#we kings of avalon

[chronologiical]

It was not love.

[spacetimeaccordionfolder]

Now I may be a few years out of practice, but I don't think you're supposed to have JSTOR open while plotting out a fanfiction. Last time I actually tried to write down fanfiction, I didn't have a page of notes on what would be historically accurate for the local populous to know.

OH no wait I did it was just an assignment for a class so the notes were more justified than this. And that was just a "hey would people in the 1890s know about depression? ehh maybe a little." and then I wrote an extra chapter in the Awakening in which the husband guy tries to look up depression to understand what happened to Edna. I made him cry in a doctors office and my English teacher used it as an example in another class of how to imitate Kate Chopin's writing style.

anyway. I'm closing the JSTOR tabs.

[zan77]

Ok sorry to cross the streams and get all Steve on a Djo post (especially a post where we get a snippet of Potion which sounds delightfully Syd Barrett-esque) BUT LOOK OK NO OK LOOK YOU DON'T UNDERSTAND

I HAVE 'OVER YOU' ON MY LOVELORN!STEVE PLAYLIST

I have it because it is cast iron headcanon for me that Roxy Music's Flesh + Blood was the album Steve mainlined in the aftermath of breaking up with Nancy and so I made a silly little noise when it popped up here and an even sillier one when he clocked it as Bryan Ferry and just. He.

Joe on Track Star :D

[elainemorisi]

til that, although children's books seem to love sticking Merlin or Morgan (apparently usually both! as is appropriate!) into their stories when they need A Magician, there are... slim pickings indeed...? when it comes to actual Arthur legends for (little) kids?

[dollopole]

We deserved more of just Merlin

The little head tilt, the sweet voice and the tiny smile, the moment he asked Arthur:

“Don’t you?”

To Merlin, magic had always been there for everyone to see, to feel.

He is magic, after all.

For all those years, Merlin had believed what he felt was obvious, and that everyone else felt the same way. It was strange to Merlin that Arthur couldn’t understand that the forest, the animals, even the smallest, living in it, were sacred. Because life is sacred. He couldn’t grasp the reason why the knights couldn’t feel that the old Druids’ camp was haunted, and therefore didn’t believe him. He had literally heard death, and cried because of it.

“As if everything is much more than itself.”

The phrase could refer to him too. Merlin is much more than… Him.

That’s what brought his doom. He had never had the chance to truly know himself. He was either a servant, or the sorcerer of a prophecy, or a Dragonlord.

Never just him.

And in this moment we see he had missed being one with nature, breathing in the animals’ lives. He was himself again.

He was vibrating, much like anything else there living with him.

They never went deep into Merlin’s powers, they were just there for Arthur. Merlin had lost sight of what he wanted to do with them, he even forgot he was so powerful he could have overthrown Arthur himself, if he really wished to.

Merlin was the only man alive able to see Avalon.

During the knights and the king’s quest to save Gwen, Merlin met the Queen of a Queendom no one had ever even seen.

He could have killed Morgana (and did try) multiple times, although she was an High Priestess, and simply decided not to, but he had more than just the power to do so.

The Catha, the Druids bowed to him, met him in the woods, called to him.

Merlin created a telepathic connection with Arthur the first days he was in Camelot.

He survived death multiple times.

His immortality forbid him to die.

Merlin hated hunting because he could feel the animals being scared, followed; he had recognised Gwen when Morgana transformed her into a deer; he could hear the magic around him, inside objects and inside people, like a whisper, as if it was nothing; he could call lightning from the sky.

He could stop the time, or at least slow it down.

Every magical being knew him by name only. But he was not a leader, he was just different.

“Is she like me?” “No one is like you, Merlin.”

After everything he had witnessed, even Gaius knew Merlin was special and did nothing to help him understand why he was.

Merlin was the reason Aithusa was born, why Kilgharrah was free, and we were robbed of him getting to really know his powers, both as a Dragonlord and as the most powerful sorcerer to ever walk the earth.

He literally deleted himself just to be at Arthur’ side, and it hurt him. We saw it constantly. He was sad not only because everyone and everything was against him, or because he couldn’t use magic for simple tricks, but because he couldn’t really know what he could do, both as a magical being and as just Merlin.

To study his powers meant treason and death, and Merlin forbid himself to go beyond what he already knew.

His incapacity to understand, his lack of will to know, and his indecision about who he was, literally helped the fall of the great destiny he was a part of.

Merlin’s decisions, whatever he wanted them to happen or not, helped Arthur die.

Merlin’s real enemy was himself.

[koffeinkaos]

In 2025 Merlin has two dogs. He found them roaming around in his neighborhood. One looks like a german shepherd mix, the other one is huge and fluffy. They didn't cause any trouble as they were really sweet despite being strays and eventually Leon came home to see both of them getting a bath and lots of treats from Merlin. Originally he had been against new pets as Merlin (and tbh Leon too) always have a hard time when they pass away but when the german shepherd mix looked at him with his huge brown eyes Leon melted. It also didn't help that the other one immediately lay down next to him just to crawl closer everytime he looked at Merlin.

Their behavior was not only adorable it also reminded them of their friends, so Merlin named them Sir Lancelot and Sir Percival and when they headed out for one of their walks they ran into a man who asked if he could pet them and eventually also asked their names.

Merlin, pointing first to the shepherd and then to the giant teddy next to it: This is Sir Lancelot and this is Sir Percival

Man: Oh that's lovely! Its so nice to meet you two and your very nice owners!! I'm Robert by the way.

Leon: Nice to meet you too! I'm Leon and this is Merlin.

Robert, grinning: Merlin? Sir Lancelot? And Sir Percival? Wow where is King Arthur???

Leon looks over to see Merlins bottom lip starting to wobble

Leon: Uh

Robert, in a baby voice to the dogs: Let me guess he's still in Lake Avalon? Well if he doesn't come back for you two fluff babies he probably won't come back at all

Merlin, with tears in his eyes looking at Robert: what

Leon: Merlin we should-

Robert: I mean look at them if someone would come back from the dead it's for them. So King Arthur really must be dead for good

and from that day onwards Leon glared at everyone who looked like they were thinking about approaching them on a walk

[bluismie]

finished reading And like the cycle of the year, we begin again by katherynefromphilly and was obsessed at the part of the fic where Arthur is reluctant to sleep alone due to the fear of the dark and Merlin being afraid to let go the King out of his sight because the Avalon might take the loss of his life away from him so they just have to sleep together !!!!

[ramblings-of-a-chaotic-neutral]

This au was created with the combined forces of the amazing and awesomely talented group of @griffonskies, @hufflehobbitmakes, @lorienrobins, and myself (and they're all super cool people and you should all check out their blogs!) in an absolutely hilarious conversation, so I had to flesh this idea out. Enjoy!

This is a post-canon AU, where Merlin is still living by the Lake of Avalon in modern times, awaiting Arthur's return. While the world has changed immensely in the time since Arthur's reign, there were a few things that have stayed the same. And one of the things that had stayed constant throughout the last 1500 years were the druids and their worship of Emrys.

As Merlin's powers grew following Camlann, he found that he could hear the prayers that the druids directed at him, and he could answer them to the best of his ability with his magic while staying at the shores of Avalon. Besides, the druids knew better than to seek him out in person unless there was an absolute emergency.

Now, fast forwards to the 21st century, and there's modern druids worshipping Merlin as Emrys, and they pray to him and leave offerings, and he still sometimes answers their prayers. While the most popular offerings to Emrys are physical offerings, such as wooden carvings and food, their songs and dances praising him work as offerings as well.

However, one day, some Gen Z druids get an idea. Their religion isn't very well known, how about they spread more awareness of it online? And what better way to reach a wide audience than to share one of their dances praising Emrys on TikTok!

And of course, their dances for Emrys blows up online and go viral. The consequences of this, besides the rising interest in their religion, is that Merlin has accidentally gained millions of new worshippers, who have performed the dance without really knowing what it means.

Suddenly, with millions of people performing dances in honor of him online, Merlin is more powerful than ever before, much to his own confusion, since he's just chilling in a cabin next to the lake and doesn't really spend much time online.

However, one day, Arthur's reincarnation does the new dance trend at reincarnated Morgana's insistence. Merlin immediately senses his king performing one of the dances made to worship Emrys and teleports to Arthur's location, scaring the shit out of him. Now Arthur's stuck with a maybe-a-god-but-honesty-kinda-hot guy in his flat who keeps calling him "sire" and telling him to go to some lake so he can pick up a sword. It's a very confusing day for poor Arthur!

Bonus: some quotes from Gen Z druids in this au explaining their religion online: "Yeah, we can talk directly to our god, but he doesn't always respond because he's kinda busy being sad next to a magical lake."

"No, we swear he isn't a cult leader looking for a tax break!"

"If you catch him in a good mood he might do a pub crawl with you! That happened to my cousin once!"

"Yeah, I heard he turned water into beer on that pub crawl! Wild night."

[curiouspupsicle]

Good Omens Fan Fiction Friday (12/6/24) - Illustrated Stories

Whoever decided that adult books didn't need artwork? I enjoy reading 19th century stories with line art from when they had been serialized (Dickens, Doyle, etc.) And who doesn't love Howard Pyle's beautiful illustrations for Robin Hood and King Arthur? So today I'm pleased to share a few of my favorite fan fics (but not all; some I've shared previously) accompanied by illustrations or in comic form. Like many illustrated fics, Butterflies in a Bell Jar (T) came about when a Big Bang united a writer and an artist. Writer Still_Not_King and artist @wyvernquill tell the story of co-workers Crowley and Aziraphale who team up at karaoke night and feel a spark. But it turns out, the company's no-fraternization policy is specifically directed at them and no one else. A surprising story that flies under the radar despite being truly unique and quirky. Rain in Avalon (M) by @snowfilly1 is set in Wessex after the death of King Arthur. Heaven wants peace. Hell wants war. Aziraphale and Crowley make a plan to keep both happy and themselves out of trouble. Start of The Arrangement. Sadly, I can't make out the name of the artist of the beautiful kiss illustration at the end. But worth stopping by to check it out. The latest from @klikandtuna, Naked and Afraid: Jingle Hell (T), is a Human AU in which Crowley and Aziraphale are competitors on reality show Naked and Afraid. This one-shot has great banter. I laughed out loud. And the writer also created the illustrations. Bonus is that it's set over Christmas for those looking for new holiday reads. Fan favorite @mrghostrat, wrote and illustrated Big Name Feelings (E) in which Crowley is a big name fan fiction writer who invites artist Aziraphale to pretend to be his boyfriend at a fan convention. Love the story and the style of the illustrations. Stalwart sun, wily moon (M) is a long, twisty tale in which Crowley is an art thief at the top of his game and Aziraphale is the former art conservator swept up into his world. Can't give much away without spoiling this tense and engaging story. But the writer/artist @dustandhalos decided that both our heroes are serious clothes horses. And provided stunning illustrations of their amazing outfits in the form of magazine cover art. Loved it!

I adore the style of @dreamdust who has been releasing two illustrated stories on tumblr. The first is Six Thousand Years in Love (NR) in which we see the developing relationship of our favorite pair starting in Eden. Each story comprises about 6 parts before going to a new setting. If you liked the cold open of episode 3 of the first season of Good Omens, don't miss out on what it inspired in dreamdust. And the second is Charmed (and Witch) (NR). A beautiful femme depiction in which Crowley is a witch and Aziraphale is the maiden caught in her enchanted grove. It is a WIP updated regularly. Purrchance to Dream (M) is a lovely collaboration between writer Calico and artist @vavoom-sorted-art. It's a WIP on hiatus but absolutely worth reading and subscribing in hopes they're able to get back to it. Crowley is suffering since Aziraphale returned to heaven. But he finds himself being stalked by a fluffy white cat who won't leave him alone. The comic form of One Night in Bangor (and the World's Your Oyster) is by @anotherwellkeptsecret based on the original fic by Atalan (found here - rated E). Heaven and Hell hold their annual joint meeting. But this time, the demons have made a bet about which hellish employee will be first to bed an angel. Both versions are hilarious. Do you have any favorite illustrated fics? Bonus points if the writer is also the illustrator. Please leave them in the comments. I'll be back next Friday with more great Good Omens fan fics on a new theme. In the meantime, check out my other favorite fics on this pinned post of weekly Good Omens fan fiction recommendations.

[littlesmartart]

DRAWTOBER #25 - The Court of Avalon by Imagined

Under the guidance of the mysterious Lady of the Lake, Arthur spends the many years between his death and his revival in the realm of Avalon. There’s plenty of deals to make with the Sidhe, prophecies about magic to unravel, and mostly—there’s Merlin to watch, on the other side, always waiting for Arthur. A tale spanning centuries, as Arthur finally returns magic to Albion.

this fic... woooo boy this fic... most Arthur Returns fics prefer to focus on Arthur's experience post-return, or Merlin's experience waiting for him. this fic covers the centuries before he wakes up, but from Arthur's side - the summary is a very good summary of the fic so I won't repeat it, but the dynamics between Arthur and Freya, between them both and the Sidhe, the way we really get to see Arthur acting like a king, making tactical choices in his diplomacy and learning and growing... it's SO GOOD. I've not read anything else quite like it.

[scentedtheoristperfection]

Lady Avalon's True Name is Manaka Sayjou.

(Want to make clear that I'm only talking about the FGO Servant, not the version in Prototype) (Only FGO JP Spoilers are a Valentine, and Arcade- not the collab, but actual one that was already out by LB7)

Lady Avalon is a servant introduced in Grand Order during the summer 7 Arctic Summer World Event. She is part of the pretender class. A class known for having a "True Name" that is revealed at a later point in the story. Lady Avalon is an exception*

Elisa is also an exception but the reason she's a pretender is explained in the story- the fusion with Shi Jin and appears to be powerless. Lady Avalon's explanation is more complicated.

We are given two explanations for why she is one and both of them are deliberately uh maybe? Lady Avalon is very insistent on it being because she's not a human- but her bond profile makes it sound like it's about the question:

Why does she desperately flee the King Arthur who claims to be from another world?" It's a question that Arthur himself doesn't seem to understand the answer to. (Second image is FGO Arcade Fan Translation)

So let's zoom out for a minute. Lady Avalon has some unique and odd attributes that are solely her.

She is the first and only character in the entire game to exclusively exist as a Summer Servant.

She is a Pretender despite being a Caster in Arcade, and no explanation is given · Nov 6, 2024 Oberon cannot see Merlin. He has a passive skill that only effects Merlin and lowers his buff success rate. Lady Avalon is not affected by said passive skill. What's more, Lady Avalon directly comments on noticing Oberon in her valentine! · Nov 6, 2024 If she is just Proto Merlin, there is a lot of questions. Why does she flee from Arthur? Why does she refuse to admit she's Merlin? Why can she see Oberon? Why is it being treated like she's hiding some great secret.

Why does she call Arthur her beloved?

We have also met the actual Merlin Prototype and both their attitude and word choice do not seem to line up with Lady Avalon. In the Arthur Trial Quest they talk to Arthur and do not sound at all like Lady Avalon aside from the occasional giggle. And they are not shy.

Ibuki-douji believes they know some great secret about Lady Avalon. Our entire list of characters with dialogue for her is Gareth (Same banner), Arthur, Nero Draco, Ibuki and… David?

Ibuki also has a tendency to know things she shouldn't so…

Lady Avalon and Merlin describe the Grail very differently. Manaka in Prototype talks about how the original purpose of the grail is to collect wishes and summon a Beast. But how are they fulfilling their purpose in Chaldea then? Like unless Ritsuka is going to be a beast...

Romulus in Arthur's interlude refers to Beast VI- the one Arthur is hunting as the Beast who will come beyond the stars borders. Then Lady Avalon is addressed a Beast of the Stars by Nero Draco in the Official Translation of Lilim Harlot…

[larluce]

Arthur and Merlin travel back in time without knowing the other is from the future too AU

Tagging @aceauthorcatqueen , @fallenxjas , @smileytrinity ,@lucifertookmyshoe , @an-entity-i-think , @thecornerofbelu , @griffonskies , @odinjm , @cinnabon-sweetroll-tiramisu , @thelady-mary , @bennedict , @nightninjaboy , @st8-of-grace , @star-rie , @error-username-not-available , @dogberryrowan , @jamieweasley13 , @tansyuduri , @tercais , @robynnemrys , @evadne01 , @serasvictoria02 , @hairdryerducks , @hopeaha , @curiously-lazy , @ harriettesthings , @andrealux16 , @wacko-weirdo , @greatdonutenemy This is going to get WILD!

LINKS TO THE OTHER PARTS OF THIS AU HERE: PART 1 , PART 2 , PART 3 , PART 4 , PART 5 , PART 6 , PART 7 , PART 8 , PART 9 , PART 10 , PART 11 , PART 12 , PART 13 , PART 14 , PART 15 , PART 16 , PART 17 , PART 18 , PART 19 (You're here) , PART 20

More of "The Gates of Avalon"

Arthur and Merlin encounter Sophia and his father while hunting, and, althought Arthur already knows is a trap he goes to their rescue cause this Merlin doesn't know that (as far as he knows) and it would be weird if he didn't come to a damisel's rescue.

Merlin: (tries to kill the sidhes with magic subtly)

Sophia and Aulfric: (block Merlin's magic with their staff just as subtly)

Merlin: (thinking, frustrated) Damn, their magic is blocking mine! (makes a branch fall on one of the bandits)

Arthur: (noticing the branch fall while still fighting other bandit, thinking) I should have known.🙄 (finishes to kill the bandit off and turns to the sidhes, thinking) Could it be that I can slay them and pretend it was an accident?

Sophia: (Turns her eyes red as soon as Arthur's eyes find hers)

Arthur: (Thinking) What the- (his thoughts turn off)

Merlin: (concerned) Arthur?

Echanted Arthur: (ignores him and goes to Sophia) Are you alright? They didn't hurt you?

Sophia: (takes of her hood seductivily) No, thanks to you. I'm Sophia, This is my father.

Echanted Arthur: Arthur Pendragon (he smiles chivalry) at your service. (kisses her hand)

Merlin: (thinking) Oh, fuck.

Time skip. Merlin and Arthur in Arthur's chambers.

Echanted Arthur: Make sure to put her in a decent room.

Merlin: There's an empty room in the other side of the castle, sire. I think it's perfect.

Echanted Arthur: Aren't the chambers next to mine empty?

Merlin: Those are mine, sire.

Arthur: (coming back to his senses) Oh... that... that's true... Why... why did I...?

Merlin: (seeing his chance, holds Arthur by the shoulders) Arthur, listen to me. Sophia is echanting you!

Arthur: (thinking) Shit! (says) I... I have to tell my father... I... (trails off)

Merlin: Arthur?

Echanted Arthur: Of course I'm echanted, Merlin. Sophia is a beauty.

Merlin: (sighs, forcing a smile, and lets go of him) She certainly is.

Echanted Arthur: (frowns) What is it?

Merlin: Hmm?

Echanted Arthur: That smile was not genuine.

Merlin: I just... don't have a good feeling about her. It's all.

Echanted Arthur: (snorts) You and your funny feelings, Merlin. (thinks for a moment) But if it makes you feel more at easy, put her in the room you suggested.

Merlin: (relieved) Of course, sire. (bows and leaves)

Echanted Arthur: (shouts as Merlin leaves) Just so you know, my intentions towards Sophia are completely honorable! (mutters to himself) Such a paranoid.

Time skip. Arthur talking to Merlin while he makes his bed.

Echanted Arthur: So, I need you to cover for me-

Merlin: (dryly) No.

Echanted Arthur: Excuse me?

Merlin: I won't lie to the king just so you can get laid.

Echanted Arthur: (offended) I'm just taking Sophia out for a ride, I would never-

Merlin: Sophia this, Sophia that, would you shut up! 😡

Echanted Arthur: (confused) What's wrong with you?

Merlin: (sighs, calming down) Nothing, but I won't do it.

Echanted Arthur: Oh, Come on! I promised Sophia I'd take her out and if I don't turn up, it'll blow up my chances.

Merlin: Good.

Echanted Arthur: (frowns) I thought we were friends.

Merlin: (angry again, almost shouting) Don't you dare use that on me! I don't care that you're enchanted! Friends don't make each other lie to the King risking they would end up in the stocks or flogged! Friends don't dismiss the other's advice. I told you I don't have a good feeling about her and you still don't care, so fine! Go, but I won't cover for you and if you decide I'm not your friend for that, then we're not friends! (his voice breaks at the end and his eyes water a little)

Echanted Arthur: (very shocked)...

Merlin: (composes himself and continues to make the bed, turning his back at Arthur)

Echanted Arthur: (frowns, feeling bad for upsetting Merlin though he doesn't know why) We ARE friends, Merlin. (taps his back) You're right, I shouldn't have asked that of you. I'm sorry. I'll tell Sophia I'll take her out another time, maybe later today when I'm actually free.

Merlin: (still not looking at him, finishes to make the bed with hard movements) Of course you will.

Echanted Arthur: And maybe you can come with us.

Merlin: (finally turns, surprised) What?

Echanted Arthur: This way you'll see what I see.

Merlin: (confused) I'll see what?

Echanted Arthur: That there is nothing not to like about her! 😍

Merlin: (sighs) Right...😒

Time skip. Arthur goes to his date with Sophia with Merlin.

Sophia: (her smiles fades as he sees Merlin arriving with Arthur) What is he doing here?

Merlin: Trust me, I don't like this more than you do. 😒

Echanted Arthur: Ha, ha, he's joking 😄 (shoves Merlin playfully, then scolds him in a whisper) Be nice.(to Sophia) Merlin is my personal manservant, I thought it wouldn't hurt to bring him to carry our things and serve us in whatever we need.

Merlin: (thinking) I just came so you wouldn't get yourself killed, you little sh- (forces a polite smile at Sophia) It would be my pleasure to serve you, Lady Sophia. (bows)

Echanted Arthur: He could carry your staff for y- (about to take her staff)

Sophia: (puts the staff away from Arthur) Don't touch that! 😡 (composes herself and smiles sweetly) Sorry, it's a family heirloom.😊

Echanted Arthur: It's beautiful, just like you (cradles her face tenderly with one hand)

Sophia: (about to kiss him)

Merlin: (yells, pointing somewhere) Bandits!

Echanted Arthur: (pulls away from Sophia and looks around) Where?!

An arrow flies towards Sophia but she deflects the arrow subtly with her staff.

Merlin: (thinking) Damn, it was so close.

Echanted Arthur: (runs to Sophia) My love! Are you alright? (holds her hands)

Sophia: (nods, trembling) I was so scared.🥺

Echanted Arthur: (turning to the bandid, who is hidind behind a tree in the distance, furious) YOU! 😡

Lancelot: (disguised as a bandid, bow in hand, cause Merlin asked him to) Fuck (runs away).

Echanted Arthur: Come back here! (runs after him)

Merlin: (turns to Sophia as soon as Arthur is out of sight, serious) You're nothing without your staff, aren't you?

Sophia: What?

Merlin: Don't play dumb with me.

Sophia: (smiles sweetly) Why would I? You're playing dumb enough for the both of us.

Merlin: I know what you are.

Sophia: I also know what you are, Emrys.

Merlin: (surprised).. How... How did you..?

Sophia: If I can recognise The Once and The Future King, don't you think I can recognise his protector? We've been watching you, we saw the kind of relationship you have, so I knew I had to use a stronger spell.

Merlin: Then you know you shouldn't mess with me. (aproaches her threatenly) Stay away from my Arthur.

Sophia: Jealousy doesn't look good on you, darling. I don't blame you though. He's such a gentleman... and a good kisser too.

Merlin: (raises his hand furious, eyes glowing)

Sophia: (raises her staff) Careful.

Echanted Arthur: (comes back) The bastard escaped, such a-What's going on? (looks at Merlin and Sophia's postures, confused)

Merlin: Ah... we are... killing mosquitoes!😅 (claps the hand that is raised with the other) They are everywhere! (keeps claping around)

Sophia: Yeah! (moves her staff around as if fighting said imaginary mosquitoes)

Echanted Arthur: (laughs fondly) You shouldn't worry about that, my love. Let Merlin handle it. (smiles brightly at the both of them) I'm glad you're getting along now.

Merlin: (forcing a smile) Oh, you have no idea. (slaps Arthur in the face)

Echanted Arthur: Ow!

Merlin: I killed it! 😊

Time skip. When Arthur requested an audience with the king.

Echanted Arthur: I have requested this audience, Father, to discuss a matter of great importance. It cannot have escaped your attention that I and Lady Sophia Tirmawr have growned very close.

Uther: Is that so?

Echanted Arthur: We're in love, which is why I have come before you today to ask your permission to marry.

Uther: (cracks out laughing)

Echanted Arthur: (serious face)

Morgana: (looking, worried)

Merlin: (scheming how to stop Arthur and Sophia from running away together)

Uther: (stops laughing when he sees Arthur's seriousness, surprised) Oh, you're serious.

Echanted Arthur: That's right, father. We are getting married.

Uther: This… this is great! 😃

Merlin: What? 😨

Morgana: What? 😱

Sophia: (her smile fades) What? 😧

Echanted Arthur: (just as surprised, but very happy) Really? 😃

Uther: Of course! I'm delighted you've made such an excellent match, Arthur.

Merlin: (thinking in distraught, his heart squeezing) No... No! This can't be! They can't get married! Arthur can't... This didn't happen in my other life! What the hell is Uther thinking!

Morgana: (to Uther, concerned) My lord, don't you think it's very hasty that they want to get married after knowing each other for only two days?

Uther: When love calls that's how it is. And how could he not fall in love with her? She is beautiful, charming, very cultured and from a good family.

Morgana: And from a kingdom that was invaded by raiders!

Uther: Exactly, She's been through a lot and yet she remains strong. I admire that in a woman. And she's still a lady from nobel blood. If Lord Aelfric agrees, of course, I don't see why they couldn't get married.

Aulfric: (very confused at the turn of events too) Uh... I guess, I don't have a problem either, Your Majesty.

Echanted Arthur: (holding Sophia's hands, ecstatic with love) Oh, you see, dear? They accept our love! 🥰

Sophia: (barely hiding her dismay) Oh, how explendid! 😅

Merlin: (realises, thinking) Wait... She can't run away with Arthur now! (smiles to himself triumphantly, though he's still sad) Oh, well. At least I still have time. She won't be able to kill Arthur if they can't leave. That's... that's good.

Morgana: (realises that too) My lord, I'm very worried about the bandits that attacked Lord Aulfric and Lady Sophia. They attacked twice, it seems pretty personal. What if they attack during the engagement party or the wedding itself?

Uther: That can be arranged. I'll reinforce the security so no stranger enters.

Morgana: (turns to lady Sophia with a smile) And it will be in your best interest to not go outside the castle at all, Lady Sophia. For your own safety, of course.

Sophia: (glares at Morgana)

Echanted Arthur: (with passion) I won't let anything happen to her! I'll protect her with my life!

Merlin: (rolls his eyes)

Uther: (very pleased) All is settled then. You'll be married by the end of the week.

Time skip. Morgana encounters Merlin in a hallway.

Morgana: So, what's the plan?

Merlin: (confused) What?

Morgana: To stop the wedding! What's the plan?

Merlin: I'm no going to stop the wedding.

Morgana: WHAT?!

Merlin: I mean, if I can expose Sophia and her father before the wedding, sure. But I highly doubt I can. For now, the only thing I can do is make sure they don't leave the castle.

Morgana: (fiercely) WE, Merlin, WE are together in this and WE are going to stop them.

Merlin: Right, we. (smiles, thinking) It's good to have an ally for once. (laughs a little and says) Only Arthur would be stupid enough to marry his potential murderer, honestly. (gets sad again)

Morgana: (comforting) Merlin, you must know Arthur feelings towards Sophia are fake, right? I don't know what she's doing to him, but it's not love. He only has eyes for-

Merlin: (explodes) I don't care if Arthur is in love or not! I don't care if he gets married or not! He could marry a troll for all I care. I just don't want him to die!

Morgana: Alright, alright! I get it. You don't care.

Merlin: (sighs) Sorry, I'm a bit stressed out it's all.

Morgana: How are you planning to expose them then?

Merlin: I think the staffs they always carry with them are magical. If we can get a hold of one of them-

Morgana: We can bring it to the king and prove they are impostors! 😃

Merlin: Yes, that's exactly what I was going to say. (thinking) And not that we can kill them with their own weapon as soon as they are defenssless. Sometimes I forget you're too nice now to think something like that.

Morgana: And since they'll be acussed of sorcery, Uther will kill them himself for messing with Arthur's mind! 😡

Merlin: (thinking) Or maybe not...

Time skip. The engagement party.

Merlin: (thinking, while watching from afar Arthur and Sophia eating at the table, smiling and laughing together) It's fake, it's fake. For gods' sake, Merlin! You've seen him getting married once! At least this time it's fake, you shouldn't be so upset.

Morgana: (whispers to him as Merlin serves her drink) Did you notice? (points at Arthur's and Sophia's direction subtly)

Merlin: (whispers back) Ahm... They seem... happy?

Morgana: No! The staff, Merlin. She's not carring her staff!

Merlin: (looks at Sophia again) You're right! She must have left it in her chambers.

Morgana: I'll go get the staff! (starts standing up)

Merlin: (stops her) No, it would be weird if the King's ward leave in the middle of this important event.

Morgana: Can you do it?

Merlin: (shakes his head) She already suspects me, if she sees me leave she'll know something it's up. (thinking) And I can't leave Arthur alone with her.

Gwen: I'll do it.

Morgana: ...

Merlin: ...

Morgana: Gwen, how long have you been there?

Gwen: Long enough. So, the staff?

Morgana: (points Aulfric, who is carring his staff) It's identical to that one. You have to enter her chambers, get it and bring it to Gaius to analyse it.

Gwen: Got it. (leaves)

Merlin: (thinking) How odd. Why did Aulfric bring his staff, but Sophia didn't? (gets closer to Sophia and Arthur carefully) I can't do anything while her father is close. I need to get her alone... Oh, I know! (drops the drink he's carring on her 'by accident')

Echanted Arthur: (calls him out, standing up) Merlin!

Sophia: (Furious, stands up) You gigantic fool! 😡

Merlin: I'm so sorry my lady, let me fix it. (tries to clean her dress)

Sophia: Don't you dare touch me! You did this on purpose!

Echanted Arthur: Excuse my poor excuse of a servant, my love. He's too clumsy for his own good, but I'm sure he didn't mean for this to happen.

Sophia: You're going to defend him? I'm your fiancee!

Echanted Arthur: I'm not defending him, I'm just-

Uther: (aproaches, almost shouting) What is happening here?!

Sophia: (Pointing at Merlin) He dropped the drink on me on purpose!

Echanted Arthur: I'm sure it was and accident. (holds Sophia's hands) My love, you look beautiful either way.

Uther: I apologise for this impertinence, lady Sophia. You may go change.

Sophia: Thank you, Your Majesty. (bows and leaves)

Uther: (turns to Merlin in anger) And you will not come back to this party, understood?

Merlin: (knowing perfectly this will happen, lowers his head in a shame he doesn't feel) Yes, sire. (bows and leaves)

Echanted Arthur: (looking silently where his fiancee and his servant left, feeling uneasy but not knowing for which of them)

Time skip. Sophia walking to her chambers enraged while Merlin follows her from behind.

Merlin: Please, my lady. I really didn't mean to-

Sophia: (turns to Merlin) Stop following me! 😡

Gwen: (gets outside the room with the staff)

Merlin: (grabs Sophia's hand so she doesn't turn and kneels, begging) I'll give you half my salary! No, all of it! But please forgive my mistake!

Sophia: (very confused and irritated) You don't have to keep pretending with me. What on earth are you doing?

Gwen: (leaves as quietly as she can)

Merlin: (drops the act as soon as Gwen is out of sight and turns serious) There's no guards at your door rooms.

Sophia: What?

Merlin: (lets go of her and stands up) You left your staff unprotected in your room and went to the party completely defenseless... or that's what you wanted me to believe so I would let my guard down. (sighs) Where is it?

Sophia: What?

Merlin: The real staff, where is it?

Sophia: (smiles and takes out a necklace she had hided in her dress neckline) Nothing gets pass you, right, Emrys?

Merlin: (recognises the gem in the necklace) Oh, so you can wear it as necklace too. How practical. Are you going to kill me now that there's nobody around?

Sophia: I don't need to kill you. You hold no power here. You're nothing but a servant.

Merlin: I hold more power than you can think of.

Sophia: And yet you can't use it. Not if you don't want to be discover. (pouts) Poor little thing. It must suck to be you.

Merlin: (laughs) You are trying to provoke me and it won't work. I've been called all the insults you can imagine my entire life and nobody has ever broke me. Besides, you're the one who's losing here. Your plan failed. You're the prince's fiancee now. You can't leave the castle and you can't do magic cause everyone's eyes are on you too, how sad. (looks her up and down) You definitely need to change, that stain is starting to look disgusting. (bows mockingly) My lady. (turns around and starts leaving)

Sophia: (raises her voice as he leaves) Oh, I'm not in a hurry, once married to Arthur and as a princess, I'll have aaall the liberty I need.

Merlin: (ignores her and it's about to turn a corner)

Sophia: (raises her voice more) And who says I can have my fun meanwhile? Especially at my honeymoon!

Merlin: (stops and turns around, a hard expression on his face) What?

Sophia: (aproaches with a fake sweet smile on her face) Oh, you know, I've always been interested in exploring the pleasures of the flesh and now I have the perfect toy for it.

Merlin: (furious) A toy?! Arthur is not your experiment to have fun with!

Sophia: I have every right to it. I'm going to be his wife after all. Something you'll never be.

Merlin: (threatens) If you dare to touch him- 😡

Sophia: You're going to do what?! 😡

Meanwhile, at the engagement party.

Echanted Arthur: (to Morgana) Something's wrong. Sophia should be here by now.

Morgana: We women take our time getting dress. I'm sure it's nothing.

Gwen: (to Morgana, whispers) Morgana, Gaius couldn't find anything weird in the staff.

Morgana: (whispers back) What? But that's impossible. Merlin- (she crosses eyes with Aulfric, who is smirking at her) Oh, no...

Gwen: What?

Morgana: I think they set us a trap.

Echanted Arthur: What are you talking about?

Suddenly two guards enter.

Guard 1: (to Uther) Sire! There are intruders attacking Lady Sophia in her room.

Uther and Echanted Arthur: What?!

Guard 2: The doors are blocked, other guards are trying to break them as we speak.

Echanted Arthur: (worried) Sophia! (leaves running)

Uther: (to the guards) You two, put everyone to safety. (leaves too)

Morgana: (tries to follow them)

Guard 1: (stops her) My lady, you can't go. We have to put you to safety.

Morgana: Try to stop me. (passes him and leaves)

Arthur, Uther, Aulfric and Morgana arrive at Sophia's doors. There are noises of struggling, things crashing and colliding and screaming, while the guards try to break in.

Echanted Arthur: Sophia! (draws her sword)

Uther: (draws his sword too and orders the guards) Now!

Guards: (open the doors)

Everything in the room is a mess, like a tornado passed there.

Uther: (in shocking disbelief) What the-

Echanted Arthur: (utterly baffled) Merlin?

Merlin and Sophia: (fighting like cats rolling on the floor)

Sophia: (puts herself on top of Merlin, screaming) I'll steal Arthur from you! (Slaps Merlin in the face)

Merlin: (puts himself on top of Sophia, screaming) Arthur is not something to steal! (Slaps her too)

Sophia: (spits him in the face and sits) Freak bastard! (punches him)

Merlin: Nasty whore! (Pulls her hair and she cries)

Echanted Arthur:...

Uther:...

Morgana: ...

Aulfric: ...

The Guards: ...

Uther: What are you waiting for? Seize him!

The Guards: Yes, sire. (pull Merlin apart from Sophia and restrain him)

Merlin: (his nose bleeding, nail scratches across his face and neck, neckerchief about to fall, but still struggling hard against the guards holding him, furious beyond reason) Let go of me! I'll kill her, I swear I'll kill her!

Sophia: (Her hair a mess, a split bleeding lip, dress all teared up, throws herself at Merlin still wanting to fight, beyond furious too) You insolent poor excuse of a man!

Morgana: (quickly holds her from behind and pulls her apart from Merlin) Stop you two!

Sophia: Let go of me! (To Merlin, yelling) How dare you hit a Lady, you street trash! 😡

Merlin: (yelling too) I see no Lady, liar snake!😡

Sophia: (tries to free herself, moving forward) Cheap slut!

Merlin: (tries to free himself, moving forward too) Fake bitch!

Uther: (shouts) ENOUGH! 😤 What on earth is the meaning of this?!

Sophia: Your Majesty, (points at Merlin) this scumbag humiliated me in the worst way possible just because I wanted to reclaim what it's mine.

Merlin: Stop talking about him like he's property! 😡

Uther: Silence! 😡

Sophia: For my honor, I demand this servant to be punished inmediatly!

Uther: (turns to Arthur) You heard, Arthur?

Echanted Arthur: (confused) Yes, I'm here, listening.

Uther: So? What are you going to do?

Echanted Arthur: Me?

Uther: It's your servant after all. What punishment are you going to give him?

Echanted Arthur: Oh, right. (Goes to Merlin) Merlin, you will apologise to Lady Sophia-

Merlin: I rather die.

Echanted Arthur: (more sternly) You WILL apologise and you will be put in the stocks for an entire day, so you'll learn the consecuences of your actions! Do you understand?

Uther: ...

Uther: That's it? He humiliated your fiancee! And by extention he insulted the crown! And you're only going to put him in the stocks for a day?

Echanted Arthur: Right, this deserves a more severe punishment. Merlin, 3 days in the stocks... and no salary for you for three months!

Uther: (in disbelief) No salary?! Are you still planning to keep him as your servant after what he's done?

Sophia: (with tears in her eyes, to Arthur) So this is how our marrige is going to be? Always second to a servant?

Echanted Arthur: No, my love, that’s not-

Sophia: No! I won't tolerate one more humilation! (Finally frees herself from Morgana) This wedding is OVER (leaves enraged)

Echanted Arthur: Sophia! Wait! (Makes a gesture to go after her, but stops and turns to Merlin, a conflicted expresssion on his face) Merlin...

Merlin: (urges him, whispering) Don't go after her.

Echanted Arthur: (frowns, still conflicted) You...

Uther: Arthur, your fiancee is leaving!

Echanted Arthur: (snaps out of his conflict, turning to the door) Sophia! My love! Come back! (Runs after her)

Uther: (turns to Merlin, furious) And you! I'll decide what to do with you later. (To guards) Arrest him.

Guards: Yes, sire (start leaving with Merlin)

Merlin: Wait! Sire! You don't understand! They want to kill Arthur! Sire! Sire! (Struggles but the guards take him away)

Aulfric: (To Uther) I'll try to talk to my daughter. Make her reconsider, but after this... I don't promsise anything, your Majesty.

Uther: (sighs) I completely understand, Lord Aulfric. Whatever she decides, I'll make sure to compensate you both for this outrage.

Aulfric: (bows and leaves)

Uther: (To Morgana, tired) I'll announce to the guests the threat has been handle. (Leaves)

Gwen: (arrives running with Lancelot and they stop infront of Morgana, out of breath) I brought help!

Lancelot: My lady, (bows) I've heard there were intruders in the castle.

Morgana: ...

Lancelot: My lady?

Gwen: Uh... Did we miss something?

Morgana: Oh, you have no idea.

...

Merlin and Sophia:

Someone would think since they are from the future they would handle things better xD. Oh, well...

Episodes where Arthur got enchanted ✅️ (Well kind of, part 2 of this is still missing and there's another one when he got echanted too)

How our favourite warlock got out of this situation? Find out in the next episode of "Merlin: the Prince's favourite"

[haveyouplayedthisttrpg]

Here is a list of all the games i played in 2024

Agon

One of my favorite games, gm'd it for a local con. It's basically the Odyssey, but told in a fast & furious fashion

Argyropée

French only, a optimistic renaissance fantasy game where i enjoy the universe, the worldbuilding decision, but the system could be better

City of Mist

A noir urban fantasy game, of misteries and myths, stories mixing with regular life.

Donjon & Cie

french only for now. Instead of playing the adventurers, instead your characters are the monsters of the Dungeon, in reality the biggest business in the land. Dongeons meet the office. Will be "translated" ( more of a 2nd edition) by the Merry Mushmen as Dungeon Inc.

Eureka investigative urban fantasy

What it says in the title. It's good, it's great, it's what i will use to run cthulhu modules in the future

Exquisite Biome

Occuped some long train rides this year. A solo game where you create little ( or big) creatures in the environment you made up.

Feathered adventures

It's ducktales without the branding. A diceless and possibly gmless game that plays like Scrooge McDuck comics

FIST

I think I traumatized my fellow players with my character. It's great

Knight an avalon rpg

A french game translated in english ( the books are coming). King Arthur in mecha armor fighting against horrors that threatens humanity in the 2030s. One of the most played because we're playing the epic (yes, epic, not campaign).

Lalaland of the dead

French only. Being in the right discords, sometimes, you can play with the authors themselves. A zombie apocalypse game that is also a musical. Sing for more dice.

Magie de minuit

French Only. A gmless tarot game of witches fighting darkness within and out.

Mausritter

Play as little mice, it's totally not terrifying.

Meanwhile in the subway

The game is not a book, it's a subway map

Mothership

The worst rolls possible at creation. Yet the character survived.

Naheulbeuk

French only. The ttrpg parody that is often played at the club when we just need a quick one shot, a silly session.

Nova

The sun exploded ( or did it ? some revelations of the designer on the bird app says it was eaten actually), so get your power suits out. My players managed to be the Horsemen of the Apocalypse.

pasion de las pasiones

A demo session with the french translator. Now sitting nicely on a shelf.

Rune

Elden ring as a solo game

The Dark Eye

In germany they created this to avoid playing D&D. I am wary of games that ask me to successfully roll a d20 3 times for each roll. (yes you do roll 3d20 for most things)

The Thunder perfect mind

In development, a game created by Tanya Floaker during NaGaDemon that I playtested. A gmless game of gnostic gothic punk where you play as undeads.

Triangle agency

It's on most list of games of the year for a good reason. Also be careful when reading it or you will get too many demerits and lose access to the Frozen Yogurt Room.

Troika

Used to be my cursed game. The one I would propose but something always happened and couldn't play. Finally I have played it. (But the curse transfered...)

Vaesen

Occult mysteries based on Nordic mythology.

Wilderfeast

Monster hunter meets Dungeon Meshi. I love cooking monsters.

World Wide Wrestling

The new cursed game. Did a first session for a group ( for a mini campaign). That was in August and was supposed to last 1-2 months.............this was the only session

[therealhepcat]

Ventus: The Divine Wind in Kingdom Hearts

In Christianity, wind is a symbol of God's power, the unpredictable potency of the Holy Spirit, and an agent of divine judgment. The name Ventus is Latin for wind.

In fact, wind has always been associated with divine power across different mythologies. In particular, it is often seen as a messenger of gods, a force of fate, or a guide between realms.

Greek Mythology: The Anemoi (Wind Gods) – These gods controlled the four winds, each representing different aspects of fate

Japanese Mythology: Fujin, the Wind God – A chaotic yet powerful force that shapes the battlefield and moves unseen through history

Norse Mythology: Odin and the Wind – The Allfather is tied to the winds, often taking the form of a wanderer whose influence is felt across time

You could argue that Ventus is the Divine Wind in Kingdom Hearts.

Also, Ventus' most defining characteristic is his prolonged slumber after the battle with Vanitas. This mirrors mythological figures who "sleep" but are destined to return in a future time of crisis.

King Arthur (British Mythology): Said to be asleep in Avalon, waiting for the time he is needed most.

Buddhist Legends: Some bodhisattvas enter a deep slumber, only to return when their wisdom is needed.

Ventus is not just asleep—he is waiting, like a mythical hero whose story is not yet finished.

Example (credit to brimstoneclub):

Except, it's not the end, it’s just been put on pause for Sora and Riku to start their journey.

But wait there’s more, Ventus’ involvement in the forging of the X-Blade and his connection to the heart of all worlds (Kingdom Hearts itself) gives him an almost divine purpose in the grand cosmic conflict. The X-Blade is a sacred, godlike weapon, and Ventus is at the very center of its creation.

He is one of the only beings tied directly to the X-Blade, making him a key figure in the battle over divine power.  

His heart’s purity makes him a natural guardian against those who seek ultimate control, much like a divine warrior chosen to protect balance.  

He stops the X-Blade from fully forming, preventing Xehanort from seizing godlike power and altering the fate of all worlds.

Kingdom Hearts itself is often depicted as a divine, godlike entity—a source of light, knowledge, and power beyond mortal comprehension. If we take this idea further, could Ventus have a deeper connection to it than we realize?

Ventus and Kingdom Hearts share a connection through the X-Blade.

As we know, the X-Blade is the only weapon that can unlock Kingdom Hearts, and Ventus was essential in its formation and destruction.

If the X-Blade is the "key to divinity," Ventus was meant to be part of that divine plan, whether he wanted to be or not?

The answer is yes

Even more, his heart acts like Kingdom Hearts itself—capable of joining with others.

Ventus, uniquely, has a heart that blends and connects with others, shaping their destinies. His heart entered Sora, birthed Vanitas and Roxas, and still retains its own light, much like how Kingdom Hearts exists within all beings.

Other important connections are his with Terra, Aqua, Chirithy, Master Eraqus, Master Xehanort, Axel/Lea, Xemnas, Luxu/Xigbar, Ephemer, Skuld, Brain, Lauriam/Marluxia, and Strelitzia.

Ventus is also the only character in Kingdom Hearts to have “Dearly Beloved” in his character theme.

The term “dearly beloved” means someone who is very much loved, much like how Kingdom Hearts is loved by so many people to the point they fought over it, resulting in it vanishing and the world fractured.

Sound familiar?

After his fight with Vanitas, Ventus seemingly vanished from the world (although we all know he was actually hidden in Castle Oblivion) meanwhile his heart was fractured.

If Kingdom Hearts is the ultimate source of light, then Ventus may be a fragment of that power, unknowingly shaping fate across the series.

His very existence alters destiny, much like how divine forces in mythology influence mortal affairs.

While Kingdom Hearts doesn’t explicitly call Ventus a god, his story follows the archetypes of divine warriors, sleeping gods, and celestial forces found in mythology.

A wind god or divine messenger – shaping destiny unseen, carrying the hearts of others.  

A chosen guardian of cosmic balance – preventing Xehanort’s plan from succeeding.  

A sleeping warrior meant to return – waiting for the moment his presence is needed most.  

A fragment of Kingdom Hearts itself – unknowingly carrying the power of light in his heart.

Now I wanna talk about Ventus’ keychain for Wayward Wind, but first and foremost, I want credit @manysad for pointing this out.

Ventus’ keychain for Wayward Wind kinda looks like a caduceus.

Picture for comparison:

Why does this matter? Well it’s a symbol of the god Hermes, the god known for speed and wings.

“As a symbolic object, it represents Hermes (or the Roman Mercury), and by extension trades, occupations, or undertakings associated with the god. In later Antiquity, the Caduceus provided the basis for the astrological symbol representing the planet Mercury. Thus, through its use in astrology, alchemy, and astronomy it has come to denote the planet and elemental metal of the same name. It is said the wand would wake the sleeping and send the awake to sleep. If applied to the dying, their death was gentle; if applied to the dead, they returned to life.” - Wikipedia 

Dead return to life, huh?

Case and point: Ventus may not be a god in name, but he fits the mythological role of a divine force shaping the world without realizing it. His connection to the X-Blade, Kingdom Hearts, and the winds of fate make him one of the most important figures in the entire saga.

So why can someone of a pure light, Ventus, decide what’s right and wrong?

It’s because “Light begets Darkness, Darkness covets Light”.

As the darkness said to Sora in Re:mind, “He is too pure. It's because he's so pure that he has many gaps”, gaps the Darkness can slip itself into and hide without notice.

The World needs Light and Darkness, and Ventus possesses both, meaning he possesses the two forces the world needs to exist in balance.

Remember that Sora described Ventus’ heart as peaceful not long after his dive into in Kingdom Hearts Re:mind.

The X-blade is made of Pure Light and Darkness as well, in perfect balance.

A pure heart of light can decide what’s wrong and what’s right because light creates the shadows, and therefore creates balance in the universe.

TL;DR: Ventus’ impact on the overarching story to Kingdom Hearts is similar to that of a divinity and due to his heart of pure light, it harbors the darkness and creates balance in the universe, therefore giving the ultimate position to say in manners of right or wrong.

[justaz]

merlin owns an arthurian museum with authentic items from the third/fourth century as well as statues, busts, and portraits from different artists over the years of king arthur (and the others). who better to ensure everything is real rather than someone who was there? eventually, people are pushing for him to find more artifacts bc its been a few years and bc history nerds are bloodthirsty beasts. people also want to find excalibur but whatever. merlin caves and is like “might as well see what else fell into lake avalon” so they dredge it up. merlin is relaxing at home when he gets a call. he’s expecting them to say they found something small like perhaps a link or armor or a rare, old jewel. then he hears

“we found a body”

[thasa]

Warrior!!

JJ and Lee Byung-hun was in First We Feast and it's sponsored by Monster Hunter Wilds 💚 so I drew JJ and Lee Byung-hun in their fantasy video game era, JJ in The King of Avalon and Lee Byung-hun in Lost Planet 🫂