#when explaining Morgana to my friends I say

[astro-hunny]

There is no context that would be good enough. Enjoy a Morgana.

[sidesteppostinghours]

pulps law is that whenever i get insane enough about something, i will inevitably attempt to make a persona 5 au, regardless of whether or not i am successful at it.

[longlivechips]

A drabble on what if Arthur repealed the magic ban while Merlin wasn't there. I like the idea of Arthur thinking Merlin will be mad, he said magic has no place in Camelot afterall. And Merlin being like shit I'm gonna have to start telling the truth.

A fic where Merlin goes to visit his mother for a few weeks. It's Yule and he misses her.

While he is gone a child comes to trial. Hardly 12 and clearly terrified. She had been caught using magic.

She swears she didn't mean to, that it just started happening one day and she was so scared of what was happening to her.

The law says she is to burn.

But Arthur just can't seem to make the call. He can only think of the girl Morgana used to be when he looks at her.

He speaks to Gaius and Geoffrey about what Camelot was like before the ban. How people square magic. He learns, for the first time, more than his father had ever let him.

He's thinking of......well not reversing the magic ban. But this girl can't be evil surely.

He wishes Merlin were here, his advice is often quite sound. But Arthur is unsure if Merlin, who has been so outspoken against magic in the past, would agree with such loose laws.

But it comes down to this. Arthur cannot in good conscience kill that girl. And he can not have her as an exception. So he changes the law.

Merlin hasn't spent this long in Ealdor since before he left. He finds it quite lonely without Will to cause trouble with.

But he finds he is not ostracized like he was when he was a boy. In fact, more often than not he has to dodge mothers pushing their daughters onto him as prospects.

He is in his mother's house trying bundles of herbs to be dried and taken back to Camelot when his mother rushes in.

She stairs at him for a moment. Eyes wide, something clearly about to spill off her toung.

"Mother?" Merlin says moving closer, " What's wrong what happened? Has goodie meridan gone into labor?"

"Merlin. My boy. We just received news from Camelot. Gaius sent a letter. I....." Her face is flush. She doesn't look scared but Merlins heart drops anyway

"Arthur...." Merlin starts

"He's fine, he's fine" Hunith walks towards her son, cupping his face in her hands.

She laughs. Full belly and full of joy, her hands on his face strong, they almost hurt.

"He repealed the magic ban Merlin. Oh my boy by royal decree"

Merlins knees nearly give out.

"Surely you aren't serious....." Merlin gasps. "Do you have the letter?"

She hands it over and he reads frantically.

My good Hunith.

I write you instead of Merlin for reasons that will become obvious.

I also just request more of that dried lavender you sent last time, it does not smell the same from the north.

How is your neighbor Gregory fairing with his leg? My tonic recipe helped I hope, I would like to hear how it went.

There is news from Camelot. You might have heard, it will make fast news I'm sure.

A girl was brought to court for magic. Hardly 12 summers, she swears she did not train for magic, that it came naturally and she has no control.

Arthur was hesitant to burn her, despite the law, and tasked me with examining her.

I explained my findings, you know my friend how truly common it is to have magic as the girl does. Arthur listened well, and I sent the king off with what recommendations I could.

There are few books left on the subject but he spoke to Geoffrey. I assume he found some enlightened reading.

The next day, his verdict was as follows.

"The law of the land, as set by my Father King Uther, is that magic has no place in Camelot. I quite agree. Magic is dangerous, it has raveged my family.

But I can't help but think these laws might create more enemies. I cannot kill a girl for a crime she did not willingly commit. But I cannot banish her and create an enemy."

The council spoke on formal matters and specifics but Hunith, it is looking well. I feel hope I haven't had in decades.

Arthur has repealed the magic ban, in part. There are specifics to be worked out, and it is unclear if it would apply to Merlin. It certainly wouldn't apply to myself.

I will write again when I have more details.

I wish I could see the boy's face when he hears the news. Give him my love

Gaius

Merlin reads it. Than again. The third time he skims it he is tearing up. Looking desperately for any sign that Gaius tells a lie.

When he finds none, and there is no answer but that Gaius's words are true.

Merlin weeps. He falls to his knees and weeps.

Hunith cradles his head, spilling some tears of her own.

"oh my boy" she says. "What news. I knew Arthur would be a good king." She presses a kiss to her son's head.

Merlin cries, and wonders why he feels more scared than ever.

[doctorsiren]

Moth Psycho 100 AU

Something that I latched onto for mp100 is the moth imagery for Mogami. More than once is a moth shown as symbolism, but it’s also associated with Mogami more than once, whereas with the other bugs he’s shown associated as, it’s just once i’m pretty sure (even if not, moths show up as symbolism the most so uhhh yeah)

So @cupofchemicalchatter and I cooked up an AU idea :)

Mogami Arc happens as normal except for the very end. Instead of Matsuo catching Mogami’s spirit and trapping him, Mogami is able to go and watch Mob from afar like he said he would: “You made your choice, kid. I’ll keep watching from afar to see if you made the right one.”

At the end of the Mogami Arc, Reigen says: “Anyway, history has shown that no good ever comes from drowning in wealth, fame, or power. Think about it: Mogami let his own powers swallow him up too.” Remember this, as this is important for the AU I’m about to explain. 

And this will go into the next arc, the Separation Arc. The part where Reigen is in the alleyway under the streetlight with those moths above him always felt deeper to a level that it probably wasn’t supposed to be and by that I mean I was connecting it to Mogami’s moth thing.

What am I talking about? Okay well, just imagine the Separation Arc happening as usual UNTIL that moment. The moment where Reigen is in the alleyway:

Mogami had been keeping an eye on both Mob and Reigen, figuring that a way to break Mob was to use someone he cared about, that person being his mentor. So in that moment, Mogami had been possessing / using that moth as his vessel to watch Reigen. The moment that the moth drops dead and Reigen looks up is the moment that Mogami transferred his possession from the moth to Reigen, causing his sudden change. Now he is determined to “become somebody”. Of course, just like in canon and like Mogami did, he starts out by helping people out with their problems. He stated in the Mogami arc: “Mogami? Yeah, I modeled part of my work off him when I started this job.” Mogami stated that “at first, I used my abilities for good, giving advice and solving various problems.” Mogami was the “Psychic Star of the 20th Century”, with Reigen being the “Greatest Psychic of the 21st Century”. Mogami basically told Mob the classic villain thing of “we’re not so different, you and I”, but Mogami now sees that with Reigen as well. Despite the man not having powers, he would prove useful.

Reigen began “developing” psychic abilities. He thought at first that it might have been something residual still left over from when Mob gave him his powers while fighting the Scars, but he soon began to believe that he had dormant abilities that became awoken once he set out on “becoming somebody”. However, it’s actually just the possession from Mogami. He begins to realize that he doesn’t need Mob anymore. He can do exorcisms on his own now! So, he starts pushing everyone away…the people who would be able to actually help him out of this.

Reigen starts to hear a voice in his head. It’s Mogami speaking to him like he did with Mob, but he disguises it as Reigen’s own voice, allowing the conman to think that it’s his own thoughts. Reigen begins to separate himself from this “new” version of himself (which is just Mogami), but not in a way of “oh, these are bad thoughts” but in the way of “this version of me is my only true friend.” Since he’s being possessed, he’s not really thinking rationally. 

His reflection becomes a way that Mogami can communicate visually, while disguised as Reigen, of course. He speaks to Reigen, convincing him further that he doesn’t need anybody. Only himself.

His shadow also becomes a visual way for “Reigen” to communicate (because I thought that would be cool, kind of like Morgana in Ducktales 2017, or in The Princess and the Frog). 

The turning point for where things actually go south is the Supernatural Detective TV spot. When Jodo suggests that Reigen be the one to do the exorcism, instead of letting Jodo trick him, Reigen insists that Jodo go ahead with how the program was planned. In this world, the event is reversed. Jodo actually does the fake exorcism, since it was scripted, but then Reigen steps in and explains there was no evil spirit to exorcise, hence making Jodo the fool rather than Reigen. The host praises Reigen and the child reveals that he was acting the whole time. 

And then begins his true metamorphosis. 

Usually, butterflies are used to represent change, however moths go through that same transformation, but to most, they are held typically in a lesser regard than their daytime counterparts. Not really important, but I just thought it was interesting.

Reigen starts to spiral, becoming more and more of a corrupted conman. He isn’t assassinating people for money like Mogami had done, but he is lying more and more and more. The more he becomes corrupted with power, the more his psychic abilities grow (think Ritsu with Dimple and the student council stuff)/ The idea actually started out by me suggesting that as he gets more corrupted, he starts to cough out moths (sorta like an odd moth-based hanahaki, but having literally nothing to do with unrequited love and he won’t die from the moths. He just coughs them out because we thought that went kinda hard), but of course, he keeps telling himself (as well as Mogami telling him) that he’s fine. 

His powers (Mogami’s powers) are getting stronger and he’s taking out bigger spirits, taking on bigger clients, and becoming a bigger star. He finds himself losing consciousness / disassociating at times, only to wake up and find that he is stronger. It has become a little of a Jekyll and Hyde situation, but while Mogami has control of Reigen’s body, he uses it to consume evil spirits to try and regain the power he lost from fighting Mob. How we’re visually showing the possession is through a scar (like how Dimple has the red cheek spots). He got the scar under his right eye when Mogami exploded that one-way mirror in the Mogami Arc, and since Reigen’s technically being possessed during the duration of the AU (once that moth dies), the scar is visible the whole time.

In the end (we haven’t figured out when but we just know), Mob has to confront Mogami inside Reigen’s head, like he did with Minori. Inside Reigen’s head, it becomes blatant that Reigen isn’t psychic, although Mob’s sorta known that for a while (as it is alluded to at the end of the Separation Arc). But, Mob himself doesn’t want to acknowledge that fact. Reigen always said he had powers! Why would he lie? So although Shigeo knows the truth, Mob doesn’t see it. He pretends that it’s not true. He believes in Reigen’s lies. The student has become the master, in it that Mob is now lying to himself because he can’t bring himself to believe that Reigen lied to him.

After everything, Mob is able to separate Mogami from Reigen (but of course, not without everyone getting their fair share of trauma). The scar goes away, as he is no longer possessed. He’s back to being powerless, and now he knows that it was Mogami the whole time. However, Mob says that line. He says how he’s known that his master is genuinely a good guy, because it wasn’t on his own that he did all that conning and evil spirit stuff. It was because of Mogami’s corruption and influence. I think Matsuo would still somehow come across Mogami’s spirit and capture him, just so that it can come in handy later when he’s used in the World Domination Arc bc I don’t wanna mess that up lmao

Anyways yeah that was my attempt at compiling some frantic and excited discord DMs about this AU into something somewhat cohesive! Now here’s art for the AU, because I wanted to share them, but I needed to explain what was going on first!

This was the first one I did for the AU, when I knew I needed to draw something up for the concept of him getting corrupted and coughing moths 😄

And then the shadow and mirror thing (I LOVE the one of “Reigen” in the reflection oughhhh)

If you remember that post where I said I woke up and found I had written “twink controlling a twink” the night prior, this is what it was in relation to 😭 why did I call Mogami a twink very very late at night? Who knows. The important thing is that doing so altered everything and now he is one in my mind, so I can’t do anything about it. Don't ask why this page seems really fruity, it was like 3 AM and over a week ago so I don't know (/silly)

These were from when I was rewatching the Mogami Arc to pick up details for the AU

Moths have the patterns on their wings to mimic eyes, so there’s that inherent aspect of deception and lying. It makes the moths seem like a bigger threat than they actually are. (also I have him wearing Mogami's blazer and shirt)

And then just the moths and such with Mogami’s spirit

And me pulling a quote from when Dimple was explaining who Mogami was.

YEAH I just really love drawing stuff for this AU bc of the fun moth symbolism.If none of any of this makes sense, I’m so sorry. I just needed to finally post about this AU bc it’s given me brainmoths (like brainworms, but y’know)

We kinda came up with the AU backwards and filled in random spots here and there after the fact of our original conjuration of it, so I had to try and piece it together HAHA 

[gdn7-dollopole]

Why I believe Arthur isn’t attracted to women and my not so deep analysis over it (this is my personal opinion, and a mess, so bear with me)

Hear me out.

Not only Arthur is a very constipated man over pretty much everything, doesn’t show or openly says what he feels, especially in the first two seasons, but he doesn’t even have friends, except those that he is supposed to have because he is a regent, and later a king. His father is even worse, thought him nothing if hatred and repression, so we can say he sucks at socialisation, and I may or may not be projecting here, but I know what it feels like to be out of your bubble and enter the world feeling completely out of yourself, which is why Arthur is attached to the hip with Merlin, and is he so enamoured, attracted, shocked with him during their first encounter.

Back to my point, he is socially awkward, but I don’t believe that is the reason behind why he acts the way he acts towards every single woman character in the TV show. (his own bloody wife included)

Arthur doesn’t like women, repertory A:

First kiss with Gwen. Lovely, I always smile when I see it, but why. Like, Arthur thought he was going through with his death, just received a token of affection that no one had ever dared give to him, felt appreciated, like a beaten kid who receives his first hug, and thought: “Okay, well, might kiss her too, isn’t that what you’re supposed to do?” , dipped for a peck, and FLED RIGHT AFTER. His face showed no emotion, he basically just gave a shrug when he realised he and Gwen couldn’t be together and went on with his day. And honestly, if it wasn’t for the amazing soundtrack, I would just stare at the screen with a flat face during their first kiss. You can feel the difference between this scene and the one where Lancelot saves Gwen and tells her to run, and they kiss before they part, and THERE you can feel the longing, understand why there had to be a parting kiss. Arthur almost feels relieved that Uther won’t let him stay with Gwen after he survives, but whatever.

Repertory B:

Arthur, even if enchanted, stills asks Merlin for advices on “feelings” and “girrlllss”. This doesn’t need explaining.

Repertory C:

Men can be shy, obviously, even with women, but, as I cited above, Arthur has no idea how to socialise. His friends, hell, even his relationship with Morgana, wouldn’t have happened if it wasn’t for Merlin. So explain to me why Arthur doesn’t even look at Gwen until he has to, and goes around NOT CARING about women, unless Uther is the one throwing them at him, and then caves when a pretty man appears on the screen. I also believe this is the directors’ fault, who tried so hard to make the relationship between Gwen and Arthur real, that they just made a gay show, but Arthur, when he had more worrisome things to think about, he didn’t care about women, or girls, or courtship, in the slightest, until Elena gets in the picture and he has to think about marriage and a future with his queen, again. I firmly believe Arthur chose Gwen not because he loved her romantically, but because to him, she was the best choice amongst everyone else.

Repertory D:

The Knights of the Round Table. Arthur, a prince that throughout all three seasons has an hard time even speaking openly to Merlin without making fun of him, or to Gwen, suddenly fights his father over Lancelot (because he admired him quickly, and couldn’t understand that because of his sexuality, he felt very comfortable around a thoughtful man like him), drools over Percival the first time he meets him, probably thinking of how nice it could be to jump the giant like a tree, and has a love hate relationship with Gwaine, because Gwaine is everything Arthur envies. Free, open, and in a close relationship with Merlin, (a man) that Arthur forbids himself to have. (also, nice hair)

Repertory E:

Mithian. Arthur doesn’t spare a glance at a single woman in the show. He does it with Gwen (poorly) because he feels he needs to, and once again avoids marriage, and acts like a complete panic around Mithian in the entirety of the episode where she is introduced. He can’t take her compliment when he meets her the first time; he doesn’t realise that standing outside a woman’s chamber for that long can mean something else; he is affronted of having burped in front of her, not because he likes her and she is a woman, but because Arthur’s ego is too huge; this man has no clue over: “how to act around women”, because to him, women are people he isn’t attracted to. As simple as that. He finds Morgause irritating and not beautiful, like many others, because to him, she is just another very good warrior who has beaten his ass.

Repertory F:

Arthur doesn’t have sex with Gwen (oh, hot take). We never see them languidly stare at each other (unlike the eye fucking that happens between Merlin and Arthur. That’s not sexual tension that can be cut with a knife, it’s a wall of homosexuality where Arthur often bangs his head on) Yes, this show was very chaste, but definitely not intended for kids (see innuendos), so how could someone who should be close to Gwen, in any way possible, doesn’t recognise that his wife is bloody enchanted and she is trying to kill him? No, you don’t need to have sex with someone to understand that they want you dead and that they drastically changed their personality, but my brother in christ, this just proves me that Arthur was attracted to the idea of a peaceful kingdom, ruled together with an intelligent, fierce, and good woman by his side, rather than attracted, attracted to Gwen per se. The rest of the time he just followed Merlin around like a puppy. He married for love? I believe he married his best friend Gwen so that he didn’t have to go through the process of having kids. The heir had never been the problem. If it was for Arthur, he would have married Merlin the instant he met him in the market during the first episode.

Repertory G:

Do we see Arthur openly complimenting the women in the show? No. Also, because it’s not the point of the show. The point of the show is the homosexual relationship Arthur has with his serv—(he does it with Gwen and probably Mithian, because she is objectively beautiful, but I can’t remember other instances)

Last but not least:

Merlin.

Separately, Arthur, and here I’m adding Gwen, too, are both complex and well thought characters, lacking many things and contradicting themselves during the show, always because of how they were badly written in a lot of episodes. The Arwen scenes are lovely, but they don’t bring out anything. They don’t make you hope, giggle, despair, cry, because to me, there is nothing there to be tragic over. They just needed to fill a gap so that the people who didn’t like the idea of Merlin and Arthur together romantically would have something else to watch. Which is also the main ship of the show and it makes everything more hilarious, because they fucked it up so bad, LMAO.

The more you try not to make something gay, you just make it even gayer that what you had originally planned.

I had so many other points, but my ADHD said no. So if you want to add something else, feel free to do it!

[mackeydoodledoo]

A Taste of your Heart: Chapter 1

Pairing: Bridget x (Fem!)Reader: Ashlynn Hood

Chapter Summary: Being the daughter of Robin Hood is not the most easiest thing to live down. Even when you try to not steal, you always find yourself doing. But, never out of selfish needs. The only selfish steal you want to embark on is Bridget's heart.

Chapter Warnings: School Bullying

Chapter Key: Italics = Thoughts, +*+ = Time Skip, Bold/Italic = Singing

Chapter Theme: Color - Finish Ticket

A/n: AU where Red doesn't change Bridget's history, but someone else does.

-------------------------------------------------------------------

*Bridget's POV* You walk to Honors Alchemy, carrying your cupcakes. It was your specialty. You loved baking and sharing it with everyone.

As you look up, you see her...

"A-Ashlynn!" You call out to her

"Oh... Hey..." She says, uninterested, "You're.... Bridget right? From Wonderland?"

You happily nod, "That's me."

You look down at your tray and begin scrambling to remove the tray cover. However, just when you were about to present one to her, she was gone...

+*+

"Bridget, Ella, we have two new transfers, would you two split up and help them out please?" Merlin asks

One sits next to you whilst the other sits next to Ella.

"Are you okay?" You ask them

"First day jitters...." They explain

"Ahh, I know the perfect remedy," You say, "Try my fabulous Pink Flamingo Feather Cupcakes."

"Flamingo Feathers?" They ask

"Mhm," You say

They reluctantly take one however savor the first bite.

"I only recommend one since ingesting more would cause... Side effects," You say

+*+

After class, you begin passing cupcakes out to everyone.

The sun shines a little more brightly When you take things a little more lightly It's all gonna turn out nicely With just a taste of your heart It's likely you'll fall into something spicy Just mix it up, you'll keep finding That life is sweeter when you are

"So, you're friends with everyone?" The new transfer asks

"Oh, heavens no," You chuckle it off, "My only friend is Ella."

Another person takes a cupcake from your tray.

"But, with time, and enough treats, they will be," You say, your eyes drifting up the tower

A girl sitting on the windowsill; her eyes drift down to you, but then adverts to another direction.

"Even the loners..." You sigh, "That's Ashlynn Hood, Robin Hood's daughter."

"Her crush," Ella whispers to the transfers

"Hey! No!" You blush, "I just want to make sure she's included as well."

You take a single cupcake from the tray and hide it away.

"You seem to really have a soft spot for Ashlynn," The second transfer teases you

"She's the only one that has yet to be given anything from me," you explain, "So, I'm going to make sure she gets something today."

You all hear maniacal laughter and many different footsteps coming into the courtyard.

Hook for a hand, find the golden hook Captain of the seas, I got 'em all shook

Son of Morgana, Serpentine Morgie's the name Better run and hide

Oh no...

The VKs.... Merlin Academy's bullies....

No matter...

The sun shines a little more brightly The dark is a little enticing It's all gonna turn out nicely With just a taste of your heart

It's likely, we'll make it all much more frightening Just mix it up, you'll keep finding That life is sweeter when you are Seeing things brightly When you take things a little more lightly Just mix it up, you'll keep finding That life is sweeter when you are

Uliana takes a cupcake...

"Thank you," She says

"Uh, sure.. Anything for-"

"For all... Of them," Her tentacle snatches the plate and holds it high in the air, "They're supposed to be... Really rare right?"

"Hey!" Ella yells, "Give those back!"

"Oh... I don't speak peasant girl," She mocks, "I love your outfit... It's so... Put together."

You listen to a ripping noise...

The VKs begin to laugh at Ella's not ripped clothing...

"My name is Bridget, and I bribe people with treats to be my friend because I'm such a loner!" Uliana mocks you

"Hey!" A voice yells, echoing throughout the courtyard

All of you watch as the person climbs and then leaps from the balcony, going into a roll before effortlessly standing to her feet. You watch as she walks up to you. She swings her arm over your shoulder.

"I thought, we all agreed that the 'Loner' title, belongs to me," She says, smirking, "Even with a single friend... Doesn't count as being a loner. Now give those back... Or I'll rip those tentacles right off your back."

"Please, I only wanted the feathers," She says, "You! Can have the rest."

Her tentacle drops the plate... Ruining the remaining cupcakes you had...

"Now-Now hold your tentacle-"

"Hold on lass," Hook walks up to Ashlynn, "Why don't we take this after school?"

"We did," She says, "Want to relay to everyone what happened then?"

His smile drops and frantically looks around to wondering eyes. He backs off.

"That's what I thought..." She says

"W-wait!" You try to stop Uliana

She looks at you.

"That's... Too many!" You try to reason with her

She only chuckles and ingests every feather that was left.

"You're just jealous of my fabulosity," She says

"What fabulosity is there to be jealous of exactly?" Ashlynn asks her

A handful of classmates; both good and bad, 'ooh' at her comment. Uliana walks up to the both of you, Ashlynn brushing you behind her.

"Listen here, Loner, I don't know where your mouth runs, but-"

She backs into you as Uliana squawks....

All of you watch as Uliana turns into a Flamingo...

"Bridget... Did... Warn you..." Ashlynn points out, trying not to burst out laughing

But that doesn't satisfy her... She charges at the both of you.

"Come on Pinky Pie!" She grabs your hand

The both of you run...

"I'm sorry Uliana, I tried to warn you!" Bridget continues trying to reason with her

*Ashlynn's POV* "Bridget just run!" You continue pulling her to run

You run into the courtyard her dorm building.

"Almost there!" You yell

However, Maleficent and Hook appear in the doorway. You lose your grip on Bridget's hand and she continues to run.

"Hello darling," Hook greets you, "I just want to have little chat with your little girlfriend."

You turn to see her cornered at the fountain...

"Bridget!" You yelp, pulling her into you, watching Uliana fall into a fountain, "I know a place we can go. Come on..."

You push the VK lackeys out of the way as you take Bridget to your perch.

+*+

"Did you really have to bring us up here?" Bridget asks, trying to adjust herself to feel comfortable

"Mmmm," You lowly growl, "Did you want me to take you somewhere where they'll find you easily?"

She doesn't answer...

"Didn't think so," You scoff, "I don't understand how you're being nice to them... They don't deserve your kindness..."

"Everyone is deserving of kindness," Bridget says, "No matter how mean, cruel, or evil they are.... They deserve to have kindness..."

"Sometimes I don't understand how you can harbor so much kindness," You scoff

"Ashlynn..." Bridget starts

"Ash... For short," You clarify

You watch as she reaches somewhere and pulls out one of her cupcakes.

"You never come around so... I saved one for you," She says

"Just for me?" You ask, slightly smiling

You take the cupcake and bite the feather. As soon as you ingested the feather, you felt lighter... Happier.

"Apparently I've been stuck in my nest too long," You chuckle, "Sorry I didn't come see you sooner. You just... You make me nervous."

"Me?" She asks, "Make you nervous?"

She gasps and your arm reaches out and wraps itself around her hip. As she steadies herself, her gaze travels up to yours.

"Why do you spend so much time alone?" She asks

"It's... Hard to figure out where I fit in more," You answer, "I steal... So that would make me a 'villain'. But, I do it for good reason.... So that would make me a 'hero'.... But, I hate trying to decide. I go to either or, and it's like I get so many..."

"Many negative looks?" She asks

"Yeah... Exactly," You say

"I got those when I arrived here on my first day," She explains, "That's why I bake... I bake so they could one day see me as a good person and want to be my friend."

The both of you finally settle into the space comfortably...

"Well, you have your baking," You slightly smile, "I only have my Archery skills."

"Which that makes you Captain of the Archery Team!" Bridget points out, "Who brought us to victory three years straight!"

"Means nothing to everyone apparently," You sigh

Your eyes travel out to the courtyard, then beyond...

"I come up here to be away from eyes that see me as both a villain or hero," You explain, "To be in my own little world... You know?.... Kind of like how baking is for you... Right?"

"Yeah," She says, "I'm sorry that you don't feel like you have a place here...."

"It's nothing that you can change," You sigh, "That's the reality of being an anti-hero..."

"For what it's worth... You don't seem like the anti-hero to me," She says

She puts her hand on your shoulder. She gives you a slight smile before retracting her hand. You finish the last bit of the cupcake.

"Oh... Ash... You got a little..." She tries to point out

"What?...." You try to find it

"Here, let me," She says

Her hand touches your cheek gently, and she uses her thumb to wipe off frosting from the corner of your lip.

"Thanks... Bridget," You clear your throat

"So... Why up here?" She asks, "I thought this would be exclusive to... You."

"It was the only place that came to mind in the moment," You say, "Well, it's not a spot solely for me now."

Bridget's eyes light up, "Are we going to have picnic dates here?"

You nod. She practically jumps into your arms as she gives you the biggest hug ever. As she straightens herself out, your eyes travel to her lips, then back to her eyes.

"Uhh... Come on," You clear your throat, "Ella might be missing you right now..."

Chapter 2

[theroundbartable]

Arthur is out with a couple coworkers whom he isn't out to. They keep encouraging him to flirt with random girls, so eventually he does due to peer pressure.

The moment he does, Merlin steps in and rants him into a pulp for harrassing those girls (who happens to be one of Merlin's friends.)

(It's the hackling from the background that ticked Merlin off, Arthur barely said anything.) Arthur's coworkers fight the fight for him but Arthur himself is more than intrigued by Merlin's courage.

After that, Arthur visits the bar more often. But he doesn't get to talk to him because Merlin doesn't like him and ignores him. At some point, Arthur becomes desperate and asks one of his girl friends to assist him to get Merlin to talk to him... By staging that he's harrassing them (they are in on it) and Merlin feels the need to step in... Time and time again until Arthur is kicked out from the bar for life.

When the bartender tells Arthur that he has to leave, Arthur's desperation grows even worse and he begs to be allowed to leave one last message. He writes it on a napkin and tells him to give it to Merlin.

"sorry for being a pratt. You're cute and I didn't know how else to talk to you!

Here is my number: xxxx-xxxx"

Naturally, Merlin thinks it's either a prank or that Arthur handed it to the wrong person, so he texts Arthur pretending to be Elena, the last girl arthur "harrassed". Btw, all Arthur's "victims" somehow ended up befriending Merlin and encouraging Arthur to keep trying because Merlin is single and his only flaw is that he doesn't listen when someone tries to explain to him that it was all a scheme.

Elena (Merlin): you gave me your number, are you serious?! You got kicked out for harrassing me!

Arthur: sorry, Who is this?

Elena (Merlin): this is Elena, the blond girl you attacked?!?! You do that often?!

Arthur: you have a new number? Jesus, Elena, I almost had a heart attack. Do you know if Merlin got my number yet?

Elena (Merlin): ???

Arthur: and why are you texting me like that?! Is he watching? Am I supposed to write something?

Elena (Merlin): I have this number from the napkin the barkeeper gave me

Arthur: That doesn't make sense, Elena. I have your number saved! I've known you since kindergarten! Why would you say that?!

Merlin: So... You MEANT to send it to me? This isn't Elena, btw, this is Merlin. What do you mean, you've known her since Kindergarten?!

Merlin: ...

Merlin: hey, why aren't you answering?!

Arthur: hey

Merlin: what?! The hell?! Why would you give the barkeeper your number to give to me? And why do you know Elena?!

Arthur (Morgana): Hello, this is Arthur's sister, my name is Morgana. My dear brother is currently panicking because he thinks you're cute and he would like to date you. But he chickened out because you actually texted him and that's why I had to take over.

Merlin: yeah... Right

Arthur (Morgana) it's true though. He asked some of his friends to help him get a rise out of you. He's truly pathetic, but he showed me a picture, so I get it. Elena and Mithian are just some of them. You can ask them, too.

Merlin: wait... What?!

Arthur (Arthur): I can't believe she told you that

Merlin: you

Merlin: what

Merlin: is this a prank

Arthur: can't you just reject me already, I'm dying over here.

Merlin: no fucking way.

Merlin: If you're actually some sort of decent person, no way I'm missing out. You're hot

Arthur (Morgana): this is Morgana again. Arthur is panicking again. Saturday 2pm?

Merlin: sounds good to me.

Merlin: I'm flattered... Haha

Arthur (Morgana): you should be. I've never seen him so excited. You're gonna have an easy game.

Arthur (Morgana): okay, I gotta go, he just passed out.

Merlin: oh... Okay. Thank you?!

[bananaactivity]

Okay so this Morgie/Hook pic is draining me 🙏😔

I’m not even CLOSE to being done. I think I’m gonna take a break from this bad boy and work on a comic inspired by my small conversation with @kori-xo it make take a bit cause I can never stop editing comics 🥺

I willlll get into my version of Morgie and Hook 😻

This is Killian James Hook he is a rich kid who ran from home and eventually became the first lost boy. He ran away from home for 5 months ADT (Auradon time) but for him it was Five years NVRLT(Neverland time) He actually does miss his parents but he’s made friends with Peter Pan, the newest lost boy; Pete is an abandoned kid so he doesn’t understand why Hook missed his rich kid Lifestyle.

Eventually Hook returns home promising he’ll be back and never leave again, but he stays for two months, and his parents trick him into to believing he got a full ride to the Prep school he always wanted to ( they actually paid for it but Hook is stupid during his young teen times) He returns to Neverland to explain, but Pete is not understanding at all. He’s gotten new kids to join him and he cuts off Hooks right hand, feeds it to a croc and forbids him from ever returning to Neverland as he’s a “betrayer”.

Hook couldn’t beat him because he had no training in swords or fighting, Hook is so absolutely pissed off he decides to peruse a degree in Piracy and Swordsmanship and his desire for revenge becomes more blood thirsty as he grows older. He is 19 when he meets the OGVs (original villains) and they attend the same uni. Consider this a more aged up Merlin’s Academy setting.

He loves Morgie and Maleficent, he respects Uliana a lot, and he and Hades have a very “charged” rivalry if you get what I mean… everyone says the vibes are strong when they argue but if you ask them they say just hate each other soooo much. Speed running some things Hook goes for 12 months (12 years on NVRLT) to kill Peter Pan but he accidentally has Harry with some rando, I can’t think of who I just know it was an accident because Hook had “needs” and you know how that goes…and has to bring him home so he’ll actually grow beyond a actual infant. Maleficent threatens to curse Harry if she isn’t invited to ALL his birthdays with her and Hades new baby Malll💖

Morgie la Fay is the child of Morgana, the sibling of King Arther of Camelot fame. Morgana was not born with her expansive list of powers and witch craft and inflicted her body with dark primordial magic. This causes her to become unable to bear her own children, so using her blood she does some dark magic and creates Morgie after many months of bloody sacrifices and chantings. Morgie was born a horrific, lanky, fanged, pure black beast, with yellow eyes of a serpent and a long tail. He crawled on all fours and instead of baby gabble, he made guttural crows and coed often.

I’m sure you guys would find him cute, I just haven’t finalized a design yet… Arther and Merlin also had children… Archie and Marvin respectively. Morgana wanted Morgie to be close to his cousin so she presented as reformed. Arther actually accepted 💀 and eventually Morgie came into his own developing the red haired form you see above at around five years old. Marvin doesn’t like Morgie but of course Archie loves his cuz and thinks he’s the coolest primordial beast witch thing ever.

Eventually they all attend Merlin’s school and Morgie meets Hook, instantly adores him of course… Morgie chooses black smithing as his masters and he forges with gold enchanted with dark soul energy. He actually crafts, as a graduation present, a new golden hook, sword, and pocket watch for Hook.

He has a whole host of dark and ancient abilities but he still really dum so he doesn’t think quick enough. I’m having Marvin trap Morgies mom in an infinite loop of death and revivals . Which makes Morgie want to take over Camelot so he can free her. So for a 10 period after Harry turns 4 Morgie goes off to Camelot to terrorize it. He only returns after Jay and Carlos , who were looking at territory options for Mal, disturbed the small cave he was resting in. He chased them across the sea to the shores of the isle ( in his eldritch form) where Hook resides with his son. Before stoping once he recognizes Harry and reunites with Hook.

[merlincersei]

Merlin BBC UK TV Show - Opinion Piece Part 19 - Gauis’ Longevity

While watching the TV show, I was surprised to notice the extra-ordinary long life span of Gauis.

Despite being the oldest recurring character in the series, he outlives Uther, Lancelot, Gwaine, Morgana and even ARTHUR!!!!!

Like For Real?

The more I think about it the answer lies in the Season 1 Episode 13 - Le Morte D'Arthur .

A quick Synopisis

In this episode, Arthur is mortally wounded by the questing beast. Merlin goes to Nimueh to bargain his life for Arthur’s. While Arthur recovers it is Merlin’s mother Hunith whose life now hangs in the balance. Merlin decides to exchange his life for Hunith’s but Gauis reaches Nimueh before Merlin and bargains his life instead

When Merlin meets Nimueh, he sees Gauis lying unconscious presumably dead.

Merlin angrily shouts, saying he bargained his life for Arthur’s, not Hunith, Gaius or anyone else. Nimueh says the Old Religion does not care who lives or dies, only the natural balance of life and death is restored i.e Life pays with Life

They engage in a magical battle; Nimueh injures Merlin who tells Nimueh: “You should not have killed my friend!” She is then struck by lightning summoned by Merlin, and dies.

Gaius awakens because Nimueh’s death has compensated for his own.

Nimueh was a priestess of the old Religion. It was she who impregnated Ygraine ( Arthur’s Mother) using magic which lead to her death and the beginning of Uther’s persecution against magic users. However despite being older than Merlin she appears to be the same age as him. This proves that her aging process is very slow and/or she has a very long life span.

Since Nimueh’s death revived Gauis, he ends up inheriting her lifespan and/or slow aging process.

This could explain how Gauis seemed to recover quite well despite being brutally tortured in the Witchfinder episode. A man of his age could not have survived or not recovered as well from such an ordeal.

I think the Merlin creators were inspired by this plot from Harry Potter.

[regulusrules]

Ranking the best 10 Merlin episodes + a fic rec based on each one:

(absolutely not based on how gay they were) ((no order for the eps; they're all chef's kiss)) (((last two fics have a hold on me that levels the show itself; worth scrolling for)))

1. The Poisoned Chalice

Look. There is something just absolutely entrancing about introducing this episode in the first five of the entire show. Like, this hands-on was the sole reason everyone fell for those two idiots. It beautifully captured how the saving each other thing is reciprocal, because the first three episodes you just have to watch Merlin run around saving Arthur, never the reverse. Producing it early on in the show was the decision that, in my opinion, held everyone in their chokehold for eternity.

Fic rec: you are my favorite mistake (it can only be fate) by @multifandom-jess.

2. The Death Song of Uther Pendragon

I could go on and on for how this episode singlehandedly carried s5 on its shoulder. Like, okay I unfortunately love s5 with all my fucking heart, but this episode was perfect. Ghosts? Check. Banter? Check. POETRY?? Check check. A slap to Uther's face? Oh how beautifully checked.

It's so easy to recall how Arthur truly loved his father, but in this episode, the turmoil you see in his eyes from the actions of his father and how he resorts to saving the ones he loves (Merlin) over his father, is just too beautiful to be overlooked. Ever since Arthur became king, we see him struggle from his father's legacy. But in this episode, he begins to detach both consciously and subconsciously from him. Whether it's in his decision to save the old sorceress in the beginning, or to shun Uther's ghost, both the literal and the figurative, from his life any longer. This was one of the episodes that captured the true essence of King Arthur.

+1: the innuendos of this episode were 🤌. They knew what they were doing, you can't convince me otherwise. (are you threatening me with a spoon? / I'm teaching him some poetry.. he can't get enough of it! / what was that? h-horseplay. why don't I show you?)

Fic rec: My heart is readily yours by @regulusrules. (absolutely love how after all this introspection, i decided to throw it all away and made uther stab merlin in the fucking heart instead. but still it was my honourable attempt to shit on the finale and give them the happy ending everyone deserved).

3. The Sword in the Stone pt. 2

OKAY. This episode! Aside from how badass Merlin was in both pt.1&2, but here, especially in the part where us audience were impatiently waiting for the revival of the sword in the stone, there could've been nothing more perfect. Just like their adaptation of the round table scene, this was perfect in its own way for how different it was. They didn't make it so that people will finally find a king; they made it so that the people believe in their king. And more than that, for Arthur to believe in himself. With the estrangement and losing his crown, the writers gave him the best way to re-establish his inner glory. And Merlin being this guide; what more perfect culmination to their relationship?

You have to believe, Arthur.

Iconic.

Fic rec: Couldn't choose between Only Friend by @captain-ozone, and Fathom Me Out by @supercalvin. Brilliance ahead in both of them, I tell you.

4. The Eye of the Phoenix

Magic. Gwaine. Quests. Need I say more to explain that this was the show's holy trinity?

Fic rec: From Past to Present by flowersheep. (Prince Merlin. Archer Merlin. Perfection my friends).

5. A Servant of Two Masters

Look look; if there's an honourary wall of opinions for all the people who've watched Merlin, I DARE you to find just one who disliked this episode. Like, the series was so full of BS sometimes, but this episode was above all. The level of brilliance in this episode; showing Dark!Merlin, who's at the same time hilariously funny, and seeing him BAMF his way with Morgana, even when he's chained and tortured.. oh dear holy Lord. His "do me a favour, could you? let Arthur know." was able to steal all breath from my lungs the first time I saw it (and until now).

And don't get me started on the Protective!Arthur we got. Caring for Merlin, screaming for him when the rocks fell between them, silencing Agravaine immediately when he told him he's sorry for losing such a loyal servant because bullshit if he doesn't reign down hell before he loses Merlin. And ofc, Courage and Strength on their way to find Magic, which just filled my heart with an 'aaahhh!' moment, because we didn't get enough Gwaine-Arthur-Merlin shenanigans. And at last, the Hug™. Fucking screamed let me tell you.

It is an episode that truly showed everything; from comic elements to fluff and angst and everything. The only thing it lacked was, as always, giving Arthur the space to know. Because ffs what would they have lost if they made Arthur understand that Merlin's under Morgana's control? It wouldn't have exposed shit. It would've just been a plus to us to see Arthur caring for Merlin even more. They tried so hard that it completely backfired sometimes.

Fic rec: Still I Surface in Morning Light by @queerofthedagger. (I swear to you, anything written by this author, I readily throw whatever in hand to read it).

6. The Dragon's Call

Let thy gif caption speak.

No but really, that first episode was the stuff of legends. I could list down tens of tropes they did in just that episode alone. Honestly, no "family" show I've ever seen had started this powerfully. Just the music alone, the beauty of beginnings, not the CGI, was truly so gripping. Also bonus points for just Colin Morgan's sass abilities. None can compare.

Fic rec: This Time Around... series (incomplete) by Oneiric (lkdaswani). (this is a time travel AU, but the way the writer rewrote this episode was one of the best deviations I've read for an episode I already find near faultless).

7. The Sins of the Father

I might be subjecting myself to true wrath with my upcoming statement, but here we go:

S2 sucked.

From the beginning of the season, Arthur's shift in characterization from the honourable lovable prat of s1 to a letting Merlin act as a horse stool got me going wtf? It was like they deliberately ruined everything in their relationship and started out fresh just to force the Arthurian narrative of Arwen. And it's fine by me, truly, even if I'll never ship them, but they could've developed Arthur's character SO MUCH in that season beyond comic relief and romantic rendezvous.

Anyway so that I don't stray so much from the topic; this episode was, by fair comparison, the best in the entire season. By now it's pretty obvious that I gravitate towards all the episodes that give Arthur a semblance of agency. Him going against Uther and his maniac murderous agenda was the start of actually seeing King Arthur in front of us. Also, him listening to Merlin when he was on the verge of committing patricide was one of the things that gave me hope in how there's still hope in them. Even if they ruined it with making Merlin lie to Arthur, but the writers practically ruined every good episode with this.

+1: Morgause's intro was badass.

Fic rec: The Sins of the Father (and how to right them) by @cupcakezys. (what we deserved. to see arthur with agency, with an ability to decide for his future without being lied and deceived to).

8. Diamond of the Fucking Day

No matter how much I hate this episode, I can't, in good conscience, deny its hold on my heart. As I wrote before, there could've been no better magic reveal than this. And for all of my bitterness over their decision to kill Arthur, I sanely admit how it was a decision that insured the immortality of this fandom. It's been ten years since that episode aired, and I bet my ass off that it will still feel the same even after countless more decades.

Fic rec: literally the entirety of the fandom's fix-it fics. We all started from there, didn't we? Choosing only one would be so undervaluing to all the brilliance I've seen. However, my tags filter for it usually include: fix-it, angst with a happy ending, court sorcerer merlin, shitting on bbc writers 101, canon era, not canon compliant, everybody lives especially king arthur you mfs.

Update: I subconsciously took all these tags and wrote them in a fic

9. The Wicked Day

Throw me from the highest tower there is because every time I remember this scene, I just want to fade into the light. The sheer level of love and understanding shimmering between those two. Sometimes I marvel at the choice of bringing Colin and Bradley together, because no two could have achieved such chemistry, platonic or not, as those two did. This whole episode of showing Arthur's grief, and Merlin's desperation to heal it, was truly unforgettable. I try not to linger on its ending, Arthur denouncing magic for the millionth of time, but other than that it was a gem served to us on a silver platter.

Also seeing Uther finally die was a plus.

Fic rec: As much as I'd love to recommend my own fic for this, but honestly, whenever I get the chance, I will always take it to scream and wail about one of my absolute favourite fics of all time, which really isn't given ANY of the goddamn credit or attention or kudos it deserves. Beauty in the Ashes of Our Lives by Fulgance. I swear to you, you will never read something as beautifully heartbreaking as this. This fic resides in my mind rent-free. Basically any work by Fulgance is amazing, but this fic— oh God, my heart cannot take it sometimes.

10. Arthur's Bane pt. 1

Fuck, that episode was a masterpiece. You know, if it was all in my hands, I would've magic revealed at this particular episode. It was just.. the perfect opportunity. King Arthur in his glory, beginning of the season, enough time for Arthur to fully understand the depth of what Merlin did for him. Also, the range Arthur was given starting from here; God it's what we deserved. I always blame the writers for being inconsistent with his characterization (s2 and all), but they beautifully crafted it in the end, and it was their perfect chance to even explore the whole extent if only they made the magic reveal earlier.

Fic rec: Our broken pieces by @aramblingjay. Okay so this fic rec isn't necessarily linked at all to the episode, but I can't, in good conscience, recommend fics and not include it. Technically context wise it fits s5, for in it you see Arthur in his grandeur as king. This shall be my only exception because it's the only fic that was able to make me cry. Truly, I never shed tears, but in this, my heart stuttered. The fact that it is so unnoticed makes my blood boil because of how much praise it deserves. I can never recommend it enough.

To conclude, BBC Merlin has a powerful hold on everyone because of the fact that they knew how to eternalise it. It is significantly unique in its interpretation of legendary figures. I think I watched nearly all adaptations of King Arthur throughout the years, but even with how great some really are, to me none compare with this sword-swishing, banter-driven, CGI-messing, emotionally-killing 2008 show.

Honorary mentions:

| The Labyrinth of Gedref | Gwaine | Le Morte D'Arthur | Lancelot | The Coming of Arthur | The Moment of Truth | The Hunter's Heart | His Father's Son | The Darkest Hour |

[More fic recs]

[ellllsia]

What is really ironic is that the episode "Lancelot du Lac" is one I just can't get myself to watch, even though one of my most adored characters is coming back from dead. But the episode where the insufferable Uther comes back brings me actual joy.

They really brought Lance back to paint as this dishonourable homewrecker who would kiss the knigdom's soon to be queen literally the night before the wedding, ruining his reputation forever. They also made Gwen appear as a cheater who would betray her soon to be husband literally the night before her wedding day. The scene in which her and Arthur fight in the courtroom broke my heart. They don't explain that the monster was sent by Morgana as a shade version of our beloved Lancelot or even that Gwen was drawn to him because of the enchanted bracelet. Also, the fact that Melrin had to say goodbye to his friend again. The way I sobbed when Merlin performed the spell to free Lancelot from Morgana's control. The way Lance said "Thank you" broke my heart for he at least got to die as himself, next to his friend and peacefully.

Now for when Uther comes back, I just really like the fact that Arthur finally realises that his father has always been and will always be an abusive piece of $h!t, as well as a murderer. Arthur gets to let go of those expectations he had set for himself thinking that he could get his father's approval, that he would finally make him proud. He decides to set his own path, as he himself says "You've had your turn. Now it's mine.". Camelot is his to rule now and to command as he sees fit. He knows he can't please his father and has to be true to himself. What is also great is Merlin ,later on, says that Uther did what he thought was best for the kingdom (which i believe in his own twisted mind could be true) mainly trying to appease his friend, but Arthur just deadpans "It doesn't mean he was right." And I believe it stuck with me because it felt like the first time Arthur truly acknowledges his father's faults, especially in front of another person. I truly loved it. This episode is also so precious because of the poetry scene iykyk lol.

[kissme-withyour-cherrylipstick]

what’s your favorite merlin ep from each season?

Ooh yay, good question! I don't have these already picked out so I will be giving it a think!

Season 1: I'm gonna have to go with the Moment of Truth. Thought I was gonna go with the Poisoned Chalice, but then I saw MoT on the list and realized it had to be that. There's just so much good in it. It does such a wonderful job of establishing how at home Merlin has become in Camelot, all his friends come to help him, Gwen and Morgana are awesome 😍 And of course all the Merthur stuff. When Arthur asks if Merlin has found a place where he fits in? 😭 Hunith absolutely shipping them? But what really tips this one over the edge for me is Will. I love him so much. He's such a good character, even though he's only in one episode. He's Merlin's best friend!!!! I have put a lot of thought and fanfic into what they must have been like together in Ealdor. Merlin being in the middle of the conflict between Arthur and Will.......... Ugh I could go on but this is already long 😅 And Dr. Bashir as Kanen is always fun 🤣

Season 2: The Last Dragonlord. My favorite episode of the whole series. I love Balinor sooooooooo much. He is just so. How do I put this into words? He's so harsh when we first meet him, but he is willing to help. There's a gentleness to him that has been hardened by years of intense persecution and grief. He's the last of his kind, just like Kilgharrah 😭 He's so lonely and expects nothing from Merlin, but then..........KASJDFIHALKSJAJD;LJAKJSDASJFDSK. Him and Merlin! All their scenes are so good!!!!! When Merlin says "We could be happy," my heart is destroyed. They got no time with each other!!!!! He would have been so good for Merlin!!!! And the little dragon he whittles for Merlin?? 😭😭😭 I am not okay. AND DON'T EVEN GET ME STARTED ON HUNITH AND BALINOR. ROMANCE OF ALL TIME. Tolkien level love story. But so tragic. Again, I have spent a lot of time and fanfic thinking about what could have been.

Season 3: The Coming of Arthur, part 2 if I have to pick. One word: Mercelot. Merlin with the sword and Lancelot there and Merlin showing off 😭😭😭 THEM. lakjdlkajlkdjskfasjlkdslkjsalkja. It's also a really good episode and so cool to see the round table and everybody becoming knights. One of the episodes of all time. Honorary mention to The Sorcerer's Shadow. Merlin and Gilli have such an interesting dynamic.

Season 4: Some personal favorites in this season, but I gotta go with The Secret Sharer. Everybody is WORKING in this episode. Agravaine has finally gone too far and it almost breaks Merlin and Arthur 😭 Ugh that scene in the council chambers. "He would not have left without saying goodbye to me." Just kill me now. And then way Gwen is there to check on Merlin 😭 And then Gwaine! GWAINE!!!! A great Merwaine episode. He got bored of playing soldiers! He's really just here for Merlin!! The way Merlin is so dismissive of him at first! But then he helps him and the deleted scene!! And then of course all the Emrys stuff with the Catha is so cool. I'm a bit of a Gaius hater, but I love his relationship with Merlin and it's so strong and good in this one. And then what Gaius says to Arthur at the end 🥲 I'm fine.

Season 5: The Diamond of the Day, part 2. I feel like I don't really need to explain this one? You get it.

Wow okay all my picks are quite sad. What could this possibly say about me.

[comma-souptra]

BBC Merlin 10th rewatch thoughts compilation:

(this is also my first full rewatch since I was literally 18 so prefrontal cortex is notably more developed or whatever)

This is SO long and rambled because it’s for me and putting my thoughts down on my blog! But feel free to peruse bc I am just crying sobbing putting words down. Thoughts under the cut for spoilers <3

-fuck this show fr

-starting off strong with Angel Coulby you are the most beautiful woman and the most perfect Guinevere possible

-something interesting is how much more the lack of communication drove me bonkers this time around, like please just explain everything in detail to each other we could solve so many problems

-Merlin also seems like so much more of an ill-moraled character this go around? Like he is truly so morally grey and his logic for “should I do this” is deeply just “does it in any potential way benefit Arthur/the fuckass prophecy”

-TO THE POINT THAT he’s literally like Magic’s #1 Hater for five straight seasons AND can’t see that he is actively making the prophecy unfold every single time

-Gwen/Morgana gfs my angels I’m so sorry this happened to you

-Morgana should have had a friend so badly like one friend (not Morgause) would have saved her

-same exact sentiment for Mordred

-Merlin/Arthur and Merlin/Gwaine literally no comments

-actually this show invented polyamory and throuples would have saved many of you

-ON THE TOPIC Lancelot so badly is both Arthur and Merlin’s queer awakening in my heart. I do think Merlin likely already knew (Will) but I think his relationship to Lancelot made queer relationships seem feasible in some form

-I do not think Arthur knew at all and that’s why he looks so damn confused every time he interacts with Lancelot

-Lancelot is around for SO much less than I ever remember too he really is just stepping in to be pretty and complicate the narrative and then leave again

-Arthur needs glasses so severely I fear because I can excuse a lot of the missing magic moments but I watched Merlin lock eyes with him and use magic during that S5 dice game you can’t explain that one away

-Gwaine my beloved! Proof that a fictional man can be both a butch lesbian to the women in his life and a pansexual man to everyone else

-Morgana and Morgause…. This script is fruity as hell can we be for real. Both actresses said “yeah we played it a little queer” I fear the BBC was not brave enough to give Morgana an evil fucked up gf and went the Kill la Kill route

-I think by Elyan’s death all the knights fully must know that the ambiguous secret Merlin seems to have is in fact his magic and they are just choosing not to say anything out of respect for him (“he’s tell us when he’s ready”)

-EXCEPT: Leon doesn’t know. I do however think Leon just thinks Merlin is gay.

-Gwaine absolutely knows there’s literally no way around that one

-Gwen I feel also had an inkling that Merlin had magic, which I feel is supported by her and Gaius’ conversation in S5E13, I do also think she thinks he’s gay

-I also do think Merlin is gay

-I forgot how much of a through-line the joke that Merlin crossdresses is, it comes up at least three times

-tangentially related, the early friendship between Morgana and Merlin… I mourn u every day! The friends they could’ve been and how happy he was when he thought she knew he had magic (S1? When she thinks he has a crush on Gwen)

-also I forgot how much angst Merlin had about magic towards Gaius, several (justified) comments about how Gaius doesn’t understand what he’s going through

-also so so interesting is that I feel like in so many Magic Revealed fics, we write Arthur responding with shock & confusion & anger (which all rock big fan), but in the finale, once he understands that Merlin is so for serious a sorcerer, he’s just so scared of him?? Which was crazy I don’t think that has sunk in before how scared he looks

-and then they start to get over it and we get the reminiscing about their fight from the first day they met where Merlin confesses to using magic and we get the devastating exchange “you cheated” “you looked like you were going to kill me!” “I should have”

-damn major nostalgia vibe killer from Arthur, DEVASTATING on this rewatch

-also S5E12 when Gwaine and Merlin and traveling through the valley of the fallen kings and get jumped by bandits and Merlin gets cornered and HOLLERS for Gwaine thank you BBC that one lives rent free in my head always

-fuck this dragon for real also because Merlin DOES kind of fail like none of the shit they planned for happened, they got pieces but so much more COULDVE worked out without this fuckass dragon whispering in Merlin’s ear every day Kilgharrah it’s on sight dude

-finally maybe the most sickening parallel I have to offer is S4E13 when Isolde is dying and she and Tristan are reminiscing on the plans they had that are obviously not going to happen anymore and she says “hold me”

-which obviously is striking a significant chord with Arthur as it spurs him to reconcile with Gwen (thank god everyone cheered)

-(also why was the full breadth of her enchantment never discussed back to miscommunication please she didn’t cheat on him like that justice for Gwen’s rep I’m sick)

-BUT ALSO! A season later in S5E13 we get Merlin and a dying Arthur with Merlin trying to explain that they have so much to do so Arthur can’t die, and Arthur says “just hold me”

-I will lose it every time about this one… watching half of a couple die and mourn the chance to live a life together and then mirroring that at your own death with the man you are unexplainably close and connected to

-also the “I’m going to say something I’ve never said to you before… thank you” had such a queer set up that even my parents thought it was going to be an “I love you” when we watched the show for the first time together in like 2014 so… it’s the Spanish supernatural finale dub in my heart

-I think that’s enough I’m just sick to my STOMACH over this show once again, obviously it’s a BBC show from 2009 so it’s not without criticism but it’s genuinely my favorite TV show I’ve ever seen without competition. There is a deeply clear allegory for queerness that has drawn in and continues to draw in queer fans constantly and keep the viewership active. I also just love so badly how campy and classic it is, it’s one of the few pieces of media I have in DVD because I fear so badly to lose it. BBC Merlin I love u what a brilliant and silly and devastating tv show from 2009

[mjwiththefangs]

Trickery & Daggers - Chapter 8

In which studying happens, and we voice a reflection. Also on AO3 Masterlist Word count: 3805

--

Morgana finds herself watching Astarion go and standing by his tent for a few more moments as his silhouette disappears with the others.

 She almost jumps out her skin when she hears a chuckle behind her.

 “You seem quite fond of him.”

 “Wyll!” She yelps, “I, um, he’s a good ally.” She flounders, her words sounding flimsy even to her own ears. Wyll’s eyes crinkle in a good-natured smile. “That he is.” He agrees.

 She fumbles, an embarrassed flush crawling up her neck and clears her throat awkwardly. “Do… Do you know much about vampires, Wyll?”

 His expression lights up. “Well, there's always the basics; they're vulnerable to sunlight and a stake to the heart certainly won't do them any good. Then they're also weak to silver, running water can burn like acid - as can holy water!” He exclaims, and then hums thoughtfully. “Now, what else… they don't need to breathe, you know, although somehow they still have a heartbeat. An undead heartbeat, granted, but it's still present. It's why their skin is typically cool to the touch.”

 Morgana blinks. “You… you know a lot.”

 He laughs once. “Well, when you're a monster hunter, it pays to know these things.”

 “Have you killed many vampires?” She asks warily, her voice low and hesitant. Wyll regards her, eyeing her curiously and weighing her up.

 “I won't harm Astarion. I already had my hunches about his condition.”

 Her brows jump up and her lips part in surprise. “Then- then what about this morning? With everyone at his tent!”

 “I thought it best to be present in case things got out of hand.” He explains and swiftly returns to her earlier question, “I haven't killed any vampires, as a matter of fact. Only the regular undead. What information were you after, my friend?”

 “Ah.” She straightens and turns her head, looking at nothing in particular. “I just, I was curious. I wondered what he- vampires are capable of.”

 He doesn't comment on her quick amendment but makes a thoughtful noise and rubs his chin, considering. Then he snaps his fingers and points, beaming at her.

 “We should go see Gale, if you’re curious. He’s educated about almost everything and has plenty of books you could peruse, I'm sure.”

 “Oh!” She blinks in surprise and nods, following after him, “Sure.”

 Wyll raises his arm, waving and calling to Gale as they approach. The wizard raises his head from the ration store, in the middle of picking out the nights’ dinner, smiling and waving a hand in return before quickly casting a mage hand to begin chopping vegetables. He turns his full attention to them both, greeting them warmly.

 “If it isn’t our two resident Warlocks. To what do I owe the pleasure? Something tells me you’re not here to help with dinner preparations.” He gives them a wry smile, and Wyll chuckles.

 “Actually, Morgana here had been asking me about vampires,” he gestures to her, “I told her we should ask you, since my own knowledge is rather lacking.”

 Morgana silently lifts a brow at Wyll. Gale lights up, humming and rubbing his beard in thought. “I suppose that makes sense, in light of recent revelations.” He glances at her neck, and Wyll leans forward, peering around to study her too, and she shuffles uncomfortably. “He’s left quite a nasty bruise there. Does it hurt? I have plenty of scrolls of lesser restoration, if you would like one.”

 Swiftly, he plucks one from his pack and offers it to her. He says nothing about her evident hesitation, as though sensing her reluctance to condemn Astarion. She mutters a ‘thank you’ as she unfurls the scroll, those eyes carefully and slowly scanning the script before she utters the incantation, briefly glowing with a soothing blue light and the scroll disintegrates.

Those eyes flick up to meet his, shining with a nervous uncertainty.

 He tips his head, ever-so-slightly, the faintest realisation dawning upon him, but he chooses to make no comment.

 “Now. How can I help in your pursuit of knowledge?”

Her hands twist the rings around her fingers and she inquires “Do you have any books on vampires?”

“An excellent question! I have a few tomes on monsters; I have an entire volume dedicated to Count Strahd. Or would you prefer something specialised in the undead?” He punctuates with raised index finger, Wyll covertly covering his amused smile behind his hand.

 Morgana thinks for a moment, twisting her lips as she considers. “Do you have them with you? Could I look at them first?”

 “By all means! If you would allow me a moment, I shall procure them for you.” The wizard nods, and excuses himself, ducking into his tent.

 Wyll nudges Morgana.

 “It seems you’re in capable hands, my friend. I have some chores to take care of around camp, if you would excuse me.” He bows at the waist and flashes her a debonair smile. “Should you find yourself restless, I'd be more than happy to spar with you again. But, be sure to rest and recover your strength.”

 Morgana smiles appreciatively, and thanks him, telling him she'll think about it. In truth, more sparring would certainly be beneficial and she doesn’t dislike the training by any means, however she can’t shake the sluggish feeling deep in her bones, nor the persistent ache still in her leg. A day at camp might be just what she needs to recuperate.

 A thump noise draws her attention to Gale, dropping a pile of books onto his small desk outside his tent and she trots over, brimming with interest.

 “Now, some of these are perhaps much more academic, and less to the point. They may still be of some interest to you though.” He nods, gesturing and stepping back.

 Morgana takes a deep breath, and flicks her fingers by her side, breathing the syllables for a comprehend languages spell. Although unlikely, she very much hopes Gale doesn't notice. Or at the very least doesn't point it out.

 Indeed, as he'd said, a couple of the books present ostentatious prose, philosophising about the nature of a vampire and studies into what harms such a creature, rather than their capabilities. A bit too wordy for her liking, and not what she’s looking for.

 Those ever observant brown eyes watch her, studying, saying nothing and coming to a conclusion. Gale clears his throat.

 “If I may,” he moves a book aside and plucks up a red tome, offering it to her. “This one may have what you're looking for, in much more concise terms, and much less grandiloquent prose.”

 A pause passes.

 “Gale, I have no idea what that word means.”

 He snorts with laughter and waves her off. “It's a straightforward read.” He tells her warmly and understanding passes between them.

 Slightly humbled, a little embarrassed, and mostly grateful, Morgana tips her head. “Ah. Right. Thank you Gale. I can return it to you l-”

 “Consider it a gift.” He interrupts. The mage hand has finished chopping vegetables. “Now, you must be keen to start studying, and naturally, dinner will not take care of itself. I'll see you tonight, and don't be afraid to seek me out and ask questions if anything doesn't make sense.” He adds.

 Once again, she nods her thanks to the kind wizard and hurries back to her own tent.

…

 Hours pass, and Morgana is hunched over the tome, faerie fire twinkling above her and reflecting shadows on the canvas walls. Her journal is spayed out beside her, open to a new page and filled with notes.

 Reading through the book, she can't help but wonder if Astarion has been holding out on her. Although, there is the concerning possibility that he is genuinely unaware of what he can do. If that is so, she thinks, could it be that starvation has weakened him?

 The thought twists through her guts like a knife and she decides to carefully approach the subject with him later in the evening.

 Malnutrition could very well be restricting the vampiric powers he should have.

 As for Vampire Lords, she has discovered that yes, they are typically cruel and power hungry beings, just as Astarion had said and has written down what to expect and how best to combat one.

 She wants to be prepared, after all.

 Apart from all that, and her theorising and jotted notes, she's stumbled upon some helpful information about other undead whilst trying to find the vampire section. For example, a zombie will be non-hostile if you smell like them. It amused her at least.

Begrudgingly relenting that she can't keep rereading the same pages over and over again and hoping to glean new information from the same paragraphs, she turns the page and discovers a new subject of discussion. Her mouth tugs down into a frown.

“Duh… ham… pears?” What's that?

 Her tongue clicks and she flicks her wrist, but nothing happens. She scowls at her hand, as though it is to blame, and it is not that she already used her spells for the day.

 So much for another comprehend languages.

 Unable to cast any more spells, and with dwindling interest, Morgana skims over the page, noting that … this is a creature not dissimilar to a vampire, and a rather rare occurrence. 

 Convincing herself that she's unlikely to ever come across any, she rationalises that it is not worth trying to understand more. So she flicks back to the previous pages yet again and dives back in, deciding that actually, maybe, she can find more in the text, slowly but enthusiastically reading over the powers and abilities vampiric spawn should have, drinking it in and committing it to memory.

 There is still the mixture of excitement and confusion as she pours through the text, unsure whether or not Astarion is aware of any of this. He told her himself, he was turned two hundred years ago, of course he should know what comes with being a vampire. But what if he doesn't? Maybe she could teach him a thing or two.

 Either way, she can't wait to share her findings with him.

…

“Ugh, gods, could the pair of you just shut up for five minutes, I can't hear myself think.”

 Morgana startles awake at the shrill voice.

 “oh please, Astarion-” she can practically hear Shadowheart rolling her eyes, at the same time as Lae'Zel hisses “quiet, Astarion,” but before either can bite out a scathing remark, Karlach’s booming laughter fills the air, clearly delighted and the bickering dies down.

 Morgana pushes herself up from being sprawled over the books and rubs sleep from her eyes. The sounds of Gale and Wyll greeting their companions and general chatter fills the air outside, and the fragrant scent of cooking wafts through the gap in the door, causing her stomach to rumble.

 When did I fall asleep? she wonders.

 Regardless, she can hear someone outside asking after her, and excited shouts and barking - wait, barking?

 She throws the tent flap open, stepping out and quizzically searching for the source of the noise and landing firmly on a fluffy white dog.

 “You found a dog?” 

 “Morgana!” Karlach cries joyfully, jogging over with the pooch. “Isn't he sweet! Astarion found him, his name's scratch!”

 “... Astarion found a dog?” The warlock asks dubiously. She bends down to the canines level, invoking speak with animals as she does. Karlach laughs again.

 “Well, I think he was just hungry; caught the scent of blood and followed his nose.”

 Ah. 

 “But he's certainly had his fill today, Fangs killed more goblins than Lae'zel, ripped their throats right out!” She adds enthusiastically. Morgana nods, only half listening, offering her palm to the dog with a soft “hello.”

 Scratch happily woofs a “hello” back, tail wagging and licks her palm, the other petting him on the head.

 Animals always were easier than people.

 “It's nice to meet you, Scratch, I'm Morgana.” She speaks softly, oblivious to Karlach chuckling and shaking her head, turning back to the others. Morgana asks the dog about himself and tells her she hopes he wasn't lost.

 Scratch whines softly. “My friend was injured. I stayed with him until I knew he was gone.”

 “Oh. Oh, I'm so sorry.” She soothes, rubbing his ears and telling him he has a home with them as long as he wants, and moving on to chatter about what he likes, nodding enthusiastically when he barks joyfully about how he loves to play fetch. She's so caught up in the sweet canine’s company that she doesn't hear the vampire sauntering over.

 “I'm sorry; are those supposed to be words coming out your mouth, or have you finally gone batty?”

 She can't help but laugh, giving Scratch a final pat on his head, rising to her feet and facing Astarion. Her eyebrows jump up and she laughs once, disbelievingly, any prior retort dying on her tongue.

 “You're covered in blood.”

 And he well and truly is, too. Red splatters across his handsome face, crimson stains are stark against the silver of his hair, and scarlet is draped all down his front. There are smears around his mouth, as though hastily wiped away.

 His mouth lifts into a near manic grin and he cackles with glee. “Well, you all know what I am now. Why not fight with all my weapons. I get to ruthlessly kill goblins and sate my hunger, win win!”

 Morgana snorts. “No wonder Wyll already had you figured out.”

 “Oh? He did, did he?” Astarions smile falters slightly and he mutters, “I suppose I'm lucky to have woken up without a stake between my ribs.”

 She shrugs. “I don't know, he seems amicable enough.” She points at the vampire and he jerks back, “anyway, you reek of blood, go rinse off or change or something.”

 His eyes briefly flick to the puncture wound on her neck, and smoothly he switches back into a sultry smirk.

 “My dear, I'm a vampire, I live in blood.”

 She rolls her eyes and gestures, again, to the stream, forgetting her earlier excitement to tell him about what she'd discovered in the book. She'd remember later, of course. For now, the warlock leaves him be, assuring she'll catch up with him later, and spends most of her evening by the campfire with her companions, catching up and enjoying a hot meal as the sky grows dark.

 As she tells Shadowheart about her day spent reading and journaling, the cleric nodding along and checking her wound while she talks, Morgana suddenly breaks off mid sentence, remembering Astarion and excusing herself.

 Quickly, she grabs the book from her tent, and then she finds the elf brooding, back turned to her.

 He's cleaned up, she notices, the perfumed scent of bergamot, rosemary and brandy coming from the stainless linen of his shirt.

 “Need something?”

 His voice startles her out of her thoughts, and she notices an ornately carved mirror in his hand. 

 “You… you can see me?” She inquires.

 The vampire quirks one brow. His mouth opens, ready to snark at her that his kind don't have reflections, but then her mouth twists into an unnaturally large smile, her head tilts and then contorts to the side and she scurries away, staring unnervingly back at him.

 “Suit yourself-” but as he turns around with a huff, she's still here, regarding him with those curious silver orbs.

 “...what brand of trickery is this?” He asks flatly, unimpressed.

 “Oh. It wandered off again then.” She says it so nonchalantly, as though discussing the weather or something equally mundane, that for once he's lost for words, confusion writ upon his face.

 “Come again, darling?”

 She looks sheepish this time, clearing her throat. “Fey stuff.” She flicks her hand, dismissively, and he nods, understanding dawning.

 Fey always were fickle creatures, so naturally, inheriting their boons came with a few catches. A wandering reflection, a weakness to iron and an inability to lie or break promises. Yet the little half-human has all the strengths of an Archfey's power and as well as their charms.

 She points to his hand mirror.

 “What were you doing?”

  Always with the questions, this one. How closed off she had been, that first day. Assessing everyone silently.

 “The tadpole changed many things. I… had hoped it might have changed at least one more,” he takes a long look at the silver mirror and scowls, “but, apparently not. I've never even seen this face- not since it grew fangs and my eyes turned red.”

 Anger roils through him, visceral and unpleasant, and for a moment they're silent. Her soft question brings him back to his senses.

 “What colour were they before, Astarion?”

 He blanches, realising with horror that he has no idea. He's forgotten.

 “I… I don't know. I can't remember. My face is just some dark shape in my past - another thing I've lost.” the mirror shatters, hitting the ground with all his frustration and hurt and bitterness.

 Another silence.

 His glare snaps to her and his anger evaporates. She scans his features, as though committing them to memory.

 “What?” He breaths, almost afraid to break the moment.

 Her throat bobs.

 “I see you.” She whispers. “What do you want to know?”

 I’ll be your mirror.

 He doesn't expect this. To actually feel open with her, the gentle sincerity in her voice, the softness in his own as he replies.

 “I want to know what the world sees when it looks at me. What you see.”

 She sucks in a deep breath. Studying him contemplatively.

“Those piercing eyes…” she starts, hesitantly. He preens, smirking, “go on.”

 “Your hair curls around your ears… it sweeps back in a way that is far too perfect for a man without a reflection.”  He barks a laugh.

Her teeth worry on her lip, her eyes dipping to his and snapping back up, her cheeks turning rosy.

“Then you have that dangerous smile.”

 “Oh! Oh, I like that. Very good.” And he does. He will always take even the most shallow praise with glee, relish in it. His chin lifts with that sharp grin. “Now just tell me I'm beautiful, and we can call it a day.”

 Her shoulders relax, a small laugh bubbling from her and she smiles, tipping her head to the side and folding her arms.

“It's a very nice face, Astarion. You're beautiful.”

 But his attention now snaps to the object in her hand, seemingly forgotten. Her curiosity must be rubbing off on him as he gestures to the book.

 “What's that? Some late night reading? Sorry darling, I'm a bit too old for bedtime stories.” he teases lightly and she rolls her eyes.

 “I'd actually forgotten. That's why I came to you.” She clicks her tongue, grasping the tome with both hands and staring at its cover, debating her next words. “have… have you been honest with me? About your condition and what you can do?”

Hah. Honesty.

He scoffs. “Well I glossed over the two hundred years of torture and starvation.”

 She ignores his leering, instead searching for a page.

 “Can you spider climb?”

 “...excuse me?”

 “Vampire spawn are supposed to have their own powers and strengths.” She points at a paragraph and he resists the need to snatch the book away and read this poppycock himself. She finally meets his eyes and he remains cautious. She'll want something for the information, surely.

 “I have a theory. If you're able to feed regularly now, these powers should be available to you.”

 To his utter surprise, she extends her arms, handing him the book. She must see his suspicion or his hesitation.

 “You ought to have this. I've read and re-read it several times in the last few hours, I even made notes.” She adds with a nervous chuckle and he eases some, reaching and carefully taking the book, still waiting for some sort of catch.

 When none becomes apparent however, he slides the mask back into place, playful teasing at the ready.

 “You made notes? I've seen in that little journal of yours, I would not call that chicken scratch legible enough to be ‘notes’ .”

 Morgana's jaw drops indignantly and something like a squawk of protest leaves her. Her arms flop gracelessly and she drawls out “Well, excuse me, we didn't all get the benefit of an education!”

 Oh? 

“You taught yourself to read?”

 Like prey caught in torchlights, she freezes. Momentarily. A long ragged sigh makes her deflate in front of him.

 “Don't tell the others.” She groans. “Nerifyra lends me their power, I taught myself using comprehend languages, courtesy of The Lady of Whispered Promise.”

 The name rings a bell, faintly, somewhere in Astarions mind. He has heard of her, this Archfey who lends her power to Morgana.

 “It's unlike you to be forthcoming about your patron.”

 She just shrugs. “She likes you. I have more liberties in what I can discuss with you.”

 “She does, does she?” He purrs with a sly look, “And what about you?”

 He’s realising that he adores catching her off guard. The way she jolts, mouth opening wordlessly, the blush that creeps along her cheeks, and the indignant noises she makes. It's so amusing he finds himself laughing, even more so when she pouts at him.

He waves his hand flippantly.

 “Anyway, darling, an labhair thu ar cainnt mhàthaireil ?” [do you speak our mother tongue?]

She blinks owlishly. Then again, mouthing the words to herself. She cocks her head, brows furrowing in confusion.

 “I… That’s elvish?” Her nose scrunches up. “Yeah, I can speak a little.”

 “An urrainn dhut a leughadh?” [can you read it?]

 Her scowl deepens, and again she mouths the words to herself and then huffs a sigh. “tha leughadh nas duilghe.” [reading is more difficult]

 “I could teach you.” He says in a low tone. “Think of it as… a trade. For the book.”

 Morgana eyes him sceptically. He’s been careful not to make fun of her. He needs her trust and this could help with an idea that he’s been slowly cultivating. After a pause, she nods. 

 “Ok.”

 “Excellent. We can start tomorrow night. For now, it seems I have some reading to do.” And so he bids her a good night, and retires within his tent, making himself comfortable among the pillows, his small lantern flickering firelight on the canvas, and he opens the book and begins to read.

…

While she returns to her own tent, an idea swims and gains purchase in her mind and guides her to rummaging in her pack, grasping the journal and flicking to a new page. She picks up a pencil and smiles, her heart jumping ever so slightly in her chest, and allows her hand to dance across the page.

 Those piercing eyes. The silver curls. The dangerous smile.

[shychick-52]

'Day of the Sorcerers' stuff (long post)

Ok, so I've been considering making individual posts for all of these, but I think I'll simply cover it all here.

@naoisbroke made a post about what a missed opportunity it was to make 'Day of the Sorcerers' a multi-part episode, given how rushed it was for such a HUGELY IMPORTANT episode.

I reblogged their post with some of the things the episode could have touched on in a two-part or three-part episode, but I wanted to make it a separate post too with additional ideas:

We didn't even see the rest of the Order get stopped or what happened to them (Magnus had been quick to fire Slickwell after his treachery in 'Baileywhoops', so it's safe to say he did the same to Greylock for what was obviously something even worse, assuming he didn't have him banished or locked up)! Craig Gerber confirmed on his Twitter shortly after the episode aired that they were stopped, but c'mon, it's called showing- not telling!

Sofia could have told Cedric (and the rest of her family) that Merlin and a bunch of the good sorcerers from the Conjurers' Conference headed off to their respective kingdoms to stop the rest of the Order (which we at least saw them leaving to do, but it was never even brought up again).

It would have been so awesome for Cedric and Sofia to join the other good wizards in going after the rest of the Order of the Wand and help stop them (as another one of Cedric's first acts of truly being good and taking responsibility). Maybe at the end of the episode when James asks Cedric for a magic show and Cedric happily agrees, Cedric would have instead said "I'm afraid I'll have to take a raincheck, my prince. I must join the other sorcerers in stopping the rest of the Order of the Wand!" Sofia could have said "I'm coming with you!" and he and the family (especially her family, who- unlike Cedric- rarely saw how capable and strong she is on adventures through the show) would have protested that it was much too dangerous, but she would insisted that they were doing this together, then Cedric would have proudly said "Then come along, my fine apprentice!" which would have ended Part 1, leading led to Part 2.

Sofia could have actually told Cedric she learned from Merlin there was a way to reverse the effects of the Medusa Stones after all (despite Grimtrix emphasizing the spell was totally unbreakable, which I think he deliberately lied about). I hc he asked her off-screen how she found out removing the stone from the wand and dropping it breaks the spell, but it would have been nice to see.

It would have been neat to have Cedric and Greylock speak to each other or, at the very least, acknowledge each other at the Order of the Wand meeting (like Cedric did with Morgana when he was shocked to see her there), especially after they sort of became friends by the end of 'Baileywhoops'!

It would have made more sense if it better explained Greylock's motivation to betray his king, maybe even as part of a big confrontation/battle between him and Cedric during a scene where Cedric and Sofia try to help stop the Order.

I'm glad Cedric was at least shocked to see Morgana at the Order of the Wand meeting, tho it would have been nice if he'd demanded to know how she got out of Merlin's mirror! And why didn't she acknowledge him at all? Surely she was feeling vengeful toward him after he helped Merlin defeat her during their last encounter (in season 3's 'Gone With the Wand')!

Speaking of Morgana... like I discussed in another post of mine (about how Grimtrix was blatantly manipulating Cedric in 'Day of the Sorcerers') how Cedric and Sofia teamed up to defeat Grimtrix in season 3's 'Hexley Hall', it would have been interesting to have Morgana doubt that Cedric could be trusted to be on their side, knowing for herself- like Grimtrix- how close he is with Sofia and similarly having experienced defeat because of them both (plus, she would have likely used the fact that Cedric had helped Merlin defeat her as further proof he's too much of a goody-goody to be trusted). I can see Grimtrix assuring Morgana he had Cedric wrapped around his finger (again, see that post of mine for more details), and that they'd only freeze him with the Medusa spell if necessary.

It would have been good to actually find out what would have happened to Grimtrix; the guards seized him in the actual episode, but it could have been announced that he would no longer be the headmaster of Hexley Hall. (Ooooh, and maybe near the very end of the multi-part episode, Cedric could have told Sofia he was contacted and offered the job as recognition for his part in stopping the Order, but that he declined and told them his place is serving the royal family and kingdom of Enchancia).

In the end, Cedric could have earnestly told Sofia how much her friendship, kindness, and support always meant to him, how it changed him for the better, and they finally could have shared a mutual hug (because Cedric did neither of those things in season 4, and it really bothers me).

Maybe the end of the multi-parter could have included strong hints of Wormwood being VERY disgusted with Cedric's new goody-goody ways, and hints of their friendship really turning sour.

@cedric-my-beloved @moonypears-blog @bettathanyou @fantadym @sweetmariihs2 @majoresca

[gamercats-fight]

Morgana from Person 5 vs Krampy from Cattails: Wildwood Story. Vote for your fav!!

Need help picking? Check down here!

Morgana - P-Studio - 2016 - Anthropomorphic tuxedo cat:

-If we’re including his abilities in Mementos/Palaces then he has a clear advantage of being able to use his persona to cast spells as well as fight. He also uses a curved sword and a slingshot. If hurt he also has healing spells. His appearance in this form is mascot-esque, but don’t let his big head fool you—he’s quite agile. Having a persona at all grants the wielder extreme abilities. Fast enough to dodge lightning, take incredible damage and even able to fight against gods. This strength is only granted in places they can summon their persona, i.e. not the real world.

Even in his cat form while in the real world, he is extremely dexterous: able to pick locks. He’s also taken a kick from a guy and having a metal briefcase land directly on his head following a bit of a fall. Not altogether impressive but still something for a cat to endure. He’s also smarter than the average cat, giving him a nice advantage.

He does eventually become human in Persona 5 Royal, but is just a cat at the end of the original game.

-He can turn into a car and run over any competition. He’s a master thief and fought god once. Also he has a slingshot.

-1: THIS CAT IS A HEALER! He gets the best healing spell in the entire game and when I got it on him, I don't think he ever left my party

2: THIS CAT CARES ABOUT YOUR HEALTH AND WELL BEING! It's become a meme at this point, but Mona wants you to go to sleep >:(

(P5 Spoilers Beyond this Point)

3: THIS CAT IS THE COLLECTIVE HOPE OF HUMMANITY! It's explained late game, but Morgana was created through the last scraps of humanities hope against the false god that the party eventually fights

4: THIS CAT EXPOSED A MURDERER! Its not important but the scene IS funny so I feel obligated to mention it.

THIS CAT IS YOUR BUDDY AND I LOVE HIM AND WILL DEFEND HIM WITH MY DYING BREATH!!!!

-Everyone hates him for the stupid “go to sleep” mechanic + some of his issues with another character but he’s such a good boy i love him so much. he’s always with you, helping you out and supporting you! plus he’s so little brother coded oh my god. baby. baby boy. spoilers for p5: also he’s literally the manifestation of hope like guys. hope is a cat. hope is stored in the cat.

Krampy - Falcon Development - 2023 - Gray tabby medicine cat

-He's so autism

-Cattails is like Stardew Valley for warrior cat fans, and Krampy is a fan favorite for several good reasons. He's a kind of eccentric medieval doctor who also has trouble relating to other cats because of his weird experiments and love of leeches, but that passion also makes him very charming as a character. He's got a tendency to ramble and tell long stories and is just really wholesome all around. Also he wears a plague doctor mask which is just a really cool design choice.

-The iconic doctor of the Mystic Colony. Who doesn't want a medicine cat with a plague mask?? And they are a real character too. Some of their best quotes:

"“Actually, I don't believe we've been introduced. I am Krampy the doctor, and don't worry! I am not a bird. Although when I had that concussion, I did think I was... ... What was I saying again?"

“Greetings young kitten. Do you mind if I put leeches on your tail? It's for science. And, I think it would be funny. Or I could do it to myself... But then what will I do tomorrow?"

“I think you should wear a beaky mask, it will protect you in this world. I wish not to see my friends hurt. Although that is bad for business... bit of a double-edged sword. Don’t get hurt too often!”

“You have the worst-smelling miasma I have ever smelled! I can smell you from miles away! Why don't you roll in some garbage? - It can only improve your odor, and you end up where you belong!"