chip-in-a-bag - Tumblr blog

[chip-in-a-bag]

It's starts with a coin, they are rare in his time not because of the magic in the world, but because of the population of the world.(there is about 1 every 100.) he is given his first one when kilgharah tells him of his destiny. Of course when he asks he is only given a riddle as an answer. A riddle he figures out only after he is holding Arthur's dead body. He carries that one around his neck with a leather cord to keep it there.

A coin is floating over nimuah's body after she is struck by lightning, he often questions if it is because he killed her or because he masters the power of life and death. He collects it anyways.

A coin is around Cornelius Segan's neck with a gold chain when merlin fights him, he manages to grab it before he kills him.

Freya gives him one during her final moments with merlin.

His father gives him a coin with a silver chain, while he dies. Merlin now keeps that one on and arthur one day relizes where he got that chain but he doesn't asks questions he just gives merlin a silver chain and tells him (more like orders) to swap the leather cord for the silver one.

When he meets gwaine he noticed a silver chain around his neck with a crescent moon, a ring and a coin but he doesn't ask for it he is too distracted by saving gwaine's life. He never asks about it, but he does sorta eyes the chain every once in a while.

Lancelot is given one during his time with Percival but sadly gives merlin it when he relizes that he is going to sacrifice himself for merlin. He doesn't know why but it feels right to give it to merlin. He guesses it will help merlin with his destiny in the future.

Mordred gives him one when he becomes a knight hoping it will get him on merlin's good side. (It does not) later on when he is dying on the sandy planes of camlann he smirks at the thought of the coin he has given Emrys and when his fate lies ahead now that he has stabbed the once and future king.

A coin floats over morgana's dead body after merlin stabs her and arthur watches as the coin floats to merlin and merlin grabs it. "We are finally at peace." Again merlin doesn't know why he is given the coin, for killing a high priestess or because he has killed morgana and brought peace.

Arthur now relizes that he is going to die it his last moments with merlin. He manages to grab the chain around his neck and puts it in merlin's hand when he says "thank you". He doesn't know if it was because he was dying but it felt right and his body felt light as he closes his eyes.

Merlin now relizes what the coins mean and what kilgharah's riddles means.

Gaius gives him a coin after merlin comes back from avalon and has earned the title of court physician. That night Gaius passes in his sleep, merlin now carries that coin with his father's coin.

His mother said that she was given the coin when she gave birth to him. She gives it him as he holds her hand as she passes.

Percival gives him the necklace that gwaine wore right before he goes on a patrol mission. Merlin tries to give it back, begging him to take it back. Telling him he will die if gives him the necklace. Percival smiles and pulls him into a hug, "I know." He says into merlin's neck. Merlin was quiet after his tears stopped. He is silent during the knights death ceremony.

Leon and Gwen both died in their sleep both giving him a coin. Leon was given his after he was saved by the druids. Gwen was given by her brother before he died. She didn't relize she had it after she was released from morgana's spell. She cried over her brother that night with arthur to comfort her.

Merlin, now alone, leaves camelot and spends a couple of decades in his hut by the lake of avalon.

He tries to throw the coins into the lake but he wakes up wet and the coins where they had were previously.

He is mugged for them multiple times, but he wakes up alone, bloody and the coins in his pouch and around his neck.

When he burned he returned back from the ashes again with the coins.

As years go by he becomes anything that would get him close to people. Not because he wants to but because he has to. He needs the coins.

physician,

teacher,

Student,

painter ,

poet ,

lover,

whore,

robber,

cop,

Bank teller,

Book store owner,

Centuries has passed by and the coins are even more rare as before, over time they became more and more harder to find. Now not because of population but because of magic in the world. Now it maybe 1 in 5,000 people have a coin.

He had time and the magic (though not as strong as before) to help him achieve his goal.

Time passes he now only needs one more, one more to finally join his friends in avalon. One More and he can leave this world and move on.

The time has come and merlin has bumped into someone and he feels it. He feels the coin on this person. He looks up to apologize he stubbles back and lands on his ass.

This man. He has seen this man. In his dreams. In his nightmares reminding him of his failures. Of his destiny.  His other half.

"Watch where your going you clumsy idiot, do you know who I am?"

Merlin now confused and now exciting where this final life with this reincarnated arthur will take him, but he is excited.

"No, but I know that your a pompous prat!"

[chip-in-a-bag]

Watcher google drive

i think the title is pretty self explanitory

Only ghost files on it atm but Mystery Files and Puppet History are next. Watcher has back pedalled on deleteing all their free content to lock it behind a pay wall but y'know what? maybe I just dont want to give them ad revenue anymore, which is evil but screw them. Also they may still back pedal on their back pedalling, which is to many pedals anyways.

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uther doesn't approve of bottom!arthur, but nevermind the relationship with his manservant

[ALSO, thank you guys so much for all the love in the last merlin meme redraw, i really didn't think it would get that much attention!! :00 so thankyaa <3 you're amazing]

i'm so glad my parents don't follow me on tumblr

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Specific Tags for BBC Merlin Fics

Since this post of general tags seems valuable, here is a specific one for my fellow Merlin readers and writers!

Can you guys believe that there are only 34K fics in our fandom that are tagged? When we have 62K+ fics!! There are so many hidden gems out there that honest to god changed my LIFE and deserve all the recognition in the world

So here is a guide for what are the most used/searchable tags in our fandom!

For Canon Era Fics

Merlin's Magic Revealed - Magic Reveal - Arthur knows about Merlin's magic - Arthur finds out about Merlin's magic - Episode Tag (for example: s01e04: The Poisoned Chalice) ((all episodes have a tag, and it's important to mark which setting are we in from the start)) - Merlin is Emrys - Merlin Needs a Hug - Protective Knights - Merlin dies - Everyone knows about Merlin's magic - Arthur-centric - Merlin-centric - Golden Age - Magic Ban Lifted - Merthur - Post-Camlann - (character's name) Lives - Arthur has magic - Merlin's Scars Revealed

For Reincarnation / Modern Fics

Arthur Pendragon Returns - Modern Setting - Modern Era - Alternate Universe - No Magic / Historical / War / University / High School / Reincarnation / Office / Authors / Royalty / Fantasy / Soulmates / Spies - Doctor Merlin - Businessman Arthur - Professor Merlin - Artist Merlin - CEO Arthur - Teacher Merlin - Actor Arthur - Musician Merlin - Lawyer Arthur - Writer Merlin

For Characters

(trait is followed by character's name. eg: Hurt Arthur)

Merlin: Hurt - BAMF - Immortal - Protective - Court Sorcerer - POV - Dragonlord - Pining - Oblivious - Powerful - Dark - Prince - Sick - Consort - Kidnapped - Caring - Top/Bottom - Royal - Tired - Sassy - Competent - King - Angry - Sad - Parent - Soft - Worried

Arthur Pendragon: Protective - King - POV - Pining - Prince - Caring - Hurt - Jealous - Soft - Worried - Oblivious - Confused - BAMF - Dark - Guilty - Smitten - Possessive - Angry - Top/Bottom - Parent - Insecure - Touch-Starved - Smart

Gwen: Awesome - Queen - POV - BAMF - Caring - Hurt - Protective

Morgana: Good - Evil - Redeemed - BAMF - Protective - POV - Awesome - Dark - Queen

Mordred: Good - Evil - Hurt - Protective - Kid

Gwaine: Protective - Hurt - POV - Pining - Awesome - Worried - Caring

Lancelot: Protective - Hurt - Supportive - Lives

Leon: Immortal - Long-Suffering - Protective

Elyan: Protective - Hurt - POV - Lives

Percival: Protective - Hurt

And remember to tag ANY triggering topic you will be writing about!

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Merlin loses his memory.

Well, most of it.

“Merlin, what day of the week is it?”

The dazed look came back over Merlin’s face.

“Haven’t the foggiest.”

Arthur’s stomach plummeted into the Earth.

“Do you remember my name?” The mighty King of Camelot was nowhere to be found when these words were whispered in the depths of the Darkling Wood.

At some point, without his permission, Arthur had grabbed Merlin by the biceps, holding him there, as if he would run away.

The other man scanned Arthur’s face, starting with his jaw, his lips, moving up over the slope of his nose. He reaches the top, a mop of golden blonde hair, but then drops his eyes back down again. Freezing there. Their gazes locked.

Merlin‘s face shifts to an odd expression. One Arthur doesn’t think he’s ever seen, at least not without all the Merlin barriers over top.

This was something pure, yet Arthur still did not have a name for it. This disconcerted him even farther because Arthur knew every look on that beautiful face. A frustrated scowl before it’s fully formed, a quick retort on the tip of his tongue that must be held back due to present company (to which Arthur usually throws him a self-satisfied smirk and a quirked eyebrow, as if daring Merlin to say it anyway).

“No, I don’t know your name.” Merlin whispered softly, warm breaths carrying on the wind in the short space between them, and caressing Arthur’s face like a summer breeze.

The King could hear his own heart cracking, echoing through his rib cage. The first crack of a lake after an unforgiving winter.

Merlin did not allow it to take hold entirely, though.

“But I remember your eyes.” Came the second half of Merlin’s reply.

Arthur Pendragon almost collapsed out of pure affection right then and there.

Merlin would surely be his downfall.

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This right here is what I am fucking talking about I have always had this as a headcannon, when it came to the uther ships it tag its sad that I have already read all of them.

I have discovered #uther ships it and y'all... What if Uther is actually ✨concerned✨ about not just Arthur's ability to potentially sire children but also what would happen if he did? He's made from magic, who knows what constraints that comes with? Or if any kids would inherit magical abilities somehow!? So like, when he sees the chemistry between his son and the SUPER NORMAL MANservant who seems to have been the catalyst to his son really growing up and coming into his own and caring about people more? Perfect solution. There's enough nobles and extended family that there's no real want for heirs with some claim to Pendragon blood. And Merlin is already smart enough Gaius took him on as an apprentice despite all the candidates he's turned away over the years, imagine what some time with the best tutors the crown can buy would do! Yes, this makes sense. The boys are already annoyingly devoted to each other and are always flirting in the hallways like lovesick schoolchildren.

Now he just needs Arthur to pull his head out of his ass and make a move, mark his claim, get that little fucker locked down cause too many people are also noticing that Merlin is smart and brave and loyal with pretty eyes and a quick wit and he will not have them stealing his future son-in-law! He wants Arthur married cause a married king is better than a single one (especially with such a well chosen spouse like Uther has picked out for him) and he will sacrifice ever being a grandfather for the good of the realm (and maybe Arthur's happiness).

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I had written down another au last night it was going great, i finished it and right as i was posting it. It deleted more than half of it. And so I wrote down the stuff I remembered and saved it before I fell to sleep. And today as I was going to start writing again, it deleted the stuff I wrote down again.

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What would have happened of hunith did talk about balinor to merlin growing up?

I don't know if someone has made this a fic, if so please comment or something. It doesn't even have to be merthur.

Would merlin grow to be hateful and want to seek revenge on the pendragons? And how will that go when he finds out he is destined to protect the son of the man who caused his father to leave them? Would it take longer to become friends with arthur? Would he get made Arthur's manservant, and not go?

Arthur is already curious of merlin, the man who sassed him even after he found out who he was, and basically tries to become merlin's friend. Like he doesn't know why he wants to become merlin's friend but he tries everything. Merlin is a stubborn person so he will put a mask of hating arthur but secretly wants to see how far arthur is willing to go to be his friend. All while he is saving Arthur's life... but like on accident. Like he stubbles on the bad guys plans and is like, well I'm already here.

I also would find it funny, even if it was out of character If uther sees his son trying to become merlin's friend and merlin is not having it. He's curious now and watches, "why doesn't gaius' nephew not want my son's friend?" "Gaius is my friend, gaius says his nephew is nice and has already become friends with morgana and her maid. Why not my son? Why does he look at me like that? He kinda looks at me like how morgana looks at me when she's mad at me... they look alike. Did I sleep with gaius' sister? No, I'm 100% sure of it. Why does he look familiar?"

So now uther asked arthur about his mission on becoming merlin's friend, and uses "he is gaius' nephew and his apprentice, he's going to be your physician if something where to happen to giaus. You must be friendly to the person who is handing your health.", as an excuse to know more about merlin.

At somepoint I feel like merlin learns that arthur is not his father and learns to tolerate him. But like if arthur brings up his father in any conversation, he just turns slightly treasonous. And when he has to be in the same room as uther he just ignores him and exclusively speaks to arthur. Uther gets slightly angry at this, and it has landed him a night in the dungeons a couple of times.

(Oh and like lancelot learns why merlin hates uther and also doesn't speak to uther. Idk what broken timeline im thinking of but i love this idea. The most friendly knight hating on one person.)

I don't where else this can go but if someone where to do something with this or something similar that would be cool. Tag me or something my ao3 is in my bio.

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going back in time and changing nothing that happened in Merlin but giving Arthur back his slutty outfits and jewelry.

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Do u have the name to that fic?

i had Thoughts™️ and i wanted to share them to hear feedback i guess

so we know the merlin fandom is still alive and thriving eleven years after the finale, a significant part of that (i think) is because it’s a tragedy, ending as a tragedy.

merlin living on in immortality, waiting for his soulmate to return (whether you believe it’s platonic or romantic, they’re each others destiny and “two sides of the same coin” aka soulmates)

SO, my Thought™️ was, what if they’d both died in 5x13? i’m sure we’ve all read a fic where after merlin stabbed morgana, she uses a surge of adrenaline or smthn to stab him with the same sword.

what if both arthur and merlin had died? what if they’d died holding each-other? what if they’d died apologizing to one another and loving one another?

would the fandom be more angsty? less angsty? more active? less active?

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for the new year, i have decided to make a couple edits and additions to the almighty Calendar. happy 2024.

IT JUST HAPPENS

DAY 15 GIVE IT UP FOR DAY 15

Thursday the 20th

The Fifth of Wednesday

Second Week of May: Eurovision

Sometime in June: That One Halloween Post Starts Circulating

Sometime in July: Dancing Pumpkin Man Video/Gif

WEEKLY EVENTS (at least the ones i celebrate)

Every Monday: Garfield Hates Mondays

Every Tuesday: Tom Servo Tuesday

Every Wednesday: It Is Wednesday My Dudes

Every Thursday: Out of Touch Thursday

Every Friday: Flat Fuck Friday

Every Saturday: Sea Slug Saturday

Every Sunday: Energy Sword Sunday

YEARLY EVENTS

January 1: Copyright Expiration Day

January 8: Spiders Georg Day

January 16: Appreciate a Dragon Day

January 18: Bug Race

January 29: Threshold Day

All of February: Funguary

ALSO All of February: Femslash February

February 3: WOE, VANILLA EXTRACT BE UPON YE

February 13: Galentines Day

February 14: Aromantic/Asexual Day

March 9: Miku Day

March 10: Mario Day

March 14: Pi Day

March 15: Ides of March

March 23: Ever Given Got Stuck Today

April 1: Mishapocalypse

April 2: Dashcon Announcement Anniversary

April 3: Dannypocalypse

April 8: Rex Manning Day

ALSO April 8: MARGARET THATCHER IS DEAD

April 13: Neil Banging Out The Tunes

ALSO April 13: Homestuck Day

April 20: haha 420 blaze it

April 25: The Perfect Date

April 28: Ed Balls Day

April 30: It's Gonna Be May

All of May: Mermay

May 3: Beginning of Dracula Daily

May 4: May the 4th Be With You

May 5: Revenge of the Fifth

May 25: The Glorious 25th of May

All of June: Pride Month

ALSO All of June: IT'S HALLOWEEN TIME TO GET SPOOKY

June 5: Barricade Day

ALSO June 5: RONALD REAGAN IS DEAD

June 12: Another Homestuck Day

June 16: Let Papyrus Say Fuck

June 22: Summerween

All of July: Disability Pride Month

July 13-15: Dashcon Anniversary

July 20: Moon Landing

September 8: The Queen Is Dead and Sans Undertale Killed Her

September 11: Mole Interest Monday

September 19: Talk Like A Pirate Day

September 21: DO YOU REMEMBER-

All of October: SKELETON WAR

ALSO All of October: People Draw A Lot Month? (so many names)

October 3: Mean Girls Day

ALSO October 3: Fullmetal Alchemist Day

October 13: Treat Yo' Self

October 20: Unnecessary Feelings Day

October 31: HALLOWEEN

November 5: honestly what didn't happen that day

November 19: Goncharov

November 29: HENRY KISSINGER IS DEAD

All of December: Will the Gävle Goat Get Destroyed Again?

December 10: Please, It's Christmas

December 12: Hawaii Part 2

December 23: Christmas Adam

December 24: ALMOST CHRISTMAS MEANS IT WASN'T CHRISTMAS

ALSO December 24: Cabinet Man Day

December 27: Porn Ban Effective Today

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Druid: Merlin was created by the gods, just for you

Arthur: *blushes*

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Love the headcanon that magic is legal in Queen Annis' kingdom.

One day, Arthur is invited, but he doesn't KNOW magic is legal there, so he obviously freaks out at first.

Arthur: aren't your crime rates skyrocketing when magic is legal?

Annis: *laughing* what? No. When magic is legal, it's not a crime that people commit, so it's much less, silly boy.

Arthur: but ... Doesn't it do harm?

Annis: more good than harm. Killing people is still illegal, so is theft. But you can't steal magic and when you have magic, it's unlikely for your crops to go bad, so people don't starve, which means less people get jealous or vengeful. The harm with magic is of course worse, but the protection is also more effective and crimes done BY magic get punished worse. So... We're regulating it kinda well.

Arthur is, needless to say... Amazed.

Not as amazed, however, as Merlin is. Merlin looks like he's absolutely thriving. Arthur has never seen Merlin smile as much or be as relaxed and he kind of looks like he belongs here. He seems to have a good sense for the quality of magical objects, seems to enjoy people using it for fun and entertainment.

And Arthur... Arthur's not sure what to do with that. He hates it, but...

Arthur: Merlin... I would understand if you wished to stay here. You seem... Happier than you do at home

Merlin: *laughs*, *realises Arthur is serious* i'm not going to leave you

Arthur: but you like it here! You... I've never seen you like this! You belong here! You just -

Merlin: I belong at your side. I just... Admire their lifestyle

Arthur: they are using magic.

Merlin: I know

Arthur: ... If... If magic were legal in camelot, would that make you happy?

Merlin: *freezes*

Arthur: I never thought it could be this peaceful. I feel like if it were legal... Things would change for the better. And you seem to have a good sense for these magic things, so maybe you could help me establish- holy shit, you're on fire

Merlin: *magic burst into literal flames*

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After the magic reveal, Arthur is livid and confused. But it happened at a time where he was sure his father would listen to him. Where he was absolutely convinced that his father wouldn't kill Merlin for it... But change the law. Or at l least make an exception for the man who keeps saving Arthur's life. Like he made an exception for Gaius.

It doesn't quite go as planned.

Arthur: Father... Can we talk?

Uther: Can this wait, the King of Camberon is about to arrive

Arthur: it's... Kind of urgent

Uther: I see. What is this about, son?

Arthur: *fidgeting nervously* It's about my manservant... *Snaps* I know it's forbidden! I know you'd probably want to burn him... But if you do, you'd have to burn me as well!!! He saved my life multiple times and -

Uther: oh dear, I knew this day would come.

Arthur: you did?

Uther: Obviously I can't allow this. But I won't kill him for... His affections for you. Or yours for him for that matter.

Arthur: *sputtering* uh, what?-

Uther: I've been watching you grow up, Arthur. Of course I noticed your 'fascination' for the sterner sex. I cannot, however, let you live it. As much as I wish for your happiness, you will one day require an heir. And you can only have that with a wife.

Arthur: *flushed red* I wasn't -

Uther: I also noticed your interest in your manservant quite early, Arthur. He seems to me like a trustworthy young man. He's saved your life and has been keeping quiet about your affair. And he never asked for favors. I am actually glad that you have someone around who you care about and who cares so much about you. And since there is no chance of any illegitimete children, I can allow this for now. But! Arthur, once you marry, you will have to call it quits.

Arthur: *sputtering* but-

Uther: now, if you excuse me. *Looks back at Arthur once*. I wish I could give you a brighter future, son.

....................

Later

Merlin: you told UTHER I have magic? Are you NUTS? Do you want me dead?

Arthur: ...

Merlin: and now what? When will the pyre be built? Do I have enough time to say goodbye to my friends or when are the guards coming?!

Arthur: he didn't exactly let me explain, Merlin... He... *Beat red* thinks I'm sleeping with you.

Merlin: *opens mouth* HUH?!

Arthur: yeah

Merlin: how on EARTH did you manage that?

Arthur: can we maybe... Not talk about this?!

Merlin: considering you know put another crime on my list that will have me killed in several countries, yes, I WOULD like to talk about it!

Arthur: If it helps, my father approves. Of you, I mean.

Merlin: ...

Arthur: I'm as shocked as you are

Merlin: i mean... It's kind of a relief. In Cendred's kingdom I'd be squared.

Arthur: ... Do you always have to talk about such gruesome things?

Merlin: I don't know, Arthur. Have I ever been in a Situation where my death wasn't the most likely consequence for my existence?

Arthur: ... I'm sorry. I won't do it again. I... I understand now. Why it needs to be secret

Merlin: i'm so glad your father is a thick in the head as you are.

Arthur: HEY!!!

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Soo... Just hearmeowt.

A while ago I had an idea to a merthur fanfiction. (It is my original idea and if this has been made before please do inform me.)

So because I am very very incredibly bored I decided to tell chat gpt my idea and have it create a summary for the fic.

Summary:

In a realm where magic and destiny intertwine, the legend of Merlin and Arthur takes a profound turn. In this world, balance is not just a concept but a law, as immutable as the stars. Merlin, the immortal sorcerer bound to the Pendragon lineage, carries a secret burden—a magical tether that binds his fate to Arthur's, the once and future king.

For every wound Merlin suffers that should have claimed his life, a mark appears on Arthur, not as a wound but as a scar, etched into his skin like a tattoo born of fire. These marks do not pain Arthur, yet they burn with the intensity of a flame, a constant reminder of battles fought and unseen forces at play.

Arthur, raised in the chivalrous life of a knight, had always believed these scars to be battle wounds, a testament to his bravery and strength. However, his father, King Uther, a man with a heart hardened by his crusade against magic, sees something more sinister in these mysterious marks. He watches, suspicion growing like a disease, as Arthur accumulates scars even when he hasn't stepped foot on the battlefield.

The pivotal moment comes during a time of plague, when Arthur is bedridden, his strength sapped by fever and illness. Merlin, ever loyal, takes up arms alongside the knights, venturing into the fray to protect the kingdom that Arthur cannot defend.

It is during this time that Uther, visiting his son, notices fresh scars blossoming on Arthur's skin—scars that could not possibly have come from his sickbed. The realization strikes Uther with the force of a thunderbolt: these are no ordinary scars, and his son, born of magic himself, might be entangled in sorcery.

Haunted by paranoia and the fear of magic, Uther confronts Merlin, demanding answers to the riddles that have plagued his reign. It is then, under the weight of accusation and the threat of death, that Merlin reveals the truth of their connection, a truth as old as time itself.

A MERTHUR SOULMATES AU (the whole show was a soulmates au but bare with me.)

Anyways if you liked the idea, do tell me. And if enough people will like it I'll write it!

Let me know! ~L

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I’m not saying I know the Merlin… I’m just saying my neighbour is an old man called Merlin and we live an hour’s drive from the supposed birthplace of the famous Merlin. Make of that what you will…

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Arthur isn’t exactly stealthy when he sees something he likes.

Those who had known Arthur for most of his life also know that when something captures his attention, that’s it.

It takes over everything.

First, at five, it was horse back riding. He would spend all day in the stables, learning everything he could about the majestic beasts. He would ride as often as his father allowed.

Then when he joined the official knights in training at eight summers, he became thirsty for success. He wanted to be the best, unbeatable.

And so, he was. He became a well sharpened blade neatly tucked into his father’s arsenal.

Nothing came close to his love for a sword until he was thirteen, and he met a girl named Druella. Dru was the younger sister of one of Arthur’s fellow knights, yet still a few years ahead of him.

He would watch her walk to and from town, every day, thinking how beautiful she looked in her finery, how her hair was always perfect, never one out of place.

This love lasted the least amount of time, because while Arthur claimed to himself that he loved her, he’d never actually spoken to her.

When he finally got up the nerve to introduce himself, and she did nothing but sneer at him and walk away, he finally let his silly little crush rest in the dirt under his riding boots.

Years went by. The citizens of Camelot and especially the staff of the castle, continued to watch Arthur grow and mature and come into his own thoughts. His own beliefs.

Still, dancing with his sword held the biggest place in his heart.

That was until a fateful day in beautiful spring time.

There were some familiar faces in the square that day, watching on as a boy intervened with the Prince’s ridiculous bullying.

First, they were thankful for it.

And then they all witnessed the moment Prince Arthur laid eyes on this boy, and that was it.

They’d seen it before, and this was no different.

Arthur Pendragon had found a new obsession.

Uther didn’t know what he was signing the entire kingdom up for when he bestowed Merlin with such a privilege as being the prince’s manservant. He probably thought nothing on it, as often as Arthur fired manservants, surely this one will be gone faster than the others.

Boy, was he mistaken.

Arthur lied to himself about it for some time. Acting as if his servant was the worst he’d ever seen, or how he hated to have to show this boy how to do something simple.

What betrayed him were his eyes, they followed Merlin everywhere in the room. Watching him do every task, standing to aid when it was needed, even if it came with a huff of exasperation for show.

Everyone could see it. Hell, even Leon caught onto it. The only people who had yet to realize were the prince himself, and the boy. Merlin. He was as oblivious to Arthur’s eyes as Arthur was to Merlin’s sickeningly sweet face when the prince’s back was turned.

Merlin was usually very observant.

But when it came to Arthur, he had a blind spot.

Perhaps this is why Arthur found out the big secret a few weeks after Merlin arrived in Camelot.

He’d made a habit of entering his room quietly, so he might see Merlin without being seen himself. Though, Arthur doesn’t acknowledge that’s the reason, it definitely is.

This particular day, practice ended early on account of the storm rolling in. Tiny drops of water were already covering the ground, packing the dirt into stone.

As he silently entered his own chambers, he heard humming. Knowing it must be Merlin. Who else would be in his room humming?

The Prince stayed partially hidden by the chest of drawers nearest the door. Merlin was putting tunics away in the cupboard. His hands were gentle with them, like they were precious. Even if he did it in a bit of a hurry, seemingly.

Merlin must’ve felt a draft or remembered the rain, because he stopped his humming turning to the fire place, and without lifting a single finger or uttering a word, he lights the fire.

By looking at it.

Arthur first thought his sight deceived him but there was no denying that he’d just seen Merlin’s eyes turn gold. A blinding golden light that can only come from something divine.

The Prince tries to even out his breathing so as not to give away his presence. It’s not that he’s fearful, merely caught off guard, which he tried never to be. Arthur was almost a grown man, and he’d met people in his time that told him he could be different than Uther. He could rule a different Kingdom.

And maybe that all starts with this strange boy that fell from the sky into Arthur’s world.

The Prince had hardly seen Merlin do anything with that kind of skill or confidence. Arthur had been around enough dark sorcerers to know that even the powerful ones need words, crystals, a big book with lots of words he can’t read.

Merlin had done this like it was nothing.

Just how powerful was he?