inside you.”

Also « We meet again merlin » <- arthur, babe, I know you wanted to ride that man until sunrise came)

>#i also have this irrational fear that someone will steal my fics ideas💀so like i always blog them under your blogs#talk about being dramatic#because i feel safer lmao

>I’m sorry if it will be quite long or under your blog, but you just caught my attention because yes!!! We

I'm very happy my blog can be a safe space! And I always LOVE when people expand on what I write!!

#but also like why i haven’t got all the time in the world to write all of these

I currently have 32 page of idea of wip in my doc (and I’m not exaggerating that’s really 32 pages 💀) and Goddness know how many are actually on my tumblr so I get it 😔😔 BUT WE REALLY NEED TO EXPAND AND CLEAN THAT ONE UP BECAUSE IT'S SO FIRE !!!!!!!!DKBSSBJSBSBSBSBSBSB

#YOUR IDEAS SOMETIMES MATCH MY IDEAS IN A WAY THAT SCARES ME

GREAT MIND THINK ALIKE or as they say were I live "Great spirits met once again"!

#but also like i always imagined this in a parallel world because i want merlin and arthur to actually see for themselves what other#possibilities there could be to their love#if there is a world where they can love each other without consequences

Tbh it could be very interesting if the reason why merthur 1's world was eating magic out of that world in particular is because merthur 2 has magic yes but it doesn't have a stable merthur relationship 👀 like merthur 1 world feed of magic of merthur 2 but merthur 2 feed of the kinder love of merthur 1 👀 and the only way they can both get stable is if not only merthur one go back and legalise magic but also if merthur 2 are put in a room and have a ‘hungry cat in heat fight’ for a week that turn into slow love making as days goes by 🤌✨ like who knew you could make war stop if you make them fuck MORE and not look at your king as you wonder when he will start to fuck less with his mortal enemy please sire it's the 8 time this month we cannot effort another tower cra— *sigh*

(also imagine from an external pov lmao like for the random people of Camelot this kingdom is already a shared custody between the king and his enemy-with-benefits who conquer it for 6 months then the king conquers the enemy-with-benefits’ kingdom then then enemy-with-benefits conquers back his own kingdom as the king conquers once more their kingdom and then—)

I just find it so interesting that canonically merthur can not hate each other. They seem also they never be able to fully live if the other is far away.

Just, this is the perfect set up fot extremely dark and toxic romance.

Like imagine : Merlin and Arthur being from enemy kingdom who are at war. They both killed countless of loved one of the other mentor, friend, lover, family,... But they can't stay away. It's like a drug Arthur needs to see Merlin, Merlin needs to see Arthur. They go out in the middle of the night, they fight, they kick, but they can never give the fatal blow. They hold each other so tightly you could never know where one begins and where the other end. They scream 'I hate you, I hate you, I hate you so much' and yet, between kisses they whisper 'I hate you, I hate you, I love you, goddess, I love you so much"

When Merlin's kingdom manage to take Uther's castle, they make love on the bloody floor. They run their bloody finger in each other hair, pulling on them so hard you could wonder how they manage to never break their kiss. Merlin takes, takes and takes. Spreading blood on Arthur's flanks, pushing him on the cold floor. Arthur fights, fights and fights. Pushing back, searching for a sword but when he find one he barely put it on Merlin’s neck before throwing it away and taking merlin in a crushing embrace.

When Arthur will take back his Castle, when Merlin will lose his and take it back again. When they will have made each other king by turning rivers red. Maybe they will find a different love or maybe they won't. It doesn't matter, as for now, their kisses have only one taste, blood and war.

[merlinfic]

group ask for lost fics #25

Hi y’all! Below are a few lost fics that us mods just can’t seem to find. That being said, we’re hoping that you lovely followers are able to help! If anyone knows any of the fics below please reply or send in an ask with which anon/user and group ask that the fic corresponds with!

Note: previous group asks and all lost fics!

Anon 1 asked:

i'm looking for a lost fic... it's a magic reveal where arthur already knows and is trying to get merlin to admit to his magic. he ends up trying to fall out of a window so merlin would save him and reveal his magic. i hope that's not too vague or weird of a description?

That could be A Waiting Game by CaffeinatedFlumadiddle!

Anon 2 asked:

Hi! Thank you to everyone running this blog, it's absolutely incredible and I can't even imagine the amount of work it must take. I was hoping that you could help me find a fic? I think Gwaine got mad at Arthur for dismissing Merlin's warnings during hunts, but Arthur and Merlin reveal that they have a secret code, like if Merlin says he has a bad feeling that means there are bandits. Thank you so much!

Thanks anon for sending in Insight by Naelyn!

Anon 3 asked:

Hello! I was wondering if you could help me find a fic? The most I took away from it was Merlin ran away from Camelot and joined a druid camp, he also interacted with Mordred during that time who helped him use and train with his magic better. I'm sorry for the overall common description but my memory sucks and I didn't really get 'into' the fic before losing it. Hope you all have a good rest of your week!!

Anon 4 asked:

Hi, I'm looking for the very first Merthur fic I ever read. I believe it was high school au, Arthur is popular and Merlin not. Arhur makes a bet with his friends to seduce Merlin but ends up falling for him. Merlin of courses finds out about the bet and drama ensues. I think Merlin played the piano and there was a Merthur kiss on the piano bench. I think it was on fanfiction.net. Thanks a lot! xx

@statistical-nightmare asked:

I am looking for a fic where before it starts, Arthur found out about Merlin’s magic and is blanking Merlin. People have noticed that Merlin is out of favour and he gets attacked and hurts his hand. But he doesn’t tell Arthur about it, and when he’s taking off Arthur’s armour and bringing his dinner he sounds like he’s in pain but Arthur thinks he’s attention seeking and ignores it. The next morning he notices Merlin’s black eye and finds out that Merlin had a broken hand the whole time. Thanks!

Anon 5 asked:

Hello my loves. I hope you, or one of your followers, can hep me find a lost fic. It went through the event of the canon series but with Merlin offering his, uh, extra services to Arthur. They don't sleep together until after he banished Gwen. There is slight dub-con after that particular event. Arthur marrys Gwen but he still craves for Merlin and after sometime Gwen tells him to sleep with others because she has doubts about herself? I checked both the bedwarmer and FWB tags first to be sure.

That could be The Other Side of the Coin by amy_lupin!

Anon 6 asked:

Lost fic: Merlin gets injured protecting Arthur, Arthur writes his injury off as him being dramatic, it's a BAMF Merlin fic with merthur and a magic reveal, please help!!

Anon 7 asked:

helloo i’m looking a lost ficc :)) it’s where merlin and arthur and the knights are on a trip or whatever and this spirit or something (sorry the details are blurry) traps them and they have to face all the spirits that have died by their hands. merlin has the hightest death toll and when arthur’s come up merlin cries when he reunites with freya. nimueh makes an appearance after uther does and makes him trip over but arthur’s like “wtf u killed my dad??” then they find out he’s immortal and percival makes a joke about chopping his head off to see if the body or the head would grow. it’s a preslash i think and past freylin

Thanks anon for sending in Echoes by Minted_Midas!

Anon 8 asked:

Hello! I was wondering if you guys can help me find this fic. It was a time travel fic where Merlin went back in time, because Arthur (who was his husband) died. He helps Morgana before she turns evil, and some of the story was told in his flash backs and some of it was from Morgana 's POV, she also became like a Dutchess or something after black mailing Uther that she knew he was her real father

Thanks anon for sending in About Time by rosewatergold and always been the tower by springofviolets!

Anon 9 asked:

hey guys! hope you’re doin well! i lost this fic. it was kinda short, but anyways. in it, arthur has just come back and he learns that gay marriage is a thing and it’s legal and he kisses merlin and admits his feelings??

Thanks to @statistical-nightmare for sending in A Moment of Pride by fifty_fifty!

@lindiloo02 asked:

Hi, thank you for your blog, I've been following it for years and found some true gems. Im hoping you can help me find a fic. A part of it was based on the unicorns curse, when Arthur makes merlin eat the rat stew, merlin not only eats it all up but has had it before. Arthur realises just how bad merlin has had ut growing up. I think there are other examples like that in the fic but I can't remember than. Thank you so much ❤❤❤

Thanks to @fractalinferno​ for sending in All is Sweet that Ends Sweet by TyalanganD!

And, as always, this post will be updated if any fics are found!

[supercalvin]

Hi it's the anon with the ficlets again: first of all thank you for the quick reply!!! And, if you have time, could you write one where Uther finds out about Merlin's magic, and Morgana already knows (she's still a nice person) and tries to protect Merlin? Maybe some Merthur as well if you want that? I love Morgana and Merlin as MagicBesties :D Thank you very much!!!

Very late but I hope you enjoy!

***

There had been plenty of times when Merlin had woken up in a cold sweat with the visions of how he could be discovered still fresh in his mind. Saving Arthur’s life in front of a crowd? A guard walking in on him doing his chores with magic? Someone ransacking his room and finding his book? He had thought of and feared for almost every circumstance. Including this one.

Gwen had rushed to Gaius’ chambers in the middle of the night, saying that Morgana’s ‘nightmares’ were getting worse. Gaius had looked to Merlin who knew that code word all too well.

“What happened this time?” Merlin asked.

“The drapes.”

Merlin nodded, “Go back to her, I’ll be there as soon as I can.” He pulled on his boots and jacket as quick as he could, turning to Gaius. “Do you have any of that sedative?”

“Merlin, what are you going to do?” Gaius gave him that look but Merlin didn’t have time for it. Gaius did hand over the elixir so he must not have been too worried about Merlin’s plans.

“It’s just a precaution. If anyone asks about it, I’ll say its a sleeping draught.” Merlin pulled on his jacket and dashed out of the door.

When Merlin arrived, Morgana was lying on her bed with Gwen at her side. She was still in her nightgown but Gwen had given her a shawl that was now wrapped around her shoulders. The smell of burnt fabric was harsh and Merlin could see that a large chunk of bed drapings had been burnt. The bucket of water by Morgana’s bed, the one that Merlin had suggested, was empty.

“What was it?” Merlin asked, sitting on the edge of her bed, reaching out for her hand.

“The pyre.”

Merlin nodded, knowing nothing more needed to be said. It wouldn’t help Morgana to dwell on it. “Alright, let’s clean this up. Gwen, can you get some more water?”

While Gwen was doing that, Merlin opened the windows and started a light wind spell that would carry the smell of smoke and the remnants of ash. When Merlin turned back around, Mrogana was looking at him forlornly.

“This never happened to you, did it?”

Merlin wanted to lie to her and say it had.

“Everyone’s different.”

She huffed, “That’s a ‘no.’”

“And you didn’t move things as a toddler and you didn’t accidentally fell a tree at age fifteen,” Merlin countered. “This is just your magic manifesting, Morgana.” He cast another spell, this time a lavender smell encompassed the room, hopefully masking the smoke while also calming Morgana.

“That’s lovely. Could you teach me that one?” Morgana asked sheepishly.

“I’ll find a spell for it,” Which was his usual answer. He had come to find that there were spells for the things he did, he just didn’t need to use them. “But for now,” Merlin said, sitting back on the edge of her bed. “Let’s see what we can do about your visions.”

“It was… Merlin it felt like I was living it. It’s like I’m there. That’s how it always is, but this one was so much more. There was… I was watching a prye being built. And then there was… It was…”

“It’s alright. All is well. I know.” Merlin said, “I wish I could take some of this burden from you.”

“You do, Merlin. You do.” Morgana smiled at him. “Just being here is so much more than I could say.”

“Come on.” Merlin said, “Let’s get you back to sleep.” He poured out a small spoonful of the sedative Gaius had given him. It wasn’t exacting a sleeping draught but they had found that it helped Morgana more than anything else.

Morgana took the dosage and then laid down in the bed.

“Ready?”

She nodded, closing her eyes.

Merlin hovered his hands above her eyes, feeling the residual magic that was there. He pulled at it like he had done before. Then he began to recite the healing chant, hoping that if it didn’t help the visions that at least it helped Morgana sleep.

That’s when the door burst open.

Merlin turned in surprise and instantly he knew that of all else that had been his mistake.

A young guard, who Merlin would later remember was too eager to prove himself, had thrown open the chamber doors. Now he stood there looking at Merlin, who was hovered over what looked like the sleeping and innocent King’s ward. If only he had been intruding on a Lady’s chambers, that might have been allowable for a fool. But his eyes were still ablaze with magic.

“I saw smoke coming from the Lady Morgana’s chambers.” The guard absentmindedly said as he took in the scene before him. It must have clicked when he saw Merlin’s hands outstretched over Morgana’s face.

“You!” He raised his spear, “Guards! Sorcerer! Help!”

“No, wait! He means no harm!” Morgana said, but it was too late. The sedative was taking over and she was slurring her words already. Her eyes were drooping. Merlin closed his eyes, praying that Morgana and Gwen wouldn’t be dragged into this, and by the time he opened his eyes the guard was pulling him off the bed and the spear thrust under his throat.

More guards came. Merlin was thrown down onto the stone floor. Gwen reemerged with the water, but her pleas didn’t work. Morgana tried to restrain the guards, but her limbs were lax and her mind was already muddled with sleep. Ironically, Merlin’s spell had worked perfectly.

Merlin was dragged to the dungeons with no more explanation. Not that anyone would need one. A manservant in the Lady Morgana’s chambers in the dead of night? Predator. Ash being blown from the window? Assassin. Golden eyes and the Lady Morgana’s inability to wake? Sorcerer. There was no other question to ask, Merlin’s pyre would be built by dawn.

Now in the dungeons, Merlin leaned against the slick stone and wondered about his next move. Denial and appeasement wasn’t an option. Banishment wasn’t in the cards. Running away was easy, but leaving behind his friends wasn’t.

“Get out of the way. Let me see the traitor!”

Merlin hung his head.

Arthur.

“Get out! No I don’t care what he is, I want to deal with the traitor myself!” Arthur’s voice carried across the echoing stones. He sounded far beyond angry. Merlin didn’t blame him.

A moment later, Merlin heard boots clicking, keys jingling, and then the cell doors clanging. Merlin looked up and Arthur was standing above him, reddened face with hands on his hips.

“You traitor!” Arthur said loudly, followed by a quieter but no less angry, “You idiot, what did I say about getting caught?”

“To not to?” Merlin looked up and smiled like the fool he was. “You’re laying on the fact that you didn’t know a little too thickly. ‘Traitor?’ Really?”

“Don’t tell me how to lie to my own knights, Merlin.” Arthur hissed, and then loudly said, “You absolute filth! I trusted you! And to the Lady Morgana too!”

Merlin couldn’t help but smile.

“Don’t look so pleased, Merlin.” Arthur’s voice was teasing, but his eyes were worried. Merlin could hear the fear in voice as he said, “My father already knows. I came as quick as I could.” And Merlin could now see that Arthur was still in his night trousers and yesterday’s tunic. His hair was in disarray and Merlin was overcome with the wish that tomorrow morning he could be there to brush it.

“I’m sorry, Arthur.”

Arthur looked away, “What the hell were you thinking?”

“She had a vision that got out of control. I cast a spell to help her sleep.”

Arthur sighed. “If I help you escape I’ll have to be the one to track you down. I can lead the trail away but there’s no guarantee…”

“No, I don’t want anyone to be under suspicion. Even you.” Merlin stood up, his hands were chained to the wall but he came as close as he could. Arthur stepped forward, reaching out to Merlin and touching his face. Merlin flinched, feeling the beginnings of a black eye thanks to one of the guards.

“How, Merlin?” Arthur whispered. “What can you do against all of Camelot?”

Merlin smiled, taking in Arthur because even if he hoped to see him again, he never knew. Even Morgana didn’t know the future. “Tell Morgana that I’m sorry. I’ll miss our lessons.”

“Merlin,” Arthur pled, sounding more worried than Merlin had ever heard him.

“Go back to your knights. Let your father make a pyre. I’ll escape before then.”

“It isn’t possible. Sorcerers have tried before. Even with help.”

Merlin reached out, and now that Arthur had drifted closer to him he grabbed Arthur’s hand and squeezed it. “But I am like no other sorcerer.”

“You’re a fool.” Arthur smiled through what looked like fear. “I don’t understand what comfort Morgana gets from knowing you are of magic.”

Merlin took the insult as it truly was: worry and concern.

“I’ll break through the chains.” Merlin promised. “I’ll disguise myself and sneak into my room for provisions. No one will know where I’ve gone.”

Arthur frowned. “You can do that? I thought illusion magic was a myth of old?”

Merlin realized that he had never really explained his magic to Arthur. The prince had said the less he knew the better. Of course Merlin had explained that it was possible to be born with magic, and that was why he needed to help Morgana. But now that Merlin thought about it, he hadn’t explained to Arthur that being born with magic was rare. That it meant he was extremely powerful.

“I’ll show you one day.” Merlin said, “I’ll come visit.”

“You better not.” Arthur said, but he was smiling. “I’ll find you instead.”

“Alright,” Merlin said, “One day.”

Arthur lingered, like he wanted to do and say more, but there was more noise coming from down the hall. The King was coming.

“Go, Arthur.” Merlin said. “Don’t do anything. Please.”

“I…” Arthur looked to Merlin and back to where the guards’ footsteps were closing in. Instead he just leaned forward and pressed a kiss to Merlin’s brow, like the blessing of the Old Kings, and quickly removed himself from the cell.

Merlin closed his eyes and when he opened them, he knew the storm was just beginning.